Toyota Donating 100 Cars to 100 Nonprofits in 100 Days – Public to Choose the Winners on Facebook. Kentucky Horse Park Foundation Needs Toyota Tundra Truck to Help Care for Park’s Horses and Maintain the Park

Lexington, Kentucky – May 14, 2012 – The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation announced today that it has been selected as one of 500 nonprofit finalists in Toyota’s 100 Cars for Good program, a major philanthropic initiative in which the automaker is giving 100 cars to 100 nonprofits over the course of 100 days. The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation was selected as a finalist from more than 4,000 applications nationwide.

Each day, beginning May 14, 2012, 100 Cars for Good will profile five finalists at www.100carsforgood.com. Individual members of the public will be able to vote for whichever nonprofit they think can do the most good with a new vehicle. The nonprofit with the most votes at the end of each day will win one of six Toyota models. Runners-up will each receive a $1,000 cash grant from Toyota.

The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation will be up for consideration on Sunday, May 20, 2012 from 10 a.m. EDT to 11:59 p.m. EDT.

“Everyone at the Kentucky Horse Park is thrilled that the Foundation has been selected as a finalist for the 2012 100 Cars for Good program,” said Laura Klumb, executive director of the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation. “We’re grateful for this incredible opportunity to showcase the Kentucky Horse Park and hopefully win a new truck for the park! We hope everyone will help us spread the word now and, of course, will make time to visit www.100carsforgood.com on Sunday, May 20, to vote for us. A new truck would really be a game changer for our ability to care for the 130 horses living at the park and keep our park looking beautiful for our 1 million annual guests.”

“At Toyota, we appreciate what a significant impact a new car can have for nonprofits nationwide,” noted Michael Rouse, vice president of philanthropy for Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. “Toyota has donated more than half a billion dollars to nonprofits across the U.S. over the past 20 years, and 100 Cars for Good allows us to expand that commitment to local communities in important new ways. The 500 finalists are an extraordinary group, and we look forward to the public learning more about them.”

100 Cars for Good is the first initiative to directly engage the public to determine how Toyota’s philanthropic donations are awarded.

For more information on the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation and its efforts to win one of Toyota’s 100 Cars for Good, please visit the Kentucky Horse Park’s website at www.kyhorsepark.com. You can also follow us on Facebook or Twitter at https://www.facebook.com/kyhorsepark or http://twitter.com/#!/KyHorsePark. For complete information on 100 Cars for Good and profiles of all 500 finalists, please visit www.100carsforgood.com.

Local residents are encouraged to support the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation and its quest for a new Toyota Tundra truck. If the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation receives the most votes and is awarded the vehicle, it will be used daily at the park to take feed and hay to the 130 horses living on its over 1200 acres, to repair and maintain the park’s 33 miles of white fences, and keep the park’s grounds safe and beautiful for the guests visiting year-round.

A six-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty will also be provided for each vehicle, compliments of Toyota Financial Services.

About the Kentucky Horse Park
The Kentucky Horse Park is a working horse farm/theme park and equine competition facility dedicated to man’s relationship with the horse. The park is an agency of the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet and hosted more than 825,000 visitors and campers, as well as 15,000 competition horses in more than 200 special events and horse shows in 2011. The park is home to the National Horse Center which comprises more than 30 national and regional equine organizations. Located at Exit 120, Interstate 75, just north of Lexington, the Kentucky Horse Park is The place to get close to horses. Open daily March 15 to Nov. 4, and Wednesday through Sunday, Nov. 5 to March 15.

About Toyota
Toyota (NYSE: TM) established operations in the United States in 1957 and currently operates 10 manufacturing plants in eight states. Toyota directly employs nearly 30,000 people in the U.S. and its investment here is currently valued at more than $18 billion, including sales and manufacturing operations, research and development, financial services and design facilities. Toyota’s annual purchasing of parts, materials, goods and services from U.S. suppliers totals more than $23 billion.

Toyota is deeply committed to being a great community partner and is focused on supporting programs in ways that achieve long-term sustainable results. Toyota supports numerous organizations across the country, with a particular concentration on education, the environment and safety. Since 1991, Toyota has contributed more than half a billion dollars to philanthropic programs across the U.S.

For more information on Toyota, please visit www.toyota.com.

About Toyota Financial Services (TFS)
TFS is the finance and insurance brand for Toyota and Lexus in the U.S., offering retail auto financing and leasing through Toyota Motor Credit Corporation (TMCC) and Toyota Lease Trust and extended service contracts and other payment protection products through Toyota Motor Insurance Services (TMIS). TFS employs 3,300 associates nationwide, and has managed assets totaling more than $91 billion. It is part of a worldwide network of comprehensive financial services offered by Toyota Financial Services Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corporation.

Media Contact: Mason Phelps
Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
phone 561.753.3389  fax 561.753.3386
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com

Louise Serio and Corvine win the lead off $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby on Saturday, May 12, 2012, at the Kentucky Spring Horse Show. Photo By: Kendall Bierer/PMG

Lexington, KY – May 16, 2012 – The Kentucky Spring Horse Shows began on Wednesday, May 9, 2012, and one of the highlight events was the kick-off of the 2012 $45,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby Series, sponsored by Hallway Feeds. The Hallway Feeds Series consists of six national hunter derby events to be held during the 2012 show series at the Kentucky Horse Park. Following the final event, cash prizes totaling $15,000 will be awarded to the series’ leading riders.

The Kentucky Spring Horse Show, held May 9-13, 2012, featured the lead-off event on Saturday evening with the $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby. The top riders from across the nation gathered to compete over a challenging course and vie for the winning title and valuable points towards the $15,000 Leading Rider Awards. At the end of the night it was Louise Serio and Corvine who took led the victory gallop, giving Serio the lead in the standings. The Kentucky Spring Classic, May 16-20, 2012, will host the second of the six derby events in the series, the $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby, on Saturday, May 19, in the Stonelea Arena.

The USHJA National Hunter Derby program will be in its third year in 2012 and is growing in prestige and popularity. Amateurs, Juniors and Professional riders are eligible to compete, giving it a broad base of support and interest. The $15,000 Hallway Feeds Leading Rider Awards will present a $10,000 cash prize to the professional rider accumulating the most points in the six classes that make up the Series. The amateur rider and junior rider accumulating the most points will each receive a $2,500 cash prize. Riders will receive points only on their highest placed horse in each of the classes. The awards will be presented at the conclusion of the Hallway Feeds class at the KHJA show on August 25, 2012.

As the series continues, four more Hallway Feeds National Hunter Derbies will take place during the Kentucky Summer Horse Show, the Kentucky Summer Classic, the Bluegrass Festival Horse Show, and the KHJA Horse Show. The Series concludes with the winners for the $15,000 Leading Rider Bonuses being announced and presented with the prize by representatives of Hallway Feeds.

Supporting sponsors for the Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby Series are KER Sport Horse Nutrition, Sweet PDZ Stall Refresher, PNC Bank, Alfagreen Supreme, Biederman Real Estate and Auctioneers, Trouw Nutrition, and Caddel Equine Therapy Center.

KER Sport Horse Nutrition is a new joint venture between Kentucky Equine Research (KER) and Hallway Feeds. This partnership melds the technological and nutritional expertise of KER with the globally recognized horse feed manufacturing reputation of Hallway Feeds.

Hallway Feeds’ close proximity to the Kentucky Horse Park provides the opportunity to utilize the freshest feed, manufactured with time-honored commitments to high standards of quality and the latest scientific advances. Combining a premium nutrition package with a professional level of dedication in horsemen and women provides equine athletes with the Formula for Success.

For more information about the Kentucky Spring Horse Show, please go to www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

Media Contact: Mason Phelps
Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
phone 561.753.3389  fax 561.753.3386
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com

Rebecca Cohen and Downtown continue their winning streak as they count down to the USEF National Championships at Gladstone. (JRPR photo)

Wellington, FL (May 15, 2012) – Dressage rider Rebecca Cohen may be a 16-year-old teen, but she can still find time to enjoy a mother-daughter bonding experience while executing a winning round in the dressage ring. Cohen, who lives in Wellington, recently competed at the Jacksonville Dressage on the First Coast, riding away with the win in the Young Riders Team test on her horse Downtown.

“I am so proud of Rebecca and we had a great time at the show. Rebecca was really poised and in control. We went to the show without a trainer and without a groom and Rebecca took care of everything herself,” said Carol Cohen, Rebecca’s mother. “It was a great mother-daughter bonding experience. We had a ball.”

Cohen is coming off a winning winter show circuit and has her sights set on competing at the NAJYRC in Kentucky this summer. In 2010, Cohen was on the Region 3 Junior Team and helped her team bring home a bronze medal. She won the FEI Junior and Third Level division at Regionals and also earned a spot at the Festival of Champions.

Cohen has joined the ShowChic Mentoring Program, through the ShowChic boutique in Wellington, along with fellow dressage riders Lauren Knopp and Mary-Cameron Rollins. Knopp accompanied the Cohen’s on the trip to Jacksonville and also competed in the show.

While Cohen handled training herself at the show like a pro, she did use her teenage “texting” skills to keep in touch with two of her coaches throughout the competition. “Rebecca rides with Ilse Schwarz, who was in Australia, and with Robert Dover, so she was busy texting them during the show,” Carol said.

Next up for Cohen is a dressage clinic with Steffen Peters at the Cohen’s Two Swans Farm. “Rebecca really admires Steffen and of course learns a tremendous amount from him anytime she takes a clinic with him,” Carol said, adding that Rebecca gave her a surprise after the Jacksonville show. “We had such a great time and worked so well together that when we got home Rebecca bought me a necklace with an angel on it for being her angel at the show and for such a great weekend.”

For more information contact
Johnny Robb – JRPR, Inc.
561-753-4608
jrpr@mac.com

Tom Cunningham, the founder of Cunningham & Cunningham Livestock, Inc., recently used his expertise in the equine insurance industry to speak at Tufts University. (Photo courtesy of JRPR)

Harriman, NY (May 15, 2012) – Tom Cunningham, the founder of Cunningham & Cunningham Livestock, Inc., recently used his expertise in the equine insurance industry to speak at Tufts University. Cunningham spoke at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, which is part of Tufts University and is the only veterinary school in New England.

Cunningham, who has been in the livestock insurance business for 39 years, presented a program to over 60 veterinarians and veterinarian students on the relationship between the veterinarian, the insurance company, insurance agent and insurance adjuster. “It was a great experience speaking to this group at Tufts. They were very receptive and we were really able to discuss the importance a veterinarian plays in helping their patients take care of paperwork so claims can be filed,” Cunningham said.

Cunningham is well respected in the livestock insurance field and has spoken at other schools, regional events and seminars, as well as at New Bolton, the University of Pennsylvania’s veterinary school. “I am the only insurance agent ever asked to contribute to the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) guidelines with respect to insurance,” he said.

“During the seminar at Tufts my goal was to explain the relationship between the veterinarian’s client and the insurance company and the adjuster who contacts them,” Cunningham said. “Like in any industry, everything works much smoother when all parties are on the same page. Our goal is to help all of our clients as well as the veterinarians and make everything a smooth process.”

Located in Harriman, New York, Cunningham & Cunningham is a staple in the equestrian community. During the winter dressage circuit this year, they sponsored the Cunningham & Cunningham Rock Star Award. The award highlighted horse and rider combinations at shows across the country that excelled in Musical Freestyle classes. Each winner rode away with a beautiful cooler from Cunningham & Cunningham. “Our company has supported riders and their horses for over three decades and we loved having the opportunity to give back to them by sponsoring this award,” Cunningham said, adding that his daughter Sara Cunningham is also part of the Cunningham & Cunningham team.

Cunningham & Cunningham Livestock, Inc. offers bloodstock, care, custody and control, equine farm and ranch, horse owners’ liability, horse show liability, mortality, private horse owner’s liability, prospective foal insurance, race horse liability, riding clubs liability, stable liability or commercial equine liability insurance and umbrella policies. “There are many good reasons to insure your horses, but one of the main ones is because they are an investment,” Sara said. “Farms, riding schools, boarding facilities and training facilities need to be protected, just like any other business. Our rates are competitively priced and by insuring your horse or business, you can have peace of mind.”

For more information about Cunningham and Cunningham Livestock, visit their website at www.cunninghamlivestock.com.

For more information contact:
Cunningham & Cunningham Livestock
877-342-7637
www.cunninghamlivestock.com
sara@cunninghamlivestock.com

Chester Weber is pleased to welcome Horseware Ireland, the equestrian market’s leader in horse clothing, to his team of sponsors. (Photo courtesy of My Elisabeth Weber)

Ocala, FL (May 15, 2012) – Chester Weber, the nine-time USEF National Four-In-Hand Champion, is pleased to welcome Horseware Ireland, the equestrian market’s leader in horse clothing, to his team of sponsors.

“My team cannot compromise on the care of our horses, so we use Horseware blankets, turnouts, coolers and fly sheets from the Rambo, Rhino and Amigo lines to keep them warm, comfortable and dry,” Weber said. Horseware will also outfit Weber and his managers and grooms with stylish casual jackets, vests and polo shirts for their upcoming competition tour in Europe this summer.

Weber said his human team is happy about being outfitted in Horseware’s casual clothing. “It will really add to our team spirit to have attractive and well-fitted casual wear,” Weber said.

Since its founding in 1985, Horseware has prided itself on outfitting horses and their people with high-quality, thoughtful clothing and accessories for any season, riding discipline or lifestyle. Horseware is headquartered in Ireland, with a U.S. outpost in North Carolina.

“We are excited to support Chester Weber and his horses,” said Tom MacGuinness, owner and founder of Horseware.  “Their commitment to excellence in training and competing mirrors the focus Horseware puts on the quality of all our products.  We look forward to following Chester’s success throughout the coming year.”

As one of our country’s most driven and decorated competitors, Weber recently accomplished what no other driver has done before when he won the USEF Four-In-Hand Championship for the ninth time during his career. Weber currently drives an award-winning team of horses comprised of horses owned by Weber and by Jane Forbes Clark.

The combined forces of Team Clark and Team Weber has made headlines around the globe and Weber hopes for more “winning headlines” in the future. The nine-time United States National Four-In-Hand Champion and three-time Silver Medalist plans on competing at the World Championships in Riesenbeck at the end of the summer. “After that we will focus on the 2014 World Equestrian Games in France. I have the strongest team I have ever had and I look forward to more victories,” Weber said.

For more information on Weber and his team, visit their website at www.chesterweber.com. For more information on Horseware Ireland, visit their website at www.horseware.com.

For more information contact:
Chester Weber
chester@chesterweber.com
www.chesterweber.com
1-352-895-1139

I stepped on a little rock yesterday and bruised my foot. Ouch! It didn’t hurt for very long, but it made me grumpy. Then I got bit on the neck by a big fly. It hurt! I snapped at it and bumped my nose on the fence. I was having a really bad day.

I stood in the corner of my turnout feeling agitated and unhappy. Then I remembered Jane saying that ATTITUDE IS A CHOICE. I could choose to be grumpy, or choose to be happy. But I was so grumpy that I was having a hard time finding even a hint of “happy” in my mind. I was stuck.

Then Indy stopped by to say hello. He looked up at me with that funny, fuzzy face and grinned. One look at his big, smiling mug, and I suddenly found that little tickle of happiness swell in my mind. I thought of all the times we’d played chase and the way he’d laugh with his funny dog laugh as we raced around my turnout. I remembered watching him jump sideways when he spotted the little alligator in the grass and the joyful way he splashed in the pond while chasing a ball.

Within minutes I was feeling happy and content. All it took was changing my focus! I concentrated on the thoughts that made me feel good inside, and that good feeling spread to my outside! By the time Jane had me tacked up and ready to ride, I was feeling terrific! It was a great day!

Do you realize that your attitude is a choice? It does take some effort sometimes, but you can change a bad day into a terrific day just by deciding to concentrate on the good stuff! And there is always good stuff if you look for it. If you have trouble finding it, just take a good look into your dog’s sweet face. I’ll bet that tickles the “happy” in you!

Love, Moshi

From Indy:

Chance and I are really good friends. We play catch in the pool together. We keep each other company at horse shows while Rhett is busy videoing and Jane is busy coaching. And we watch each other’s back so alligators can’t sneak up on us in the grass.

Even though we’re good friends, we can be a bit competitive when we play. Rhett and Jane throw the ball in the pool for us all the time, and we race to see who can get it first. Sometimes I win, and sometimes Chance wins.

Jane often talks about competing and winning with her students. She reminds them that it’s not just about the ribbons. The ribbons are terrific, and winning is exciting and fun. But the journey to excellence is even more important than the show results. Jane says riding is a metaphor for how you approach your whole life. It never truly ends. There is no real ultimate goal–just a lot of smaller goals with an amazing trip of discovery in between.

When I took the ball away from Chance, he got a bit upset. I told him it was not just about getting the ball. It was about the fun we have playing together. He replied by stealing the ball back and running away with it. I laughed and laughed, and then went after him to see if I could get it back. Yes, even though he won the wrestle over the ball, I was still having fun. And that’s what counts.

Will you come over and throw the ball for me? I think I’ve worn out Jane and Rhett’s arms!

Love, Indy

Jane Savoie
1174 Hill St ext.
Berlin, VT 05602

Phillip Dutton and Mystery Whisper jump to the win in the Jersey Fresh CCI3*. Leslie Mintz/USEA Photo

The singular goal that Phillip Dutton has been working for all season is now officially accomplished; he and Mystery Whisper are now qualified for this summer’s Olympic Games. And as a cherry on top of that accomplishment they also handily won this weekend’s CCI3* at Jersey Fresh in Allentown, New Jersey.

“It’s a big relief actually – not just to win but to get the horse qualified,” said Phillip. “I knew that he was more than good enough to win, but although that wasn’t the object it was icing on the cake. Every time we do something a bit more he steps up a little bit better. I guess the biggest thing I learned this weekend is that he can go for ten minutes very easily, and that is a great sign for the future because he will be even that much fitter if he gets to run London. There is not much the horse doesn’t have as far as being a three-day event horse.”

The 12-year-old Warmblood Gelding (Richmeed Medallion x Socialite) was purchased from Heath Ryan last year by the Wildasin family for their daughter Arden to ride. However, Arden generously agreed to allow Phillip to have the ride through this summer’s Olympic Games.

“I have been in this a long, long time,” said Phillip. “And I know that you just take it week to week. I have to say that I am enjoying the horse. Being a part of a really incredible horse, it’s pretty neat. He is going to be Arden’s horse, so I just really appreciate the opportunity.”

Not a single pair in the CCI3* jumped a double clear show jump round, and Mystery Whisper even had his first rail down of the season, so when Karen O’Connor and Veronica had three rails down it opened the door for the placings to shuffle, and Michael Pollard with Jude’s Law stepped into the second spot despite having a rail down themselves.

“I was annoyed with myself in the show jumping,” said Michael. “He tried to jump clear. He’s a special horse, and it’s an honor to get to ride him. Today he felt just like he did in the show jumping for a horse trials. He’s a beast. He tries really hard, and he’s a wonderful horse.”

Selena O’Hanlon and Colombo were one of only two pairs to keep all the rails in their cups, but they had a costly two time penalties that kept them out of the second spot by a mere .10 of a point.

“I think where you had to choose your distance was making the course really tough, and since there weren’t many horses in the division to see how it was riding early on,” explained Selena. I always think that you have to jump clear first and time second, and I know where I lost my time.”

In addition to his yellow ribbon, Colombo was also awarded the Traveler’s Award for the oldest horse in the division. Elaine Davies’ Thoroughbred gelding is an impressive 18 years old.

“My plan for this year was always to ride and try and make the team. If I had one stop I was going to retire because he doesn’t owe me anything. I don’t want to stop competing him just because he has turned a certain age. He has never been happier or fitter or more sound, so I am really pleased just to enjoy the ride. If he doesn’t make the team, he doesn’t owe me a thing and I will retire him. Even if this was his last go, I am so happy.”

CIC3*

It was a nail biting finish in the CIC3* with the top placed riders all within a point of each other. Not a single rider had managed to keep the rails in their cups until eighth-placed Meghan O’Donoghue entered the arena aboard Pirate. The feat was then accomplished again when Boyd Martin and Trading Aces added a clean round. Will Faudree and Pawlow dropped two rails to bump down into third and then Sinead Halpin and Rebecca Howard both had rails, but were still able to be the top two.

Rebecca Howard and Riddle Master

Overnight leader Rebecca Howard and Blithe Hill Farm’s Riddle Master were the final pair in the ring for the entire day, but didn’t let the pressure get to them as they held onto their lead.

“It was a challenging course for sure,” said Rebecca. “And it is exactly the stuff I have been working on because I tend to get stuck in the turns with him. He was full of himself and just a bit dramatic in between the fences. The rail was my fault; I should have changed my plan.”

“He is a tough horse because he is so different at home – the atmosphere and the rings change him quite a lot. He has become quite a schoolmaster at home and adds a dramatic flair in the competition ring.”

“I am just so excited for his owners and breeders; I am sure they are just bouncing off the walls. They set out to breed a Canadian horse, competed by a Canadian rider, and to ride for Canada. They are thrilled for sure, so it is just really exciting.”

The last minute entry for Sinead Halpin and Manoir de Carneville proved to be a good one as their single rail down allowed them to take the second spot behind good friend, Rebecca.

“I am excited. I am very pleased with the weekend. I thought that he is getting more rideable, and I am getting more comfortable being at these competitions. You are sitting there and you are walking around listening to the rails falling and you know how much one rail means. I feel like we are both coping with that more like professionals.

“He looked fantastic after cross-country, and he feels good in his head,” said Sinead. “Just a couple little mistakes that I made over the weekend that I think are ones that are very good ones to make because they are ones that I can fix. He came back a sound happy horse.”

Will Faudree and Pawlow had two rails down, but enough other combinations had problems that it only dropped them one spot in the standings to finish the weekend in third position.

Neville Bardos and Boyd Martin were featured last Wednesday, May 9th on NBC’s Rock Center with Brian Williams. If you missed it, or want to watch again, the segment is streaming online: http://video.msnbc.msn.com/rock-center/47295622.

'Cutler Farm Team' - left to right: Manager Josh Peters, Donna Cameron and Dave Thind

MEDFIELD, MA, May 14, 2012 – Cutler Farm Dressage, a state-of-the-art dressage facility located in Medfield, MA, is pleased to introduce German-certified trainer and biomechanics expert Dave Thind as trainer and instructor.

Thind’s arrival at Cutler Farm marks the revival of owner Donna Cameron’s vision of offering exceptional educational opportunities for dressage enthusiasts in the Northeast Region.  “Quality horse care and training are at the heart of what we offer at Cutler Farm.  But I’ve always wanted to go beyond that.  Since the farm opened in 2006, we’ve hosted world-class clinicians Conrad Schumacher, George Williams, Lars Petersen, Shannon Dueck, and Heike Kemmer,” she said.  “To be a successful rider means time in the saddle with exceptional instruction, which is why Dave is joining the team.  But it also means time in the clinic ‘classroom’, and time focused on rider fitness, in order to maximize performance.   Cutler Farm Dressage is unique among training facilities in offering an array of services designed to promote wellness and to enhance under-saddle performance of both horse and rider.   I’m thrilled that we’re returning to that focus,” continued Cameron.

“Dave Thind holds a ‘Trainer A’ license from the German Equestrian Federation.  This high level degree is a Level III, the highest possible, and one step higher than the ‘Bereiter’ title. An International Level III means certification as a Master Instructor.  This level of certification allows Dave to act as an ambassador for both the principles and correct application of the German classical system of training,” stated Christoph Hess, Director of Training and Education at the German Equestrian Federation.

“The panel of judges from our Federation were thoroughly impressed by Dave’s abilities as an Instructor and awarded him an almost perfect score. I personally wish the program at Cutler Farm much success and commend their efforts to provide classical training opportunities,” added Hess. He too plans to join the roster of clinicians scheduled to appear at Cutler Farm Dressage this year.

Dave has himself educated horses up to the Grand Prix level of dressage and show jumping. His students have been successful up to international levels in both dressage and jumping.  Many are successful trainers in their own right.

Boston area FEI rider and trainer Ellie Colleti has found Thind’s help to be invaluable.  “As a professional rider and trainer, I am very picky when it comes to coaching assistance for me.  Learning that Dave was in my area, I decided to meet him and utilize his expertise to help me with a young horse that I am bringing up the levels.  This particular horse is talented, yet very complicated.  My concern was he is too edgy for most trainers to assess quickly enough from the ground before determining how much to push him.  Dave worked with me as if we were a seasoned team right from the start.  The outcome was exactly what I wanted to achieve.  We broke though some important issues, without blowing the horse’s mind.  Every day since has been productive building off the time spent working with Dave.  Dave is friendly, experienced, and focused… truly a pleasure to work with,” said the Plympton, MA based trainer.

In fact, trainers and riders across the country are excited about the opportunity to ride with Dave. “His training methods and approach are wonderfully effective and he helps you to really understand how each of your actions with your body creates a reaction from the horse. He has a fabulous ability to explain a concept so that I and all of my clients were able to understand and implement what we learned. We are all truly looking forward to his return for another clinic! Dave has also encouraged me to challenge myself and go for some goals that I hadn’t thought I would be able to accomplish this year, and I am so grateful to him for giving me, and my clients, that little push that we all need sometimes! With Dave’s education, experience and connections, I am confident that he will become a celebrated rider and coach this year in the US,” commented Grand Prix rider and trainer Stacy Posthumus of Grand Rapids, MI.

Originally from Canada, Dave Thind ran a busy training and sales business there, successfully campaigning horses at high levels in the dressage and hunter/jumper rings.  A back injury, and the possibility of never riding again, led to Dave’s deep interest in human and equine biomechanics.  This also led to his close study of various body awareness techniques including Feldenkrais. These techniques, combined with a solid foundation in German classical dressage, have allowed Dave to help competitive riders excel up to the highest levels.

While in Germany, Dave received regular training from some the best teachers Germany has to offer including former Olympic Team Trainer, Martin Plewa, Brazilian Olympic Team Trainer Johan Zagers and three-time German Professional Riders’ Champion Hartwig Burfeind.  Most recently, he has been training with German-based Spaniard Juan Manuel Vidal, a student of Hubertus Schmidt.

As a popular clinician, Dave travels extensively, working with riders of various disciplines who seek heightened communication and performance, based on the German training system and an advanced knowledge of biomechanics.  Dave’s ability to convey complex theoretical concepts and help riders not only to feel, but also to reproduce improvement, sets this trainer apart. Dave has taught theory-based courses in riding and riding-related biomechanics at educational institutions such as the Westphalishe Reit und Fahr Schule (GER), UMB Agricultural University (NOR), and Tveit Agricultural College (NOR).

Dave is married to Dr. Camilla Stava, an equine Veterinarian who holds certification in Animal Chiropractic as well a German ‘Trainer C’ license.

To celebrate Dave Thind’s arrival, Cutler Farm Dressage is hosting a clinic with Dave June 16-17, 2012 in Medfield, MA.  The clinic is open to riders of all levels, and will include an interactive section on riding theory and biomechanics.

More about Cutler Farm
An easy drive from Boston, Cutler Farm Dressage’s mission is to provide the highest quality environment for clients and their horses.  The staff is devoted to the well-being of each horse as an individual, and to providing riders with an array of services designed to promote wellness and to enhance under-saddle performance of both horse and rider. In addition to providing exceptional care for the horses, Cutler Farm offers its riders access to full and part-time training programs with German certified trainer Dave Thind, unique educational programs and an impressive roster of visiting clinicians. Boarders enjoy access to all of the luxurious extras including a fully equipped Pilates studio complete with changing and showering areas. For more information, please visit www.cutlerfarmdressage.com.

Media Contact: Mason Phelps
Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
phone 561.753.3389 fax 561.753.3386
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com

Personality is one of the most common recipients of a multitude of behavioral attributions. More often than not, when the actions of another defy understanding, it is the “type of person that he/she is” that becomes the reasoning for these otherwise incomprehensible features of a person. Further, we even have specialized segments of personality that characterize behavior that exists outside of the “normal spectrum” of behavior. Some examples of this are “addictive personality”, “abusive personality” and “survivor personality.” And for each of these personality subtypes, behavioral traits are understood to be consistent for that subtype. However, as research into what separates those who seem to survive, and even thrive, in the face of extreme stress from those who are debilitated by it, the idea that a personality that is “biphasic” is more adaptive to stress has emerged.

So what is a biphasic personality, and what does it have to do with horses? Biphasic simply means the ability to have opposing behavioral traits housed in one person. A biphasic person can then be said to be both selfish and unselfish, generous and miserly, rigid and flexible, driven and lazy, and introverted and extroverted. For example, a biphasic person can be seen at times to be extremely selfless and generous toward others, yet at other times, be acting for self-motivated reasons. Of course, this type of behavior typically obfuscates logic, yet it is also extremely adaptive. The reason, of course, is that not every situation faced by people requires the same behavioral approach. To be sure, sometimes it pays off to be driven, and at other times, it is better to be patient, and yes, lazy. This is certainly the case during extreme stress.

And no animal knows better about dealing effectively with stress than a horse. A horse, after all, on a daily basis, lives through what in only one occurrence in humans constitutes PTSD. That is the very real threat of dying. This is an integral part of a horse’s nature, and not one easily erased by any amount of “structured” living environments. A horse, regardless of the situation, is still a flight animal, and one that holds concern for his/her life as the utmost priority. Yet horses can adapt to these life threatening circumstances in ways that do not mimic PTSD. If this were not the case, we wouldn’t see them performing in horse shows, riding in airplanes, traveling in horse trailers, and allowing themselves to be ridden. After all, we must not forget that a human animal sits on exactly the same spot that prey animal attacks. And further, this human sitting on the horse not only prevents escape, but actually controls the horse.

But interestingly, in watching horses’ behavior, it is very biphasic. For example, a horse can perform almost electrically, exploding over a course of jumps, or thundering down the track, and then, moments later, be extremely calm. Or, the same horse that is a dominant herd member can also be very nurturing with a young foal — this in fact, describes the typical “alpha mare”.

Humans on the other hand are not so biphasic, especially during times of stress. We will remain extremely activated and on alert weeks, even months after a stressful event. And, prior research on adopted child who came from neglectful or abusive situations, yet were then adopted into nurturing homes, shows that when experiencing overwhelming stress, they revert back to the same maladaptive behaviors that were first displayed with their early abusive caregivers.

Yet it is the ability to respond in ways that are flexible that separate those who survive extreme stress well, and we include horses here, from those who do not. A survivor can then be said to have a biphasic personality that does not always conform to rigid standards, but instead adapts to the needs of the situation, and responds in ways that produce the most effective result, which also restores a state of calm — just like a horse charging away from a predator, then a few moments later complacently munching grass.

Best,
Claire Dorotik LMFT

Photo: Steve Hebert for The Wall Street Journal

Gentlemen,
I know there are a thousand critics out there, and I think I personally may have 995 of them, but I did want to take a moment to express my disappointment with your May 3rd piece on horse slaughter. I think you fell for the false framing of the issue by proponents of slaughter, and you validated the anecdotes of a handful of people and turned them into a fact pattern. I don’t think it was reporting at its best.

There were some actual errors, including the mention that the Congress took the action of specifically “authorizing funding for inspections” at horse slaughter plants. The Congress did no such thing. It simply chose not to include language that specifically barred funding for inspections. In fact, every time the full Senate or House has voted on the issue, the outcome has been lopsided in opposition to horse slaughter. In this case, a couple of conferees to the Agriculture spending bill dropped the House-approved language barring funding. You’ll find no language in the appropriations bill that mentions that horses should be slaughter, and there’s definitely no authorizing language to that effect.

But that’s not my main gripe. My main concern is the false framing of the issue. The Humane Society of the United States operates the two largest horse sanctuaries in the United States – one in Texas and one in Oregon – and we also have an Animal Rescue Team and veterinary teams that roam the country to come to the aid of animals and communities in need. There’s certainly an unwanted horse problem in America, but there’s barely a shred of evidence that people are turning horses loose left and right in this country, as your news story suggested. Certainly, there’s an unwanted horse problem, but that’s been the case forever. Similarly, there’s always been a crowd that’s wanted to make a few dollars in selling horses to slaughter, rather than to provide lifetime care to their animals or to provide the animals with a decent death. That’s selfishness and greed at work, and as with so many people who exploit animals, they don’t want to admit it. They try to attach some high-minded rationalization to their behavior, trying to cast themselves as protectors of the animals. Every horse slaughter advocate thinks they’re an animal lover, just as every factory farmer, every dogfighter and every cockfighter does, too.

The core argument of the horse slaughter crowd — the animal advocates, led by HSUS, shut down the slaughter industry and now people are turning the horses loose because they have no place to send them — suffers from a logical fallacy. As you know from your research, about 130,000 U.S. horses went to slaughter last year – about the same number that went to slaughter each year, in the years when the three U.S. plants were operating. The killer buyers and auctions are operating in precisely the same settings in the U.S. as they were before, but they just then ship the horses to our North American neighbors. If we have the same number of horses going to slaughter, and the same auction points in our country, and the same foreign markets, then how are the economic incentives and same underlying mechanics any different now than prior to 2007?

Again, there’s no quarrel from me that you included the arguments of the proponents of slaughter. And to your credit, you did include some voices against slaughter. But it was lopsided, and there was little substance in the arguments from critics – just opprobrium. I was dumbfounded when I read the piece, but I’ve been doing this work for a long time, and it’s inevitable that there will be good pieces and bad on the big issues of the day. I write because I think you should know your piece was troubling to a lot of seasoned observers of this issue. If you decide to follow up, please let me know, I’d be pleased to discuss the issue with you.

Sincerely,
Wayne Pacelle
President & CEO The Humane Society of the United States
www.humanesociety.org

Reviving Slaughter of Horses
Rules Changed as More Animals Are Cut Loose by Their Owners in Tough Times
U.S. NEWS| Updated May 3, 2012, 7:48 p.m. ET
By: DOUGLAS BELKIN and NATHAN KOPPEL

EMINENCE, Mo. – Jim Smith rumbled down a dusty road in his truck to check on the herd of wild horses he has been looking after near this tiny Ozarks town for more than two decades.

The herd, which got its start when horses were abandoned during the Great Depression, is growing again as tough times have pushed owners who can no longer afford to feed their horses try to give them a fighting chance in the wild.

Mr. Smith, who runs a trail-riding operation and captures many horses to limit the herd size and protect the newly abandoned “dumpouts” from harm, thinks there is a solution that makes many people uncomfortable: the slaughterhouse.

“The horse industry has gone to hell in a handbasket,” said Mr. Smith, a 67-year-old with a shotgun and a rifle in his pickup. “An old horse, a crippled horse, an unwanted horse, they all cost the same to feed, and nobody wants them, so they keep dumping them off here. Until there is a place to take them, it’s not going to get any better.”

To the relief of some – and the horror of others – that day may be approaching. Companies are planning to revive the horse-slaughter industry in several states, including Missouri, thanks to new rules authorizing federal funds to again be made available to inspect the facilities.

The Growing Herd

These horses, part of a wild herd in Eminence, Mo., were captured and corralled.

In 2006, Congress, bowing to animal-welfare groups, cut off funding for inspections, effectively shuttering the domestic industry. Without federal inspections, slaughterhouses can’t ship horse meat to Europe and Asia, where it is consumed by people. The last domestic horse slaughterhouse closed in 2007; as recently as 1990, more than 300,000 horses were slaughtered annually in the U.S.

Congress reversed course last year, authorizing funding for inspections after the Government Accountability Office concluded that the closing of domestic slaughterhouses had caused a decline in horse welfare, partly because it prompted more horses to be transported long distances to Canadian and Mexican slaughterhouses, without adequate rest, food or water.

A horse can typically bring several hundred dollars at slaughter. According to the GAO report last year, the demise of the domestic slaughter industry drove prices for all low-end horses down by 20%, while the tough economy drove prices down an additional 5%.

By 2009, owners who couldn’t afford the average annual cost of $2,500 to care for a horse also were having a hard time finding buyers. Reports of horses starved or abandoned surged, and rescue facilities across the country began to fill.

In Eminence, a community of 600 people 150 miles southwest of St. Louis, folks have been looking out for decades for the wild horses, which move along the Current River in Ozarks National Scenic Riverways, a large national park. After the park tried to have the herd removed in the mid-1990s, Congress stepped in and protected the herd’s status but capped its number at 50.

Mr. Smith and his pals created the Missouri Wild Horse League to protect the animals, which are good for tourism. In the past five years, the group has held the population to 50 by capturing, and then adopting out for free, 40 or so newly abandoned horses. Some horses are able to crack the herd’s stiff social hierarchy and win acceptance. Others failed to thrive and have been found dead.

Last Friday, Mr. Smith drove his truck slowly down a one-lane road in search of the herd. One of the region’s richest sources of revenue here is tourism, and trail riders come from across the country hoping to catch a glimpse of the wild horses. An hour away from his ranch, Mr. Smith stopped his truck. “There they are,” he said, pointing toward nine horses, heads down grazing, in a meadow framed by oaks and sycamore. A bit closer, he saw a young reddish colt. “That’s a dumpout,” he said. “We’ll have to come back and get him.”

Now, as abandoned horses vex communities across the country, companies are applying for permits to restart the slaughter industry. “This would be good for our economy,” said Rick De Los Santos, spokesman for Valley Meat Co., which wants to open a plant near Roswell, N.M., that would employ at least 50 people.

But the plant faces pushback. New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez, a Republican, wrote a letter last month to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, urging the agency to deny the application, on animal-cruelty grounds.

Another company, Unified Equine LLC, based in Wyoming, hopes to build slaughterhouses in Missouri and Oklahoma by the end of this summer.

Animal-rights groups call horse slaughter inhumane; horses are sensitive, they say, prone to try to flee during the slaughter process. “Horses are often hit multiple times on their head before they are rendered unconscious,” said Nancy Perry, senior vice president of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Critics of slaughter plants also maintain that unwanted horses can always find a home. “Most people would love to have a horse, and here are people using and discarding them as if they have no other purpose than to generate commerce,” said Susan Wagner, president of Equine Advocates, which operates a horse sanctuary in Chatham, N.Y.

In the Ozarks, patience for animal-rights advocates is limited. Mr. Smith says he has a hard time adopting out the horses he captures and can’t charge a fee to cover his costs. Meanwhile, car wrecks involving horses have become weekly occurrences, according to highway officials.

The newly abandoned horses, which are less adept at foraging, also tend to more aggressively invade backyards and private meadows.

“I don’t know of any horseman who doesn’t think we should reopen the slaughterhouse,” said Phil Moss, who lives in nearby Ellington and who helped build a corral to trap the newly abandoned horses on his property after they started grazing there. “We need to do something pretty quick.”

Be sure to write to Douglas Belkin at doug.belkin@wsj.com and Nathan Koppel at nathan.koppel@wsj.com and let them know you appreciate them bringing this important issue to the forefront and would like them to continue to write about these topics, however, please let them know the facts they left out of this article and the misrepresentations in their reporting.

Saving America’s Mustangs | 2683 Via De La Valle, G 313 | Del Mar | CA | 92014