NCDCTA August 2009

Barbie Gibson: It’s A Balancing Act

There’s an old saying, “If you really want to get things done, ask the busiest person you know”. Barbie Gibson of Southern Pines could easily fit into that category. She is wife, mom, restaurateur, and eventer all rolled into one, and is equally passionate about all facets of her life.

Gibson met husband Mike 12 years ago when she was bartender, and he general manager, at a large, popular Southern Pines restaurant: The Lobsteer. Neither imagined that one day they would own the place, but in 2006 that dream came true.

The restaurant business, notorious for long hours, nonetheless fits Gibson’s balancing act well. “I ride in the mornings, and at 2 p.m. I grab my computer and head to the restaurant. I do all the accounting, and work up front on Friday and Saturday nights,” Gibson explained. “At 5 p.m. I go pick up our daughter Campbell, 7, who has just started riding this summer.”

With the same enthusiasm and energy, Gibson embraced the sport of eventing with her horse Hawkeye. When she acquired the now-11 year old Oldenburg gelding three years ago, neither had ever set foot in a start box. With the help of trainer Christine Padgett, Gibson and Hawkeye won the 2008 NCDCTA Horse of the Year Championship at beginner novice, and were ranked second nationally (U.S. Eventing Association, adult amateur; beginner novice) last year as well. “He just loves it, and so do I!” Gibson said.

With the move up to novice, Gibson is taking it a bit slower this year. A 10th place finish at Lumber River Horse Trials was a personal milestone, as both horse and rider overcame “trakehner terror” and jumped around clean. A win at Foxtrack in June validated their move up to the novice level, and both Gibson and Hawkeye are eagerly looking forward to the fall competition season. With talent, hard work, and enthusiasm, Gibson exemplifies the gift that adult amateurs bring to eventing; a passion that fuels the sport from the grass roots up. (S.S.)

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Q: My horse constantly pulls his shoes in turnout. My farrier recommends keeping him in the stall or on a dry lot if I want to keep him shod. How do I keep my horse’s shoes on but still let him go out in the pasture and be a horse?

A: The old saying “No foot, no horse” rings true to this day. Dealing with lost shoes can be frustrating and going barefoot might not be a viable option. Turning out shod horses can be particularly challenging here in North Carolina, where conditions can fluctuate from sopping wet to bone dry every day, causing hooves to expand and contract – and that means loose nails and lost shoes. So, with the help of my fabulous farrier, Benny Howard, and the good folks at M&M Tack Shop in Raleigh, I have compiled ten strategies for keeping you horse’s feet shod and healthy:

1) Schedule: Stay on a regular shoeing schedule. If possible in the summer, have your horse shod every five weeks; the shoes can be fit more closely to the hoof and the nails will remain tight. The winter months tend to be more forgiving and can allow for a 6 week break. Discuss scheduling options with your farrier well in advance so they can plan appropriately.

2) Turn out conditions: Footing should be dry and relatively fly free. Keeping grass mowed short will help on both counts, plus, long grass can catch and pry the shoe off. Fly spray lower legs well before turn out to minimize stomping; repeated stomping is a sure way to loosen nails. Horse.com has an 8-piece Farrier Kit (on sale for $58) so you personally could clip off the loose nail heads and clinch them down.

3) Hoof condition: This starts from the inside out. Supplements that contain biotin and methionine such as Farrier’s Formula and Biozin can be helpful in promoting growth and integrity. Some breeds, such as thoroughbreds, are prone to thinner hoof walls.

4) Hoof protection: Seal for overnight turn out or bathing with a product that repels water such as Procare; or bind the surface by painting the nail holes with Keratex, which contains the preservative formalin. Do not use these products together.

5) Bell boots: For horses that have a tendency to overreach. Make sure they are large enough to touch the ground at the back and sides of the hoof.

6) Careful with Clips: With chronic shoe-pullers, you run the risk of stepping on a clip that can penetrate the sole and end in a coffin joint infection.

7) Communication: Talk to your farrier and barn manager about your concerns. Be on time and be prepared for farrier visits. Timely payment for services rendered and a well behaved horse ensure prompt return visits and shoe repair!

8) Hoof covers: If your horse does lose a shoe and you still want to turn him out for an hour or two, Cavallo Simple boots and the Easyboot Epic are both carried by M&M and offer a temporary fix. The Kavalkade Safety BA is a boot that is designed to hold the shoe on and can be worn 24/7.

9) Reconstruction: In the event that a pulled shoe results in damage to the hoof, NC-manufactured Equicast can be molded to the foot and serve as the hoof wall. This product is also a wonderful solution for horses with laminitis as a pain-free alternative to nails. If you use this product, you will absolutely need to keep hooves dry!

10) Every day: Clean and inspect hooves. Sponge rather than hose and avoid soaking the feet. Vary your riding terrain – pounding around in a hard, dry ring; cantering in tall grass; or sliding about in the mud every day could mean yet another a call to your long suffering farrier…

Rebecca Blikslager is a registered nurse; USDF Bronze and Silver medalist; and “L” graduate. Blikslager has been horse owner for over 35 years. She and her husband, Dr. Anthony Blikslager, own and operate Windcroft Farm in Apex, NC. Email Windcroftfarm@mindspring.com Photo: Becky Blikslager with husband Anthony and daughter Natalie on Alvesta Sunstar (owned by Patsy Wooten).

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DOWN EAST RIDERS BRAVE SUMMER’S FIRST HEAT WAVE

The summer’s first heat wave hit the NCDCTA Down East Dressage, Raeford, June 20-21 with a bang, but competitors took it in stride. Some riders were seen trying out their new cooling gel vests, now legal under USEF rules, pulling them out of drink coolers and camper freezers to don before heading down to the warm up ring.

Rebecca Vick of Southern Pines claimed two of three high score awards with Martha Hart’s Kingsley (70% training level) and Sarah O’Leary’s Cosmic Confident (74.2% First level). Sport horse breeder Danielle Veasy of Aberdeen was all smiles, having finally made it to the show ring with a homebred. Her Balatore VT won an Intro class in his competition debut.

At FEI, Rebecca Nelles was hot (literally!) with Diane Tauber’s Rytmik, posting a 71.5% at PSG. Lauren Mathews had a great show with her veteran campaigner Juri Gagarin. After a nearly career-ending injury, her beloved dance partner came back to perform their winning musical freestyle for an appreciative audience of family and well-wishers. For complete results, visit www.NCDCTA.org

ENTRIES UP AT HIGHLAND FLING

Recession? What recession? The NCDCTA Summer Highland Fling, Tryon, June 27-28 enjoyed a 30% increase in entries over last year, with 113 horses enjoying the new covered warm up and other amenities at the ever popular Foothills Equestrian Nature Center (FENCE). All camping spaces were sold out, and tents were pitched around the new stream restoration project, now brilliantly alive with wildflowers. There were plenty of scores in the 70’s, and standouts included local rider Ashley Perkins of Columbus with her two horses Veredus at first level and Russian Standard at second. Perkins topped the leader board in nearly every class. Stacey Hastings also posted 70% winning scores with two horses; Timo at third level and Livingston at first. Junior rider Molly Paris won several classes at training and first with her My Maxwell, and Diane Ritz was undefeated at fourth level with Pam Silverman’s Al Forno. The show, ably run by Melissa LeRoy, Sandy Donovan and a great crew of volunteers, is a great way to wrap up the spring show season just before the July 4th holiday weekend. For complete results, visit www.NCDCTA.org

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Eventing Corner

The Eventing Committee has a wonderful autumn season of activities planned for you and your horse. The NCDCTA Eventing Championships will be hosted by Five Points Horse Trials on September 11-13, 2009. Competing NCDCTA members at each level who place in the final results, as well as complete the full event, will receive special awards and recognition. The only requirement is that the rider must be a member of NCDCTA. Members may compete for the championship awards at any level for which they are qualified. To participate, first enter the horse trial through the normal procedure, and then email Anita (displacedyank2000@yahoo.com) to inform her of your entry.

Eventing 2010
The Eventing Committee is beginning to brainstorm for possible clinics, activities, and events in 2010. Ideas so far have included having a sports psychologist, a biomechanics/kinesiology specialist, or a performance-related chiropractor (for humans and horses!) each come to work with eventing members. Please submit any ideas you may have or names of clinicians/trainers with whom you would like to work to Anita or Andrea.

Member Corner
In future editions of the newsletter, this section will be open to the eventing members. We encourage you to submit your picture and brief bio to be printed in the “spotlight,” as well as recent updates, news, or pictures of eventing members and horses together. We would especially like to hear from the juniors and adult amateurs in our eventing community. Please send your information to Andrea (andrea@glenbaer.com).

Spotlight
This month, we have a dedicated young rider in the spotlight.

Name: Sharesa Spiker, 19 yo
Hometown: Wake Forest, NC
Current Horse: Irish Fantasy, aka Lucy, 12yo Irish Draught Sport Horse

Why I started riding: My mom has had me on the back of a horse for as long as I can remember. I grew up doing hunters and trail riding, and finally joined Pony Club.

How I acquired Lucy: After taking a 3 day trip to SC and GA, and multiple trips to VA and across the state of NC, my trainer informed me of a horse 15mins down the road from my house. The mare was not exactly what I was looking for, as she just moved up to Novice and I was looking for something with more experience. I went out and took a look at her anyway. It only took one look for me to say yes; those big ears and brown eyes pulled me in.

Important quality learned from riding: Through Lucy, I have learned that I cannot have it all at once. Many walls have been thrown in front of us, and some have seemed impossible to break down, but in the end we have been able to push through them together. I have to accept what I am given each day, a little at a time, and not to expect perfection.

Future Goals: We finished off our Beginner Novice year with a big bang, finishing in first place at the spring FenRidge Farm Horse Trials! The plan is to move up to Novice this year, and hopefully do Training and maybe play with Preliminary (if my mom can stomach it). I also would like to get more involved in polocrosse with my mom.

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FREE MONEY* (*almost)

Do I have your attention?

There’s been a lot of focus lately on the economy and cutting back—maybe you’ve heard? Would you like a little help supporting your horse habit? Do you have a dressage goal that’s just out of reach because training funds are tight?

Well, the NCDCTA is here to help. The scholarship committee has been hard at work completely revamping the scholarship program, and we would love to assist our membership in achieving those goals that you thought would have to wait. Of course, there’s always a catch. First, you have to apply (and unfortunately since the wheels of change were slow, applications for this year are already due September 30th). Second, we want you to “pay it forward”—we’re going to ask you to share your knowledge and experiences, or use your unique skill set to help the NCDCTA in return.

If you’ve ever looked at the program in the past, you’ll notice lots of new changes. I encourage all members to view the full details (available on the website under Membership Benefits), but here are a few highlights.

*Volunteer cards no longer need to be submitted to apply.
*All scholarships are now fully funded at $500. 00.
*We are now offering scholarships for Jr/YRs, Amateurs, AND professionals.

It’s exciting to be able to help others, and we hope you feel the same way—who knows, there might be some cash in it for you! Feel free to direct any specific questions to the Scholarship Program chair—Robyn Hahn—my info is on the application. Good luck!

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Board Meeting July 2009

The NCDCTA Board met in Pittsboro July 7th 2009. In attendance: Jennifer Mitchell, Dave Stuckey, Lynn Leath, Sue Smithson, Carol Kelly, Robyn Hahn, Anita Quinn, Suzanne Mullen. Excused: Donna Kelly, Diane LeFevre, Andrea Glenn.

Jennifer called the meeting to order at 6:35pm beginning with the President’s Report.

Jennifer has received a request from Region 1 for BLM sponsorship, and to run an ad for private sponsorship of BLM classes as well. The Board decided to put the ad on the website and to follow up on the NCDCTA sponsorship request to learn how much is needed and by what date. Some members have expressed confusion about finding prizelists for shows recognized but not sponsored by NCDCTA easily on the website. The Board will ask the website designer to work with show managers to make those links more visible.

The results of the membership survey have been tabulated: those results are on the website now and will be published later in the newsletter.

Treasurer’s Report

Dave reported on how liability insurance is now being handled for upcoming clinics and camps to ensure coverage for the facility owner as well as NCDCTA. Income and expenses year to date are within expectations.

Competition Chair’s Report:
In addition to maintaining a comprehensive spread sheet for all the NCDCTA shows, Diane is continuing to work on written job descriptions for board members. She has been in contact with Brydon Christensen, USDF Competition contact regarding the licensing for Harvest Moon in November. The Harvest Moon/GIAG Championship show in 2010 will be expanded to four days.

Dressage Education Chair Report:
Kathy Connelly is confirmed for October 17/18, 2009 with 11 rider slots available and discounted fees for auditors. The Peters/Brown clinic is still on for October 9/10 2010 and logistics and fee structure of a Kyra Kyrklund Clinic in Williamston August 26-28, 2011 are in process.

Elizabeth Moore reports that the Cesar Parra Clinic for Junior Young Riders is full. Julia Dearborn has organized two teams of 4 riders each to compete at the Region 1 Youth Team Championships July 18th and 19th with NCDCTA sponsoring entries and stalls. She is leading a group of Junior riders and their parents to watch the NAJYRC in Lexington KY to cheer on Region 1 Team and is working with Alison Head to see if NCDCTA can be awarded the Region 1 FEI Junior/YR Clinic tentatively scheduled for April 2010.

Rhiannon Kincaid reports the Adult Camp on August 7-9, 2009 is full and may be expanded with additional clinicians due to overwhelming response. Several of our notable experts will be contributing to the newsletter in coming months in the “Ask the Experts” column on a range of topics.

Communications Report
Advertising has been in a slump but is starting to pick up again, including two new banner ads for the website.

Martie and Wendy are trying to find a way to upload the newsletters on the website with a smaller file. In addition Sue is following up on a way to do an email blast to members regarding updated information or changes to clinic schedules etc. after the publication of the newsletter.

Scholarship Committee Report

Robyn reported that the committee spent many hours researching how scholarships are handled by other GMOs and have written a first draft of the scholarship guidelines and requirements. This was presented to the board and discussed at length with some suggestions for improvements. A revised draft of the guidelines will be presented to the Board soon and a full report published in the newsletter.

Eventing Education Committee Report
The Steuart Pittman clinic is confirmed for November 7th 8th at Falcon Park in Clayton, NC. It is a 2 day clinic, first day dressage and 2nd day SJ/XC combo. The Melissa Sarle/Jane Karol clinic details are still being finalized with a possible date of December 5th/6th at Sharon Oaks Stables in Hillsborough, NC.

John Williams, the course designer for the Carolina Horse Park cross country course may be leading course walks for the Five Points Horse Trials and NCDCTA Eventing Championships in September: a detailed one for competitors and a broad introduction for those new to eventing. Final details will be forthcoming once they are confirmed.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:50pm

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NC CARAVAN CLAIMS HIGH PLEDGE AWARD AT RIDE FOR LIFE
By Tanya Horning

Olympian Debbie McDonald not only presented the N. C. Caravan for the Cure riders with the High Pledge Award, but she also wore a NC Caravan T-shirt and wristband at the PVDA Ride For Life dressage show in Upper Marlboro Md. June 27-28. The Caravan this year consisted of eight riders and seven supporters, with one dedicated team member driving through the night from Maine to take part in the weekend! We were all rejuvenated after the long trip by hearing details about a private meeting with Debbie McDonald that had been arranged for our group on Saturday afternoon. In addition to the meeting, there would be Ride for Life posters available for Debbie to autograph. Their gift to us for our participation!

Saturday morning started early, and while we were all busy riding our tests and cheering the team on, we were also watching the clocks waiting for 11:30 to arrive so that we could make our way over to the Show Place Arena for our meeting with Debbie. We all met at the barn, put on our NC Caravan for the Cure t-shirts and headed into one of the suites to meet with one of the greatest riders and role models in the sport of dressage! We were able to ask questions, which she graciously and candidly answered, often with a warm sense of humor. We were all happy to hear that two embryos had been harvested from Brentina, one already having a heartbeat and the other too early to tell. Both stallions were carefully selected, one of whom had even been on trail rides with Brentina. Needless to say, there are great hopes for both of the offspring! Debbie kept reminding us that the most important thing is to enjoy and appreciate your horses, and it was obvious while listening to her speak that she had practiced what she preached with Brentina. While the group was soaking in all that Debbie had to say, Hilary Moore, PVDA Ride for Life's PR person, came into the room moved to tears to let the group know that we had reached our goal of $20,000 in donations!

Saturday evening we attended the Dancing Horse Challenge, which begins with a tribute to fellow horsewomen who have been lost to cancer. This year, one of those memorialized was a founding member of the NC Caravan for the Cure and past NCDCTA Member, Grace Dalrymple. It was a touching tribute with a beautifully choreographed performance with Barbara Strawson riding Degas, joined by the Bowen McCauley Dancers. Following the tribute, there were musical freestyle performances by Courtney King-Dye, Felicitas Von Neumann-Cosel, Brentina Cup representatives, and other well recognized riders.

At the end of the dinner, which followed the rides, Debbie spoke from the heart about the healing power of horses. She met a young girl who years ago was battling cancer and through the Make a Wish Foundation requested to meet Debbie and Brentina. The young girl has since been successfully treated, and is doing great! Debbie credits Brentina with helping this young girl through her battle with cancer.

Sunday morning it was early to rise again and back to the show grounds. After the team put in a few rides, an announcement was made that the NC Caravan for the Cure should come to the stadium for photographs later in the morning. As we gathered for photos, Debbie McDonald popped out wearing a NC Caravan for the Cure tshirt and wristband and asked "Do I fit in?" We all agreed the team would welcome her without hesitation! She then helped present the High Pledge Awards to the group for our fundraising efforts and stood with us as photographs were taken.

We all had something to be proud of riding wise, but what we were most proud of is the funds we raised for Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Cancer Center. We were able to accomplish what we have because of the support of others. With that said, a group THANK YOU for all of the support and donations. It's never too soon to think about representing North Carolina at the the Ride for Life next year! What could be better than helping fight breast cancer by enjoying a weekend with good friends, good horses, and some very inspiring people?

Editor’s note: This year’s group consisted of riders Tanya Horning, Nanci Lindroth, Meredith Mannheim, Amanda Miller, Paige Phillips, Susanna Stevens, Dr. Sally Vivrette, Polly Yeago. Supporters included Ashlee Horning, Patrick Horning, Laura Johnson, David Mannheim, Isabel Mola, Parker Stevens, Jason Adkins and Susie Wiedman.