Twin Tiers Horse Events, July 29-July 3, 2012

Here are this weekend's horse activities. 

As I peruse this weekend's events, I'm a couple thousand miles away from the Twin Tiers.  But I'll be back in time to do something fun this weekend with my ponies.  I hope you have fun with yours, too!

June 27-30: Syracuse International Horse Show. NYS Fairgrounds, Sytracuse. Visit Web Site Email nblumenthal@twcny.rr.com

June 29 - July 1 Twin Tiers Trail Riders: Cooks Forest State Park, Cooksburg, Farmington, PA 16233

June 30: Ranch Sorting, Way-ont Saddle Club, Newark, NY  Starts at 7 p.m.    www.way-ont.com 

June 30: Dressage Derby; Judge Patricia Jacobson "r", For Show Information please visit http://www.morganequine.com/show.html Contact Jennifer Swindon jswindon@twcny.rr.com

June 30: Sidesaddle Clinic. Registration by June 23; Carriage House Saddlery, Trumansberg, NY. http://www.carriagehousesaddlery.com/events.html

June 30-July 1: Mary Mudge Memorial Show, Chemung County Fairgrounds, Horseheads, NY CONTACT: Eva Mudge 89 Kiser Rd. Horseheads, NY 14845 (607) 739-9520 E-mail: evaadak4@yahoo.com

June 30-July 1: Michelle LaBarre Dressage Clinic - Black Points Farm, Honeoye Falls, NY. For info about Michelle, www.labarredressage.com To ride in the clinic, contact Mary Delton at mhd@rochester.rr.com. Auditors welcome. 

 

June 30: High Standard Stables Open Horse Show, Dansville, NY. For more information, go to www.highstandardstables.com or contact Amy Becker at (585) 905-9955 or amy@highstandardstables.com

July 1: GVRDC Firecracker Derby - Hideaway Farm. Contact Jim or Farley Wagner at 585-924-1866 or wagnerfarm@frontiernet.net

July 1: High Standard Stables Open Western and Gaming Show, Dansville, NY.
For more information, go to www.highstandardstables.com or contact Amy Becker at (585) 905-9955 or amy@highstandardstables.com

July 3: GVRDC Twilight Dressage - Hideaway Farm, Geneseo, NY. Volunteer Opportunity: Volunteer scribes and ring stewards are needed during the show. Contact Donna Hecht at (585) 739-4520 or donnahecht_ny@hotmail.com to confirm volunteer times with her.

Horses and Hooves

It has already been more than a week since the vet checked Starlight’s sore feet. 

The vet pressed hoof testers on all four feet and noticed no pain reaction on any.  She checked her digital pulse and found the rear slightly elevated, perhaps because I had put the Cavallo Simple Boots on Starlight’s fronts for a week or so, and that might have altered the pressure slightly on the rear. 

So, no real concerns there.

Pony, oh pony, why need you dem boots?

She walked Starlight in tight circles and noticed front hoof pain and general stiffness.  She asked about diet and supplementation, and suggested a blood draw to check selenium levels, as low selenium can cause serious muscle issues in a horse.  I’m waiting on those results, more than a week later. 

She looked closely at my hoof trim and noticed that Starlight’s soles are fairly flat, not as convex as is desirable.  She said the trim was pretty good and made some related recommendations.

In the end, she decided that Starlight was not laminitic and that she probably has sensitive soles and suggested shoes and pads.

I’m not a fan of metal shoes, and prefer boots, so we talked a while about boots versus shoes.  I asked her about Epona shoes, the ones made of a more pliable plastic material, and she suggested, if I wanted to try them, that I bring the pony to Cornell for a couple of shoeings with a farrier there who could teach me how to glue them on.

I asked about navicular, learned it’s now called “caudal heel pain,” and heard that it is a complicated syndrome that she ruled out during the hoof pain test.

So, for the next week, I left the boots on Starlight, checking them periodically for funk, since they cause a moist environment. A couple days ago, I took them off and she seemed OK, and I rode her yesterday with boots on all four.  She did well on the ride with the boots.  In fact, she was quite firey, leaping over obstacles and charging up hills like the event pony I hope she’ll become.

But today, she seems stiff again.  Well shoot, I would be stiff after two weeks off, then a romp on the hill, too.  But it is discouraging.  I’ll go out and put the boots back on her in a while and ponder possible options for hoof protection, the latest in boots and shoes.

What is frustrating, in the end, is that both my main riding horses have the same problem.  Their front feet get sore with increased activity.  In looking around the world of horses, it seems to be a common problem.  Over and over I see “needs front shoes.”

It leaves me pondering.  Why can’t so many horses can’t hold up to basic work without hoof protection?  Since we have created the modern horse through breeding, why haven’t we bred only those that can stay sound on their front feet?  And, what breed of horse is most likely to stay sound without shoes?  And, should I bite the bullet and shoe the pony?  Is that good for her or worse for her?   And what kind of work allows a horse to stay sound?  Are we asking too much from horses in work?

It’s tough when one’s questions only make more questions.

Twin Tiers Horse Activities, June 22 - 25, 2012

Wow!  Another week has flown.  Here are this weekend's activities, and it's a great bunch.  Breed shows, open shows, a hunter pace, a trail competition, a driving show...it's a well-rounded list!  And then there's Tommie Turvey, making an appearance in our vicinity.  His clinic is being held outside the Twin Tiers, but I added him for the sheer hubba-hubba factor.

Have a great weekend with your ponies.  Now that we have filled our barn with our little round bales of grass hay, I'll have time this week to add some blog updates, and I have a lot to say, so stay tuned.

June 22-24: Bridle Path Manor Open English Horse Show, NYS Fairgounds, Syracuse. The Bridle Path Manor Open English Horse Show offers a variety of classes on the flat and over fences as well as Hunter Typr Halter and English Showmanship. Classes over fences range in height from crossrails to 2'9" and all flat classes (including Hunter Hack) will be held in a seperate ring. At the Beginner, Intermediate and Open levels, high point divisions are offered for both flat and over fences classes. Hunter Stake classes are included in the Schooling, Special, Low, Open, and Green divisions. For class lists or more info about the show call 315-673-0172 or 315-729-8507. 

June 22-24 Tommie Turvey Horsemanship Clinic: June 15-17, 2012 and June 22-24, Location: Middleburg, PA Event Type: Clinic. Come and train with Tommie & Chantal Turvey at an exciting 3 day clinic where you will learn incredible horsemanship skills, tips & techniques from world renowned horse trainer, performer & stunt man, Tommie Turvey. This is your chance to see Tommie's training up close and personal. Each session is geared to help you get the most out of your training and get on the right track. The clinic is suitable for all ages and level of horse & rider. Sessions will include amazing performances, horsemanship training and plenty of question & answer time. Tommie's horsemanship and sense of humor will keep you engaged and entertained all day long. This is a must see event to take your training to the next level. Contact: Deborah Myers Smith 570-837-3409 Website: http://www.jknlstables.com http://www.turveyhorsemanship.com

June 22 – 24: Finger Lakes Arabian Summer Festival Horse Show, NYS Fairgrounds, Syracuse. Arabian, Half-Arabian A-rated horse show. Public welcome... free admission & parking. Halter, English, Western and Hunter Pleasure classes - Sport Horse Division - no Dressage or Jumping. Visit Web Site Email GaylonM@frontiernet.net JUNE 23 ESQHA ALL NOVICE/ROOKIE SHOWCONTACT: Charlotte Jaynes, 3709 Main St. Burdett, NY 14818 (607) 546-7373 E-mail: wmffarm@aol.com

June 23 Big Loop Hunter Pace: 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM; 640 Artline Rd Eldred, PA 16731 RAIN OR SHINE! http://www.chandellefarm.com/bigloop/dates.htm

June 23: Susquehanna Valley Whips and Wheels Pleasure Driving Show: Held at the Lycoming County Fair Grounds, Hugesville PA. Launch the required forms below: Entry Form Prize List Show Disclaimer Susquehanna Valley Whips and Wheels: http://www.jpisolutions.net/svww_site/calendar.htm Tina Cornell at andtylertwo@hotmail.com

June 24: Trail Competition Callie Winds Stables 929 Hornby Road, Beaver Dams, NY Sign-up at 9 a.m.; Walk-through at 10 am. Fees: Junior (to 15): $5. Novice: $8; Open (payback): $20; Contact Danielle Hendrick 607 769-6967; Christina Wilson 607 382-9418

June 24- Pleasure Show - Sign Up @ 9am Start @ 10​am Way-On Saddle Club; 5763 Clark Road, Newark, NY 14513 http://www.way-ont.com/

June 24: Susquehanna Valley Whips and Wheels Horse Driving Trial, Bloomsburgh, PA. An HDT is a simplified Combined Driving Event which takes place in one day instead of a multiple day format. The events for the HTD are Dressage, Cross Country and Timed Obstacles. Entry Form Prize List Show Disclaimer Susquehanna Valley Whips and Wheels: http://www.jpisolutions.net/svww_site/calendar.htm Tina Cornell at andtylertwo@hotmail.com

June 24: 26th Annual Silver Shoe Farm Driving Show; Call Nicole Cable at (716) 474-1818

June 24: Empire State QH Assoc Novice/Rookie Show and Clinic (double Pointed) Chemung County Fair Grounds Horseheads For information contact Charlotte Jaynes (607) 546-7373 Emial: wmffarm@aol.com

June 25-28: Alfred University Equestrian English and Western Day Camps for ages 8-16 Enrollment deadline: June 15, 2012. Alfred University equestrian camps offer a wonderful opportunity for all levels of riders from beginners through advanced to define and achieve their personal riding goals during an exciting, fun-filled week. http://www.alfred.edu/summer/camps/equestrian.cfm

Between Rides

This weekend I had hoped to be in the Cayuga Dressage show, but Starlight's sore feet sidelined us.  The vet will be here today to have a look.  So it has been a quiet week for me, horse-wise.  

We have made up for the lull in my riding by putting in fence posts and yesterday, I was on the tractor all afternoon, mowing hay.  

But my day job took me into Pennsylvania farm country this week, and I couldn't resist snapping some shots of these cuties.

This baby will be a gray, like his mom.

One shy, one brave.

I love that noble profile!  I'm a sucker for a Roman nose.

Twin Tiers Horse Events, June 13-17

Here are this weekend's events, folks.

I'm sitting this one out, since Starlight's feet have been ouchy, so she has been on the IR this week, until the vet comes out to check her out.

But the rest of you, get out there with your ponies!

June 13: GVRDC XC Schooling on horse trials grounds, 4 pm till 8 pm. Cost is $35 for GVRDC or PC members and $40 for everyone else. Armbands, vests, and a trainer/groundperson are required. Contact Carol Kozlowski at (585) 226-6287 or mothersfield@aol.com

June 15 - 17 Twin Tiers Trail Riders:  Susquehannock State Forest Mountain Laurel Ride. Contact Jeanne Root at 570-596-33653 or jroot@npacc.net. Jeanne will need a count on how many people are coming as early as possible so she can include everyone on the camping permit. Tentative plan is to camp at the Twelve Mile Gas well Horsey Hilton camp but subject to change once we have the total count so check as we get closer to the ride time.

June 15-17: National Barrel Horse Association 2012 Tour NBHA "Syracuse Spectacular" Barrel Racing, NYS Fairgrounds. Regional 4D barrel racing. Visit Web Site Email nbha@nbha.com

June 15-17: Tommie Turvey Horsemanship Clinic: June 15-17, 2012 and June 22-24, Location: Middleburg, PA Event Type: Clinic. Come and train with Tommie & Chantal Turvey at an exciting 3 day clinic where you will learn incredible horsemanship skills, tips & techniques from world renowned horse trainer, performer & stunt man, Tommie Turvey. This is your chance to see Tommie's training up close and personal. Each session is geared to help you get the most out of your training and get on the right track. The clinic is suitable for all ages and level of horse & rider. Sessions will include amazing performances, horsemanship training and plenty of question & answer time. Tommie's horsemanship and sense of humor will keep you engaged and entertained all day long. This is a must see event to take your training to the next level. Contact: Deborah Myers Smith 570-837-3409 Website: http://www.jknlstables.com http://www.turveyhorsemanship.com

June 16: Rolelu Show Series: Dressage Show (Introductory through 4th Level plus "eventing" tests), Combined Test (Introductory through Preliminary Levels, dressage and stadium), and Jumping Derby (Introductory through Preliminary level) - Weather permitting, Cross Country schooling (Introductory through Training Levels) For more information and entry forms go to: www.rolelu.webs.com or contact Chandra Wong at (585) 243-0916 or Rolelu@hotmail.com.

June 16-17 ACTHA Trail Ride, 2 separate rides, dinners, contests, (reduced rates for new members) www.actha.us to join or register for ride, Pure Country Campground for camping&ldots;.176 Kelly Rd. New Berlin, NY 13411. www.purecountrycampground.com, 607-847-9265 

June 16: Cayuga Dressage and Combined Training Club (CDCT) Schooling School at Chemung County Fairgrounds, Horseheads, NY. http://www.cayugadressage.org/

June 16-17: Bridle Path Manor Open English Horse Show, NYS Fairgounds, Syracse. The Bridle Path Manor Open English Horse Show offers a variety of classes on the flat and over fences as well as Hunter Typr Halter and English Showmanship. Classes over fences range in height from crossrails to 2'9" and all flat classes (including Hunter Hack) will be held in a seperate ring. At the Beginner, Intermediate and Open levels, high point divisions are offered for both flat and over fences classes. Hunter Stake classes are included in the Schooling, Special, Low, Open, and Green divisions. For class lists or more info about the show call 315-673-0172 or 315-729-8507.

June 16 – 17: Open Cross Country Schooling; Contact Jessica Morgan at vet@morganequine.com For Course Information visit http://www.morganequine.com/xc-course.html

June 17: Genesee Valley Pony Club Spring Hunter Pace, 8 am until Noon at Oxbow Lane (corner of Nations Road and South Avon Road, Geneseo, NY). $25 for GVPC members, $30 for others. Entry Form or sign up and pay at the event. Contact person: Marion Thorne at (585) 451-8143 or mthornegvh@gmail.com

June 17: Hunter Pace and Timed Trail Ride Series, Impatient Acres, (Vicki Bolton Farm),3120 Henry Drum Road, Cohocton, NY 14826 Lynn Sick 585 384 9221 or 585 519 1039, Cost:Adult $20.00 per ride, Youth (under 18) $15.00 per ride, Season pass: Adult $60.00, Youth $50.00. This is a team ride. Riders must go out in groups of two or more. Children 13 and under must ride with an adult 21 and over; Proceeds to benefit Local Youth Horse Clubs. 

June 17: Cayuga Dressage and Combined Training Club (CDCT) Recognized Dressage Show at Chemung County Fairgrounds, Horseheads, NY. http://www.cayugadressage.org/

June 17: Stoneybrook Farm Oddessey Show Series 2012! Newfield, NY. Classes for all levels of Pleasure and Hunt seat riders; Check out Pairs classes Ribbons to 6th place/Division prizes www.stoneybrookfarm.info 607) 564-0063 

June 19: GVRDC Twilight Dressage - Hideaway Farm, Geneseo, NY. Volunteer Opportunity: Volunteer scribes and ring stewards are needed during the show. Contact Donna Hecht at (585) 739-4520 or donnahecht_ny@hotmail.com to confirm volunteer times with her.

Twin Tiers Horse Activities, June 7 - 13, 2012

This weekend brings another great line-up of horse activities in our area.  In addition to a good selection of English-based riding, we also have some intriguing Western activities as well as trail riding and breed shows.  

Don't you just love being in the Twin Tiers in the summer with your horse?

June 7- 10 NYSHC Spring Pleasure Ride, Pure Country Campground. 176 kelly road, New Berlin, ny 134311 go on www.NYSHC.org for info and tickets, reservations for hookup sites, cabin, campers, stalls at www.purecountrycampground.com. New members welcome! Scavenger hunt, poker run, Pleasant Hills tack shop on premises, dinners, and fun! 

June 8-9: Michelle LaBarre Dressage Clinic - Black Points Farm, Honeoye Falls, NY. For info about Michelle, www.labarredressage.com; To ride in the clinic, contact Mary Delton at mhd@rochester.rr.com. Auditors welcome. 

June 7-10: Empire State Quarter Horse Empire Spring into Summer Show (4 shows double Pointed); Four Judges Combined (4 shows); New York State Fairgrounds, Syracuse, NY; Contact: Charlotte Jaynes (607) 546-7373 Emial: wmffarm@aol.com; http://www.esqha.org/shows.htm

June 9 - Game Show - Day​ - Sign Up @ 9am Start @ 10am Way-On Saddle Club; 5763 Clark Road, Newark, NY 14513 http://www.way-ont.com/

June 9-10: NYRCHA/NRCHA Reined Cowhorse Event; Alfred University http://www.newyorkrcha.com

June 9-10 Central NY Morgan Show; Chemung County Fairgrounds, Horseheads, NY; CONTACT: Mari Neidlinger,396 Cty. Rd. 17, Afton, NY 13730 (607) 967-7415 Email: trish.casler@stickley.com

June 9 Twin Tiers Trail Riders: - PA Grand Canyon, camping is available behind the Ansonia Inn on the corner of Rt. 6 and West Rim Road. Water is available and hitching posts. Best to plan on pens or trailer ties. You can have really good meals at the Ansonia Inn while you are there camping also but contact the Inn if you are staying there. Ride will start from the parking lot across the road from the maintaince buildings on West Rim Road. Contact Jeanne Root jroot@npacc.net or 570-596-365

June 10: Mock Horse Trials​​, Nancy Novak's Pompey Hollow Rd., Cazenovia http://cnydcta.webstarts.com/calendar_of_events.html

June 10 Twin Tiers Trail Riders: Day 2 of the PA riding will be lead by Ken Bellis, Mansfield, PA Contact 570-662-2867 or garrisonsandi@hotmail.com. The ride will be in a different portion of Tioga Forest. The ride is near Morris Run, PA so you can call Kenny for directions or e-mail and Sandi will get the info to you.

June 10: GVRDC USEA recognized Horse Trials, Geneseo, NY. Levels are Intro, BN and N with a TN (training D and SJ with novice XC) Volunteers needed; Contact Wezo Pierson at (585) 509-5691 or piersonlouisa@yahoo.com

June 10: Lake Country Horsemens Association LCHA Funtime Pointed Shows; Interlaken, NY 9 am Check us out on Facebook! LakeCountry Horsemens; lakecountryhorsemens@yahoo.com; 

June 10 Northeast Pennsylvania Team Penning Association (NePA TPA) Gymkhanas, Wyoming County Fairgrounds, PA. https://www.facebook.com/NEPATPA?sk=wall

 

June 13: GVRDC XC Schooling on horse trials grounds, 4 pm till 8 pm. Cost is $35 for GVRDC or PC members and $40 for everyone else. Armbands, vests, and a trainer/groundperson are required. Contact Carol Kozlowski at (585) 226-6287 or mothersfield@aol.com