Disciplines, Jane Savoie, Training/Clinics

What Are the Aids to Ask My Horse to Stop or Slow Down? by Jane Savoie

Leave a comment

It’s important to know you can slow your horse down or stop completely (your brakes) so that he’s a safe and obedient mount.

With a young horse, your outside hand is your primary speed control aid. Give a quick squeeze and release on that rein as if you’re snatching a fly out of the air. For example, if your horse is going too fast in the trot, give a quick squeeze and release on your outside rein to slow him down.

When you first use your brakes, combine the squeeze on the outside rein with a voice command that your horse knows, like “slow” or “whoa”. The voice command helps him make the link between the rein aid and what you want him to do.

As your horse becomes more educated, you’ll add your “stilled” or “retarding seat” to your outside hand aid.

If your horse ignores your light aid to slow down, don’t pull harder. Instead, make a correction. Correct your horse by halting sharply. Sit deeply in the saddle and give a firm, upward pull on the outside rein.

Then go forward again. Within the first stride or two, RETEST with the original polite squeeze and release on the outside rein.

If he slows down immediately, PRAISE him. If he doesn’t react immediately, repeat the steps above.

Note from Jane

I want to thank all of you who wrote in asking how we fared during Irene. I truly appreciate your concern and am so grateful that personally we didn’t suffer from this horrific hurricane.

Continue reading What Are the Aids to Ask My Horse to Stop or Slow Down? by Jane Savoie →

Championships, Competitions, Driving, Events, FEI, USEF

USEF Names Team for the 2011 FEI World Pony Driving Championships

Leave a comment

Lexington, KY – The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) named the following drivers to represent the United States at the 2011 FEI World Pony Driving Championships in Lipica, Slovenia September 21-25, 2011.

The following drivers will compete on the Team:

Single Pony Championship
Miranda Cadwell (Southern Pines, NC) will drive her own Kabam.
Shelly Temple (Aiken, SC) will drive her own LR Ami B-Line.

Pair Pony Championship
Jennifer Matheson (Aiken, SC) will drive Katrina Becker’s Cees, Dannyloo and Topper.
Wendy O’Brien (Aiken, SC) will drive her own Avalon 279, Ben 65 and Francisco 7.

Team Pony Championship
Laurie Astegiano (Rousssac, France) will drive her own Liezelhof Dave, Mastro’s Baroness, Templedruid Kronos, Templeruid St. Jerneborg and Timmy 97.
Allison Stroud (Unionville, PA) will drive her own Cong Donal, Kilkerin, Edward, Mosby, Mystic and Sir Patrick.

The following driver will compete as an Individual:

Single Pony Championship
Suzy Stafford (Wilmington, DE) will drive her own and Beth Steinke’s Josephine.

Chester Weber will serve as the Chef d’Equipe and Michael Freund will serve as coach.

U.S. Coverage will be available here: http://www.usefnetwork.com/coverage/archives.aspx.

More information is available here: http://www.lipica.org/en/enter-page/305?id=113.

Competitions, Dressage, Events, FEI, FEI, Show Jumping

Lyon (FRA) to Host FEI World Cup Jumping and Dressage Finals in 2014

Leave a comment

Lausanne (SUI), 14 September 2011 – Following the withdrawal last week of Guadalajara’s (MEX) bid to host the FEI World Cup Final Jumping in 2014, the FEI Bureau has today allocated the FEI World Cup Jumping and Dressage Finals 2014 to Lyon (FRA). The French city was one of two bidders for the 2014 Finals.

“We very much regret that Guadalajara was not able to comply with the FEI requirements within the timeframe and we understand that they need some more time to put on a perfect event. They are now working on a bid for the FEI World Cup Final in 2015 and we look forward to receiving it,” said FEI Secretary General Ingmar De Vos.

“We are delighted to give the 2014 FEI World Cup Finals in both Jumping and Dressage to Lyon and look forward to spectacular sport in France.”

The FEI World Cup Jumping and Dressage Finals 2014 will run from 16-20 April.

Media contacts:
Grania Willis
Director Media Relations
grania.willis@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 42

Malina Gueorguiev
Manager Media Relations
malina.gueorguiev@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 33

Art/Photography, Contributors/Press, Events

Equine Therapy: The Horse Exhibit, by Claire Dorotik

Leave a comment

While the relationship between horses and humans is one of public fascination and private intrigue, it is also something that evades easy description. Although many have tried to put words to the magical connection that can occur between an equine and his human, sometimes words are not enough. And for this reason, we often look to exhibits such as “The Horse” produced in partnership by the The Kentucky Horse Park’s International Museum of the Horse, and the American Museum of Natural History. For those interested in experiencing a visual depiction of horse and human collaboration, this exhibit is not to be missed. Here is the official press release:

Prestigious American Museum of Natural History Sends Its Blockbuster Exhibition to the International Museum of the Horse

Terra-cotta horse from Tamil Nadu, India. Photo © AMNH/D. Finnin

LEXINGTON, Ky. (August 29, 2011) – The Kentucky Horse Park’s International Museum of the Horse (IMH), in collaboration with the American Museum of Natural History, announced today that it will host the exhibition, The Horse, from October 22, 2011, through April 6, 2012. The IMH is a major lender to the exhibition.

“We are thrilled to be able to bring this world-class exhibition to Kentucky,” said Bill Cooke, director of the Kentucky Horse Park’s International Museum of the Horse. “The American Museum of Natural History is truly one of the world’s great natural history museums, and they did a masterful job in developing an exhibition that not only illuminates the timeless union between humans and horses, but does so in an amazingly entertaining way. We are excited that this will be our first blockbuster-level exhibition while schools are in session. I have no doubt that both teachers and their students will love The Horse.”

Continue reading Equine Therapy: The Horse Exhibit, by Claire Dorotik →

Art/Photography, Awards, Community/Charity, Conferences, Products/Services, WHIN

WHINNY Awards to Honor Horsewoman Elizabeth Shatner

Leave a comment

Nashville, TN – The Women’s Horse Industry Network has announced that Elizabeth Shatner has been selected as a recipient of a WHINNY award for her efforts in the horse industry.

The WHINNY awards are designed to shine the light on people who are using their high visibility to save and protect horses and to promote the horse industry through charitable efforts. Elizabeth Shatner, wife of actor William Shatner, does just that.

Born with a love of horses, Elizabeth started riding at the age of five. At the tender age of eight, she got her first horse, a Galiceno pony. By 14, she was teaching horseback riding and participating in young judging competitions with the Indiana Arabian Club, winning several national honors and a scholarship. As a part of the scholarship, she was able to attend a USEF judging clinic. It was during her time as a youth judge that she began to see the beauty of art in nature. She attended Purdue University studying equine and animal science and Butler University in Telecommunications. She eventually became a professional horse trainer.

A photo safari trip with her husband in Israel was the spark that ignited her passion for art with photography launching her in another career. She calls her art Flowrosophy, using the nature’s shapes and colors to create pieces that heal the spirit and arouse introspection. Moving back to her love of horses Elizabeth recently unveiled as part of her “Elizabeth Shatner Art by Nature” series the “Unbridled Collection”, a series of digitally painted photographs of horses she has encountered all around the world focusing on Kentucky and the role horses have played in history and their influence on culture.  Elizabeth celebrates these “horses in service” by donating portions of the proceeds from the sale of her artwork to equine-related charities.

Continue reading WHINNY Awards to Honor Horsewoman Elizabeth Shatner →

Community/Charity, Conferences, Products/Services, WHIN

P. J. Stegen to Speak at WHIN’s 3rd Annual Business Networking Expo

Leave a comment

Nashville, TN – The Women’s Horse Industry Network has announced that P. J. Stegen will be a featured speaker at the event.

The event takes place in Nashville, Tennessee October 6-8 and includes a variety of events. On October 6, the group will host the 1st Annual WHINNY awards. The event includes live country music, the presentation of the awards and a silent auction to benefit equine charities. All events take place at the Radisson Hotel Opryland. Complete details are on WHIN’s website. The event starts at 6 PM and is open to the public.  To order tickets please click here!

The conference with exhibitors and panels starts on Friday, the 7th and runs through Saturday, the 8th. P. J. Stegen will be speaking at the “Making Your Business Profitable” on Saturday, October 8th.

P. J. Stegen spent over 35 years in business, and has been a non-profit management professional since 1989. P. J. served as Executive Director of four industry trade associations: Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA), Fibre Channel Association, The ATM Forum, and Gaming Standards Association. She worked with 1,000+ corporate member companies and 2,000 individual corporate volunteers developing and promoting technical standards for the Personal Computing (PC), Video & High Definition, System Storage, Telecommunications and Gaming Industries. P. J. has also served on the Core Group/Board of Directors of the above and several other non-profits including The Ilan Lael Foundation, In-Reach Foundation, and the Rainshadow Charter High School. She has also been instrumental in producing and hosting personal development seminars for trainers such as Wayne Dyer, Depak Chopra, Yogi Bahjan, Larry Dossey, Pia Mellody and others through her association with the Palo Also Community Church as their Director of Volunteers and Special Events.

Continue reading P. J. Stegen to Speak at WHIN’s 3rd Annual Business Networking Expo →

Championships, Competitions, Events, FEI, FEI, Show Jumping

Host Nation Spain Drawn First to Go in FEI European Jumping Championships

Leave a comment

Madrid (ESP), 13 September 2011 – Host nation Spain will be hoping to stay out in front after being drawn number one of 16 nations at today’s draw for the starting order in the FEI European Jumping Championships. The Spanish have never won the European Jumping title and are keen to reverse that trend on their home turf at Club de Campo de Villa Madrid this week.

Defending title holders Switzerland are fourth to go; France – the country of reigning individual champion Kevin Staut – are in 13th; and Germany, leaders in the FEI European Championship gold medal tally with six team titles, will start 14th.

The order of go for the FEI European Jumping Championships: 1, Spain; 2, Great Britain; 3, Poland; 4, Switzerland; 5, Ireland; 6, Netherlands; 7, Sweden; 8, Norway; 9, Italy; 10, Belgium; 11, Denmark; 12, Portugal; 13, France; 14, Germany; 15, Hungary; 16, Austria.

“Now I know what a warm welcome really means,” said Stephan Ellenbruch (GER), President of the Ground Jury, as temperatures soared and the Spanish summer returned to Club de Campo de Villa Madrid. Speaking at today’s draw, Stephan Ellenbruch said: “Maybe I should give the timetable for the swimming pool before we go into the draw!”

Show director Alfonso Segovia, who competed at both the Munich and Montreal Olympic Games, conducted the draw with FEI Jumping Committee Acting Chair, John Madden.

Continue reading Host Nation Spain Drawn First to Go in FEI European Jumping Championships →

Breeds, Community/Charity, JRPR

Interagro Lusitanos Offers Buyers Private Visits to World-Famous Farm in Brazil

Leave a comment
Interagro Lusitanos is now offering private visits to the Brazilian farm for horse enthusiasts wishing to purchase an Interagro Lusitano. (Photo courtesy of JRPR)

Wellington, FL (September 13, 2011) – Peter van Borst, International Sales Director for Interagro Lusitanos of Brazil, has been traveling to the Brazilian farm for the past 20 years and said each time he drives through the former coffee plantation’s rolling lush hills, now home of the world’s finest Lusitano horses, he feels as if he has discovered the “hidden valley of Lusitanos.” The exclusive, world-renown farm, situated on 1,200 acres outside of the small town of Itapira, about an hour and a half from São Paulo, is now offering private visits to the Brazilian farm for horse enthusiasts wishing to purchase an Interagro Lusitano.

“I travel to Interagro often and now interested buyers can accompany me, stay at the farm and experience the magic first-hand,” van Borst said. “The Interagro Lusitano farm is like no other place on earth. It wasn’t built to impress the public, in fact the only way you can visit the farm is through private invitation. I will say it is quite emotional when you come around the bend and view the farm for the first time.”

Mr. van Borst said the trips will give prospective buyers a chance to experience the life and culture of Interagro Lusitanos and take home the horse of their dreams. “They will stay at the farm, enjoy the joyous Brazilian culture and the lifestyle of the farm, as well as have the chance to see the horses, ride and drive them and become part of the Interagro family.  It really is an incredible opportunity, and of course I can’t say enough about the quality of the Interagro horses. The cross-selection of Lusitano bloodlines that Interagro offers, as well as the selection of lineages, is something you won’t be able to find anywhere else in the world.”

The lineages at Interagro include Andrade, Coudelaria Nacional, Veiga and other bloodlines. “Interagro breeds for a competitive style of Lusitano.  The result is a scopier, elegant, and athletic horse that is suitable for amateur and professional riders alike,” Mr. van Borst said. “Interagro’s horses are bred to meet the demand for modern Iberian horses in the competitive world.”

Continue reading Interagro Lusitanos Offers Buyers Private Visits to World-Famous Farm in Brazil →

Rescue/Protection Sources

Protect America’s Horses and Promote Responsible Government!

Leave a comment

Please tell your Senators to Support the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act

Turn on the news and much of what you will hear from our elected officials in Washington, D.C. is “cut federal spending,” “stop wasteful federal programs,” or “decrease federal regulation.”  For those truly interested in cutting waste, we have a winning issue: banning horse slaughter.  Not only does the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act (S. 1176) help end the abuse of over 100,000 American horses being hauled to and slaughtered in Mexico and Canada for human consumption, but this bill would also eliminate a federal program while saving the American taxpayer millions of dollars a year.

Amazingly, however, while some in Congress talk about cuts, a few of the same politicians are quietly trying to restore a USDA program that was eliminated six years ago.  At the time Congress shut this program down, it was costing taxpayers $5 million a year, almost exclusively for the benefit of foreign interests.  Restoring it now would cost much more — and require an increase in federal bureaucracy to boot.  It is time for the American people to stand up for horses while taking  a stand against those in Congress working both sides of the issue when it comes to federal spending.

Contact your Senators TODAY in support of S. 1176, the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act.  For more background on the issue and the legislation, please visit www.awionline.org/horseslaughter.

What You Can Do:
Call both of your Senators today and urge them to help end horse slaughter, while saving the American taxpayer millions of dollars a year, by cosponsoring S. 1176, the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act.

Continue reading Protect America’s Horses and Promote Responsible Government! →

Competitions, Events, HITS, HITS, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Samantha Schaefer and Lyn Pedersen’s Mahalo Win the Inaugural Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final

Leave a comment
© ESI Photography. Samantha Schaefer and Lyn Pedersen's Mahalo on course during the Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final.

SAUGERTIES, NEW YORK (September 13, 2011) – All bets were off Sunday morning as judges’ cards were wiped clean from Saturday’s first two rounds of the Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final and the top 25 riders advanced to the final two rounds in the Strongid C 2X Grand Prix Stadium at HITS-on-the-Hudson. With an impressive fourth-round score of 92.33 and a total score of 178.08, junior Samantha Schaefer of Westminster, Maryland piloted Lyn Pedersen’s Mahalo to victory.

Schaefer finished Saturday’s rounds in the top four and was looking forward to “having some fun” on Sunday. Despite the rain that fell throughout most of the Diamond Mills Hunter Prix Final, Schaefer was all smiles when she received her first-place ribbon and $150,000 check.

“I didn’t ride any differently than I usually do, I just did my best,” said Schaefer. “After it was over I saw the check and thought, wow, that’s a lot of money!”

The Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final was developed by HITS President and CEO Tom Struzzieri. The class welcomed professionals, amateurs and juniors to participate on a range of horses from pre-green to seasoned hunters. It has, in turn, revolutionized the Hunter discipline and welcomed all levels of horses and riders from all over the country to compete for serious prize money.

Of the 63 who competed in the class, 25 were chosen to compete in the third round on Sunday, and the top four moved on to the fourth and final round.

Continue reading Samantha Schaefer and Lyn Pedersen’s Mahalo Win the Inaugural Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final →

Your Southern Source for Everything Horse

Share via
Facebook
X (Twitter)
LinkedIn
Mix
Email
Print
Copy Link
Copy link
CopyCopied