Webinar: Tips For How To Train When Riding Isn’t An Option

Winter weather often limits training for horses of all kinds, and although much of the country is now experiencing warmer temperatures, spring rains could continue to create headaches for equestrians.

With this challenge in mind, the Retired Racehorse Project recently hosted a webinar titled, 'How To Train When You Can't Ride' to offer tips for riders of all sports to keep horses physically and mentally engaged when the ground is icy, rain-soaked or snow-covered.

A few key takeaways:

  • Dr. Shannon Reed, associate professor of equine surgery at The Ohio State University and off-track Thoroughbred advocate, said that even for a horse in rehabilitation from an injury, there are ways to keep things from being monotonous. If a horse is limited to hand walking, check with your veterinarian to see if it's ok to hand walk outside rather than in the barn aisle, whether tack walking or trailer loading practice are acceptable forms of exercise. Stall-bound horses may still be able to work on vocal cues and lateral work (“Move over”) in the stall. Walking over ground poles or under saddle may also be an option for some horses.

    “You should come out of six months of rehab with a better horse than what you went in with,” said Reed. “There are a whole lot of things that you can do with your horse that have nothing to do with being under saddle, which is someplace we sometimes put ourselves under pressure.”

  • Always check with the veterinarian when brainstorming things that could fit within the guidelines – don't ask the Facebook peanut gallery.
  • Hand walking, especially a brisk walk, can be a surprisingly good way to get a horse (and rider) fit. Reed recommends hand walking in whatever environment you safely can. While walking the roads of her neighborhood, Reed was able to introduce her OTTB to ditches, mailboxes, driveways, trash cans, and other items. The horse learned to stop and wait for people to pass, and to turn on the forehand when required.
  • Reward curiosity in your horse. It's better for a horse to encounter something new in a low-pressure, non-time sensitive situation than at a competition.
  • Hand walking is a safe way to begin teaching herd bound horses that they will return to their friends eventually, and that it's ok to trust and focus on the human handler despite separation anxiety. That trust will likely translate to under saddle work.
  • Lateral work can be done in hand with the help of a dressage whip to help direct a horse's haunches. Lateral movement from the walk is a good way to help a horse stretch and stay limber without putting stress on joints and soft tissues.
  • Walking through puddles is another easy lesson that doesn't require a perfect surface. Water can reflect light and movement in unexpected ways, and even if you don't plan to run your horse cross country and encounter water on a routine basis, odds are that he will encounter a puddle at some stage that must be crossed safely.
  • Standing and ground tying are underestimated skills. Horses, especially young or high-energy horses, need to become comfortable with some degree of boredom waiting for their class at a horse show, or waiting by a trailer. Standing by the mounting block is also a challenge for many horses, since they don't realize the significance of the block and may be used to being mounted while in motion.
  • Ask your local farm supply shop for old sale banners that you can add to your arena so your horse has experience with something bright that may flap in the wind.
  • Trailer rides don't always have to be about going somewhere for competition. Those who have a truck and trailer have the opportunity to not only haul horses to schooling shows as non-competitors to stand and watch the proceedings. They also have the chance to take horses on short errands, like running to the grocery store for 10 minutes and taking the horse back home. This will make traveling less of an “event” and keep horses relaxed about the process – especially if they have a hay net to munch on.

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Old Friends Launches Memory Lane ‘Brick-by-Brick’ Campaign

Old Friends has launched its “Memory Lane–Brick by Brick” fundraising campaign, where supporters of the non-profit organization can claim a spot in Old Friends's Nikki Bacharach Memorial Garden with a custom paver honoring a loved one, a legendary horse, a lost pet, a business, or other. Fans can contribute to Memory Lane by choosing one of two-sized bricks customized with colors, graphics, and text to create an elegant and permanent legacy for $125 or $225.

Bricks will be laid to form a path in the Old Friends Memorial Garden/Champion's Cemetery, which is located adjacent to the farm's Visitor Center. Here, great horses such as Kentucky Derby Winners War Emblem and Charismatic, Breeders' Cup Classic Winner Awesome Again, and Champions Hidden Lake, Noor, and Bint Marscay (Aus) have been laid to rest. The courtyard will be open to visitors. Memory Lane bricks are available now and can be ordered via thatsmybrick.com.

Installation of the Memory Lane–Brick by Brick garden is expected to begin in June of 2021.

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Old Friends Launches ‘Memory Lane – Brick By Brick’ Fundraising Campaign

Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Facility based in Georgetown, KY., today launched its “Memory Lane – Brick by Brick” fundraising campaign.

Now supporters of the non-profit organization can claim a spot in Old Friends's Nikki Bacharach Memorial Garden with a custom paver honoring a loved one, a legendary horse, a lost pet, a business, or other.

Fans can contribute to Memory Lane by choosing one of two-sized bricks customized with colors, graphics, and text to create an elegant and permanent legacy.

Paddock Level pavers measure 4” x 8” and are available for $125.00
Winner's Circle Level pavers measure 8” x 8” and are available for $225.00.

Donors can customize their bricks with personal text and choose from a variety of brick colors and available graphics. Business logos can also be uploaded.

Bricks will be laid to form a path in the Old Friends Memorial Garden/Champion's Cemetery, which is located adjacent to the farm's Visitor Center. Here, great horses such as Kentucky Derby Winners War Emblem and Charismatic, Breeders' Cup Classic Winner Awesome Again, and Champions Hidden Lake, Noor, and Bint Marscay (AUS) have been laid to rest. The courtyard will be open to visitors.

Memory Lane bricks are available now and can be ordered via thatsmybrick.com—Just CLICK HERE to access order page and follow the step-by-step instructions for customizing.

Installation of the Memory Lane-Brick by Brick garden is expected to begin in June of 2021.

The Old Friends Memorial Garden is named after the late Nikki Bacharach, daughter of actress Angie Dickinson and composer Burt Bacharach, both long-time supporters of the farm.

The post Old Friends Launches ‘Memory Lane – Brick By Brick’ Fundraising Campaign appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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Hats Off To The Horses: Patch Chapeau Up For Auction To Benefit Old Friends

For the 12th consecutive year, Maggie Mae Designs® and Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement have teamed up for an unparalleled online shopping experience: “Hats off to the Horses: The Road to the Derby”.

This unique fundraiser features one-of-a-kind couture hats created by Maggie Mae Designs®, the sale of which benefits Old Friends.

The third hat up for bid in our 2021 auction series honors Patch, the son of Union rags out of the A. P. Indy mare Windyindy. Patch was donated to the non-profit organization by owner Calumet farm following a three-season racing career.

Bidding in this online auction will be available through March 11, 8:00 pm (EST). To bid, CLICK HERE

A 30-1 longshot in the 2017 Kentucky Derby, Patch became the season's feel-good story after it was revealed that he had lost his left eye as a 2-year-old but overcame his adversity to make it to the Churchill Downs starting gate on the First Saturday in May. Trained by Todd Pletcher and ridden by Tyler Gafflione, Patch eventually finished 14th in that race behind winner Always Dreaming.

To celebrate Patch's fan-favorite status in the Derby, a large, sumptuous rose curl, created with swirling layers of red silk organza, became the centerpiece. Gold silk was then folded in several layers for the sash and hand stitched to encircle the crown of the hat. The lining, meanwhile, was made with lively black and white polka dot satin to reflect Patch's playful and kind personality.

As a physical remembrance of Patch, several strands of his tail hair were braided and woven into the trim of the hat, creating a unique, one-of-a-kind Derby chapeau that captures Patch not only in spirit but in substance as well.

Maggie Mae Designs® Custom Millinery offers magnificent hats for all occasions – from glamorous racing events such as the Kentucky Derby and the Royal Ascot to stunning bridal wear and handsome cocktail fashions. Every hat is carefully handcrafted by milliner Sally Faith Steinmann from her home base in South Harwich, MA. Salons of her fashions can been seen on her website at www.maggiemaedesigns.com

Bidding is open now. To bid CLICK HERE

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