As the 2009 year is winding down, many of us are reflecting on the past year. In that reflection, I like to continue to list all that I am grateful for. Time and time again I find myself listing my beloved animals. They are ever present, remind me of unconditional love, make me laugh, make me sigh with deep relaxation and continue to demonstrate joy and excitement in reacting to things as I sometimes see as mundane.
I hope you enjoy these quotes.
An animal's eyes have the power to speak a great language.
Martin Buber
Our task must be to free ourselves... by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature and its beauty.
Albert Einstein
Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened.
Anatole France
You enter into a certain amount of madness when you marry a person with pets.
Nora Ephron
The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.
Mohandas Gandhi
Life is as dear to a mute creature as it is to man. Just as one wants happiness and fears pain, just as one wants to live and not die, so do other creatures.
His Holiness The Dalai Lama
Lots of people talk to animals.... Not very many listen, though.... That's the problem.
Where has the time gone?I remember when I was little that the holidays took so long to arrive.And now that I am older, they arrive before I even know it.
Even for those of us who love the holidays, it is a very busy time of year - decorating, shopping, travelling, connecting with family and friends.
Take some time to just be in the presence of your horse (or any animal – a dog or kitty).Even if you don’t have the time to ride, just be with your animals for awhile.Studies have shown that animals can lower stress, bring us into the moment and even lower our blood pressure.
Just take a few minutes out of your busy schedule and be in the present moment – animals can be a doorway to better health and happiness.
All the best,
Jennifer
Jennifer K. Donovan
Principal
Equestrian Services, LLC - Delivering the Equestrian Experience
I believe that providing the correct aids to get your horse to move forward freely is also a great analogy for moving forward in life.
Webster's Dictionary defines the word "Allow" as to "neglect to restrain or prevent".
So when you ask your horse to move forward, make sure your body and your mind are also asking your horse to move forward. Notice if you are pulling back on the reins, notice if you are bracing your seat, notice if you feel nervous or anxious - bring your full awareness into the experience. Also pay attention to your leg - is it bouncing around and constantly nagging at your horse's side? Nagging and always asking will dull your horse to your aids and legs - your horse will stop paying attention and then moving forward becomes really hard work.
The same is true for moving forward in life. Allow life to happen and bring your awareness to new situations. Are you wanting "yes" but feeling "no"? Are you really saying "yes" to moving forward or are you resisting the change?
Change is the only constant in life - and moving forward is the path.
Jennifer K. Donovan
Principal
Equestrian Services, LLC - Delivering the Equestrian Experience
Equestrian Professionals, Inc.
Equestrian Management, LLC
It is no secret that the equestrian industry has taken a hit with everyone else during these economic times of difficulty. There are many of you out there looking for employment either in this industry or even outside of our industry.
We at Equestrian Services, LLC have several affiliated companies that are separate entities. One of them provides planning and design services and the other provides operations and management support for equestrian facilities. We have been fortunate in that we have and will continue to hire during these tough times. We have placed ads and we have also sent out announcements through our Newsletter.
We have literally received hundreds of inquiries over the years when we have posted a job opening. How many of those people followed the instructions and wrote and presented the professional image we expected (correct grammar, correct spelling, proper follow up, etc.) with a professional introduction? Probably less than 5%. If you want to land a job, first research the company who has posted the job listing, then make sure you are referencing the correct company (many companies have affiliates and multiple entities), also make sure you are addressing the correct person and second, follow the instructions to the "T". If the posting requires a cover letter, send a cover letter. If not, a nice short professional note would be most appropriate.
You never get another chance for a first impression. Just blindly sending out your resume or not following the instructions really will not yield any results.....
Jennifer K. Donovan
Principal
Equestrian Services, LLC - Delivering the Equestrian Experience
Equestrian Professionals, Inc.
Equestrian Management, LLC
As we work these days on scheduling riding lesson sessions for the Bergen County Equestrian Center, I am reminded of how much this process is like trying to solve a Rubik's Cube: complicated, obsessive, maddening and then finally … victorious! Unlike Cube warriors, lesson schedulers have to be flexible in order to solve the puzzle but like with the Cube, there are many moving and colorful pieces to fit in.& Understanding the pieces is the first part: who are they and how do they work together? The horses, the clients, the staff and the budget all must be taken into consideration. We have to schedule lesson sessions that won't overwork the horses and utilize them in lessons that play to their strengths, also we must be able to offer enough variety to the clients throughout the week that don't require the facility to be staffed at all times (this will kill the budget!) and that bring in the necessary revenues for the facility. It's a tall order and one that requires careful study of your herd, your clients' schedules and needs, and your staff availability.
When you are dealing with many horses and many riders, as well as with limited riding rings, instructors and hours of the days, the possible combinations and permutations –coupled with the limitations- can make the task daunting. Like with other activities such as ballet lessons, swimming and karate, pre-scheduling lessons into sessions of several weeks allows equestrian facilities to fit clients and horses into the right levels, re-do the schedule only every few weeks instead of every day, keep barn and office labor costs down, and maximize the use of the horses without overwhelming them with last-minute changes or inappropriate work. Rubik's Cube is complete when all the boxes of one color are on the same side and I have to say, after all the work of putting the puzzle together, the exhilaration of finishing a session schedule is just as great as completing the Cube! As every little colored session block gets put into the weekly schedule, you remember that you do it because you want to give the clients and the horses the best possible equestrian experience, and what a thrill that is.
Alex Abella
Director, Equestrian Professionals, Inc.
How to Cut Costs and Maintain Quality Customer Service
Ideas for your Equestrian Center
There is no question that almost every segment of industry is feeling the pressure of the economy. When there is less revenue, there is only one way to ride out a recession and that is to cut costs.
A book, that was written quite some time ago by the then CEO of Scandinavian Airlines, focused on customer service and building loyalty. Basically the author's premise was that most customers or clients have small initial interactions with a Company, and if those interactions went well, the customer was left with a good impression, which then carried over to repeat business. In contrast, if the customer’s first contacts were poor (i.e. the way the phone was answered, the way they were greeted when they arrived, etc.) then a bad impression was left and this would be almost impossible to erase from the customer’s memory.
I am a firm believer that business and life in general is about building relationships. This is the long term key to success. Smiling, being gracious and courteous, caring – none of these things cost money.
So, if you are going to cut expenses in a recession, do so in the ways that are behind the scenes and help ensure that the fundamental customer experience is still positive.
Its time has come. We have seen this coming for many, many years. Hurray! There are a multitude of certifying bodies out there for riding instructors and barn managers.
Along with David and Karen O'Connor, we have been pushing for instructor certification for many years. It is a requirement for employment within our management division. We believe ANYONE who teaches riding lessons should be certified. You could have 5 gold medals - you should still be certified. In fact, if you are that good, the process should be a piece of cake and as a medalist, you should feel compelled to set an example for all.
Why certification? Because let's face it, what we do can be dangerous. And if anyone in the world can call themselves an instructor or trainer without having to have some kind of proof - how scary is that?
Many newcomers to our sport know nothing about horses. This is why certification is so important. They don't even know what they don't know about horses or riding. Newcomers are at a great disadvantage. What if the instructor has no idea what he or she is doing and they have put their rider at risk for injury? At least a newcomer could inquire if the instructor has certification prior to setting the lesson. If he or she does have certification, then there is confidence that there is some level of competency.
I took my son many years ago (who at the time was 7) for his first riding lesson at an equestrian facility in Maryland. We were given an instructor who was maybe 11 or 12 years old who was wearing flip flops and shorts. I took one look at her and grabbed my son and ran for the door. I knew better. But how many others did not? How many other kids took a lesson at this facility under those circumstances? I can't begin to tell you how many laws were being broken and how the insurance company (if they had insurance) and their lawyer would react if they knew?
Liability exposure and finding affordable insurance is a BIG problem in our industry. Insurance companies don't like us - we are considered high risk. Why? Because there have been lots of accidents and lots of injuries. Trust me. Locating affordable Worker's Compensation Insurance is near to impossible. This is a direct result of too many accidents and too many claims. We are considered such a high risk category, most insurance companies will not cover equestrian professionals. The catch is that the state requires you have it. If you have staff working at an equestrian facility and you are running payroll, you must carry Worker's Compensation Insurance. What happens when no carrier will insure you or your staff? You have to apply through the state who will then force a carrier to take your policy - and you will pay through the roof.
By creating base lines and standards within our industry, we can make it safer for everyone. This is the first step. Everyone who teaches must become certified. Don't be left behind. I guarantee employers will soon make this mandatory.
Below is an excerpt from the USHJA:
"The USHJA Trainer Certification Program... is intended to help promote trainer credibility and offer ongoing professional support. Certification does demonstrate a marketable merit of knowledge that will gain in credibility with each passing year."
I recently returned from a business trip to France where I had the amazing experience of riding highly trained Lusitanos and Adalusions. As a dressage rider, I cannot stress enough the importance and value of sitting on a highly trained horse (school master) and feeling piaffe, passage and half pass (even the Spanish walk). I have often wondered how someone would expect to train a horse to perform these movements having never executed these movements or felt what these movements should feel like.
If you are an avid rider in any discipline, give yourself a well deserved treat and find a school master and take a few lessons. You will not be disappointed....
There may be any number of occasions when you will need or want to bandage your horse's legs. Bandaging can provide both protection and support for the horse while working, traveling, resting or recovering from an injury.
For whatever purpose, it is essential that you use proper leg bandaging techniques. Applied incorrectly, bandages may not only fail to do their job, they can cause discomfort, restrict blood flow and potentially restrict blood flow and damage tendons and other tissue.
It is often said that it is better to leave a horse's legs unbandaged than to bandage them incorrectly. Fortunately, there is nothing complicated about learning to do this. It simply takes the right materials and a bit of practice.
REASONS TO BANDAGE
Leg bandages are beneficial for several reasons:
Provide support for tendons and ligaments during strenuous workouts
Prevent or reduces swelling (edema) after exercise, injury or during stall rest
Protect legs from concussion and impact
Shield leg wounds from contamination and aid in healing
MATERIALS
A proper leg bandage generally has two or more layers: an ample amount of padding secured by a support bandage and sometimes a protective outer layer. If a wound is involved, gauze pads or a sterile, absorbent dressing may be required as well.
Padding is essential for protecting limbs. At least an inch or more of soft, cushioning material should be placed between the limb and the bandage to help disperse the pressure evenly and prevent blood flow from being restricted. Roll cotton, sheet cotton or leg quilts work well and are lightweight and comfortable.
Generally, the longer a bandage is to remain in place, the greater the amount of padding needed.
There are many choices of bandaging materials, including track or polo wraps, cotton flannels, roll gaue or bandaging tapes such as 3M™ Vetrap™ Bandaging Tape, Elastikon™ and similar products.
The bandaging material should be at least two inches wide to avoid a tourniquet-like effect and allow for movement, and to be less apt to cut off circulation (as long as it is not pulled too tightly).
GENERAL GUIDELINES
If you have never bandaged a horse's legs before, ask your veterinarian or an experienced equine professional to demonstrate the proper techniques. Practice under his or her supervision before doing it on your own.
Follow these basic guidelines:
Remove dirt, debris, soap residue or moisture to prevent skin irritation and dermatitis.
Start with clean, dry legs and bandages.
If there is a wound, make sure it has been properly cleaned, rinsed and dressed according to your veterinarian's recommendations.
Use a thickness of an inch or more of soft, clean padding to protect the leg beneath the bandage.
Apply padding so it lies flat and wrinkle-free against the skin.
Start the wrap at the inside of the cannon bone (not over a tendon) above the fetlock joint. Do not begin or end over a joint as movement will tend to loosen the bandage and cause it to come unwrapped.
Wrap the leg from front to back, outside to inside (counterclockwise in left legs, clockwise in right legs).
Wrap in a spiral pattern, working down the leg and up again, overlapping the preceding layer by 50 percent.
Use smooth, uniform pressure on the support bandage to compress the padding. Make sure no lumps or ridges form beneath the bandage.
Be careful not to wrap the legs too tightly, creating pressure points.
Avoid applying bandages too loosely. If loose bandages slip, they will not provide proper support and may endanger the horse.
Leg padding and bandages should extend below the coronet band of the hoof to protect the area (especially important when trailering).
Extend the bandages to within one half inch of the padding at the top and bottom.
Check bandages daily to make sure they are securely in place and not cutting off circulation.
If there is a potential problem with bedding or debris getting into the bandage, seal the openings with a loose wrap of flexible adhesive bandage such as Elastikon™ adhesive tape.
Rewrap the legs every 1-2 days to minimize the chance of circulation problems caused by slippage, or skin irritation due to dirt or debris entering the bandages.
Before rewrapping take a few minutes to examine the legs for any signs of heat, swelling or irritation. Problem areas are usually wet with perspiration.
Allow the horse ample time to become accustomed to leg bandages before trailering, riding or leaving alone in a stall.
Always wrap the parallel supporting leg as well as the leg requiring the bandage.
Rhonda Gailey - General Manager, O'Connor Signature at The Oaks
Portions of this article were provided by 3M Animal Care Products and the American Association of Equine Practitioners.
To have the competitive edge in any discipline it is important that your horse tracks in a straight line. Straightness if the foundation of balance. If your horse is over bent or tracking sideways, you have lost your foundation of balance. Executing any movement be it a half pass in dressage or jumping over a fence is best when your horse is straight.
How are you influencing your horse's ability to move straight? Is your body straight and in total alignment? Take a moment and look at your body in a full length mirror. Look at your shoulders - are they even on both sides? Find your hip bones - are they even? Look at your knees - do they line up? If your body is out of alignment and not symmetrical, then you are influencing the way your horse moves.
In dressage, the use of your seat bones is paramount. If these seat bones are uneven, and your body is crooked - your horse has very little chance of being straight himself. Imagine someone sitting on your shoulders perfectly square - imagine how this would feel. Now imagine someone sitting on your shoulders leaning to one side - try and walk in a straight line....
Chiropractic, yoga and Pilates - these will improve your frame and give you the edge you are looking for. Your horse will thank you as well.
Developing a truly “green” equestrian amenity involves a comprehensive approach from beginning to end. Effective land planning decisions guide where an equestrian facility might best be located; on site design decisions work within the context of existing ecosystems and, and LEED certified design and construction supports sustainable facility operations and best management practices for the amenity.
To begin with, where a facility is located is the first step in developing a sustainable amenity. If an equestrian facility (and its associated community) is located far away from existing development, the environmental costs of transit, waste disposal and access to resources outweigh the “green” benefits of developing an equestrian facility. Finding ways to balance a “new ruralist” lifestyle with current Smart Growth techniques is one way an equestrian community and its associated facility can become a steward of the environment.
nce a site has been chosen that meets sustainable land use requirements, consideration should be given to regional issues, existing land cover, topography, and location of wetlands and sensitive natural areas when selecting the location of an equestrian facility on site. Developing with respect to the existing landscape and ecosystems is one of the first steps in creating a sustainable equestrian facility. Where you choose to locate your barn and covered arena, ancillary structures, pasture and circulation should always reflect the existing natural conditions onsite. A truly sustainable facility works with the existing landscape, not against it.
A truly “green” equestrian facility should also take into consideration stormwater management, onsite hay production and manure compositing. Stormwater management techniques such as pervious pavement options instead of asphalt or concrete, using bioswales to retain and filter stormwater before returning it to the ground, installing intensive green roofs to minimize runoff or utilizing a graywater catchments system to collect water for pasture or arena application are just a few ways to mitigate the environmental impacts of an equestrian facility. Conserving land for onsite hay production is yet another way an equestrian center can operate sustainably, especially as weather extremities threaten existing hay supplies nationwide. Manure management continues to be a buzzword in the equestrian community, and on site composting techniques are becoming more popular and easier for large-scale equestrian facilities to implement.
While standards for sustainable barn design currently do not exist, many of the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) LEED recommendations can be applied to barn design and construction. As stated previously, green roofs are highly beneficial for onsite mitigation of stormwater, and most barns consistently address natural lighting and ventilation concerns identified in the LEED for New Construction program. Utilizing existing standards in the design, construction and material selection of an equestrian facility is imperative when aspiring to create a truly “green” amenity.
Equestrian facilities are at an advantage to promote sustainable land use and construction practices nationwide. To be truly “green”, however, no one item listed above is enough. Sustainability is a comprehensive process, beginning with land use, site development choices, natural systems, green building design and sustainable site operations. While implementing any one of these measures is better than none, a truly “green” equestrian facility looks at how each step influences the next, and how a comprehensive approach produces superior results for horse, rider, and the environment both enjoy.
*The LEED Green Building Rating System™ is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings.
Centered Riding Clinic at O'Connor Signature at The Oaks
I was lucky enough to be able to participate in a wonderful clinic this past weekend at our O’Connor Signature facility at The Oaks of Lake City. We hosted a Centered Riding 2 day clinic taught by Heidi Potter who worked under the tutelage of the well respected and admired founder, Sally Swift. In this workshop, we focused and learned techniques on our body awareness and breathing.
Some people think of Centered Riding as yoga on horseback but it’s more about improving our balance, security and communication with our horse. What I discovered to be profound is how our mind can affect our riding. There were a couple of key aspects that I learned that I would like to share:
Awareness of your body
I bet we would all be amazed if we really took the time to recognize situations where we stop breathing or clinch our knees or do other things out of habit. For example; humor me and follow this exercise for a minute.
Cross your arms...
Cross your arms again...
Was it the same arm on top both times?
Now try it the other way... Does it feel weird?
The same thing can be tried with folding your hands. This proves to us that we are victims of habit and often will float through life and ride without being aware of our own bodies. Instead, practice using clear intent which we can all do through “ideokinesis” a word meaning “the idea you hold in your mind affects the way your body moves”.
Glass half empty or full?
One of the things that the clinician first asked us to do was to NOT think of a zebra…Now, what just happened as you read that? Bet you thought of a Zebra…J Precisely what we did too. She explained that our minds don’t process negatives. Instead it causes us to react in just the way that we are trying to avoid. If we say to ourselves when riding, “don’t get tight, don’t’ get tight, don’t get tight” …we usually end up..getting tight. Instead, if we change our thinking and tell ourselves to relax our breathing then our mind processes that information and we have positive images versus the negative.
75/25% Rule
Another profound realization was that she taught us to focus 75% of our energy on ourselves and 25% of our energy on the horse. If we are not correct then the horse cannot perform correctly. This can also be used in our teaching.
Brakes?
Last but not least. I loved this thought for all riders out there that can tend to get too “handsy” with their half halts. We have all been there. Just remember, we don’t want to stop their mouth…we want to stop their feet!
Rhonda Gailey
Resident Equestrian Facility Manager
The Oaks Equestrian Center - an O'Connor Signature Facility
Horse people tend to be very particular in their likes and dislikes. You can ask one hundred different horse people their opinion on one product and get almost one hundred different answers. Riding arena footing preferences are a great example of this. Opinions and likes vary from discipline to discipline and even from person to person within each separate discipline. Footing is the material found on the surface of an engineered riding arena. English arena riding falls basically into two categories: dressage and hunter/jumpers. Dressage enthusiasts typically like their footing a bit deeper than the jumpers. In the western disciplines, footing depths are generally split into two categories: barrel racing and reining. Here the reiners typically like their footing deeper than barrel racers. Footing depths generally vary between 2 and 5 inches, depending on material type and riding style.
The basic job of footing remains the same for all disciplines. It should cushion the horse’s hooves, and provide Discipline-appropriate traction (which includes the ability of the reining horses to slide). The footing should be non-toxic, odor free, and as dust free as possible. It should also be consistent through out the arena (i.e., level, of uniform depth and firmness, etc.). When deciding which footing is right for you and your horses – ride it before you buy it. A particular footing or additive may feel great in your hand and feel completely different under hoof. Find a facility that has the kind of footing you are considering and ride on it – most footing manufacturers can provide you with a list of farms using their product. It is also recommended that you talk to the people who use it regularly and those responsible for maintaining it. Pertinent questions to ask include: How many riders use the arena per day/week? When was the footing installed? How much did it cost (both material and installation)? How often is the arena groomed and with what tool? What they are using for dust control – and if water, how much, how often, and how applied? Answers to these questions will help you decide on the best footing to meet your riding needs, budget, and time/maintenance threshold.
The following sections describe a variety of footing materials and additives, but are by no means exhaustive. Every year new products arrive on the market and many may prove to be excellent. In any event, it is important to have clear expectations regarding the performance of your footing (as well as the manufacturer and the contractor installing the material). Footing can be very costly to install and even more costly to replace if you are dissatisfied. So it is very important to do your homework and make your decisions wisely.
Another important rule of thumb when installing your footing – less is more. Even on the most tightly compacted base there will be some co-mingling of base and footing (effectively increasing the volume of footing). Start with less material than you think you will need because it is much easier to add additional material to your arena, than to remove it.
Stone Dust Footing
Here in the East, it is common to see arenas with a product known as stone dust (a.k.a. blue stone or #10 screenings) as the footing. Typically stone dust is used as the engineered base of the riding arena because it compacts well and does not contain large stones. Some excavators will compact the stone dust then add additional stone dust in its loose form as the footing on top. It is more difficult to maintain this type of arena as the tendency is for all of the material to become highly compacted. With no clear delineation between footing and base (as opposed to the footing in the next section) and the need for more frequent and aggressive harrowing to keep the riding surface from becoming rock-hard, it requires a skilled operator to keep the compacted material level (it will tend to have rolling waves) with a consistent “fluffy” layer above it. Stone dust is the lowest cost material to use as footing and may be appropriate for you if the additional maintenance needs and the possibility of a less level surface will not adversely affect your riding.
Sand Footing
By far, the most common substance used for footing is sand. Sand is most frequently used as a stand-alone footing, but is also the used with other lofting agents (see below). Sand placed over an engineered base composed of compacted stone dust is fairly easy to maintain. Sand will not harden like stone dust and when dragging, one can differentiate between fluffing the sand and harrowing into the base. Sand is the next most affordable footing material after stone dust. While there are a wide variety of sands marketed to equestrians, a washed concrete sand (ASTM C-33) is a good place to start. To meet the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) specifications, all C-33 sands must meet specific particle size requirements (i.e., they are washed to remove fine, dust-causing particles and screened to remove all larger pebbles and rocks). There are two broad categories of sand available: manufactured sand which is produced as a product from rock crushing, and natural sand which is mined from wherever it has been deposited (e.g., river bed sand or bank sand). The chemical composition of the material from which the sand is made will also affect its performance in the ring. Generally speaking, a hard (e.g., quartz), angular C-33 sand will resist breakdown and provide good traction in your arena.
Lofting Agents
People often prefer to add a lofting agent to sand to help with active recovery, retain moisture, and to add more cushion and spring. This list is seemingly endless with new products coming on the market almost monthly. To date there are three major categories on the market: rubber/plastic products, fiber products, and wood products.
Rubber Products
A wide variety of rubber and plastic products are available for use as lofting agents for your arena. Some, like crumb rubber (made from recycled tires), have been around for many years. Others, including ground sneakers or tennis balls, shredded surgical rubber, and stripped electrical wire casings have come to market more recently. Rubber lofting agents provide additional cushioning for your riding surface. In addition, many (the crumb rubbers in particular) help retain moisture by some of the material “floating” to the top of the sand and creating a “lid” to keep moisture in. the darker colored materials also absorb heat from the sun and will stay rideable longer in cold weather than sand-only footings. When installed correctly, these footings can provide a low maintenance, all weather quality riding surface both indoors and out.
Any of these products may be ideal for your situation and many are quite costly. It is important to be clear on what you are buying and what to expect. Even within the crumb rubber footings, cost, quality, and guarantees will vary greatly. Again, try it before you buy it and look for clear (i.e., written) information on how the product will perform and how the manufacturer will stand behind their product.
Fabric/Fiber Products
Fabric and fiber based lofting agents have been used in Europe for some time and are now finding their way into arenas on this side of the Atlantic. Synthetic felt is ground into small pieces and mixed with sand. Alternatively, the short fibers from which the felt is made is mixed with sand to create a cushioning and moisture retaining footing. The fabric or fibers create virtually no dust as they wear. These footings are perhaps best suited for indoor arenas as the fibers and fabric are quite light weight and have a tendency to be blown by the wind. As grinding the felt requires specialized machinery, there are few sources for the material and it is fairly expensive. It generally performs at its best when installed in an indoor arena and is consistently watered with an irrigation system.
Wood Products
Wood products can provide cushioning and moisture retention for a sand-based footing. Chips and shredded material can also vary in size and texture creating inconsistent footing. As they are organic, these products will eventually decompose and lead to dusty (if dry) or compacted and/or slippery (if wet) conditions in your arena. Engineered wood fiber products are more durable and consistent and reduce these issues. All wood products need to be replenished every couple of years (depending on conditions, arena traffic, etc.). Peat moss is another wood product used as an additive to arena footing. It can be mixed with other lofting agents to help maintain moisture content, but will only perform well if monitored and watered consistently. If not maintained properly, the peat moss dries and footings can become quite slippery.
Coated Sand
Another type of sand based footing is the polymer or wax coated sand. The polymer and wax coated sands are guaranteed to be dust free. In creating these materials, each individual particle of sand is coated to prevent dust. The material is engineered to have appropriate frictional characteristics for traction (it has the look and feel of brown sugar). Since it requires no water, it does not freeze. It does not compact so requires only minor grooming. Manufacturers offer differing claims of the durability of their products with the more durable being the more expensive. And expensive it can be. Footing for a 20m by 60m ring can cost between fifty and one hundred thousand dollars.
Dust Control
Watering is still the most widely used form of dust control. It is safe and reliable. The most efficient method for watering an indoor arena is an overhead system. Overhead systems are very expensive, but provide the most consistent uniform coverage. Kickwall-mounted rotor systems cannot provide even, consistent water coverage. By design, the circular spray pattern creates areas where the rotors overlap (that will tend to be wet) and areas where there are gaps between the sprays (that will be dry). This is less of an issue with outdoor arenas as rotors can be designed to only have overlap and the sloped base allows excess water to flow off the ring (like when it rains). New traveling irrigation systems are quite affordable and are very versatile in that you can use them in your indoor arena or outdoor arena. And they are quite efficient in putting down even, consistent water over the entire arena.
Some facilities are mixing in magnesium chloride in lieu of using an irrigation system to maintain a dust free riding environment. The main concern with magnesium chloride is the drying effect it may have on the horse’s hooves. If using magnesium chloride for freezing prevention or dust control, it is recommended you frequently oil/moisturize the hooves and rinse the hooves off after riding on the footing.
Another dust control procedure involves spraying a non-toxic synthetic liquid over the footing. Similar in principle to polymer coated sand, the liquid theoretically coats each particle of footing, trapping the dust in the sand. Regular harrowing is required to keep the materials properly mixed. With continued riding, both the sand and the liquid will degrade requiring additional applications every 6 to 12 months depending on use.
Michael M. Donovan – Arena Designer & Consultant Nationwide
Principal, Equestrian Services, LLC
If your idea of combining horses and careers are limited to training or being sentenced to endless days of cleaning stalls in frigid or sweltering temperatures, think again. Not everyone has the ability to train horses, or the patience to be a riding instructor.
But some of us are brilliant with numbers, natural writers or skilled artists. There are ways to use your strengths to your benefit and find an equestrian-related occupation that is ideal for your particular talents.
The horse industry in America is thriving and any thriving industry needs qualified employees A recent economic impact study done by the Barents Group of Washington, DC, found that the horse industry’s $112.1 billion impact on the U.S. gross domestic product is higher than contributions from the motion picture industry.
An industry that produces goods and services worth $25.3 billion and involves 7.1 million people needs employees to keep it running. The 1.4 million full-time jobs provided by the horse industry rank above employment numbers for railroads, radio and television broadcasting and gas and coal product manufacturing, according to the study.
So what are these 1.4 million people with horse industry jobs doing? You name a field and there is probably an equestrian need for it. From hands-on horse care positions to horse-related careers, there is something for everyone.
Working as a barn manager, instructor or groom will give you daily contact with these amazing creatures we find ourselves drawn to. There are numerous ways to earn a living working directly with horses - teaching young children or adults how to ride, exercising racehorses, grooming for a professional rider, managing breeding operations or becoming an equine vet, for example.
As with any job, lots of experience helps. For a long time, there were few ways to discern those qualified and with an adequate amount of knowledge from those who knew just enough to, at best, get by and, at worst, be dangerous. More and more colleges and universities across the country are developing equine degree programs, offering quality training, experience and validity for students once they graduate.
Having a degree or obtaining certification through a respected organization will set you apart from the pack. There are training and instructor certification programs available through the Certified Horsemanship Association, the American Riding Instructors Association and with breed organizations like the United States Dressage Federation, for example. Several groups are now offering stable management certifications – a great way to legitimize your horse handling and care abilities.
Preparing yourself for the workforce with qualifications like these is an important step in changing what we refer to as the “emotional slavery” mentality in the horse business.
People are expected to work with horses because they love horses, not because they make a decent salary that can support themselves and their families.
Doing a job you love should not mean living paycheck to paycheck without basic benefits like health care and vacation that employees in other industries receive.
Changing this attitude is one of the main goals of Equestrian Management, LLC, which is seeking qualified and certified candidates for the equestrian facilities they manage in an effort to end the high turnover rates found in so many equine jobs. This benefits facility owners and staffs equally, as these proud and loyal employees work harder to create a better service for the owners to offer to their customers.
Let’s not forget the other and equally important side of the horse industry, where your job may not involve touching a horse everyday but your work can be instrumental in the way horses are cared for and viewed.
There are too many facets of the horse world requiring educated and skilled employees to name. But just scratch the surface and you can see the multitude of opportunities.
If you never go anywhere without your camera, maybe a career as an equine photographer is up your alley. Are you a whiz with numbers? Large breeding farms and equine product manufacturers need accountants. Scientists can do genetic research and nutrition management. There is a need for lawyers to specialize in equine law.
If you are an equestrian and a landscape architect or land planner, you would be ideal for a position here at Equestrian Services, LLC. Spend your days planning and designing equestrian facilities, communities and resorts. This is just one example of an unusual way to put your professional skills to use in the equestrian world.
Whether it’s as a marketing director for a breed organization or as a hunter/jumper trainer, there is a niche to be filled and an industry to keep expanding, which makes it easier and easier to find a career in it.
If you are like most riders, you have been taught to look beyond the jump obstacle in your approach. I was definitely taught this way and it wasn’t until a few years ago that I learned that it wasn’t the best way. The problem with this is that you will never “get” your timing. Timing is when you will be able to predict your stride in front of the obstacle. You will be able to get this more accurately if you actually SEE the obstacle. Your timing will immediately improve if you watch the obstacle in your approach.
You should focus on the top rail until it disappears between your horse’s ears. Look at the front rail of your oxers, top rail of your verticals and the back rail of your triples. Timing is a skill that develops over years and years of jumping and you won’t instantly have the perfect “spot” but in the meanwhile, you will be able to develop a more steady rhythm to the jump. You should still have your eyes up but on the top- not beyond.
Rhonda Gailey
Resident Equestrian Facility Manager
The Oaks Equestrian Center - an O'Connor Signature Facility
I recently returned from a business trip to France where I had the amazing experience of riding highly trained Lusitanos and Adalusions. As a dressage rider, I cannot stress enough the importance and value of sitting on a highly trained horse (school master) and feeling piaffe, passage and half pass (even the Spanish walk). I have often wondered how someone would expect to train a horse to perform these movements having never executed these movements or felt what these movements should feel like.
To have the competitive edge in any discipline it is important that your horse tracks in a straight line. Straightness if the foundation of balance. If your horse is over bent or tracking sideways, you have lost your foundation of balance. Executing any movement be it a half pass in dressage or jumping over a fence is best when your horse is straight.