Fight Equine Cruelty

If you've spent any time in the horse show world, then you've probably heard about the ASPCA, through the equitation class called the ASPCA Maclay Medal.  However, there is much more to this organization than its sponsorship of a national equitation championship.  The ASPCA was founded back in the mid 1800's in New York City to protect animals, mainly horses, from abuse and neglect.  Since then, the organization has grown, aiming to end abuse of all animals.  Over the years, the ASPCA has shown considerable effort in protecting the welfare of horses across the country.  For example, in 1971, the Wild and Free Roaming Horse and Burro Act was passed by Congress, with the help of the ASPCA, to protect America's wild horses on public lands.  In 2000, the ASPCA installed a large fountain in the middle of Central Park, near 5th avenue, to provide cool, drinking water for the working carriage horses on the streets of NYC.  Even more recently, you may have noticed sponsorships of ASPCA at various equestrian events and horse shows, as the organization is continuing to promote responsible and humane care of all horses.
We must spread the word about equine abuse and support organizations such as the ASPCA, as well as local ones, including the Western Pennsylvania Humane Society to help all of our equine friends.  On a local level, although the equine division within the Humane Society is not as significant yet as the dogs/cats area, we can still help out in many ways.  For the horses neglected and abused in the Pittsburgh area, we can do our part by keeping an eye out for any equine cruelty, immediately reporting any neglect or abuse we see, and supporting the equine division of the Humane Society.  Our friend,  Gretchen Fieser , has exerted an incredible amount of time and effort not only for the horses in need in our area but for all other animals as well.  To help out at the Humane Society, go to http://www.wpahumane.com/ . And, to support a nationwide program, visit http://www.aspca.org/ .aspca.org

Equifit Inc.

This company that we have learned to love, calls itself the "top choice of top riders." And we can see why. T-boots are perhaps their most famous product, as they have become a typical part of the jumper horse's wardrobe for showtime. Other Equifit products are also becoming more and more popular in the showjumping world, including T-Form saddle pads, T-Sport wraps, and T-Foam belly guards. Why, you wonder, have these products stepped ahead of the many others out there and become so popular? Well, the answer to that question is technology. Creators of Equifit Inc. are innovators who have developed a technology for our sport to boost performance and safety. The advanced, neoprene-free material is said to absorb 97% of shock and vibration, which is great to protect the legs of horses landing on the backside of 5 feet plus obstacles. The material also allows for air to circulate, a characteristic that prevents build-up of heat/perspiration. Pressure-free support and prevention of rubs and abrasions are even more magical things these products can provide for our precious horses. Top riders such as Michael Whitaker, Mclain Ward, and even hunter rider, John French swear by these products and use the line each day in the ring, rain or shine.

A Bit Above Saddlery

GPA. The Custom Horse. Kingsland. Tailored Sportsman. Beval. Horsewear. These are only a handful of the various popular brands this relatively new tack shop, A Bit Above Saddlery, carries.  Not only will you find apparel and accessories for both rider and horse, but you will also find horsey things, such as jewelry and for the home products, enabling this store to "Outfit the Equestrian Lifestyle."  A Bit Above is based out of Pittsburgh (the wonderful owner, Rochell, lives and works there), yet it is still available virtually everywhere because of the user friendly website!  You'll find great offers and deals on her website, and if you would rather, you can call the 1-800 number listed on the website to place and order over the phone.  CLICK the picture above or on the right side to be directed right to the website and start shopping!!  We trust and rely on A Bit Above Saddlery for all of our equestrian needs and desires and we hope you will find salvation in this awesome tack shop too!! :)

FEI World Cup Final 2011

The Rolex FEI World Cup Jumping Final will be held April 27 to May 1, 2011 in Lepzig, Germany.  This indoor competition has been going on for 32 seasons, and it is known as the most prestigious indoor class, internationally, because of the entrance difficulty and top top riders and horses who compete in it.  Last year's winner, Marcus Ehning, will be returning this year to defend his title with his horse Plot Blue.  On an interesting note, Marcus and Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum, who will also be attending, will both be reaching for the same goal:  to break the current record and achieve 4 World Cup wins.  They each have 3 under their belts.  Riders show all season long in order to achieve entrance into this incredibly prestigious class.    From the one hundred something classes offered to qualify for the cup, standings are determined, according to the results of the qualifiers, of course.  The top rankers all over the world are invited to compete in the World Cup, where they jump an indoor course set anywhere between a 1.50m and 1.60m.  There are multiple rounds to this class, to determine the winner.  You can watch this LIVE on your computer on the FEI TV. For more information click on the link below.

Clean Sport

Many sports around the world have dealt with doping problems, which have led to unfair competition on performance day.  Unfortunately, the horse show world has proven itself to be susceptible to drugs and misuse of medications for its athletes as well (the horses).  Although this is quite unfortunate, WE are the key to a drug-free horse world, for the good of competition, as well as for the good of the horses.  FEI (Federation Equestre International) has developed a program to clean up the shows.  This anti-doping effort is known as "FEI Clean Sport."  Visit this link and you can learn all about the program and what you can do to help:www.feicleansport.com. We don't want our sport to obtain a bad reputation because of show illegal drugs and medications, so let's do something about it before it is too late.

Horse for Sale

Name: Early december ( LUCAS)
Location: Franklin, TN (for now)
Sex: Gelding 

Height: 16 .1/4

Breed(s): Belgian Warm blood

Discipline(s): Hunters, jumpers, equitation

Age: 11 years

Lucas is kind of a "jack of all trades," as he is versatile in hunters, jumpers, and equitation. He has proven himself in all three types of classes: champion in junior hunters, went to equitation finals, and has also been champion in children's jumper classes in shows such as the Gulf coast Classic. He has a great temperament, great around children, and would serve great as a horse for a rider of any age moving up from 3' to the 3'6" level.

Early December in Brownland Farm Amateur/Owner Hunters

For more information please email hrangel818@gmail.com

NBC Sports - Airs Live Telecast of Rolex

Turn to NBCSports on your tv on May 1 between 2 and 3 pm because, for the first time in its history, the Rolex Equestrian Championships will air LIVE.  What you will see is the final showjumping round as well as taped highlights of the cross-country and dressage aspects of the 3-day event.  As usual, the Rolex will take place at the renown Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky.  Click on the image below ans Stay tuned!!!!!

United States Team Determined for 1st 3 CSIO's of Meydan FEI Nations Cup Series

These selections were based on the April 1 Rolex/USEF Show Jumping Ranking List.

• Margie Engle & Indigo
• Rich Fellers & Flexible
• Ashlee Bond & Cadett
• Charlie Jayne & Athena
• Christine Mcrea & Romantovich Take One

These riders will represent the United States for the first three CSIO's

• CSIO La Baule - France (May 11-15)
• CSIO Rome - Italy (May 25-29)
• CSIO St. Gallen - Switzerland (June 1-5)

HELP Japanese Equestrian Community!

As we all know, Japan has recently been struck by a series of devastating earthquakes and one catastrophic tsunami.  Northeast Japan, where the disaster took place, is home to much of Japan's breeding and training operations.  Immediate reaction for the horses in this area was a shipment of 36 tons of hay and fuel to the area (Sent by the Japanese Equestrian Federation and the National Riding Club Association).  It has been reported that there is no longer a food shortage for these horses.  Many stables in Fukushima have evacuated, prompted by the possibility that contamination may occur by way of the damaged nuclear power plant in the same area.  According to the NRCA, equine fatalities have been reported, mostly in Miyagi, due to the force of the tsunami that hit here.  Even in all the proceeding chaos, the remaining show horses and riders are eager to get back to work and bring back competition in the area again.

But, they need YOUR help.  Organizations that are currently accepting donations for the Japanese riders and horses include:  Japan Equestrian Federation - http://www.equitation-japan.com/
                                National Riding Club Assoc. of Japan - http://www.jouba.jrao.ne.jp/
                                 Riding Club Crane - http://www.uma-crane.com/

Horse for Sale

Name: Early december ( LUCAS)
Location: Franklin, TN (for now)
Sex: Gelding 
Height: 16 .1/4
Breed(s): Belgian Warm blood
Discipline(s): Hunters, jumpers, equitation
Age: 11 years


Lucas is kind of a "jack of all trades," as he is versatile in hunters, jumpers, and equitation. He has proven himself in all three types of classes: champion in junior hunters, went to equitation finals, and has also been champion in children's jumper classes in shows such as the Gulf coast Classic. He has a great temperament, great around children, and would serve great as a horse for a rider of any age moving up from 3' to the 3'6" level.

Early December in Brownland Farm Amateur/Owner Hunters

For more information please email hrangel818@gmail.com

Horse and Rider Equipment

What do horses wear in the show ring?



It is the final product you see when a horse walks into the show ring, and, although it may be picture perfect, it takes a lot of time, thought, and effort to reach that perfection.  Beginning with the grooming.  A horse has to be shiny and crisp when it enters the ring, so there is plenty of time and products devoted to reach this outcome. The horse's coat, mane, hooves, and tail are all key points which must be in flawless shape before any tack even goes on.  Now comes the complicated descriptions...the variety of tack. Firstly, a showjumping horse usually wears boots on all four legs for support and protection. Equifit's T-boots are quite popular these days. A saddle pad is put on first, which contains the number and embroidery of either the rider's barn or sponsor. On top of that, is a gel pad or wither pad to absorb shock and prevent any sore spots between the horse's back and saddle. And next, of course, comes the saddle. The saddle stays on the horses back over the big jumps all because of the girth, which fit's snugly around the belly. It attaches to the saddle's billets, and, in the big classes, a belly girth is used to prevent the studs in the horse's hooves from knicking his belly. Now, attached to the middle of the girth, you will find a piece of tack called a running martingale. This crafted leather contraption leads from the girth to the reins, and its purpose is to retain the horse's head, keep it from getting too high.  Rubber reins with stoppers to keep the martingale from getting caught on the bit  are used in every jumper class. A bridle is used, oftentimes with a figure eight piece to keep the horse's mouth shut. Bits can vary from horse to horse, and that is where you need to experiment. A popular bit for the jumper ring is a full cheek snaffle. For stronger horses, there are types of gags many like to use, and there are always the rubber bits for horses with a softer mouth. And don't forget, those hats you may see on a show horse's head are called fly bonnets. They are used to keep flies off of their ears, to keep earplugs in, or even just for good looks.

What do riders wear in the show ring?
First things first... We must wear an approved helmet. Some popular brands include GPA, Charles Owen, and Antares. Seen at shows are the traditional looking helmets as well as the fashion-forward/high tech helmets. Moving down, a rider has the option of wearing either a collared polo shirt or a show shirt and a show jacket. Breeches are worn, usually tan colored.  The jumper classics and Grand Prixes require formal attire, which includes white breeches and a show jacket, and, for the guys, that means a tie too! For the footwear aspect of a riders wardrobe, tallboots are worn. These leather boots are typically black (although sometimes riders get fancy with a brown top or flashy diamonds) and they fit snug around the rider's leg, giving a slimming look and allowing the closest possible contact between horse and rider. Accessories to a rider's wardrobe may include gloves (usually black), spurs, and a stick.  If you're looking for somewhere to buy a "rider's outfit," we recommend you visit doversaddlery.com, smartpakequine.com, or beval.com.

SHOWJUMPING

If you're reading this and you don't know what showjumping is, well shame on you! No, but actually.  It is only the most incredible sport ever invented.  If you know nothing about the sport, I encourage you to study and learn, as it is something so different from baseball or swimming or tennis.  It is a life-long lifestyle.  I'll give you a tiny preview of the nature of the sport in this post, as well as in the rest of our posts to come.  Although jumpers and hunters both exist in the horse show world, we are just going to talk about jumpers because it's much more exciting.  Speed, agility, and scope are 3 characteristics a horse must master in order to win any big stadium jumping class.  There is a set course for each class, no matter what the level, and the jumps are numbered.  First, the riders learn the course and then walk it on foot (figure out strides and turns and distances - to make a plan to be executed on the horse).  Next, riders warm their horses up in the schooling ring, over a handful of practice fences and then, one at a time, enter the ring to ride for the blue.  Racing through the start and finish timers, without knocking down any fences in between is basically the goal here.  Typically, there is a first round and a second round (jumpoff).  The first round is when the riders are careful to go clean (no knocking down jumps and no time faults), and the jumpoff is a shorter course, when riders show their guts and race at high speed and make tight turns, while still attempting to clear every jump.  Ribbons are awarded to the winner and everyone who places in the top 8 or 12 usually.  In the big classes, prize money is also awarded.

                              

USEF.org

The United States Equestrian Federation is known as the "national governing body for the equestrian sport."  That is, each and every sport related to equestrian.  Go to www.usef.org and you will find an easy way to access the happenings of the equestrian world.  Not only is it a database for the equestrian sports of the world, but it is also home to news, voting polls, and links to other equestrian sponsors.  Usef.org also allows you to watch big classes LIVE online, like the famous Rolex Kentucky competition.  Through USEF you can stay in the loop of the horseworld, while supporting our country's top level athletes! And now, there is USEF clothing for sale on the website, so you can sport the equestrian world's biggest sponsor, while competing!  

www.usef.org

History of the Horse in Brief

Horses play such a significant role in our daily lives, as well as in the lives of everyone else who works and/or plays with these amazing animals, so I think it is essential that we at least have an idea of the history of the equine.  Believe it or not, researchers have discovered that the first traces of equines dates back to 75 million years BC.  These equines would not be easily recognized in today's society as horses because they were dog-sized, 5-toed animals.  Over the years though, the species has developed into the familiar horse we cherish so sacredly.  Millions and millions of years have passed, new names cycled through - mesohippus, archaeohippus, dinohippus, and eventually the equus, about 5 million years ago.  More recently, in the realm of human existence, horses have been a necessity for survival, and, now, for pleasure and work.  About 5,000 years BC, in Asia and Western Europe, the horse became domesticated, revolutionizing the way of life for the rest of time.  Chariots, war, olympic games, transportation, market, colonization, noble steeds, royalty; only a handful of the various uses horses have served in the vast history of their existence.  When we jump our horses around a 4 ft course or take them for a sunset trail ride or simply watch them peacefully chomping on grass in the green pastures, we forget about the significance these creatures have to the history of man, the history of our world.  We must be reminded occasionally of our fortune to be able to spend day in and day out with these animals who derive from a long line of contribution and success.  Friend, partner, athlete; we are lucky to have the equine in our lives today and everyday.