Ten Mistakes Made In The Winter

1. Letting the water freeze over.
A horse will not stay properly hydrated if his water is frozen. Snow and ice are no substitute for clean, unfrozen drinking water. Your horse’s risk of impaction colic is greatly increased if he doesn’t have access to unfrozen water at all times. If you live in a region that experiences below-freezing temperatures, invest in a heating device specifically designed for horse waterers and troughs.

2. Not increasing feed rations when temperatures dip.
Talk to your veterinarian about how much feed your horse should receive during the winter months. As the temperatures drop, your horse burns more calories to stay warm. For some horses, this means considerable weight loss. If your horse isn’t on a calorie-restricted diet, consider increasing his hay rations as it gets colder outside. Forage (hay) provides an excellent source of calories. Also, the process of digesting fiber (most hays are high in fiber) helps keep a horse warmer.

3. No exercise.
Just like we humans, horses need exercise all year long, even when it’s cold outside! If possible, continue riding through the winter months. If severe conditions make winter riding impossible, turn your horse out daily in a large pasture or paddock daily; if it’s safe to do so, consider longeing him to keep him fit.

4. Overriding an out of shape horse.
If you only ride when the weather is good, chances are you won’t be doing much saddling up if you live in a cold winter region. That’s ok if you do other things to keep your horse fit, but if he’s a stable potato most of the season, use caution: An out-of-shape horse is at a much greater risk of musculoskeletal injury if exercised hard. If your winter riding schedule is sporadic, based on weather conditions, stick to lighter workouts that won’t over task your horse. Gradually increase his exercise level as his fitness improves.

5. Sequestering a horse indoors.
Horses will stay healthier and fitter if left outdoors for the winter, with a few caveats: All horses must have shelter from the elements. A three-sided shelter with a roof is a must. If you do bring your horse indoors, try to leave him out during the day and only bring him in at night. And don’t close your barn up! Instead, leave it open to ensure good airflow inside; a closed-up barn leads to poor air quality that can affect a horse’s respiratory health.

6. Over blanketing.
When it’s snowing outside and you’re inside enjoying a warm dinner by the fire, it’s hard not to feel sorry for your horse. To ease the guilt, you may be tempted to rush out and pile yet another blanket on him. Stop yourself right there! Yes, a horse with a full or partial body clip does need blanketing during winter, regardless of whether he’s kept indoors or out. But a horse with his natural winter coat probably doesn’t need blanketing as long as he has shelter from the elements, is receiving proper nutrition and is in good health. Over blanketing a horse can cause him to overheat, which can lead to dehydration and a host of health problems. If you are concerned about your horse’s comfort during winter, talk to your veterinarian about it.

7. Lack of hoof care.
Nothing irks a good farrier more than an owner who insists on foregoing hoof care during the winter months. Horses—barefoot or shod, ridden or not—need regular farrier care every six to eight weeks, maybe even more often, regardless of the season. Period, the end!

8. No beauty treatment.
Even if you don’t ride during the winter, groom your horse regularly—daily if possible. Regular grooming and handling provides the opportunity to evaluate your horse and alerts you to problems such as illness, injury, weight loss, lost shoe, cracked hooves, et cetera. It’s up to us, as owners, to intervene as quickly as possible when something is wrong. Catching a problem early on helps put your horse back on the track to good health.

9. Throwing him out to pasture and forgetting about him.
There’s an old cowboy adage out there, "no rest for the horseman.” Yes, the holidays are upon us, and yes it’s darn cold outside, but you still have to keep up on your daily horsekeeping chores. Even if your horses are in pasture, you still have lots of work to do! Watering, feeding, grooming, exercising—get busy.

10. Neglecting your own health.
Most of us are responsible horse people who put equine health in front of our own. But remember, if you’re not healthy, you won’t be able to care for your horse. When tending to your horsekeeping tasks this winter, stay warm, stay safe and stay healthy because there’s someone counting on you every day.

A Christmas Horse Story

The young couple had made their usual hurried, pre-Christmas visit to the little farm where dwelt their elderly parents with their small herd of horses. The farm had been named Lone Pine Farm because of the huge pine which topped the hill behind the farm, and through the years had become a talisman to the old man and his wife, and a landmark in the countryside.

The old folks no longer showed their horses, for the years had taken their toll, but they sold a few foals each year, and the horses were their reason for joy in the morning and contentment at day's end. Crossly, as they prepared to leave, the young couple confronted the old folks. "Why do you not at least dispose of "The Old One". She is no longer of use to you. It's been years since you've had foals from her. You should cut corners and save where you can. Why do you keep her anyway?" The old man looked down as his worn boot, scuffed at the barn floor, and his arm stole defensively about the Old One's neck as he drew her to him and rubbed her gently behind the ears. He replied softly, "We keep her because of love. Only because of love."

Baffled and irritated, the young folks wished the old man and his wife a Merry Christmas and headed back toward the city as darkness stole through the valley. So it was, that because of the leave-taking, no one noticed the insulation smoldering on the frayed wires in the old barn. None saw the first spark fall. None but the "Old One". In a matter of minutes, the whole barn was ablaze and the hungry flames were licking at the loft full of hay. With a cry of horror and despair, the old man shouted to his wife to call for help as he raced to the barn to save their beloved horses. But the flames were roaring now, and the blazing heat drove him back. He sank sobbing to the ground helpless before the fire's fury. By the time the fire department arrived, only smoking, glowing ruins were left, and the old man and his wife. They thanked those who had come to their aid, and the old man turned to his wife, resting her white head upon his shoulders as he clumsily dried her tears with a frayed red bandana. Brokenly he whispered, "We have lost much, but God has spared our home on this eve of Christmas. Let us, therefore, climb the hill to the old pine where we have sought comfort in times of despair. We will look down upon our home and give thanks to God that it has been spared."

And so, he took her by the hand and helped her up the snowy hill as he brushed aside his own tears with the back of his hand. As they stepped over the little knoll at the crest of the hill, they looked up and gasped in amazement at the incredible beauty before them. Seemingly, every glorious, brilliant star in the heavens was caught up in the glittering, snow-frosted branches of their beloved pine, and it was aglow with heavenly candles. And poised on its top most bough, a crystal crescent moon glistened like spun glass. Never had a mere mortal created a Christmas tree such as this. Suddenly, the old man gave a cry of wonder and incredible joy as he pulled his wife forward. There, beneath the tree, was their Christmas gift. Bedded down about the "Old One" close to the trunk of the tree, was the entire herd, safe. At the first hint of smoke, she had pushed the door ajar with her muzzle and had led the horses through it. Slowly and with great dignity, never looking back, she had led them up the hill, stepping daintily through the snow. The foals were frightened and dashed about. The skittish yearlings looked back at the crackling, hungry flames, and tucked their tails under them as they licked their lips and hopped like rabbits. The mares pressed uneasily against the "Old One" as she moved calmly up the hill and to safety beneath the pine. And now, she lay among them and gazed at the faces of those she loved. Her body was brittle with years, but the golden eyes were filled with devotion as she offered her gift-Because of love. Only Because of love.

U.S. Olympic Dressage Team Gives Strong Start at Rio Olympic Games

RELEASE: August 10, 2016

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – Dressage competition got underway Wednesday at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, as 29 of the total 60 competitors representing 19 countries took to the main arena under cloudy skies at the Deodoro Olympic Equestrian Center to perform in the Grand Prix, the first test in the team competition. The U.S. team, going eighth in the order of the 11 nations, finished day one in fourth place after two superb performances from Allison Brock and Kasey Perry-Glass. Leading the team standings is Germany, while The Netherlands sits in second place, and Great Britain holds third.

Allison Brock and Rosevelt (Shannon Brinkman Photo)

Brock (Loxahatchee, Fla.), competing in her first Olympic Games, had the position of riding as pathfinder for the U.S. but kept her cool aboard Rosevelt, a 14-year-old Hanoverian stallion owned by Claudine and Fritz Kundrun. The pair has had much success at the international level over the past three years, both in the U.S. and Europe, and it clearly showed. With the exception of a mistake in the canter two-tempi changes, they executed a fluid test with several high points. They received many scores of 8 for their transitions and extended work in the walk and trot from the seven judges including Peter Holler (K), Susanne Baarup (E), Gary Rockwell (H), Stephen Clarke (C), Maribel Alonso (M), Thomas Lang (B), and Eddy de Wolff van Westerrode (F). The pair earned a score of 72.686%, placing it tied for seventh in the individual standings.

“Rosevelt felt great as he cantered in and halted, and his first trot extension felt amazing!” said a delighted Brock after her test. “He was trying really hard, and I have to give him a lot of credit as it’s both of our first Olympic Games and it’s a lot to be here, but he handled everything quite well. He has a super walk, and his trot work is really strong, but mostly he’s really fluid and consistent. The mistake in the two-tempis was totally my fault. My mind drifted when I heard the music playing in the background and I lost count. He’s a very sweet horse; he always tries to be a gentleman and is really reliable. He likes it here and likes this venue. I’m really pleased with how it went today.”

Kasey Perry-Glass and Dublet (Shannon Brinkman Photo)

Second to go for the U.S. were Perry-Glass (Orangevale, Calif.) and Dublet, a 13-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by Diane Perry. Going late in the day, the Olympic first-timers made the most of their moment in the spotlight, earning a score of 75.229% to hold fifth place individually. Despite some noise distractions, the pair performed a smooth and elegant test, which earned many high marks, including multiple 8s from the judges for their passage work and flying changes. The pair also scored several 9s for movements including the right canter pirouette, piaffe-passage transition, and the final halt and salute.

“I was really proud of Dublet today,” said Perry-Glass with a smile. “He hung in there really well for me, especially with all the unexpected noise. To be able to keep him focused and together was a challenge for both of us, but he was there and ready to go! I really thought his piaffe-passage tour was really good, as were his two-tempis. We’re just fine-tuning the little things as it’s our first year competing in the Grand Prix internationally, so we’re just thrilled to be where we are!”

Competing for the U.S. in the second half of the Grand Prix on Thursday is Steffen Peters with Legolas 92, riding at 10:54 a.m. ET. Laura Graves and Verdades will anchor the U.S. team, entering the arena at 2:06 p.m. ET.

Leading the Individual standings after day one is Germany’s Dorothee Schneider with Showtime FRH on 80.986%, while countryman Sonke Rothenberger and Cosmo hold second with a score of 77.329%. Great Britain’s Fiona Bigwood and Orthilia are in third place on 77.157%.

Team standings after day one of the Grand Prix

The dressage team competition continues tomorrow, Thursday, August 11. The top six teams from the Grand Prix will move forward to Friday’s Grand Prix Special, after which each team’s top three scores from both tests are added together in order to decide the Team medals. The top 18 competitors from the Grand Prix Special will go on to compete in the individual final, the Grand Prix Freestyle, on Monday, August 15. Only three athletes from each nation are eligible compete in the Freestyle.

Care for equestrian athletes at Rio Olympic Games

The Rio Olympic Games has turned on the best possible care for the horses taking part in the equestrian events, with a hi-tech veterinary facility like no other.

Located at the Deodoro stables, the 1000 sq metre horse clinic features everything needed to keep more than 200 horses from 43 countries fit and well throughout the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, with specialists ready to care for every need around the clock.

Manned by a 130-strong team of veterinary surgeons, anaesthetists, imaging specialists and medical professionals from Brazil and around the world, the clinic includes the latest pathology, endoscopy, radiography and ultrasonography technology, as well as a dispensary, emergency surgery facility with padded recovery boxes, and specialist treatment stables.

One horse 9 ambulances on site at the Rio 2016 equestrian center 

The clinic offers routine supportive veterinary care and, should any emergency first-aid be required, the specialists are on-site to treat the horses. Nine specially equipped horse ambulances will also be on the venue if any horses need to be transported to the clinic.

In addition to the clinic, a network of physiotherapists is on hand to keep the horses in top form, while the horses’ temperatures, food and water intake, and weight are permanently monitored by their grooms and veterinary specialists.

While the Games are taking place in Brazil’s winter season, there can be weather fluctuations, so keeping horses cool in Rio is a major focus. Horses cope with heat very differently to human athletes because of their size but, just like humans, getting their core temperature down after exercise is key.Every day, over 46,000 litres of water and 400kg of ice to chill the water is being used across the Olympic Equestrian Centre just for washing down horses after training and competition.

Tents housing banks of cooling fans, used for both the equine and human athletes, are available at the finish of the eventing cross country phase, and next to the training and warm-up arenas for jumping and dressage, keeping Rio 2016’s most-muscled athletes chilled.

“The health and well being of our horses is the top priority during these Games,” said Brazil’s Dr Thomas Wolff, President of the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Veterinary Commission. Many of our horses on site have their own team veterinarians, and it’s great to see how impressed they are with our facilities.”

Wolff, who will be working directly with Olympic Veterinary Services Manager, Brazil’s Juliana de Freitas has been the Brazilian Equestrian Federation’s head veterinarian for the last 15 years. He was Brazilian team vet at the Seoul and Beijing Olympic Games, and runs his own practice in Sao Paolo specializing in horses competing in the three Olympic disciplines – Jumping, Eventing and Dressage – and racing.

“Our horses always deserve the very best, and at these first Games in South America, they’re getting just that,” Wolff said.

“We know everything about every horse on site every second of the day thanks to our monitoring system, and with the world’s best veterinary care on offer for our horses we’re now very much looking forward to seeing medals won and new Olympic records set in Rio.”

Who will take care of your horses after you’re gone?

It would be nice to think that you can get all your affairs in order before you die.

In an ideal world, you could rehome your homes at your leisure and die knowing that they have gone to a good home.

Sadly, not all of us have those opportunities. Sudden or accidental death can leave those you left behind sorting out some very complex matters unless you have given your last will and testament careful thought.

Throughout our lives we occasionally have to make tough calls about horses too frail, ill or injured to carry on. At the time the decision can be very hard indeed, but few owners ever regret ending a horse’s suffering, even though they may sorely miss the animal’s companionship.

Ironically, surprisingly few of us make calls about what should happen to our horses – or cats, dogs, or other pets – in the event of our deaths.

What do you want to happen to your horses?

If you want to provide for the ongoing care of your animals, make provision for it in your will.

It’s important that you do not leave money or assets in your will directly to your horses or other pets.

Almost universally, animals are considered property and not legal entities such as a person, company or trust. You cannot therefore leave money to a piece of “property”.

However, as they are property, there is certainly nothing stopping you making provision in your will for the proper ongoing care, sale, or gifting of the animals.

What you must do is leave the money to meet your wishes to a designated person – or other acceptable legal entity which your lawyer can advise you on – with the instruction that the money be used for this purpose. Be specific and put in writing what you want done with the animals.

You should discuss the situation in some detail with the person you intend passing this responsibility to. What are their circumstances? Where could the horses graze if your property is sold?

The person given the responsibility need not be the executor of the will. It will normally be best to give the responsibility to someone with an understanding and empathy for horses.

Above all else, be realistic. It’s understandably pointless leaving $500 for the ongoing care of a five-year-old horse with potentially 25 years of life left.

Likewise, there would seem little point in setting up a trust with $1 million to care for your small herd, when they may graze away the rest of their lives without fulfilling their true potential as hacks, show jumpers, or whatever purpose you originally bred them for.

If you have limited means, leave a sum for reasonable ongoing care while new homes are found for the horses. Allow a sum for the advertising or marketing of the horses. You can also stipulate what happens to the leftover money, so there be some “change” from this exercise.

Seek legal advice in preparing your will, as how you word your wishes can be crucial in getting them fulfilled.

Finally, don’t forget to revisit and update your will regularly. Circumstances change, people die, horses die (or more arrive).

You need to ensure that your will meets your current circumstances and hasn’t become outdated.

• 
  

Lily, the horse that earlier this year was pelted 130 times at close range with a paintball gun, has died.

Lily at the animal sanctuary 

Last month, Lily was sent to a New Jersey farm animal sanctuary owned by TV personality Jon Stewart and his wife, Tracy. Lily died there Monday.

The animal sanctuary posted a statement on Lily’s death.

“It is with the deepest sadness that we share with you that dearest, sweetest Lily passed away yesterday. She went peacefully surrounded by so many that loved her. We stroked her hair and told her over and over again how loved and special she was. She was under her favorite tree on soft grass. She will live on in our hearts and in our fight to protect, love and cherish all animals.”

Lily was a 20-year-old Appaloosa/Arabian mix. That breed of horse typically lives to be 25 to 30 years old, according to Rose Nolen-Walston, senior clinician at New Bolton Center.

Earlier this year, Lily was found at the New Holland Auction stables, in pain after being hit by paintballs. “She was tied up in the sales barn and had welts underneath her skin,” said Kelly Smith, director of the Omega Horse Rescue and Rehabilitation Center in Airville at the time. “Never in 20 years of going to New Holland Auction have I ever saw anything like this.”

The horse was not registered for sale at New Holland Auction and had no identification when found.

But the horse, which was blind in one eye, was nursed back to help thanks to veterinarians at the New Bolton Center outside of Kennett Square. A team of specialists at New Bolton Center worked through the night to stabilize the horse, later named Lily after the Easter flower.

Coincidentally, the same day Lily was adopted by Stewart and his wife, Phillip Price Jr., 65, of Rhode Island was charged with transporting the equine to the horse sale. He was later convicted on counts of animal cruelty and handling animals without a license.

Tracey Stewart said she and Jon currently have 33 animals that are part of their sanctuary, and as far as farm animals go, they have many goats, many sheep, two pigs and three other horses. She said Lily would be an animal ambassador for the sanctuary, and people would be able to visit her.

At the time Lily was adopted, Stewart said Lily will be living the good life, she’ll get the best of care, and there will be no demands made of her. “From here on out, it’s going to be exactly what she wants,” she said.

Authorities have never found the person or persons who shot the horse with a paintball gun, despite a reward of more than $10,000.

The Dressage Foundation’s Century Club welcomes Olwen Busch of the Jacksonville Equestrian Center.

For equestrian Olwen Busch and her horse Filibuster, a dressage show last weekend held very special significance.

Busch competed in First Level to be officially inducted into The Dressage Foundation’s Century Club, which honors competing horses and riders whose combined age is at least 100 years old.

“Since I am 82 and Filibuster is 20, I figured we should do it now while we are both still sound! Busch said.

Florida Equestrian Society, which manages the Jacksonville Equestrian Center. Busch pursued the opening of hiking and riding trails at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center — trails that now stretch on for miles — and has been a generous donor and fundraiser for the Northeast Florida Equestrian Society.

In order to be inducted into the Century Club this past weekend, Busch performed a dressage test before a rated judge. She was rewarded with a ribbon from The Dressage Foundation, and a trophy is to come.

Despite masterfully completing her test (even with Filibuster spooking at a dog that took interest in the pair), the show ring has never been Busch’s favorite place to be. She began riding bareback across deserts in Idaho and Arizona at the age of five, and, throughout the next 77 years, she has ridden throughout the world in disciplines such as hunt seat, cross-country, saddle seat, reining, and dressage. Busch’s experiences on horseback have included international horse safaris with her husband, training sport horses, and riding a stag hunt with the Kermaingant Hunt Club in Normandy, France just five years ago.

Today, Busch enjoys dressage and trail riding with Filibuster.

“The real thrill I have always gotten from riding has nothing to do with competitions won or lost, but with the joy of still being able to handle a horse, keep a tight seat on a lively horse, work the horse in new ways, and explore new country (and new cultures) from horseback,” Busch said.

Busch and Filibuster have proven to be a strong team together.

“As a result of our many different shared experiences, I feel a camaraderie with Filibuster that I never felt with the veteran show horses I rode growing up,” she explained.

For Busch and Filibuster, it was love at first sight. “In 2002, I heard about a lively gray Arab/Hackney gelding that was for sale,” she recalled. Although Busch was advised to watch the gelding’s performance videos before actually seeing him, she insisted on meeting him in person first.

“One moment with him in his stall did it,” said Busch. “I dutifully watched the videos afterward, but they had nothing to do with my decision to buy him.”

Since then, the pair has enjoyed many memories together, and now will be forever listed in The Century Club’s rankings as well.

Now, Busch plans to spend her summer working with her five-year-old Akhal-Teke mare Gulkana. “Filibuster will be Gulkana’s trail companion this summer, and I hope to start showing her myself in dressage. After all, if I can survive the Century Ride class, maybe I am ready to start showing again. One is never too old to have new goals. May the bucket (list) never run dry!” smiled Busch.

And of course, she plans to continue enjoying rides on Filibuster throughout the summer and the years ahead. Busch said, “May we gracefully grow old together, helping each other stay fit, alert, and always curious about what lies beyond the next bend in the trail.”