Florida Sporthorse Summer 2012

SporthorseFlorida

summer 2012

USHJA Emerging Athlete Program

Vol. 3, No.4

LIFEFORCEhorse | @LIFEFORCEhorse

www.LIFEFORCEhORsE .COm

“Lifeforce has been a lifesaver for our finicky thoroughbred jumper! No other supplement has worked to put weight on and improve his coat so dramatically. His performance has been enhanced without creating excess energy. He seems happy and content and has never looked better. I am so pleased with the Lifeforce product, I have put our other four show horses on it, a well. Thank you Lifeforce for a fantastic product!”

Nancy Boggio, Owner

Arbor Hill Farm, LLC

To learn more or to locate a dealer near you, please contact

Jodi Crowley Equine/LIFEFORCE Sales Manager

(813) 465-2920

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: Pa

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/Rus

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6 Triumph over TragedyFEI rider returns to saddle after accident

8 Mr. Fix ItFrank Barnett’s practical training

10 13 Girls, One GoalYoung rider gives her account of EAP

12 Go ForwardTips for getting your horse moving

14 Eye of the StormHurricane preparedness for horse owners

16 Little Everglades RanchWorking ranch hosts a variety of events

18 Feeding FlaxThe small flax seed yields big results

20 Off to BedPractical advice on a variety of options

21 Sport Horse SeminarPennock Point hosts educational event

22 Inside OutFitness begins with a healthy diet

“Horses and children, I often think, have a lot of the good sense there is in the world.” ~Josephine Demott Robinson

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4 Editor’s NoteSnob (un) appeal: Equestrian sports could use PR makeover

sUMMER 2012Sporthorse

Florida

16Jean White

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LIFEFORCEhorse | @LIFEFORCEhorse

www.LIFEFORCEhORsE .COm

“Lifeforce has been a lifesaver for our finicky thoroughbred jumper! No other supplement has worked to put weight on and improve his coat so dramatically. His performance has been enhanced without creating excess energy. He seems happy and content and has never looked better. I am so pleased with the Lifeforce product, I have put our other four show horses on it, a well. Thank you Lifeforce for a fantastic product!”

Nancy Boggio, Owner

Arbor Hill Farm, LLC

To learn more or to locate a dealer near you, please contact

Jodi Crowley Equine/LIFEFORCE Sales Manager

(813) 465-2920

Phot

o C

opyr

ight

: Pa

rker

/Rus

sell

- Th

e Bo

ok, L

LC

8

4 Inside Florida sporthorse A

bou

t the

cov

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Caroline Morrison aboard Encore at the United States Hunter Jumper Association’s (USHJA) Zone 4 Emerging Athlete Program clinic.

Photo by Diane Morrison

Visit us on the web!floridasporthorsemagazine.com

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FLAsporthorse

Florida sporthorse Magazine

Karen Kennedy/Icon Studios

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

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

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

“Come along for the ride!”

Christie Gold

snob (un)appeal FloridaSporthorsedressage+hunters+jumpers+eventing+combined driving+sporthorse breeding

www.floridasporthorsemagazine.comCome along for the ride!

Editor and PublishEr

Christie R. Gold

sEnior Contributor

Jane Whitehurst

advErtising ManagEr

Sara Scozzafava

(352) 585-6143

[email protected]

Editorial offiCE

8205 Quail Run Dr.

Wesley Chapel, FL 33544

(813) 973-3770

email:

[email protected]

website:

floridasporthorsemagazine.com

SporthorseFlorida

summer 2012

USHJA Emerging Athlete ProgramVol. 3, No.4

The cover story on the latest issue of “Town and Country” magazine is “Risky Rich Girls: Why They’re Obsessed with Competing in the Most Dangerous Olympic Game”

Inside the glossy publication are profiles of the “new” equestrian set with celebrity names: Springsteen, Onassis, Gates, Bloomberg. The granddaughters of both Grace Kelly and Elizabeth II are also featured.

Coupled with Ann Romney’s co-ownership of Olympic dressage team horse Rafalca, celebrity equestrians have brought new attention to riding sports as well as reinforcement of the unflattering idea that riding is a hobby reserved for the elite.

Competing at the highest level in any sport requires tremendous capital, and there is no denying that to own a world class horse and to compete at the Olympics cannot be accomplished on a middle class income.

Nevertheless, as we bemoan the lack of television coverage our sport receives, perhaps the entire equestrian community should consider a public relations makeover.

While it’s difficult for a lay person to understand the complexity of dressage or the athleticism required for a human to guide a 1600 pound animal over tall jumps, the snob factor may also be responsible for the general public’s lack of interest.

Perhaps it’s why some non-horsey types will tune in to watch the cross country phase of the three-day event. Dressed in colorful polo shirts, riders gallop across open fields to a finish line, drenched in sweat and mud.

Sports fans appreciate grit, danger and determination; they want evidence of effort and exhaustion.

While elegant, shadbellies and hunt coats aren’t typical athletic attire, and the very nature of a flawless dressage test or a clean show jumping round appears so effortless that a member of the general viewing public doesn’t recognize athletic effort at all.

Regardless of the discipline, we need to do a better job telling the compelling stories of our sport.

Boyd Martin’s heroic effort to rescue Neville Bardos makes great storytelling, but it doesn’t take near tragedy to captivate an audience.

Every hour of Olympic coverage seemed to cover stories of various athlete’s humble beginnings or highlight the hours of training that lead

to the international stage. The media seldom follows equestrians as they arrive pre-dawn at the barn and begin the process of riding horse after horse after horse until after sunset.

The general public rarely hears the story of the rider who spends years cultivating a relationship with a horse only to have the owners sell it immediately following an international competition.

Although it’s the nature of the business, as fans we felt anguished that the sale of Totilas severed the horse’s magical partnership with Edward Gal. Who can forget the story of Michelle Gibson learning of Peron’s sale just prior to her final appearance at the Atlanta games? These are stories that strip away the snobbery and pull the public’s heartstrings.

Americans are sport-obsessed, but most of the time, we cheer for teams. While our nationalism is at an all-time high during the Olympics, we also fall in love with personalities: the sprite on the balance beam, a tenacious aging wrestler.

This is not to suggest that the ultra rich personalities of our sport do not work hard or suffer bitter disappointment and setbacks in their quest for excellence. They do, but as we strive to gain more public support for our athletic endeavors, we must make a more concerted effort to dispel the stereotypes of riders as aloof and untouchable and equestrian as a sport reserved only for the celebrity elite.

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

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

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

8. Caroline Morrison is a junior at Berkeley Preparatory School in Tampa. She is rated a C2 in the United States Pony Club and a member of the South Creek Pony Club. Caroline enjoys all aspects of horsemanship. Her concentration has been 3’3 hunters, 1 meter jumpers, equitation, and first level dressage. You will rarely find her spending time away from her horse. a seven-year-old Holsteiner.

FLAsporthorse


5

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

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

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

“Come along for the ride!”

1

2

7

56

.The Faces of Florida SporthorseFloridaSporthorse

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


Editor and PublishEr

Christie R. Gold

sEnior Contributor

Jane Whitehurst

advErtising ManagEr

Sara Scozzafava

(352) 585-6143

[email protected]

Editorial offiCE

8205 Quail Run Dr.

Wesley Chapel, FL 33544

(813) 973-3770

email:

[email protected]

website:

floridasporthorsemagazine.com

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8

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

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

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

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

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

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

3. Jennifer bate is a freelance writer and an Arabian horse owner who has been riding and showing at the national level since the age of 12. She and her horses have earned a combined 23 national titles and 36 regional titles with the Arabian Horse Association (AHA) and the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF).

4. Debra reDmonD has trained and shown through the FEI levels of dressage and has garnered over 20 regional and national awards. A riding injury led her to seek pain management through Eastern medicine. After experiencing relief first hand, she decided to study the modalities so that she could treat animals. She completed several programs and eventually earned a doctorate. She loves being able to assist owners and animals in restoring health and movement through the modalities of body work, spinal balancing, acupuncture, laser, and homeopathy.

5. Caroline morrison is a freshman at Berkeley Preparatory School in Tampa. She is rated a C2 in the United States Pony Club and a member of the South Creek Pony Club. Caroline enjoys all aspects of horsemanship. Her concentration has been 3’3 hunters, 1 meter jumpers, equitation, and first level dressage. You will rarely find her spending time away from her horses, a nine-year-old Thoroughbred and a five-year-old Holsteiner.

6. Christina heDDesheimer graduated Fall 2008 with a Bachelors of Science in Equine Industry from The University of Florida. Her most recent riding activities include foxhunting with North Florida’s Misty Morning Hounds and training with eventer Patricia Deasy. Christina recently started law school at Emory University.

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

8. WenDy loW is manager of Canterbury Showplace, Inc. in Newberry, a multi-discipline horse show facility with five outdoor rings and a hugecovered arena. Wendy events and rides jumpers and resides in Archer.

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

Florida Sporthorse Magazine 5

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Andrea Tanner seemed fated to be an equestrian. Her parents moved to Wellington when she was nine where all around her were paddocks

and stables. Early on, dressage captivated her. “It all seemed so regal and grand. I loved the

coats, hats and horses. I even loved the salute,” she said.

It wasn’t long before Tanner was taking private lessons and competing. Wins at the Winter Equestrian Festival led to numerous young rider and USDF awards. At 15, the German-born rider received the FEI Rising Star Award. Tanner seemed destined for a life as an upper-level rider and trainer.

On December 6, 1999, all of that changed.A friend asked Tanner to ride with him. A simple

trail ride on a sparkling winter day ended in tragedy when Tanner fell, breaking her neck and changing her fate.

“We started out just fine, catching up on school, his work, and life in general. It is around this point where my memory becomes hazy and the events are pictured in my mind as a series of snapshots. Perhaps a dog barked, I don’t know, but I remembered I had three choices that I could make,” she said.

The mare she was riding spooked and tried to take off. Tanner quickly assessed the situation: To one side was a canal; straight ahead stood a tall concrete wall; on the other side was a lawn. Tanner turned the horse in tight circles toward the lawn in an attempt to stop her, but the mare side-stumbled, bucked and threw her. Her boot twisted in one stirrup, and she was dragged into a residential yard. She lay there for some time, hidden behind a pile of debris, until her riding partner and the homeowner discovered her.

After being airlifted to Delray Medical Center, doctors informed her family that her neck had been fractured between her C-6 and C-7 vertebrae. They drew grim parallels between Tanner and Christopher Reeve.

Just shy of her 20th birthday and confined to a wheelchair, Tanner was determined to create a new life for herself. After extensive rehabilitation, she returned to school and completed two degrees from the University of Miami. Yet she could not ignore her calling: she wanted to work with horses. She wanted to ride.

Today, Tanner has begun working as a sales agent for several top breeders.

Working in the highly competitive brokerage market has given her a new perspective on the sport horse business.

“I never had ANY idea how long and frustrating this process could be! I used to think, ‘Oh, wow! A simply gorgeous KWPN preparing for his FEI five-year-old Championships? He is going to sell really fast.’ But, it just doesn’t work this way, unfortunately.”

She currently represents two dressage horses: a KWPN (Dutch WB) named Caprice who is preparing for the FEI for 5 Year Olds Test and a Hanoverian who is preparing for Third Level. In addition, she is the sales agent for two talented jumper prospects, Irish Sport Horses bred by Larkin Brothers International in Breemount Farms of Ireland. She refers to the talented group as “The Fab Four” and hope to find competitive homes for them soon.

Working in sales is allowing her to build a career in the horse industry, yet her end goal is to ride again and to compete as a para-equestrian. She currently trains privately and works with Vinceremos, a therapeutic riding program in Loxahatchee.

Magnets attach to magnetic stirrups help keep her balanced in the saddle, and special rein loops help

her steer. Nearly every day, Tanner endures rigorous physiotherapy and cross training. She has limited use of her arms and cannot walk, but she has built the core strength and stamina that allows her to ride.

“It is the most liberating feeling to be in motion and to see my wheelchair empty,” she said. “That is why horses are angels. They give me their wings; they give me their freedom.”

For any competitive equestrian, success depends on finding the right horse. Para horses must possess the same attributes of any sport horse—quality movement and trainability—along with a temperament that suits the special needs of the athlete. Tanner has found a Lusitano that she believes will help her reach her competitive goals.

Finding a suitable mount and getting back in shape are only part of the puzzle, though. Reaching a competitive level requires tremendous capital, and she is actively seeking corporate, individual and in-kind sponsors as well as donations to help fund everything from hay and feed to boots and breeches.

Tanner has secured support from Charles Owen and Troxel and is looking for additional sponsors that will help her reach her goals. In return, she promotes sponsors through her website, social media and other means.

Tanner continues to focus on building a career as a sales agent, continuing her six-day-a-week cross training routine and securing sponsorships. It’s a nearly 24-hour-a-day commitment.

“I don’t like lax, lazy, or easy. In order to succeed--at anything--one must give it 100%. I’m prepared for this…I’m a fighter. Bring it on.”

To help Andrea, visit her website: AndreaTannerDressage.com

828-817-5585352-540-9401

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

Triumph over tragedyFormer FEI competitor Andrea Tanner returns to riding

Christie Gold

A fall left former FEI dressage competitor Andrea Tanner in a wheelchair. Working with a private trainer and a South Florida therapeutic riding center, she is riding again. Her next goal is to return to the show ring as a para equestrian. Photos courtesy of Andrea Tanner.

6 Florida Sporthorse Magazine

Working in the highly competitive brokerage market has given her a new perspective on the sport horse business.

“I never had ANY idea how long and frustrating this process could be! I used to think, ‘Oh, wow! A simply gorgeous KWPN preparing for his FEI five-year-old Championships? He is going to sell really fast.’ But, it just doesn’t work this way, unfortunately.”

She currently represents two dressage horses: a KWPN (Dutch WB) named Caprice who is preparing for the FEI for 5 Year Olds Test and a Hanoverian who is preparing for Third Level. In addition, she is the sales agent for two talented jumper prospects, Irish Sport Horses bred by Larkin Brothers International in Breemount Farms of Ireland. She refers to the talented group as “The Fab Four” and hope to find competitive homes for them soon.

Working in sales is allowing her to build a career in the horse industry, yet her end goal is to ride again and to compete as a para-equestrian. She currently trains privately and works with Vinceremos, a therapeutic riding program in Loxahatchee.

Magnets attach to magnetic stirrups help keep her balanced in the saddle, and special rein loops help

her steer. Nearly every day, Tanner endures rigorous physiotherapy and cross training. She has limited use of her arms and cannot walk, but she has built the core strength and stamina that allows her to ride.

“It is the most liberating feeling to be in motion and to see my wheelchair empty,” she said. “That is why horses are angels. They give me their wings; they give me their freedom.”

For any competitive equestrian, success depends on finding the right horse. Para horses must possess the same attributes of any sport horse—quality movement and trainability—along with a temperament that suits the special needs of the athlete. Tanner has found a Lusitano that she believes will help her reach her competitive goals.

Finding a suitable mount and getting back in shape are only part of the puzzle, though. Reaching a competitive level requires tremendous capital, and she is actively seeking corporate, individual and in-kind sponsors as well as donations to help fund everything from hay and feed to boots and breeches.

Tanner has secured support from Charles Owen and Troxel and is looking for additional sponsors that will help her reach her goals. In return, she promotes sponsors through her website, social media and other means.

Tanner continues to focus on building a career as a sales agent, continuing her six-day-a-week cross training routine and securing sponsorships. It’s a nearly 24-hour-a-day commitment.

“I don’t like lax, lazy, or easy. In order to succeed--at anything--one must give it 100%. I’m prepared for this…I’m a fighter. Bring it on.”

To help Andrea, visit her website: AndreaTannerDressage.com

828-817-5585352-540-9401

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

A fall left former FEI dressage competitor Andrea Tanner in a wheelchair. Working with a private trainer and a South Florida therapeutic riding center, she is riding again. Her next goal is to return to the show ring as a para equestrian. Photos courtesy of Andrea Tanner.

At one time or another nearly every rider has heard of someone discuss sending a horse to a cowboy. A lay-person might conjure up romantic ideas of a man, a

horse and a herd of cattle moving across the plains out west, but when Florida equestrians hears this comment they know it usually means one of two things: A young horse needs to be broke safely to walk-trot-canter or an older horse is having a training issue.

In this issue of “Florida Sporthorse” we gain insight into one of Florida’s most popular “cowboys,” and in the next issue we will examine some of his techniques in training horses and find out just what happens when a horse goes away to “boot camp.”

Frank Barnett has been a “cowboy” for over 40 years. Most of his clients are top professionals with expensive show horses making his farm somewhat of a “Betty Ford Clinic” where discretion is always appreciated.

As the horses step off the trailer, Barnett reminds clients that they are in Williston not Wellington.

For the past 32 years, Barnett has lived on the same 40-acre farm with three of his own personal horses that are, in his words, too fat.

His training facility includes a 15 stall barn with ample paddocks, a jump chute and a large open schooling area.

Two covered round pens and three covered square pens allow him to work even when it rains or when the Florida sun becomes brutal.

Barnett grew up in Nashville, neither on a farm nor in a horse family.

His skills did not come from his DNA because as he puts it, “his parents wouldn’t know which end of the horse to put the hay in.” From somewhere came a love of horses that Pony Club helped nurture, though Barnett says riding did not come naturally to him.

“If any of my Pony Club instructors are still living they would tell you that in the history of the Pony Club there has never been a less talented child than me. I fell off so much at the canter that I refused to canter any longer. Now after over 50 plus years of non-stop riding, I don’t fall off as much.”

Since the 70s, Barnett has been showing and training horses. In the early years he apprentice with several trainers and read hundreds of books on the art of equine training.

His greatest mentors were diverse horsemen such as Noyes and Grace Evans, Marvin Mayfield, Harold Farren, Alex Chterba and Mike Bridges.

Barnett is a big believer in reading and encourages others to do the same.

“We read so we don’t waste our time on useless experiments. If you depend on someone else to

Mr. Fix ItWilliston cowboy Frank Barnett’s applies common sense solutions to complex training issues

do the reading for you then what you get is there interpretation and then all you can do is pray they know what the hell they are talking about.”

Although modern day “horse whisperers” are mass producing how-to videos, Frank likes to search for ideas through his books, studying equine masters from all different countries.

Sometimes people ask Barnett if he is a “horse whisperer” or wonder how he has the magic answers to various training problems. His response is printed on a sign in the aisleway of his barn: “The Miracle Worker was a movie made in 1962 staring Ann Bancroff and Patty Duke.”

The truth is Barnett’s success comes from the simplicity of common sense. He says that people have a misconception of him.

“I’m a guy that has flown under the radar for years. There’s not a handful of people that understand what I’m trying to do and really get it.”

For example, he is certain the biggest mistake most people make is that they try to make the horse comfortable.

Barnett believes in teaching the horse to find comfort. He says this carries over to people as well. If society provides people with too much comfort they will not want to contribute or pursue work because they are comfortable without having to do anything.

Barnett says the biggest difference in his training

now that he is older and more seasoned is learning to find where the resistance is and what to do about it.

“Horses evade the same as children if they are allowed to. I tell frustrated young trainers all the time to ‘embrace frustration’ and not worry about it. A couple more thousand head, and you’ll get it sorted out.”

Barnett claims he still learns something every day from the horses if he’s paying attention. He enjoys babies because they come with a clean computer program, but it’s the older horses with a barrage of bad information that hold his attention.

Barnett is frank, no pun intended, when it comes to letting clients know that part or all of the blame for the horse’s bad behavior lies with them.

He jokes that “you may have to talk them down off the ledge, but once you do then things can start to get better. The most common training concern Barnett sees with horses is that they have a “disconnected GO button.”

Although Barnett does teaches his share of lessons and clinics, he has an interesting take on the subject.

“As far as clinics go I think they are great but I see a trend that people would rather go to another clinic than stay home and work. Oscar Wilde said that ‘If an American is given a choice to heaven or to a lecture about heaven, they’ll choose the lecture.”

Jane Whitehurst

Trainer Frank Barnett has gained a reputation for solving training problems at his sprawling ranch in Williston. Belinda Nairn


now that he is older and more seasoned is learning to find where the resistance is and what to do about it.

“Horses evade the same as children if they are allowed to. I tell frustrated young trainers all the time to ‘embrace frustration’ and not worry about it. A couple more thousand head, and you’ll get it sorted out.”

Barnett claims he still learns something every day from the horses if he’s paying attention. He enjoys babies because they come with a clean computer program, but it’s the older horses with a barrage of bad information that hold his attention.

Barnett is frank, no pun intended, when it comes to letting clients know that part or all of the blame for the horse’s bad behavior lies with them.

He jokes that “you may have to talk them down off the ledge, but once you do then things can start to get better. The most common training concern Barnett sees with horses is that they have a “disconnected GO button.”

Although Barnett does teaches his share of lessons and clinics, he has an interesting take on the subject.

“As far as clinics go I think they are great but I see a trend that people would rather go to another clinic than stay home and work. Oscar Wilde said that ‘If an American is given a choice to heaven or to a lecture about heaven, they’ll choose the lecture.”

Trainer Frank Barnett has gained a reputation for solving training problems at his sprawling ranch in Williston. Belinda Nairn

Ears pricked forward, Corey planted his hooves into the ground. The wind was picking up, the tent roof was banging against the metal bars

holding up the cramped barn at the equestrian center at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), it was obvious that none of the horses liked the noise. Giving Corey a quiet cluck, I slowly walked him into the barn, skeptical of what was to come.

Corey greeted his neighbor with a playful nicker and jammed his muzzle between the bars to get a good whiff of her. She stormed over and pinned her ears back as if she was protecting her stall.

Water dripped down my legs all the way down into my boots as I tried to figure out why I thought it was a good idea to completely fill the buckets. The shavings and buckets were perfectly clean in Corey’s little stall. “Just get two flakes of hay then head to the briefing,” I thought to myself as I power walked to the trailer to get hay for my spotless white horse.

I wiped my forearm across my forehead, put on my ball cap and walked to the briefing where I was greeted with a “swag bag” full of Emerging Athlete Program (EAP) goodies.

“We are looking for the best horseman,” said EAP Committee Member Mary Babick.

After those seven little words came out of her mouth, the room was dead quiet and the 13 girls looked at each other, not knowing if we were going to be friends or competitors.

Karen Golding, and Cynthia Hankins were introduced to us. We knew the stakes were high. Once we were dismissed, we rushed out the door to the barn to check on our horses.

As I cleaned Corey’s stall Ms. Golding leaned over the bars and watched how I cleaned, then moved on to the next stall without saying a word.

The next morning, the alarm clock read 5:45. Already, it was time to get ready to go ride. My seven-year-old Holsteiner decided that he wanted to act like a three year old, so he had to go for a lounge.

My group of five had to be in the ring ready to audit at 8:00 sharp. I hurriedly got Corey cool and comfortable and ran to the ring on the other side of the property.

At 10:00, it was my turn to prove that I was the best horseman. I tacked up my perfectly groomed horse and headed to the arena. Ms. Hankins critiqued our flatwork and assessed our riding ability. Four horses were at the gate with riders on their backs; our time was up.

My group headed to the wash racks as Ms. Golding critiqued our bathing skills and gave us tips on how to improve. Before EAP, I thought bathing was a simple task, Ms. Golding enlightened me and proved that bathing and grooming a horse properly can do wonders for a coat.

As darkness feel that evening, none of the girls knew what time it was because we were so caught up in our barn duties. We assumed it was time for the evening briefing, we all curled up on the couches.

The lecture was not what any of us expected. We

13 girls, one goalUSHJA’s Emerging Athlete Program takes talented riders to the next level

Caroline Morrison

The EAP was created specifically to provide opportunities for young riders to advance their education as they strive to become knowledgeable horsemen within the hunter/jumper community.

Applicants must demonstrate their experience and involvement in the hunter/jumper industry. Recommendations, outside interests and scholastic achievements are also considered.

Ten Regional Clinics are offered throughout the country in areas that best serve the demographic population and geographic balance of those interested in participating in the program.

The Region 4 clinic was held in June at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD).

Above: The 13 riders from the USHJA Emerging Athlete Program Region 4 Clinic. Above and right: Caroline Morrison and her horse, Corey, took part in the rigorous program in June.

Diane Morrison

Diane Morrison


My group of five had to be in the ring ready to audit at 8:00 sharp. I hurriedly got Corey cool and comfortable and ran to the ring on the other side of the property.

At 10:00, it was my turn to prove that I was the best horseman. I tacked up my perfectly groomed horse and headed to the arena. Ms. Hankins critiqued our flatwork and assessed our riding ability. Four horses were at the gate with riders on their backs; our time was up.

My group headed to the wash racks as Ms. Golding critiqued our bathing skills and gave us tips on how to improve. Before EAP, I thought bathing was a simple task, Ms. Golding enlightened me and proved that bathing and grooming a horse properly can do wonders for a coat.

As darkness feel that evening, none of the girls knew what time it was because we were so caught up in our barn duties. We assumed it was time for the evening briefing, we all curled up on the couches.

The lecture was not what any of us expected. We

Finally, we were prepared for the final test that would separate riders from horsemen.

We went to the barn for our horse management lesson. This was by far my favorite part of the day, as we learned how to spider wrap, and different ways to treat cuts, to pull shoes off and to put caulks in. Afterwards, we audited the last group ride. Ms. Hankins prepared them for the Friday’s challenge.

The next morning, the list was posted. It was still dark outside that we could hardly read the order of go! I was second. I completed my morning chores and gave Corey a bath to make sure he was stunning for our last chance to impress the clinicians.

I mounted Corey and walked to the warm up area where the other girls served as my jump crew. Ms. Golding, a steward for the 2012 London Olympics, was critiquing our warm up. I asked the jump crew to set an oxer that was equivalent to the jumps in the ring, close to 3’9”.

I was told the course was 1.10m, but Corey and I cantered to jumped and nailed it. I patted his neck and walked to the arena. Ms. Golding shouted “Good luck” as I walked out the gate.

I watched Jordan, one of the other girls, speed around the course with a time of 63 seconds. The time allowed was 80 seconds. I went into the arena just wanting a clean, safe round. I took a deep breath and rubbed Corey’s neck.

I applied pressure with my right leg to pick up the left lead canter and headed to the first jump. A pink oxer, roll back to a black and purple butterfly standards with a stone wall, bending line to the triple bar, four strides to the liver pool, gallop to the sailboat vertical, left hand turn to the palm tree triple, roll back to the Swedish oxer, five strides to the one stride, right turn to the skinny, vertical, oxer line.

I was clear. I looked left at the clock: 67 seconds. We did it.

Ms. Hankins told me that I had improved so much over the course of EAP and she was excited to see me comeback for the jump off. Jordan and I walked our horses to the barn and walked to the warm up ring to be jump crew for the other girls. Four riders made it to the jump off from the 1.10m group, and one girl made it to the jump off from the 1m group. Some completed the jump off in 30 seconds, some in 40. I could feel that Corey was exhausted from jumping. I wanted to end EAP on a positive note and leave with a healthy and happy horse. I took my time, I rode the jump off as if it was an equitation course. I had a time of 54 seconds, and I could not have been more proud. Ms. Hankins told me that she was happy with my decision of riding the course how I did, and was so pleased with how much I had improved.

We all put our horses up and had our last lunch together. We all crammed into one table and laughed about all the stress and fun we had during the week. Ms. Mary, Ms. Hankins, and Ms. Golding made their closing remarks and told us they would never forget us. We headed to pack up our things and say our goodbyes.

The USHJA’s Emerging Athlete Program is an outstanding program for young riders. I am so happy I applied and attended. I would recommend this program for anyone who wants to be the best of the best and is willing to work hard to achieve that goal. Although this program was tough and pushed each of us to be our best, I will never forget it and will definitely apply next year!

were told that we had to step it up because EAP wants the best of the best. As we were tucking our horses in for the night, we chatted about the briefing. Some of us were shocked, some offended and some excited about the challenge. We all left the barn with mixed emotions.

Wednesday rolled around, and while we were completing our barn chores, we found out the groups had been changed from day one. Everyone’s mind was spinning. “Did I get moved up or down?” I thought to myself as I patted Corey and gave him a kiss on his muzzle.

I audited the first group doing gymnastics and learned all the courses I would have to perform for Ms. Hankins later that afternoon.

I could feel the tension in the arena. Everyone stepped up their game, as we all wanted to go to nationals. After my group successfully rode the gymnastics course, Ms. Hankins gave everyone one thing to improve for the following day’s lesson about related distances. Then it was off to horse management which was fascinating because we learned how Ms. Golding groomed and took care of her Olympic team of horses.

Next was the dreaded written test. Ms. Babick told us that she wrote the test and it was extremely difficult. The test consisted of horse management questions, current event questions, and jumper schooling and show rules.

During night chores, we all discussed how the day went. I was happy with my performance and so were some other girls, but others were not too happy and wanted to nail their rides the next day to prove they could be competitive. Nevertheless, we were all rooting for each other to perform well.

Our last training day, Thursday, was on related distances. A lot of the girls felt confident because all they do is jump courses. I was not so confident; my focus for the last year had been on dressage, strengthening my horse so we can continue to jump for a long time.

My group rode first this day, we had no idea how the lines rode. We set the course the night before but we had no clue how our horses would react to the beautiful, colorfulful jumps that SCAD generously let us use.

The flat work was brutal for most of the riders because all without stirrups. Luckily for me, I love having my leg long and doing flat work even though my abs were on fire!

We jumped around all the lines but some horses were not too happy that they had to jump the evil liver pool.

The EAP was created specifically to provide opportunities for young riders to advance their education as they strive to become knowledgeable horsemen within the hunter/jumper community.

Applicants must demonstrate their experience and involvement in the hunter/jumper industry. Recommendations, outside interests and scholastic achievements are also considered.

Ten Regional Clinics are offered throughout the country in areas that best serve the demographic population and geographic balance of those interested in participating in the program.

The Region 4 clinic was held in June at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD).

Above: The 13 riders from the USHJA Emerging Athlete Program Region 4 Clinic. Above and right: Caroline Morrison and her horse, Corey, took part in the rigorous program in June.

Diane Morrison

Diane Morrison

Diane Morrison

Diane Morrison


Anyone who has taken a few lessons or has even been in ear shot of an arena has heard an instructor barking orders to go forward.

According to the USDF Glossary of Judging Terms, “Forward indicates the direction in which the horse goes; it does not indicate how he gets there.” Technically, the instructor is only telling the rider to advance to the section of ground that is ahead of the horse.

In common arena lingo, however, the command to go forward means to send the horse ahead with energy and purpose. A forward horse is one moving enthusiastically ahead. He responds promptly to the rider’s leg aids and to someone watching from the ground, the horse looks keen to work.

For many riders, figuring out just how forward the horse needs to go can be difficult. Sometimes, in an effort to create forward movement in the horse, a rider inadvertently pushes the horse ahead too much.

When the horse is asked to move too hurriedly, he will be unable to maintain his natural balance and will be forced to move with quick, short strides. Rushing the horse around the arena will encourage him to move with more of his weight on his forehand. Then, the rider may feel that the horse wants to brace his head and neck against the bridle in an effort to keep himself upright.

On the other end of the spectrum is the rider who doesn’t ask for enough forward movement from the horse. This horse will also tend toward being heavy on the forehand. He may be slow to respond to leg aids and the rider may have a difficult time maneuvering the horse’s body, especially keeping him straight. An extreme example of a horse lacking forward energy is the one who bucks or rears.

Often these vices have physical pain or poor training as a root cause but the basic problem is that the needs to learn how to go forward. A horse ridden regularly in a forward manner goes without a lot of kicking and prodding from his rider. He will make prompt upward transitions and have the same even, rhythmical stride as he would at liberty.

To understand what a forward horse looks like, imagine your horse trotting across a field to see his friends. He is happy and has a destination in mind so he moves toward his buddies with enthusiasm. He will travel with long, balanced strides and his body will be quite straight.

Conversely, a horse that is not travelling in a forward manner will be more like a young boy who has just been sent to clean his room. He drags his feet and looks sullen. He requires a lot of nagging to get him moving, especially to get him moving in a straight line.

To get the idea of what forward feels like from the horse’s back, a rider can ride transitions forward and back within the gait.

For example, to find the feeling of a forward working trot try this exercise: Ask the horse to trot. As you move around the edge of the arena or on a 20m circle ask the horse to provide you with a more energetic trot without letting him break into the canter. Ride a few strides of this bigger trot just get the feeling of it.

From this highly energetic trot gently bring your horse back to the slowest, least energetic trot he will provide without breaking into the walk. Go back and forth between these trots a few times making a gradual transition so you spend more and more time at a moderate pace.

By comparing the feeling you get at the too slow

and too quick paces, you can begin to develop your feel for balanced forward gaits. The moderate pace in the middle will most likely be where you find a happy, balanced, forward horse.

Some horses naturally provide the rider with a lot of forward energy, others are a little more on the lazy side. A horse’s lazy nature, however, may not always be what’s to blame for his lack of forward energy under saddle. Factors such as the rider’s position or the horse’s diet, soundness, tack fit or general health may also contribute to his lack of desire to go forward.

Before running to the tack store to buy a bigger set of spurs for your lazy horse, look at a few things

first. Make sure your horse has comfortable tack and that you are able to maintain good position in the saddle without restricting his movement. Talk to an equine nutritionist about his diet to make sure he’s getting the best balance of nutrients possible for his level of work. Most importantly make sure that pain or sickness is not restricting your horse in anyway.

It’s always a good idea to have a vet examine any horse who seems to be less than enthusiastic about his work especially if his attitude has suddenly changed for the worse.

If there are no physical factors limiting your horse he may just need a change of scenery. A lazy horse will often perk up in new surroundings or wide open spaces. To inspire your couch potato equine, try schooling in a field instead of the arena or change up his daily routine. A jumper might perk up on a trail

Go Forward!Develop a feel for balanced, forward gaits

aMber KiMball

Above: KWPN gelding MVP and Amber Kimball in extended trot. A forward horse requires little encouragement to increase the length of his stride. Left: An event rider and horse tackle a large jump at the Advanced level. Only a forward horse can confidently and safely carry a rider over large fences.

Martha Grace

Amber Kimball


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and too quick paces, you can begin to develop your feel for balanced forward gaits. The moderate pace in the middle will most likely be where you find a happy, balanced, forward horse.

Some horses naturally provide the rider with a lot of forward energy, others are a little more on the lazy side. A horse’s lazy nature, however, may not always be what’s to blame for his lack of forward energy under saddle. Factors such as the rider’s position or the horse’s diet, soundness, tack fit or general health may also contribute to his lack of desire to go forward.

Before running to the tack store to buy a bigger set of spurs for your lazy horse, look at a few things

first. Make sure your horse has comfortable tack and that you are able to maintain good position in the saddle without restricting his movement. Talk to an equine nutritionist about his diet to make sure he’s getting the best balance of nutrients possible for his level of work. Most importantly make sure that pain or sickness is not restricting your horse in anyway.

It’s always a good idea to have a vet examine any horse who seems to be less than enthusiastic about his work especially if his attitude has suddenly changed for the worse.

If there are no physical factors limiting your horse he may just need a change of scenery. A lazy horse will often perk up in new surroundings or wide open spaces. To inspire your couch potato equine, try schooling in a field instead of the arena or change up his daily routine. A jumper might perk up on a trail

ride, a dressage horse might find new enthusiasm working over cavalletti.

By changing his routine a few times a week you can help your horse enjoy his forward work and help him build stamina in the process. A physically fit horse will have a much easier time being a forward horse.

Learning to go forward is essential to any horse’s training and learning how to ride a horse in a forward manner is equally essential to any rider’s education. When a rider comes to a training puzzle with a horse often a lack of forward energy is the cause.

One of the best pieces of training wisdom I have ever been given came from my first dressage mentor, Gina Smith. Daily, she shouted across the arena to me to “Go forward! Forward fixes everything except a runaway horse.”

Above: KWPN gelding MVP and Amber Kimball in extended trot. A forward horse requires little encouragement to increase the length of his stride. Left: An event rider and horse tackle a large jump at the Advanced level. Only a forward horse can confidently and safely carry a rider over large fences.

Martha Grace

For the past few years, the state of Florida has had very quiet hurricane seasons with many storms passing us by. This has left Florida residents and horse owners with a false sense

of security, and a certain degree of apathy about the potential for a hurricane to make landfall.

We take for granted how devastating these storms can actually be, and weather predictions this year are for a more active season. Are you ready? The key to surviving a natural disaster is to be prepared, especially if you own horses, pets and livestock.

Advanced planning before a hurricane bears down on the state will increase the probability that the casualties are kept to a minimum.

While we can never predict a sudden catastrophic event, we generally have an idea when a hurricane is moving in our direction a number of days in advance. Having a plan in place before a storm makes landfall will make getting through the event easier than if it is all done at the last minute.

There should be two phases (at least) to your plan: The first phase involves preparation for the impending storm, and will take time and a certain amount of research.

The second phase occurs after the storm has passed when the work begins to “pick up the pieces”, assess the horses, the property, and survive until the area returns to normal.

As you feed your horses today, look at your barn and pastures. Are they safe? Are the doorways and barn aisle free of clutter? Is there more than one exit from the barn? Is the fencing, in good shape? Do you have a fire extinguisher? Mundane questions yes, but valid points to cover when a potential disaster is

looming. Loose boards or roofing, garbage, and barn

equipment can become flying projectiles in the high winds during a hurricane. Cobwebs and dust can add fuel to a fire. Junk in the doorway or barn aisle can slow down an escape effort, or can cause a horse to become trapped.

Take the time now to critically assess your property and make repairs before it is too late. It goes without saying that keeping a barn and pastures in good shape all year round reduces the risk and severity of accidents.

Consider the halters and lead ropes, are they in good condition? Does each horse have a halter and a lead rope? Leather halters are the best; alternatively, use a nylon halter with a leather “break away strap”; this should break if the horse become entangled. Planning an escape route, and practicing it, saves minutes (and lives) in the event of a fire or flood.

A most important item to consider whether you stay or leave the area is the provision of food, water and first aid. Having hay, grain and water for at least 72 hours is recommended. (Longer is better) A good idea is to fill several garbage cans (with a lid) with water in the 24 hours prior to an impending event.

Be sure that your hay and grain is stored in a dry area, and well secured.

Do you have an evacuation plan? Know where to go in the event that you are required to leave your property. Obey mandatory evacuation orders. There are a number of places that have been identified where you could evacuate with the horses, but don’t just show up; call well in advance so that stabling is made available to you. The Sunshine State Horse Council is a good resource for names of evacuation facilities in Florida and some of the southern states.

Should you decide to leave the state, be sure to have a health certificate for the horses. The state may waive the need to have a health certificate to leave the state during a hurricane, but you will need one to re-enter Florida.

With evacuation in mind, does your horse load well? Consider the horses that you will need to move. For example, it is probably not a good idea to move a mare and foal with a stallion if they have never been in the trailer together or to attempt to load the two-year old that has never been on a trailer.

Service your truck and trailer; be sure that you have spare tires and plenty of gas. If you do not know how to change a tire, find out now so that you are not stranded. If you have additional gas tanks, have them filled.

If you do not own a trailer investigate who in your area will be able to provide transportation for your horse(s) and make arrangements early in the season.

An important point to remember is that no high profile vehicles (including horse trailers) will be permitted on the evacuation routes once winds reach 40 mph, and in some instances within the 24 hours prior to the storm making landfall.

Also of the utmost

importance is that your horses’ Coggins tests and vaccinations are current. While some facilities may not ask about vaccination status, all will require a current Coggins. (Keep the original, and keep a copy with your horse). The other very important thing to remember, even if you don’t have the other vaccines current, is that your horse is at least vaccinated for tetanus.

Any other pertinent documents such as ownership papers, insurance papers and photographs should all be with you in a dry and secure container (not with your horse).

If you stay, and decide to turn your horses out in a field during a hurricane, check the fence lines, make sure that there is no junk in the pasture or near it, look out for buried and overhead electrical wires; electrocution is a hazard that is often overlooked!

Identification during this chaotic time is crucial. Many owners will use temporary forms of identification, (including telephone numbers/address etc.) painted onto the horse, or luggage tags on the halter or braided into the mane.

A more permanent way to identify your horse(s) (and other pets) is to microchip. This method is an almost fail safe way of identifying your horse should it become misplaced.

Keep the supporting papers with you at all times. This will also place your horse on a national identification network that will aid in returning your horse and pets to you.

Prepare a first aid kit that will include bandage materials, antiseptic scrub and solution, antibiotic ointment both for skin and for eyes, wound flush, and eye wash. This should be kept in a clean and waterproof container.

Many of the injuries sustained after a hurricane

Eye of the storm

Be prepared with a hurricane plan for horsesruth anne riChter

The Sunshine State Horse Council (or AHOOF - Affilliated Horse Organizations Of Florida) maintains a database of evacuation facilities for horses. To locate a facility or to include your barn, go to www.sshc.org/EVAC.

Plan ahead


Should you decide to leave the state, be sure to have a health certificate for the horses. The state may waive the need to have a health certificate to leave the state during a hurricane, but you will need one to re-enter Florida.

With evacuation in mind, does your horse load well? Consider the horses that you will need to move. For example, it is probably not a good idea to move a mare and foal with a stallion if they have never been in the trailer together or to attempt to load the two-year old that has never been on a trailer.

Service your truck and trailer; be sure that you have spare tires and plenty of gas. If you do not know how to change a tire, find out now so that you are not stranded. If you have additional gas tanks, have them filled.

If you do not own a trailer investigate who in your area will be able to provide transportation for your horse(s) and make arrangements early in the season.

An important point to remember is that no high profile vehicles (including horse trailers) will be permitted on the evacuation routes once winds reach 40 mph, and in some instances within the 24 hours prior to the storm making landfall.

Also of the utmost

importance is that your horses’ Coggins tests and vaccinations are current. While some facilities may not ask about vaccination status, all will require a current Coggins. (Keep the original, and keep a copy with your horse). The other very important thing to remember, even if you don’t have the other vaccines current, is that your horse is at least vaccinated for tetanus.

Any other pertinent documents such as ownership papers, insurance papers and photographs should all be with you in a dry and secure container (not with your horse).

If you stay, and decide to turn your horses out in a field during a hurricane, check the fence lines, make sure that there is no junk in the pasture or near it, look out for buried and overhead electrical wires; electrocution is a hazard that is often overlooked!

Identification during this chaotic time is crucial. Many owners will use temporary forms of identification, (including telephone numbers/address etc.) painted onto the horse, or luggage tags on the halter or braided into the mane.

A more permanent way to identify your horse(s) (and other pets) is to microchip. This method is an almost fail safe way of identifying your horse should it become misplaced.

Keep the supporting papers with you at all times. This will also place your horse on a national identification network that will aid in returning your horse and pets to you.

Prepare a first aid kit that will include bandage materials, antiseptic scrub and solution, antibiotic ointment both for skin and for eyes, wound flush, and eye wash. This should be kept in a clean and waterproof container.

Many of the injuries sustained after a hurricane

or tornado are lacerations from flying debris and will need to be cleaned and covered. It would be best to discuss the contents of a first aid kit with your veterinarian.

If your horse is on medication, be sure that you have enough to last through the hurricane and for several days afterwards. Your veterinarian can also educate you on some basic first aid techniques, and how to recognize the severity of a wound.

Another overlooked detail is what you would want to happen to your horse should it become injured and you are separated from it, or worse yet, killed during the storm.

A written document that outlines these wishes can be included with copied documents that you leave with the horse. A copy can be given to your regular veterinarian; chances are he/she will be around to help out once the danger has subsided.

Having your horse insured is a great investment, and can help to cover some of the medical costs should the horse require hospitalization.

Remember that after the storm, the emergency response teams will be occupied with immediate concerns of ensuring that the area is safe and that there are adequate supplies and utilities. It may be days before your animals will be evaluated or for you to return to your home with the horses. You will therefore need to have sufficient supplies to maintain them.

Involving your neighborhood in a plan will optimize resources so that you can help each other during an emergency.

If you belong to a horse group, organizing a disaster preparedness event with local officials and veterinarians will provide important information. That will also identify people that may need

transportation and other assistance. Make a list of important telephone numbers and

distribute it to neighbors and relatives. Provide one or more neighbors with keys to your property in the event that you are unable to get home. Be sure that all of your cell ‘phones are charged.

While getting ready seems like a daunting task, putting plans in place early will reduce the stress on everybody when those clouds start looming in the distance.

Eye of the storm

Be prepared with a hurricane plan for horses

The Sunshine State Horse Council (or AHOOF - Affilliated Horse Organizations Of Florida) maintains a database of evacuation facilities for horses. To locate a facility or to include your barn, go to www.sshc.org/EVAC.

Plan ahead


Located in Dade City, Little Everglades Ranch (LER) is a 2050 acre working ranch owned by the Blanchard family. Although the farm originally gained attention for its annual steeplechase, it now plays host to the Little Everglades Steeplechase Foundation International Combined Driving Event.

This event is one of the premier International Combined Driving Events in American, and several European judges have declared the dressage arena one of the best in the world. A qualifying event for international competition, it is attended not only by drivers from the USA but also from Europe and as far away as Australia. This event takes place each winter and will return Feb. 21-24, 2013.

The driven dressage phase is beautiful, the cones phase is nail-biting, but the marathon phase day is a must-see event.

Unique to LER is the fact that the marathon hazards are arranged so that spectators can see two to three hazards from one spot, making an excellent day to pack a picnic or visit one of the great food vendors on site and eat, drink, and cheer on your favorite horses and drivers.

A short stroll allows fans to follow their favorite competitor’s progress through all the hazards. Next year’s event will be even more exciting because all the hazards have been tightened in order to increase the technical difficulty of the course.

What else makes the Little Everglades Steeplechase Foundation’s International Combined

Driving Event Special? It’s the people at LER. From the person who makes sure every blade of grass in the arena is exactly the right height and color, to the cowboys who move the herd of cattle to the “back 40”, to the people who tirelessly drag the marathon routes (about 12 miles), put out the garbage cans, and the gazillions of other jobs necessary for an event of this magnitude.

One of the faces behind the event that makes sure everything runs smoothly is LER’s General Manager Katie Carris. Katie oversees not only the wide range of events held at Little Everglades but also the ranch’s Hanoverian breeding program.

Two LER Hanoverians are winning driving horses and the others are bred to compete as top hunters or dressage horses.

The driving horses are Rueben and his dam Feine. Watching either of these big, powerful and agile bays running through hazards or gracefully dancing around the dressage arena with Carris in the driving box is to know that Katie surely is a multi-talented horsewomen.

Carris can start her day practicing driven dressage, then deliver a few calves, organize a show, and then ride out with the cowhands to move the bulls. Another equine project that Katie oversees at LER is the ranch’s Thoroughbred horse operation. Many are sent to training tracks to prepare for racing careers.

The other wonders at Little Everglades Ranch

sometimes look like scenes from an old Western. Steeped in agricultural history. the full working ranch was home to the first Santa Gertrudis cattle herds east of the Mississippi. These cattle were brought to the ranch by the former owners Bill and Emily Larkin and are a large part of the Santa Gertrudis cattle history in Florida.

The ranch honors this history by always keeping a small herd of registered Santa Gertrudis. The north end of the ranch where the Steeplechase track is located is part of the old Florida West Feedlot that once fed 3000 to 4000 calves a year.

Visitors can still see the concrete feed bunks and sorting pens left over from the old feedlot operation by the feedlot office.

The ranch still works some heifers and bulls through those old pens a couple of times a year. The ranch has a commercial cow/calf operation with about 300 cows that hopefully have a calf each year. They youngsters are raised until they are about eight months old and are then sold and shipped to different ranches and feedlots. The LER cows are on a very strict de-worming and vaccination program and their health management program makes for a healthy cowherd that produces healthy calves.

LER’s other cattle project is their prize herd of Belted Galloway cattle. Five pure generations of Belted Galloways are sold for breeding stock to other

Little

ittle

Everglades Ranch Home to cowboys, cattle and combined driving

Jean White

Above: Bill Lower drives his Welsh Pony of Cob type through the dressage test at the Little Everglades Ranch Combined Driving Event. Below: In addition to the annual CDE, Little Everglades Ranch is a full working ranch and conservation area. Photos courtesy of Little Everglades Ranch.


sometimes look like scenes from an old Western. Steeped in agricultural history. the full working ranch was home to the first Santa Gertrudis cattle herds east of the Mississippi. These cattle were brought to the ranch by the former owners Bill and Emily Larkin and are a large part of the Santa Gertrudis cattle history in Florida.

The ranch honors this history by always keeping a small herd of registered Santa Gertrudis. The north end of the ranch where the Steeplechase track is located is part of the old Florida West Feedlot that once fed 3000 to 4000 calves a year.

Visitors can still see the concrete feed bunks and sorting pens left over from the old feedlot operation by the feedlot office.

The ranch still works some heifers and bulls through those old pens a couple of times a year. The ranch has a commercial cow/calf operation with about 300 cows that hopefully have a calf each year. They youngsters are raised until they are about eight months old and are then sold and shipped to different ranches and feedlots. The LER cows are on a very strict de-worming and vaccination program and their health management program makes for a healthy cowherd that produces healthy calves.

LER’s other cattle project is their prize herd of Belted Galloway cattle. Five pure generations of Belted Galloways are sold for breeding stock to other

ranches. Belted Galloways are known for being efficient

lean meat producers while being raised on grass. And speaking of grass, LER also has 200 acres of Tifton 44 hay fields which yield about three cuttings a year of excellent quality hay.

The hay is put into square bales and large round rolls the majority of which is used to feed the livestock on the ranch.

The south side of the ranch is the peat mining operation. Mining the peat helps clean up old lake beds and returns water and wildlife to the ranch. Almost all the lakes you see on the ranch are the result of taking away the peat which is used for potting soils.

Abundant wildlife roams the sprawling ranch including eagles, hawks, sand hill cranes, deer, turkey, fox, coyote, alligators, and Sherman Fox squirrels. In fact, the Blanchards, have put a Conservation Easement on most of the agricultural land meaning that this beautiful and productive land will never be developed as a housing tract or business district.

The Blanchard’s are great hosts to many different events each year like other driving shows, and driving fun events that allow even beginner carriage drivers to experience some of the most beautiful terrain in Florida.

Another one of the Blanchard’s gifts to the horse

world is allowing the South Creek Foxhounds to ride to the hunt on the ranch.

Cubbing starts when it is still hot but as the weather cools the hounds, horses, and riders look forward to a good run at LER.

Some of the fun non-horsey events that are held at the ranch include the Savage Race (October 20, 2013) which is sort of like marathon day for people. This event has the participants running about five miles with hazards for humans that tend to include mud, climbing giant stacks of hay, scaling tall walls, wading through ice, carrying a bag of something heavy, and all kinds of other obstacles.

A less daring running event hosted at the ranch is the annual Florida High School Athletic Association cross country championships.

Another LER classic is the Cyclocross Race which will be held January 13 for 2013. This course features pavement, wooded trails, grass, steep hills and obstacles requiring the rider to quickly dismount, carry the bike while navigating the obstruction, and remount.

Many of the events held at LER benefit charities. This is just another way that the Blanchards show that they are great stewards of their ranch lands.

They have a great vision for Little Everglades Ranch and thankfully they don’t mind sharing their ranch with horses and people!

Ranch Home to cowboys, cattle and combined driving

Far left: Little Everglades Ranch plays host to a variety of non-equine sporting events each year including an annual cyclecross. Left top: The ranch grows and bales Tifton 44 hay, largely to feed resident livestock. Middle: Belted Galloway cattle are grass-fed producers of lean beef. Bottom: The dressage arena at the ranch has been called one of the world’s finest. Photos courtesy of Little Everglades Ranch.

Above: Bill Lower drives his Welsh Pony of Cob type through the dressage test at the Little Everglades Ranch Combined Driving Event. Below: In addition to the annual CDE, Little Everglades Ranch is a full working ranch and conservation area. Photos courtesy of Little Everglades Ranch.

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Feeding Flaxseed

What does flax add to a diet?Flaxseed’s best known attribute is its high Omega

3 essential fatty acid content. Flaxseeds are over 40% oil and more than 50% of this oil is the omega 3 fatty acid α-linolenic acid. A horse’s natural grazing diet is high in omega 3 fatty acids.

However as we add grains like corn and barley to a horses diet their diet can become skewed towards having high levels of omega 6 fatty acids.

Flaxseed provides a ‘natural’ way to keep the levels of omega 3 in a horse’s diet balanced without using expensive omega 3 fatty acid supplements. Adding 100 grams of flaxseed to your horse’s diet will add over 20 ml of omega 3 fatty acids.

While omega 3 fatty acids are generally the primary reason flaxseeds are fed to a horse, flaxseeds are a decent source of protein with around 24% protein and 0.9% lysine and also contain around 25% fibre.When can flaxseed be used?

Flaxseed is useful for horses on a high grain (and therefore high omega 6 fatty acid) diet or when they are eating hay that has been in storage for some time or grazing low quality pasture. Flaxseed may also be used when horses have a dry coat and skin, if they have problems with inflammation including arthritis and sweet itch/Queensland itch or when high omega 6 oils like corn oil or sunflower oil are being fed as an energy source in the diet. How should flaxseed be prepared for feeding?

Because flaxseed is such a small seed it is best to grind flaxseeds immediately prior to feeding to break the seed coat, otherwise the seeds will pass undigested all the way through the gastrointestinal tract. It is important to grind the seeds fresh just prior to feeding as the oils in flaxseed are prone to rancidity and will go off very quickly if ground and left exposed to air. A small coffee grinder is commonly used for the purpose of grinding fresh flax straight into a horses feed (very gourmet!).

It is possible to purchase pre-ground and stabilized flaxseeds if grinding your own is not an option.

A study published in the Canadian Journal of Veterinary Research in 2002 looking at the ability of flaxseed to reduce the inflammation associated with culicoides hypersensitivity (sweet itch) reported that they fed 1 lb of flaxseed per 1000 lb of bodyweight to horses (or 0.5 kg per 500 kg bodyweight) over a period of 42 days with no negative side-effects being observed. Can flaxseed meal be fed?

Flaxseed meal is the high protein (32%) meal left over after the flaxseed oil has been extracted from the seed. Flaxseed meal can be fed to horses, however

because the meal has had most of the oil extracted its primary use in a horse’s diet is as a protein supplement. If you wish to feed flaxseed meal, look for meal produced using heat extraction technology as opposed to meal made from seeds that were cold pressed. There are however far better sources of quality protein available including lupins, full fat soybean, soybean meal and canola meal, without the possible risk associated with flaxseed meal.

Flaxseed is a useful feed ingredient for horses. It can be used to increase a horse’s omega 3 essential fatty acid intake where dietary omega 3 levels are low

or when higher intakes of omega 3 for a particular horse seem beneficial. Despite popular opinion that flaxseed must be cooked prior to feeding to avoid hydrogen cyanide poisoning, studies have shown that up to 1 lb/1000 lb bodyweight (or 0.5 kg/500 kg BW) can be safely fed without cooking.

Flaxseed should not be soaked prior to feeding and they should be avoided in the diets of breeding mares with a history of reproduction problems. FeedXL can be used to incorporate flaxseed into your horses diet so that it balances well with other feed ingredients being fed.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids good for coats, inflammation

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minar includn evaluations

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s a highlight tll be a USDF12 p.m.), wpractice the

eminar attendd make hotelme on the sam

earby FL Airportsinesville (GNV)lando (MCO)cksonville (JAX)mpa (TPA)

$200$135$10$5

nts these Sem

Septembe

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Feeding Flaxseedor when higher intakes of omega 3 for a particular horse seem beneficial. Despite popular opinion that flaxseed must be cooked prior to feeding to avoid hydrogen cyanide poisoning, studies have shown that up to 1 lb/1000 lb bodyweight (or 0.5 kg/500 kg BW) can be safely fed without cooking.

Flaxseed should not be soaked prior to feeding and they should be avoided in the diets of breeding mares with a history of reproduction problems. FeedXL can be used to incorporate flaxseed into your horses diet so that it balances well with other feed ingredients being fed.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids good for coats, inflammation

The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) is pleased to announce that the annual USDF Sport Horse Seminar will be held August 31st - September 2nd, 2012 at Pennock Point Sport Horses in Reddick, FL. Comprised of both classroom lecture portions and hands-on evaluations, the sessions will give valuable insight into four major areas: ideal movement and conformation of a sport horse, considerations when selecting breeding stock, show ring strategies, as well as competition rules and judging guidelines. Noted USEF ‘S’ and DSHB ‘R’ Judge Kristi Wysocki will be the seminar instructor at this great educational event. She has a long list of judging credentials and will impart her vast knowledge in this personalized format.

This educational weekend will be packed with expert hands-on instruction and an opportunity for attendees to utilize their newly acquired skills in a real world setting. Pennock Point Sport Horses, as well as other area breeders, will provide demonstration horses representing a cross-section of today’s modern sport horses. A USDF breed show, Sunshine Classic, will be held Saturday morning, September 1st, and seminar participants are encouraged to practice judging from the rail.

This seminar is designed to educate breeders, riders, trainers, judges and potential owners about the qualities desired in a sport horse and how to rate those qualities. Other topics covered are basics of preparing horses to be shown in-hand and competition rules and procedures. Additionally, this

sport Horse seminar to be Held at Pennock Point sport Horses

Bedding is necessary for a stabled horse to keep the stall dry, to facilitate easy cleaning, and to provide an inviting bed for him to lie down in and a cushioned surface to stand upon.

Good stall bedding is clean (free of mold and debris), dry, dust free (as much as possible), cost effective, readily available in your area, easily stored,

easily disposed of, and works with your type of stall flooring.

How you choose the best bedding for your needs depends on cost and availability, how you need to store it, how you will dispose of it, and what kind of flooring your stalls have or if you have any other special needs it must meet.

There are two main types of bedding. Absorbent bedding absorbs urine and moisture from manure,

SawduSt (absorbent)Pros: it is highly absorbent, easy to pick stalls clean and easily disposed of. If bagged, it is easily stored and easily kept clean, dry, and fresh. It makes a comfortable bed if bedded deeply, and is economical, if bought by the truckload.

Cons: it can be quite dusty, it must not have any black walnut shavings, dust, or hulls due to the possibility of them causing laminitis; if spread on pastures, sawdust may leech nitrogen from the soil, so it must be composted first. Sawdust is not for use when foaling.

Straw (drainage) Wheat straw is the most desirable type, oat straw can be palatable for some horses and they can over eat it, and rye straw can be prickly.

Pros: it is comfortable if deeply bedded; it is the preferred bedding for foaling; preferred by certain farmers for certain crops if your manure is hauled away; preferred if manure is spread on pastures, as is does not need to be composted before spreading.

Cons: it can be difficult to clean; may be eaten; and may be harder to find in some parts of the country.

ShavingS (may have properties of both absorbent and drainage)

Pros of shavings are: if bagged, they are easily stored and easily kept clean, dry, and fresh; and can be bought in different cuts. They make a comfortable bed, if bedded deeply, and are economical if bought by the truckload.

Cons: they can be dusty; they must not have any black walnut particles (laminitis); if spread on pastures, shavings may leech nitrogen from the soil, so as with sawdust, you must compost first, then spread. They are not for use when foaling.

Pelleted Pine SawduSt (absorbent)Pros: highly absorbent; make it easy to pick stalls clean; and are easily disposed of. If bagged, they’re easily stored and easily kept clean, dry, and fresh. They make a comfortable bed, if bedded deeply.

Cons: they take special management to get started in the need to sprinkle the new pellets when first put into the stalls, and they can be quite dusty if not kept sprinkled. If pellets are not broken up first, they do not make an inviting bed for the horse to lie upon. If spread on pastures, they may leech nitrogen from the soil, so compost first before spreading. They are not for use when foaling.

Pelleted Straw (absorbent)Pros: the same as pelleted sawdust Cons: the same as for pelleted sawdust except pelleted straw may be spread without first composting.

Shredded PaPer (absorbent)Pros: it may be inexpensive if available, is easily stored in bags or bales, and can be composted or spread on fields.

Cons: it must be bedded deeply to be effective, requires frequent cleaning, and tends to blow around, difficult to keep neat. It is not best choice for foaling.

Peanut hullS, cruShed (absorbent)Pros: inexpensive if available, can be composted or spread, and they make it easy to keep stalls clean.

Cons: they can be dusty, not for use when foaling, and they might be dangerous for those with peanut allergies to be around.

Pine Straw (drainage)Pros: it’s inexpensive, drains well, they’re not palatable like other straws, and can be composted or spread. If they are very clean, they can be used for foaling.

Cons: they need to be made in a very deep bed for comfort, it’s difficult to pick stalls clean, and they can be prickly.

Sand (drainage)Pros: it’s free or very inexpensive if your soil is sand, and it’s easy to pick manure out of.

Cons: it’s hard to clean urine out of stall (it drains only) and it can be dusty. Horses fed hay on top of sand can ingest sand which may cause colic. Be sure to use sand not from a beach area, as that sand can contain salt which encourages the horse to lick it thus ingesting more sand.

Shredded currency (absorbent) Pros: it’s inexpensive, if available, is easily stored in bags or bales, and can be composted or spread on fields.

Cons: it must be bedded deeply to be effective, requires frequent cleaning, tends to blow around so it’s difficult to keep neat, not best choice for foaling.

A video of this is available at www.AllHorseTalk.com.

and drainage bedding allows urine to filter through the bedding to be absorbed by the flooring (clay or sand) or drainage system.

Absorbent bedding works best with most stall floor materials including clay, stall mats, asphalt or concrete.

Drainage bedding works best with these stall floor materials in general, sand, dirt, and floors with drainage systems.

Off to bed Choices abound for this stable essentialalita hendriCKs

Types of bedding

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



The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) is pleased to announce that the annual USDF Sport Horse Seminar will be held August 31st - September 2nd, 2012 at Pennock Point Sport Horses in Reddick, FL. Comprised of both classroom lecture portions and hands-on evaluations, the sessions will give valuable insight into four major areas: ideal movement and conformation of a sport horse, considerations when selecting breeding stock, show ring strategies, as well as competition rules and judging guidelines. Noted USEF ‘S’ and DSHB ‘R’ Judge Kristi Wysocki will be the seminar instructor at this great educational event. She has a long list of judging credentials and will impart her vast knowledge in this personalized format.

This educational weekend will be packed with expert hands-on instruction and an opportunity for attendees to utilize their newly acquired skills in a real world setting. Pennock Point Sport Horses, as well as other area breeders, will provide demonstration horses representing a cross-section of today’s modern sport horses. A USDF breed show, Sunshine Classic, will be held Saturday morning, September 1st, and seminar participants are encouraged to practice judging from the rail.

This seminar is designed to educate breeders, riders, trainers, judges and potential owners about the qualities desired in a sport horse and how to rate those qualities. Other topics covered are basics of preparing horses to be shown in-hand and competition rules and procedures. Additionally, this

sport Horse seminar to be Held at Pennock Point sport Horses

seminar will serve as a prerequisite for becoming a USEF-licensed dressage/sport horse breeding judge.

For more information, or to register, please contact Sandi Lieb, at 352-466-3661 or [email protected].

For more information on USDF Sport Horse Seminars visit the USDF website or contact the USDF

office. Founded in 1973, the United States Dressage

Federation is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to education, recognition of achievement, and promotion of dressage. For more information about USDF membership or programs, visit www.usdf.org or call (859) 971-2277.

and drainage bedding allows urine to filter through the bedding to be absorbed by the flooring (clay or sand) or drainage system.

Absorbent bedding works best with most stall floor materials including clay, stall mats, asphalt or concrete.

Drainage bedding works best with these stall floor materials in general, sand, dirt, and floors with drainage systems.

Choices abound for this stable essential

Are you connected?Florida Sporthorse’s

monthly e-newsletter delivers information to your inbox!Sign up on Facebook or request a subscription: [email protected]



Equestrian Services

Arena Design, Construction & Maintenance

We can build your own private arena to your specifications, then maintain the ring on a weekly or monthly schedule.

All work done by laser grading.

727-249-3355

No job too big or too small! Call us for our many other services.

Mowing, Seeding, Filling, Disc, Compacting, Clean Ups, Driveways,

Barn & House Pads

Custom 3-in-1 Graders

BBQ Grills & SmokersAvailable in five models: hitch wagons, buck boards, sedans,

tankers and stagecoaches. Custom orders always welcome.

Can be painted in any color to match your tractor. Much attention is given to nutrition for

our equine athletes, but what about the other half of the equation: the rider?

We know that nutrition can make a differ-ence in our horses’ dispositions and attitudes, their muscling and top lines, their energy and ability to perform well. Yet many riders fail to recognize that we humans are equally affected by what we eat.

The foods we eat affect not only our bod-ies, but our minds and emotions as well. By optimizing our own nutrition, we can perform our best, and our time with our horses can be more rewarding for both horse and rider.

BodyMost of us have varying degrees of mus-

cular weakness and postural misalignments, which can be further exaggerated by nu-tritional imbalances and deficiencies. This causes us to have to work harder than neces-sary while riding. (Working harder, of course, creates tension, making the experience even less pleasant for ourselves and our horses.)

Proper nutrition can make it easier for you to maintain good posture and to use your body with least effort and greater effective-ness in the saddle.

MindThe foods we eat also have an enormous

effect on our mental focus, our thought pro-cesses, and our attitudes. Dietary indiscre-tions and excesses, as well as blood sugar imbalances, can cause even the nicest person to become aggressive, impatient, emotionally reactive, fatigued, or unfocused.

Someone who eats a well-balanced, clean diet will not only be able to think more clearly but will also tend to have a calmer, more pa-tient attitude- very important attributes when working with horses.

FOODWhile there are many different diet fads

and no one diet works for every body, there are some basic principles of good nutrition that do apply to us all:

1. Eat foods in as close to their natu-ral form as possible. For example, instead of applesauce eat a whole apple. Foods that are in their natural, whole form generally do not come in packages! (An exception would be something like baby carrots).

If it is packaged, it’s highly processed,

which means nutrients have been lost and the food is less recognizable and usable by your body- instead of providing your body with what it needs for opti-mal functioning, these foods burden your body with things it cannot use, leading to toxicity in both body

and mind. The body, as part of nature, is designed to digest and process foods in their natural form.

The vitamins, minerals, and enzymes in natural foods are more potent as well as balanced with other factors that make them more easily assimilated by the body.

2. Focus on fruits and veggies. These nutrient-rich, high-water content foods should make up the largest percentage of your diet.

More concentrated foods, such as meats, eggs, nuts, and grains should be eaten in smaller quanti-ties.

3. Combine foods properly for optimal diges-tion and assimilation. Just as some foods make bet-ter combinations than others for a casserole or stew, the same is true for efficient functioning of your body. When your body has to work hard to digest the food you eat, energy is diverted to the digestive process and can cause fatigue and foggy thinking, as well as bloating and abdominal discomfort.

Proper food combining helps your digestive sys-tem to work efficiently, freeing up energy for other things, like riding! There are two general rules of food combining: a) fruit should be eaten alone and on an empty stomach (at least 3 hours after previous meal), and b) do not eat proteins and starches at the same meal (DO eat plenty of veggies with either of these foods.)

4. Limit your consumption of sugar, caffeine, and alcohol. These foods cause extreme reactions in the body, leading to blood sugar imbalances that can manifest as light-headedness, weakness, foggy think-ing, fatigue (after the initial jolt from the caffeine or sugar), aggression, and impatience, as well as setting you up for more cravings.

These effects sometimes may not be felt until days after consuming these foods, making it difficult to recognize the cause-and-effect relationship.

If your aim is optimal performance, these foods should be limited (or eliminated) in your diet.

5. Drink plenty of pure water. Your body is

Inside Out Rider fitness begins with a healthy, balanced diet

bryony anderson

The foods we eat affect not only our bodies, but our minds and emotions as well. By optimizing our own nutrition, we can perform our best, and our time with our horses can be more rewarding for both horse and rider.

made up of about 70% water and depends on it to carry out all basic functions and metabolic processes.

Don’t wait until you are thirsty- by then you are already dehydrated. Dehy-

dration can cause stiffness in the joints, tight muscles, fatigue, lack of mental clar-ity, and many other problems.

For the average person, daily water intake should be ½ ounce per pound of body weight. (Divide your body weight by 2- that is the number of ounces of water you should drink daily; so, a 120 lb person would need to drink 60 ounces of water.)

If you do consume caffeine, you need to drink an additional 8 ounces of water for each cup of caffeinated beverage you drink, in order to balance out the dehy-drating effects of the caffeine.

Some people dislike the taste of water; in this case, a slice of lemon or orange in the water can give it a nice flavor without adding chemical flavorings that are harm-ful to the body.

You will need to do your own experi-menting to find the particular foods that work best for you and give you the results you want.

It can be helpful to keep a journal, noting what you ate and the time of day, as well as anything you notice about your state of mind, your energy level, and your physical body throughout the day.

Keep in mind that if your diet has been less than ideal for some time, you may ex-perience an exacerbation of symptoms at first while your body rids itself of toxins; in this case, make changes slowly, drink plenty of pure water, and give your body extra rest.

The effort you make will be well worth it when you experience the vitality, energy, positive attitude and happiness that come from an improved inner well-being, and every aspect of your life- including your riding- will be better for it.

Equestrian Services

Arena Design, Construction & Maintenance

We can build your own private arena to your specifications, then maintain the ring on a weekly or monthly schedule.

All work done by laser grading.

727-249-3355

No job too big or too small! Call us for our many other services.

Mowing, Seeding, Filling, Disc, Compacting, Clean Ups, Driveways,

Barn & House Pads

Custom 3-in-1 Graders

BBQ Grills & SmokersAvailable in five models: hitch wagons, buck boards, sedans,

tankers and stagecoaches. Custom orders always welcome.

Can be painted in any color to match your tractor.

Rider fitness begins with a healthy, balanced diet

Florida Sporthorse Summer 2012

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Transcript of Florida Sporthorse Summer 2012