Horse Bits

International Protocol

2010-02-03T21:21:00Z

So if you live in Lexington, KY, like I do, you know that the world will be coming to your door in less than eight months for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. If you are a local business owner or will be volunteering or working at the event, how do you avoid making some of the following cultural blunders:

Making any kind of body contact with someone of Asian culture.
Shaking hands with a female of Muslim culture.
Showing the bottom of your foot to someone of Islamic culture.
Handing your business card with one hand to someone from China (versus using two hands).

The list could go on and on. How is one to keep it all straight? One way is to attend one of the seminars being promoted in an article by Business Lexington. The speaker comes with a background in public relations and political consulting. If you’re interested in finding out more, read the article here.

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Back in the Saddle of Life

2009-12-21T18:52:00Z

Hope and determination—just a few of the things one can learn from one Alabama teen, who, at her young age, has already battled cancer. And hopefully she has won. Elizabeth Walters’ story begins in September of 2007, at age 15, when a riding accident caused three compressed vertebrae. However, by the summer of 2008, the pain in her back and chest hadn’t gone away; it just kept getting worse. In addition, it was getting hard for Elizabeth to breathe.

Her mother, Jeannie, became increasingly concerned, and after an eighth-place finish at the Middle Tennessee Pony Club Horse Trials, she wanted more answers than questions. After visiting several doctors in the search for a diagnosis, an x-ray showed a shadow, and then a biopsy was done. Elizabeth was finally diagnosed with a rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The mass took up one lung—about the size of a football. The word “cancer” can strike fear into anyone’s mind. But with the help of her family, friends, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Elizabeth began treatment, which included chemotherapy. During five rounds of chemotherapy, she would spend one week at St. Jude getting treatment, then two weeks at home.

In addition, to her support from people, it was her love of horses that got her through the intensive treatments. And one horse in particular—her horse, Montini. Montini is a 11-year-old Thoroughbred gelding, and a grandson to the great racehorse Seattle Slew.

Elizabeth’s journey with horses began at age two when she got her first pony. And it wasn’t long before the thrill of competition got this horse crazy girl into shows and then eventing. Along with caring doctors at St. Jude, it was her dedication to equestrian sport and Montini that helped her beat her illness.

By early 2009 Elizabeth had returned to riding, and by working closely with her trainer, Candi Wheeler, she managed to compete in the Mid-South Pony Club Horse Trials in Lexington, KY, in June, placing fourth out of 21 riders in the Novice division. In October she placed fifth at the Middle Tennessee Pony Club Horse Trials. She is currently cancer-free, but not after a scare of a second mass, which turned out to be a build-up of scar tissue.

Elizabeth’s story was brought to the attention of USEF staff through a video of her interview on The Today Show. She was accompanied her mother and Marlo Thomas, the National Outreach Director for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Upon seeing her story, we thought it would be a good idea to bring more of the story to ClubEquestrian.com visitors.

So, after speaking with Elizabeth on the phone, I wished I could have done her interview in person. She sounded so sweet and likeable, as if I could hear her smiling on the other end, especially when she talked about her horse. She certainly is an inspiration to anyone dealing with cancer.

It is such a widespread disease, with so many different forms, that it would be hard to find someone who has not known a cancer patient. My first experience with it was when I was young, and a dear neighbor passed away from cancer. And then in my early college years, I had to deal with a melanoma, or skin cancer. We caught it just in time though, and it had not spread to the lymph nodes, so I consider myself quite lucky. Of course, those who have had skin cancer are seven times more likely than those who have not had it to get it again, according to my dermatologist. So I must always remain vigilant.

And then my uncle went through colon cancer, which spread to his lymph nodes, and then liver cancer. When doctors told him he had only five years to live, it was quite a scary time. Luckily, it is now long past that time, and he is now considered a “miracle patient” since he is living cancer free. I only hope it will stay that way. He is my inspiration when I hear of someone dealing with cancer, because there are ways to beat it, in many cases.

And now I have another inspiration with the story of Elizabeth Walters. And even in the brief time I spoke with her, it was great to hear of her love for her horse. It makes me think of the healing power of horses, or animals in general. Through her connection with St. Jude, she is trying to give hope to those dealing with cancer and show other patients that you can beat this disease. I wish her luck, and also continued success with her equestrian career, and anything else she may tackle in life. Below is our interview.

Tell me about your equestrian career.

I started riding when I was two. My mom started me out doing saddle seat, but then I switched over to jumping at six or seven years old. I got my second pony and started doing little shows. I did my first horse trial in 2006. I competed in beginner novice for a year. In late 2007 or early 2008 I moved to novice. I competed at training level in October.

How did you get Montini, and what makes Montini so special to you?

I got him in 2008. It was in late spring, in April, when I got him, and I had been doing a lot of beginner novice events. He was down the street from my barn. We went to look at him and tried him out, but he was out of our price range. But eventually we got the price down.

He’s awesome. Such a gentle giant really. He’s definitely different from any horse I have had. He’s 18 hands, really big, and he is so game for everything. We have a really good trust. He trusts me to not face him at anything he can’t do, and I trust him.

How did you get through your illness? What were your thoughts upon thinking the cancer had returned, and how did you and your doctors deal with it?

It was really difficult. I realized once I got sick I wasn’t going to be able to ride. It was a very aggressive treatment. Everyone at St. Jude was awesome. Even though I couldn’t see him [Montini], I knew he was doing good. My trainer took care of him and kept sending me pictures, so I knew he was doing good.

I couldn’t believe it. The first time was a big shock. The second time was an even bigger shock. Again, my horse was a big concern. Thank goodness it was not a cancerous tumor. Mostly scar tissue build-up. I shouldn’t have any more issues. They were just going in for another biopsy, and it turned out to be just the scar tissue, and it wasn’t really big enough, so they took it out right then. It was a last minute thing while they were in there.

How are you doing now?

I’m doing great. I’m so glad to be on Montini, and even back in school. I am enjoying normal life and hopefully competing again this spring.

What other hobbies do you have?

I really just ride. Riding and school are my entire life.

What grade are you in, and do you know what you might want to do for a living?

I’m a junior. It changes from day to day. Right now I want to be a vet.

What was the biggest challenge you have dealt with?

Being away from regular life. You don’t really know how much you should appreciate things until it’s taken away from you. It was difficult to be away from my friends and Montini. But I knew one day I would be back on him, so that gave me a lot of hope.

How did Montini respond to your absence from riding and to your return?

I think we have a good enough connection and that he knew there was something wrong, so he was fine, but my return was awesome. We started right where we left off.

What advice would you give to a rider who must deal with such an illness or a severe injury?

I know for me that horses have always been a way to get away from things, and they were what gave me hope the whole time. I kept thinking “one day when I’m back on Montini.” That’s what you have to focus on. Visiting him was a big part of it. That made my month.

What would you like to accomplish with your equestrian career in the future?

Everything possible. I’ve always hoped one day to go to Rolex, but I know how difficult that can be. I’ve gone once [to watch] a few years ago. We’re just going to see how things go. He’s been off for a month, hopefully we can do a training event in the spring.

How did you come to represent St. Jude?

It’s a crazy story. I was in the cafeteria of St. Jude, and had a Rolex shirt on. Someone asked me about it. I was telling them I did have a horse, and they were really interested in my story. I did a small interview, which went on St. Jude website. Then people from The Today Show saw it.

What was it like to be on The Today Show?

It was so much fun. I was really nervous,

What do you hope to achieve through your representation of St. Jude?

I really just hope to be sort of an example for the kids who are in chemo and radiation and to let them know that one day they will be a survivor. And also to help with different fundraising.

How did your family and friends support you?

They were the best. I had so many people come to talk to me, pray for me—people I hadn’t talked to in a long time. I had three really close friends, my mom and my dad. They were just really great. My trainer especially. They did the St. Jude Marathon and made t-shirts and armbands.

Is there anything else you want to add?

I’m so grateful for St. Jude and for my horse.

If you wish to view the video of Elizabeth on The Today Show, visit www.today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/34108737#34108737.

If you wish to donate to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, visit www.stjude.org.

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From Science Fiction to Science Fact: Entire Equine Genome Mapped

2009-11-23T20:28:00Z

So if you haven’t heard the news, scientists have finished mapping the entire horse genome, or genetic code. After four years, and several million dollars, researchers now understand much more about the 2.7 billion bases in the equine genome. What this means is that through gene mapping, researchers will be able to determine why some horses are prone to diseases and others aren’t, learn more about equine diseases, understand the differences between horses such as coat color, and determine why there are such differences between breeds and how the breeds developed throughout history. The implications of all of this are mind-boggling. Science fiction has become science fact. If you want to read more about this, click here. I will definitely be interested to see what other news comes out of this, and as I hear, I will bring you updates to this blog.

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Not-to-be-Missed Fun at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games

2009-11-02T15:17:00Z

Equine enthusiasts across the country, and yes the world, are eagerly awaiting the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games for all the top-notch competition. But a lot more will be thrilling attendees next October. The World Games 2010 Foundation has just announced their picks for the Equine Village. Out of a myriad of applications, 53 groups have been given the "golden ticket" to partipate and be seen by the eyes of the world. From top breed organizations representing just a small group of the world's breeds, to educational seminars and demonstrations to entertainment groups and groups geared toward kids, it is sure that no one will be bored while here in Kentucky. Now the main question seems to be, "How do you see it all?" At this point I have no idea, but for the list of what is in store for the Equine Village, go to www.alltechfeigames.com/news/detail.aspx?id=3266. I know I look forward to seeing it all.

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Tribute to Patrick Swayze (1952-2009) and His Horse Involvement

2009-09-15T18:37:00Z

So the big news in mainstream media today is the passing on of Patrick Swayze from complications from pancreatic cancer. While he was a celebrated actor, and had achieved so much with his career, he also was involved with horses. The most famous horse owned by Swayze was the Egyptian Arabian stallion named Tammen, who passed on in 1999. Tammen sired 175 foals, and helped establish Swayze as a known breeder of Arabian horses.

Read the official release from the Arabian Horse Association

See a video of Swayze with his horses

View the iconic image of Swayze and Tammen

Mysterious Mass Poisoning of California Horses

2009-08-04T16:38:00Z

I tend to come across a lot of sad news stories about horses in my daily monitoring of the equine world news. But this is by far one of the saddest I have heard…a poisoning of a stable-full of horses in Sante Fe, California. These horses were intentionally fed a toxic mixture of apples, carrots and oleander leaves. Three had to be taken to a clinic for treatment. Oleander leaves can cause a range of symptoms—from colic, cardiac arrhythmia, seizures, diarrhea, coma, and death. See the news video for more information on this case.

So why am I sharing such sad news. Because it just goes to show that we need to stay vigilant for the safety of our horses. I hear of horses being attacked, poisoned, stolen. It’s a bit like protecting children…our horses who are in our care are so dependent on us. I commend the owners for adding in a security system to prevent this kind of thing in the future. My heart goes out to them for what they are going through and I hope whomever is responsible is caught. No one should have to see this happen to the animals they love. I’ll never understand anyone’s motivation for an act like this, but what I can understand is the owner’s love for these animals and desire to see them get well.

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The Ultimate Travel Story: 3,000 Miles on Foot with a Horse

2009-07-02T18:28:00Z

I found the most fascinating website, one of which I am sure I will venture to again and again to see how this incredible story will unfold. It’s of a 57-year-old woman walking across country with her horse, who will pack her belongings all the way from Massachusetts to California. This courageous woman, Ann, is moving back to California to be near family, and she was not going to leave her once-wild Mustang mare, Winnie, behind. After months of training, she is now on her way. The website offers a journal of their experiences, a map of their route, photos, and more. I can’t imagine traveling 3,000 miles on foot with a horse beside me. I wish Ann and Winnie luck. To read their story, visit www.walkingwithwinnie.com

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Piroplasmosis-Positive Horses Still Missing

2009-07-01T16:44:00Z

The unknown can be a bit scary. And for this I am referencing the unknown whereabouts of the two horses that were stolen from a farm in Missouri on June 17 after being quarantined for equine piroplasmosis. Equine piroplasmosis is not a common disease for the U.S. equine population, so keeping the disease out of the states is a big priority. However, now that two affected Quarter Horses are missing, there is no way for officials to know how this disease might be spread. The official site of detection, which housed 64 equids was quarantined on June 6. Five horses were euthanized on June 10. Piroplasmosis has a 20% mortality rate. Anyone who owns horses or takes horses to events should read up on the latest news so that they can prevent their horses from being at risk and prepare for any stricter travel restrictions.

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The Egyptian Event: Arabians in the Park

2009-06-05T19:19:00Z

So during lunch I took a stroll through the Kentucky Horse Park today because one of my favorite horse shows that takes place here is going on now—the Egyptian Event. If you are ever in Kentucky this time of year, even if you are not an Arabian horse fan, it is truly something to see. Beautiful horses, a fun trade show (I personally like all the really cool jewelry), happy people, a very social atmosphere. The Egyptian Event is put on by the Pyramid Society, which is dedicated to preserving the Egyptian Arabian bloodlines. You can find their website at www.iequine.com. One great thing on the website is the Live Feed of the event, and it’s FREE. All you have to do is register. Plus there are videos of previous classes. And you can even chat with others who are watching the feed. What a great service!! Here are a few photos I took on my stroll.

Left: Some of the shopping at the event. Here is a vendor selling jewelry. I got a bit sidetracked by a different one. It's probably a good thing I wasn't carrying any money on me.

Above: Inside the arena during a halter class. The halter classes tend to take some time to get through, but you really get a good look at each horse.

Below: The exhibitors go all out decorating the showgrounds, and also advertising their horses, mainly stallions. Many advertise their horses for sale here.

Below: This was set up in the trade show. Perhaps an example of an Egyptian tent you can purchase for decoration at a show. It looked comfy in there. Like I said, they really go ALL out.

Left: Here is part of the background used where the winners get their photos taken. I wonder how long it takes to set that up? And as for the decorations, how does everyone fit everything in their trucks or trailers?

If you have ever been to the Egyptian Event, I would love to hear about your experience.

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The Black Stallion Literacy Project; Wisconsin's Dancing Horses Theater

2009-05-19T15:22:00Z

I have always enjoyed reading…books, magazines, now material on the Internet. But books always win out. My favorite book as a child was The Black Stallion. Imagine my delight when I found out years ago about a program to increase literacy through use of the Black Stallion books. Now others can read this wonderful book by Walter Farley. The program is still going strong 10 years later, and children in Arkansas are also learning about the magic of the horse. Teamed up with Arabian Nights, the equine-themed dinner theater, children get a wonderful experience with some exceptionally beautiful and, of course, really well-trained horses. I have seen the Arabian Nights show in Orlando, FL, both as a child and as an adult, and it’s an amazing show at any age. If you have been, you can comment below about your thoughts on it, or if you have been a part of the The Black Stallion Literacy Project, how did you like it?
Planning on getting away for the Memorial Day weekend? Why not check out Wisconsin and Lake Geneva. Horse enthusiasts can find a treat there with the Dancing Horses Theater. The 1½-hour show features Andalusians, Arabians, National Show Horses, and others are the stars of the show. Check out a preview of their show on YouTube. I have seen several shows like this with Cheval being my favorite. This one reminds me a bit of Cheval and a circus act, etc., all together. If anyone goes, feel free let us know how it is.

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Preakness Showdown; First National Wild Horse Adoption Day

2009-05-18T15:47:00Z

It wouldn’t be a proper blog for me on the Monday after such an amazing Preakness to not mention it. What a showdown between the Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird and an incredible filly as Rachel Alexandra. It appears as if Mine That Bird may have been able to catch the filly if the race had been longer, but you never know if she might have dug in and fought it out with him and still have won. Hopefully we’ll all get to see another match-up in the Belmont. We now know that Mine That Bird wasn’t just a one-hit-wonder and the filly CAN hang with the boys. While I have a special liking for the filly, Mine That Bird has proven himself a special horse, so I wish them both luck as they continue on. What a great thing for racing. So you can read more about the filly’s big win and also read how all of this excitement for the Preakness increased TV ratings to the second-highest rating for this broadcast in two decades. Plus, if you want to see Rachel Alexandra’s amazing Kentucky Oaks victory again, visit this link and click on the Video link in the first paragraph. And feel free to comment on your Belmont pick to win, or your thoughts on Rachel Alexandra, Mine That Bird, and of course, the jockey of the moment, Calvin Borel.
For anyone interested in adopting a wild horse or burro, you can get your chance at the first National Wild Horse Adoption Day on September 26. The goal of animal welfare groups participating in the event is to get 1,000 animals adopted to good homes. There will be more than 65 events across the country in which to participate in educational activities and the adoption process. Learn more at nationalwildhorseadoptionday.org. (Note: At the time of this blog, the site is under construction, but there is contact information available.)

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Mysterious Death of 21 Polo Horses; Imperial Cavalier and Miners Frolic Out of Three-Day Events

2009-04-20T20:12:00Z

My heart goes out to those associated with the 21 polo horses that mysteriously died in Florida over the weekend. What a tragedy. Authorities are still awaiting results as the the possible cause of death, but current suspicions are geared toward a toxin in the feed, vitamins, or supplements for the Venezualan team. Unfortunately, any of the horses that have gotten ill have died. Veterinarians are looking into the mysterious deaths.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/04/20/national/a001120D42.DTL&type=news
One of Great Britain’s top event riders, Mary King, has had to withdraw one of her top horses, Imperial Cavalier from Rolex and will not take him to Badminton either due to illness in his stable. She will ride Apache Sauce at Badminton, May 7-10, however. In addition, fans of the Olympic bronze medalist Miners Frolic won’t be able to see him at Rolex as rider Tina Cook had to withdraw him as well due to illness.

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Kentucky Derby Barbie; CEM Update

2009-04-06T18:12:00Z

They are making a Kentucky Derby Barbie. Mattel has teamed up with Churchill Downs to bring us Barbie decked out in fancy clothes for the Derby, and of course, they didn’t forget the Derby hat. And you can also possibly win your own Kentucky Derby hat just like Barbie’s, although this hat would be big enough for you to wear. Read more to find out where you can get your Derby Barbie.
It’s amazing that the contagious equine metritis outbreak has spread so much. An update on March 26 on dvm360.com states that 711 horses in 46 states have been affected. It just goes to show how a disease can spread without proper precautions. As of the March 26 report, they are still looking for the source. Hopefully the outbreak can be contained soon.

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Sally Swift Mourned

2009-04-03T19:14:00Z

I just heard the news about the passing of Sally Swift, founder of Centered Riding, and an accomplished author. Sally had an unbelievable life. When I watched her win the Equine Industry Vision Award sponsored by Pfizer Animal Health at the American Horse Publications seminar last year, I was amazed at all she had accomplished in her life. She truly was an amazing woman. I know that those people whose lives she touched will deeply miss her.

You can more about Sally Swift at: http://www.usef.org/_IFrames/newsdisplay/viewPR.aspx?id=4259.

If anyone has any Sally Swift stories to help honor her memory, I hope you will share on a thread I created in the Dressage Discussion Forum at http://www.clubequestrian.com/forums/t/1015.aspx.

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Stolen/Missing Horses; Horse Allergic to Grass; Getting Ready for Spring

2009-03-31T16:56:00Z

Some days email can be fun. Other times, it’s not so fun. Such as when I get alerts from Stolen Horse International about another stolen or missing horse. It’s a sad reality that a horse can just disappear from its home. I’ve known someone whose daughter’s pony was stolen and they searched and hoped for years. Unfortunately, their pony was not recovered. Who knows where he is now, but I hope he has found his way to a good home. While it’s sad toget the emails, I’m reminded of how one organization can make a difference, since Stolen Horse International has helped recover some horses. It is a dedicated organization run by Debi Metcalfe. In her video on YouTube, you can hear more about what motivates Debi with Stolen Horse International, and find out how to help others who may have had their horse(s) stolen or lost.
Have you ever heard of a horse allergic to grass? Well, now you have. Pandora, a horse in England owned by Emily Pearce, has serious allergies to grasses. If you own horses, I’m sure you can understand what a problem this would be. What would you feed a horse like this? How would you best care for her? How would you let her get outside when there is grass everywhere? Check out the video and related article to learn how Emily manages her beloved gray mare.
Speaking of grass, our grass here in Kentucky is finally green, flowers are beginning to bloom, days are turning warmer and sunnier (for the most part). Spring is finally here. And with spring comes different things we must think about for the care of our horses…vaccinations, changing nutritional needs, skin problems, dental care, a change in hoof growth, re-emergence of parasites, an increase in exercise and/or breeding, etc. There’s a lot to consider and TheHorse.com offers tips on getting ready for spring.

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