Time For Tokyo: The Lineup For the USA and How To Watch
July 22, 2021| | in category Uncategorized No comments yet

We are just a few days away from the much awaited 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. The United States is fortunate to have four equestrian teams representing the country in Tokyo, including an eventing, dressage, show jumping, and para dressage team.

The teams have taken the necessary steps to arrive in Tokyo through mandated pre-quarantine processes due to COVID-19 protocols. The dressage team has arrived in Tokyo as they prepare to begin competition this Saturday. The eventing team completed their pre-quarantine in Aachen, Germany, trailered to Belgium, then took flight to Tokyo. And the jumping team is beginning preparations for their trip to Japan as well. Let’s take a look at who will be representing the United States in the upcoming weeks and how to watch these teams from home. See the full schedule via the USET Foundation here.

Dressage

Adrienne Lyle and Salvino, Steffen Peters and Suppenkasper, and Sabine Schut-Kery and Sanceo were selected to represent the United States in Tokyo. Nick Wagman and Don John are the traveling reserve for the dressage team. The team is led by Chef d’Equipe Debbie McDonald and Team Leader Hallye Griffin.

Dressage at the Olympic Games will take place from July 24-28 through multiple Grand Prix team and individual events.

  • July 24: Dressage Grand Prix Team and Individual 4 a.m. EDT
  • July 25: Dressage Grand Prix Team and Individual 4 a.m. EDT
  • July 27: Dressage Team Grand Prix Special 4 a.m. EDT
  • July 28: Dressage Individual Grand Prix Freestyle 4:30 a.m. EDT

Dressage grooms headed to Tokyo are Morgan Kligensmith (Salvino), Eddie Garcia (Suppenkasper), Christis Erickson (Sanceo), Jose Alaniz (Don John).

Eventing

Boyd Martin and Tseterleg, Phillip Dutton and Z, Liz Halliday-Sharp and Deniro Z were the original eventing team to be selected. But after the mandatory outing at Great Meadows in Virginia, Halliday-Sharp decided to withdraw Deniro Z from the lineup after consulting with the team vets. Doug Payne and Vandiver stepped up to fill their spot and Tamie Smith and Mai Baum were named as the traveling reserve.

The team is led by Chef d’Equipe Erik Duvander and Team Leader Jenni Autry.

  • July 29: Eventing Dressage Session 1 Team and Individual 7:30 p.m. EDT
  • July 30: Eventing Dressage Session 2 Team and Individual 4:30 a.m. EDT, Eventing Dressage Sess. 3 Team and Individual 7:30 p.m. EDT
  • July 31: Eventing Cross-Country Team and Individual 6:45 a.m. EDT
  • August 1: Replay Team and Individual Eventing, Cross Country 1:30 p.m. EDT
  • August 2: Eventing Jumping Team and Individual 4 a.m. EDT

Eventing grooms for the team in Tokyo are Stephanie Simpson (Tseterleg), Emma Ford (Z), Courtney Carson (Vandiver), and Bridget London (Mai Baum).

Show Jumping

McLain Ward and Contagious, Laura Kraut and Baloutinue, Kent Farrington and Gazelle, and Jessica Springsteen and Don Juan van de Donkhoeve are the athletes selected for the jumping team. One pair will be named the traveling reserve.

Leading the team is Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland and Team Leader Lizzy Chesson. Two alternates will join the team in the event one of the athletes needs to withdraw, which are Brian Moggre and Lucy Deslauriers.

  • August 3: Jumping Individual Qualifier Individual Jumping 6 a.m. EDT
  • August 4: Jumping Individual Qualifier Individual Jumping 6 a.m. EDT, Replay Individual Jumping Final 11:45 p.m. EDT
  • August 6: Jumping Team Qualifier Team Jumping 6 a.m. EDT, Replay Team Jumping Qualifying 2:45 p.m. EDT
  • August 7: Jumping Team Final Team Jumping 6 a.m. EDT

Show Jumping grooms traveling with the team are Denise Moriarty (Gazelle), Margo Thomas (Baloutinue), Josie Eliasson (Don Juan), and Virginie Casterman (Contagius)

 

Paralympic Dressage

Beatrice de Lavalette and Clarc, Rebecca Hart and El Corona Texel, Kate Shoemaker and Solitaer 40, and Roxanne Trunnell and Dolton will be representing Team USA. Two other combinations were nominated as team alternates: Sydney Collier and All in One, and Charlotte Merle-Smith and Guata.

Following the individual tests on August 27 at the Paralympic Games, three combinations will be selected to compete in the team competition.

The Paralympic equestrian competition is set to take place August 28-30 at the Equestrian Park venue in Tokyo, Japan.

It’s going to be an exciting few weeks of Olympic competition and we’ve been waiting five years for it, so be sure you know when your favorite athletes are competing so you can tune in and watch! BarnManager wishes the best of luck to all athletes across all disciplines competing at the Olympic Games in Tokyo.

Para Dressage grooms traveling with to Tokyo include Megan Ann Tye (Clarc), Kjersten Lance (El Corona Texel), Alexus Sisley (Solitaer 40), and Angela Baugh (Dolton).

Have questions about utilizing BarnManager or want to give it a try for yourself? Request a live demo here!

BarnManager is designed to be a part of your team, with the compatibility and credentials necessary to improve communication, simplify the management of horses, and get you out of the office, off the phone calls, and into the barn with the horses you care about! Click here to get a free demo and find out more!

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Biodiversity Blog

Understanding and Promoting Biodiversity on the Farm
July 15, 2021| | in category Uncategorized No comments yet

By BarnManager Partner Green Is the New Blue

By now, you’ve probably seen photos of Green Is the New Blue’s Living Jumps from our partner horse shows and read about the ways they promote biodiversity in their local ecosystems. But what, exactly, does that mean?

Biodiversity Blog

Biodiversity refers to the total number of different species in the same habitat. This includes microorganisms to plants to horses and their humans. It is important because biodiverse environments provide vital resources such as food, water, and shelter for their inhabitants. In some instances, they even provide medicine and fuel. Further, these ecosystems are built to last; biodiverse environments are more resilient in the face of disaster, both natural and manmade.

Every day, scientists discover new information about how one species benefits another. As every living thing is part of an interconnected system that sustains life on Earth, each of us should actively promote biodiversity. (Our lives quite literally depend on it!) That sounds like a pretty tall order, but it starts with a simple act. Make conscious decisions that sustain and strengthen the overall health of your local environment.

What are ways to support biodiversity at the barn? Go native.

When landscaping your farm, create a plentiful habitat that features a variety of plants and wildflowers native to your local ecosystem. These species are evolutionarily designed to thrive in that specific habitat, potentially reducing water use and minimizing care requirements. Native species provide food and shelter for other species in the ecosystem that are responsible for important ecological processes like plant reproduction and decomposition.

Feed the birds.

Birds play an important role in the ecosystem, from their predator/prey relationships to dispersing seeds for plant reproduction. Consider adding bird feeders to attract a variety of different species. Squirrel-proof feeders are best, as squirrels will steal food and deter birds. If you do install a bird feeder, keep a consistent cleaning schedule to prevent mold growth and maintain healthy populations.

Create your own Living Jump.

Source native plants from a local nursery or research appropriate species to grow through the National Wildlife Federation’s Native Plant Finder. For a hedge-style jump, you can plant the elements directly into the ground. If you’re working in the arena, you can re-pot your favorite species year in and year out as their root systems mature. Your Living Jump will bring beauty to your corner of the world, and more importantly, it will be a vital link in the larger system that sustains life on our planet.

 

How are you promoting biodiversity on your farm or at home? We’d love to hear about what you are doing, so leave a comment below!

Have questions about utilizing BarnManager or want to give it a try for yourself? Request a live demo here!

BarnManager is designed to be a part of your team, with the compatibility and credentials necessary to improve communication, simplify the management of horses, and get you out of the office, off the phone calls, and into the barn with the horses you care about! Click here to get a free demo and find out more!

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Eight Items You Can’t Live Without at the Barn This Summer
July 9, 2021| | in category Uncategorized No comments yet

As summer kicks into high gear around the country, many states are seeing the highest temperatures of the year. While it’s important to consider how to keep our horses cool, we can also keep ourselves prepared with some must-haves that help riders beat the heat. Check out these popular items and snag them while you can to make sure you stay one step ahead of the weather while you’re out riding and showing all summer.

1. Simple Modern Water Bottle

It is a fact that it’s more fun to drink water out of a pretty bottle. Simple Modern has you covered with its 32-ounce bottles that keep you hydrated and are nice to look at. You also won’t have to return to the water cooler quite as often, so you can fill up and take it on the go.

2. Ventilated Shirts

A hidden gem that the horse world gets to enjoy, these shirts help keep riders cool with the vents along the underside of the sleeves while also protecting skin from the sun. They’re made with such lightweight material that you often can’t even tell you’re wearing long sleeves in the dead of summer. And don’t worry about that farmer’s tan because these shirts have full coverage from the top of your neck to the ends of your arms.

3. SuperGoop Unseen Sunscreen

The internet is raving about this sunscreen, and for a good reason. The goop-like gel goes on smoothly and is invisible; it leaves your skin slightly dewy but comfortable. You won’t even know it’s on after you apply it, but the SPF 40 will protect your face from the sun rays for hours. This sunscreen comes in a conveniently small bottle, so no one has an excuse to not carry it everywhere over the summer.

4. Sunhat

A wide-brimmed sunhat is a crucial item for anyone who spends long hours in the sun at horse shows or at the barn. They come with fun detailing or simple and plain to match any outfit. The best sun protection is a great hat!

5. Ventilated Riding Gloves

Several brands make lighter-weight gloves specifically for summer riding, and they can be life savers for your hands during the hottest months. Be sure to wash them frequently to keep them fresh, but your hands will appreciate the lighter layer on top while still being just as effective holding the reins.

6. Cooling Towel

We’ve all seen them: the lightweight towels that get colder when they’re wet and keep us cool when we’re riding in the heat. These are great to have on hand for severe heat relief when you can’t go to an air-conditioned space to cool off. Bring one to a horse show or keep one handy for after lessons and you will get the heat relief you need in a pinch.

7. Helmet Visor

Sometimes helmet brims don’t cover your entire face, so make sure you don’t end up with a sunburned chin or lips by investing in sun protection while you ride. You can get various colors and fabrics, or stick with the classic black to match your helmet. This will also help keep the sun out of your eyes if you ride early in the morning or in the evening, when the sun is lower in the sky.

8. Popsicles in the Freezer!

Popsicles are the obvious favorite barn snack in the summer. You can even treat your horse to a bite if you had a particularly good ride. Treat yourself after you both worked hard through the heat!

Have questions about utilizing BarnManager or want to give it a try for yourself? Request a live demo here!

BarnManager is designed to be a part of your team, with the compatibility and credentials necessary to improve communication, simplify the management of horses, and get you out of the office, off the phone calls, and into the barn with the horses you care about! Click here to get a free demo and find out more!

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Root for the Home Team: How to Watch U.S. Riders This Independence Day Weekend
July 2, 2021| | in category Uncategorized No comments yet

It’s officially July, which means the Olympics are less than a month away. The United States has now named its teams for Eventing, Dressage, and Para Dressage. Chef’ d’Equipe Robert Ridland has yet to narrow down his shortlist of show jumpers. They have one final weekend to put on their best performances for the selection committee. Since this weekend is the 4th of July, there’s no better way to celebrate than by watching American riders contend for a coveted spot on the team at the various observation events happening in Europe.

The United States Dressage team will be Adrienne Lyle, Steffen Peters, Sabine Schut-Kery, and Nick Wagman, while Boyd Martin, Liz Halliday-Sharp, Phillip Dutton, and Doug Payne will represent the United States on the Eventing Team in Tokyo. The Para Dressage Paralympic Team will consist of Beatrice De Lavalette, Rebecca Hart, Kate Shoemaker, and Roxanne Trunnell. The show jumping team is the final team to be selected to represent the United States in 2021.

Spend your holiday weekend cheering on the U.S. show jumpers from afar as they compete at the following international competitions.

CHIO Rotterdam

In the Netherlands, CHIO Rotterdam is underway with the FEI Jumping Nations Cup on Friday, July 2, which can now be streamed on demand on FEI TV and ClipMyHorseTV. McLain Ward, Beezie Madden, Adrienne Sternlicht, and Lucy Deslauriers jumped for the U.S., landing them in seventh place. All other jumping classes at CHIO Rotterdam can be viewed on Horse & Country’s streaming platform, H&C+. On Independence Day, watch the Longines Grand Prix of Rotterdam CSI5*. U.S. riders will compete individually for the title and potentially a spot on the Olympic team.

The Royal Windsor Horse Show

Happening simultaneously is the prestigious Royal Windsor Horse Show in the U.K. Here, U.S. riders Kent Farrington, Laura Kraut, Brian Moggre, and Jessica Springsteen are contending for a spot on the team. The feature event will take place on the 4th, so grab your patriotic snacks and tune in while you celebrate. The entire event can be streamed for free on the Royal Windsor website and on demand via ClipMyHorseTV, plus Facebook Live for select classes. H&C+ will also be streaming a replay the €500,000 Rolex Grand Prix on Sunday, July 11, if you miss the live event.

Ones to Watch

Though all shortlisted riders have incredible accolades to their names, some have been on fire in recent events. 19-year-old Brian Moggre is fresh off a win with Balou du Reventon in the Sopot Grand Prix CSI5* in Poland. Teammate Lucy Deslauriers finished second, just behind Moggre, with Hester. Kent Farrington and Gazelle recently topped the Hubside Grand Prix CSI5* with a blazing fast jump-off. Jessica Springsteen took home the win the week prior in the Hubside Grand Prix CSI4* with RMF Tinkerbell.

McLain Ward was named the Leading Rider at Knokke Hippique CSI5* last week after showing incredible consistency across the entire event. He also snagged a win with HH Azur in the Old Salem Farm Grand Prix CSI3* and jumped a double-clear for the U.S. in the Nations Cup of Rome with Contagious. Laura Kraut had a stellar performance at LGCT Valkenswaard, taking the win in the Global Champions League of Valkenswaard. She also recently took home an impressive second place in the Grand Prix of Rome CSI5*.

It will, no doubt, be a tough choice for show jumping Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland as he watches the top U.S. show jumpers put forth their final effort in these competitions this weekend. Grab your watermelon, crank up the grill, and get ready to watch some incredible international show jumping. It is sure to be a preview of the excitement to come in Tokyo in a few short weeks.

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Help Wanted: You’ve Been Hired as a Working Student. Now What?
June 25, 2021| | in category Uncategorized No comments yet

If you read our first blog about working student positions and how to navigate the hiring process, you may be looking for more resources on how to be a dependable working student and get the most out of the experience once you begin. Since we have had multiple working student opportunities, we are here to offer words of wisdom as you take that next step. If you have made the decision to accept a working student position, here are some things to keep in mind as you get started.

Be an Asset

Training facilities are looking for someone who is positive, hard-working, adaptable, competent, and efficient. Someone who already has experience with horses is preferred, but many facilities are willing to accept someone who doesn’t have experience and will train them along the way. If you embody the qualities they are looking for, then you will become a valued member of their team.

Keeping that in mind, always strive to be an “A+” worker. Our parents taught us, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.” Following these wise words helped us tremendously, and it will do the same for you.

Never forget that attitude is important. If you have a good attitude and are pleasant, having you at the barn will be a joy. A good attitude in addition to a good work ethic will certainly make you a valuable asset.

Be humble and quick to learn. Despite the experience and knowledge you may already have, don’t act like you know everything. Be open and willing to handle tasks the way your trainer prefers, even if the process is different than what you may have experienced elsewhere. Be flexible and quick to adapt.

Pay attention to everything at all times. Some of the things you will learn are taught directly, others are caught indirectly. If you are unsure or don’t know about something, don’t be afraid to speak up. Ask questions to get a better understanding, because being inquisitive is how you learn.

Manage your time well. Prioritize, organize, and discipline yourself and your time. Keep a personal record of your time if the facility or trainer does not have an existing system. In your records, include when you arrive, when you start and complete major tasks, and what time you leave each workday. This record will help you and the facility keep your lines of communication open. It will also help you compare your time worked with the rewards of your labor by tracking both working hours and lesson hours.

Valuable Lessons

When you accepted the position of working student, you may have been thinking of saddle time, but don’t forget school is always in session. From the time you arrive at the barn until the time you leave, there is so much to learn. As mentioned before, there will be plenty of direct and indirect learning opportunities. Being around different horses, watching the trainer teach various students, and carrying out your job responsibilities are all opportunities to learn new things.

Through your work experience, you will learn how to be quick and efficient. There is quite a bit to do from sunup to sundown. From your hands-on exposure to the different horses at the barn, you will quickly realize that not all horses are the same. There will be some that are easy to handle, compliant, and well-behaved. Others will be a test of your patience and require you to think creatively to deal with their behaviors. You will learn how to think on your feet and come up with ways to handle unexpected situations.

As a working student, you will learn so much about how to take care of horses, how to manage a barn, and how to become a better rider, but you will also learn lessons applicable to life outside of the barn, such as how to deal with people. As a working student, you will deal with many types of people that come into the barn, all of which will have different personalities and methods of working. Through these interactions, you will learn how to work with others, how to avoid issues, and how to handle conflict when it does arise.

When you consider the amount of work you put in compared to the riding instruction you receive, bear in mind these other “lessons” you will learn. It may seem like there is little reward for your hard labor, but always consider all the advantages. As a working student, you really are accumulating a wealth of knowledge.

Feeling Discouraged

As with everything in life, you will have good days and bad days. You will certainly get discouraged at some points because being a working student is a lot of work. It will get repetitive and old at times. You will get tired of dealing with some people, especially the ones who are harder to work with. There will be bad days dealing with the horses. You might even get hurt, both physically and emotionally. Mistakes happen and you may get chastised for it. It will sometimes seem like everything is going wrong and you may want to quit. You will sometimes feel unappreciated.

When it gets hard, you will need to reevaluate whether you want to continue in this position. We encourage you not to make any rash decisions when you are feeling low. Taking a break to gather your thoughts and emotions will help to process what to do next.  Also, talk to someone you can trust to share how you are feeling. Having someone listen who can offer you sound, wise counsel is very helpful at times like those. Maybe ask your boss if you can have some time off. If he or she says yes, use that time to reflect on the true importance of the experience

Last Words

Working students can be crucial to riding facilities. Many rely heavily on their working students to keep horses healthy and the facility functioning. Being a working student can help you toward your goal of becoming a better rider. If you embark on this new adventure, we encourage you to use it as an opportunity to build your resume, and then graduate with the advantage of experience.

Have questions about utilizing BarnManager or want to give it a try for yourself? Request a live demo here!

BarnManager is designed to be a part of your team, with the compatibility and credentials necessary to improve communication, simplify the management of horses, and get you out of the office, off the phone calls, and into the barn with the horses you care about! Click here to get a free demo and find out more!

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Father’s Day Gift Ideas for the Ultimate Horse Show Dad
June 18, 2021| | in category Uncategorized No comments yet

If you’re one of the many who delays Father’s Day shopping until the last minute, BarnManager is here to provide gift ideas for dads who support their kids at horse shows. We all know horse shows can be frustrating and boring at times for parents, who invest a great deal of time in support of their kids’ hopes and dreams in the competition ring, so express your gratitude and give him something he can use while cheering you on from the sidelines. Even if your dad rarely makes it to a horse show in person, but is extremely supportive from afar, these gifts can be enjoyed away from the showgrounds, as well.

1. A Yeti cooler

Often horse shows are full-day commitments, so packing snacks and drinks is a must. Help your dad keep all the food and beverages cold with a high-tech cooler from Yeti or a similar brand. These coolers are easy to transport, look super cool, and are stellar at their job of keeping things cold on hot days.

2. Drink holder

No matter what your dad likes to drink at horse shows, there are surely koozies or tumblers that can keep his beverage of choice cold (or hot) all day while he’s on the move. There’s nothing worse than getting a cold drink on a hot show day that turns lukewarm only 20 minutes later. This will help dad enjoy his beverage all day long while he waits for you to show!

3. Sunglasses

The sun can be annoying when trying to watch horse show rounds, especially early in the morning. Find a cool style from your dad’s favorite sunglass brand and maybe opt for something trendy he hasn’t considered yet. He will likely trust his kids’ expertise about what styles are “in” these days, so this will help keep him looking good while being able to enjoy all your rounds without the sun getting in the way.

4. Branded gear from the horse show

Some competitions sell branded merchandise in a variety of styles, so you can get your dad a hat or golf polo that he can sport both at and away from the show. If he golfs, he can wear these items out on the links to show that he’s a proud horse show dad. Think about what your dad likes to do in his free time and choose your branded gift accordingly.

5. Lawn chair

Not every horse show offers extensive seating, so give your dad a comfy place to sit no matter where you are competing. Go for one that’s easily portable so he can pack it up and toss it in the car, and consider the extras, such as cupholders and built-in umbrellas for shade.

6. A funny t-shirt

We all appreciate a good dad joke, so you can help him up his sense of humor by gifting a comical t-shirt that pokes fun at being a horse show dad. He may only wear it around the house, but everyone’s sure to laugh when they see it.

7. Fitness tracker

Horse shows involve quite a bit of physical activity, so buy him a fitness tracker that rewards him for the number of steps he takes following you around the show grounds all day. These typically double as wristwatches, as well, so he won’t be late for your class start time if he wanders off somewhere!

8. Travel duffle or overnight bag

If your horse shows are typically out of town and overnight stays are required, maybe upgrade his travel gear by buying him a cool duffle or overnight bag to pack all his things and be ready to hit the road.

9. Portable grill

Is your dad a big-time griller? Get him a portable grill and he can be the life of the party at all horse shows. When lunch time rolls around, he’ll be so excited to whip out this fancy portable grill and make lunch for everyone in the barn. Grilling at the horse show is a great way to bond and also guarantee you’ll have good food, instead of relying on whatever vendors are available.

No matter the gift you choose, be sure to express how grateful you are that your dad supports your horse showing, whether it’s in person or from afar. Above all, if you can, try to spend some extra time with your dad this Father’s Day. No gift can beat quality time together, so try to focus on him and create some new memories.

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The Benefits of Secondhand Shopping From Green Is the New Blue
June 11, 2021| | in category Uncategorized No comments yet

At Green Is the New Blue, we are often asked for recommendations on sustainable equestrian fashion, such as breeches and boots. Although we always look for sustainably sourced products, we believe the best way to buy many items is used.

Purchasing used clothes is an obvious form of recycling. A pair of breeches can find a new home with someone who will give the item a new life. Depending on product type, a used purchase can make a big difference when it comes to environmental issues like climate change. Leather goods, such as boots, bridles, and saddles, are made from leather sourced from the cattle industry, which requires significant land and water use. We understand the need for show-quality tack, but there are plenty of beautiful older and functional pieces that still look great for schooling.

There are other benefits of choosing to buy secondhand clothing and tack, too. Generally, there is little to no product packaging associated with used clothing and tack, which minimizes waste. Also, by purchasing secondhand, we help to divert unwanted items from a landfill. Plus, of course, the price tag is more attractive. Used items often cost much less than new ones, even though in many cases they are barely worn.

Where To Buy

On Course Consignment in Wellington, Florida, is one of many great places to find quality used items. They feature popular brands like Tailored Sportsman, Animo, Charles Ancona, EIS, and more. The equestrian consignment store fills a gap in the local community, connecting quality secondhand items with riders who need them. Owner Jacquie McCutchan meticulously inspects items to make sure they are in quality working condition. On Course Consignment has a wide variety of top-quality items for sale, from riding attire to tack and other barn equipment.

Another great resource to check out is the Grazers App. Similar to the popular secondhand clothing app PoshMark, Grazers is geared specifically toward equestrians. Two amateur riders, Casey Norton and Jennifer Burke, created the app. Grazers serves as a platform to connect horsemen, who can easily sign up as vendors and list their items for sale. Items ship directly to the buyer from the vendor. This remote consignment shopping app has everything you need across multiple disciplines, from saddles to show attire.

If you are in the market for a new saddle, don’t forget that most major saddle brands have used options available. Many offer a wide variety of models and years. There are also plenty of dealers that specifically sell quality used saddles, such as Old Dominion Saddlery or Sport Horse Saddlery. Well-maintained saddles retain their function for many years. You can purchase a used saddle knowing it will still serve the same purpose as a new one. You can most likely still find the proper fit for both you and your horse in a used model.

When Not To Buy Used

The only time we recommend buying new is when you are in the market for a helmet. As safety certifications and features continually improve and adjust, helmets expire after a few years and especially after significant falls. Helmets can appear in good condition, but you never know if the previous owner wore it during a fall. We love secondhand shopping, but helmets just aren’t worth the risk. Safety comes before all else!

Artwork by Sarah Lazarovic

How To Sell or Donate

If you have riding clothes that you are not able to consign or sell, consider donating to The Rider’s Closet or your local therapeutic riding program. The Rider’s Closet was designed to ensure riding apparel is accessible to those in need, including those from scholastic programs, pony clubs, camps, equine charities, and individual riders.

Finally, we recommend keeping tabs on your local equine Facebook groups. There are many different groups to buy and sell clothing and equipment. People snatch well-priced items up quickly, so turn your notifications on! This is a great resource to sell your own tack and clothing quickly. There aren’t consignment fees associated with the sale.

Remember, the ultimate goal is to keep usable items out of landfills by connecting them with those who need them. As much as we advocate for supporting eco-conscious brands, the most sustainable choice is always to buy used.

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9 Ways to Beat the Heat This Summer
June 3, 2021| | in category Uncategorized 1 comment

As the summer months draw near and temperatures get warmer, it’s important to remember how to stay proactive and avoid overheating, for both yourself and your horse. With long days, high temperatures, and extreme humidity levels, overheating can happen fast and with little warning. Horses can fall victim to heat stress much faster than their humans, and they don’t have the words to tell us they’re overheating until it may be too late. But with proper actions on your part, you can keep your horse and yourself cool all summer long.

1. Hydrate.

This is a no brainer, but when temperatures start to heat up again and we are sweating more than we’re accustomed to, hydration levels can fall fast. Drink plenty of water both before and after your ride, and snack on hydrating foods such as cucumbers, strawberries, and watermelon. If you struggle to drink enough water, use a hydration booster or find a water bottle with labels to remind you to drink throughout the day.

Similarly, always make sure your horse has access to water to stay hydrated. A quick way to tell if a horse is dehydrated is to pinch a small amount of skin on its neck; if the skin takes more than a few seconds to even back out, the horse may be dehydrated. Electrolyte supplements are a quick way to restore a horse’s hydration if it isn’t drinking enough water. You can also encourage a horse to drink water by adding apple juice or honey to their water.

2. Ride at the beginning or end of the day.

Typically, the sun is strongest in the middle of the day, heating up temperatures to their highest points in the afternoons. If you can ride first thing in the morning, you’ll likely beat the heat and can get on with the rest of your day. If you can’t ride until later in the day, wait until the sun is down and the temperatures have cooled off slightly.

3. Ride efficiently.

Over the summer, it’s important to know how to make your rides as efficient as possible so you both aren’t out in the heat working for too long. Focus on exercises that challenge your horse but don’t physically demand as much when the heat is extreme. You can get a lot done in a smaller amount of time if you are intentional about every minute in the saddle.

4. Always monitor breathing.

If you feel your horse breathing excessively or see its nostrils flaring more than normal, it may be time for a break or the end of the ride. Also be aware of how long it takes for your horse’s respiratory rate to return to normal. If a horse is struggling with labored breathing in the heat, put it in front of the fan and spray its body with rubbing alcohol to cool it down. If labored breathing continues, you may need to call your vet.

5. Shower and sweat-scrape.

Hot days can lead to sweaty horses, so cool showers feel good and help them cool down. The most important areas are the chest, neck, and between the legs. Once you spray their bodies, quickly scrape the excess water, as it can heat up on the surface of their skin quickly and cause discomfort for an already hot horse.

6. Clip winter coats.

\Though horses naturally shed their winter coats, some might need extra help getting rid of the remaining hair that may be making them extra hot. This is particularly important on really hot competition days, as significant effort is required and extra hair could lead to overheating. Keep coats clipped throughout the summer and have a sheet handy for nights when the temperature dips somewhat.

7. Wear lightweight materials.

We all have our favorite ventilated, moisture-wicking clothes we like to wear on the hottest days. Companies like EIS, Ariat, and even mainstream sports brands like Under Armour make very breathable fabrics that are ideal for riding. While we may know what keeps us coolest while riding, we also have to keep this in mind for our horses. Use saddle pads made from thinner materials that wick moisture and cover less area on the horse.

8. Adjust the turnout schedule.

If the days get too hot, you may want to turn out at night or very early in the mornings. If the sun is shining, be sure your horse has ample shade to relax in while turned out.

9. Fans, fans, fans!

There’s no such thing as too many fans in a hot barn. They help keep everyone cool on hot days and maintain proper airflow throughout the facility. It’s important that every horse has a fan in its stall, plus additional fans in the grooming areas for post-ride cooldowns and to dry them after showers. Plus, it feels pretty good to stand in front of a fan after a hot ride.

While the cold can be uncomfortable, heat can bring its own problems, so we have to be smart about how to beat the heat and keep everyone safe and healthy. Keeping all these tips in mind, you’re sure to have a great summer with your horse. You can make the most of hot summer days without fretting about overheating yourself or your horse.

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Help Wanted: How To Decide if the Working Student Position Is Right for You
May 28, 2021| | in category Uncategorized No comments yet

Written by Emily and Sarah Harris

If you scroll through social media, you have probably seen a post seeking applications from anyone interested in becoming a working student at a barn, stable, or training facility. Perhaps your trainer or someone you know has offered you the position of a working student. If it’s something you’ve considered, we are here to educate you on what this title means and what a golden opportunity it can be. Working students are always needed, no matter the riding discipline or operation level.

What Is a Working Student?

A working student is a young person, typically a junior, who works in exchange for lessons and training. Responsibilities will typically include feeding, mucking stalls, cleaning up around the barn, cleaning tack, taking care of the horses, helping with lessons, and helping the staff, trainers, boarders, and students. Some positions may also include being capable of administering shots and medications, assisting the farrier when needed, operating farm equipment, farm-sitting, and helping out at horse shows, where you might be braiding, tacking up, grooming horses, holding horses, and more.

The job sounds like a lot, and it can be. But the benefits are endless. Some facilities might offer board for your horse or allow you the use of farm vehicles. Also, depending on the size and amenities available at the facility, you might be provided housing on the premises.

Overall, a working student position can be the perfect opportunity for learning and growth. You will get to work with different horses and be able to ride under the instruction of an expert. Doesn’t that sound great?

We have had the opportunity to be working students for several trainers in different disciplines as we’ve learned the ins and outs of the sport. Each trainer had different methods, so we learned something new with each opportunity.

If you are considering becoming a working student, here are some tips and advice to help you get the most out of your experience. We also want to be honest about the challenges so you are well prepared for what you may encounter.

Prioritize Communication 

Communication is number one, not just as a working student but in all aspects of a training operation. Make sure that expectations are clear on both ends in the beginning and discuss all the details of the position before accepting the role. This is a great time to sort out things like job responsibilities and how often things like lessons will be provided in exchange for your work. It may be difficult to approach this subject because your excitement to accept can often overshadow the details, but you don’t want to accept a position and work hard and then receive less in return than you expected. This initial conversation about the details and benefits is also good because it helps you decide if this is a role that you will want to accept.

Also, once you know what the job responsibilities are, consider your abilities and limitations. Be upfront with yourself and the person for whom you will be working.

If you choose to accept the position, be sure to maintain open communication throughout your time of employment. If you are unsure about something or have concerns, speak up; don’t ignore the issue. It is better to discuss the issue than to push past your feelings and end up with a bad experience.

We can’t stress enough how important communication is, and good communication skills will serve you in all your equestrian endeavors for your entire life.

Consider the Cost

Always consider the cost of accepting a role as a working student. Your excitement might make you want to jump at the opportunity to get lessons without paying cash, but don’t rush into a position without carefully considering if it is worth your time and money.

Consider how much a lesson with that particular trainer would be. Also consider all the work you will be doing at the barn. In your opinion, is the input you give the same value as the output you receive? Think about commuting time and associated costs; they can both add up. Keep in mind any other possible benefits, such as the knowledge and experience you might not get otherwise. If you have any horses, is it better to bring them or leave them at home since you won’t have as much time to dedicate to them with your new responsibilities.

Everyone values the costs and benefits differently, so there is no “right” answer. The best-case scenario is that both you and the trainer will benefit from you joining the team, making it a win-win situation for everyone.

Make a Decision

If you need some time to think it over, don’t be afraid to ask if you can get back to the trainer with your answer. Be sure to give them a reasonable time frame for your decision and stick to it. You don’t want to keep your potential employer waiting because then he or she might ask someone else. After you have considered everything, talked it all over, and weighed both the advantages and disadvantages, you will be able to make an informed decision. Contemplate how this position may or may not be to your benefit, then tell the trainer your decision.

Moving forward

Stay tuned for our next blog post about what happens once you’ve been hired; that’s when the work truly starts. There are lots of things to keep in mind once you begin a working student position. Next, we will outline all of them for you!

Head to the Sisters Horsing Around website for more blogs, videos, and tips.

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