RevitaVet Sponsored Riders Recognized

Another great Eventing season came to a close and I think that some recognition is deserved here.
Eventing highlights: RevitaVet had fourteen (14) sponsored riders finishing in the top 50 in the USEA High Point Championship. Although many riders had accomplished a lot in 2013 and had a good year, 2013 was mostly about Buck Davidson, who overwhelmed everyone this year with a total of 1050 points as well as coming out on top in the Advanced and Intermediate Adult Rider. Buck also finished 3rd HSBC.

FEI World point standings. Phillip Dutton at #2, as well as 12th in the HSBC FEI Standings. Sally Cousins finished 3rd Overall while she was also Top Lady Rider and seems to be making a habit of this for the past several years. Lauren Kieffer at # 5 and 2nd Top Lady Rider. Michael Pollard at #7. Hawley Bennett-Awad at # 11. Kim Severson at #20. James Alliston at #21. Barbara Crabo at #24. Julie Wolfert at #31 was also named to the USEF 2014 Developing Riders/Eventing Program. Frankie Thieriot at #32, also was named Top Adult Amateur and her mount Uphoria was named Intermediate Horse of the Year. Katy Groesbeck at #35 was also awarded the $30,000 Rebecca Broussard Developing Rider Grant as well as selected to the USEF 2014 Developing Riders/Eventing Program. Allison Springer at #40. Becky Holder at #43. On a more personal note, Jordan Linstedt and RevitaVet Capato won their first Advanced event and went on to compete successfully in the CIC*** Good job every one.

Other RevitaVet sponsored Eventers are listed in no particular order based in California: Pam Fisher, Gina Miles, Tamra Smith, Erin Kellerhouse, David Adamo, Andrea Baxter, Robyn Fisher, Alexa Kim-Perkiel (UT), Olivia Loiacono, Kelly Pugh, Bunnie Sexton, Jennifer Wooten and Tiana Coudray (trains in the UK). Christa Gandolfo(FL), Nina Ligon(VA), Allie Knowles(KY), Karen O’Neal(WA), Whitney Weston(NC), Nicole Jones-Taylor(TX), Melissa McMaster(FL).
From Canada: Rebecca Howard, Stephanie Rhodes-Bosch, Selena O’Hanlon, Penny Rowland. Clayton Fredericks(AUS).

Thank You All For Your Continued Support and Have A Great 2014 Competition Season.

Fabulous Testimonial from a Happy RevitaVet User!!

Dear Tom and RevitaVet, 

As a member of the UC Davis 3 Day Event Team I would like to thank you for your sponsorship and providing us with one of your unique, effective healing systems. Three members on our team have horses that are unfortunately suffering from tendon injuries, and we are all so thankful that we can speed up the healing process with our RevitaVet system. 

For me personally, it has completely changed the outlook on my horse’s recovery from her left front suspensory branch tear that occurred in November. After a scary first ultra sound and a diagnosis of a serious injury, I opted for Platelet Rich Plasma treatment to hopefully speed recovery and improve functionality of the healed tendon. To my great disappointment, 2 months later, the injury looked just as it did on day 1. Fearing my horse would never recover from this injury, I turned to RevitaVet and began using it daily. 

Two months after I began using RevitaVet, her ultra sounds look incredible and show remarkable healing that even PRP treatment could not promote. I will continue to use this astonishing system throughout the rest of her rehab process and beyond, as I am convinced it was the saving grace for my horse and I.  

Many thanks, 

Rebecca and Ricochet 

Video Explanation & Demo of RevitaVet IR2!

Check out this video on the explanation of the benefits of the RevitaVet system and it's many uses!

Video Link

Shoes or Barefoot

Conflicting ideas exist concerning the need for shoes.  Some people believe that shoes are completely unnecessary, while others feel uncomfortable if their mount is not shod every six to eight weeks. 

If you are considering removing your horse’s shoes, the most imperative thing to contemplate is whether or not your particular mount can go throughout his or her day unshod and still remain comfortable.  But how do you know if your horse is going to end up lame, possibly for weeks or months, if you pull his or her shoes?  The answer is quite simple:  if the horse grows more hoof than he or she wears down, then it’s a pretty safe bet that your horse can go without shoes at least while they are having some time off and the workload is light.  If on the other hand, your horse wears his or her hooves down faster than they grow, either shoes will have to constant necessity or the conditions in which the horse lives will have to be modified.  Often horses that have good hard hooves, good conformation and that live on dry hard ground will do fine without shoes even when riding on rocky ground.  If a horse lives in softer footing and then is asked to work on hard terrain, this might create a problem.

Keep in mind that some horses inherit the inability to go without shoes; consequently it is a good idea to talk to your veterinarian or your farrier before pulling your horse’s shoes.  Shoeing just two of your equine friend’s feet is also an option.  Choose either the fronts or the backs depending on how they wear.  Of course it is best to try pulling the shoes during the time of year when they are not working daily.  This will give them a chance to adapt.  There are those equines who become sore right after the shoes are pulled, especially if they live on hard packed ground.  Putting a 7% iodine solution painted onto the sole of the foot for a week or two can help.  Applying pine tar is also a solution.  Both of these products will help to toughen the soles that are soft and will assist in alleviating soreness. 

If you choose to allow your horse to go barefoot, be sure to remind your farrier that you need to keep your horse's hooves trimmed a little longer.  This means that the hoof wall, sole and the frog will be trimmed less than when your horse wears shoes.  Remember that your farrier has a busy schedule and works with many horses throughout the month, so he or she may forget that you are not trimming them as short as when your horse is shod. So, a gentle reminder is always a good idea.  Some horses will have to be trimmed more often and some less often depending on the way their hooves wear down and the time of year.  As you know, the seasons do affect hoof growth.

Watch the hoof wall for wear, check for bruises, underrun heels, or damaged frogs along with tenderness to determine if your horse can go without shoes for any length of time.

What are the benefits of allowing a horse to go barefoot?  Pete Ramey is a professional in the field of natural hoof care practitioners, and he says: “It's not about the foot alone; it's about improved overall health. Recent blood-flow studies by Robert Bowker, VMD, PhD, show that the horse's foot gets at least twice as much circulation when he or she is barefoot on yielding terrain, as compared to when he or she is wearing a metal shoe. The back part of the foot is designed by nature to flex, twist and distort with uneven terrain and turns--it helps reduce stress and prevent injury to joints, ligaments and tendons. Metal shoes prevent most of that twisting and flexion the hoof was designed for.”

“Every horseshoeing textbook I've read (and I've read all or most of them) clearly states that we farriers should avoid back-to-back shoeing, and allow shod horses a barefoot period to allow the hooves to heal. But the books fail to teach how to actually make a foot improve during that bare period. It's simply amazing how much a competent trimmer and six months of barefootedness can improve most hooves.” 

So consider taking the shoes off during part of the year, and see if it doesn’t help to improve the condition of your horse’s hooves.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Horses: How Fat is Too Fat

During the summer season, because many horses have access to green grass, they are
going to gain weight, but how fat can a horse get before it becomes unhealthy?  This is
an age old question amongst horse enthusiasts.  Some horses are “easy keepers,” while
others can eat all day and not increase their weight. 

Professional trainers and breeders must be highly aware of this issue, and consequently
they have developed a scoring system that can help any horse lover determine if their
equine friend is a little too plump. The easiest way to determine if a horse is too fat is to feel the middle of the rib cage.  If you must press your hand down hard to feel the ribs, then you need to start reducing the amount of feed that you are giving, and or create an exercise regime. Remember to
reduce the feed slowly so that your horse’s digestive system can adapt. If, however, you can easily feel the ribs, but not see them, then your horse is carrying the correct amount of weight. Keep in mind that some horses can get fat even while being fed just grass hay, and others will only gain weight when their diet is supplemented with grain.  Digestion and metabolic rates factor into these conditions.   Vitamins and minerals are also another important component in keeping your horse’s digestive system running optimally.  The types of minerals that can be depleted from the soil are dependent on where you live and where your hay is grown.  Talk to your feed dealer and or your veterinarian to find out what minerals might be lacking from your horse’s diet, and check with your veterinarian if you are considering adding a vitamin and mineral supplement.  If you are going to turn your horse out on pasture, be sure to keep in mind that early spring and winter grasses contain carbohydrates that escalate the levels of starches and carbohydrates in the horse’s system.  In other words, they act like grain, and just like grain, must be introduced slowly in order to avoid problems like founder.

Getting your horse out on trail rides or doing work in an arena will also pay off by
helping them to maintain a better body weight and muscle condition.  Wet down a saddle
blanket to keep them cool during the hot summer months, and be sure to wear clothing,
and other sun protection for you. 

Keeping yourself conditioned by exercising is equally important for you too.  Power
Yoga, Pilates, Running, Biking, Hiking and Weight Training are just a few ways in which
you can keep fit and flexible.  If you live near the ocean, consider taking up snorkeling as
it provides both cardio and muscle conditioning that your body will need to ride and be
your best in the saddle.

How Infrared Can Heal Stifle Injuries

One of the worst injuries that a horse owner can face is a stifle injury.  Sometimes these physical problems occur because of an accident, for example when a horse becomes cast.  Other times they happen because the horse is involved in a strenuous sporting event.  None the less, the amount of time it takes for recovery and the many hours spent tending to the injury can be overwhelming.

The joint that makes up the stifle is multifaceted and large.  It works in a similar way as the human knee.  The femoral-tibal joint works to interconnect the large bone of the upper leg, the femur, with the smaller bone or tibia, below.  The femoral-patella joint communicates through the patella, or kneecap, to the femur, and a thin capsule encases the whole stifle joint.  Fluids help to reduce shock absorption and lubricate the tissues as needed.

Stability is increased with ligaments that help to keep the leg from bending too far in either direction.  These are called collaterals, and they can be damaged if a horse loses its footing or falls.  An X inside the joint is created by two crossing ligaments, these are called Cruciate ligaments, and they attach the femur and tibia.  Damage to these is similar to a knee injury in humans.  A large muscle called the quadricep, attaches the kneecap to the tibia, the lower smaller leg bone. The menisci are important as they help reduce the amount of wear on the cartilage surface of the joint.  These can be torn during falls or other injuries. Because the stifle joint is so complex, it can be difficult for a veterinarian to evaluate and diagnose.  The tearing of the support ligaments is obviously a fairly easy diagnosis, but bruising and sprains can be much more difficult to evaluate.

However, no matter what the prognosis, there is hope for a quick recovery time.

Infrared Light Therapy has become increasingly popular for healing joints and sore or injured muscles.  Its non-invasive curative powers leave no side effects behind. 

But how does it work?

It produces electronic photons which, when applied to the surface of the skin, cause the cells to grab the light energy.  This promotes natural healing and encourages the torn muscles to repair themselves by increasing circulation.  The increased circulation brings new cells and oxygen to the site of the injury.  The Lymphatic system is also stimulated, so that swelling is greatly reduced.

 Surgery on the other hand, is very invasive and often a horses’ body will react adversely to the intrusion, and pain relieving pharmaceuticals are not without their side effects. 

Infrared Light Therapy is completely non-invasive and because it increases the circulation to damaged muscles, and stimulates the lymphatic system, thereby removing damaged cells and excess liquid, it also helps to alleviate the pain caused by the injury.

So, the next time your horse has a stifle injury consider using Infrared Light Therapy.    

 

 

 

The Difference between the Barrel Racing Divisions

Barrel racing is a timed rodeo event.  The team of horse and rider must complete a pattern called a clover leaf which is created by running around three barrels set up at specific distances in an arena.  This means that there is a precise measured distance between the start line to the first barrel, the first barrel to the second barrel, and finally the second barrel to the third barrel.  The person whose horsemanship skills combined with the athleticism of his or her horse, completes the triangular pattern with the fastest time wins the event. 

The timer begins recording when the start line is crossed by the swift moving horse, and it ends when the barrel pattern has been completed and the horse and rider blaze back across the finish line.

In specific clubs, Barrel Racing events are set up with separate classes, such as youth or senior classes.  However, divisions are the most common way to separate the horse and rider teams.  The divisions are determined by the speed a horse runs the cloverleaf pattern.  The Divisions or D races are split using the designations:   1D, 2D, 3D, 4D, 5D and 6D.  1D class are run by the horses and riders with the fastest times.  The National Barrel Racing Association splits the divisions into categories determined by .5 seconds.  The fastest time is a 1D, then the 2D would be 5 seconds slower than the 1D time.  6D is reserved for horses and riders that run the course more slowly or perhaps for young horses schooling. 

After a time, horses become more consistent, and then are generally advertised with a number and a D, wherever their speed is calculated to fit within a certain division.  An example of this would be the selling of a 1D horse.  This would be in indication to the prospective buyer that this is a fast finished and generally more expensive Barrel Racing horse!

  

 

The History of Kentucky's Rolex

This week is one of the most exciting in the world of Eventing.  At the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington Kentucky, the Rolex CCI****(four star) event is being held!  It is the only four star (****) event in the Western Hemisphere.  This very prestigious show is an eventing competition held at the same level as Eventing in the Olympics.  $80,000.00 dollars is awarded to the first place winner along with a Rolex watch.  A total purse of $250,000 dollars is awarded to top winning riders.  The show is four days long, and because so many riders participate, the dressage competition begins on Thursday and goes through Friday, with Saturday being the cross-country day, and Sunday is the show-jumping competition. 

How did this event begin?  In 1974 the U.S. won the individual (Bruce Davidson) and team gold in the World Championships.  This gave the honor of holding the world championships to the United States.  In 1978 The Kentucky Horse Park was planning to open, and it was the perfect venue for the World Championships.

More than 170,000 spectators attended, and the event was broadcast worldwide.  Because the event was such a success, and was economically stimulating for the local economy, it was quickly decided that it should become an annual event.  Today it is broadcast in over 18 languages and reaches millions of people. 

RevitaVet is the proud sponsor of these Rolex riders:  Phillip Dutton, Buck Davidson, Sally Cousins, James Alliston, Hawley Bennett-Awad, Allie Knowles, Katie Ruppel and Becky Holder.

 

Let's Talk about Hunt Seat

Hunt seat is a type of forward seat riding steeped in the history and tradition of foxhunting.  Riders can choose to ride on the flat or over fences for showing hunters.  In Hunter under Saddle, or Hunter over Fences classes, the horse’s form, or conformation and way of moving and correct way of jumping, are judged.  Equitation classes are judged more upon the rider’s form and skill on the flat or jumping over small fences.  This includes the correct leg position, forgiving hands, heels positioned with the weight in them, a good and balanced posture, eyes forward and looking up, and when jumping over fences, the rider is focused towards the next jump.  The movement of the equitation horse is usually more collected than the show hunter.  This permits the rider to better regulate the stride for tricky combinations.

Keep in mind, that hunt seat can refer to any form of forward seat riding found also in eventing and showjumping.  Many professional show jumpers start by riding in hunter and equitation classes prior to progressing into the jumper division.

Jumper classes are judged on the ability of a horse and rider team to complete a jumping course with the fewest faults and within the fastest time.  The horse that competes as a show jumper is usually a horse with a higher energy level and more power than a horse that competes as a hunter.  It is rare for a horse to have the ability to show in both hunter and show jumping classes, as the style, disposition and way of going are quite different.

Hunter under saddle and Hunter over fences classes can be found in many breed registry shows.  Sometimes the Hunter under Saddle class is called English Pleasure, depending on which registry is sponsoring the show.  Thoroughbreds and Warmbloods are the most common types of horses shown in hunt seat classes.  Irrespective of the breed, the horse should have a conformation that includes very little knee action, good form over jumps, a long stride and an easy going, well-mannered attitude.  

How Infrared Light Helps to Heal Major and Minor Problems

Infrared light therapy has been proven to heal many major as well as minor injuries.  Physiological changes have been scientifically proven in these areas:

·        Inflammation and pain reduction with an increase in circulation to the injured tissues.

·        Scar tissue has been minimized

·        Acceleration of cellular growth and reproduction

·        More nitric oxide is released

·        A surge in RNA/DNA synthesis occurs

·        The Lymphatic system is stimulated and toxins expelled

·        Increase in the pre-healing stage called phagocytosis 

·        Activates the creation of collagen and adenosine triphosphates (ATP)

·        Accelerates the production of endorphins and enkephalins (pain relievers)

 

Any injury or Problem that can plague your horse will respond to light therapy, some examples are:  Abscesses, Arthritis, Bowed Tendons, Bone Spavins, Navicular or other Hoof related problems, Sore Back, Splints, Sore Muscles, Stifle Problems, Wind Puffs, even fractures have been proven to heal in a fraction of the normal healing time, and the list goes on.

The red light that is visible can penetrate beneath the dermis to a depth of 8-10mm.  This light helps to treat injuries such as cuts, scrapes, scars and it stimulates acupuncture points.  It is also beneficial in healing infections.  Infrared light, or the light that you cannot see pulsing, penetrates to a depth of 30-40mm.  This light travels deeper to stimulate the healing of deep muscle injuries, joints, Arthritis etc.

So contact RevitaVet today to find out more about the amazing technology of Infrared Light Therapy and help your equine friend live pain free.

 

Choosing a Barrel Racing Horse

They always make it look so easy while they blaze from barrel to barrel circling like lightning and exploding towards home.  What looks easy usually isn’t.  Barrel racing champions can spend years looking for a horse with explosive athleticism, good substantial bone and excellent conformation.  A calm mind is a must as well.

It’s true, whoever runs the pattern the fastest wins, however, choosing a good barrel racing horse must be determined by the level of experience of the rider.  Older horses with a strong barrel racing foundation should be chosen for riders new to this game.  Often horses in their teens and twenties are still running strong, so a beginner should not avoid them because of their age.

More experienced riders can afford the luxury of “making” their own barrel racing horse by purchasing a prospect.  This way, they can train the horse and create the habits and specific ways of running and turning etc. that they prefer.

Quarter horses dominate the sport; however, any breed can be entered into most rodeo organizations.  Many top barrel racers choose to cross speed bred horses, such as racing Quarter Horses or Thoroughbreds with cow bred horses.   This combination gives them the speed and the lightning fast turns that are going to make a winner.  Other riders prefer smaller more maneuverable horses, and thus they stay within the cow horse lines.  Keep in mind, there is not a good or bad choice for bloodlines when it comes to a barrel racing prospect.  Some popular barrel racing lines are:  Dash for Cash, Firewater Flit, On the Money Red, Easy Jet, and Frenchman’s Guy, just to name a few.

Everyone will agree that conformation is the most important aspect of choosing a barrel racing horse.  Many people prefer a horse with a lower center of gravity, so that they are steadier on their feet; however, many champions have been 16 hands tall or sometimes even taller.  A short back, good shoulder and hip angles, a powerful hindquarter and good straight legs that can take a lot of concussion are important.  A good manageable temperament is also important, along with a desire to win attitude that fires up only when it is asked.  This kind of temperament can be challenging to find, as many horses will lose their heads, and become increasingly difficult to handle, outside of the arena as well as inside of it, once they get a taste for speed.

So carefully assess your riding level and then shop around for the perfect fit.  Over time, each person determines their own unique likes and dislikes.  Being comfortable and feeling safe on a large mass of muscle that is moving at lightning speed is the most important, so choose wisely, and most of all have fun! 

The Importance of Breeding Eventing Horses

A multi-discipline education is important to riders in the world of eventing.  Many top riders who later became specialist in a specific discipline were, at one time, eventing riders.  From Reiner Klimke to George Morris, each one rode in multiple disciplines before settling on their chosen specialty.  Likewise many eventing bred horses have gone on to perform at top levels in more than one sport.

A great eventing horse must be the all around sport horse in order to take his or her rider to the top.  They must have the even temperament and steadiness to accomplish a top level dressage test, the courage of a lion and extreme intelligence to maneuver jumps that are technically difficult and unmoving, and the attention to detail, scope, stamina and soundness to clear a difficult show jumping course after having galloped and jumped a mile course the day before. 

There human counterparts are the triathletes who receive accolades, while often the amazing abilities of the equine athletes go without recognition.  The ability for these horses to excel in not just one or two but three difficult events, makes them the ideal breed for the majority of riders even if they may only want to compete in one discipline. 

Top level show jumping and dressage horses have a value that is generally three times that of a top level eventing horse, and the fee for a well known sire is sometimes 15 times higher than for an eventing stallion.  The commercial viability is what drives 80 percent of the sport horse breeding market today.

One notable rider competed on his horses not only in eventing, and show jumping, but also in steeple chase.  His name was Bill Roycroft of Australia.  When Bill was 50 years old he took one of his three multi discipline Thoroughbreds, Stony Crossing and competed him at Badminton.  Remarkably this 7 year old horse had just given Bill the thrill of his life the month before by finishing third in Britain’s premier race, the Cheltenham Gold Cup, a three and a half mile steeplechase.

Only a small number of breeders are specializing in breeding specifically eventing type horses.  However, it should be noted, that doing so benefits the sport horse world in general.  With willing temperaments, the ability to change and adapt quickly, stamina, soundness and the litheness to compete on grueling courses year after year, this makes them top athletes!  All of this is combined with the fact that often these horses go on, years later, to have other careers in different disciplines at top levels of those competitions as well.  For example, many top eventing equines have gone on to be Grand Prix jumpers or Grand Prix dressage horses.

Breeding top sport horses that excel in eventing, gives everyone the opportunity to own a superior athlete, even if they only want to compete in one discipline.

The History of the Spanish Arabian

The beautiful graceful Arabian horse can trace its genetic history to the seventh century.

It is known that the Arabic people, otherwise known as the Moors, were pushed out of Spain in 1492.  The Moors had occupied this country for eight hundred years.  It is known that they brought with them Arabian horses, and left them behind when they fled.   Columbus and Cortez brought horses with Arabian blood to the New World, and left them behind rather than make them suffer the arduous journey back to Spain.  Although the lineage of these horses has been lost, as early as 1847 a stud book was established by the Queen of Spain.  These old bloodlines are written in Arabic and kept in the “Golden Book” in Madrid.  The book is called:  Importado de Desierto por S.M. la Reina D. Isabella II.

In the early days of importing these horses to Spain by the government, they were considered an important war machine, and the selecting, buying, and breeding of them was done by the Department of War.  This is still true today at the Yeguada Militar of Spain.  Often the Arab blood was used to improve native stock; however, purebred horses were also produced.  From 1905-1927, groups of military officers and veterinarians were sent to Egypt, Turkey, Polish-Russia, and France in search of top bloodlines. 

From 1927-1930 the Fifteenth Duque De Veragua imported horses purchased from Lady Wentworth at Crabbet Park, and also horses bred by Cecil Hough. 

The Duque was fanatical about producing and breeding the best purebred Arabian horses, and would go to great lengths to achieve this end.   In her memoirs, a note was written that stated that Lady Wentworth regretted selling her finest Skowronek daughters to the Duque.  In 1936, during the Spanish Civil War, the Duque, his family and servants were killed, and his palace and papers, including breeding records, were burned.  Unfortunately, Veragua Stud, the all important breeding facility met the same fate.   More than seven hundred Spanish Arabians lost their lives during this war; however, some of the mares and foals were moved to safety.  Because the pedigree records were lost, many of the dam lines that can be traced back to that time, will begin with the words “Veragua mares.”

Today, Spanish Arabians are bred in breeding programs all over the world.  Because of their small gene pool, the emphasis has been placed on outcrossing them.  Spanish and Egyptian crosses are prevalent, and both the purebred and Spanish/Egyptian crossed horses have gone on to become National Champions on the Arabian Horse Show Circuit. Spanish Arabians are known to have quiet temperaments, large eyes, athletic conformation, and are highly intelligent.

The Pony Club

Many of today’s current top International and Olympic superstars began their careers riding in The Pony Club.  Many parent's over the years have chosen this club to teach their children about horses because the curriculum is very well layed out and defined.

How did it all begin?  The Pony Club began its famous journey into the books of England’s history in 1929.  It had originally started as the Institute of the Horse in 1928.  This branch catered to adults who then organized classes for children including gymkhanas.  A junior branch was formed, and thus The Pony Club was born.  The vision for the club was the need to encourage children to ride, and to give them the chance to grow into top riders and possibly become professionals in their preferred discipline.  At that time districts were formed throughout the country that were closely affiliated with the hunt.  

In 1932 Pony Club Tests were given and certificates awarded.  However, in 1939, because of the war, almost all of the branches in Europe had to be discontinued.  

In 1930, The Pony Club had 300 members, and over 10,000 by 1935.

The United States Pony Club came to America in 1954.  The main office is at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky.

Emphasis in the club is placed not only on the riding skills, but members must also learn about Horse Management, and safety.  Certification is awarded in these programs as well.  Older members that are more accomplished are allowed to grow and pursue their goals at their own pace.  Younger students are educated using fun techniques that keep them engaged.  Older, more experienced members are often teamed up with younger members to teach the skills through a mentoring program.   As the older members progress through the highest levels, they are allowed to teach Horse Management courses and move towards instructing other younger riders.  After these steps are accomplished, lesson plans are created along with evaluation sheets. They are also taught skills to help them deal with unexpected issues and difficult horses as well as distraught children.

The club teaches riders, through a specific curriculum about riding, safety, and the care of ponies and horses as well as leadership techniques, responsibility, and it helps to build each individual’s self-esteem.  Goals are achieved through individuals passing specified tests and certificates are awarded to acknowledge these accomplishments.  Some important topics that are covered include: cost of feeding horses, shoeing, veterinarian visits, training schedules, hauling safely, first aid, grooming, breeding and foaling just to name a few. 

 In order to join a pony club, often children must own a pony of their own or have access to one, but this is not always the case.  Some clubs have access to horses that can be leased.

 Small shows or rallies are held so that members can demonstrate their riding and Horse Management abilities in a fun encouraging environment.

If you are interested in contacting The Pony Club, please copy and paste this link:  http://www.ponyclub.org/ 

Remembering Scamper, the Barrel Racing Legend

People who love horses and want to compete at the top of their sport, often pay extraordinary amounts of money for the ability to rise to the top.  However, on some occasions, an uncut, unpolished diamond can be found in the most unlikely place.

When Charmayne James was 12 years old, her father took her to a feedlot where she was able to pick out a barrel racing prospect.  Little did she know that this horse, that could easily have been purchased by the kill buyers, would launch her into the barrel racing spotlight and leave a legacy that few would be able to surpass. 

His barn name became Scamper while she waited for his AQHA papers to arrive.  Later, Charmayne discovered that his registered name was Gills Bay Boy once the papers were acquired.  But the journey had begun, and around the world people would always know him as Scamper.

The early days for the two were a little rough as Scamper had a tendency to buck when he was cantering, and it was easy to understand how he ended up at the feedlot in the first place.  However, Charmayne took her time with him, and after they got the kinks worked out, the pair were unstoppable. At the tender age of 14, Charmayne  qualified for the National Finals Rodeo, which they won even though the Scamper’s bridle broke during one of the runs.

Charmayne rode in the National Finals Rodeo for an astounding ten years from 1984-1993, and won the WPRA (Women’s Pro Rodeo Association) World Championship each year.  Because of their huge success, Charmayne was given the nickname, “The Million Dollar Cowgirl.”  After those ten years of Championships, Scamper was semi-retired, and finally a few years later, completely retired from competition.  He passed away at the age of 35 on July 4, 2012 on Charmayne’s ranch in Texas.

Although the bay horse was a gelding when he competed as a barrel racer, he has since been cloned.  The clone is a stallion named Clayton who was born in 2006.  He stands at stud on the ranch, but because the American Quarter Horse Association does not register cloned animals, his offspring cannot acquire papers.  Fortunately, however, it is not necessary to have a papered horse in order to run and compete in barrel racing or any other rodeo event.

When Scamper was discovered he was but a dusty gem, but with the help of his partner and friend Charmayne James, he was able to shine like a brilliant diamond, and his legacy lives on.    

ReviteVet Proudly Supports the IHSA!

For Immediate Release

L.A. Pomeroy, media liaison

PomeroyLA@aol.com, (413) 586-6121

More Than Good Horse Sense:

IHSA Riders Rank Among Rhodes Scholars for Second Time in Two Years 

Rhodes Scholar, Rachel Kolb aboard Ronny

Fairfield, CT—December 5, 2012—Stride for stride, solid horse sense leads to scholarly achievement.  For the second time in two years, the Rhodes Trust has awarded a prestigious Rhodes Scholarship to an Intercollegiate Horse Show Association college equestrian athlete to pursue post-graduate study at Oxford University.

This year’s recipient is IHSA hunter seat rider, Rachel Kolb, of Los Ranchos, NM, who is in her second year as president of the Stanford Equestrian Team, and co-terminal year at Stanford (CA) University (i.e., she will graduate this year with a BA in English/minor in Human Biology and a Masters in English). 

Kolb is Stanford’s 2012 IHSA Regional Champion in Intermediate Flat and Fences, and has twice helped bring the team to the national Top Ten:  At the 2010 IHSA Nationals, in Team Intermediate Fences, where Stanford finished fourth, and again at the 2011 IHSA National Championships, in Team Intermediate Flat (Stanford placed sixth).

In the classroom, Kolb earned an 2011 IHSA/EQUUS Foundation Scholarship and, in 2012, was recognized as an IHSA Senior Athletic Academic Achievement Award recipient, and led Stanford to the first Team IHSA All-Academic Award (since the creation of the distinction in 2011). Elected as a junior to Phi Beta Kappa, she is managing editor of the Leland Quarterly, a campus literary magazine, and an opinion columnist for The Stanford Daily. At Oxford, she plans to pursue a Master's degree in Contemporary Literature.

“I feel extremely honored to have received the Rhodes scholarship, and I am looking forward to studying at Oxford over the next two years,” Kolb replied via an electronic interview.  “The news is still sinking in, but I'm already hoping to find a way to ride while in England. I had the opportunity to study abroad at Oxford during my junior year at Stanford, which I loved, so I feel very fortunate to have the chance to return.

“Seeing my trainer, Meredith Houx Remiger (as well as Albuquerque trainer, Elani Rager) ride in high jumper stakes and local Grand Prix inspired me in my youth, and I've loved the chance to learn from all my coaches while at the Stanford Red Barn."”

During her time at Stanford, Kolb has built a unique bond and a second language 

with her IHSA coach, Vanessa Bartsch.  “As Rachel has been deaf her whole life, she is remarkably adept at managing in the ring and out,” said Coach Bartsch.  “After coaching her for four years, signing to her seems completely normal. I sign to her (while speaking) in all of her lessons, when she is working in the barn, and at team meetings. 

“That said, my signing causes a fair amount of hilarity for Rachel, because of my mix-ups and made-up signs.  So much so that it has a bit of a life of its own: instead of ASL (American Sign Language), Rachel jokes that I use VSL (Vanessa Sign Language).”

For coach and student, it has been a learning curve ridden together.  Bartsch explained, “ASL is comprised of a limited vocabulary of signs, and there are no signs for things like ‘trot’ or ‘gallop,’ let alone ‘impulsion,’ ‘counter-canter,’ or ‘bran mash.’ Rachel and I developed our own vocabulary so I can coach her in lessons and in the show arena.

“It’s always funny when she tries to teach horse signs to the interpreters who sign for her when I'm not there, as some signs, such as ‘trot’ and ‘toilet’ look remarkably similar!  None of the interpreters are horse people.  They are used to signing in a classroom, so they've had a steep learning curve about where to stand in a dressage lesson (in the middle, though they report 20 meter circles make them dizzy) versus a jumping lesson (not in front of a fence).”

Kolb said, “I've never viewed my deafness as an impediment to riding, especially since the horses never mind. Having such supportive teammates and coaches, particularly people like Vanessa who make communication so easy, has allowed me to take full advantage of opportunities on the team. Sign language has embedded itself into the team culture in various ways, which has been tremendous fun.”

Kolb is not the first IHSA college equestrian athlete to be named a Rhodes Scholar.  In 2010, Gabrielle Emanuel of Dartmouth College (NH) was awarded a Rhodes Scholarship to study at Oxford University. Emanuel — who majored in history at Dartmouth before graduating summa cum laude  — used her scholarship to pursue a doctorate in Development Studies, focusing on ethical perspectives in international development. A Rufus Choate Scholar and member of Phi Beta Kappa National Honor Society, she rode on the Dartmouth IHSA equestrian team and competed as a Walk-Trot rider, while also working to provide health care to Boston’s homeless, help rural Ugandans attend American universities, and support microfinance in India. 

Sally Batton, head coach of the Dartmouth equestrian team, remembered Emanuel for her focus and drive, and for committing herself as an active member of the IHSA team while remaining involved in many other activities.

“She really had great self motivation to get a job done,” Batton said. “She was and is totally capable of doing everything she sets her mind to.”

Bartsch sees a parallel between the high standards of the Rhodes Trust and success as a collegiate equestrian athlete.  “Thanks to our amazing organization, which welcomes all types of riders, Rachel flourished not only as a rider but as a leader. She told me that she was asked about riding--and the IHSA--in the Rhodes Trust interviews.  I think it speaks to the heart of what we/IHSA do best: allow student athletes to flourish in the ring and classroom.  The experience they get showing, riding, and leading contribute to the trajectory of their lives, regardless of their background or unique challenges. 

“There are so many parallels between what the IHSA teaches,” Coach Bartsch

summed up. “‘Catch riding,’ or learning how to bring the best out of any horse, class, job or situation, is a skill that stays for life.”

Rhodes Scholars are chosen for outstanding scholarly achievements, character, commitment to others and the common good, and potential for leadership. The Rhodes Scholarship is a prestigious post-graduate award established in 1902 after the death of diamond magnate, Cecil Rhodes and is intended, according to Rhodes Trust website, www.rhodesscholar.org, to bring outstanding students from around the world to Oxford.

To learn more about IHSA, collegiate equestrian teams, and scholarships, visit www.ihsainc.com.

The Cloning of a Barrel Racing Legend

Science is working in the horse industry to continue bloodlines that might otherwise die off.  Smart Little Lena, Scamper and a few other horses have been cloned in order to continue the legacy and keep the money for stud fees coming in.  Many ranches have based their entire breeding programs primarily on the aging stallions.  Now, as of September 2012, the barrel racing legend, Frenchmans Guy, has been cloned three times.  The clones are owned by the same people who own and stand the 25 year old stallion, Bill and Deb Myers. 

The Myers decided to clone Frenchmans Guy because of his remarkable statistics both as a barrel racing horse and a sire of legendary proportions.  He has been listed as a leading sire in the performance horse industry for the last ten years.  His foals, that have gone on to compete, have earned over 4 million dollars.

 Cloning creates an identical genetic replica, which allows superior animals to continue their bloodlines into the future.  Viagen, a Texas based company that is known as the world leader in animal cloning, was chosen to produce the foals.  Many people view cloning as the next step in breeding programs now that vitro fertilization and embryo transfers are an everyday occurrence.  As genetic replicas, the clones will permit Frenchmans Guy’s superior genes to continue well into the future.  Bill and Deb Myers considered that it would be good not only for their breeding program but for the horse industry as a whole.  The cloned foals will produce offspring exactly as if Frenchmans Guy himself was the stallion used for the breedings.  So, if breeding to this stallion seemed a far off dream, rest assured that the chance to do so will continue far into the future.