Classic Eventing Nation

Thursday Video from Ecovet: Birds’-Eye View

By on Jul 18, 2019 1:00 pm -

Firestorm Competition WLRCA

A bit of our handy drone work yesterday for the Firestorm Drill Team. Thank you Tricia Reed for inviting us. Great job by our Drone Pilot Alex Bunko DJI Mavic Air

Posted by Video Productions Northwest on Sunday, July 14, 2019

Truth be told, a pas de deux kind of blows my mind — I mean dressage is hard enough with only one horse in the arena — but this drill team took it to the next level. The 16 member Firestorm Drill Team navigates an eight minute performance in perfect harmony. Preliminary Test B isn’t looking too bad now!

Ecovet fly spray is not a pyrethrin/pyrethroid derivative (which can be toxic), and it is also not an essential oil product. Instead, Ecovet‘s formulation is 5% each of three food-grade fatty acids, 84% silicone oil and 1% fragrance. Shop now at eco-vet.com.

Road to Rebecca Farm: For the Love of a Big Red Draft Horse

By on Jul 18, 2019 10:00 am -

Photo by Duane Dubouer for Shannon Brinkman.

As our favorite time of the year approaches, Rebecca Farm, I reflect on the love for a big red draft cross named Danny Boy. He isn’t a big sexy warmblood, or a fast OTTB. He wasn’t really planned much or the product of a sophisticated breeding program. He is simply a steady, adorable, stubborn, athletic lower level eventing horse.

I am a late bloomer and just started riding, at all, six years ago at the age of 44. I starting off competing at low level hunter/jumpers and then moved to eventing when my friend Krissta convinced me how much more fun it was. Unfortunately, I made several bad decisions about horses in my first three years and finally realized the green horse, green rider model didn’t work. Crying in my trailer once again after my most recent unceremonious dismount, I was at a critical decision point. Give up this crazy sport that had smitten me or find a horse that could teach me how to be an eventer.

I am so thankful that I chose the latter. That is where the big red draft horse comes in. Discouraged with horse shopping after repeatedly not being in the right place at the right time to get the low level “packer” I was in such desperate need of, I got wind of Daniel. Within 48 hours, I was on a plane to Georgia, and within 20 minutes of meeting Daniel, I knew he was the one.

What I didn’t know at the time was that bringing him back to Montana was more than a financial transaction. I had to cut the mustard with his girl, Hannah and her entire family, the Ledfords. Thankfully, I passed the pre-purchase exam and so did Daniel. Not only did I get to bring Daniel home, but I also inherited an extended family in Georgia.

On July 3, 2016, the big red beast was in Montana. Daniel has taught me so much over the last three years, and I am on the verge of being able to move up to Training level — a division I never thought I would be able to compete in. Moving up is exciting, but comes at a price. I can’t move up with my Daniel. Daniel isn’t ready to retire, but he is wanting to ease slowly into semi-retirement. With a new horse at home, another naughty redhead named Harley, to work on moving up, where does Daniel fit in? I love him with all my heart and could not bear to part with him. He has been such a blessing to me, it was time to share him.

Share him with Rachel, my trainer’s working student who rode him for a week and then won her Novice division at Copper Meadows. Share him with Nick, a lower level hunter/jumper, who rides him twice a week and at his first big show won four ribbons and was the reserve champ in the 0.7m jumpers. And finally full circle, share him once again with Hannah, his Georgia Girl.

Harley and I will be headed to Rebecca, but Daniel wanted to go again too, at least one more time. At 18 he is amazingly healthy, but none of us know how many more Rebecca’s he has in him. As an inexperienced adult amateur, the idea of riding two horses at Rebecca seemed too daunting. Hannah is now off to college, but has dreamed of riding Daniel at least one more time, and has always dreamed of riding at Rebecca Farm.

Every Rebecca Farm, I have ever been to has been special, either as a spectator or a rider, but this year it will be even more so. That wonderful big red chestnut draft cross that I call Daniel, because he is older and more sophisticated now, and Hannah calls Danny will compete at Rebecca Farm with his Georgia Girl. Daniel/Danny is Hannah and my heart horse and I am so grateful that we get to share him. I dream of Harley and I nailing our dressage test, unlikely, going double clear and winning my division at Rebecca. But even more so, I can’t wait to cheer Hannah and Danny on. Daniel/Danny is a gift and being able to share him with other riders that need his confidence, steadiness, goofiness and love is just another blessing he has given me.

Daniel is very special, and the best horse ever if you ask Hannah or I, but there are lots of Daniels in the eventing world. Horses that will never be upper level stars or Olympians, but horses that make our hearts sing, and our lives more full because we knew them. Thank you to all the Daniels out there and especially my Daniel.

Daniel and his people:

Thursday News & Notes from Taylor Harris Insurance Services (THIS)

By on Jul 18, 2019 12:01 am -

Chris Talley and Wyeth cleared 5’3″ to win in 2016. Photo by Cindy Lawler.

Come for the eventing, stay for the bareback puissance! We’re excited to share the news that the bareback puissance competition is returning to the MARS Great Meadow International this year! With the CCI4*-S, CCI3*-S and CCI2*-S divisions running between August 22-25th, the bareback puissance will take place on Friday, August 23rd.

Are you up for the challenge? Riders interested in competing in the bareback puissance (for a $500 cash prize!) should email Chris Talley at [email protected].

National Holiday: National Get to Know Your Customers Day

CCIO4*-S Aachen: Website, Ride Times/Results, EN’s Coverage

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Silverwood Farm Summer H.T. [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Penny Oaks H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Larkin Hill H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Full Moon Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Your Thursday News & Notes:

EN sends our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Clare Bedford. Clare died as the result of a fall while competing in the 100cm section at the Solihull Riding Club one-day-event in England. Her horse was unharmed. [Rider who died following cross-country fall named]

Heads up if you’re heading to Penny Oaks H.T. this weekend: the Indiana Department of Transportation is is doing heavy roadwork to resurface, patch potholes and make repairs to the highways of Marion County. That’s the good news. The bad news is that there are some road closures to be aware of![Marion County Construction Plan 2019]

All eyes are on Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg ahead of the Pan American Games next month. Boyd and the dreamy black Trakehner gelding are our reigning USEF CCI5*-L National Champions, but Chirstine Turner’s “Thomas” is a rather unassuming little horse day-to-day on the farm. Get to know the little horse that could ahead of the big competition. [Pan Am Profile: Tsetserleg]

Truer words have never bee spoken: “Sisters, they argue,” says Holly Perry Gorman, head groom and older sister to Olympic dressage rider Kasey Perry-Glass. Now that’s a unique business relationship! How do they do it? [Groom Spotlight: Gorman Puts Sisterly Squabbles Aside As Head Groom To Olympian Perry-Glass]

Are you competing in Europe this summer? As one of the leading international equine insurance agencies in the United States, Taylor Harris Insurance Services (THIS) agents are ready to help you extend your coverage for a trip abroad! [Request a Quote from THIS]

Wednesday Video from SmartPak: Jonelle Leads Series After Jardy + ERM Highlights

By on Jul 17, 2019 4:00 pm -

Leg 4 of the Event Rider Masters proved that this year’s series is far from decided. New faces rose to the top of the podium at Haras de Jardy, and a surprise withdrawal from Chris Burton left room for new series leader Jonelle Price to take over. But it ain’t over ’til it’s over — Australia’s Bill Levett trails only 7 points behind in second place, and there’s plenty of room for shuffling in the last two legs.

Click here to view final results, and click here to view the rankings following Leg 4.

It was a big weekend, and if you missed any of it here’s your bite sized recap:

 

Chris Talley and Unmarked Bills: The Fairytale Continues

By on Jul 17, 2019 2:00 pm -

Chris and Billy out of the Head of the Lake at Kentucky. Photo by Miranda Akins/Photography In Stride.

The story of Chris Talley and Unmarked Bills is a fairytale come true, and we all watched this spring as they tackled their first CCI5* together at Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event, turning in a spectacular clear cross country to capture hearts across the nation. 

For the uninitiated, their partnership is everything we all dream of when we find a plain brown Thoroughbred ready for their next career off the racetrack. Unmarked Bills (Posse x Kellis Ransom) retired as a 6-year-old, having run 24 races all over the U.S. but only winning three times and $64,250. His owner at the time is a family friend of mine, and knew he would make a nice sport horse, so I looked him over and connected him to Chris Talley, as I knew he would make a great partner for the horse. Chris promptly picked him up from the track, and within four months “Billy” had run his first horse trial, at Training level no less. 

They rapidly moved up the ranks, thanks in large to Billy’s innate talent and bravery on cross country, and within two years they moved up to Advanced together, a first for both of them. Two years later they entered and completed their first CCI5* in Kentucky, making us all fangirls along the way. 

Bills on the first day I saw him, fresh off his racing career. Photo by Kate Samuels.

Chris is still a little shocked that it actually happened, a dream come true in the most realistic way possible. “Leading up to Kentucky, I wasn’t sure that I could even do it. Being able to complete the event on him was very reassuring and gave me a lot of personal confidence,” says Chris. “I said all along that I thought he was a five-star horse, but a lot of people didn’t see it. He just stepped up to the plate and tried his heart out for me.”

Chris is quick to thank the incredible dedication of all his supporters and syndicate owners in making Kentucky a reality, but in particular Hannah Salazar and the team at Zaragoza Acres, where Chris is based. Hannah is a dressage rider and works closely with Chris and Billy in the never-ending pursuit of improved flatwork, but also has become an avid eventing enthusiast through her partnership with Chris over the years. 

Billy came away from the biggest competition of his life feeling better than ever, and looking fantastic. He enjoyed five weeks off, turned out as much as possible with his group of gelding friends, who he enjoys bossing around as the king of the field. He’s back in work now, and focusing on the next big goal. 

What’s bigger than Kentucky? What’s the ultimate feather in your hat as a three-day event rider at the top levels? Burghley. Big bad Burghley. This is where Chris and Billy are headed next, with a little help along the way. 

Chris gives Hannah Salazar a hug after their dressage in Kentucky. Photo courtesy of Hannah Salazar.

For a big, grueling cross country course that requires not only talent but incredible heart, what better partner than an OTTB? “A few people who saw him at Kentucky mentioned that they thought Burghley would suit him, and it kinda stuck in my mind. He’s looking fantastic, and we’re working hard on his dressage and show jumping, and I figured while he’s at his peak we might as well give it a shot!” 

“I’ve always been a huge advocate of the OTTB. Ever since I was 15 years old, I’ve brought them along, and I truly believe that they’re the best cross country horses out there. It’s nice to know that three-quarters of the way around a five-star, you still have plenty left in the tank, and at Kentucky Billy still had plenty of gallop left at the end.”

Burghley is a big goal, and Chris is lucky to have a fantastic base of supporters including Billy’s syndicate members and clients who believe in this dream. However, in order to fully fund the travel from Virginia to the UK, Chris is hoping to get some support from Billy’s larger audience and become part of the journey along the way. 

“I set up a GoFundMe to let people know about the #BillsToBurghley movement, and I’ve also set up private Facebook and Instagram pages for anyone who makes a donation,” says Chris. 

Chris and Billy on the catwalk. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

While any donation is helpful, Chris has set up three levels of membership, each with its own unique insight into Billy’s world. The private social media pages will include the helmet cam footage from Kentucky, which has not been released to the general public, as well as photos and videos from daily life as Chris and Billy prepare for the Big Event. 

You can also get autographed photos from Kentucky, Bills to Burghley polo shirts, and an exclusive meet and greet cocktail party at Zaragoza Acres with the whole team prior to them leaving for England. 

“He’s my horse of a lifetime — without him coming into my life, I wouldn’t be where I am today. He’s brought me up the levels and put me on the map giving me exposure and experience,” says Chris. “He’s just such an incredible cross country horse, he’s given me so much confidence. I don’t know if I’ll ever find another horse like him, he has so much heart and so much try.”

“People question why I put so much time into the horse, he’s not that great on the flat or great in the show jumping, but there have also been people who have helped me with those, he’s given me his all, and he’s shown me around the country and hopefully the world.”

To become part of the journey and get Bills to Burghley (Chris needs to book Bills’ flight by August 10), check out Chris’ GoFundMe page here.

Weekly OTTB Wishlist Presented by Cosequin: Rested and Ready

By on Jul 17, 2019 11:00 am -

When shopping for an off-the-track Thoroughbred, you don’t necessarily have to buy one literally straight off the track that raced last week. Often, a little down time is beneficial to the body and mind of these horses before they begin a new career. When adopting a horse from a reputable racehorse rehoming organization, you’ll often be choosing from horses who’ve already had a little R&R before they’ve started their training to be a riding horse.

Our three picks this week are all from different organizations. They haven’t raced recently and are rested and ready for a new career:

Clutch Cargo. Photo via Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center.

Clutch Cargo (TAPIT – CARMANDIA, BY WILD RUSH): 2014 16.1-hand New York-bred gelding

Clutch Cargo came directly to the Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center (MMSC) from his owners and breeders and it’s clear that we was in good hands and well-cared for his whole life. He was a pretty successful racer, earning over $150,000 in 20 career starts, his last of which was in October of last year. “Clutch” is an elegant, well-bred horse and therefore his adoption fee from MMSC is a little higher than usual. You’ll get your money’s worth, however. Clutch has a natural cadence and is well-balanced and straightforward under saddle. He settled in quickly to MMSC and enjoys working with people as thoughtful as he his.

Located in Frankfort, Illinois.

View Clutch Cargo on Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center. 

Halny. Photo via Mid Atlantic Horse Rescue.

Halny (ECCLESIASTIC – TELIMENA, BY EMANCIPATOR): 2013 16.0-hand Pennsylvania-bred gelding

Halny is a horse who appears to have fallen into a bad situation after making his last start in 2016. In March of this year, Mid Atlantic Horse Rescue pulled him from a bad situation. Since coming to their farm he’s been gelded, given time to recover and then restarted under saddle. He has some remaining crestiness and can still act a little bit studdish when first meeting new horses, but quickly settles down and is a sensible guy.

It’s a bit hard to see from the under saddle photo, but if you watch his video you can see that Halny has a nice uphill build and a good over-tracking walk. He has a nice natural balance under saddle and has been happy and willing to learn. He’s sound and as an added bonus he’s currently barefoot!

Located in Warwick, Maryland.

View Halny on Mid Atlantic Horse Rescue.

Let’s Get Loud. Photo via New Vocations Racehorse Adoption.

Let’s Get Loud (MORE THAN READY – DON’T CRY FOR ME, BY STREET CRY (IRE)): 2014 15.2-hand Kentucky-bred gelding

How about a horse with his own built-in theme song? This lovely little gelding known around the barn as “Lopez” was actually quite a successful racehorse. He made a total of 5 career starts and won a total of $112,654 in those races. Given that success, it seems likely that Lopez came up with injury after his last race, which was in October 2017. That said, the very reputable folks at New Vocations feel that he has no limitations for a second career and would make a great jumper or dressage prospect (so basically, an eventer!)

Lopez is the class clown around the barn and always wants to be the center of attention. Though he’s goofy and playful, he’s easy to handle. Under saddle he currently has a little more ‘whoa’ than ‘go’ but he’s proving to be a brave and quick learner.

Located in Lexington, Kentucky.

View Let’s Get Loud on New Vocations Racehorse Adoption.

In the Locker Room: Padraig McCarthy on Good Horses, Smart Training and Life Beyond the Barn

By on Jul 17, 2019 9:00 am -

Ireland’s Padraig McCarthy won team and individual silver at the 2018 World Equestrian Games in Tryon. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Top riders are regularly interviewed about their horses, their season plan and their results — but we don’t often get a glimpse of what goes on behind the scenes. In this next installment of the ‘In the Locker Room’ series, I caught up with Irish team and individual WEG silver medalist Padraig McCarthy.

Padraig is a relative newcomer to the sport of eventing, but he has quickly and successfully established himself at the highest level. In just a short space of time, Padraig has represented Ireland at European, World and Olympic level. He lives in the UK with his wife Lucy, who has herself enjoyed considerable success in eventing, at 5* and European level. Padraig and Lucy have two children, and also run a busy training, sales and horse production business.    

EN: “What attributes do you look for in an event horse? What appeals most to you, and are there any things you absolutely won’t overlook?” 

Padraig: “Good horses come in all shapes and sizes! I like a horse who is intelligent, and who has an appealing face. For me, a horse needs to have a good natural canter, and be in control of the canter. I’m more forgiving on the trot, as that can be developed over time. I like a horse to have good conformation, and good feet. Really the most important thing is that a horse wants to work, and enjoys the work.”

Padraig McCarthy and Mr Chunky (IRL). Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

EN: “What are your ‘can’t live without’ items of equipment for horse and for rider?”

Padraig: “My Butet saddles — they make such a difference! I’m not a gadget person, and I tend to stick to simple bits; I generally use either a snaffle or a gag type bit. I quite often don’t even use boots at home, unless a horse needs them.”

EN: “What sort of things do you focus on in the warm up for dressage, cross country and showjumping?” 

Padraig: “For all three phases, I tend to look for the same things. I want the horse to be ‘on the aids’ and listening to me. I like to establish a relaxed connection, and to let the horse think for itself. In training at home, I like the horse to be responsible for himself and to have the freedom to learn and develop.”

EN: “How do you get yourself in the right frame of mind for competition?” 

Padraig: “National events obviously differ from international events. I am fairly laid back generally, and I tend to treat national events as an extension of what we do every day. I take care not to overthink too much, and to keep things as close to normal as possible.”

Padraig McCarthy and Mr Chunky at the WEG. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

EN: “What is your most used jumping exercise? Why?”

Padraig: “I sometimes use a fence on a circle or work on bending lines, and I might use a ground pole set 3.5 metres behind a fence to encourage a horse to look down and focus when landing. I never jump big at home, I just work to get the feel and the way of going right.”

EN: “What music are you listening to in your lorry currently?” 

Padraig: “The CD player in the lorry is broken, so if I’m looking for a bit of mental stimulation then it’s BBC Radio 2! Otherwise, whatever music station I can find has to do us!”

EN: “What is your fitness and diet regime like during the season?” 

Padraig: “Over the winter, I tend to carry a little more weight and I eat far better than I do during the season. As Badminton approaches, I do get a lot more strict. Once the season is in full swing, I will have 10-12 horses in work and I am often too busy to stop and eat. I do use stretching to keep myself supple, but I don’t go to a gym.”

Padraig McCarth and Mr Chunky (IRL). Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

EN: “Describe your perfect day off!” 

Padraig: “On a non-riding day at home, I quite like doing a bit of DIY! I catch up on fixing things, and I’m currently building a barbecue. I enjoy it because I can straight away see the result of my work. For holidays, I love Italy.”

EN: “Your most embarrassing moment in the sport?”

Padraig: “Years ago in Ireland, we were allowed to school in the show jumping arenas once the competitions were all over. One particular year at Clonmel show, the jumping arenas were side by side and I thought that both rings were finished. I jumped my horse over the dividing rope into the next door ring, and landed straight in front of a horse and rider who were approaching a combination. I just simply didn’t see them. I got into a bit of trouble that day!”

EN: “Who is your sporting hero? And why?” 

Padraig: “I’d have to say Eddie Macken. He was the leading rider of that era when I was growing up, and I will never forget him jumping clear in the Aga Kahn (Nations cup) at the Dublin Horse Show. He is an exceptional man.”

With sincere thanks to Padraig McCarthy for his generous contribution to this article.

Wednesday News & Notes from Attwood Equestrian Surfaces

By on Jul 17, 2019 12:01 am -

Lovely Lexus. Photo via Tamie Smith’s FB page.

Mai Baum is just one of the most photogenic creatures I have ever seen and Tamie Smith gave us all a treat by sharing some lovely photos of Lexus on a summer evening in Chester County. Tamie and Lexus are hanging out at True Prospect until Pan Ams camp begins, and taking advantage of the copious greenery.

National Holiday: World Emoji Day

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Silverwood Farm Summer H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Penny Oaks H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Larkin Hill H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Full Moon Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Your Wednesday News & Notes

Sometimes the grind is much more difficult than the challenge of riding itself. How many people do you know who have been grounded for a year or more because their one horse got hurt? Who battled back from injury only to incur a freak accident or a major life change or then injured themselves? Blogger Mara Santiz salutes those who grind away no matter the setback. [I See You]

If you’re investing in a visit to the AECs, know you’re in good hands. The team at the Kentucky Horse Park is making every effort to ensure that the cross-country footing doesn’t suffer from either heat or rain. With the irrigation system available from 2010, competitors can look forward to carefully managed turf no matter the challenges. [I’ve Never Ridden One Like Him]

Most people going through med school have to give up almost everything else in their life. Karley Koch refused to give up on horses though, and while she’s often short on sleep, she now balances showing her hunter mare Silvia with her job as a second year resident at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. [Koch Is Proving You Can Have It All]

Attwood Wisdom of the Week: 

Want to know more about the most advanced footing solutions on the market today? Please call Attwood Equestrian Surfaces at 888-461-7788.

Time to Get Those Entries in for the 2019 USEA American Eventing Championships!

By on Jul 16, 2019 4:00 pm -

2018 AEC Jr. Beginner Novice champions Ella Robinson and Fernhill Fearless des Terdrix. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Opening date for the 2019 USEA American Eventing Championships  is today! Are you qualified but still hemming and hawing about whether to enter the event, to be held Aug. 27-Sept. 1 at the Kentucky Horse Park? I’ve attended the AEC at its past five locations (Illinois, Georgia, Texas, North Carolina, Colorado) in various capacities (rider, friend, coach, press), and I can’t recommend the experience highly enough.

No matter what corner of the Eventing Nation you call home, AEC is a true destination event. You better believe I’m heading to the 16th annual edition, and I don’t want you guys to miss out!

Here are six reasons to just put that entry in already:

  1. You earned it. You worked hard, you qualified (see AEC qualified riders and horses), and now it’s time to go enjoy the victory lap of your successful season. Don’t miss the opportunity to test yourself against horses and riders from around the country for the chance to earn the ultimate title of National Champion.
  2. It’s the feel-good event of the year. The USEA goes above and beyond to make sure competitors and their peeps have a fun, celebratory and memorable experience. Cash and prizes + swag galore + parties every evening = why would you miss this, seriously?
  3. The venue is legend. It’s the Kentucky Horse Park! It’s hallowed ground. For those of us who aren’t four-star riders (*cough* most of us), this is our chance for a moment of glory in Rolex Stadium.Visit the Kentucky Horse Park website here.
  4. Bring the whole family. Lexington is known for its horses, of course, but there’s plenty of draw for your un-horsey kin as well. Send the husband off on a journey down the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, and promise the kids a trip to the Park’s playground or one of its museums after your ride. Lexington is one of the South’s friendliest, cleanest and most colorful cities, with a vibrant downtown as well as outdoorsy activities galore. You can even set up a home-away-from-home in the Horse Park campground — hot tip: There’s a swimming pool! With a little creativity you can convince that fam that this isn’t just an event, it’s a vacation.
  5. It really is more than JUST an event. The AEC is a panoramic view of eventing as it exists here in the U.S. — the pyramid-shaped representation of Beginner Novice to Advanced level riders, the connective tissue that exists between amateurs and pros, the sport’s sweeping geographic scope, and the heroic roles performed by organizers, volunteers and supporters.
  6. It’s an opportunity to give back. Speaking of volunteers, the AEC is in need of some. Can you lend a helping hand? Volunteering is a great way to show your support for the sport you love, and the USEA always treats its volunteers like the superstars that they are. Sign up through the Eventing Volunteers portal to make your hours credible with the USEA Volunteer Incentive Program (VIP). Teamwork makes the dream work!

For more information, visit the AEC website. Ready to enter? Excellent choice. Check out the Omnibus listing here and enter via Xentry here.

Tuesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: Braiding for Dummies

By on Jul 16, 2019 3:00 pm -

First time eventers (and those of us who could use a little help in the braiding department): bookmark this page!

Braiding is not easy, despite my years of practice mine never seem to turn out totally right, and I’m left attempting to emulate the top grooms of the world. Olivia Towers takes us through the mechanics of plaiting.

BoneWiseTM

Need to support strong, sound bones in layups or young horses?

Ask your vet about BoneWiseTM.

BoneWise:

  • Maintains optimal levels of bone density when horses are confined to their stalls.
  • Delivers a readily digestible, natural source of calcium and trace minerals necessary for optimal bone development.
  • Supports enhanced bone mineral content and bone turnover that encourages the swift repair of microdamage.
  • Supplies yeast cultures that support improved mineral and vitamin digestibility.
  • Sustains vitamin D at levels necessary for healthy bone development.

For more information, visit KPPvet.com.