Properly walking a course ahead of your class is a skill that takes time and practice. It is more than just counting strides between fences, especially in the equitation divisions. BarnManager talked with accomplished hunter, jumper, and equitation trainer Stacia Madden of Beacon Hill Show Stables to learn about her recommendations for walking an equitation course.
Walk the Course and Then Walk It Again
Photo by Jump Media
The first time I walk a course, I try to walk it separately from my students, and then I walk it again with them. I like to walk separately from my riders first to allow them to come up with their own plan rather than relying on me to tell them what I think of the course. When we walk together I never single anyone out, but I quiz the riders on what they walked and why. I also go over what I walked and why so we can have a discussion. I like to rewalk courses or certain parts of the course multiple times because I find my step at the beginning of the walk is not quite as open as the end. So, if I’m questioning a first line I find it especially important to rewalk it before I make my decision.
Come Up With Contingency Plans
When I develop a plan with my students while walking a course I often explain how I would send a rider into the ring if they were to go first, and I explain my reasoning. Then I point out the parts of the course I think could potentially change if the rider is later in the order and can watch other riders go. I ask my students to walk the course both ways so they are prepared for both situations.
Understand the Reasoning
At the end of a course walk, I think it is important for riders to know the plan and understand the reasoning behind it. When I walk a course with my students I try to explain as much as I can so they can learn why I think a line or track should be ridden a certain way. I want them to feel confident and understand they have all the tools they need. Practicing this thinking helps prepare them for times when they have to walk courses by themselves at the Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals and the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) Equitation Championship, or in situations where their trainer can’t make it to the ring. I never walk a course and just say, “You’re going to do a bending five, direct six, and inside turn.” I explain all the reasons and plans for different parts of the course.
Look for Horse-Specific Parts of the Course
Occasionally there are different ways to ride parts of a course depending on your horse. If I think there is a line or section of the course that does not have to be ridden only one way I call it “horse specific.” I will explain how it is horse specific and why, and discuss the best plan for each type of horse. For example, I’m going to have the horses that jump hard left do a different striding than the horses that get quick through in and outs.
Photo by Jump Media
Show Up Prepared
I believe riders should know their course before their walk and not expect the trainer to tell it to them. I like to see if they notice things like a dotted line, specific instructions, or the test in the course. So much of this sport is mental so I’m always trying to make sure my riders are independent and have the tools to do it on their own.
Equitation courses can be extremely complicated and technical, which is why it is important to understand how to get the most out of a course walk. The more prepared you are before you get on your horse, the more confident you will feel walking into the show ring.
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!
In the equestrian business, we tend to spend the majority of our time in the stable, leaving little time for office operations that are essential to the barn’s financial health. Keep reading for tips from guest blogger Dora Bennett of Pro-Office Support LLC on important areas to monitor in order to effectively run your business.
Feeding Chart
Every stable uses a feeding chart as an essential tool to keep track of changes in diet, medication, and supplements. It is important to proactively keep it updated for the health of the horses, but have you ever thought about how not billing those updates can affect the financial health of your business? Adjustments as simple as changing a horse’s grain, upping the amount of grain, or purchasing a supplement on behalf of a client can all have a financial impact on your revenue. The prices of grain and hay are always fluctuating. Neglecting to reflect an updated cost in your billing is something that is easily overlooked and causes the stable to absorb the increased cost. Constantly updating and managing your barn’s feed chart can be tedious but it is extremely important for the financial side of your business. (Did you know? BarnManager has a feeding chart feature that allows you to update information, share changes with your staff, and make the adjustments easily available for billing.)
Training and Lessons
If your stable has a lesson or training program, it is necessary to keep track of each session for billing purposes. Managers, riders, and trainers must record each lesson or training ride in an organized system. This will ensure that you are charging for each session and sticking to the allotted time period. We all know the saying time is money, and this is the perfect example. (Did you know? With BarnManager, users can quickly input each lesson or training ride into the calendar feature, which makes scheduling, planning, and billing a breeze.)
Boarding
Most barns offer boarding as a service. Some stables offer several boarding options to clients depending on the level of care and training they want. When was the last time you sat down to figure out the actual costs required to board each horse? Do this regularly to account for significant price changes for critical supplies like hay, shavings, and grain. Also, consider what items are included in your board to be sure you are properly billing for extra services you provide. If your barn includes all services in full-care boarding, make sure the fee takes all costs for those services into consideration. If you monitor these changes throughout the year, you will be better prepared to set your rates when it comes time to announce adjustments to your boarders. (Did you know? With BarnManager Pro, users can analyze revenue and even break it down by client, horse, product, or service.)
Proper Management of Your Barn’s Books
Proper management of your barn’s books is essential to the financial health of your business. It is difficult for most busy stable owners to find time to work on the books, and it is often after a long day at the barn. When the financials are not well maintained, it is hard to properly understand the financial health of your business. Finding an accounting person, service, or software product that also understands the equestrian business can make this task much easier. (Did you know? BarnManager Pro’s accounting and business management features help users more easily analyze the financial side of their business by simplifying the invoicing process, allowing safe and secure payments, and integrating with QuickBooks Online.)
Although these tasks are time-consuming and require consistency, they are essential for properly keeping track of your business’s finances.Thankfully, there are accounting services and software products, such as BarnManager, that can help you understand your barn’s financial health.
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 the year comes to a close, many enjoy the tradition of reflecting back on favorite moments. BarnManager caught up with three grooms and managers to share their highlights from the 2022 horse show season.
Caroline McLeese
Rider, Manager, and Assistant Trainer for Double H Farm, located in Ridgefield, CT, and Wellington, FL
Photo courtesy of Caroline McLeese
What was your favorite memory of 2022?
I had the opportunity to show one of Quentin Judge’s horses, HH Qualido, in a national grand prix at Old Salem Farm in North Salem, NY, this spring. We ended up double clear and third, which was an exciting result for our first bigger class together. McLain Ward won, and Rodrigo Pessoa was second, and being in the ring for awards with two riders who I have looked up to for my entire riding career made it even more special. On top of that, the whole Double H team had quite a busy day between showing and getting a few horses to the airport, and I was super impressed with how everyone kept things moving. It was one of those rare days where everything came together just how it was meant to!
What are you most looking forward to in 2023? I have a horse to jump some two-star FEI classes with this year, Moncler van Overis. I’m really excited to keep getting to know him and see where we go together.
Stephanie Nell
Groom for Amethyst Equestrian, located in North Salem, NY, and Wellington, FL
Photo by Sportfot
What was your favorite memory of 2022?
My favorite horse show memory from 2022 was from the beginning of the year when Rodrigo Pessoa and Lord Lucio finished seventh in the $216,000 NetJets Grand Prix CSI4* during Saturday Night Lights at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, FL. Lord Lucio is one of my favorite horses to take care of, so it was a very special night. I also love the exciting atmosphere during the Saturday Night Light classes.
What are you most looking forward to in 2023? I am excited to now be grooming for Rodrigo and Alexa Pessoa’s student, Maison McIntyre. Maison is a junior rider who has a lovely string of horses ranging in different competition levels. This summer we are going to Europe to compete, so I’m really looking forward to that trip.
Kimberly Graves
Former Groom for John French, located in Wellington, FL
Photo by Jump Media
What was your favorite memory of 2022? My favorite memory of 2022 would definitely be World Champion Hunter Rider (WCHR) week at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, FL. The $100,000 United States Hunter Jumper Association/WCHR Peter Wetherill Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular night class lived up to its name. It was truly spectacular. I had two horses in the class, Babylon and Milagro. They are both young and promising horses. It was my first time grooming horses for the class. I have watched this class in person and on live stream since it was available, and I have followed the sport and hunters since I was nine years old. I always dreamed of being a part of this night with a special horse or rider, and this year that dream came true. John French rode Babylon to an eighth-place finish that night for owners Ariana Marnell and Marnell Sport Horses. Just taking care of a special horse that qualified for that class was a check off my bucket list. I also had the honor of accepting the Mark Gregory Award for the best-conditioned horse of the first round of the class for Babylon and Marnell Sport Horses. That was the icing on the cake. I always take great pride in making sure the horses I care for are healthy, happy, and shiny!
What are you most looking forward to in 2023? I’m looking forward to starting a new chapter in 2023. I’ll be looking to find a new team to join in the new year. I’m also looking forward to checking more boxes off my bucket list like going to Devon and all of the indoor shows.
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!
Camille Guntrip, Show Groom for Spencer Smith, a young professional show jumping athlete based in Belgium and Wellington, FL, who is a rider for the New York Empire team on the Global Champions League
What are three things that are always in your ring bag?
I always carry a towel, sticky spray, and a hoof pick.
Photo by LC Ruas Photography
What is the most helpful habit that you practice at the barn?
I think it is important to organize everything as you go. I try to put things back where they belong the moment I am done using them. This keeps the barn tidy and moving at a better pace since you know everything is where it’s supposed to be when you reach for it.
How do you foster a great team environment in your business?
I’m very lucky to be part of the team that we have with Spencer. We are all like a family. Communication is a huge part of keeping the environment positive.
What’s your best tip or hack for grooming and horse care? Where did you learn it?
Photo courtesy of Camille Guntrip
My best tip would be to keep things as simple as possible. Elbow grease, a curry comb, and attention to detail are my favorite ways to keep a horse looking their best. It’s easier to keep a horse clean than it is to make a horse clean.
What is your favorite equestrian competition and why?
I love Spruce Meadows or the Dublin Horse Show. The atmosphere at both of those shows is incredible.
If you were a horse, what would you be and why?
I think anyone who knows me would agree when I say I would be a Shetland pony. The height and the attitude match me very well!
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!
The holiday season has officially arrived, so it is time to start searching for the perfect present for your horse. While horse treats are an obvious choice, you may want to give your favorite equine partner something a little more special this year. Keep reading for a horse holiday gift guide from BarnManager.
Massage Gun
Help your horse feel their best by gifting them a hand-held massage gun. While a full massage blanket may be too pricey of a present, massage guns are a more affordable option. Although mainly marketed for human athletes, massage guns can also be very beneficial to horses before and after exercise. Bonus, you can use it too!
Coat Conditioner
Investing in a quality coat conditioner for your horse is an excellent choice. There are several options you can find online or at your local tack store. Check the ingredients before purchasing to make sure there is nothing harmful or drying in the product. Also, take a quick look at online reviews or ask your barn friends which coat conditioning products they like best.
Quarter Sheet
If you stay in a colder climate during the winter, a quarter sheet is a great present to help ensure your horse stays warm during exercise. This extra layer while you ride can make a big difference in keeping your horse comfortable during those freezing days. Some online tack shops allow you to customize your quarter sheet so you can purchase it in your barn’s colors.
Grooming Gloves
Grooming gloves are a terrific gift if your horse loves being brushed. While many people use mitts and curry combs, these actual gloves help you work comfortably on every part of your horse’s body, which is also a nice way to give your horse a little massage treatment before and after riding.
Hanging Stall Toy
If you have a horse that gets bored easily, they may really appreciate a hanging toy for their stall. While some toys are edible, others are designed for them to chew on and play with. This gift can come in handy to help keep your horse occupied when turnout time is limited because of snow or ice.
Horses are always there for us on good days and bad, so finding them the perfect holiday gift is a must. Happy gifting and happy holidays from BarnManager!
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!
Eliza Heyl is a groom for Coco Fath of Hillside Farm LLC, located in Wellington, FL, and Greenwich, CT. Keep reading for a day in Eliza’s life during Tryon Fall 6 show at the Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring, NC.
6 a.m.
I have a few alarms go off in the morning starting around six a.m. I’m not the type of person who gets up early with plenty of time to work out, make breakfast, and get going. I usually roll out of bed with just enough time to brush my teeth, get ready, and head out the door with my dog Penny.
7 a.m.
This week we are at Tryon where I have three horses showing at the FEI level and one horse at the national level. Gaucho is the national horse and Aventador 5, Chellasco Z, and Exotik Sitte are the three FEI horses. Coco’s trainer Vasco Flores of Highport Stables is showing Exotik Sitte, or “Scotty,” today and Coco is showing Aventador 5, or “Avi.” I start my day by giving all the horses their stomach pastes and beginning chores. We wait 30 minutes after giving their paste to feed them hay, and then wait another 15 minutes before giving their grain. After I give our national horse, Gaucho, his paste I head to the FEI stabling to start chores there. My manager, Lauren, helps me when the horses are split up like this. She will do Gaucho’s chores and get him out for a hand walk while I focus on the FEI horses. Once I get to the FEI stabling, I clean stalls, dump and refill waters, and sweep the aisle.
8:30 a.m.
Photo by Shelby Phillips Photography
After chores are completed, I tack up Avi for Coco to ride before his class. Chellasco Z, known in the barn as “Chewy,” isn’t showing today so he will just hand walk before being ridden later. Vasco will ride Scotty around 11:30 a.m. After Avi and Scotty are finished being ridden, they will each get a bath so they are extra beautiful for their classes, and Chewy will just get groomed again.
I don’t like to wash manes on the days that horses are showing because it makes them too slippery to braid. My grooming routine is simple but thorough. Before pulling the horses out of their stall I always pick their feet to minimize the mess in the aisle and grooming stall. I start by spraying show sheen in their tail and letting it sit while I do everything else. I like to curry them with a grooming mitt because it allows me to get every inch of their body while also being gentle. After currying, I comb the mane before brushing the body so any sort of dirt or shavings in the mane does not fall on a clean coat. I then use a thick flick brush to get dust and dirt off followed by a soft face brush to bring out the shine. Lastly, I gently comb out the tail and clean the nostrils and eye area with a baby wipe.
11 a.m.
We feed lunch hay at 11 a.m. so I head over to feed the three boys in FEI and check their water. Lauren is over in National stabling getting Gaucho ready for Coco to ride so she will take care of his lunch for me.
Avi and Scotty are both showing in the $37,000 Welcome Stake CSI2* today and that starts at 1 p.m. Both horses are clean after their baths, but I still need to braid Avi and put flipped bands in Scotty’s mane. Avi’s neck is quite long with a thick mane, so I like to give myself as much time as possible to braid him so it looks neat and tidy. Before Vasco gets on Scotty at 11:30 I quickly band his mane and flip it so that all I need to do is quickly bathe him before he shows.
1 p.m.
Photo by Shelby Phillips Photography
The welcome class starts and Avi goes early in the order, so I bring him to the ring about 15 minutes before the start of the class. For Avi, I do the boot check as soon as we get up to the ring. I also readjust the saddle, put Coco’s stirrups to jumping length, and remove the cooler so he is all ready for her to get on. I like to keep those last few minutes at the ring quiet and calm so both horse and rider are relaxed and focused going into the warm-up.
After I put Coco on Avi, I go back to the barn to get Scotty ready for Vasco. Lauren will stay with Coco to help in the warm-up and bring Avi back to the barn for me. Before I left with Avi, I made sure that Scotty already had grab boots and front boots on to save a little time. All I need to do is quickly brush any last-minute dust off, put the tack on him, and head to the ring.
Avi and Coco did not make it to the jump-off so when Lauren brings him back to the barn she quickly pulls his tack and boots off, puts him in his stall with a cooler, and wraps him in four ice boots before coming back up to the ring.
Vasco likes to warm up on Scotty before doing the boot check, so I wait a bit before asking a steward to watch while we put hind boots on him. Scotty jumped great but unfortunately had the last fence down, so he does not make it to the jump-off either. When my horses come out of the ring, I always give them a cookie and a pat. I then hold them while the stewards perform the post-boot check.
2 p.m.
By the time I come back to the barn it’s time to take off Avi’s ice boots. While Scotty relaxes in his stall with ice boots, I take care of Avi. It’s chilly today and he didn’t get very sweaty, so I just groom him really well and wipe in between his hind legs with alcohol to remove any sweat and sand. Next, I apply Tendonil to all four legs and wrap them. On their final day of jumping for the week, my horses will be wrapped with poultice up over their hocks, but for today Tendonil and wraps are all they need. I then remove his braids, wet his mane, and comb it out so it dries straight. I apply the same process to taking care of Scotty. My last step is to pick out their feet to remove any ring sand and pack them with hoof packing.
Once I’m finished with Avi and Scotty’s care, I groom Chewy and take him out for a hand walk. Normally I like to give them all time to have a bit more of a relaxed walk where they can graze but unfortunately there’s no grass at Tryon this time of year that’s available to the FEI horses.
3 p.m.
Photo by Ashley Neuhof Photography
Now that all of my horses are put away, I start afternoon chores. Everybody gets hay at 3 p.m. and then I clean their stalls, top off water buckets, and sweep the aisle. Dinner is fed at 3:30 p.m. While they are eating I clean tack, tidy up the grooming stall, and make sure everything is neat and in order.
4:30 p.m.
Today I am heading home around 4:30 p.m., which isn’t so bad for having two horses in an afternoon class! Some days I can finish up as early as 3:30 p.m. but some days it can be much later. It all just depends on our schedule.
8:30 p.m.
Once I’ve been home to shower, eat dinner, and decompress with some Netflix while snuggling my dog, I head back to the barn for night check. Tonight the temperature will drop to the mid-30s so my freshly clipped horses will get heavy and medium-weight stable blankets and the furrier ones will just get heavies. They all get a hefty flake of hay at night check, and I top off their water again. Before leaving I double check their doors are locked and wish them all a good night’s sleep!
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!
Halloween is just around the corner, which means it is time to finalize a fun costume with your horse. Whether you are attending a Halloween-themed horse show, dressing up with friends at your barn, or just putting on a costume for fun, BarnManager has you covered with easy and creative ideas.
101 Dalmatians
Photo by Jump Media
If you have a grey horse, dressing up in a 101 Dalmatians-themed costume is a perfect option. All you need to do is paint black spots on your horse or go to a craft store and purchase big felt dots with adhesive on the backside that you can stick on your horse’s body. Also, you can put a red ribbon around their neck as a collar. The rider can put a wig on under their helmet and wear black, red, and white to be Cruella De Vil.
Harry Potter
Dressing up as Harry Potter is a classic and fun costume choice. If your horse is a light color you can paint a lightning bolt scar on their forehead. Your horse can also wear a red and gold scarf around their neck. If you want to get creative, you can make glasses for your horse out of wire or pipe cleaners. The rider can wear a cloak, tie, and use a crop as a wand if your horse is not too sensitive for that.
Winne the Pooh
Photo by Jump Media
Winnie the Pooh is a cute and comfy costume. The rider can wear a Pooh or bear costume with a red t-shirt. Your horse could dress up like Tigger or even Piglet. There are plenty of horse Spandex that come in a variety of colors and patterns such as tiger stripe for Tigger or pink for Piglet. Your horse can also wear a matching saddle pad and ear bonnet. For Piglet, you could put a pink ribbon in their tail as well.
Unicorn
Although dressing your horse up as a unicorn for Halloween may seem like an obvious option, there is plenty of room for creativity. Start with a unicorn horn and lots of glitter. You can put glitter in the mane and tail, on your horse’s body, and also on their hooves. Purchase a few fake flowers to braid or tie into your horse’s mane and tail. Add in a few pink and purple ribbons as well. Your horse could also wear a pink or purple horse Spandex to really boost up the look. The rider’s outfit can be decorated with glitter along with a flower crown attached to their helmet.
Ghostbusters
Dressing up as a ghostbuster is a great costume for fans of classic movies. You can purchase Ecto Goggles to put on your horse’s browband and tan horse Spandex if they are not palomino. The rider can purchase a ghostbuster jumper from a costume store or wear all tan and add on a Proton Pack.
Photo by Jump Media
Wicked Witch of the West
If you prefer to dress up as a villain, the Wicked Witch of the West costume might be for you. The horse can wear green and black polos and horse Spandex. Find long green and black striped socks, cut holes at the ends, and pull them over your horse’s legs. You can also put green and black ribbons in your horse’s mane and tail. The rider can wear a witch’s hat on their helmet along with green and black clothing.
Photo by Jump Media
Dressing up for Halloween is even more enjoyable when you can do it with your horse. Although these are only a few of the many options out there, they will hopefully give you a creative costume idea to try out with your horse this spooky season.
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!
There are lots of notable competitions lined up as the end of the year approaches. Keep reading to find out where you can watch a few of the most exciting show jumping, hunter, equitation, dressage, and eventing shows this fall.
The Event at TerraNova:
October 21-23, 2022 – The Event at TerraNova takes place in Myakka City, FL, at the TerraNova Equestrian Center. The competition will showcase three-day eventing from the beginner level through CCI4*S.
October 22, 2022 – Terra Nova Dressage II will feature top dressage competition at the TerraNova Equestrian Center in Myakka City, FL. Viewers can tune in and watch the Grand Prix Freestyle CDI-W on Saturday, October 22.
October 24-30, 2022 – The 2022 Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) will take place at Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD. The country’s best show jumping, hunter, and equitation riders will attend the prestigious event. Highlights include the $406,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Washington CSI5*-W, presented by Experience Prince George’s for the President’s Cup as well as the WIHS Equitation Finals on Saturday, October 29.
Where to the $75,000 Welcome Stake CSI5*, the $75,000 Speed Final CSI5*, and the $406,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Washington CSI5*-W, presented by Experience Prince George’s for the President’s Cup: ClipMyHorse.TV
Les 5 Étoiles de Pau:
October 26-30, 2022 – Les 5 Étoiles de Pau is one of the seven five-star events in the world. The competition will take place in Domaine de Sers in Pau, France, and will feature some of the world’s best eventing riders and horses.
October 26-November 6, 2022 – Watch the country’s best show jumping, hunter, and equitation horse-and-rider combinations compete at the National Horse Show. The competition takes place at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY. Viewers can enjoy the $215,900 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Lexington CSI4*-W taking place on Saturday, November 5. On Sunday, November 6, junior equitation riders will take center stage in the ASPCA Maclay Finals.
Where to watch the $215,900 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Lexington CSI4*-W: ClipMyHorse.TV
Major League Show Jumping at Monterrey:
November 3-6, November 10-13, 2022 – Major League Show Jumping (MLSJ) at Monterrey takes place at the Club Hípico La Silla in Monterrey, Mexico. Enjoy both two-star and five-star show jumping as well as MLSJ Team Competition. Tune in on Saturday, November 5, for the CSI5* Grand Prix and Sunday, November 6, for CSI5* Team Competition.
November 4-13, 2022 – The 100th anniversary of the Royal Horse Show will take place at Exhibition Place in Toronto, Canada, as part of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. The event will highlight hunter classes as well as top international show jumping competition. The main event of the week will be the $250,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Toronto CSI5*-W on Saturday, November 12.
Where to watch the $250,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Toronto CSI5*-W: ClipMyHorse.TV
World Equestrian Center – Ocala Fall November Show Series:
November 9-13, and November 16-20, 2022 – Don’t miss out on the Fall November Show Series at World Equestrian Center – Ocala in Ocala, FL. Watch hunter, jumper, and equitation competition including hunter derbies of all levels and a grand prix class every week.
November 17-20, 2022 – LGCT Prague is the ultimate event of the Global Champions Tour circuit. The show will take place in the O2 Arena in Prague, Czech Republic. Top international show jumping athletes will compete for coveted titles with the main events being the LGCT Super Grand Prix and the Global Champions League Super Cup.
World Equestrian Center – Ocala November Dressage CDI3*:
November 17-20, 2022 – Dressage competition will take the spotlight at World Equestrian Center – Ocala during the November Dressage CDI3* show in Ocala, FL. In addition to offering three-star dressage competition, the event will also be a qualifying show for the Great American/United States Dressage Federation Regional Championships.
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!
KJ Pearson, Manager and Rider at Hunt Tosh Inc, located in Milton, GA
What are three things that are always in your ring bag?
I normally do not have a ring bag, however my dirt bike always comes to the ring with me. Three essentials that are in my trunk are Advil, hairnets, and candy that Maddie Tosh and I always keep close by.
What is the most helpful habit that you practice at the barn?
Photo by ESI Photography
The most helpful habit that I practice at the barn is starting early. I like everything super organized. Getting the horses ready and the barn organized early helps the day go a lot more smoothly.
How do you foster a great team environment in your business?
We do a lot of things together as a team. Whether it’s going to a horse show, or finishing up daily barn chores at home, everyone always pitches in. The Toshes are like family to me, so we are a very close team. Maddie and I do things like getting everyone lunch or having ice cream parties and game nights when we are at home to show how much we appreciate all that our team does.
What’s your best tip or hack for grooming and horse care? Where did you learn it?
The best hack I have is probably for fixing blemishes such as a spur rub or covering up stained white knees and socks. White chalk, black chalk, and baby powder can make magic happen when you are trying to cover up a stain or rub. Ruben Cruz, who is Bobby Braswell’s head groom, taught me that a few years back and I still do it to this day.
What is your favorite equestrian competition and why?
Photo by Jump Media
My favorite horse show hands down is the Bluegrass Festival at the Kentucky Horse Park where the USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship and Green Hunter Incentive Championships take place. It’s my favorite week of the year, and the entire team looks forward to it. USHJA puts on such a good show for the young horses and asks them all the right questions. “Derby Finals” has such a special place in my heart; there’s no feeling like walking down the ramp during the final round at night.
If you were a horse, what would you be and why?
If I was a horse, I would for sure be an endurance horse. My friends all joke with me that I am the energizer bunny because I’m always going.
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!