Category Archives: Products/Services

Art/Photography, Community/Charity, Events, Products/Services

cjw designs – Upcoming Art Shows

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For those of you in the north Florida area there are two exciting events coming up in April. They are both large juried art shows – the perfect venue for finding a special gift, or just enjoying a day out in the sun with beautiful artwork, music and food.

Look for me at cjw designs, and remember to mention that you saw an ad on Horses in the South for a 15% discount!

April 9-10th Weekend: The inaugural Jacksonville Fine Arts Festival will be held in beautiful Boone Park. There will be 130 local, regional and national artists showing a wide variety of artwork. More information on the festival at:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Jacksonville-Fine-Arts-Festival/121526594535037.

April 23rd: Atlantic Beach FL will host Arts in the Park in lovely Johansen Park, with over 80 local, regional and national artists.

Website: www.cjwdesigns.etsy.com

Contact Name: Cathy Whitley

Phone: (904) 866-6696

Email: cjwdesigns@bellsouth.net

Community/Charity, Contributors/Press, Publications/Media

NO SECRET SO CLOSE excerpt #11, by Claire Dorotik

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NO SECRET SO CLOSE is the story of a the most unthinkable betrayal humanly possible — at only 24 years old, Claire Dorotik’s father has been murdered, her mother arrested, and now, in a sinister twist of fate, Claire’s mother points the finger at Claire, accusing her of killing her own father. Battling the feelings of loss, abandonment, terror, and dissociation, and also learning about them, Claire struggles to stay in her master’s program for psychotherapy. However, when Claire’s brothers also betray her and side with her mother, Claire is left all alone to care for the 18 horses she and her mother owned. As the story unfolds, what is revealed is the horses’ amazing capacity for empathy in the face of human trauma, and the almost psychic ability to provide the author with what had been taken from her. Arising from these horrifying circumstances, the most unthinkable heroes — the horses — show Claire that life is still worth living.

Excerpt #11 from NO SECRET SO CLOSE:

“Come again.”

We trotted back again, and I glanced at Bill’s face. So far no reaction.

He squared the oxer, and pulled the ground lines out a little.

“Canter back over.”

Nimo hopped into the canter with enthusiasm, and galloped roundly toward the oxer. We jumped confidently and cantered off. Still nothing, and Bill raised the rails on each side.

Continue reading NO SECRET SO CLOSE excerpt #11, by Claire Dorotik →

Contributors/Press, Publications/Media

Do Horses Bond Like People Do? by Claire Dorotik MA

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Human attachments are a complex business. For one thing, when two people come together, they are often unaware of just what it is about one another that creates the attraction. On the other hand, when we are repelled by another person, identifying what about them bothers us is not the problem, yet why this behavior or characteristic infuriates us is quite another matter. But in the world of psychology, categorizing attachments styles has shed much light into the complexities of relationships. Now enter horses. When a horse and a person meet, are horses prone to the same types of attachments that people are? That is to say, can we actually classify their relationships with us or one another into categories the way we do with people?

Looking in the matter further, some established horsemen have attempted to do just that. Pat Parelli, (www.parellinaturalhorsetraining.com), one of the forerunners of the natural horse movement, promulgates what he calls “horsenality types.” Using a pie chart with related descriptions, Parelli breaks down horses’ personalities into four basic types, right brain introvert, right brain extrovert, left brain introvert, and left brain extrovert.

On the other side of the coin, some equine therapy programs attempt to address attachment styles of participants through the horse’s responses to them. One prominent one, Gestalt Equine Therapy (www.gestaltequinepsychotherapy.com), addresses this topic by using congruence levels of people — as reflected by the horse’s willingness to be near them — to determine secure, vs. insecure attachments styles. The idea is that when a person is experiencing congruence, his/her attachment style can be said to be secure. While this approach can be quite revealing about the participants attachment style, the horse’s attachment style is not taken into consideration.

Continue reading Do Horses Bond Like People Do? by Claire Dorotik MA →

Community/Charity, Contributors/Press, Publications/Media

NO SECRET SO CLOSE excerpt #10, by Claire Dorotik

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NO SECRET SO CLOSE is the story of a the most unthinkable betrayal humanly possible — at only 24 years old, Claire Dorotik’s father has been murdered, her mother arrested, and now, in a sinister twist of fate, Claire’s mother points the finger at Claire, accusing her of killing her own father. Battling the feelings of loss, abandonment, terror, and dissociation, and also learning about them, Claire struggles to stay in her master’s program for psychotherapy. However, when Claire’s brothers also betray her and side with her mother, Claire is left all alone to care for the 18 horses she and her mother owned. As the story unfolds, what is revealed is the horses’ amazing capacity for empathy in the face of human trauma, and the almost psychic ability to provide the author with what had been taken from her. Arising from these horrifying circumstances, the most unthinkable heroes — the horses — show Claire that life is still worth living.

Excerpt #10 from NO SECRET SO CLOSE:

“Hi Claire”, she said, in her bubbly, if somewhat tense voice.

Trying to disguise my shock, I replied, “Oh hi Debbie.” It was a big horse show, and as far as I knew, she had only been showing at the smaller shows.

“I heard about your mom,” she stood back and crossed her arms.

“Yeah”, I responded. This again, I thought to myself.

Continue reading NO SECRET SO CLOSE excerpt #10, by Claire Dorotik →

Contributors/Press, Equine Assisted Therapy, Publications/Media

Can Equine Therapy Improve Sports Performance?, by Claire Dorotik M.A.

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While equine therapy has many fans and many purported benefits, is it possible that this alternative form of therapy can be used to improve sports performance?

Looking to a “head guy” to help with the much sought after perfect golf shot, basketball game, or even ski run is nothing new. These mental specialists have only recently donned their breeches and boots and strode into the equine competition arena. As they have, psych strategies that have long been popular in other sports have made their way onto the back of a horse. Stress reduction strategies, such as progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing, and cognitive rehearsal, have been among these. Now, even popular riders, such as Jane Savoie (www.janesavoie.com), employ the use of visualization techniques to cement the perfect ride.

Yet with the emergence of sports psychology in the horse world, can our horses actually help us to improve our performance, and possibly ride them better?

Continue reading Can Equine Therapy Improve Sports Performance?, by Claire Dorotik M.A. →

Products/Services

Equine Anhidrosis Can Be Treated and Spring Is the Perfect Time

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Horses that don’t sweat – a condition called equine anhidrosis – run a serious health risk. Managing the symptoms is difficult for owners and trainers but now there’s an effective, natural alternative that can prevent and treat anhidrosis or non-sweating: an electrolyte-balancing patch marketed under the trade name “Equiwinner”.

Mesa, AZ (Mar. 15, 2011) – Horses that don’t sweat not only perform poorly, they risk succumbing to heat stroke and dying, in extreme cases. Anhidrosis, or this inability of horses to sweat, remains largely misunderstood. Current “cures” offer such inconsistent and unreliable success rates that owners, trainers and stable managers too often have no recourse but to manage their horses’ conditions.

There is now a better, more effective alternative to hosing horses down, relocating them to a more moderate clime and withdrawing them from work or competition which are time-consuming options at best and simply impossible for many owners at worst.

Continue reading Equine Anhidrosis Can Be Treated and Spring Is the Perfect Time →

Contributors/Press, Events, Products/Services, Racing Sources

AQHA: Digital Rule Book Now Available

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The 2011 AQHA Official Handbook of Rules and Regulations is available for download on the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.

The AQHA Official Handbook of Rules and Regulations is now available at the touch of a button.

At the 2011 AQHA Convention, March 4-7 in Grapevine, Texas, AQHA announced the release of a digital version of the AQHA Official Handbook. The AQHA 2011 Rules digital tool is available through iTunes to download to the iPhone, iPad or iPod touch and is free for everyone.

The digital handbook is a useful tool for any AQHA member. For instance, if you are at a show and forget your AQHA Handbook, all the information you need is on your device. You’ll find everything from proper attire to reining patterns, registration requirements, color and marking definitions, and more. AQHA will soon add additional features, with the possibility of including access to records, show dates and other important AQHA announcements.

Continue reading AQHA: Digital Rule Book Now Available →

*Featured/Spotlights, Community/Charity, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Dressage, Events, JRPR, Polo, Products/Services

Arenus Announces Sponsorship of Challenge of the Americas at International Polo Club Palm Beach to Benefit Breast Cancer Research

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Arenus will be sponsoring the polo portion of the competition which takes place March 12 at the International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington, Florida. (Photo courtesy of Sue Stickle)

Wellington, FL (March 10, 2011) – Arenus, a premier provider of innovative health and nutrition products for pets and horses, is pleased to announce they are sponsors of The Challenge of the Americas, a Grand Prix International Musical Freestyle Quadrille Team Challenge and Polo Extravaganza to benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and Play for P.I.N.K. (Prevention, Immediate diagnosis, New technology, Knowledge). The Challenge of the Americas will be held at the International Polo Club Palm Beach on March 12.

“The Challenge of the Americas is well known in the equestrian world for its spectacular performances and the fact that it raises money to fight breast cancer. Arenus is pleased to be part of the 10th Anniversary of The Challenge of the Americas and we are excited to announce that we are sponsoring the polo playing during the event,” said Kristen Galvan, an Arenus Sales Specialist for the southeast.

The Challenge of the Americas is an annual fundraiser and a one-of-a-kind affair that highlights the equestrian sports of dressage and polo.  Riders competing in the event make up a “Who’s Who” of top equestrians from the United States, Canada, Latin American and Europe. The Challenge Gala, an elegant evening of dinner and dancing, gets underway immediately following The Challenge of the Americas competition. An awards presentation will be featured and guests will have the chance to meet and socialize with riders and judges.

Continue reading Arenus Announces Sponsorship of Challenge of the Americas at International Polo Club Palm Beach to Benefit Breast Cancer Research →

Community/Charity, Contributors/Press, Media/Radio/TV Sources, Publications/Media

Stable Scoop Episode 134 by Omega Alpha – Horse Husbands Round Three

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Warning: The Horse Husbands Episode is back! This episode consists of three horse husbands sitting around talking about their horse addicted wives. If you are a horse woman, be warned. If you are a horse husband, grab an adult beverage, sit back and relate. Listen in.

Stable Scoop Episode 134 – Show Notes and Links:

_____________________________________

Listen, Download or Subscribe:

listennow125

*Featured/Spotlights, Awards, Community/Charity, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Dressage, Events, JRPR, Products/Services

International Dressage Rider Betsy Steiner Wins Premier Equestrian Sportsmanship Award at Palm Beach Dressage Derby

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Betsy Steiner, who competed Joli Burrell’s Fino at the Palm Beach Dressage Derby, rode away as the winner of the Premier Sportsmanship Award during the show. (Photo courtesy of JRPR)

Wellington, FL (March 9, 2011) – Dressage rider and trainer Betsy Steiner, who represented the United States at the World Equestrian Games in Sweden, competed Joli Burrell’s Fino at the Palm Beach Dressage Derby at White Fences in Wellington and said the secret to each and every ride she takes is the simple fact the she loves her horses and competing. In addition to enjoying her ride, Steiner was awarded the Premier Sportsmanship Award, sponsored by Premier Equestrian, a leading supplier of dressage arenas, horse jumps, arena footing and stable accessories.

The Premier Sportsmanship Award is awarded to a rider who displays a high level of sportsmanship during a show and Steiner thanked Premier for the award. “The award really encourages riders and it makes you feel good about coming to the show and doing well,” she said.

Steiner added that she was really pleased with Fino’s performance at the show. “He was a great boy and I was really happy with him. It was the first time I’ve had him in the ring since June and he really came through for me,” she said, adding that she competed Fino in the FEI Test of Choice Prix St. Georges class.

When asked how she maintains a great level of sportsmanship, Steiner said she loves competing. “I love all of the horses I compete and Fino just happens to be one of the best,” Steiner said.

Continue reading International Dressage Rider Betsy Steiner Wins Premier Equestrian Sportsmanship Award at Palm Beach Dressage Derby →