SporthorseFLORIDA

SPRING 2013

Vol. 4, No.3 Beautiful Babies

4 Editor’s NoteKeep your head about you; wear a helmet

6 Success in any sizeGreta Wrigley and Florida dressage

9 Scott HofstetterUp close with the rider, trainer, clinician

12 Demystifying DewormersChoose the right product to kill parasites

14 Feeding and ExerciseWhat to feed before and after the ride

16 A little play goes a long wayIncrease performance by stressing fun

18 Master ClassA trainer learns the Masterson method

20 The Break UpSuccessfully severing trainer ties

21 Journey Towards HarmonyDressage goes West(ern)

22 Beautiful BabiesPhotos from our first cover contest

SPRING 2013Sporthorse

FLORIDA

Inside Florida Sporthorse

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Pictured above is the first runner up in our Beautiful Baby Contest. Cruz is a Thoroughbred owned by Christie Davie. More entries are featured on page 22.

Brian Bilbrey

Dreamstime

Pennington

4 From the editor A

bou

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cov

er

Emerald Legacy, a Trakehner colt by Tatendrang out of Tanzania *E* by Avignon II. “Legs” was bred and is owned by Anissa Cottongim at Emerald Acres.

Photo by Alica Frese, AliciaFrese.com

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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.

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It is the job of the governing board of any organization to protect its members.

FLASporthorse

In the story of The Sneetches, Dr. Seuss tells the tale of two groups of sneetches, some who have stars on their bellies and some who do not.

The “ones with stars on thars” parade past those with “no stars on thars” without saying a word, until one day, a charlatan named Sylvester McMonkey McBean rolls into town with a magical machine that transforms the plain bellies into star bellies. In the equivalent of Seussian cosmetic surgery, the Star-bellies have their stars removed.

This goes back and forth until everyone becomes too confused to know who is who and universal acceptance ensues.

The Sneetches is, at its root, a story about the dangers of discrimination and peer pressure as well as the importance of self-worth. Yet for the Sneetches to live harmoniously, they had to be forced to change their culture.

Upper level dressage is experiencing its own shift in culture. Before the early April mandate that upper-level dressage riders wear protective headgear, it was already becoming increasingly rare to see riders in the long-revered top hat cantering into the ring at A.

Beginning with a reaction to Courtney King-Dye’s accident in 2010 and firmly punctuated by Olympic gold-medalist Charlotte Dujardin at the London Games, protective headgear is steadily starting to edge out a long held tradition.

The move is not without criticism. Those opposed to the new ruling stating that few accidents happen to riders at the FEI levels. Some of these

critics view the USEF as the loose equivalent of McMonkey McBean in the Seuss tale, imposing a standard that is not really needed or entirely wanted.

They cry, “It’s our choice.” However, to forgo a helmet to make a fashion statement has potentially harmful and long-lasting effects, not just for the rider who sustains an injury but for everyone involved with that individual. Those who suffer

head injuries may suffer from a range of disabilities. In addition, both the short and long-term medical costs associated with severe head injuries can prove devastating.

The emotional, physical and financial costs take a heavy toll on family and friends.

It is the job of the governing board of any organization to protect its members. In equestrian sports, we tend to think that this applies to our horses but not ourselves.

Other high-risk Olympic disciplines require protective headgear: cycling, snowboarding, boxing. Riders feel offended when uneducated spectators question the athleticism and risk associated with guiding a 1200+ pound animal.

Doesn’t it seem contradictory to reject that in the name of tradition and vanity?

FEI medical chairman Dr. Craig Ferrell draws a parallel between the reluctance in helmet use in all sports to the initial resistance that American drivers had to the federal law requiring seat belts.

Today, buckling up when starting a car has become a natural part of the driving culture and, according to the National Traffic Safety Board, saves over 9500 lives each year.

Eventually, there won’t be a culture of “top hats on thars” and “helmets on thars,” but a universal standard where the safety and worth of both horses and humans are never questioned.

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and shoeing, bandaging, systems, anatomy, stable skills, and more.

5. Deborah Herbert of Myakka City is the first president of the new Florida affiliate of the Western Dressage Association of America. She is a mom, school teacher, education consultant and professional artist.

6. Karen Abbattista is a USDF Bronze and Silver Medalist, a recipient of the Silver Musical Freestyle Bars, and an USEF Learner Judges Program Graduate with Distinction. Restructured in 2012 from a successful corporate career, Karen decided to follow her heart, choosing a new life helping horses and humans believe in themselves and each other. Based out of RJC Equestrian Centre, she now teaches both Classical and Western Dressage throughout Sarasota, Manatee, and Charlotte Counties. She continues to compete both at national and FEI level dressage.

7. 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 around the world.

8. 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.

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.The Faces of Florida Sporthorse

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1. Carol Bulmer Since graduating Pennsylvania State University with a B.S. in Animal Science Carol has pursued a career in the dressage world. First with a 5 year apprenticeship with Dorita Konyot learning to ride and train dressage then with her own training stable. Along the way Carol has earned her United States Dressage Federation Silver Medal by competing successfully through the Intermediare I, achieved her United States Equestrian Federation “R” Technical Delegate license, has been granted a Federation Equestrian International Level 1 Stewards license and is a U.S.D.F. Certified Instructor (Training through Second level) as well a graduate with Distinction from the U.S.E.F. Learner Judges program.

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

4. 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

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6 Florida Sporthorse Magazine

“You have to look ahead. Think ahead. Don’t just run him from movement to movement.”

The adult rider mounted on the restless bay gelding leaned in listening intently.

“Be more deliberate and methodical about what you are asking him for. Get your eyes up and out of his braids and get going.”

Greta Wrigley delivers the advice to one of her many amateur clients. The words hit home, the rider squares her shoulders, raises her chin and trots off back into the warm up a more determined, focused rider. The horse responds to this change of attitude with a more robust, uphill trot as Wrigley looks on with satisfaction.

Greta Wrigley has been a solid presence at Florida dressage and Arabian breed shows for more than 25 years.

During that time Wrigley has amassed a prodigious list of accomplishments and awards that includes: USDF Bronze, Silver and Gold Medalist - all earned on Arabians; 10 National Championships in Dressage Arabian Horse Association; eight Reserve National Championships Arabian Horse Association; 28 National Top 10 Arabian Horse Association; 100+ Regional Championships and Reserves Arabian Horse Association; Three-Time Winner Female Dressage Trainer of the Year Arabian Horse Association (1996,1998,1999); Hall of Fame Recipient Arabian Professional Horseman’s Association; 2003 Coached entry from Trinidad for the Pan Am Games; 2010 Coached entry from Trinidad/Tobago for the Caribbean Games.

Whoa! Trinidad? Tobago?Let’s rewind history on Greta Wrigley. If you

thought that Wrigley’s subtle accent and inflections indicate a more exotic beginning you would be right.

Wrigley was born in Trinidad, West Indies (the southern most Caribbean islands just off the coast of Venezuela, South America).

“I can claim three citizenships: British, Trinidadian and as of 1989 I became a naturalized American citizen,” Wrigley said.

While she was growing up in Trinidad horseracing was popular but riding schools were scarce. A 12-year-old Wrigley took her first lessons at a local riding school on ex racehorses that would only go to the left.

“You could not make them go to the right.” Wrigley said.

When the riding school closed a year later, she pestered her parents to buy her favorite school horse. Her parents declined to spend the $50 for the ex racehorse/lesson horse but eventually relented to a single- minded Wrigley buying her first mount, a donkey named Paddy.

“My family owned an hundred acre plantation, and I rode that donkey everywhere! I had no saddle

and had to make a bridle out of some scrap metal and rope. When I wasn’t riding Paddy I would groom him, bath him and tether him out for grass. We had no fenced pastures so all the livestock were tethered to graze.”

With laser-like determination, Wrigley set her sights on her only career choice: Professional Equestrian.

Wrigley moved to England and in the space of four years was awarded her British Horse Society Assistant Instructor’s Certificate plus the Breeding and Stud Management Certificate from the National Pony Society of England as well as her BHS

Intermediate Teaching Certificate. Adding to this impressive list of credentials

Wrigley held positions during this time at Claverdon Lodge Arabian Stud (owned by Mrs. Joan Ratcliff, a prominent British Arabian Judge) and the world famous Crabbet Arabian Stud in Sussex, England (then a riding school).

The burgeoning horse career opportunities in America attracted her attention during a visit to her sister in Florida in 1976.

Wrigley promptly connected with Rick and Terry Houghton and began work as instructor/trainer at

Capriole Farm in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Moving from England to the Deep South was

massive culture shock.“I was coming from BHS training at stables where

you taught lessons in full-dress: Hacking jackets and hats, green shirt, tan breeches, neckties with stripes that identified your status (assistant instructor, associate instructor). Here I was in the Deep South where everything was ‘Yes, Ma’am! No, Ma’am!.’ Jimmy Carter was president. I lived in a “dry” county so I needed to go to the next county if I wanted to buy liquor. I did not know what grits were, I had no idea what a Turkey Shoot was and I was horrified when

I noticed that the farrier, Junior Collins, appeared to have an abscess on the side of his face. Poor man! It took quite a while before someone e x p l a i n e d

chewing tobacco to me,” said Wrigley with a grin. “But I was making three times what I was earning in England!”

Wrigley kept up a galloping pace teaching, training, fox hunting, competing at Combined Events which led Wrigley to purchase Lord Waldo, a 15.3 hand Connemara TB cross.

“Waldo was my first big time horse. He was a hot horse, a great jumper and a great teacher, very unforgiving of mistakes. You learned to do things right or he would buck you off! We went all the way through Preliminary, even winning the Prelim level

Carol Bulmer

Trinidad transplant Greta Wrigley has been a dressage scene staple for over 25 years

Success in all sizes

PEOPLE SEEM SURPRISED WHEN I SHOW UP RIDING A WARMBLOOD AND NOT AN ARABIAN, BUT I’M JUST DOING WHAT I ALWAYS HAVE DONE. I KEEP AN OPEN MIND AND TRAIN THE HORSE I AM RIDING DEPENDING ON HIS SPECIFIC NEEDS AND TEMPERAMENT SO HE CAN PERFORM TO HIS BEST ABILITY.

Above: Trainer Greta Wrigley focuses her attention on a student’s ride. Right: Wrigley enters the ring. Known for her work with Arabians, she has brought a variety of horses up through the levels. Photo by Liana Bloodworth.

8 Florida Sporthorse Magazine

at Rocking Horse.” Wrigley said. “He lived out his life retired at Everglades Arabians. I loved that horse.”

Opportunity knocked again in 1978 and Wrigley moved to Ocala to open Rohan Stables in partnership with Karen Wohrley.

Dressage in Florida at this time had only three shows: Rocking Horse (Altoona), the Old Polo Grounds in Wellington and the Tampa Fairgrounds.

“Karen and I decided to run a Dressage and Combined Training Show. We did not have two dimes to rub together.”

Undaunted, they rented the Ocala Livestock Pavilion, built a dressage arena out of concrete blocks and pvc pipes, borrowing jumps from Marion Saddle Club. “Charlotte Trentleman (now a “S” Dressage Judge from Anthony) came with her second level half Arab. Second level was a big deal at that time.” Wrigley said.

By 1983 interest in dressage was building in Florida. Jean Brinkman had just moved into her new farm. Ann Gribbons and Gunnar Ostergaard were coming down to do some winter shows. Charlotte Trentleman was running shows for Marion Saddle Club.

“I had retired Lord Waldo, was now eventing Scaramouche and I had just begun riding part time for Suzanne Stewart at Everglades Arabians,” Wrigley said.

Sandi Chohany began wintering at Everglades Arabians in 1988. Wrigley discovered that Everglades Arabians and Sandi Chohany were a perfect fit for her career and began training for Everglades Arabians full time. “Sandi Chohany trained and rode EA Novette up through Grand Prix then turned her over to me to ride and show. I received my United States Dressage Federation Gold Medal in three shows riding Novette.” Wrigley said.

Countless successful Dressage Arabians resulted from the Everglades team of Sandi, Greta and owner Suzanne.

In 1998 Wrigley opened Greta Wrigley Training. 12 training horses followed her into Stanley White’s Grandeur Arabians in Citra where Wrigley’s career continued to thrive.

In 2005 GWT moved to its present location in Alachua.

Wrigley contends much of her success is due to studying with the best trainer/instructors she could find.

The list includes Debbie Riehl-Rodriguez, Sandi Chohany, Nancy Harris and Jennie Loriston-Clark.

“I rode with Debbie Riehl-Rodriguez for many of the early years. She gave me great basics up to the FEI. Sandi gave me the FEI,” said Wrigley.

“Nancy Harris showed me what the FEI levels were supposed to look like.”

The list of horses Wrigley trained to Intermediare includes EA Zarima (full Arab), EA April Love+/ (full Arab) and L.A. Baltic Mariner+/ (Swedish warm blood half Arab).

“Then there was Abracadabra (warm blood Arabian cross). He was the first horse I owned and trained all the way to Grand Prix myself.” Wrigley said. “He was skinny and gangly but had this wonderful personality and work ethic. I fell in love with him and just knew he would go to Grand Prix.”

Wrigley has a special appreciation for Jennie Loriston-Clark.

“I admire Jennie. She is just a great all-around horsewoman,” Wrigley said. “She has competed in horse trials, is a four time Olympian and carriage

drives. She has been a huge influence on me not just for teaching but my inclusive attitude. It does not matter what type or level of rider, the breed or use of horse she will teach them all with the same enthusiasm and attention. She is just an interesting person.”

Taking this example to heart Wrigley has not discriminated by horse breed or experience level of student. While some owners and trainers abandoned their Arabians in favor of warmbloods, Wrigley continued to train, show and succeed with them. In fact some people credit Wrigley’s success as a driving force in the evolution of the Arabian Sport Horse phenomenon.

“Don’t stereotype people, don’t stereotype horses,” Wrigley insists.

“No matter what breed, you have to consider the individual. The Arabs are hotter. They are smarter. You teach an Arab something Monday and by Wednesday he comes back and says ‘You know what? I have a better way of doing that. Let me show you how.’ You have to be prepared for that. Most of them will not take the drilling. You have to change your training for that. Biomechanically you want the poll to be the highest point, but conformation wise this horse is built with high set on head and neck. If you do not bring that head and neck down you will not connect the back. They will break at the base of the neck, not connect the back and I don’t care how much you drive you are not going to get the horse uphill,” Wrigley said.

“The National Championships trophy statues designed by Gladys Brown Edwards show the ideal Arabian with very strong haunches. The old Polish bred Arabians had very strong in the haunches.”

Wrigley points out that historically the Arabian was used to enhance other breeds. The modern Thoroughbred has three Arabian Stallions at its origins. The Trakehner breed regularly infuses Arabian bloodlines.

“Look at Jean Brinkman’s Martini*Pg*E* (who has an Anglo Arabian as a Great Grandsire). There are many horses competing at the highest level of sport with Arabian in their bloodline. You just don’t know

it, they do not advertise it,” said Wrigley.Wrigley believes that success requires Common

Sense, Open Mindedness, Hard Work and daily use of the Dressage Training Scale.

Wrigley advises: do not expect everything to go smoothly all the time, seek regular instruction (not necessarily the most expensive) and most importantly get your horse fit.

“It took six months to get Baltic Mariner fit enough for Piaffe and Passage,” she said.

“Dressage riders need to work at canter for longer periods to get fit enough. This philosophy goes back to my Eventing Days, the BHS system and to my fox hunting background in England.”

Wrigley notes that he Arabian Sport Horse business is booming “The Arabian Sport Horse Nationals had to split off to a separate National Championships from Main Ring Arabians to accommodate the explosion of participants. Sport Horse Nationals are geared toward the amateur that rides the Arabian (and half Arabian) in dressage, show jumping, endurance, driving and sport horse in-hand.”

Wrigley’s latest success is True North IV, a 15yr old 16 hand warm blood gelding she rides for owner Liana Bloodworth. True North IV has consistently received scores above 60 percent his first year at fourth and PSG.

“People seem surprised when I show up riding a warmblood and not an Arabian, but I’m just doing what I always have done. I keep an open mind and train the horse I am riding depending on his specific needs and temperament so he can perform to his best ability,” Wrigley said.

Though her resume is lengthy, Wrigley still has specific goals.

“I want to train a few more horses to Grand Prix, I want to see my student and life partner Heather Stalker get her judges license, and I want to continue to train my amateurs. I am proud to offer a training program that fits the specific needs of the amateur whether the goal is for me to campaign the horse for them or for them to compete or to simply train for a responsive, educated and safe mount.”

Wrigley aboard Red Power, one of several horses that Wrigley evented early in her career. Photo courtesy of Greta Wrigley.

as I could about jumping. I enjoyed jumping a great deal more than my pony, but we continued to learn together. FSM: When did you decide that you might be interested in showing and how did you go about getting involved into the “show scene”?

SH: At around the age of 13, my family moved to Florida due to my father transferring with his job, and my family settled in Clearwater. At that time I began riding and showing with Georgann Powers of Foxwood Farms.

At 16, I met and started riding with Christina Schlusemeyer. During this time I worked very hard in exchange to be able to gain experience on very well-trained horses, horses that could help teach me. I spent long hours each night before the horse show braiding many horses in exchange to be able to ride in equitation classes.

In 1984 I rode a Thoroughbred named Impossible Dream at the “AA” rated West Palm Beach horse show (now known as the Winter Equestrian Festival). At this horse show I won two entire divisions on this same horse. We were Grand Champion of the Small Junior Hunter division. We were also Grand Champion in the First Year Green Hunter division. Keep in mind that mainly professional riders compete in the First Year Green Hunters. At 16, I had defeated dozens of professional riders to earn that victory.

Scott Hofstetter has long been one of America’s top equestrians in the hunter, jumper and equitation disciplines, a position that he

achieved through persistence, hard work, dedication and true horsemanship. FSM: At what point in your life did you become interested in horses and start learning how too ride? SH: On my eighth birthday my parents gave me a birthday gift to begin horseback riding lessons at a local stable named “Misty Hills” located in Troy, New York. I started riding in the school horse lesson program taking one lesson per week in the saddle seat discipline. My mother, my brother and I enjoyed riding together and spending time at the stable. I continued my saddle seat lessons, which I loved, for two years. All the while I spent paying attention to every detail that revolved around the care, amount of time and effort that it takes too become a good horseman. FSM: Did you own your own pony? At what point did you decide to start learning to jump? SH: After taking saddle seat lessons for two years I started learning the hunter and jumper disciplines. I immediately loved to jump.

I was really excited when I got my own pony, which was an Arabian. I continued to learn as much

FSM: I would assume by this time you were full speed ahead, and you were looking forward to the bigger and better horse shows with goals in your own mind of where you wanted your riding to take you. What was your next step to obtain these goals and improve your riding?

SH: As I continued showing at the bigger, better shows, I was introduced to Bill CooneyAnd Frank Madden of Old Salem Farm New York. They graciously allowed me to ride the Thoroughbred equitation horse Ivory Coast.

As a pair we were pictured together in the well- known book written by George Morris called “Hunt Seat Equitation” (third edition). I continued riding horses with Old Salem Farm through my junior year in high school. At 17, I moved back to New York to be able to ride more and seize the opportunity to compete at the indoor finals. At that time I would spend my entire horse show day catch riding 12 different horses in the Small Junior Hunter division. FSH: 1986 was your final year to show as a junior. This would have been your last chance to compete and possibly win in anyone of the finals. Describe the last season of your junior years and how you gracefully “aged out” ?

SH: My last year as a junior rider shaped up like this;I showed in the USET (United States Equestrian

dawn CastiGnoli

SCOTT HOFSTETTER

LOVE FOR THE HORSE.HARD WORK. DEVOTION.

Ocala-based Scott Hofstetter is regarded as a top rider and trainer in the hunter, jumper and equitation disciplines. His early years were spent riding with Georgeann Powers and Christina Schulsemeyer. Photos courtesy of Scott Hofstetter.

Team) finals held at Gladstone and rode Keep The Change, earning a third place ribbon.

In the AHSA(American Horse Show Association) Medal Finals held at Harrisburg, PA, I rode Keep The Change and took home the second place ribbonThen came the big one, the most sought after win by all junior equitation riders, the ASPCA Maclay Finals. Keep the Change and I won the 1986 Maclay Final, what a way to end my junior career!After the finals I started working for Old Salem Farm in exchange for college tuition at Fairfield University. At 21 I then moved back to Florida and started working for Don Stewert in Ocala. I rode 20 plus horses as Don Stewarts only show rider. The shows consisted of the east coast circuit, Devon, Capital Challenge, Harrisburg, and Madison Square Garden. I Credit The Devon Horse show for developing myself into the talented hunter rider that I have become.

During the 1990s, I began my teaching career. I started teaching clinics nationwide and obtained my judges cards in Hunters, Jumpers, and Equitation.

FSH: How has your professional career evolved since then? SH: In 2002, I purchased my personal farm and established Copley Place where sale horses are brought in to be sold and clinics are conducted. Four clinics per year are taught on site.

Also, I travel nationally conducting multiple clinics per year. Students are at the beginner through the advanced levels. I also continue to judge major horse shows such as Medal Finals, Maclay Finals, Washington International Horse show and The Pony Finals.

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There are two general terms for all dewormers, also called anthelmintics, Broad Spectrum and Narrow Spectrum.

Broad Spectrum means that the compound is effective against large strongyles, cyathostomes (small strongyles), ascarids, and pinworms. Narrow Spectrum means the compound is effective on anything less than those. Most dewormers widely used today fall under the Broad Spectrum category.

All equine dewormers must be approved by the Center for Veterinary Medicine of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and must remove at least 90% of the targeted parasites. Equine dewormers usually do not need to be refrigerated, but heat may damage the efficacy of the ingredients.

Always observe the expiration dates of compounds that are printed on the packaging. Expired dates do not mean that the drugs have become toxic, but that they may not be as effective.

When considering which dewormer to use, one must first know which parasites are invading the horse so that the most effective anthelmintic can be used at the proper time in the parasites’ life cycle for maximum efficacy.

To do this with most accuracy, you will need to have your veterinarian do a fecal egg count on a manure sample from each horse in your herd. You also need to know what classes of dewormers are effective against the parasites present in your horse and what dewormers you have used previously in your rotational deworming program.

Rotation of dewormer classes (not brand names) is strongly encouraged to decrease the possibility of parasites becoming drug resistant to dewormers.

Nematocides (drugs that kill round worm parasites (nematodes) such as strongyles (large and small), ascarids, and pinworms) work by paralyzing or starving them. The parasite loses its ability to latch onto the stomach or intestine, whichever their grazing territory may be. For starvation, a parasite needs only to be kept from feeding for 24 hours or less to kill most.

There are five drug classes that are used to make up 10 deworming compounds. The five classes (and related compounds) are: Benzimidazoles (fenbendazole, oxibendazole, and oxifendazole), Tetrahydropyrimidines (pyratel pamoate and pyrantel tartrate), Macrocyclic Lactones (ivermectin and moxidetin), Isoquinoline-Pyrozines (praziquantel) only available in the Combined Macrocyclic Lactones (ivermectin w/praziquantel and moxidectin w/praziquantel), and Hetrocyclic compounds, which piperazine is the only one used in horses and used to be the most used drug to deworm young horses for ascarids only.

All of the drug classes, except for hetrocyclic compounds and Isoquinoline-Pyrozines (praziquantel), are considered broad spectrum dewormers. Many dewormers are available in generic form as well as under a brand name. There is some disagreement among experts as to whether or not generics are as effective as brand names.

1. Benzimidizoles interfere with parasites’ energy metabolism and are able to kill their eggs, which other drug classes cannot. They are available in three forms; granules, paste, and liquid (suspension) and are most effective when given five days in a row. The most famous is the “power pack” option which delivers a larger dose of the dewormer for five consecutive days.

This is one of the preferred treatments for small strongyles (including the encysted cyathostomes).

They are also used to combat large strongyles, ascarids, and pinworms, thus they are a broad spectrum dewormer.

This class of dewormer may be the one having most parasite resistance. Some of the brand names of dewormers in this class are Safe-Guard (fenbendazole), Panacur (fenbendazole), Panacur Powerpac (fenbendazole),, Anthelcide (oxibendazole), and Benzelmin (oxfendazole).

2. Tetrahydropyrimidines are otherwise known as Pyrantels, induce rigid paralysis preventing the worm from being able to feed. (24 hours or less is often enough time to starve a worm.) It is the fastest acting of the drug classes, but parasite populations recover quickly from it, lowering egg counts for about four weeks before returning to elevated levels. It is available in a single dose paste form (pyrantel pamoate) or granular form (pyrantel tartrate) which is usually given at a lower dose as a daily preventative or can be given at a single higher dose to remove an existing parasite population. (including the encysted cyathostomes).

They are used to combat large and small strongyles, ascarids, and pinworms, thus they are a broad spectrum dewormer as well.

A double dose of Pyrantel pamoate in the spring and again in the fall has long been a treatment for tapeworms.

Tetrahydropyrimidines come in the brand names Strongid Paste (pyrantel pamoate), Strongid C (pyrantel tartrate), Strongid C 2X (pyrantel tartrate),

Continuex Daily Dewormer (pyrantel tartrate), Rotation 2 (pyrantel pamoate), Equi Aid CW (pyrantel tartrate), Strongyle Wormer (pyrantel tartrate), Manna Pro Foal & Horse Wormer (pyrantel tartrate), Nu-Image Guardian (pyrantel tartrate).

There is some controversy over daily dewormers because they may induce drug resistance in parasites and because of the overall health effects on the horse of daily deworming chemicals being present in his body.

It is advisable to rotate with other classes of dewormers in addition to the daily dewormer. Always, be sure to consult with your veterinarian if you are considering a new or modified treatment option for your horse.

3. Macrocyclic Lactones interrupt the parasites’ nervous system’s transmissions to its muscles resulting in flaccid paralysis, so the worms can’t feed or swallow. (24 hours or less needed to starve a worm.) This class is potent, needing smaller doses to destroy the enemy, but don’t act as quickly as other drugs. Three or four days are required to lower egg counts. They are available in a paste or liquid/solution as ivermectin or in a gel as moxidectin. They are a broad spectrum dewormer, effective on large and small strongyles, ascarids, and pinworms. They can also kill many external parasites such as lice, mites, and skin inhabiting larvae of Onchocerca, Habronema, and Draschia (cause summer sores and eye problems).

Macrocyclic Lactones are available as the brand names Equell, Zimecterin, IverCare, Eqvalan, Equimectrin, Rotation 1, Horse Health Equine Ivermectin, Agri-Mectin Equine Paste- all ivermectin; and Quest Gel (moxidectin).

4. Isoquinoline-Pyrozines are available only as the compound praziquantel which is only used in horses in combination with Mycrocyclic Lactones (ivermectin and moxidectin). This class is different from the others, as it is not a nematocide. It does not kill the species of round worms. It is only effective against, cestodes (tapeworms). So by itself, Praziquantel is a narrow spectrum dewormer. It disrupts the tapeworm’s outer layer which prevents it from keeping its body fluids and chemicals in balance.

It is present in the brand names Equimax and

Demystifying dewormersIdentify pesky parasites before purchasing an anthelmintic

Don’t miss a single issue!

www.floridasporthorsemagazine.com

alita hendriCks

WHEN CONSIDERING WHICH DEWORMER TO USE, ONE MUST FIRST KNOW WHICH PARASITES ARE INVADING THE HORSE SO

THE MOST EFFECTIVE ANTHELMINTIC CAN BE USED AT THE PROPER TIME IN THE PARASITES’ LIFE CYCLE...

See Deworming/page 19

Florida Sporthorse Magazine 11

nerida riChards

Empty stomach or full stomach before exercise?The horse is a monogastric and a continuous

grazer, so logic says that a horse's stomach should never be empty. Having a full stomach is important for the horse as it stops gastric acids from the lower part of the stomach splashing around and irritating the upper sections of the gastrointestinal tract.

This acid splash that occurs in horses exercised on an empty stomach is thought to contribute to the development of gastric ulcers.

Therefore, if a horse is stabled without constant access to forage, or if it has been more than two hours since the horse last grazed or fed, you should feed your horse before exercise.

A small feed will protect a horse from gastric ulcers in two ways.

Chewing the feed will stimulate saliva production and saliva acts as a buffer in the stomach. And the feed will fill up the stomach and prevent gastric acids from splashing around.What should you feed before exercise?

What you feed before exercise is very important.

You should only feed forage before exercising your horse and preferably long stem forage like hay. Hay requires a lot of chewing and will stimulate plenty of saliva production which provides good buffering protection for the stomach. While any forage that forms parts of your horse's everyday diet is acceptable, if you are concerned about gastric ulcers in your horses, alfalfa (lucerne) hay has been shown to be helpful when it comes to preventing or resolving ulcers, so if alfalfa hay is available and is fed as part of your horse's normal diet, this would make a good choice for a pre-ride or exercise feed.How much hay should be fed?

While you don't want to give your horse a very large feed of hay before exercise you do need to feed enough to provide some fill in the stomach.

Depending on when your horse was last fed, you should feed between 200 - 300 g/100 kg (0.2 - 0.3 lb/100 lb) of bodyweight, using the larger meal size if your horse hasn't been fed for five or more hours and the smaller meal size if it has been five hours or less since your horse's last meal.What should not be fed before exercise?

Never feed grain within four to five hours of a ride

When horses exercise they burn up stored energy supplies, damaging muscle tissue and losing water and electrolytes via sweat. After exercise it is important to replenish these energy, water and electrolyte stores and provide protein for muscle repair.

Failure to do so can result in reduced performance, muscle wastage and slow recovery times. What you feed, how you feed it and when it is fed all play a role in determining how effectively you replace what your horse uses during moderate to high intensity exercise and how quickly they will recover.

Replenish energy reservesWhen a horse exercises, its muscles use glycogen

(glucose that is stored by the muscles), fatty acids and some amino acids as fuel.

During fast sprint type, high intensity work, muscles operate under anaerobic (no oxygen) conditions and primarily use glycogen as an energy source. Under slower, low to moderate, intensity work the muscles will primarily burn fatty acids for energy under aerobic (oxygen using) conditions,

Feeding and Exercise

To maximize performance, pay attention to pre- and post-ride nutrition

nerida riChards

BEFORE THE RIDE

AFTER THE RIDE

Dreamstime

nerida riChards

Florida Sporthorse Magazine 13saving muscle glycogen supplies for when it is needed for high intensity work.

If muscle glycogen supplies are depleted, the horse quickly becomes fatigued. Therefore it is important that after exercise, muscle glycogen supplies are replenished, otherwise the next time the horse exercises it will start with less glycogen on board and will reach a state of fatigue faster.

The fastest way to replenish glycogen supplies in equine athletes is to feed a grain-based meal following exercise. Grains contain starch, which is digested and absorbed as glucose and this glucose is directly used to replenish glycogen supplies. The grains fed should be cooked (either extruded, micronized, steam flaked or boiled) to maximize their small intestinal digestibility (so more of the starch can be digested and absorbed as glucose).

A grain-based meal should be fed within an hour of completing exercise. Once the horse has returned to a near normal respiration rate and started to cool down the meal can be fed. If the horse has completed its exercise for the day it can be fed its normal morning or evening feed at this time.

If you are still taking part in competition (for example you are at a vet check point in an endurance ride) you should limit the meal to 200 g of grain per kg of bodyweight (or 0.2 lb per 100 lb of bodyweight) so that you don't induce a large increase in blood insulin levels.

The horse's normal ration of hay and/or pasture should also be made available immediately following exercise. If your horse cannot have grain in its diet or does not have grain as part of its normal daily ration you must not use grain to replenish glycogen

supplies following exercise. Instead, these horses should just receive their normal non-grain ration. It may take these horses longer to recover from very heavy exercise and as such they may not be capable of sustaining the workloads required for intense sports like horseracing, endurance and polo.

Overweight and lightly worked horsesIf your horse is overweight or lightly worked it

isn't necessary to replace glycogen supplies following work. The focus for overweight horses should be to burn calories and lose weight.

Following exercise, their body will gradually replace any muscle glycogen that was burnt during exercise using other sources of energy like propionate, a volatile fatty acid absorbed from their hindgut that can be turned into glucose. Feeding grain after exercise will only serve to slow weight loss progress and may even cause weight gain. Overweight horses are also unlikely to exercise at an intensity that uses up any significant amount of glycogen.

Likewise it is unnecessary to replenish glycogen supplies by feeding a grain meal following exercise in horses that are only lightly worked or horses that are only worked a couple of times a week.

These horses are unlikely to burn much glycogen and/or they have plenty of time to easily replace what they did use before their next bout of exercise.

Look after the musclesDuring exercise a horse's muscles experience

multiple little rips and tears that have to be repaired. The muscles also need to grow, strengthen and tone so they can cope with the work required of them.

Ensuring crude protein and lysine requirements are met will mean your horse's muscles have access to plenty of amino acids to repair and grow, however supplying high quality protein in the form of whey protein concentrate immediately following work (within the first 15 minutes of finishing exercise) may help lightly muscled horses build muscle bulk faster.

Whey protein provides rapidly absorbed amino acids that first feed a horse's muscles, second signal to them to slow or stop the muscle breakdown process that occurs during and following exercise and finally, provides muscles with the building blocks they need to grow and strengthen.

Dose rates of 10 to 20 grams per 100 kg of bodyweight of whey protein concentrate are commonly used.

There are also equine specific whey protein and other high protein supplements available for this purpose.

Timing is critical for these supplements to be effective; it must be given immediately after exercise (as opposed to giving it with the next meal).Rehydrate

There has been much debate over the years about when to allow a hot horse to drink water following exercise, with the common perception being that allowing a hot horse to drink causes colic.

While you may wrestle with whether to let your horse drink immediately following exercise I would urge you to use your common sense and knowledge of your own horse.

If your horse wants to drink following exercise and doesn't seem to suffer any ill effects, then I would suggest allowing him to drink, as the positive effects

Dreamstime

of rehydration will be far greater than the benefits associated with not allowing a horse to drink until it is completely cooled.

Drinking water will also help to lower a horse's core body temperature following exercise.Water guidelines

Offer cool water that is at a temperature that is comfortable for you to hold your hand in (i.e. not too cold).

If you horse is a real guzzler, get him to take a few small breaks when drinking.

If you have observed your horse get colicky after a big drink then it would be wise to allow access to water gradually after exercise. But if your horse drinks with no ill effects there is no reason to withhold water following exercise.

Research has also shown that giving slightly salty water (which you can make by adding up to 9 grams of sodium chloride, which is common table salt, per litre to your horse's water) as the first water your horse has access to, followed by giving access to plain water aids in achieving high fluid intakes and faster rates of rehydration.Replace electrolytes

When horses sweat they lose large amounts of the electrolyte minerals sodium, chloride and potassium. They also lose smaller amounts of magnesium and calcium. These minerals lost in

sweat must be replaced to allow full rehydration and normal sweating and muscle function in subsequent bouts of exercise.

Ensuring that your horse's requirements for sodium, potassium and chloride are met according to FeedXL and making sure your horse has free access to a salt lick is adequate to ensure electrolyte repletion on a daily basis. Under intense workloads (for example endurance) or when horses are working in very hot and humid conditions you may need to

consider using a specially designed electrolyte replacer for horses.

When selecting an electrolyte replacer for your horse, read the label of the available electrolyte supplements carefully.

Be wary of products that contain less than 800 grams per kg of actual electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium and magnesium). Some products on the market are more than 50% 'filler' (usually dextrose or glucose) which is of little benefit to the horse as part of an electrolyte replacement program.

14 Florida Sporthorse Magazine Some glucose is necessary for the effective absorption of sodium, but glucose should represent no more than 10% of an electrolyte supplement.Summary

Failure to replace what a fit horse in moderate to high intensity work uses during a bout of exercise will mean that the horse gradually becomes less and less able to complete the work required of it. Using a digestible cooked grain based feed in the first hour following the completion of exercise will restore

muscle glycogen supplies. Feeding a high quality protein

supplement like a whey protein concentrate within 15 minutes of the completion of exercise will feed the muscles and allow them to repair and strengthen.

Providing access to water, and initially slightly salty water following exercise will allow your horse to rehydrate itself.

And finally, ensuring dietary requirements for the electrolyte minerals sodium, chloride and potassium are met will allow your horse to replenish electrolyte minerals lost during exercise as it eats its normal daily ration.

FAILURE TO REPLACE WHAT A FIT HORSE IN MODERATE TO HIGH INTENSITY WORK

USES DURING A BOUT OF EXERCISE WILL MEAN THAT THE HORSE GRADUALLY BECOMES

LESS AND LESS ABLE TO COMPLETE THE WORK REQUIRED OF IT.

16 Florida Sporthorse Magazine

A little play goes a long way

When MaryAnn Lau first moved to Marion County, Florida, 35 years ago, she thought she was in heaven: being surrounded by

open pastures and horses everywhere she looked was a childhood dream come true.

She began her horsemanship journey soon after, spending every free moment learning as much as she could and practicing with her own horses. She took dressage lessons for a few years, to give her young horses a good foundation, but eventually felt drawn into other areas of study. She pursued several approaches to natural horsemanship from a variety of teachers, and this felt to her like exactly what she had been missing.

One of the biggest things that stood out for MaryAnn as she began this new direction of study was the idea of making training sessions FUN. She enjoyed shifting her perspective on training to turn “tasks” into opportunities for both horse and human to enjoy their time together, and found that the attitude of play made her training sessions more

productive and rewarding. Her horses enjoyed it too, and became interested

and enthusiastic partners, engaged in the learning process. Eventually, this passion for making learning fun became her life work, and she began her own business called Learn Two Play.

It is interesting that the majority of horse owners are not professionals, but rather are amateurs who get into horses as a hobby… for fun. Yet, many experience more frustration than fun in this hobby, and the idea of fun gets lost in the pursuit of performance, perfection, and goals; additionally, our horses can become dull, resistant, or burned out when it isn’t fun for them either.

Imagine what it would be like if your training sessions felt like play to you, reminding you of the freedom and joy you experienced as a child. Imagine your horse enjoying your training sessions as much as you did, and becoming truly interested in participating in your chosen activity or sport.

Imagine your horse meeting you eagerly at the gate or stall door, and during training giving you his all and even offering to do more than you had

thought he could. All this is possible when you learn to incorporate a little play.

Learning Two Play can complement any training program. Whatever you are currently doing with your horse, you can make it even better and become better partners by Learning Two Play.

Incorporating play into your current program can help you break out of ruts, so that your training sessions become more effective and help you reach your goals sooner. Playfulness encourages the horse to become a willing participant in the learning process.

Learning Two Play helps horses suffering from physical or mental burnout, and can also be a great way to make constructive use of your time if your horse is laid up from an injury. This approach improves your relationship with your horse, deepening the bond of trust and communication, so that everything else you do with your horse can be more enjoyable and successful.

Here are a few tips from MaryAnn that you can begin to use to incorporate play into your training sessions, making them more fun and rewarding- for

Bryony anderson

Prevent burnout by making learning fun

Caralee GouldMaryAnn Lau aboard Stony. Lau stresses variety and an element of fun in every sport horse’s training plan.

you and for your horse:Figure Out What’s Meaningful to YOUR Horse.

Just like people, different horses appreciate different things…what scores you big points with one, may not be meaningful at all to another.

If your horse is food-motivated, a pouch of treats kept handy and given at the correct times can be a meaningful reward, as can hand-grazing at a favorite patch of grass before or after a training session.

Some horses really appreciate receiving scratches on a favorite spot they can’t reach themselves- like the withers, croup, dock of the tail, or under the girth area.

Still others get inspired when you add something unexpected into your sessions, giving them a sense of adventure and igniting their curiosity and enthusiasm: going for a short hack in a new area, playing games with them on the ground or in the saddle, being creative and mixing up the routine.

Other horses become unsettled by too much change or fluctuation in routine, and instead feel rewarded by having consistency and repetition; knowing what to expect lets them feel included in the

process, so that they more readily engage with you These horses also tend to need more time to

“process” something you have just done, and giving them the time to do so before moving on to the next thing will make them more present and willing participants. Put Yourself In Your Horse’s Shoes.

When we humans interact with horses, it is usually to do what we want and the horse has no say. Taking the time to show a horse you are interested in him makes him become more interested in engaging with you. Try a little exercise called “Walking Passenger” to experience life through your horse’s eyes and enhance the bond of partnership.

Choose a safe area to do the exercise, and plan to spend ten to fifteen minutes. With your horse haltered, stand beside your horse near the withers and put your hand on his back, holding the lead line loosely in your other hand. Now turn over all decisions to the horse.

At first, he may feel uncertain of what to do, wondering what you want from him, but be patient and resist the urge to direct him. Your energy and attitude need to be one of allowing and mirroring.

Watch what your horse chooses to do, and mirror him with your own body: if he steps off with his left front, you step with your left foot, matching your pace and steps with his; if he leans down to nibble grass, you lean down and look like you are interested in the grass; if he looks at something off in the distance, you look in that same direction until he makes a change.

This is an exercise of giving the horse a say, and it builds his confidence as well as his willingness to hand over leadership to you when it is your turn.

It is also an exercise in being fully present

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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with your horse- no cell phones or other human distractions- experiencing your horse’s world with him.

A really good time to do this exercise is after your riding time together, and before and after trailering. Not only will your horse enjoy it, you may just find that slowing down and experiencing your horse’s world for a short while recharges your energy and gives you a peaceful state of mind.Do Something With a Purpose That Makes Sense to Your Horse.

“Point to Point” is a great exercise for motivating a lazy horse or helping a flighty horse become more focused. “Bait” your training area or yard with little tidbits of carrot- hide them on top of fence posts, on dressage markers, on cross-rails, near trees, or around things that your horse might even spook at normally.

Then either from the saddle or while leading your horse from the ground, take him to each of these “hidden treasures,” one at a time- with purpose, intent, and focus.

You will be surprised how quickly your horse catches on and becomes eager to go wherever you ask him to!

You can easily add this into a regular training session, doing some of your usual practice and then surprising him and keeping his attention by leading him to a hidden treat during a walk break or change of direction; you can use these periodic surprises to break up the routine and keep the horse engaged with you, anticipating that whatever you ask of him it is bound to be enjoyable and worth his effort.

Florida Sporthorse Magazine 17

If you are interested in incorporating Learning Two Play into your current training program, or just want to have more fun with your horse on an everyday basis, MaryAnn Lau is available for private coaching sessions.

She can be reached by phone: (352) 361-7646, or email: maryann@mfi.net. Her website is www.LearnTwoPlay.com.

Make Contact

Caralee Gould

It was a difficult decision. Winter in Florida, every weekend brings a different workshop, clinic, seminar, symposium, or summit. Tired of hearing

about the many choices, my husband told me I could pick one (emphasis on one) to attend as a Christmas present.

Early on in our relationship, the ground rules were firmly established and understood. Every gift-giving holiday is an excuse to buy something horse related, bar none.

Forget about a diamond anniversary band, I would rather have a custom made beaded brow band. He used to think this would save him money. Hah! That illusion was shattered long ago. He now adheres to our own particular Code of Silence as it relates to my expenses equestrian, “don’t ask, don’t tell, don’t go there.”

But, I digress.As I reviewed my options, one in particular

seemed to offer a unique opportunity to add a new dimension to my work with horses, the Masterson Method Weekend Seminar-Workshop.

The Masterson Method is an interactive method of bodywork in which you learn to recognize and use the responses of the horse to touch in order to find and release accumulated tension in key junctions of the body that most affect performance.

The horse is an active participant in the process of releasing tension. It is something you do with the horse, rather than to him.

While designed to improve performance, it has the added benefit of teaching you to access a new level of communication with your equine partner.

Why Masterson?My passion is dressage. The object of dressage,

from the USEF rule book, is “the harmonious development of the physique and ability of the horse.

As a result it makes the horse calm, supple, loose and flexible but also confident, attentive and keen thus achieving perfect understanding with his rider.”

Maximizing performance and creating a happy, healthy athlete requires a multi-faceted approach. What you do off the horse is just as important as time on the horse.

Suppleness defined is the range of motion of joints; it is pliability and flexibility, the opposite of stiffness. A horse’s suppleness is largely determined by genetics but with time can be improved or negatively impacted by training.

Suppleness is near the foundation of the Pyramid of Training; it’s that important. It goes hand in hand with relaxation and requires the absence of negative muscular tension.

If I could learn to locate and release tension in my horse through bodywork, would that not improve the suppleness under saddle? Absolutely! Reason One.

Reason Two. Dressage is about partnership. Horse and rider move as one. A side effect of the Masterson Method is improved communication with

your horse, an immediate bond of trust as you work cooperatively together to release tension.

It’s a dynamic dialog with the horse, in fact, if you do not allow the horse to participate, it doesn’t work.

An opportunity to improve my communication skills with the horse? Count me in!

The Masterson Method has an international reputation, and joining me at the Weekend Workshop were participants from Israel, Ireland, Canada, and various parts of the United States.

While from many different backgrounds, we were all united by a common goal, our desire to help horses.

Our teacher, Marie Riley, was engaging and enthusiastic. After brief introductions Saturday

morning, we all got to work. We began by focusing on the three key junctions

of the body that most affect performance: the Poll, the Neck/Shoulder/Withers Junction, and the Hind End Junction.

When tension is released in any of these junctions, the muscles are able to relax, and as a result, tension is even released in more remote areas of the horse’s body.

We learned how to use defined levels of touch to search for responses from the horse. These levels

were described as: Air Gap – Barely touching the surface; Egg Yolk – The amount of pressure it would take to indent a raw egg yolk with your finger tip. Yes, you can try this at home; Grape – You guessed it, the amount of pressure it would take to indent a grape; Soft Lemon – The amount of pressure it would take to squeeze a soft, ripe lemon; Hard lime – The amount of pressure it would take to squeeze a hard, unripe lime.

Responses range from the subtle, such as a blink of an eye, a change in breathing, a quivering of the lips, to large releases such as snorting or sneezing, shaking the head, yawning, stretching.

These were obvious signs that tension was being released in the body. If there was ever a question about the level of pressure to use, we were repeatedly

told, less is more! Relaxation (there’s that word again)

was a requirement for the horse’s full participation. Bracing was the enemy of the release.

The first technique we learned was how to use the bladder meridian. The bladder

meridian is one of the major acupuncture meridians, running down each side of the horse’s body. With this technique we learned how to read the horse and the correlation between our touch and the horse’s response.

We felt the immediate bond of trust that developed as a result of our interaction. Working on a variety of different horses, we learned to search for areas of tension, looking for the most subtle of responses, and then to stay within that area, waiting for the release. I don’t know who smiled wider with

‘Master’ Class

The horse is an active participant in the process of releasing tension.

It is something you do with the horse, rather than to him.

18 Florida Sporthorse Magazine

Dressage trainer explores relaxation, suppleness through The Masterson Methodkaren aBBattista

Karen Abbattista (kneeling front row, center) and her classmates from the Masterson Method Weekend Workshop earler this year at Spanish Legacy Andalusians. Photo courtesy of Karen Abbattista.

the release, me or the horse?How do we use the Bladder Meridian?Rule 1: Use Search, Response, Stay, Release.

When you get a response such as a blink, or a twitch of the lips, stop moving your hand and rest it there, using air gap pressure. Wait! A larger release is coming.

The most common release will be licking and chewing, or the horse may let out a sigh or yawn. Once the horse shows the larger release reponse, move on.

Rule 2: Go softly. Use air gap pressure, barely touching the horse’s hair with your palm or your fingertips. Run slowly over the meridian, all the time watching for subtle responses.

Rule 3: Go slowly. Relax, take a deep breath, and forget about the clock.

Over the next two days, we would learn other techniques that targeted the three key junctions of the body.

Marie would explain and demonstrate the technique, and we would divide up into groups of two and practice what we had learned on the horses.

Jim Masterson, founder of the Masterson Method, is the USET Endurance Team Equine Massage Therapist. Jim accompanied the USET Endurance Team to the World Equestrian Games in 2006, 2008, 2010, and 2012.

Team member Meg Sleeper, DVM said of Jim, “It is impossible to overestimate Jim’s ability to keep performance horses working at their peak level. Simply put, he is like having a secret weapon.”

Jim has also supported equine clientele competing in other international level competitions, and currently works on 500 – 600 horses a year on the U.S. Hunter-Jumper Show Circuit.

When he first became interested in equine massage in 1997, Jim recognized that the horse exhibits certain neurological responses to touch as it releases tension in the body. Using those responses to guide his work, he developed an effective method of bodywork that anyone can learn to use.

In 2004, he released an instructional DVD, Equine Massage for Performance Horses: The Masterson Method. This was followed in 2011 by the book, Beyond Horse Massage.

Clinic Organizer Anna Bergenstrahle was able to chat with the Jim Masterson as he was finishing filming a new DVD.

How often do you recommend treatment?

In performance horses, once a week if possible. When horses are being worked on a regular basis Jim recommends working on them the day before or same day as performance.Are all horses good candidates?

Yes! Performance horses because their work is challenging and they get sore and tight just like human athletes, but all horses are one sided and can benefit from the work.Are some disciplines harder on horses than others?

Standardbred racing is physically very challenging but also finds that a lot of dressage horses are being brought along too fast and are sore. However, he has worked on Jane Savoie’s horse and was very positively impressed with how he felt.What about different breeds?

Some breeds are more stoic (like Fjord horses for example) and one has to watch more closely for reactions, others are more reactive (like warmbloods or thoroughbreds).What makes a good therapist?

A patient person , a person who has some all around horse knowledge but has an open mind and no preconceived ideas and is open to learn Do you believe in combining modalities? Yes, horses respond well to homeopathic-holistic treatment, the more the better, but spaced out, not too close together

Jim considers the horse to hold 50% of the responsibility for the outcome of the session.

Marie and other apprentice instructors would circulate in and out of the groups, making sure we were correct in our understanding and application of what we had just learned.

And, the horses were our teachers, guarding when we moved in too strongly with the pressure, offering gratifying releases when we had read their more subtle responses correctly, and becoming active participants in the work.

By the end of the weekend, I was amazed at what we were able to accomplish with each horse.

While we had only scratched the surface of all there was to learn, we had enough tools to be able to effect some very real change.

Subsequently, I have been able to use the techniques learned that weekend on my own and my student’s horses to great advantage. The result has been increased mobility and comfort and a very grateful horse!

The Masterson Method Weekend Workshop was held at Spanish Legacy Andalusians.

To learn more about the Masterson Method, visit their website www.mastersonmethod.com

and Zimecterin Gold (both ivermectin/praziquantel), and Quest Plus and ComboCare (both moxidectin/praziquantel)

5. Heterocyclic compounds, of which piperazine is the only one used in horses. It is not used much anymore as it is a narrow spectrum drug, effective only on ascarids.

It was a staple in the “good old days” for tube worming foals at 70 days or older. It is available in either liquid or powder and it paralyzes the worms which prevents them from feeding. It is effective on adults only, not eggs, so eggs would hatch and repopulate the gut in a short time.

Not so many years ago, it was common practice to rotationally deworm horses routinely every 6-8 weeks whether a need had been determined or not. Current thought is, it is best to use the information from fecal egg count tests to determine which parasites are a problem and which horses in your herd are the biggest “shedders”, and treat them accordingly as individuals.

Always, seek the help of your veterinarian in determining which parasites are a problem for your horses and in designing a rotational deworming program that is best suited for the needs of your horses.

Dewormers/from page 11

Close UpWHO IS JIM MASTERSON?

Florida Sporthorse Magazine 19

Below and at right: The Bladder Meridian is a major acupuncture meridian that runs down each side of the horse’s body. A key component of the Masterson Method is learning to use this meridian to relieve tension.

amBer kimBall

20 Florida Sporthorse Magazine

From the outside, the relationship between horse trainer and client seems fairly straight forward. It seems like any other

normal business transaction, such as lawn maintenance or automotive repair.

The client hires a professional to perform a service for an agreed upon sum of money. When the service has been rendered, the client pays the professional and the transaction is complete.

Should the client be dissatisfied with the service for any reason they simply arrange service from a different professional for the next transaction. Easy, right?

In the horse world, it’s not so easy. Finding the right trainer for a horse and rider can take months of searching.

Once the right trainer is found, there is often an outpouring of money from the client to change to the new trainer’s preferred tack and feed and often, moving the horse to the trainer’s facility is required. A relationship then evolves between the client and trainer.

Sometimes the relationship remains very business oriented. In these cases it’s fairly easy for the client to part ways with the trainer when the services have been rendered and the transaction is complete.

More often though, a type of friendship emerges from the trainer client relationship and parting ways can get sticky. The trainer puts a lot of work into the horse, and maybe the rider too, and the improved horse becomes like a masterpiece to the trainer; proof of the trainer’s hard work and skill.

The client puts forth a lot of time, energy and most of all, money, into the relationship. Through the roller coaster ride of horse training, the client develops camaraderie with the trainer and barn staff. Client and professional are quickly bonded by a common interest, the horse.

There are many reasons a client may decide to change trainers; students outgrow their teachers, clients and trainers have personality clashes, training rates becomes too expensive, riders change disciplines. The list of reasons is endless.

While an eventual dissolution of the partnership is almost certain, it doesn’t always have to be painful.

A successful break-up with your trainer starts even before the relationship begins. Before beginning collaboration with a trainer, read the fine print on all documents that you sign. Make sure you know how much notice he or she requires prior to moving the horse,

should he be stabled in the trainer’s facility. Be sure to note all of the refund policies for any training sessions you may purchase in advance. Make yourself aware of any agreements to commission percentages due to the trainer upon sale of the horse.

Don’t sign anything at the beginning of a training agreement that you might regret at the end of the relationship.

The worst break-ups between trainer and client happen when the client waits too long before they decide to leave. If you and your trainer can’t see eye to eye or you don’t feel like you are getting the service you require it’s better

for both parties to quit while the relationship is still tolerable. The horse world is small and it’s very likely you will bump into one another at horse shows and club gatherings.

If you can leave your trainer on good terms, you mightn’t feel the need to hide behind the saddle pad display when you see her in the tack store.

Talk to your trainer. Even if you are tempted to slip away in the night, never to be heard from again, your trainer has invested time and effort into the improvement of your horse.

Whatever your reasons for moving on, take the time to have a conversation with them, even if it’s only a few words. If you can’t bring yourself to sit down face to face with your trainer, at least write a letter or an email.

Reputable professionals genuinely care about their clients and are more at ease with the process of moving on than the client expects. Most trainers will wish to maintain a good future relationship with former clients.

It leaves the door open for business opportunities should the client or one of the client’s acquaintances require the professional’s services in the future. If you are brave enough to sit down with your trainer, you might find that

they are supportive of your decision to move on.Even though you may not see eye to eye

with your trainer currently or feel you have outgrown their abilities to help you with your horse, remember that at one time, you sought this trainer’s advice and respected their opinion.

A professional’s business is built on word of mouth. Unless you feel that horses in the care of the trainer are mistreated, or otherwise in danger, avoid publicly renouncing your relationship or maligning the professional. A trainer’s livelihood can be destroyed by slanderous remarks.

Personalities, learning styles and teaching styles are as individual as fingerprints. It can be difficult to find a trainer who matches perfectly with your style.

Remember that although your current trainer might not be the right one for you at the

moment, they could be a perfect fit for other horses and riders. When it’s time to move on, do so discreetly.

Breaking up with your trainer doesn’t have to be stressful. At the heart of the relationship between a client and a trainer lays a simple business transaction.

Although it may seem daunting to untangle the emotional component from both sides of the partnership, it can be done with minimal distress.

After all, opinions and differences aside, you must remember what brought the two of you together in the first place and what you will always have in common, the horse.

THE BREAK UPTips for successfully severing the student/trainer relationship

EVEN IF YOU ARE TEMPTED TO SLIP AWAY IN THE NIGHT, NEVER TO BE HEARD FROM AGAIN, YOUR TRAINER HAS INVESTED TIME AND EFFORT

INTO THE IMPROVEMENT OF YOUR HORSE.

Are you connected?On the web: Floridasporthorsemagazine.com

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

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

www.floridasporthorsemagazine.com Come along for the ride!

The Journey Towards HarmonydeBorah herBert

Florida Sporthorse Magazine 21

A lot can be said about getting a little more

mileage on the odometer of life…one of the things I really appreciate is the perspective you get on priorities.

Yeah sure, the mortgage is shrinking, the daughter is ALMOST out of college, and I can read the road signs saying “retirement looms” like the warnings on the Blue Ridge about rock slides zones. You know it’s possible that you may only hit a few pebbles or maybe even face a boulder around the corner, but go on you must.

So, when it came right down to deciding to invest in my riding or not, well…maybe was NOT an option! There are no guarantees about the future…and definitely no warrantee.

So the first investment was a scratched out dressage arena with landscaping timbers around the perimeter painted white. They promptly turned a nasty gray and were eaten by termites.

I gave up after a few years and bought a real dressage ring, the more open trainer’s 20 x 60 version (the best I can do on a school teacher budget). When horses were turned out that first morning it was up, my AQHA mare and her buddy, a Saddlebred/Cross gelding nonchalantly stepped over it without a second thought. The miniature horse delights in taking it apart.

My second real investment in my riding was to find a trainer who loved dressage AND my quarter horse.

I appreciate the democracy of dressage, ALL horses can benefit from systematic, correct training. I have a lovely dressage saddle, and started taking regular lessons from qualified trainers. We showed at our local GMO dressage schooling shows and some Open English/Western shows. And slowly, very slowly, I got a little less terrified each time we went in the ring.

I have to give it to my mare; she has hung in there with me. I fretted for a week before a clinic that she wouldn’t be happy tied to the trailer all day….Um…can you say “Hay Bag”? Check that off the list!

I worried that we wouldn’t get through Training level. Check that off the list. I would occasionally ride at home in the western saddle and feel oh so at home, but go to clinics with the dressage saddle.

Secretly, I wondered if Belle cared if she was dressed in dressage black or western brown.

Then I read about “Western Dressage” and an organization called the Western Dressage Association of America. The marriage of classical and western, I thought, was a brilliant idea! My western saddle suddenly looked VERY alluring.

I read…a LOT, and I already owned many of the books by the masters of natural horsemanship AND classical dressage. My goodness….there it was, western dressage, on my nightstand the whole time!!! With renewed enthusiasm for this “new” old discipline I brought the idea of western dressage classes up to my GMO, the Alpha Dressage Association in Sarasota. No problem, “let’s offer classes” they said!

That sounded like I needed to do my homework, so I contacted the WDAA and asked them who was doing western dressage in Florida, and if there was a state affiliate. “No”, they politely said, “why don’t we send you an organizer’s packet”.

Not being that naïve, my Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and consultant work as a

teacher trainer clued me in to what “organizer’s packet” meant. With a small voice I said “sure, why not”. So began the search for other WD enthusiasts and the footwork of pulling a group together to meet.

But in the meantime, something wonderful was happening between Belle and me.

I started to relax a little more, and I asked for more, and she started giving it. Lengthening’s, lateral work, true straightness for moments, and wowsers…the beginnings of collection. All in a western saddle! Our new trainer, L judge graduate, Bronze and Silver and Freestyle Bar medal holder, Karen Abbattista, embraces western dressage and loves the idea of

bringing classical training to western breeds and other non-traditional dressage types. She pushes, corrects and encourages me…and Belle and I are growing together.

My journey to western dressage has brought me a wonderful new trainer, new friends, a state affiliate of the WDAA (yours truly is the interim President of the WDAFL!) and a partnership with my mare that is developing into pure joy. We now have a First Level WD freestyle to debut at our next show, and we are schooling second level, goals I never thought we would ever achieve.

Harmony: the subject is pontificated upon in chapter after chapter and it’s a fact…. you know it when you see it.

The great horseman, trainer and author Colonel Alois Podhajsky said: “Horse and rider should always be an aesthetic sight.”

I love it when our trainer Karen says we are making a “pretty picture”…and knowing that Belle and I are harmonious for that moment makes me smile inside. So, my artistic self wants to recreate that “picture” with every stride. Western Dressage has, for us, brought the goal of achieving Harmony within sight.

Hmmmm. Now, perhaps it’s time for another investment? I have been eyeing that custom western dressage saddle.

A rider’s path to Western dressage

Are you connected?On the web: Floridasporthorsemagazine.com

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

WESTERN DRESSAGE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAwww.westerndressageassociation.org

Deborah Herbert and her quarterhorse compete in western dressage. Herbert is the first president of the Florida affiliate of the Western Dressage Association of America. Photo courtesy of Deborah Herbert.

22 Florida Sporthorse Magazine

Greta Wrigley TrainingSpecializing in Dressage, Arabians & Sport Horses

Greta Wrigley, TrainerUSDF Gold, Silver & Bronze Medalist BHS Certified Instructor 3x Dressage Trainer of the Year

Now accepting horses in TrainingExcellent Amateur ProgramHorses in Training & For SaleClinics--Lessons

5916 NW 158 St., Alachua, FL 32615Phone: 352-318-7738Fax: 352-331-4586

GretaWrigley@juno.com www.gretawrigleytraining.com

Beautiful Florida Babies

Cookie Serletic

Monica SakuraiNancylee Bielawski

The response to our Beautiful Babies Cover Contest on Facebook was overwhelming. Pictured here are more of the fine foals featured in the contest.

Right: Templar, owned and bred by Judy Yancey. Below right: TB/Belgian warmblood Tropical Monarch bred by Nancylee Bielawski. Below: Izarra Reina S bred by Sakurai Farm.

First to combine an aquatic treadmill for conditioningwith a cold salt water spa for rehabilitation.

www.EquineAquaTRAK.com(941) 723-7517

TM