MSEDA News

For many horse owners, trailering a horse is a routine part of equine ownership. However, transporting a live animal shouldn’t be taken lightly. While some precautions aren’t necessary for short trips, they are advisable for longer jaunts.

By Sarah E. Coleman

It’s the time of year that some horse owners begin to think about heading South to continue competing and get more training where the weather is a bit more pleasant. While easy to get into the groove once they arrive at their destination, there is a bit of prep work to be done beforehand for both horse and transportation devices to ensure a safe trip.

While there are many things horse owners know they must do before loading a horse into a trailer (like checking tire pressure and that all the lights work), there are some things that get lost in the shuffle. The following guidelines can help ensure a safe journey:

Additionally, to lessen the chance your horse will get ill during transport, consider the following:

Thanksgiving is the time of year when we seem to get a brief reprieve in the busy-ness of life. The summer chores, horse shows and events have slowed and we can catch our breath for a minute before we delved into the madness of the holidays.

By Sarah E. Coleman

As horse people, we are innately tied into the rhythm of the seasons; of the coming of spring and shedding season; of the heat of summer and stockpiling hay in preparation of cold weather to come; and of the cold as it comes and how our horses prepare themselves for the chill. We are blessed to be in nature, to see the beauty that surrounds us and to deeply love another creature. This holiday is a wonderful time of year to sit and reflect on the past year and be thankful for all that has been brought to us, and to look ahead with hope and optimism.

In the spirit of thankfulness, we asked MSEDA members: What are you most thankful for with regards to horse sand farm life?

My horses are truly my therapy. I am happiest when riding and a bad day is made better after sitting on my horse. They are my church pew. -- Molly DePerna

Friends made with other horse-crazies. -- Marie Petroni

My daughter has learned so much through riding I can’t name them all to be thankful for. -- Michelle Metcalf

Other horse owners are thankful for a plethora of things. These include:
Barn kitties! – Melissa King

The pure unadulterated joy and love he brings me. Especially now with everything going on in my life, he is my everything. – Lori White

The fact that it’s an instant group of friends/family every time you move to a new place where you know no one. – Marion Maybank

Centeredness. Gratitude. Learning to be vulnerable. – Carli McKelvey

Horses took me from little old New Zealand to travel the world and eventually settle in my childhood dream state SPECIFICALLY Lexington! I owe them everything. – Emma Lyster

I am thankful horses are the reason I see the beautiful farm sunrise, every day. I am thankful for the friends and career they’ve brought me. I am thankful horses have taught (and constantly remind me) to be more patient, always seek more knowledge, and always look to improve.  What I like about the equestrian lifestyle? The saddlepads, definitely! – Kimberly McCormack

I was finally able to start taking lessons when I turned 30. Before those lessons, I only rode Western for one summer as a young teen. I knew it would be expensive. I knew I was already so behind the game due to starting so late in life and never sitting in an English (barely there!) saddle. I also knew that this was my chance to realize a lifelong dream, even if I would only be able to do it, at most, 60 minutes a week. Flash forward to 8 years later, I am so thankful for my trainers who taught, pushed and yelled at me and told me that I COULD do it. I am so thankful for all the friends and connections I have made because of riding. It is a community that I'm proud to be a part of. I am thankful for my beautiful mare that, after 2.5 years of owning her, I still can't believe is mine. I am thankful for my ribbons, no matter what color, that remind me of how far I've come and of the goals that I still want to achieve. I am thankful for my husband who fully supports my habit. Riding has enriched my life in ways that I never would have expected. – Sarah Seitz

Horses give me relief from my anxiety (believe it or not). When I had to take a break to have my son, it was the worst time in my life mental-health wise. Now that I'm back in it, I can't go without. I missed them so much and they have saved me so many times. – Drew Kemerling

On the list of bazillion things I'm thankful for I am most grateful for all the people I meet through the barn and horses. My very best friendships in the world all began around a horse. – Tracy Walling

Horse show warm-up rings can be busy enough to strike fear in even the most-seasoned professional’s heart. Use these tips to survive the chaos so you can shine in the show ring.

By Sarah E. Coleman

As the weather gets colder, warming up before a dressage test or jumping round becomes even more important to keep equine limbs and muscles limber. However, with the onset of cooler temps comes the issue of limited space to warm up, as all competitors are forced to do their riding preparation indoors before stepping into the show ring.

The warm-up can be a chaotic place for even the most seasoned exhibitors. Horses seem like they are going every which way, people are calling (or not calling) fences you happen to be riding by and without fail there is at least one horse who is truly losing his mind. Add in trainers calling out instructions to their students, people standing and having a chat on the rail or in the middle of the ring, and you have one potentially harrowing experience, for both humans and horses.

So how can you make the most of your show-ring prep time? While many of these are common sense, it doesn’t hurt to be reminded of how to make the warm up as safe as possible for all horses and riders.

Remember that the warm-up ring is not a place to train your horse; it’s meant to be a place to go in, show the horse his surroundings and work off some anxious energy before going in to compete.  Additionally, if your horse truly is having a breakdown in the warmup, it’s best to remove yourself from the situation before you make things worse of other riders. Your best bet to warm up may be hacks up and down the driveway or lunging in a smaller area outside of the designated warm-up ring.

Minding your manners and being aware of other riders goes a long way to making the warm-up ring safe for both horses and riders. Understanding that you may not get to work on everything you would like to and remaining flexible will allow you to have a safe, productive warm-up ride and set the stage for a stellar show-ring round.

For most of us, nerves are par for the course during competition. But the anxiety you feel doesn’t have to zap your concentration.

By Sarah E. Coleman

So, it’s show day. You’ve prepared as much as you possibly can, from the hours in the saddle to memorizing your test to cleaning every piece of tack (and the horse!) to the best you’re able. So, why so anxious, even with all this preparation?

Nerves and anxiety at horse shows are normal, but it’s imperative that you learn to channel your nervous energy so you don’t make your mount a raging lunatic or get so overwhelmed that you literally don’t make sense.

Changing Anxiety to Enthusiasm

While there is no such thing as “too much” of some vitamins and minerals (meaning the horse excretes out what he doesn’t need), selenium is not one of them: even a little more than needed can be toxic to horses.

By Sarah E. Coleman

An essential trace mineral important for respiratory, immune system, muscle and thyroid health in horses, selenium has a narrow margin of safety, meaning more isn’t always better. The FDA recommends that an average, 1,000-pound horse receive just 3 mg of selenium per day. Horses can get selenium from the grass, hay and commercial feed they ingest.

While it’s easy to see the amount of selenium in commercial feeds and supplements that have clearly labeled tags, what your horse ingests from grass and hay can be more difficult to determine. Many areas of the country have soils that are selenium deficient, meaning that the crops grown on them are also low in selenium, so supplementation to be sure a horse is getting the adequate amount may be needed. The majority of horses in the United States don’t get enough selenium from forage along.

However, the converse can also be true: There are also areas of the country where selenium content in soil (and therefore hay) is quite high. Specific types of plants grown on this soil retain amounts of selenium that are toxic to horses. Thankfully, given adequate pasture, the majority of horses will avoid eating these plants. The amount of selenium in an area depends on what type of rock formed the soil.

So how can you know how much selenium your horse is eating? You can get your pastures analyzed for selenium content by a county extension agent. Once you know if your soils are high in selenium or deficient in selenium, as well as how much selenium he is receiving from a commercial feed (if he eats one at the recommended feeding rate), you can determine if you need to supplement his selenium intake or not.

You can also pull blood or serum to test your horse’s selenium levels. It’s important to note that the selenium concentrations change rapidly with selenium intake when testing serum, but a whole-blood test can remain elevated for up to 9 months after supplementation has ended.

A map to the selenium content in soil by county can be found here: https://mrdata.usgs.gov/geochem/doc/averages/se/usa.html

How Does Selenium Toxicity Present?

Many of us remember the deaths of 21 polo ponies in 2009 that resulted from an overdose of selenium in the compounded medication they were receiving; while this is an extreme case, there are certain things that can indicate a horse is receiving too much selenium:
Acute selenium poisoning:

Chronic selenium toxicity is more common and can take place over weeks or months. This type of toxicity can result in:

How Can I Tell If My Horse Has a Selenium Deficiency?

In an effort to keep our membership educated and abreast of errors in competition that can be avoided, this issue will focus on showjumping and what can be done to reduce the chances of faults and disqualification that can happen in addition to the more run-of-the-mill time and dropped-rail penalties.

By Sarah E. Coleman

There are common mistakes among riders in all disciplines, and show jumping is no exception. While it may seem fairly straightforward (leave all the jumps up and jump the course in the allotted time), errors are still common during this phase, at all heights. Janice Holmes, an eventing trainer and USEF “r” judge in eventing, as well as MSEDA licensed in eventing, stadium and dressage, offers these insights to not gain any additional penalties (as well as stay in the judge’s good graces!):

1.     Starting before the bell has rung. Be sure to listen for your signal. If two rings are going at the same time, know if you are a tone, bell or whistle. EV154 2.6
2.     If you slide into an obstacle, listen for the signal. If there is no signal, you can continue and are charged four points for a knockdown. EV153.4
If there is a signal, you have been charged with a refusal and must wait for the jump to be rebuilt so you can have another go at it. You will be charged 4 points for the refusal and 6 seconds will be added to your time. EV150.6.d
3.     A jump blows down after the bell has rung, but before the competitor starts. The bell will eb run again and the jump will be reset. If the competitor does not stop, he continues at his own discretion. He may or may not be eliminate. EV152.9
4.     You have a refusal at the B element of an A/B combination. You must re-jump element A. EV154.2.n
5.     It is your responsibility to enter the ring when your name/number is called. You may be eliminated if it’s your turn and you don’t follow the directions from the warm-up steward. “My coach is not here,” “I am not ready” and “I didn’t know you were running early are not excuses, you should jump during your division. Posted times for show jumping are fairly accurate, and you should check with the stewards to see if they are running early or late. If you need to go out of order, check with the stewards and the warm-up volunteer BEFORE show jumping starts. With computer scheduling, adequate time is allotted between ride.  EV154.3.a

Western Dressage is gaining traction in the horse world as many riders who traditionally compete in western show pens are venturing into the classical dressage sandbox.

USEF recognizes the Western Dressage Association of America (WDAA) as the sole affiliate representing the discipline of Western Dressage. A discipline that encourages all-breeds engagement, any horse that can walk, trot and canter can participate (WDAA also has rules for gaited horses, as well!).

Photo by Lisa Dean Photography

A core principle of the WDAA is the celebration and stewardship of the American West. Top-tier Western horse trainers have long used classical dressage techniques, but until the formation of WDAA, they have not had a place to showcase their techniques.

WDAA’s mission statement is to “build an equine community that combines the Western traditions of horse and rider with Classical Dressage.

• We honor the horse.
• We value the partnership between horse and rider.
• We celebrate the legacy of the American West.”

Nikki Wahl-Seto, MSEDA Newsletter Editor, is a staunch proponent of Western Dressage and has shown in the dressage ring in both a western and a classical dressage saddle. She is excited to see that Western Dressage is growing both as a national discipline and as a MSEDA-supported one. Here is her take on the differences between the two disciplines.

Equipment

There are many details that differentiate Western Dressage from Classical Dressage, the first of which is tack and its use. Riders using a curb bit can ride either one-handed or two-handed (riders using a snaffle must ride with 2 hands) said Nikki. Similar to classical dressage, there are legal bits and those that are not permitted in the show ring. For now, western curb bits are permitted in WDAA competition, though there is talk about only allowing snaffles in the lower levels, says Nikki.

“This rule has not taken effect yet as most western horses are trained in a curb bit and this would have limited the number of riders entering into western dressage,” she notes. As the purpose of WDAA is to encourage riders of all backgrounds to enjoy the competition of western dressage, it is unclear if and when this rule will take effect. Additionally, in the majority of western breed and disciplines events, a horse that goes in a snaffle is typically 5 years old and younger.

Similar to classical dressage, there are a plethora of bits that are both legal and illegal. Legal tack includes spade bits, most English bits, smooth or bosal cavessons, ported curbs, bitless bridles, and curb chains—the list goes on! “In addition to bits, stewards must also check spurs and whips,” said Nikki. “Yes, we can carry whips, though most true western riders see this as a very foreign concept!”

Attire

The attire for Western Dressage is quite simple; most schooling shows outline just pants, boots, a long-sleeved, collared shirt (short-sleeved shirts are permitted at the judge’s discretion),  chaps or chinks and a helmet or western hat. “Helmets can be required, but their use is determined by the show and/or the show grounds, so it’s imperative that you check your entry form carefully,” says Nikki. If you have any questions, be sure to check with your steward or show management before the show. It also never hurts to email USEF regarding any rule questions!

“I have ridden against folks at the Horse Park in a cowboy hat, but most WD riders you will see in a helmet—safety first!” she says. “At big shows you will see the fancy outfits with sparkles and silver [those these don’t tend to come out for the smaller, local shows]." Bling is allowed on the rider, but not on the horse.

Read more about the WDAA attire and equipment here.

What Judges Look For

“In our area, we are riding in front of traditional dressage judges, and we’re lucky enough to have several judges who have put the effort and money into training themselves for Western Dressage,” says Nikki. Currently, WDAA lists two USEF Western Dressage judges in the MSEDA area: Susan Posner (“R”) and Karen Winn (“r”).

Traditional Dressage and Western Dressage are more alike than they are different, and are based on the same principles. Here are some places where they may differ:

• The ability to ride with one hand (with curb bits). Rein hold depends on the type of reins used. Roman reins can be used only with a curb bit and may only be ridden with one hand. A rider can ride with two hands with split reins, connected reins or mecate reins (without the popper),
• Gaits: Although maintaining the same principles (correct beats, steady tempo, suspension in gaits with impulsion, etc.) the trot is called a jog and the canter is called a lope. There is the distinction that these gaits must remain energetic and have the correct footfall (unlike some horses seen in Western Pleasure today). The tempo of these may be a little slower than those of a trot and canter but in gaits must remain pure. Excessive speed or slowness will be penalized.
• Quiet, gentle voice commands are permitted in all levels of WD.
• Posting is optional for the working jog through the basic level; posting is optional in all levels for the free jog and lengthening of the jog.
• Movements: Turn on the forehand is introduced in WD test but not in Traditional Dressage. Also pivoting is allowed in WD as it is a common and useful move for Western stock horses.

• WD allows gaited horses to compete. Gaited horses are penalized in traditional Dressage as their gaits to not meet the requirements.

Western Dressage riders can ride Intro, Basic, and First through Fourth level tests. Each test is based in dressage fundamentals and “showcase applications for the Working Western Horse,” the WDAA website states.

Read about the dressage rules and guidelines here.

The View from the Judge's Box

Nikki noted the following interesting facts about Western Dressage:

Currently, Western Dressage is sanctioned only by USEF. The organization is focused on growing organically; the first WDAA/USEF sanctioned shows will be near Kentucky this year; the closest WD shows used to be were in Ohio and Tennessee, Nikki notes.

Even if you are not a Kentucky Dressage Association member, it’s well worth your time to have a peek at Impulsion, their very well-done informational e-newsletter. Each issue is chock full of information, including a show and clinic calendar; up-to-date volunteer hours, personal points of view, and more.

The interviews in particular offer some really great advice; this issue has a wonderful interview with Callie Jones, who explains the USEF/USDF Discover Dressage Emerging Athletes Program, how participants are selected, what the purpose of the program is and what her own personal goals entail.

A bi-monthly publication, Impulsion covers topics pertinent to dressage riders in Kentucky; it’s a quick and easy way to stay up-to-date on current news and events in the dressage world.

Volunteer opportunities for MSEDA members abound. Each month, we will feature an opportunity for members to obtain volunteer hours and help put on a successful, MSEDA-sanctioned show.

By Sarah E. Coleman

Date and Time: Saturday, July 28, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Masterson Station Park

History: Horse Aid Live was established in 2009 to promote humane treatment for all equines, regardless of breed, and to provide support for nonprofit organizations that provide humane treatment and shelter for equines. Horse Aid Live has donated to dozens of recognized 501c3 organizations throughout the United States.

We are expecting 200+ rides with three dressage rings starting approximately 8 a.m. and run continually until 4 p.m. Showjumping will begin approximately 10:30 a.m. and run until 4 p.m. 

Classes will be further split as entries warrant. Western Dressage has been split into two divisions because of the continued increase in entries.

Dressage: Introductory - 4th Level

Western Dressage: Introductory - 4th Level

Gaited Dressage: Introductory - 4th Level

Combined Test: Greenie - Preliminary

Competitors can compete on the same horse in two consecutive levels. Un-judged schooling jump rounds are offered after each level for rider/horse combinations who are entered in those divisions.

Sponsors to date include Park Equine Hospital and, Liquor Barn. Sponsorship information for those interested in donating monetary and/or prize donations: http://www.horseaidlive.org/sponsor.html

Volunteer opportunities before the show:

Friday, July 27 - 3:30 - 7:30 pm Show Jumping Ring Setup

Volunteer opportunities during the show:

Saturday, July 28 - 7:30 am - 4 pm; any amount of time: All day or for a few hours.

What should volunteers know?

All volunteers have drinks; anyone volunteering four hours or more are provided lunch from the food truck. Volunteers will need to dress for the weather; ring stewards/crew should bring a chair if they would like to sit.

Website: www.HorseAidLive.com

FB: https://www.facebook.com/HorseAidLive/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HorseAidLive

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/horseaidlive/

Contact: Cyndi Greathouse

cyndi3334@gmail.com  |  (859) 699-3334

Dressage is an entire game devoted to details. Everything from dress to tack to boots to bonnets is under scrutiny, not to mention the horse himself. Dressage horses are supposed to be obedient, supple, willing, athletic … the list goes on and on.

So, you’ve trained to the best of your ability, memorized your test and you’re ready to show the world just what you’ve got. Don’t dim your horse’s star power by making a common dressage mistake!

By Sarah E. Coleman

Here are some of the most common dressage mistakes as told by Janice Holmes, an eventing trainer and USEF “r” judge in eventing. Janice is MSEDA licensed in eventing, stadium and dressage. Janice collected the following rules, stories and experiences from MSEDA competitors and trainers during recent events.

Read on to make sure you don’t make the same mistakes!

Mistake No. 1: Using an illegal bit or piece of equipment.

Be sure to check with USEF Annex A (which can be found here), says Janice. Listed there are the only legal bits allowed to be used in competition. “Just because your bit was legal last year, it might not be legal this year!” she says. Additionally, just because a bit was legal at a dressage show does not mean it will be legal for eventing, and vice versa.

Simply put: If your bit doesn’t match the pictures, it’s not legal. The same goes for bridles. It is not the warm-up steward or bit check person’s responsibility to make sure your bit is legal.

Mistake No. 2: Not being on time. (EV 136.1.c.4)

You must enter the arena within 45 seconds after the signal, or you will have a 2-point error, notes Janice. After 90 seconds, you may be eliminated. It’s your responsibility to be at your ring at your designated time. “Don’t blame your mom, coach, groom or ring steward [for your being late],” says Janice. “Wear a watch and check it!”

Mistake No. 3: Not placing both reins in one hand and saluting the judge at the end of your test. EV134.5

Some riders get so excited by the wonderfulness of surviving the dressage test that they start petting their horse and forget to salute, Janice explains. While this is cute, it’s still a 2-point deduction. “Get to some semblance of a halt and salute,” she recommends. If your horse isn’t perfectly still, go head and salute anyway.

Mistake No. 4 Entering the area around or in the dressage arena with boots or leg protection used to result in an elimination—now riders received a 2-point deduction. EV136.1.c.1

When the judge notices you have leg protection on your horse, you will be halted and someone can remove the boots, then you are allowed to continue. “One rider entered with a quarter sheet on on a cold day and tried to remove it herself,” Janice said. “It went flying off like a magic carpet and a handy spectator tackled it before it spooked another horse!” Great save!!

Mistake No. 5 Don’t enter the arena before the bell (or signal).

Some competitors are so eager for the test to start that they come in before the signal. This is a 2-poinyt deduction as well. Be sure that you know if your judge has a bell, whistle, car horn, dog squeaky toy or bicycle jingle bell, Janice advises.

“The judge may be doing the collections for the person ahead of you and may not be watching your stellar center line, so make sure she is looking up! Many judges do a second signal, such as waving, tipping their hat or standing up. You may ask “Is that my signal?’” Janice says. Most judged will nod.

Mistake No. 6 Leaving the arena before the test is finished. EV136.2.6.5

All four feet must leave the arena (usually at A) for elimination. If you are quick and pull the horse back in before all four feet get out, the score is only reflected for that movement. If all four feet leave the arena, you should ask permission continue; most judges will grant you permission to finish the test, but you are still eliminated. Then, you must go to the show office and ask permission to continue to the other phases. The usual ruling is “OK to continue, but one stop and you are out,” Janice says.

*Mistake No. 7 No use of the voice. EV134.7

* Use of the voice is allowed in Western Dressage, which can catch many by surprise. This will be discussed in a later MSEDA article.
You will have 2 points deducted per movement when a judge hears your voice. “This means no clucking, chirping, praising, laughing, crying or whining during the test!” says Janice. “We can hear you even in a stiff wind, so be careful not to cluck.”
“In theory, you can lose 2 points per movement, so in Beginner Novice A, there are 14 movements and if you clucked for the movements or whoa’d for the movements, you could lose 28 points! Yikes!” reminds Janice.

Special thanks to Janice Holmes for addressing a very serious matter in such a candid, kind way. We are deeply thankful for your insight (and humor!)

Have a dressage faux paus you want to share? Email it to MSEDA e-news editor Nikki Seto at nikki.w.seto@gmail.com.