Tag Archives for eventing

The Chronicle of the Horse is celebrating its 75th birthday in 2012. This is the last article in a seven-week series in which we’ve brought you a decade-by-decade look at the history that has filled its pages since 1937. I’m a little dissappointed that this article doesn’t mention the introduction of the USHJA sponsered hunter derbies. I feel like that has had a huge impact on the horse show world. Nevertheless, great read.

The Chronicle Over the Decades: 2000s

Horse Show Blues: Right Color, Wrong Mood

Horse Show Blues: Right Color, Wrong Mood

So today I woke up with the horse show blues. I know you know what I’m talking about. All I’ve been able to think about all day is feeling the wind on my face while zipping down barn aisles in a golf cart, picking stalls before the sun is out, the sweet aroma of show sheen, and the thrill of a good round. I want to be at an evening exhibitor party, the in-gate, the secretary’s office, the tack store, the port-a-potty… anywhere but reality. It’s been too long. I’m like a druggie all strung out. I need a fix, but it will likely be several weeks before I can get one.

Like all addicts, I’m searching for alternatives. Here’s how I’m trying to cling on to my last little bit of sanity. I’ve been attending horse shows with friends. I’ve recently become the honorary groom. This system is actually going to work out beautifully, you see? When it’s finally my moment of glory, they will owe me one, and will have to be my indentured servant for the day. I’m organizing, re-organizing, re-re-organizing my tack trunk so that when the day finally gets here, I’ll be horse-show ready.

Anyways- back to reality now. But in my mind, I’m at the horse show. I’m putting in beautiful rounds in the Amateur Owners, I’m galloping in the Derby under the lights, I’m bathing my horse and thrilled to tell him, ‘job well done’. In my mind, I’m watching the Grand Prix, I’m cleaning tack, I’m pulling the rig into the Kentucky Horse Park, I’m holding my blue ribbon.

I’ve Got the Blues

Lyle Lovett:

I’ve got the blues,

won’t you save me?

I’ve got the blues,

as far as I can see.

Gabbing about GABA, Again.

Our USHJA article concerning Carolina Gold, GABA, and a statement release last week has proven to be timely. Now the FEI is acting on the Carolina Gold controversies. This drug conversation just keeps on making it into the headlines. It certainly is something our industry is just going to have to deal with. 

   

Check out what Chronicle wrote today, : 

“The Fédération Internationale Equestre added gamma amino butyric acid and hydroxy-gamma butyric acid to the FEI Equine Prohibited Substances List as Banned Substances. GABA and hydroxy-GABA are ingredients in the substance known as Carolina Gold.

The U.S. Equestrian Federation banned the use of Carolina Gold and any other substance including GABA at the end of February after research revealed “adverse reactions.”

The USEF brought the substances to the attention of the FEI List Group, the expert group tasked with determining which substances should be included on the prohibited substances list. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter used to calm horses.

Graeme Cooke, the FEI Veterinary Director, advised the national federations via e-mail that requests to an FEI Official or Veterinary Delegate to administer any substance containing GABA or Hydroxy-GABA at an FEI event would be denied as of April 27, 2012.

GABA and hydroxy-GABA are subject to a 90-day implementation period per the Equine Anti-Doping and Controlled Medication rules. Following that period, the use of the drug will be subject to sanctions.”

http://www.chronofhorse.com/article/fei-bans-substances-carolina-gold

This topic is interesting, for sure. 

How are you all feeling about it! Opinions welcomed! 

The Green Horse.

 In an effort to celebrate Earth Day, The Aiding and Abetting Amateur will be hosting a multiple part series of posts that promote efficiency and sustainability within your equestrian facility. Earth-loving equestrians unite to put ideas on paper (recycled paper, of course!) on how reduce the size our footprints and hoofprints on our planet. 

                                          

Because of the sheer volume of resources used in the daily operation of a barn, there is a tremendous amount of waste in the industry. By trying to replicate nature and meet the needs of the domesticated horse, we end up impacting our planet negatively. 

As all good environmentally conscious citizens, we should echo the coined phrase, “reduce, reuse, recycle.” 

Bedding is the first area that comes to mind when we think about waste within the barn. Traditional wood shavings are an agricultural good, meaning that their price and avalibility  fluctuate based on market conditions. Straw is often a better choice. Straw is an agricultural by-product, meaning, it has very few uses and people just want to get rid of it and whether or not there is demand for it, it will still be produced during the agricultural process. Straw, however, has drawbacks of its own. If you have ever bedded with it, you know what a pain it can be. This is an important decision for facilities to make. 

A quick, relatively cheap improvement we can all make is to place rubber stall mats in our stalls. These mats will increase efficiency as less bedding will be needed in the stall. These mats also help with moisture related problems in your horses feet (i.e. thrush). Essentially, stall mats rock. 

Volume is key here. The fewer shavings or other bedding products we use, the smaller our “hoofprint”. Even if we can only decrease the volume used by a tiny bit every week, think about what this translates to over a year-long period…. or a five year-long period. Not only are we decreasing our hoofprint, we are saving money! One way to decrease volume is obviously not to over-bed stalls. Deeply bedded stalls harbor lots of bacteria. Not only are they harder to pick out, they hold in more moisture. The general rule of thumb is to bed just enough to absorb moisture, but not so much that it stays wet for days. Also, its easier to bed less and strip more, meaning bed less and every 2 or 3 days take everything out of the stall. This promotes hoof health and results in less waste. 

Consider giving your horse more time outside. Grass is the best bedding, as often nature demonstrates more creativity than we could ever wish to have. Its good for his feet and his mind. Turn-out can save you money! Turn-out can decrease your hoofprint! 

Consider alternative bedding options. You might be surprised by what is out there. There are many creative solutions that help us reduce our impact on the planet while taking better care of our equine-partner. Being more self-aware of how much we use is the first step to making a positive change. Estimate the volume of shavings you use annually. It might shock you just how big your “hoofprint” really is… Think miniature horse sized, not our current Percheron-sized hoofprints. 

“The power of imagination makes us infinite.” John Muir

Keep reading, knowledge is power. 

Resources: 

http://terrasoftbedding.com/products/