Classic Eventing Nation

10 Things You Just Don’t Say …

By on Jan 7, 2014 1:30 pm -
Valonia at Hitching Post 2012 Valonia at Hitching Post 2012

Have you ever been in a grocery store, Best Buy, Kmart, or a local cafe and seen an infant that you thought was absolutely hideous looking? I mean, you actually thought how could someone reasonably good looking produce that? C’mon, we’ve all been there. Out of respect and common decency most people see children and/or babies as cute, sweet, adorable, and precious, the list goes on and on. But there are some children who are just not very attractive. Perhaps they grow up to be on the cover of Vogue…who knows? Regardless, these children and infants do exist. I have relatives who are undeniably attractive, and yet some of their offspring are not the cuddliest looking creatures. General rule of thumb: You never EVER tell parents, particularly the mother, that their baby, their pride and joy, and their entire universe is ugly. You just don’t!

Same rules apply in the horse world. Some people are just more blunt than others and voice their opinions, while most equestrians acknowledge this unspoken rule. Let’s be honest, there are certain things you just do not sayabout someone else’s horse and here are a few don’ts…

That horse is ugly. You just don’t say that someone else’s horse is ugly. It may be true, it may not be true. Are all horses created equal? Well, that’s open for debate. For instance, I think I have two very attractive horses, Valonia and Skybreaker. Valonia’s conformation is not perfect, which I vivdly see every single day, though I do think she is lovely. Does everyone else think my mare is the most gorgeous creature in the world? I guarentee you not, but I don’t want to actually hear about it! Skybreaker is one of the most beautiful horses I have ever seen. Some people think he is too much of a hunk, with plates for feet, that his front legs are too short for his body, and he looks like he should be plowing a field….but I don’t want to hear it, because I am infatuated with my horses.

Bad Jumper. For all those trainers, teachers, and coaches, I am sure there are more tactful ways of telling someone their horse SUCKS at jumping. Clearly, not all horses can jump, and not all have impeccable form, and not all are extremely scopey. Haven’t you ever been fence judging, or been watching some cross country at an event, and thought to yourself, “Yikes…that is one horrible jumper.” Yet, this is not something you can openly tell someone, because it’s just not!

Bad Mover. Again, there are more diplomatic ways of telling someone that your dog is a better mover than their horse. Not all horses float like Totilas across the ground, and get perfect scores for movement. It’s really hard to go up to someone and tell them one of the reasons they are nineteenth out of nineteenth in dressage is because their horse is a bad mover. This is not something you can tell someone.

And here are a few more things you just DON’T say about someone else’s horse…

            Bad Manners.

            Evil Eye.

            Unbroke.

            Too Skinny.

            Obese.

            Witchy.

            Dumb.

For many, if not most, our horses ARE our infants, our babies, our life, our pride and joy, and we’ll be damned if others don’t like our “children.” Did I forget any other insults, or is the list complete?

Ask the Expert: ‘Fly Away, Little Snowbird’ Edition

By on Jan 7, 2014 10:30 am -
Don't say we didn't warn you. Don't say we didn't warn you.

Eventing can be a confusing sport. If I had a penny for every time I’ve been confounded by a question like “Will anyone notice if I sub in a different horse for dressage?” or “Why is the TD screaming at me again?,” I could afford to just buy myself a stupid Rolex and call it a day.

Fortunately, however, I have learned from my many, many mistakes. You might even say I’ve grown wise over the years, especially if you don’t know me that well. Every now and again, I distribute that wisdom free of charge via an advice column called “Ask the Expert”–kind of like “Dear Abby” if Abby was an event rider with questionable judgment and way too much time on her hands.

—————

Dear EN,

I am so freaking sick of winter. I hate breaking ice in water troughs, I hate trotting around and around the indoor, I hate frozen poop balls… I hate it all. And more than anything, I hate seeing cheery little Facebook posts from fellow eventers who are preparing to head south for the winter. Why do I have to stay up here in blistering cold for three more months while they get to go start their seasons in paradise? Oh yeah, it’s because I have a husband, kids and a real-world job. Any advice?

Miserable in Minnesota

—————

Dear Miserable in Minnesota,

Man, do I understand your pain. Frozen poop balls are the worst! But I have some good news for you: Where there’s a will, there’s a way.

First, let’s talk about your job. It sounds like a real drag. My advice: quit and find another one that better suits your snowbird lifestyle, a.k.a. enables you to make mad bank working from home (or an extended-stay hotel room at the winter eventing destination of your choice). There are loads of opportunities out there. In fact, here’s an offer that popped up on my computer screen just a few minutes ago:

Untitled

$750 a day! Do you make $750 a day at your current job? Um, probably not. Considering the fact that you participate in the world’s most expensive sport, maybe it’s time to raise the bar on your earning potential. Check your inbox and/or spam folder to see what sorts of exciting and lucrative work-from-home job offers await!

Next, the family “problem.” I put “problem” in quotation marks because it’s not that you don’t love your family–it’s just that they’re holding you back from realizing your true winter eventing potential. It’s a delicate situation, but there IS a solution that doesn’t involve divorce court and a lifetime of abandonment issues for your kids.

You know that metaphor about boiled frogs? How if you put a frog in a pot of hot water it will jump out, but if you heat the water slowly the frog will cook to death without even realizing it? Well, that’s how you’re going to need to go about this.

First, pick an event–Rocking Horse, Sporting Days, etc.–and tell everyone you’re going down for the weekend to get a jump start on your season. Yeah, it’s a long drive, but it’s just a few days, no big deal! But on Sunday when you should be heading home, your truck “breaks down.” This is a totally believable story, as breaking down is pretty much what all trucks do. Then, on Monday, the “mechanic” tells you he can’t get the part until “later in the week.” Still believable. After a few days he calls you back to profusely apologize that “it’s a very rare part” and “he’s going to have to special order it from the factory.” Then, “the delivery truck gets snowed in by a ‘blizzard,’” and so on and so forth. You think I’m kidding, but a variation on this theme bought me almost two months in Ocala one year.

Good luck, and Go Eventing!

Have a question for the “expert”? We’ve got a not necessarily legal, credible or factually correct answer! Email it to [email protected].

Switzerland Bans Hyperflexion, Poling

By on Jan 7, 2014 9:00 am -

While both the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) and multiple national federations currently prohibit hyperflexion (also known as rollkur) for horses in competition, the Swiss officials have stepped it up one notch and created a national law forbidding the use of hyperflexion anywhere in the country. Until this point, all rules relating to the use of rollkur have only applied to competition venues, but now in Switzerland it is also illegal to train using this method. In addition to that, they have banned “poling” horses, or whacking horses’ legs with jump poles as they clear jumps in order to make them jump higher.

Switzerland’s Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO) proposed the ban in 2008, and it was approved in October of last year, taking effect at the beginning of 2014. Article 21 of the Ordonnance sur la Protection des Animaux states that it is forbidden to “require the horse to maintain its head and neck in hyperflexion (rollkur).”

The FEI has described rollkur as “a dressage method compromising the animal’s welfare”. Further adding that “this method, used in dressage, consists of imposing on the horse a particularly low position of the head, either by aggressive pulling on the reins or by other means, which provokes a hyperflexion of the head and neck and excessive tension in the back”.

Tuesday News & Notes from Cavalor

By on Jan 7, 2014 12:01 am -
Photo via Fit Body Now. Photo via Fit Body Now.

Somewhere, people are splashing through the Caribbean with horses. I am not one of them. But it’s nice to dream. Today’s news includes dreams of August one-stars, better lives for OTTBs and a nod from the Academy for Andrew Nicholson. Nope, not that Academy, though I’m sure the Silver Fox would rock  formalwear that doesn’t include protective headgear.

Events opening today: Pine Top Spring Advanced H.T. (Georgia, A-3)

Events closing today: Rocking Horse Winter I H.T. (Florida, A-3), Fresno County Horse Park Combined Test(California, A-6), Full Gallop Farm H.T. (South Carolina, A-7)

Nicholson simultaneously takes on biker, rugby player, race car driver. Not in a celebrity smackdown – though we’d sure love to see that. Andrew Nicholson’s been named a finalist for Sportsman of the Year in New Zealand’s prestigious Halberg Awards. A Voting Academy made up of 30 former athletes, coaches and media members will select the winner from across all sports.  [horsetalk.co.nz]

GMHA Festival of Eventing gets a star. While the folks at the Green Mountain Horse Association always put on a stellar event, this year it’s official: there will be a CIC* as part of the August Festival of Eventing. They’re hoping for a high of six degrees today in South Woodstock, Vermont, but keeping warm with thoughts of the Novice/Training Classic Three-Day, the clinic with Bobby Costello and Bonnie Mosser and $10,000 in prize money for Intermediate. [GMHAInc]

But they didn’t get to do-over their dressage test. U.K. Ministry of Defense paid over $328,000 to compensation people injured after military aircraft spooked their horses this past year. [horsetalk.co.nz]

RRTP in winner’s circle, philanthropically speaking.  The Retired Racehorse Training Project received a huge honor last weekend when the Thoroughbred Charities of America gave the organization its Industry Service Award at its annual awards dinner at Keeneland Racecourse. The award is given to an organization that best exemplify’s TCA’s mission, which includes “providing a better life for Thoroughbreds, both during and after their racing careers.” [retiredracehorsetraining]

Millions await 12-step program. Admitting you have a problem, of course, is always the first step. Horse & Hound helps you self-diagnose this week with “15 signs you’re a horse addict.” [H&H]

How do you steal a herd of Arabians? Police in Kentucky are scratching their heads. Ten horses belonging to ten different owners were allegedly stolen from a boarding facility on Jan. 2. The horses have since been recovered. “There are things we still need to work out” authorities told thehorse.com. Clearly. [thehorse]

Smartpak Product of the Day: What are the perfect accessories for a polar vortex? SSG 10 Below Winter Gloves. These bomber gloves are truly water (and booger) proof on the outside and soft polar fleece on the inside. Plus, grippy stuff on the palm and enough stretch to allow you to use your fingers without having the finger-strength of a pro climber or thumb wrestler.  Be sure to order them roomy enough to slip in hand warmer packets and your hands, at least, will be toasty.

Video of the Day: Sham-wow. Here’s a look at Boyd’s newset ride, Shamwari 4, last year in the sandbox at Pau with Swedish rider Ludvig Svennerstal:

Monday Video from Tredstep Ireland: Patience O’Neal at the Eventing 18 Camp

By on Jan 6, 2014 4:30 pm -

The weather in Ocala, FL lately has been unpredictable, to say the least.  During the Eventing 18 training camp with David O’Connor last week, participants saw some unseasonable chilly rain on their cross-country schooling day.  That didn’t stop them one bit, as evidenced by Patience O’Neal taking the water complex in style.

Tredstep

Samantha Stewart: When Eventing and Physics Collide

By on Jan 6, 2014 1:30 pm -

Love this short and sweet reader submission from Samantha Stewart! Have something to share with us? Send it in to [email protected]. Each month we pick our favorite reader submission and award a free supplement from our awesome sponsor Omega Alpha. Go writing!

unnamed3

From Samantha:

This is a text conversation between my dad and I last year when he was helping my with a physics class at UC Davis. Physics is definitely not one of my favorite things to do, but my dad made me laugh while I was waiting to take my final with this problem he came up with. I thought others may get a laugh out of it too, especially those who understand the stress of finals.

Badminton Boosts Prize Money

By on Jan 6, 2014 12:00 pm -
Clark Montgomery and Universe at Badminton in 2012. Photo by Jenni Autry. Clark Montgomery and Universe at Badminton in 2012. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Badminton announced today on its website that prize money is increasing for this year’s event, going up to £80,000 from £65,000 for the winning rider. The lower placings will also receive a boost in prize money through 20th place. British riders launched a campaign last fall to boost prize money at events, but were mostly unsatisfied when British Eventing announced a 3 percent increase in prize pots starting this season. Do you think there should be a larger increase in prize money at events across the pond and here in the States?

From Badminton’s website:

The good news for the eighty plus riders who will start the Event is that the prize money has had a considerable boost, commensurate with the now truly outstanding standard of the international entry.

The winner will receive £80,000, up from £65,000 in 2013, and the increases are also reflected in the lower placings – Badminton prides itself on giving much the highest level of prizes in the world right down to 20th place.

Badminton always supports a charity or ‘good cause’ and this year it will be Equestrian Team GBR in the build up to the World Equestrian Games; it would have benefitted in 2012 had that event not been cancelled.

David Ramey, DVM: This Shouldn’t Have To Be So Expensive

By on Jan 6, 2014 10:30 am -

David Ramey, DVM, has been in private sport and pleasure horse practice in the Los Angeles area of southern California since 1984. He has published over a dozen books on horse health, and has lectured to both lay and professional audiences in the United States and Australia. His blog and web site www.doctorramey.com hopes to help bring horse sense to the horse world. I thought that this article was particularly poignant and relevant to many of my friends, and David kindly allowed me to re-print it here on EN. Many thanks to David, and thank you for reading!

From David:

In the veterinary publications that I read, there’s concern about a decline in visits to see veterinarians.  Most of the are couched as concerns that decreasing veterinary visits will imply a concomitant decline in animal health, and wonder what can be done about the “problem.”

Being able to afford to take care of your animals is a problem throughout the veterinary profession.  People are going to avoid taking their animals to a veterinarian if they feel that the cost of care is too expensive, or if they don’t feel that they are getting value for the money that they spend.  So, here’s some advice to help you make sure that you’re getting value for your money spent – make sure that you ask how any outcome would be different as a result of a diagnostic test or procedure before you spend money on it.

Historical aside:  In Bologna, Italy, and the surrounding area, from the 15th – 18th centuries, physicians had to give your money back if you weren’t satisfied with the outcome.  It’s a pretty interesting story, actually – click here if you want to read a brief introduction to the book Contracting a Cure, from Google books.  That’s not the case today (although you might feel that it should be the case), but, insofar as taking care of your horse goes, really, what’s important is the result, not necessarily how you get there, right?

When it comes to getting there (there being the desired outcome), it seems to me that people are losing sight of some of the more pragmatic aspects of veterinary medicine.  Any decent veterinary (or medical) professional knows that some large percentage of cases will improve with time – in some cases, they improve in spite of the treatment given!  I think that, as a profession, as a group that likes and wants to continue to work on horses, it behooves us (there’s a pun in there, but it’s unintentional, I promise) to talk to people about the choices that they make, and the likely outcomes.  And it’s important for you, the client, make sure that you’re involved in your horse’s care, to make sure that the money that you’re spending is likely to make a difference.

Let’s pick an example of how “advances” in veterinary medicine have changed care, definitely increased expenses, but not necessarily improved outcomes.  Let’s take the case of a routine tendon injury.

tendonbow

You come out to your horse’s stall, and you notice that he has a swelling in the tendon area, behind the horse’s cannon bone.  Yesterday you had a long, hard ride, maybe more than you intended – today, your horse is limping a little bit.  From the looks of the swelling, you’re concerned that he has a “bowed” tendon.*

If this is 50 years ago, you’d call your veterinarian (on a phone with a dial on it), who would come out and do a physical examination on your horse.  He (not being sexist – it was essentially always a “he” 50 years ago) would confirm that your horse has injured his tendon.  He would prescribe some sort of treatment – sometimes it was not-so-benign, but that’s another story – but mostly, he would tell you that you weren’t going to be able to ride your horse for a while.  Maybe he would suggest that you turn your horse out to pasture, or, if you had a mare, that you breed her.  After time passed, you’d call your veterinarian again, who would come out to check your horse, and, ultimately, would find that it’s time to get back to work.  You’d have paid for a couple of veterinary visits, and, all-in-all, your horse would have had a pretty satisfactory outcome. At the end of the day, your horse with a tendon injury would probably end up being OK, albeit with a bit of an enlarged tendon.**

Fast forward 50 years.  Your horse is limping a little bit, and has a swelling on the back of his tendon.  You call your veterinarian.  He or she examines your horse and tells you that your horse may have a bowed tendon.  An ultrasound examination is suggested.  The exam confirms that there is a slight tear in the tendon.  Stem cell therapy is suggested.  You go for it.  A month later, another ultrasound is recommended.  Your horse is carefully monitored, and work is slowly increased.  You have periodic ultrasounds along the way.  At the end of the day, your horse with a tendon injury ends up OK, albeit with a bit of an enlarged tendon.

If you made it through the last two paragraphs, there’s one important thing to note:  the last sentence of each paragraph is the same.  The big difference is that, 50 years ago, you might have paid your veterinarian $100 or so for the visits and exam – today, for the same injury, with the same outcome, you could be out $7,500.00, or more.

Laser treatment to a tendon. Photo by Samantha Clark.

That extra expense (beyond what you’d expect from inflation – I mean, the prices of everything have gone up) is not necessarily all wasted money.  For example, it’s good to have information from ultrasound about how badly the tendon is damaged; it can help you understand how long it’s going to take for the injury to heal, and help you understand why it may be necessary to proceed with caution.   However, with stem cells (and lots of other “cutting edge” treatments), after years of use, there’s still absolutely no reason to believe that, at this time, healing is going to be better in the end.  So, really, why spend the money?

I am not saying that there’s nothing good from technological advances.  I am not saying that there haven’t been improvements in veterinary care.  What I am saying is that newer and more expensive is not necessarily better, and that you, as a savvy consumer, need to make sure that you know what you’re paying for.  You need to make sure that what you’re paying for is going to make a difference for your horse at the end of the day (and this applies to all sorts of things).

If are involved in your horse’s care, and you ask questions before you go for treatments, you may find that your veterinary costs aren’t as substantial,*** that your horse is still getting good care, and that you’ll have a little extra money left over for that bag of horse treats.  And at the end of the day, that’s something your horse really cares about. 

_______________________________________________________________

* The reason it’s called a “bowed” tendon is that if you stand looking at the leg from the side, the swelling of the tendon causes the back of the leg to bow out, giving the profile of the bow of an archer.  It’s one of many colorful words that exist in the equine medical vernacular.

** If your horse was a racehorse, there’s a decent chance that he wouldn’t be able to successfully race after his injury.  That’s still the case today.  Otherwise, chances for a full return to function are pretty good with most tendon injuries.

*** Don’t get me going about all of the worthless supplements that are out there.

Original article can be found HERE.

10 Things Eventers Shouldn’t Have to Justify

By on Jan 6, 2014 9:00 am -

“The Mane Event,” by Lindsey Kahn. All rights reserved.

After reading Brianna Wiest’s pertinent and powerful “18 Things Women Shouldn’t Have to Justify,” I was inspired to compile a similar list for eventers, by eventers. I asked some friends, and here is an abridged (and by no means complete) list of things that we are often pressured to explain or apologize for.

1. Our breeds of choice.

Whether you’re a breed purist or couldn’t care less about your horse’s pedigree, equestrians often give and receive flak over horse breeds. I’m by no means faithful to a single type, but I’ve often felt the need to explain why I bought my horses and what I’m “planning to use them for.” My answer? Whatever I want. My Morgan gelding (who, I might add, is 14.3 hands and is built like a brick house) does dressage and jumps, and he’s also a reliable mount for western, trails, you name it. If you and your horse are fit for the job and can train for it, you should never be discouraged by the judgment of others.

2. Riding in the lower levels.

I’ve noticed that there seems to be an unspoken rule that a rider’s level determines his or her success. While this is understandable as far as setting goals and working toward improving one’s athleticism and skill, it can also lead to a sense of impatience or even shame among riders at the lower levels. I’ve heard people say things like: “This is just my Beginner Novice horse,” or “My doctor said I should take it easy, which is why I’m only trotting for now.” Ride at the level at which you’re comfortable and capable, and remember that there’s nothing wrong with going back to basics.

3. Riding in the upper levels.

You and your horse have worked hard, forged a tight connection, practiced for countless hours and have achieved greatness. Congratulations! Whether you and your horse have worked your way up from square one or you purchased a tried-and-true horse to give you experience in the upper levels, you deserve this challenge and opportunity to show the world what you two are made of.

4. Buying a horse.

Horses are a living, breathing investment, and let’s face it: Some are more expensive than others. It’s never advisable to drop a year’s salary on a horse with chronic lameness or a severe personality problem; there are plenty of resources — from trainers and vets to good old common sense — that can help you during the buying process. However, the purchase of your next athletic partner is ultimately your decision alone and one that you have every right to be proud of.

5. Selling a horse.

So it’s time for you and your athletic partner to part ways. Maybe there’s a health issue, the two of you don’t click or it’s just time to move on. Maybe you can’t afford a horse right now. Regardless of the reasons, the decision to sell a horse can be a tough one. Be candid and honest with prospective buyers, and keep in mind that you have every right to sell or not sell your horse to someone. After all, you want your horse to have a good home, whether or not it’s with you. Be selective.

6. Moving your horse to another barn.

Need a more convenient location? How about different amenities, lower board, different training options, getting away from unsavory riding or social conditions, or simply needing a change of scenery? If another place is a better fit for you and your horse, go for it. Again, your horse, your decision.

7. Playing it safe.

Whether you and your horse are coming back from some time off or you’re riding on iffy footing, there is nothing wrong with taking things easy. It is very often better to be safe than sorry.

8. Taking risks.

On the flip side, progress and experience can’t be gained without pushing oneself. Maybe it’s time to tackle that ditch or begin training for that next level.

9. Expressing yourself.

So you put a hot pink saddle pad and boots on your gelding, and a tiny voice in the back of your mind whispers that the bedazzled browband and helmet covers are taking things too far. Screw that! Wear it with pride because I can guarantee that your horse doesn’t care.

10. Being an eventer.

This is what we love, and this is why we endure all the blood, sweat and tears. We’re in it for the whole, big, crazy package, and we know that it takes a special kind of drive and moxie — and yes, more than a little insanity — to tackle the three phases. If something brings you joy and doesn’t harm others, don’t apologize for loving it. Go Eventing.

For more of Lindsey Kahn’s art and writing, visit her website or Facebook page.