Whether it’s your first time out showing in a while or you’re a seasoned competitor, you can’t deny the importance of sending a clean and shiny horse into the show ring in any discipline. Some shows offer awards such as “Best Turned Out” for horses that are impeccably groomed, but even if the show doesn’t, you want to show off your stunning horse and have it look its best for any photo ops. Here are some tips on how to fully prepare your horse to look stunning ahead of and during competition day.
The Day Before:
1. Bathe from head to toe.
Gather your favorite bathing supplies and head to the wash rack. Dilute your soap with water so it’s not too harsh on the horse’s skin and use a sponge to apply soap all over the body. Then, use a curry comb or similar grooming device to scrub your horse’s entire body with the soap, being sure to really dig deep into the fur and get all the dirt and grime out. Once this step is complete, thoroughly rinse and make sure to get all the soap off, because it could irritate the skin. If your horse is particularly dirty, this step may need to be repeated.
2. Condition the mane and tail.
You’ll ideally want to be able to comb both the mane and tail before you show to give each one volume, so conditioning and detangling is crucial to avoid pulling out any hair. Lather in conditioner, then rinse thoroughly. Use a detangling spray and wait for the mane and tail to fully dry before you begin brushing. When brushing, start from the bottom to remove tangles and move your way up.
3. Don’t underestimate the power of whitening shampoo.
If you have a white or grey horse, whitening shampoo is your best friend. Start applying whitening shampoo to the top of the tail and work your way down, then lather the entire tail and scrub. Give it a good rinse and repeat until it’s bright white, which may even take several days of washing post-ride. Also use the whitening shampoo on white legs and other spots where stains may be deepest.
The Day Of:
1. Arrive early to allow time to clean.
Some horses sleep quite well at horse shows, which can make grooming a more difficult task as they are dirty from laying down all night. Be sure to show up well before your scheduled ride time in order to bathe your horse and get it sparkling. Bring plenty of fans so your horse can dry quickly at the show.
2. Spot clean if you have to.
Some horses don’t need a full bath on show days. If you’re lucky enough to have only a few minor spots of dirt on your horse, use a dry shampoo or spot cleaner to remove those before show time.
3. Monitor your horse as the day goes on.
If you bathe at six in the morning and don’t compete until four in the afternoon, there’s a good chance your horse may lay down for a quick nap and get dirty again. Don’t leave your horse alone all day and expect a clean horse when it’s show time. Check back in an hour before you expect to ride and make sure your cleaning efforts haven’t been squashed.
4. Polish and head to the show ring.
Once it’s time to show and you know your horse is clean, it’s time to begin polishing. Go over the whole body with a soft brush to make sure any dust from stall shavings is gone and all the hair is going in the proper direction. Spray some fly spray to avoid any fly-bite mishaps, comb the mane and tail, polish the hooves, and begin tacking up. Have someone be prepared with a rag at the ring to wipe away slobber or anything else that could cause stains when preparing to show.
Anyone who knows horses knows they always choose the most inopportune times to get dirty, so as riders and competitors we have to be prepared with the best products and best techniques for grooming and cleaning ahead of competitions. Leave a comment below with your go-to grooming products!
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!
No matter your age, August typically means one thing: it’s back-to-school time. For high schoolers, the start of the academic year means you are inching closer to college. So now might be the time to start formulating a plan, especially if you want your future to involve riding at the collegiate level. Whether you are a full-time student, a parent of a student, or a close friend or relative of a student looking to potentially ride for an equestrian team in college, it can be unclear what the best steps are to secure a spot on one of the many teams at that level.
Here are some things you can do to proactively set yourself up to ride competitively in college.
1. Do your research.
It’s important to both college coaches and admissions officers that prospective students are passionate about attending their particular school. Be sure to adequately research the equestrian teams offered at each school and also look at the academic programs to make sure each college you’re looking into would be an all-around fit for you. Make a checklist of items you’re looking for in a school, such as proximity to home, an NCEA or IHSA team, and particular areas of study. Then start to form your list of schools that fit this checklist.
2. Introduce yourself.
Send an introductory email to coaches at the schools you would like to attend. You can find contact information for coaches on each college’s website for NCEA programs and on the IHSA website for IHSA programs.
Use this email to sell yourself. The coaches get lots of emails from students interested in their program. So take the time to set yourself apart with details such as where you are from, what high school you attend, your academic GPA, test scores (if applicable), and any accomplishments in and out of the arena. Also mention who you ride with and what you’re currently doing as a rider. If this list becomes too long, you can always attach a resume in addition to a well-crafted cover letter.
3. Make each note personal.
If you use the same template for every message you send, it may come across as robotic and insincere to someone who receives many inquiries from interested students. Do your research on the coach, the program, and the school itself. Then explain why you think it’s the right fit for you and why you could be an asset to their team. College scouts and coaches will always appreciate when students go the extra mile and do their research. This extra effort could help you stand out and impress a coach.
4. Create a YouTube channel featuring your top riding videos.
This footage can include both horse show rounds and schooling at home, showing off your capabilities as a rider and your strengths in the saddle. Video editing mastery is not required, but do make sure to use decent quality videos that showcase your riding skills. Be sure the camera is held as steady as possible if the footage is not taken professionally. Include a link to your YouTube channel in each email you send to a coach – perhaps in your email signature – so the coach can easily locate the videos when he or she needs to reference them.
5. Go to a camp or clinic offered by collegiate equestrian programs.
Not only is collegiate riding camp a great way to get in front of the coaches on college equestrian teams, but it will also give you a taste of collegiate riding and whether it is something you want to pursue. Coaches can see you ride their own program’s horses. So they will know, for example, if you can execute a round on a difficult horse. If you make the trip to camp, you should also plan an extra day to schedule a campus tour, which is highly valued when it comes to admissions decisions.
6. Enjoy the process!
Being recruited and choosing a college can be stressful. But it’s an important part of life so try to enjoy each step. Make fun weekends out of your visits. Get to know the other riders on the team, and try to make friends as you go. You never know who might end up as your teammate in the future, so take the time to get to know others as you are being recruited.
Everyone’s college search and application process is different. So take time to decide what really matters to you and make your journey unique. Special thanks to Ruth Sorrel for providing insight on how to get involved with collegiate riding programs. You can learn more about her work at sorreleqconsulting.com.
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!
When you’re flipping through channels of Olympic coverage this year, you may notice all sports have one thing in common: they are split into men’s and women’s competition. There is one exception, however, and that is equestrian sports. The only Olympic sport in which men and women compete against one another on a level playing field. Men and women, as well as geldings, stallions, and mares, all compete head-to-head for medals.
Women have been representing the equestrian community extremely well in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. While equestrian is usually an underrepresented sport throughout the programming of Olympic sports, women have been making their mark—and the news!
According to calculations by dressage-news.com, as of September 1, 2020, of the 29,731 athletes in the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) database of competitors in the Olympic disciplines, the percentages of female riders were 83.10% for dressage, 73.175% for eventing, and 61.311% for show jumping. The ladies are well represented in our sport!
Sabine Schut-Kery and Sanceo helped the United States dressage team secure the silver medal in Tokyo. Photo by Jump Media
Ladies’ Night in Dressage
The equestrian events at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics kicked off with dressage in late July, and all the athletes performed incredibly. The United States’ own Sabine Schut-Kery put her nation on the map after scoring consistently in the team and individual competitions. There was no shortage of girl power as she achieved her personal best of 78.416% in the grand prix and 81.596% in the grand prix special to contribute to the U.S. team’s silver medal. Sabine finished fifth individually in the freestyle on a score of 84.300% with her mount, Sanceo. The United States leadership also had female representation, led by Chef d’Equipe Debbie McDonald.
Women in dressage rounded out the individual dressage competition by securing all three podium spots. Germany’s Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and TSF Dalera secured gold on a score of 91.732%. Silver was awarded to the world-ranked number one, Isabell Werth (GER) and Bella Rose 2. Lastly, Charlotte Dujardin (GBR) returned to the podium to take bronze on her new mount, Gio.
Olympic dressage has been dominated by women for the past six years, by having all podium titles awarded to female athletes. 2020 marks the seventh consecutive year that women have taken gold, silver, and bronze in the individual competition of dressage.
Krajewski Makes History in Eventing
Women first competed in eventing at the Olympics in Tokyo in 1964. And the 2020 Tokyo Olympics was finally the year for them to take top individual honors. Germany’s Julia Krajewski made Olympic history by being the first female Olympic champion in eventing. The 32-year-old was rewarded individual gold for Germany on a score of 26 with her mount, Amande De B’Neville, an 11-year-old Selle Français mare. The female pair were one of the few combinations to jump clear in the show jumping round, only adding 0.4 time faults to her total score.
Krajewski was the only female on the individual podium for eventing, marking a huge milestone with her achievement. As for the team competition, Laura Collett and London 52 dominated the cross-country course, showing off their undeniable partnership. She was able to represent women on the podium in team gold position with Great Britain.
Jessica Springsteen, with mount Don Juan Van De Donkhoeve, is one of two ladies on the United States show jumping team in Tokyo. Photo by Jump Media
The Future Is Female
Show jumping wrapped up equestrian competition in Tokyo at Baji Koen Equestrian Park. The highest placing individual woman was Malin Baryard-Johnsson (SWE) with Indiana. The pair finished fifth overall on a double-clear effort in the Individual Final. Baryard-Johnsson was also the only female competitor among the five pairs to jump clear in the Team Qualifier. In the team final, Baryard-Johnsson helped the Swedish team take home a gold medal. Meanwhile, the ladies of the United States, Laura Kraut and Jessica Springsteen, took home silver, putting three women on the team podium. Kraut, 55, has become the oldest woman to secure a medal at the Olympics since 1904.
In a world of sports where men can be stronger, faster, and more athletic, equestrian sports turn that idea upside down, allowing equality across all its disciplines and letting the women prove themselves as equal, and frequently better, competitors. As the Olympics in Tokyo draws to a close, we are in awe of the equestrian women who have shown some of their best performances. And we wish the best of luck to all of them as they continue their equestrian careers.
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!
We know a lot about the athletes representing the USA on our Tokyo team, but what about those essential people, the grooms? Catherine Austen finds out more about Courtney Carson, Emma Ford, Bridget London, and Steph Simpson in this edition of Tokyo Talk.
Courtney Carson, Groom for Doug Payne. USEA/Claire Kelley Photo
Courtney Carson, groom for Vandiver and Doug Payne
Where are you from, and how did you get into horses?
“I was born in St Louis, Missouri, and grew up in Southern Illinois. My mom got me into horses as a young girl – she’d always wanted to have horses growing up.
How did you get your current job?
I was trying to find a real “big kid” job and decided I really liked the grooming – I just hadn’t found the right situation, and Doug and Jessica [Payne] happened to be looking, so I just sent them an email.
What are the best things about your job?
It’s the little things I love – yes, being competitive at the big events is great, but it’s the little things, like the young horses having a good experience at their first event, it’s our working students having the great show jumping round they’ve been looking for. It’s watching my five-star horse nailing all four changes in a test. It doesn’t have to be winning a five-star; it’s the day-to-day things you don’t really think about.
What’s “Quinn” like?
He is a really interesting horse. He’s picky about his food – sometimes he wants to eat his hay out of a haynet, sometimes he wants to eat it off the ground, some days he only wants grass. He’s a bit particular that way, but he’s 17, and he’s done the job for a long time, so he’s allowed to be that way. Honestly, he’s an old soul and the most genuine horse you could ever meet. You could hack him around on the buckle or gallop around a five-star.
What are your expectations of Tokyo – and your hopes?
It’s going to be really, really hot!
My expectations personally are to enjoy the moment because it’s what everyone dreams about, and if you had told 10-year-old me, or even 25-year-old me a year ago, that I’d be going to the Olympics, I’d have laughed and told you you weren’t telling the truth.
I would like to have a sound, healthy horse at the end of it who has hopefully finished in good standing, and for Team USA to bring home three really good solid results would be huge. I think that’s possible – we have the team to do it. I’m looking forward to it!
Emma Ford, groom for Phillip Dutton. USEA/Leslie Mintz Photo
Emma Ford, groom for Z and Phillip Dutton
Where are you from, and how did you get into horses?
I grew up in North Devon in southwest England, and I was pretty much on a horse in the womb. My whole family rode, so I really have been involved with horses from birth. I grew up on a farm, so in the summer, my dad would set up the straw bales when they were baling for me to jump bareback on my pony while Mum and Dad were having a picnic. I always feel we were so lucky and so fortunate. We certainly didn’t have money, and I used to get all the free ponies. It was a running joke that I’d always fall off once a week and how much ground I ‘bought.’ I will never forget those summers – they were perfect.
How did you get your current job?
Basically, it was a bit of a no-brainer. I worked for a lady in Massachusetts – I worked for her for seven years; we came up through the sport together. When I started, she had Preliminary horses, and by the time we finished, she had a string of 12 horses and was riding at Advanced. I flew horses over to England to compete at Blenheim for her, and after that trip, I thought, ‘I want to do this full-time, be on the team, and this is the way I’m going to do it.’ Two years later, the job opened up with Phillip, and it was a bit of a no-brainer to take the position.
What’s Z like?
I’ve been with Z since he’s been with Phillip. We’ve had him since the beginning of his 7-year-old year. He did Preliminary and was ready to move up to Intermediate, and he actually came to me as a very ‘internal’ horse – he would stand at the back of the stall and hated being turned out. And so I worked a lot with him on just getting him used to people and to have people around him. It wasn’t that he was nervous around people or anything; he just never interacted with them.
I think over the years, he’s really turned into quite the personality – when you’re grooming him and when he has his massage, he tells you exactly where he wants you to press a little harder or back off. He loves having people around him, and he loves photographs. We’ve turned him into a horse who wants to be out 24/7 now, and he really wants to please; he tries very hard for Phillip. He wants to understand his job, and he does – ultimately, he loves his job.
What are your expectations of Tokyo – and your hopes?
I’m rather looking forward to the horse flight, actually, because I won’t be on a plane of 350 people! Obviously, this year is a very different year, but I know nothing of Japan, and I think that will be very interesting.
We all are going to be very careful with and aware of the humidity for the horses. Ultimately we need little luck on our side, and hopefully, the horses will produce the best results they can.
Steph Simpson, groom for Boyd Martin. USEA/Claire Kelley Photo
Steph Simpson, groom for Tsetserleg and Boyd Martin
Where are you from, and how did you get into horses?
I grew up in a really tiny town in Vermont on a dairy farm, so I never really did horses as a child. I became interested in them through friends and family and then did animal science in college and decided I wanted to be a working student or groom. The riding didn’t actually start until I was 18, but then had lessons and evented at a low level.
How did you get your current job?
I actually groomed for another Australian in the area, Dom Schramm, and then Boyd called me one day and asked me if I wanted the job. I was freelancing at the time, so that was that.
What do you enjoy most about it?
I enjoy getting to know all the different horses and their personalities. I obviously spend a lot of time with them, so getting to know each one and their quirks and their little weird characteristics is fun for me.
What’s “Thomas” like?
Well, Thomas is the love of my life! He’s good – he’s quirky, though. He doesn’t let other people touch his face – he does let me now, though, after three years of trying. He’s just a quirky guy; he’s very curious, he wants to know what’s going on all the time, on his terms.
What are your expectations of Tokyo – and your hopes?
I think we’ve been prepared really well for the heat, but I think there are a lot of variables. Luckily, this is not my first trip abroad, so I know what to expect as far as transporting horses, and the logistics of that are concerned. However, especially with Covid, none of us really know what’s going to happen. If you work at an upper-level place, you want to go to the top of the sport. Luckily for me, Boyd’s a very competitive person, and so am I. So, I’m really lucky that I get to be at the Olympics and experience that vibe.
Bridget London, groom for Tamie Smith. USEA/Claire Kelley Photo
Bridget London, groom for Mai Baum and Tamie Smith
Bridget London, the groom for traveling reserve Tamie Smith’s Mai Baum, recently became a real estate agent in the Seattle area after working for Smith for several years. When Elisabeth Halliday-Sharp had to withdraw from contention, Smith stepped into the role of traveling reserve and asked London to come along for the ride. “Grooming is not just brushing, I know a lot of people think that. It’s tacking the horse, bathing, braiding, walking, feeding, and managing just about everything the horse does,” London told K5 News in a recent interview. She continued, “I won’t be the one personally competing. I am pretty excited to be a part of it in any way that I can. I’ve been close with Tamie for a while now and I’m so excited for her. I know they will do great.”
We wish all of these hardworking grooms a safe and successful Olympics. Your hard work does not go unnoticed!
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!
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!
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 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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
