Ask Cari

This adorable pony Ringo is teaching the young Izzy Flood how to ride. It is never too early to start to ride, even 9 month old Vanessa has the passion.

In order to develop an independent seat, the rider must feel comfortable in the saddle and on the horse. All of my kids learn to perform “around the world” where they pivot in the saddle sitting on one side, backwards, the other side and finally front again. At first this is difficult and scary for them, but after learning how to remain balanced in the middle of the horse, the riders enjoy this excercise. Some even take it a step further by sitting behind the saddle as seen here. I would recommend a person stand at the head of the horse for the first effort as you never know if your horse will want to buck you off his rump. Obviously this pair could perform stunts as neither seems too concerned about this unusual way of riding.

Kathy Landman photographs RJ on a beautiful warm day in October at Windrock Farm. Kathy is a talented photographer who will capture the essence of you with your favorite dog or horse. Take advantage of this beautiful weather and call to schedule a photo shoot with Kathy, contact the Chisholm Gallery in Pine Plains, New York or visit www.chisholmgallery.com.

Eventing is a fun sport comprised of three phases– dressage, cross country and show jumping. Preparation is key to success and each team of horse/rider also needs a ground crew of support to assist in grooming, checking equipment, supplying water. Generally the support team consists of loyal parents, trainers and friends. Here is the crew for Joa and Kestrel, Cupid, Comet and Freja handled by the Mom, the most important element of support.

Twizzler is an 8 year old QH gelding who is perfect on the trails, hunter paces, is a kind easy keeper. He is wonderful by himself or in groups and is a beautiful horse to own.

Rolando is a 10 year old TB standing 16 hands tall. He is a perfect gentleman, elastic gaits, bold jumper, sound and easy to ride. This is a special horse looking for a new partner, he has hunter paced, played polo, hacked and understands basic dressage. Rolando is elegant and striking to watch. contact cari@cariswanson to try him.

This athlete arrived at Kent Horse Trials in style wearing a silky neck cover to protect his braids from being damaged in transit. Owning a horse allows you to enter an entire universe of horse gear and clothing appropriate to each season. As we approach the colder months ahead, this is a good time to clean and repair all of your blankets.

Kestrel studies his dressage test moments before entering the arena to commence his performance. Sunday was a beautiful fall day with unusual warm temperatures and perfect footing. Kestrel went on to jump clear stadium and cross country rounds to finish on his dressage score for seventh place.

“A man that don’t love horses, there is something the matter with that man.”

• Will Rogers

On a recent trip to California, I discovered a unique community for horse enthusiasts. Residents enjoy a city that has preserved a country way of life that has nearly vanished from the surrounding communities of Southern California. It boasts an authentic bucolic atmosphere due to the absence of sidewalks and street lights. White three rail wooden fences, corrals, barns, natural rustic equestrian trails, one school and 1/3 of a traffic signal tell visitors that this is a truly special place to live. Its beautiful and peaceful ambiance make it a treasured rural component of Los Angeles County and one example of small town Southern California living at its finest. Miles of riding trails wind through the area allowing for peaceful hacks.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED VACCINATIONS

TETANUS TOXOID When a wound such as a deep puncture is contaminated, toxins from the anaerobic bacterium Clostridium tetani, which thrives in the equine environment, cause lockjaw and general muscle spasms, usually resulting in death. Vaccinate yearly. Give a booster vaccination at the time of penetrating injury or surgery if most recent dose was more than six months earlier. Broodmares should receive a vaccination four to six weeks before foaling.

EE/WEE/VEE Eastern Western Venezuelan Equine Encephalomyelitis, aka Sleeping Sickness, is a vector-borne viral disease causing inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. Vaccinate yearly, in spring (before insect season). Where Encephalomyelitis is common and/or where there are two annual mosquito “blooms,” give a booster EEE/WEE/VEE vaccination every six months about a month before the onset of the mosquito season.

RABIES Invasion of the central nervous system by a virus that is fatal if untreated; it also transmits to other animals–including humans. Recommended yearly, especially in areas where rabid wildlife is reported or areas considered to be endemic.

WEST NILE VIRAL ENCEPHALMYELITIS A mosquito-born encephalitis that can be deadly to horses and has been reported in all but a few states. Vaccination recommended very six months. Two West Nile Virus vaccines are now available; consult your veterinarian about the best choice for your horse. If you’re vaccinating your horse against WNV for the first time, he’ll require a booster after the initial injection.

INFLUENZA Acute, contagious, viral respiratory-tract inflammation; occurs in isolated cases or in epidemics. Your veterinarian can recommend which form of the vaccine is suitable for your horse. Intranasal Vaccine every six months; add booster two to four weeks before anticipated exposure, such as a show or a long haul. Intranasal vaccine gives a good immune response when properly applied but can be tricky to administer. If your horse is fussy about substances sprayed up his nostrils, consider using the injectable form. Injectable Vaccine every six months; add a booster two to four weeks before anticipated exposure.

RHINOPNEUMONITIS Caused by a herpes virus, a contagious infection of the respiratory tract; often induces abortion in pregnant mares. Optional - every six months. Rhinopneumonitis and Influenza vaccines are sometimes administered in a single combined dose. If your mare is bred, consult your veterinarian about a Rhino vaccination schedule to safeguard her pregnancy.

remember: always contact your veterinarian regarding the vaccines appropriate for your horse!

Vanessa, not yet a year old, did not want to dismount Mini on her first ride.

Scooby Doo is looking for a new home to teach some lucky kid how to ride. He is 8 years old, very easy to ride and loves children. Scooby is also a wonderful companion horse. For more information contact cari@cariswanson.com

Unusually high temperatures of 85 degrees in October are perfect for a trail ride through miles of hunt paths. Sunflower, a perfect trail horse negotiates the water at Windrock Farm, enjoying the serene countryside.

“The glance is natural magic.”