THE SHELL GAME – WHERE DOES THE TRUTH LIE?
Sun, 31st January, 2010
Are we too quick to jump to judgment by the Content we see on the Internet before we consider the Source of Information???
Blog for Jan 31, 2010 – I would like to address the “process” we use to judge how we choose our Champions and Villains. Recently I posted a series of Bio’s on Equestrian Heroes (People and their Mounts). I was struck by something very interesting when reading the responses of some readers. I thought about the process we use to determine who and what makes up the ingredients of a “Hero” and for that matter a “Villain”… dare I mention the Patrik Kittel “Rollkur” incident!
It occurred to me that my postings that referred to Heroes were readily accepted by readers for the most part as ‘fact’. I of course have gone to some lengths to gather information from what are considered legitimate sources albeit, all of it comes from the internet…none the less…the stories are by and large considered believable. It does need to be clarified that these stories are also responsible for what would be a “feel good” response from people and therefore create little or no harm. There is on the other hand a great difference in the Postings regarding a claim that was made against Patrik Kittel and his warm up ride on the Stallion Watermill Scandic at the Odense World Cup whereby he has become the center of attention regarding an abusive riding practice that has been dubbed “rollkur”. The “video” and worldwide attention thereafter is extraordinary in that it has in all probability caused the demise of an Olympic Athlete’s career, brought extremely negative attention to an entire Sport and threatened to disseminate the Dressage Discipline as a humane Sport and ultimately perhaps exclusion as an Olympic participant.
What has me truly concerned is that we have taken a “story” and we have tried and convicted the defendant before we have stopped to allow due process or understand the protocol of human rights by any Agency and/or any Country “A person is presumed innocent until otherwise proven Guilty!”
I am amazed at the expediency in which this story grew wings and took flight….however; I am more amazed that there was never a question or any regard as to the legitimacy or origin of the material supplied and its format.
A Video posted on a high traffic social network was the channel and reason of recognition of proposed animal abuse! A knee jerk reaction from most people regarding the appearance of abusive conduct was easily understood and voiced by all in the form of a proposed “Boycott of the Dressage Sport” after intense exposure of the very nature of the video’s focus on the subject matter and the dramatic slow motion content it captured therein.
We are obviously at our own mercy in regards to selection of material that we peruse….but perhaps we need to ask ourselves at some point when we are subjected to extremism in any form….Where is this coming from? What is the likely hood of this material content having legs? What Agency is involved in the promotion of this sort of exposure….are they responsibly recognizing the potency of this material and to which Agencies has this issue been presented first and what has been their response to the source or to who is reporting on this issue?
We are in an incredibly amazing moment in technology whereby we are suddenly connecting ourselves to millions of people worldwide. We are all beginning to realize the power that this kind of communication connection can invoke. I wonder if we also realize how quickly thousands and thousands of people can become so effective in “Speaking Out” and developing an opinionated and strong voice about any subject matter that there ultimately can be a “Cause and Effect” resulting from a large populace that can create or change personas for the good or bad. This kind of public scrutiny can be forceful and beneficial in many ways….however; it can be horrifically detrimental in others and this is where I ask myself the question…….Do I have the right to judge, do I have the facts understood, have all other appropriate Agencies scrutinized this and used expert opinion to weigh in?
We are in a period of Technology whereby we have incredible freedom and access to information. Through connecting to our social internet we can become a Force to be reckoned with and stand up for ourselves and each other with the ability to easily and quickly rally and draw extraordinary support from each other regarding causes that we feel can make a difference or need change.….but we can also become a merciless and uncontrollable mob.
We need to consider not just the good that we can do by rallying together over causes that we feel strongly about…..we need to consider what effect we might have. We need to be extremely careful about sources from which we gather our information’s and set our opinions on and we need to appreciate that most issues deserve the process of scrutiny within their peer groups and Industry before we rush to our convictions.
We are indeed a very powerful force as a social network…so much so, we can and may well have caused the destruction of an Olympian’s career. We have created dissention amongst our own Industry and with each other. We have considered such extreme tactics as boycotting International Events including the Olympics.
Here are a few questions….por favor?
Who made the video? Was this an accredited association or media group? Is the video showing the incident in true time and without dramatics? Does it appear that the video has been altered in any way? Who was advised of the incident – which authorities and when? What was the response of the authorities that police these issues? What is the prior record of conduct of this Rider before this incident?
How many of us have individual pictures or video frames of our horses or our rides that we feel are “harsh” in appearance or unsuitable because the shots reflect some disharmony or imbalance in some cases for a few seconds or perhaps minutes?
For me….the most important thing I have learned from this incident…..is that I need to be extremely careful about what I am looking at and how I am going to judge what I see! The effect of my judgment and how many people I may effect thereafter may well change someone else’s life or career or have a profound effect on an Industry….and I need to be certain that I am making a judgment from the appropriate perspective. With legitimate evidence! The Social Networking and Internet is a powerful tool….it is also a formidable weapon…….let’s yield it wisely!!!
Blog for Jan 31, 2010 – I would like to address the “process” we use to judge how we choose our Champions and Villains. Recently I posted a series of Bio’s on Equestrian Heroes (People and their Mounts). I was struck by something very interesting when reading the responses of some readers. I thought about the process we use to determine who and what makes up the ingredients of a “Hero” and for that matter a “Villain”… dare I mention the Patrik Kittel “Rollkur” incident!
It occurred to me that my postings that referred to Heroes were readily accepted by readers for the most part as ‘fact’. I of course have gone to some lengths to gather information from what are considered legitimate sources albeit, all of it comes from the internet…none the less…the stories are by and large considered believable. It does need to be clarified that these stories are also responsible for what would be a “feel good” response from people and therefore create little or no harm. There is on the other hand a great difference in the Postings regarding a claim that was made against Patrik Kittel and his warm up ride on the Stallion Watermill Scandic at the Odense World Cup whereby he has become the center of attention regarding an abusive riding practice that has been dubbed “rollkur”. The “video” and worldwide attention thereafter is extraordinary in that it has in all probability caused the demise of an Olympic Athlete’s career, brought extremely negative attention to an entire Sport and threatened to disseminate the Dressage Discipline as a humane Sport and ultimately perhaps exclusion as an Olympic participant.
What has me truly concerned is that we have taken a “story” and we have tried and convicted the defendant before we have stopped to allow due process or understand the protocol of human rights by any Agency and/or any Country “A person is presumed innocent until otherwise proven Guilty!”
I am amazed at the expediency in which this story grew wings and took flight….however; I am more amazed that there was never a question or any regard as to the legitimacy or origin of the material supplied and its format.
A Video posted on a high traffic social network was the channel and reason of recognition of proposed animal abuse! A knee jerk reaction from most people regarding the appearance of abusive conduct was easily understood and voiced by all in the form of a proposed “Boycott of the Dressage Sport” after intense exposure of the very nature of the video’s focus on the subject matter and the dramatic slow motion content it captured therein.
We are obviously at our own mercy in regards to selection of material that we peruse….but perhaps we need to ask ourselves at some point when we are subjected to extremism in any form….Where is this coming from? What is the likely hood of this material content having legs? What Agency is involved in the promotion of this sort of exposure….are they responsibly recognizing the potency of this material and to which Agencies has this issue been presented first and what has been their response to the source or to who is reporting on this issue?
We are in an incredibly amazing moment in technology whereby we are suddenly connecting ourselves to millions of people worldwide. We are all beginning to realize the power that this kind of communication connection can invoke. I wonder if we also realize how quickly thousands and thousands of people can become so effective in “Speaking Out” and developing an opinionated and strong voice about any subject matter that there ultimately can be a “Cause and Effect” resulting from a large populace that can create or change personas for the good or bad. This kind of public scrutiny can be forceful and beneficial in many ways….however; it can be horrifically detrimental in others and this is where I ask myself the question…….Do I have the right to judge, do I have the facts understood, have all other appropriate Agencies scrutinized this and used expert opinion to weigh in?
We are in a period of Technology whereby we have incredible freedom and access to information. Through connecting to our social internet we can become a Force to be reckoned with and stand up for ourselves and each other with the ability to easily and quickly rally and draw extraordinary support from each other regarding causes that we feel can make a difference or need change.….but we can also become a merciless and uncontrollable mob.
We need to consider not just the good that we can do by rallying together over causes that we feel strongly about…..we need to consider what effect we might have. We need to be extremely careful about sources from which we gather our information’s and set our opinions on and we need to appreciate that most issues deserve the process of scrutiny within their peer groups and Industry before we rush to our convictions.
We are indeed a very powerful force as a social network…so much so, we can and may well have caused the destruction of an Olympian’s career. We have created dissention amongst our own Industry and with each other. We have considered such extreme tactics as boycotting International Events including the Olympics.
Here are a few questions….por favor?
Who made the video? Was this an accredited association or media group? Is the video showing the incident in true time and without dramatics? Does it appear that the video has been altered in any way? Who was advised of the incident – which authorities and when? What was the response of the authorities that police these issues? What is the prior record of conduct of this Rider before this incident?
How many of us have individual pictures or video frames of our horses or our rides that we feel are “harsh” in appearance or unsuitable because the shots reflect some disharmony or imbalance in some cases for a few seconds or perhaps minutes?
For me….the most important thing I have learned from this incident…..is that I need to be extremely careful about what I am looking at and how I am going to judge what I see! The effect of my judgment and how many people I may effect thereafter may well change someone else’s life or career or have a profound effect on an Industry….and I need to be certain that I am making a judgment from the appropriate perspective. With legitimate evidence! The Social Networking and Internet is a powerful tool….it is also a formidable weapon…….let’s yield it wisely!!!
Hair whorls come in a huge variety of shapes, sizes and positions!
Fri, 22nd January, 2010
BLOG - Jan. 22/2010 - What kinds of Whorls does you Horse Have?
Hair whorls come in a huge variety of shapes, sizes and positions!
Horse & Rider, September 2008
Summary:
The article focuses on a research conducted at the University of Limerick in Ireland which linked the horses' favored sides to characteristics of their facial hair whorls. It states that researchers have identified a connection between equine motor laterality, or handedness, and the direction in which whorl hair grows. In left-sided horses, whorls were most likely to grow in a counter-clockwise direction. In right-sided horses, whorls were most likely to grow in clockwise fashion.
ALSO
A whorl, (also called a swirl, crown, cowlick or trichoglyph), is where the hair grows in the opposite direction from the hair surrounding it. Most horses have one somewhere on their face, although the position and shape varies. The whorl can be high, between the eyes, or low on the horse’s face and be big, small, round, long, messy...some horses can even have two or more.
Types of whorls include:
• Simple, where the hairs converge from different
directions into a single focal point.
• Tufted, where the hair seems to converge and piles up into a tuft.
• Linear, where hair growing in opposite directions meet along a line.
• Crested...same as for linear, but the hair merges to form a crest.
• Feathered, where the hair meets along a line but falls at an angle to form a feathered pattern.
• Sinuous, where two opposing lines of hair growth meet along an irregular curving line.
About 78% of horses have one of the above facial whorls, while 16% have double whorls and only 6% having three or more.
You have a hair whorl on top your head (check it out) and about 2-5% of people have TWO whorls and it’s thought the direction of your hair whorl...clockwise or counter-clockwise...indicates if you are left or right-handed.
Whorls can be found on other areas of the horse's body such as the neck, chest, belly and in front of the stifles. Part of the breed standard for Exmoor ponies lists facial whorls as being desirable as they help divert water away from the eyes.
Bedouin horseman placed great significance on a horse's hair whorls and used them to determine the value of a horse. One Arabian horse was said to have had 40 whorls on its body! (The average is six). They also believed whorls between the ears means the horse was swift while any on the side of the neck were called the 'finger of the Prophet'.
Another marking is the 'Prophet's Thumbmark' which is a small indentation in the horse's neck, although it can also appear on other areas of the body. The legend goes that the Prophet Mohammed tested his horses by depriving them of water for several days. He then released them near a waterhole but before they reached it, he sounded his trumpet to summon them. Only five mares responded and returned to him, and these were kept for breeding. He pressed his thumb into their necks, leaving an indentation which they passed on to their offspring. It's said any horses bearing the mark are blessed, and the person whose thumb exactly fits the hole is the horse's true owner.
Many Arabian horses have the mark, as do Thoroughbreds, which descended from Arabian bloodlines.
Other Bedouin beliefs included:
• A whorl on the chest meant prosperity.
• A whorl on the girth was a sign of good fortune and an increase in flocks.
• Whorls on the flank were known as 'spur whorls' and if curved up, safety in battle or if inclined downwards, prosperity. The Byerley Turk, an Arabian who is one of the founding sires for the Thoroughbred breed, was said to have been born with the Whorl of the Spurs and was never injured in the many battles he was ridden in.
• The whorl of the Sultan was found on the windpipe and meant love and prosperity.
They also believed in evil whorls:
• A whorl above the eye meant the master will die from a head injury.
• The whorl of the coffin was one positioned close to the withers, sloping downwards towards the shoulder and meant the rider will die in the saddle.
• A whorl on the horse's cheek meant debt and ruin.
• A whorl on one side of the tail means misery and famine.
In the Indian Marwari breed, few will consider buying a horse with a whorl positioned below the horse’s eyes as it’s considered a bad omen, however a long whorl down the neck is known as a 'Devman' and believed to be lucky.
Whorls are individual to every horse (like our fingerprints) and many breed registries use them as identification as they can never be brushed or clipped out. Trainer Linda Tellington-Jones believes whorls can indicate a horse's temperament;
• A whorl positioned above the eyes is the most common and indicates a horse with an uncomplicated nature.
• Horses with whorls below the eyes usually have above average intelligence and like to make a nuisance of themselves by opening gates etc.
• Whorls positioned on the left of the face indicate a complicated but trustworthy horse, while horses with whorls on the right can be uncooperative.
• Horses with one long whorl line (also called a 'feather mark' and is the equivalent of a human hair part) are people-friendly and Linda says that a horse with this type or whorl who isn't friendly should be investigated as it’s likely they are in pain or being abused.
• Horses with two adjoining whorls can be emotional and difficult to handle and do not make good mounts for inexperienced riders.
• Three whorls on the forehead is extremely rare and can indicate an unpredictable horse or, if a stallion, dangerous to handle.
So what kind of whorl does your horse have on his head? If it’s an unusual one or if he has two or more, take a photo and send it to Horsewyse, we'd love to see it!
© Horsewyse Magazine–Vicki Sach.
Hair whorls come in a huge variety of shapes, sizes and positions!
Horse & Rider, September 2008
Summary:
The article focuses on a research conducted at the University of Limerick in Ireland which linked the horses' favored sides to characteristics of their facial hair whorls. It states that researchers have identified a connection between equine motor laterality, or handedness, and the direction in which whorl hair grows. In left-sided horses, whorls were most likely to grow in a counter-clockwise direction. In right-sided horses, whorls were most likely to grow in clockwise fashion.
ALSO
A whorl, (also called a swirl, crown, cowlick or trichoglyph), is where the hair grows in the opposite direction from the hair surrounding it. Most horses have one somewhere on their face, although the position and shape varies. The whorl can be high, between the eyes, or low on the horse’s face and be big, small, round, long, messy...some horses can even have two or more.
Types of whorls include:
• Simple, where the hairs converge from different
directions into a single focal point.
• Tufted, where the hair seems to converge and piles up into a tuft.
• Linear, where hair growing in opposite directions meet along a line.
• Crested...same as for linear, but the hair merges to form a crest.
• Feathered, where the hair meets along a line but falls at an angle to form a feathered pattern.
• Sinuous, where two opposing lines of hair growth meet along an irregular curving line.
About 78% of horses have one of the above facial whorls, while 16% have double whorls and only 6% having three or more.
You have a hair whorl on top your head (check it out) and about 2-5% of people have TWO whorls and it’s thought the direction of your hair whorl...clockwise or counter-clockwise...indicates if you are left or right-handed.
Whorls can be found on other areas of the horse's body such as the neck, chest, belly and in front of the stifles. Part of the breed standard for Exmoor ponies lists facial whorls as being desirable as they help divert water away from the eyes.
Bedouin horseman placed great significance on a horse's hair whorls and used them to determine the value of a horse. One Arabian horse was said to have had 40 whorls on its body! (The average is six). They also believed whorls between the ears means the horse was swift while any on the side of the neck were called the 'finger of the Prophet'.
Another marking is the 'Prophet's Thumbmark' which is a small indentation in the horse's neck, although it can also appear on other areas of the body. The legend goes that the Prophet Mohammed tested his horses by depriving them of water for several days. He then released them near a waterhole but before they reached it, he sounded his trumpet to summon them. Only five mares responded and returned to him, and these were kept for breeding. He pressed his thumb into their necks, leaving an indentation which they passed on to their offspring. It's said any horses bearing the mark are blessed, and the person whose thumb exactly fits the hole is the horse's true owner.
Many Arabian horses have the mark, as do Thoroughbreds, which descended from Arabian bloodlines.
Other Bedouin beliefs included:
• A whorl on the chest meant prosperity.
• A whorl on the girth was a sign of good fortune and an increase in flocks.
• Whorls on the flank were known as 'spur whorls' and if curved up, safety in battle or if inclined downwards, prosperity. The Byerley Turk, an Arabian who is one of the founding sires for the Thoroughbred breed, was said to have been born with the Whorl of the Spurs and was never injured in the many battles he was ridden in.
• The whorl of the Sultan was found on the windpipe and meant love and prosperity.
They also believed in evil whorls:
• A whorl above the eye meant the master will die from a head injury.
• The whorl of the coffin was one positioned close to the withers, sloping downwards towards the shoulder and meant the rider will die in the saddle.
• A whorl on the horse's cheek meant debt and ruin.
• A whorl on one side of the tail means misery and famine.
In the Indian Marwari breed, few will consider buying a horse with a whorl positioned below the horse’s eyes as it’s considered a bad omen, however a long whorl down the neck is known as a 'Devman' and believed to be lucky.
Whorls are individual to every horse (like our fingerprints) and many breed registries use them as identification as they can never be brushed or clipped out. Trainer Linda Tellington-Jones believes whorls can indicate a horse's temperament;
• A whorl positioned above the eyes is the most common and indicates a horse with an uncomplicated nature.
• Horses with whorls below the eyes usually have above average intelligence and like to make a nuisance of themselves by opening gates etc.
• Whorls positioned on the left of the face indicate a complicated but trustworthy horse, while horses with whorls on the right can be uncooperative.
• Horses with one long whorl line (also called a 'feather mark' and is the equivalent of a human hair part) are people-friendly and Linda says that a horse with this type or whorl who isn't friendly should be investigated as it’s likely they are in pain or being abused.
• Horses with two adjoining whorls can be emotional and difficult to handle and do not make good mounts for inexperienced riders.
• Three whorls on the forehead is extremely rare and can indicate an unpredictable horse or, if a stallion, dangerous to handle.
So what kind of whorl does your horse have on his head? If it’s an unusual one or if he has two or more, take a photo and send it to Horsewyse, we'd love to see it!
© Horsewyse Magazine–Vicki Sach.
Stud horse helps Haiti quake victims
Thu, 21st January, 2010
Stud horse helps Haiti quake victims
January 21, 2010
RECORD WIRE SERVICES
ROCKWOOD, ONT. — A champion race horse standing at stud near Guelph is doing its part to help victims of the earthquake in Haiti.
The owners of Lis Mara, an eight-year-old stallion at Emerald Ridge Farm in Rockwood, Ont., have a plan to raise $50,000 through stud fees – enough to build 10 new duplexes in ravaged Port-au-Prince.
The American-bred harness horse, which has a street named after it in Haiti, earned $2.2 million, most of it in Canada, in a 63-race career that ended in 2007. At that time, a portion of the prize money also went to Haitian relief, enough for the charity Food For The Poor to build 20 homes in the outskirts of the city.
Miraculously, those houses survived the recent earthquake.
“I spoke to the people at the charity four times on Sunday and they assured me the houses were okay,” Mike Gulatto, who was Lis Mara’s principal owner and is now spokesman for the Lis Mara Syndicate, said Wednesday.
Now the horse’s connections are asking the first 50 owners whose mares sign up for breeding dates to donate $500 to the charity, which the stallion’s owners will match dollar for dollar.
“We hope to have these units completed in the next 30 days,” said Gulatto.
“My objective is to build 200 homes and have the whole area known as Lis Mara Village.”
Gulatto says the relationship with Food For The Poor started in a “freaky” way.
“I promised my wife that if Lis Mara won the (2006) Canadian Pacing Derby that night, I would contribute some of the purse money to the organization.”
Of course, Lis Mara won – and won again the following year, becoming the only stallion ever to record back-to-back victories in Canada’s oldest major stakes race.
January 21, 2010
RECORD WIRE SERVICES
ROCKWOOD, ONT. — A champion race horse standing at stud near Guelph is doing its part to help victims of the earthquake in Haiti.
The owners of Lis Mara, an eight-year-old stallion at Emerald Ridge Farm in Rockwood, Ont., have a plan to raise $50,000 through stud fees – enough to build 10 new duplexes in ravaged Port-au-Prince.
The American-bred harness horse, which has a street named after it in Haiti, earned $2.2 million, most of it in Canada, in a 63-race career that ended in 2007. At that time, a portion of the prize money also went to Haitian relief, enough for the charity Food For The Poor to build 20 homes in the outskirts of the city.
Miraculously, those houses survived the recent earthquake.
“I spoke to the people at the charity four times on Sunday and they assured me the houses were okay,” Mike Gulatto, who was Lis Mara’s principal owner and is now spokesman for the Lis Mara Syndicate, said Wednesday.
Now the horse’s connections are asking the first 50 owners whose mares sign up for breeding dates to donate $500 to the charity, which the stallion’s owners will match dollar for dollar.
“We hope to have these units completed in the next 30 days,” said Gulatto.
“My objective is to build 200 homes and have the whole area known as Lis Mara Village.”
Gulatto says the relationship with Food For The Poor started in a “freaky” way.
“I promised my wife that if Lis Mara won the (2006) Canadian Pacing Derby that night, I would contribute some of the purse money to the organization.”
Of course, Lis Mara won – and won again the following year, becoming the only stallion ever to record back-to-back victories in Canada’s oldest major stakes race.
“Horse Enthusiasts Without Borders”
Wed, 20th January, 2010
Blog for Jan 18/2010 – “Horse Enthusiasts Without Borders”
Can We Put Our Horse Industry under one Roof? How can we Increase Education, Popularity and Accessibility?
“Facebook“ has been an incredible “ride” for me. Like a lot of you….I have reached out and/or been touched by horse enthusiasts from all levels all over the world.
I am delighted and impressed by the degree of enthusiasm that is flowing and I am feeling an extraordinary sense of positive influence…so much so…I started thinking!
Well if you want to know the truth I think ALL OF YOU started the process…I am here in Mexico and hearing a lot of interesting questions and comments from people who are surprised and curious about the Horse Industry here….as I am doing the same thing when I connect with folks in other countries such as Ecuador, Brazil, Peru, Jordan, Asia, etc. What is interesting is where I last lived in B.C. Canada, although far more advanced competitively in the Horse Industry then what I have access to here in Jalisco, Mexico…it is still a struggling horse community and looking to be less isolated and have better access to resources to meet competitive levels of our Industry. There really are only a few areas on the Globe that are considered to be the “hub” of activity for our Industry which makes it tough on those of us who do not live within easy access and so a great many horse enthusiasts from many places around the globe suffer from the same affliction….no easy access to training tools…or the Competitive Industry is not realistically obtainable.
Can you imagine if we could unite the enthusiasm that exists from all of these Horse Enthusiasts from around the Globe that do not have the advantages that someone in Germany or Wellington Florida might have regarding access to the learning tools or training tools of our Industry?
What if we were to develop a Group that was similar in structure to a “Doctor’s or Teacher’s without Borders” per say….Trainers, Clinicians, Farriers, Veterinarians and Representatives from the FEI and National Agencies would make 3-6 day tours every 4 or 6 months near major city centers of other countries around the world…offering Clinics and Educational Seminars to Industry Enthusiasts. Our ambition would be to take our Industries “Best People” and share our knowledge and our tools with those areas/locations that are in need of assistance regarding improving access and igniting higher levels of enthusiasm and Equine Education as well as competitive involvement within the horse industry.
I for one would be delighted to have such access here in Guadalajara, Mexico, a City of over 7,000,000 people. This State is actually called the “Horse” State of Mexico and there are literally thousands and thousands of horse enthusiasts here….yet there are no Dressage Instructors, few educational tools, and little or no access. How many other places on our Globe are similar?
We as an Industry look forward to encouraging positive growth. Our Competitive International Arena’s at this time appear to be overflowing in places such as Germany, the Netherlands, Florida etc (you get the idea)….however we are still far from being as mosaic as we could be as an Industry on a Global level.
Golf, Tennis even American Football have developed Outreach Programs to enhance growth and awareness of their Industries. Whether we like to consider the importance of this or not, it actually does eventually catch up with each and every one of us (and our horses too for that matter) if we do not recognize the importance of maintaining a competitiveness with other Industries as well as developing within ourselves. Our Sport needs to look for various programs…to stay main stream…. to survive. The entire “World should be our Arena and since our “Horses know no Boarders”…perhaps our Industry’s Specialists shouldn’t either. To subsidize or support the concept of taking our Technologies, skills and Training awareness to the Geographic locations that do not otherwise have easy access to these advantages is an opportunity to promote and shape a brighter future for all of us in the Horse Industry. What do you think?
Can We Put Our Horse Industry under one Roof? How can we Increase Education, Popularity and Accessibility?
“Facebook“ has been an incredible “ride” for me. Like a lot of you….I have reached out and/or been touched by horse enthusiasts from all levels all over the world.
I am delighted and impressed by the degree of enthusiasm that is flowing and I am feeling an extraordinary sense of positive influence…so much so…I started thinking!
Well if you want to know the truth I think ALL OF YOU started the process…I am here in Mexico and hearing a lot of interesting questions and comments from people who are surprised and curious about the Horse Industry here….as I am doing the same thing when I connect with folks in other countries such as Ecuador, Brazil, Peru, Jordan, Asia, etc. What is interesting is where I last lived in B.C. Canada, although far more advanced competitively in the Horse Industry then what I have access to here in Jalisco, Mexico…it is still a struggling horse community and looking to be less isolated and have better access to resources to meet competitive levels of our Industry. There really are only a few areas on the Globe that are considered to be the “hub” of activity for our Industry which makes it tough on those of us who do not live within easy access and so a great many horse enthusiasts from many places around the globe suffer from the same affliction….no easy access to training tools…or the Competitive Industry is not realistically obtainable.
Can you imagine if we could unite the enthusiasm that exists from all of these Horse Enthusiasts from around the Globe that do not have the advantages that someone in Germany or Wellington Florida might have regarding access to the learning tools or training tools of our Industry?
What if we were to develop a Group that was similar in structure to a “Doctor’s or Teacher’s without Borders” per say….Trainers, Clinicians, Farriers, Veterinarians and Representatives from the FEI and National Agencies would make 3-6 day tours every 4 or 6 months near major city centers of other countries around the world…offering Clinics and Educational Seminars to Industry Enthusiasts. Our ambition would be to take our Industries “Best People” and share our knowledge and our tools with those areas/locations that are in need of assistance regarding improving access and igniting higher levels of enthusiasm and Equine Education as well as competitive involvement within the horse industry.
I for one would be delighted to have such access here in Guadalajara, Mexico, a City of over 7,000,000 people. This State is actually called the “Horse” State of Mexico and there are literally thousands and thousands of horse enthusiasts here….yet there are no Dressage Instructors, few educational tools, and little or no access. How many other places on our Globe are similar?
We as an Industry look forward to encouraging positive growth. Our Competitive International Arena’s at this time appear to be overflowing in places such as Germany, the Netherlands, Florida etc (you get the idea)….however we are still far from being as mosaic as we could be as an Industry on a Global level.
Golf, Tennis even American Football have developed Outreach Programs to enhance growth and awareness of their Industries. Whether we like to consider the importance of this or not, it actually does eventually catch up with each and every one of us (and our horses too for that matter) if we do not recognize the importance of maintaining a competitiveness with other Industries as well as developing within ourselves. Our Sport needs to look for various programs…to stay main stream…. to survive. The entire “World should be our Arena and since our “Horses know no Boarders”…perhaps our Industry’s Specialists shouldn’t either. To subsidize or support the concept of taking our Technologies, skills and Training awareness to the Geographic locations that do not otherwise have easy access to these advantages is an opportunity to promote and shape a brighter future for all of us in the Horse Industry. What do you think?
HIGHER LEVEL DIALOGUE IS NEEDED FOR THE HORSE INDUSTRY!
Thu, 14th January, 2010
Jan 15/2010 - HIGHER LEVEL DIALOGUE IS NEEDED FOR THE HORSE INDUSTRY!
It really is an irony that most of us in the horse Industry have sought out or paid for so many different Experts, books and various gadgetry in the pursuit of learning how to communicate more effectively and positively to our horses…Yet when it comes to each other, I for one, am often frustrated by the extraordinary misquotes, finger pointing and just downright angry comments and believe it is going to take a lot more than a “clicker” or a “carrot” to encourage us to improve dialogue.
Years ago whilst I was employed within the Airline Industry, we faced a similar conundrum. We were at a cross roads with our inability to communicate affectively with not just our clients but each other which made it impossible for our Company to improve Service Quality.
Service Quality Programs have been implemented by many different Industries to encourage and improve the quality of communications within each and every level, between each and every department as well as improving consistency of service quality for the Customer.
As a management level employee, I facilitated a lot of these “Service Quality and Employee programs”. When I was initiated to them I had a preconceived notion that I wasn’t one of the Employees that would really benefit…per say (of course I was very wrong)….and I was certain that they were silly…like wearing name tags at a Company party…which I later realized the importance of…especially after a glass of wine and I was forgetting even my own name…! After several hostile takeovers, pride of Company origin , Employees having to change company colours and don new uniforms, Unions merging, Management converging and a change of “Mission Statement”…we had our work cut out for us and we were all speaking different languages and operating procedures…sounds a bit like the horse industry hmmm! I must say…after many, many sessions, facilitating many different groups around the World….I began to feel empowered by the effectiveness of our attempts at improving the direction of our communications and how constructive we became as a team. The pride I began to develop from this level of respectful dialogue was empowering. It changed how I addressed issues outside of my Industry. This was a multi-use tool and taught the focus to be placed on the ability to make a fix or improvements…not focus on the cause or the blame!
Maybe just maybe, we might consider the introduction of offering Certification or Courses in Effective Communication (like a more elaborate Code of Conduct) to our Agencies, their Management staff, their Employees, Coaches, Trainers, Stewards and yes even our Professional Athletes. We have made tools available to assist our thirst for learning how to communicate to our horses…..why can we not as an Industry make tools available that enable our Professionals and the Stewards of our Industry to lay a path for us, assist us and help show us a higher level of dialogue that empowers all of us and our horses and embodies the concept of decent etiquette within our discipline.
We are all in need of this education and higher ground…but we can certainly use some good examples before us and along the way. Until then I fear we will continue at discourse….to beseech to everyone or anyone we think might listen to us from our “Lonely Ivory Towers”!
It really is an irony that most of us in the horse Industry have sought out or paid for so many different Experts, books and various gadgetry in the pursuit of learning how to communicate more effectively and positively to our horses…Yet when it comes to each other, I for one, am often frustrated by the extraordinary misquotes, finger pointing and just downright angry comments and believe it is going to take a lot more than a “clicker” or a “carrot” to encourage us to improve dialogue.
Years ago whilst I was employed within the Airline Industry, we faced a similar conundrum. We were at a cross roads with our inability to communicate affectively with not just our clients but each other which made it impossible for our Company to improve Service Quality.
Service Quality Programs have been implemented by many different Industries to encourage and improve the quality of communications within each and every level, between each and every department as well as improving consistency of service quality for the Customer.
As a management level employee, I facilitated a lot of these “Service Quality and Employee programs”. When I was initiated to them I had a preconceived notion that I wasn’t one of the Employees that would really benefit…per say (of course I was very wrong)….and I was certain that they were silly…like wearing name tags at a Company party…which I later realized the importance of…especially after a glass of wine and I was forgetting even my own name…! After several hostile takeovers, pride of Company origin , Employees having to change company colours and don new uniforms, Unions merging, Management converging and a change of “Mission Statement”…we had our work cut out for us and we were all speaking different languages and operating procedures…sounds a bit like the horse industry hmmm! I must say…after many, many sessions, facilitating many different groups around the World….I began to feel empowered by the effectiveness of our attempts at improving the direction of our communications and how constructive we became as a team. The pride I began to develop from this level of respectful dialogue was empowering. It changed how I addressed issues outside of my Industry. This was a multi-use tool and taught the focus to be placed on the ability to make a fix or improvements…not focus on the cause or the blame!
Maybe just maybe, we might consider the introduction of offering Certification or Courses in Effective Communication (like a more elaborate Code of Conduct) to our Agencies, their Management staff, their Employees, Coaches, Trainers, Stewards and yes even our Professional Athletes. We have made tools available to assist our thirst for learning how to communicate to our horses…..why can we not as an Industry make tools available that enable our Professionals and the Stewards of our Industry to lay a path for us, assist us and help show us a higher level of dialogue that empowers all of us and our horses and embodies the concept of decent etiquette within our discipline.
We are all in need of this education and higher ground…but we can certainly use some good examples before us and along the way. Until then I fear we will continue at discourse….to beseech to everyone or anyone we think might listen to us from our “Lonely Ivory Towers”!
Isolationism in Dressage and how it is affecting our Sport to the Highest Levels
Tue, 12th January, 2010
Jan. 10/2010 - Isolationism in Dressage and how it is affecting our Sport to the Highest Levels
This Blog is part of a group discussion through Robert Dover’s Doversworld….
For further review please refer to his recent blogs regarding this subject
I have been searching the Internet for definite response/informations released by the FEI regarding their handling of this “Rollkur” matter. Although I see that there have been announcements by the Sports Director, David Holmes of the FEI via an article posted by Euro Dressage, Nov 2009, I am still swimming around looking for a lifesaver regarding the clear path that we need to be on as a Discipline/Sport regarding these kinds of controversies.
I admire and have great respect for the great talents and minds that have been responding to this particular issue and as is the case with most everyone - I too am also of my own opinion regarding this training method. However, whether we are at the top of the Leader Board or at the back of the Barn…it would be less controversy on top of what has already come to light if we were to rally our voices through one Medium – One constant – One Agency.
When controversial training methods come to light it would seem obvious to me that they be suspended until such time as they can be appropriately approved by the Agencies that we have put into place and respectfully rely upon to oversee and ajudiciate matters within our Sport.
I would hope that we can request of our athletes to suspend usage or employment of this training method in the Warm up arenas at FEI Competitions until such time as there has been sufficient investigation and resulting decision as to their ethicacy.
It is especially now that we need to act cohesively regarding the implementation and authority that the FEI has been empowered by (through and on behalf of all of us).
I would appreciate learning how I can better access news from the FEI in a more direct way (I find little info on their site and what references do exist - are buried) and perhaps it is my ineptitude on the internet or that I am extremely isolated here in Mexico…but!!!
I do believe we need to campaign this issue out in the forefront with the FEI at the Helm and to publish this subject openly and thoughtfully and in more obvious and unbiased forums might be extremely prudent at this time. Not to mention coming up with kinder terminology for this training position that might offer perspective to the ambition of the position or sympathy of exercising movement such as – Yoga or “Going Deep” or Stretching….as is desired in the human athlete for sympathy to muscles and ligaments.
I do not know Patrik Kittel but I feel we have left him out on a limb with our lack of support and we need to regroup and reconfigure our system of support for the Sport horses and athletes alike and this needs to be done through the guidance of the FEI – let’s call on them for support so we have the potential to look forward to a less controversial future for any of us.
Thank you Robert Dover for offering us a platform to express our opinions from and for enabling us to become more thoughtful – For our ideas to grow…
Victoria Lee
This Blog is part of a group discussion through Robert Dover’s Doversworld….
For further review please refer to his recent blogs regarding this subject
I have been searching the Internet for definite response/informations released by the FEI regarding their handling of this “Rollkur” matter. Although I see that there have been announcements by the Sports Director, David Holmes of the FEI via an article posted by Euro Dressage, Nov 2009, I am still swimming around looking for a lifesaver regarding the clear path that we need to be on as a Discipline/Sport regarding these kinds of controversies.
I admire and have great respect for the great talents and minds that have been responding to this particular issue and as is the case with most everyone - I too am also of my own opinion regarding this training method. However, whether we are at the top of the Leader Board or at the back of the Barn…it would be less controversy on top of what has already come to light if we were to rally our voices through one Medium – One constant – One Agency.
When controversial training methods come to light it would seem obvious to me that they be suspended until such time as they can be appropriately approved by the Agencies that we have put into place and respectfully rely upon to oversee and ajudiciate matters within our Sport.
I would hope that we can request of our athletes to suspend usage or employment of this training method in the Warm up arenas at FEI Competitions until such time as there has been sufficient investigation and resulting decision as to their ethicacy.
It is especially now that we need to act cohesively regarding the implementation and authority that the FEI has been empowered by (through and on behalf of all of us).
I would appreciate learning how I can better access news from the FEI in a more direct way (I find little info on their site and what references do exist - are buried) and perhaps it is my ineptitude on the internet or that I am extremely isolated here in Mexico…but!!!
I do believe we need to campaign this issue out in the forefront with the FEI at the Helm and to publish this subject openly and thoughtfully and in more obvious and unbiased forums might be extremely prudent at this time. Not to mention coming up with kinder terminology for this training position that might offer perspective to the ambition of the position or sympathy of exercising movement such as – Yoga or “Going Deep” or Stretching….as is desired in the human athlete for sympathy to muscles and ligaments.
I do not know Patrik Kittel but I feel we have left him out on a limb with our lack of support and we need to regroup and reconfigure our system of support for the Sport horses and athletes alike and this needs to be done through the guidance of the FEI – let’s call on them for support so we have the potential to look forward to a less controversial future for any of us.
Thank you Robert Dover for offering us a platform to express our opinions from and for enabling us to become more thoughtful – For our ideas to grow…
Victoria Lee
Don't Give up, Don't Give in and Don't Feel Alone....
Sun, 13th December, 2009
- Dec 13/09 - Don’t look up – Don’t Let go - Don’t give in… and Don’t feel like you are alone!
How are we to slow down the problem with “Unwanted” horses?
In these hard times I am saddened to see the numbers of horses that are being left without homes and or forsaken due to difficult economics. I feel desperate about this and wished I had more capacity to do something positive. I myself am scrambling to survive and continue. I come across many charitable drives to raise money for these misplaced horses and am at a loss as to how I might help beyond the few pennies I can spare. It occurred to me that one thing I might be able to donate is my emotional support as well as perhaps checking in on less fortunate neighbours and offering supplies, equip., or materials that I have and probably will never use or discounting board for a period of time or something that might make a difference for all of us who are struggling to get though these times with our horses in tact.
In my own situation I have already been through an extraordinarily difficult past that placed my horses and my ability to maintain them in extreme jeopardy. I went through a divorce that made “War of the Roses” look like a pillow fight and in the process was left penniless, homeless and without any working skills outside of the horse industry. I had left my career as an airline executive to be a fulltime Horse Farm Operator and when the divorce came along I had been far too many years out of the work force and the Industry I had Training in was collapsing….I had no where to go. I had several horses and dogs and no home. I had very few friends since I had isolated myself on my farm 24/7 and no ability to look for favours, no family to assist me. At one time I worked at a racing stable as a stall mucker and a groom living in a tack room so I had a place for my dogs and traded labour in exchange for my horse stalls. I even worked mowing lawns and weeding gardens to earn extra income. Why am I disclosing these rather personal details….well because the whole time I was scrambling to survive I was guided by an undying love and sense of responsibility towards finding some amenable safe haven for my 4 legged family. It was the only dignity I had left. The only sense of direction during a time when my life had gone from making sense to turning into a shambles. Every day I walked into the barn where my horses were and spent time with each one of them and I knew I was happier trying make every maximum effort to find a better future for them. My horses were so strong for me and so obliging to the environment I had thrown them into….my dogs as well! I can not describe the amount of strength that I drew from my 4 legged family while I rallied to find some way to safety for all of us…no matter what….I could not quit even when I wanted to…who would take care of them, what would happen to them.
As everyone can see…I live a very different life today. My world that collapsed around me, eventually, slowly recuperated. My dogs, my horses and I are still together and of course are enjoying life at a different level. Whenever I walk down the aisle of my barn and look at each one of my family I know that it is they who brought me through the many storms and gave me the fortitude and the reason to fight. Ikor, Korinthe, Kronenritter, Impressario, Kaliente, Sandman and of course little Newtie and Alphie….are my backbone, my strength of character, the essence of all the dreams and aspirations I have in life. Without my 4 legged animals I have no soul. They are indeed the blood that flows through my veins…hence Ikor’s name.
Don’t look up – Don’t let go and don’t give in, you will weather the storm and when you come through, the strength of your relationship with your horse will be something that is irreplaceable.
In the meantime we all need to look around and where ever possible offer support to each other in what ever way we can…and realize that we are not alone, and that together we are stronger. This Industry has to think as a whole in order to move forward and stay in tact since in reality …..we are all keepers of each others horses…. We all need to share the burden of these hard times and lend some support to others where we can. If it were not for that very spirit and sense of humanity in we “horse lovers”….I would not have had the ability to make it through my situation. Now it is time for me to “pay it forward” and I hope in that same spirit we all might look around and see what friend we might be able to help….!
How are we to slow down the problem with “Unwanted” horses?
In these hard times I am saddened to see the numbers of horses that are being left without homes and or forsaken due to difficult economics. I feel desperate about this and wished I had more capacity to do something positive. I myself am scrambling to survive and continue. I come across many charitable drives to raise money for these misplaced horses and am at a loss as to how I might help beyond the few pennies I can spare. It occurred to me that one thing I might be able to donate is my emotional support as well as perhaps checking in on less fortunate neighbours and offering supplies, equip., or materials that I have and probably will never use or discounting board for a period of time or something that might make a difference for all of us who are struggling to get though these times with our horses in tact.
In my own situation I have already been through an extraordinarily difficult past that placed my horses and my ability to maintain them in extreme jeopardy. I went through a divorce that made “War of the Roses” look like a pillow fight and in the process was left penniless, homeless and without any working skills outside of the horse industry. I had left my career as an airline executive to be a fulltime Horse Farm Operator and when the divorce came along I had been far too many years out of the work force and the Industry I had Training in was collapsing….I had no where to go. I had several horses and dogs and no home. I had very few friends since I had isolated myself on my farm 24/7 and no ability to look for favours, no family to assist me. At one time I worked at a racing stable as a stall mucker and a groom living in a tack room so I had a place for my dogs and traded labour in exchange for my horse stalls. I even worked mowing lawns and weeding gardens to earn extra income. Why am I disclosing these rather personal details….well because the whole time I was scrambling to survive I was guided by an undying love and sense of responsibility towards finding some amenable safe haven for my 4 legged family. It was the only dignity I had left. The only sense of direction during a time when my life had gone from making sense to turning into a shambles. Every day I walked into the barn where my horses were and spent time with each one of them and I knew I was happier trying make every maximum effort to find a better future for them. My horses were so strong for me and so obliging to the environment I had thrown them into….my dogs as well! I can not describe the amount of strength that I drew from my 4 legged family while I rallied to find some way to safety for all of us…no matter what….I could not quit even when I wanted to…who would take care of them, what would happen to them.
As everyone can see…I live a very different life today. My world that collapsed around me, eventually, slowly recuperated. My dogs, my horses and I are still together and of course are enjoying life at a different level. Whenever I walk down the aisle of my barn and look at each one of my family I know that it is they who brought me through the many storms and gave me the fortitude and the reason to fight. Ikor, Korinthe, Kronenritter, Impressario, Kaliente, Sandman and of course little Newtie and Alphie….are my backbone, my strength of character, the essence of all the dreams and aspirations I have in life. Without my 4 legged animals I have no soul. They are indeed the blood that flows through my veins…hence Ikor’s name.
Don’t look up – Don’t let go and don’t give in, you will weather the storm and when you come through, the strength of your relationship with your horse will be something that is irreplaceable.
In the meantime we all need to look around and where ever possible offer support to each other in what ever way we can…and realize that we are not alone, and that together we are stronger. This Industry has to think as a whole in order to move forward and stay in tact since in reality …..we are all keepers of each others horses…. We all need to share the burden of these hard times and lend some support to others where we can. If it were not for that very spirit and sense of humanity in we “horse lovers”….I would not have had the ability to make it through my situation. Now it is time for me to “pay it forward” and I hope in that same spirit we all might look around and see what friend we might be able to help….!
For Dec 12/09 - Article by Linda Allen - Does our Sport have to be so exclusive?
Sat, 12th December, 2009
I am attaching this Latest Article by Linda Allen who regularly writes articles for the Chronicle.
Linda lives here at the Lake and also highly regarded here for her experience and expertise in the world of Show Jumping. Linda works tirelessly contributing her time and talents within Equestrian Sport at International Level and it is an honour to have her as my Neighbour.
Published on The Chronicle of the Horse (http://www.chronofhorse.com)
Noted international course designer Linda Allen created the show jumping courses for the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and the 1992 FEI World Cup Finals. She’s a licensed judge, technical delegate and a former international show jumper. She lives in Fillmore, Calif., and San Juan Cosalá, Jalisco, Mexico, and founded the International Jumper Futurity and the Young Jumper Championships. Allen began writing Between Rounds columns in 2001.
Columns
© 2005-2009, The Chronicle of the Horse, All rights reserved
Does Our Sport Have To Be So Exclusive?
By Linda Allen
Created 10/30/2009 - 07:00
Our columnist would like to see show jumping be more inclusive and accessible to all those who love horses and wish to practice the art of horsemanship in this discipline.
I often wonder what my life would be like if I were a youngster today instead of back when I grew up. Just like many of you reading this, I was obsessed with horses from a very young age.
My parents were supportive of my addiction, yet they were of modest means, and trainer/instructors in English riding were not to be found within 100 miles of where we lived. Despite these handicaps, I managed eventually to achieve many of my goals on the national and even international levels.
Could the same be done today?
I honestly don’t know. While I never had the benefit of full-time training or coaching, my success was largely due to some top professionals who were willing to give me their best help. They did so despite the fact that I could only get to them on a sporadic basis and even though we never bought a single horse from any of them. I fear that many of today’s top professionals are just too busy to do the same for a kid like me.
I never had good horses to take to shows—we just couldn’t afford them—yet my personal goal always was to get to the next level up. I didn’t win as much, but I’m sure that I learned far more, with my mediocre stock. But, most importantly, the professionals who helped me were willing to accept me for who I was, what I was working toward, and with all of the limitations that our finances imposed.
Breaking In
In the various clinics that I do with Pony Clubs around the country, I’m saddened, but not surprised, by the comments that “show jumping is the most difficult discipline to get involved in.” Eventing and even dressage are far easier, according to everyone I speak to.
They cite three factors for this situation: the cost, the dearth of good instructors willing to work with average horses, and the “friendliness factor.” It’s not just Pony Clubbers who feel this way; these same three items are frequently mentioned discouragements to other individuals who are trying to go forward in the sport without turning themselves and their horses over to a full-time training program.
There’s no doubt that costs are through the roof. Even many of our most successful grand prix riders say that this is the major issue facing the sport in this country today.
Some people are making their feelings known to the U.S. Equestrian Federation via the newly formed North American Riders Group. For a variety of reasons, the costs associated with competing in show jumping are easily three to four times higher than anywhere else in the world. If our most successful riders are finding it impossible to develop young horses for top sport here in the United States, it’s not surprising that it’s equally difficult to develop riding talent in any but the most financially advantaged youth of today.
The answer to this dilemma isn’t an easy one, but in large part I believe that the problem stems from the loss of quality smaller shows—the sort that offers riders and horses a less expensive option for working on their skills and gaining experience before graduating to the larger, and more expensive, events.
While it’s impossible to generalize in this big country of ours, it’s clear that the number of areas that offer quality schooling or B- or C-rated shows is quite small. More commonly, the choice comes down to either attending lower quality schooling shows—that bear little resemblance to the sport at a higher level—or paying top dollar at the A- or AA-rated level.
The “one size fits all” shows that we see so much of these days have a lot to offer for professionals. They can go to a single venue with a broad range of clients—all the way from someone attending their first show up to the grand prix competitor.
It’s also become the most successful financial model for show organizers. The literally hundreds of well-filled classes that offer little beyond a few ribbons can foot the bill for the handful of classes that offer impressive prize money.
Unfortunately, for those without a bottomless pocketbook, the plethora of extravaganza horse shows has closed the door on the smaller shows that could offer the opportunity to develop skills at a more reasonable cost.
Few would disagree that this is a sport of experience: the more you get, the further and faster you progress. When that experience can only be obtained at a cost of $1,000 to $3,000 per show per horse (above and beyond the costs of board, training, shoeing, veterinary care, travel, etc., not to mention the cost of the horse itself), the show jumping discipline becomes out of reach for most of the horse-loving population.
This same phenomenon that gives us the “one size fits all” horse show has also robbed us of many of the good instructors that are so necessary for teaching basic riding and jumping skills.
Just as Tiger Woods’ coach is unlikely to have the right skill set (or the patience) to teach me to play golf, our most gifted trainers and riders seldom make suitable teachers for imparting basic skills to new equestrians.
Yet areas of expertise are becoming blurred. We see some pros with borderline knowledge and experience ending up with grand prix horses and riders in their care, while those with great talent and many miles at the highest levels often must take on novice riders to keep their barn full.
When everyone is playing at the same tournament every week it’s hard for the newcomer to tell the difference, making salesmanship often a more valuable talent than horsemanship for making a good living in our sport.
Making a living in the horse business is no easy feat, but the challenge of meeting the expenses of a full show schedule is certainly making it harder for even the most generous professional to mentor even the most dedicated, talented and hard-working young rider unless he can afford to pay full fare.
In eventing and dressage one often sees top names doing clinics for all levels of competitors, most often with the simple aim of imparting knowledge. Yet I frequently hear the story that some jumping clinicians fail to have the same level of interest in their students unless a horse sale or full-time client is in the offing. This isn’t the sort of image that most of us would like to see in our sport.
The Cold Shoulder
What I’m calling the “friendliness factor” is something that I hear about in most every part of the country from participants at many levels of the sport. Perhaps I should call it the “unfriendliness factor,” since the comments are often about feeling totally unwelcome when they attend a show.
Obviously this varies greatly from one part of the country to another, and one show to another, but all too often the only ones who seem to be truly welcome in the show office or at the back gate are a handful of BNTs (big-name trainers).
The little guy with one or two horses who pays his bills and follows the rules is all too often made to feel like he wandered into the wrong place and doesn’t belong there at all. I know of more than a few people whose first love was show jumping but who made the decision to move to another discipline for this reason alone.
I’m not sure where this attitude on the part of some shows and some competitors comes from, but in my riding days I frequently turned up as a complete newcomer at various shows all over North America and in Europe. I was always amazed at the gracious and warm welcome accorded a totally unknown rider when I went anywhere in Canada and throughout Europe.
I was equally dismayed by the cool attitude with which I was initially treated when I arrived as an unknown at a new venue on the U.S. circuit. Only after winning some good ribbons did it seem that I became worthy of a reply to my daily “good morning!”
This memory was many years ago, and many of those people who seemed cold and unwelcoming initially became good friends later, but my experiences those many years ago make it easy to identify with what others tell me about how they feel in the show offices and at the in-gates around the country today.
I think that our sport has simply become so fixated on the “professional trainer/client” model that anyone who fails to fit the mold can seem like an oddity who doesn’t really fit in. Fortunately, in most places outside of the United States people tend to be judged more on their own merit and less on whom they arrive at the event with. It doesn’t make the sport any less elite; it just makes it friendlier.
This is an uncomfortable subject to broach, but it’s one that has been on my mind for some time now. Nearly every trip I take I meet people who share our love of the sport but find it increasingly difficult to become or remain a participant in it.
Never a month goes by that I don’t receive e-mail from someone asking why this particular discipline is so much more difficult to get started in than most others. It would be nice to say that they are mistaken, but I know they’re not.
I truly wish that our sport in this country was organized in a way that anyone with a modicum of talent, who was willing to work hard, persevere, and avail themselves of any and every opportunity that might come along could still reach serious goals.
Shouldn’t we be able to offer a sport where an individual could simply embark on a quest to become a better horseman—in an atmosphere of good fellowship and good sportsmanship?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Columns
© 2005-2009, The Chronicle of the Horse, All rights reserved
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Source URL: http://www.chronofhorse.com/article/does-our-sport-have-be-so-exclusive
Linda lives here at the Lake and also highly regarded here for her experience and expertise in the world of Show Jumping. Linda works tirelessly contributing her time and talents within Equestrian Sport at International Level and it is an honour to have her as my Neighbour.
Published on The Chronicle of the Horse (http://www.chronofhorse.com)
Noted international course designer Linda Allen created the show jumping courses for the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and the 1992 FEI World Cup Finals. She’s a licensed judge, technical delegate and a former international show jumper. She lives in Fillmore, Calif., and San Juan Cosalá, Jalisco, Mexico, and founded the International Jumper Futurity and the Young Jumper Championships. Allen began writing Between Rounds columns in 2001.
Columns
© 2005-2009, The Chronicle of the Horse, All rights reserved
Does Our Sport Have To Be So Exclusive?
By Linda Allen
Created 10/30/2009 - 07:00
Our columnist would like to see show jumping be more inclusive and accessible to all those who love horses and wish to practice the art of horsemanship in this discipline.
I often wonder what my life would be like if I were a youngster today instead of back when I grew up. Just like many of you reading this, I was obsessed with horses from a very young age.
My parents were supportive of my addiction, yet they were of modest means, and trainer/instructors in English riding were not to be found within 100 miles of where we lived. Despite these handicaps, I managed eventually to achieve many of my goals on the national and even international levels.
Could the same be done today?
I honestly don’t know. While I never had the benefit of full-time training or coaching, my success was largely due to some top professionals who were willing to give me their best help. They did so despite the fact that I could only get to them on a sporadic basis and even though we never bought a single horse from any of them. I fear that many of today’s top professionals are just too busy to do the same for a kid like me.
I never had good horses to take to shows—we just couldn’t afford them—yet my personal goal always was to get to the next level up. I didn’t win as much, but I’m sure that I learned far more, with my mediocre stock. But, most importantly, the professionals who helped me were willing to accept me for who I was, what I was working toward, and with all of the limitations that our finances imposed.
Breaking In
In the various clinics that I do with Pony Clubs around the country, I’m saddened, but not surprised, by the comments that “show jumping is the most difficult discipline to get involved in.” Eventing and even dressage are far easier, according to everyone I speak to.
They cite three factors for this situation: the cost, the dearth of good instructors willing to work with average horses, and the “friendliness factor.” It’s not just Pony Clubbers who feel this way; these same three items are frequently mentioned discouragements to other individuals who are trying to go forward in the sport without turning themselves and their horses over to a full-time training program.
There’s no doubt that costs are through the roof. Even many of our most successful grand prix riders say that this is the major issue facing the sport in this country today.
Some people are making their feelings known to the U.S. Equestrian Federation via the newly formed North American Riders Group. For a variety of reasons, the costs associated with competing in show jumping are easily three to four times higher than anywhere else in the world. If our most successful riders are finding it impossible to develop young horses for top sport here in the United States, it’s not surprising that it’s equally difficult to develop riding talent in any but the most financially advantaged youth of today.
The answer to this dilemma isn’t an easy one, but in large part I believe that the problem stems from the loss of quality smaller shows—the sort that offers riders and horses a less expensive option for working on their skills and gaining experience before graduating to the larger, and more expensive, events.
While it’s impossible to generalize in this big country of ours, it’s clear that the number of areas that offer quality schooling or B- or C-rated shows is quite small. More commonly, the choice comes down to either attending lower quality schooling shows—that bear little resemblance to the sport at a higher level—or paying top dollar at the A- or AA-rated level.
The “one size fits all” shows that we see so much of these days have a lot to offer for professionals. They can go to a single venue with a broad range of clients—all the way from someone attending their first show up to the grand prix competitor.
It’s also become the most successful financial model for show organizers. The literally hundreds of well-filled classes that offer little beyond a few ribbons can foot the bill for the handful of classes that offer impressive prize money.
Unfortunately, for those without a bottomless pocketbook, the plethora of extravaganza horse shows has closed the door on the smaller shows that could offer the opportunity to develop skills at a more reasonable cost.
Few would disagree that this is a sport of experience: the more you get, the further and faster you progress. When that experience can only be obtained at a cost of $1,000 to $3,000 per show per horse (above and beyond the costs of board, training, shoeing, veterinary care, travel, etc., not to mention the cost of the horse itself), the show jumping discipline becomes out of reach for most of the horse-loving population.
This same phenomenon that gives us the “one size fits all” horse show has also robbed us of many of the good instructors that are so necessary for teaching basic riding and jumping skills.
Just as Tiger Woods’ coach is unlikely to have the right skill set (or the patience) to teach me to play golf, our most gifted trainers and riders seldom make suitable teachers for imparting basic skills to new equestrians.
Yet areas of expertise are becoming blurred. We see some pros with borderline knowledge and experience ending up with grand prix horses and riders in their care, while those with great talent and many miles at the highest levels often must take on novice riders to keep their barn full.
When everyone is playing at the same tournament every week it’s hard for the newcomer to tell the difference, making salesmanship often a more valuable talent than horsemanship for making a good living in our sport.
Making a living in the horse business is no easy feat, but the challenge of meeting the expenses of a full show schedule is certainly making it harder for even the most generous professional to mentor even the most dedicated, talented and hard-working young rider unless he can afford to pay full fare.
In eventing and dressage one often sees top names doing clinics for all levels of competitors, most often with the simple aim of imparting knowledge. Yet I frequently hear the story that some jumping clinicians fail to have the same level of interest in their students unless a horse sale or full-time client is in the offing. This isn’t the sort of image that most of us would like to see in our sport.
The Cold Shoulder
What I’m calling the “friendliness factor” is something that I hear about in most every part of the country from participants at many levels of the sport. Perhaps I should call it the “unfriendliness factor,” since the comments are often about feeling totally unwelcome when they attend a show.
Obviously this varies greatly from one part of the country to another, and one show to another, but all too often the only ones who seem to be truly welcome in the show office or at the back gate are a handful of BNTs (big-name trainers).
The little guy with one or two horses who pays his bills and follows the rules is all too often made to feel like he wandered into the wrong place and doesn’t belong there at all. I know of more than a few people whose first love was show jumping but who made the decision to move to another discipline for this reason alone.
I’m not sure where this attitude on the part of some shows and some competitors comes from, but in my riding days I frequently turned up as a complete newcomer at various shows all over North America and in Europe. I was always amazed at the gracious and warm welcome accorded a totally unknown rider when I went anywhere in Canada and throughout Europe.
I was equally dismayed by the cool attitude with which I was initially treated when I arrived as an unknown at a new venue on the U.S. circuit. Only after winning some good ribbons did it seem that I became worthy of a reply to my daily “good morning!”
This memory was many years ago, and many of those people who seemed cold and unwelcoming initially became good friends later, but my experiences those many years ago make it easy to identify with what others tell me about how they feel in the show offices and at the in-gates around the country today.
I think that our sport has simply become so fixated on the “professional trainer/client” model that anyone who fails to fit the mold can seem like an oddity who doesn’t really fit in. Fortunately, in most places outside of the United States people tend to be judged more on their own merit and less on whom they arrive at the event with. It doesn’t make the sport any less elite; it just makes it friendlier.
This is an uncomfortable subject to broach, but it’s one that has been on my mind for some time now. Nearly every trip I take I meet people who share our love of the sport but find it increasingly difficult to become or remain a participant in it.
Never a month goes by that I don’t receive e-mail from someone asking why this particular discipline is so much more difficult to get started in than most others. It would be nice to say that they are mistaken, but I know they’re not.
I truly wish that our sport in this country was organized in a way that anyone with a modicum of talent, who was willing to work hard, persevere, and avail themselves of any and every opportunity that might come along could still reach serious goals.
Shouldn’t we be able to offer a sport where an individual could simply embark on a quest to become a better horseman—in an atmosphere of good fellowship and good sportsmanship?
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Columns
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Source URL: http://www.chronofhorse.com/article/does-our-sport-have-be-so-exclusive
Dressage in Mexico
Wed, 9th December, 2009
Eurodressage F.O.C.U.S.
Dressage in Latin America and the Caribbean
November 19, 2009 - by Jennifer Koppy
One judge and three FEI-level riders share their stories
Comments by Maribel ALonso "O" judge - Mexico
The globalisation of dressage has been a topic of interest to the FEI and a number of initiatives, including those of the Dressage Task Force, have focused on strategies to expand the sport in developing countries. With the WEG coming up in 2010 the spotlight will be not only on the powerhouse nations in Europe and the United States, but we will be hearing more about riders from developing countries. What makes the achievements of these riders and horses interesting is that they often face obstacles most riders would never consider – such as complete lack of infrastructure to support a horse, including hay, grain, and veterinary care.
For this article, Eurodressage's Jennifer Koppy talked to several dressage professionals to explore the potential for the growth of dressage in their home countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, including Maribel Alonso (Mexico, "O" judge), Marco Bernal (Colombia), Luis Reteguiz-Denizard (Puerto Rico) and Yvonne Losos de Muñiz (Dominican Republic).
These pros have been instrumental in introducing dressage to their countries. With the World Equestrian Games on the horizon for next year these riders are giving it their all, because achieving competitive success at the WEG in 2010 could determine their country’s willingness to support a trip to London for the Olympics in 2012. "I am, of course, very much looking forward to competing at these events for myself. But I also am very aware that my success or failure will have an impact on the growth of dressage in Puerto Rico" said Denizard. He noted that international success goes a long way to inspiring equestrians in developing regions to try out dressage and it also helps capture the attention of the local Olympic Committees, which is crucial for many who do not have the personal funds to cover all the costs of competition.
Being a great distance away from FEI-level dressage competitions, many riders have relocated themselves and their families, or spend significant amounts of time traveling to train and compete. The riders with whom we spoke all know the importance of spending time in the competition ring to stay relevant in this demanding sport.
The challenges that riders from developing countries (defined as geographies and countries that are developing their capabilities and infrastructure to support dressage) face are very different from those that riders in the powerhouse European nations and even those in the United States encounter. Proximity to competitions, availability of quality horses, and access to top trainers are common obstacles. Mexico's Maribel Alonso, "O" judge, has been instrumental in shaping the global expansion of the sport. She views access to quality horses as the real key to success. "In Europe many riders have their horses in their backyard and in Latin and South America, the contact to horses is not as easy and natural."
Alonso's efforts in promoting dressage in Mexico have included creating a database that helps her region as well as the FEI address issues and allocate resources, both human and material, that could eventually yield results. Her current mission is helping the FEI focus more on the children and youth as the future of the sport.
Specific to dressage in Latin America and the Caribbean, Alonso said, "the required discipline is not always easy for our mentality, nevertheless we have proven that we are capable of reaching the high-level standards of the sport." At the 1995 Pan American Games in Argentina, Mexico beat the Americans and Canadian, taking the Gold Team and Gold Individual in dressage. And in 1997, Mexico won the North American Championships at the Grand Prix level, again both the team and individual competitions.
The mentality of which Alonso speaks? Perhaps this is the generalization that Latin Americans, a passionate and artistic culture, lack the discipline and focus to achieve success in such a highly focused and exact sport such as dressage.
Certainly many differences exist between cultures and geographies, but a common thread seems to be that "aha" inspirational moment that riders experience when they sit on a good horse and realize the magic in the connection. Bernal, Denizard, and Losos de Muñiz all can pinpoint the specific ride when they became interested in pursuing dressage, which led to them introducing dressage to riders in their home countries.
Mexico's Bernadette Pujals is a good example of success. At the 2006 World Equestrian Games in Aachen, Pujals placed 10th in the Grand Prix Special and in the Freestyle competition. At the 2008 Hong Kong Olympic Games, Pujals placed 9th overall. Although dressage is still second to show jumping in Mexico (and in the majority of countries worldwide) the dressage federation has grown significantly. The Mexican Olympic Committee is especially proud of Pujals and will support her in the upcoming international competitions.
One of the setbacks Mexico has faced, however, is the impact of the dismal economy on the growth of the sport. Just when things were beginning to take off competitively, the financial collapse and ensuing recession slowed down investments in new horses, training, and sponsorships. " The good riders keep on working," Alonso explained. "We do hope that once this crisis begins to improve, we are going back to our normal programs. Nevertheless, our Federation and the Official Sports Organizations are supporting the teams that will be at the Central American and Pan American Games, and one or two individuals for the WEG."
For more of this article
http://www.eurodressage.com/news/focus/foc_latinamerica.html
Dressage in Latin America and the Caribbean
November 19, 2009 - by Jennifer Koppy
One judge and three FEI-level riders share their stories
Comments by Maribel ALonso "O" judge - Mexico
The globalisation of dressage has been a topic of interest to the FEI and a number of initiatives, including those of the Dressage Task Force, have focused on strategies to expand the sport in developing countries. With the WEG coming up in 2010 the spotlight will be not only on the powerhouse nations in Europe and the United States, but we will be hearing more about riders from developing countries. What makes the achievements of these riders and horses interesting is that they often face obstacles most riders would never consider – such as complete lack of infrastructure to support a horse, including hay, grain, and veterinary care.
For this article, Eurodressage's Jennifer Koppy talked to several dressage professionals to explore the potential for the growth of dressage in their home countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, including Maribel Alonso (Mexico, "O" judge), Marco Bernal (Colombia), Luis Reteguiz-Denizard (Puerto Rico) and Yvonne Losos de Muñiz (Dominican Republic).
These pros have been instrumental in introducing dressage to their countries. With the World Equestrian Games on the horizon for next year these riders are giving it their all, because achieving competitive success at the WEG in 2010 could determine their country’s willingness to support a trip to London for the Olympics in 2012. "I am, of course, very much looking forward to competing at these events for myself. But I also am very aware that my success or failure will have an impact on the growth of dressage in Puerto Rico" said Denizard. He noted that international success goes a long way to inspiring equestrians in developing regions to try out dressage and it also helps capture the attention of the local Olympic Committees, which is crucial for many who do not have the personal funds to cover all the costs of competition.
Being a great distance away from FEI-level dressage competitions, many riders have relocated themselves and their families, or spend significant amounts of time traveling to train and compete. The riders with whom we spoke all know the importance of spending time in the competition ring to stay relevant in this demanding sport.
The challenges that riders from developing countries (defined as geographies and countries that are developing their capabilities and infrastructure to support dressage) face are very different from those that riders in the powerhouse European nations and even those in the United States encounter. Proximity to competitions, availability of quality horses, and access to top trainers are common obstacles. Mexico's Maribel Alonso, "O" judge, has been instrumental in shaping the global expansion of the sport. She views access to quality horses as the real key to success. "In Europe many riders have their horses in their backyard and in Latin and South America, the contact to horses is not as easy and natural."
Alonso's efforts in promoting dressage in Mexico have included creating a database that helps her region as well as the FEI address issues and allocate resources, both human and material, that could eventually yield results. Her current mission is helping the FEI focus more on the children and youth as the future of the sport.
Specific to dressage in Latin America and the Caribbean, Alonso said, "the required discipline is not always easy for our mentality, nevertheless we have proven that we are capable of reaching the high-level standards of the sport." At the 1995 Pan American Games in Argentina, Mexico beat the Americans and Canadian, taking the Gold Team and Gold Individual in dressage. And in 1997, Mexico won the North American Championships at the Grand Prix level, again both the team and individual competitions.
The mentality of which Alonso speaks? Perhaps this is the generalization that Latin Americans, a passionate and artistic culture, lack the discipline and focus to achieve success in such a highly focused and exact sport such as dressage.
Certainly many differences exist between cultures and geographies, but a common thread seems to be that "aha" inspirational moment that riders experience when they sit on a good horse and realize the magic in the connection. Bernal, Denizard, and Losos de Muñiz all can pinpoint the specific ride when they became interested in pursuing dressage, which led to them introducing dressage to riders in their home countries.
Mexico's Bernadette Pujals is a good example of success. At the 2006 World Equestrian Games in Aachen, Pujals placed 10th in the Grand Prix Special and in the Freestyle competition. At the 2008 Hong Kong Olympic Games, Pujals placed 9th overall. Although dressage is still second to show jumping in Mexico (and in the majority of countries worldwide) the dressage federation has grown significantly. The Mexican Olympic Committee is especially proud of Pujals and will support her in the upcoming international competitions.
One of the setbacks Mexico has faced, however, is the impact of the dismal economy on the growth of the sport. Just when things were beginning to take off competitively, the financial collapse and ensuing recession slowed down investments in new horses, training, and sponsorships. " The good riders keep on working," Alonso explained. "We do hope that once this crisis begins to improve, we are going back to our normal programs. Nevertheless, our Federation and the Official Sports Organizations are supporting the teams that will be at the Central American and Pan American Games, and one or two individuals for the WEG."
For more of this article
http://www.eurodressage.com/news/focus/foc_latinamerica.html
How Safe is it in Mexico - Do you need Private Security
Tue, 8th December, 2009
-Q- From Michael Dec 08/09 - How safe is the place....do you need private security?
Michael: I get that question a lot. I live in the countryside here...I am surrounded by mexican farmers who have lived here through many generations...they are my security. Statistically...the last place I lived near when I was in...Langley B.C. is close to being one of the highest crime rates for car theft in N.A. It is pretty good here for police protection...I have lived all over the world....I have never felt safer anywhere...then here....
There are gated communities with 24 security for those who are less confident than I am....and then pretty much everyone here has a dog or two (or seven if you are ...more like me) and most dogs get a great deal of respect here.....Bienvenido a mexico....
Michael: I get that question a lot. I live in the countryside here...I am surrounded by mexican farmers who have lived here through many generations...they are my security. Statistically...the last place I lived near when I was in...Langley B.C. is close to being one of the highest crime rates for car theft in N.A. It is pretty good here for police protection...I have lived all over the world....I have never felt safer anywhere...then here....
There are gated communities with 24 security for those who are less confident than I am....and then pretty much everyone here has a dog or two (or seven if you are ...more like me) and most dogs get a great deal of respect here.....Bienvenido a mexico....
Can Americans work in your area - Are there boarding stables
Sun, 6th December, 2009
-Q- from Penelope:
"What is the job market for americans like in mexico? Are there any boarding stables that are good? Is it hard to find farms for sale? Are there any dressage trainers to take lessons from? Do they have any dressage shows?"
Hi Penelope: I am only capable of remarking about the Horse Industry in the Lake Chapala area. I have very limited awareness of the Horse Industry outside of my immediate locale. If there are any other Equestrians from Mexico that can offer insight…love to hear from you. Some of your questions are already answered on other blogs on this site. The job market here for Expats…is subject to the skills and talents or investment capabilities of those persons who come here and wish to work. There are several opportunities here since this area is burgeoning with expats and the growth here is I believe the highest (in that regard) then anywhere else in Mexico. The entire Country is starting to become competitive and attractive as a positive growth economy. The regulations here for expats regarding working visas are extremely reasonable. There are very few Boarding Stables here at Lake Chapala. My farm – Kings Crossing is the only stable in this immediate area that offers the same facilitation of horse care and riding surfaces or areas that would be comparable to North American standards. There are very few Dressage trainers here, I believe I may be the only one in this area……! Joaquin Orth is in Mexico City but is available for weekend clinics. There are Dressage shows all over Mexico. If you are interested in getting a feel for the area..look at the real estate sites on the internet for this area. There are no other farms for horses for sale here….you can purchase land and of course construct. This area is just growing along with the horse industry here. You would be a big fish in a little Pond….that is for sure!
"What is the job market for americans like in mexico? Are there any boarding stables that are good? Is it hard to find farms for sale? Are there any dressage trainers to take lessons from? Do they have any dressage shows?"
Hi Penelope: I am only capable of remarking about the Horse Industry in the Lake Chapala area. I have very limited awareness of the Horse Industry outside of my immediate locale. If there are any other Equestrians from Mexico that can offer insight…love to hear from you. Some of your questions are already answered on other blogs on this site. The job market here for Expats…is subject to the skills and talents or investment capabilities of those persons who come here and wish to work. There are several opportunities here since this area is burgeoning with expats and the growth here is I believe the highest (in that regard) then anywhere else in Mexico. The entire Country is starting to become competitive and attractive as a positive growth economy. The regulations here for expats regarding working visas are extremely reasonable. There are very few Boarding Stables here at Lake Chapala. My farm – Kings Crossing is the only stable in this immediate area that offers the same facilitation of horse care and riding surfaces or areas that would be comparable to North American standards. There are very few Dressage trainers here, I believe I may be the only one in this area……! Joaquin Orth is in Mexico City but is available for weekend clinics. There are Dressage shows all over Mexico. If you are interested in getting a feel for the area..look at the real estate sites on the internet for this area. There are no other farms for horses for sale here….you can purchase land and of course construct. This area is just growing along with the horse industry here. You would be a big fish in a little Pond….that is for sure!
Is it easy for an American to buy property in Mexico and what about Length of Stay?
Sat, 5th December, 2009
-Q - Erica - Sat, 5th December, 2009
Hello from California,
I see your place is for sale. How difficult is it for Americans to buy a place in Mexico?? Is there a lot of paperwork, do I have to live there year around?
Thanks, Erica
Hi Erica – There are a ton of Internet Sites and supporting info on this subject. A book “The People’s Guide to Mexico” is extremely popular and offers lots of info as well.
My own personal reasons for moving to Mexico were based on affordability and Length of Stay. I did not have the “Bucks” (or loonies) to afford the constant travel with horses back and forth between Sun destinations and the Great White North. I could not afford to sustain a horse property in Canada at the same time as one in the deep South. It was definitely cost prohibitive for me to trailer, rent and pay people at both ends to maintain farms blah, blah and being restricted to my length of stay in the States made it impossible for me to own a property exclusively in the States and actually afford it……so here I am in Margarita Land and realizing it was the best thing that ever happened tome….and God Bless Poverty….cause I have never lived “soooo gooood” (nor have my horses)!
I live in the highest concentration of Expats in Mexico…so our culture and our language is really well supported here…….all while I pay less for everything here including labour….and earn more in Interest in the Banks here with an exchange on my currency that gives me yet more miles with my “Loonie”…! Yes, there are some sacrifices…but the Pro’s far, far outweigh the Cons in my books….it is a personal choice!!!
P.S. most expats here do not speak spanish....they survive very well....I hope though that it is a work in progress for most....spanish is very beautiful language!
Hello from California,
I see your place is for sale. How difficult is it for Americans to buy a place in Mexico?? Is there a lot of paperwork, do I have to live there year around?
Thanks, Erica
Hi Erica – There are a ton of Internet Sites and supporting info on this subject. A book “The People’s Guide to Mexico” is extremely popular and offers lots of info as well.
My own personal reasons for moving to Mexico were based on affordability and Length of Stay. I did not have the “Bucks” (or loonies) to afford the constant travel with horses back and forth between Sun destinations and the Great White North. I could not afford to sustain a horse property in Canada at the same time as one in the deep South. It was definitely cost prohibitive for me to trailer, rent and pay people at both ends to maintain farms blah, blah and being restricted to my length of stay in the States made it impossible for me to own a property exclusively in the States and actually afford it……so here I am in Margarita Land and realizing it was the best thing that ever happened tome….and God Bless Poverty….cause I have never lived “soooo gooood” (nor have my horses)!
I live in the highest concentration of Expats in Mexico…so our culture and our language is really well supported here…….all while I pay less for everything here including labour….and earn more in Interest in the Banks here with an exchange on my currency that gives me yet more miles with my “Loonie”…! Yes, there are some sacrifices…but the Pro’s far, far outweigh the Cons in my books….it is a personal choice!!!
P.S. most expats here do not speak spanish....they survive very well....I hope though that it is a work in progress for most....spanish is very beautiful language!
Transporting Horses to and around Mexico
Fri, 4th December, 2009
- Q- from Kathy dec 03/09 Hi Victoria, I am wondering how hard it would be for me to bring my horse down to Mexico. I would like to drive my own trailer through the border from the States.
Hello Kathy: Bienvenido a Mexico…
Hmmmm…trailering your horse to Mexico and around the country…!!!
Wow…this is a subject matter that is hard for me since I still have a -thorn in my side- regarding my experiences trying to trailer horses to Mexico and or drive a 1-ton dually around anywhere here without realizing extraordinary frustration. Some of the frustration definitely came from naivety on my part as well as many foolish assumptions.
Firstly...If your are considering bringing your horse(s) to Mexico, aside from the necessary Health requirements and Documentation you will be wise to determine the absolute necessity of you being the agency to transport your horse(s) or if it is possible to rely on Commercial Haulers from Point to Point. The ability to contend with Customs (on either side of the Border) may be faster and more efficiently handled by Commercial Horse Transport Haulers who are familiar with as well as known by the Customs Officials and the appropriate Brokers that will be required. If you are bringing horses to Mexico permanently you might be better off using your trailer space for personal or horse related supplies (other then hay/feed or bedding).
There are several reliable Commercial Horse Transport Haulers on both sides of the Border and their experience might make a huge positive difference for your journey.
The reality is that the cost for paying Commercial Haulers from Point to Point as well as the ability for them to help you negotiate appropriate and reasonable brokerage fees and then of course your ability to thereby utilize your horse trailer to haul personal effects more cheaply then a Moving Company may be the cheapest approach to transporting your horses to Mexico over all…..just a suggestion….!!!
If you are coming to Mexico with your horse(s) temporarily it is of course more likely that you will be the agency to transport your own stock. I would recommend coming through the Laredo Border. There is a high volume of performance horses and professional rigs going through this particular border point on a regular basis. The highway systems and conditions on either side of this crossing are also excellent including available “Horse Overnights” accommodating border crossing preparations.
To drive around Mexico with your horse on a competitive schedule would be better handled with a truck smaller than a dually since some road conditions in some areas are extremely narrow and difficult to traverse in a VW Beetle let alone a large truck and perhaps a trailer. The smaller the horse trailer the better.
Remember this, once in Mexico and living here or on an extended stay… you will require a special license called a “Gia” to transport your horse anywhere. This license is acquired each time you need to transport and is valid only for the day of travel and must be obtained from the town that you wish to transport from or within. This system is very frustrating but also very rigid, if you are pulled over by Police here and do not have the appropriate “Gia” or license as well as validation documents proving ownership of the horse(s) you have in your trailer, it is very possible the trailer with the horses in it will be hauled away via tow truck. The “Gia’s are cheap…but really inconvenient to obtain since Offices (associated with the town’s governing agricultural department) distributing these Gia’s are not exactly on every street corner nor do they have average Office hours (some Veterinarians are authorized to distribute Gia’s).
As stated….there are several reliable and professional Horse Transport companies here in Mexico and they are probably more cost effective and efficient at transporting you and your horse(s) to and from the Border as well as from Horse show to Horse show here…that way you can have your margarita’s and drink them too!!!
Hello Kathy: Bienvenido a Mexico…
Hmmmm…trailering your horse to Mexico and around the country…!!!
Wow…this is a subject matter that is hard for me since I still have a -thorn in my side- regarding my experiences trying to trailer horses to Mexico and or drive a 1-ton dually around anywhere here without realizing extraordinary frustration. Some of the frustration definitely came from naivety on my part as well as many foolish assumptions.
Firstly...If your are considering bringing your horse(s) to Mexico, aside from the necessary Health requirements and Documentation you will be wise to determine the absolute necessity of you being the agency to transport your horse(s) or if it is possible to rely on Commercial Haulers from Point to Point. The ability to contend with Customs (on either side of the Border) may be faster and more efficiently handled by Commercial Horse Transport Haulers who are familiar with as well as known by the Customs Officials and the appropriate Brokers that will be required. If you are bringing horses to Mexico permanently you might be better off using your trailer space for personal or horse related supplies (other then hay/feed or bedding).
There are several reliable Commercial Horse Transport Haulers on both sides of the Border and their experience might make a huge positive difference for your journey.
The reality is that the cost for paying Commercial Haulers from Point to Point as well as the ability for them to help you negotiate appropriate and reasonable brokerage fees and then of course your ability to thereby utilize your horse trailer to haul personal effects more cheaply then a Moving Company may be the cheapest approach to transporting your horses to Mexico over all…..just a suggestion….!!!
If you are coming to Mexico with your horse(s) temporarily it is of course more likely that you will be the agency to transport your own stock. I would recommend coming through the Laredo Border. There is a high volume of performance horses and professional rigs going through this particular border point on a regular basis. The highway systems and conditions on either side of this crossing are also excellent including available “Horse Overnights” accommodating border crossing preparations.
To drive around Mexico with your horse on a competitive schedule would be better handled with a truck smaller than a dually since some road conditions in some areas are extremely narrow and difficult to traverse in a VW Beetle let alone a large truck and perhaps a trailer. The smaller the horse trailer the better.
Remember this, once in Mexico and living here or on an extended stay… you will require a special license called a “Gia” to transport your horse anywhere. This license is acquired each time you need to transport and is valid only for the day of travel and must be obtained from the town that you wish to transport from or within. This system is very frustrating but also very rigid, if you are pulled over by Police here and do not have the appropriate “Gia” or license as well as validation documents proving ownership of the horse(s) you have in your trailer, it is very possible the trailer with the horses in it will be hauled away via tow truck. The “Gia’s are cheap…but really inconvenient to obtain since Offices (associated with the town’s governing agricultural department) distributing these Gia’s are not exactly on every street corner nor do they have average Office hours (some Veterinarians are authorized to distribute Gia’s).
As stated….there are several reliable and professional Horse Transport companies here in Mexico and they are probably more cost effective and efficient at transporting you and your horse(s) to and from the Border as well as from Horse show to Horse show here…that way you can have your margarita’s and drink them too!!!
Q - What is the Equestrian Industry like in Puerto Vallarta
Wed, 2nd December, 2009
Q - from Coleen - Dec. 02/09
Thank you so much for response, Victoria. It was much as I expected, but you had some good points that I had not considered. You are definitely right to say that the best way to spot/find property is to search it out "on site", as it were. We're planning a trip to PV in Dec. 2010, and had planned to do some searching then.
On another note--if you have time--what is the equestrian industry like in that area? PV, specifically.
Hola from Mexico Everybody:
One of Kings Crossing’s Blog followers…. Coleen, has asked questions regarding the Equestrian Industry in Puerto Vallarta. Although Puerto Vallarta is only about 21/2 hours away by car….it is outside of equestrian information’s I have access to. To expound on the equestrian Industry here in the State of Jalisco or the Country of Mexico would be beyond my authority since I am a private Horse Operation and am not a spokesperson for any agency here in Mexico. That being understood I can offer information’s that I have discovered for myself and express my own personal opinions regarding subject matters.
To get a clearer understanding statistically about the level of competition or participation in the Equestrian Industry here in Jalisco or nearby neighbouring areas it might be a good idea to contact the Federation Equestre of Mexico in Mexico City for more concise information and perhaps a list of contacts.
If you are looking for parallels regarding facilitation of Competitions or Industry Support as exists in N.A. you will not be satisfied here. The Industry is developing here but is no where near the level of sophistication that has been reached in other parts of N.A.
You will not have the same availability of products or services and will have to make some extreme adjustments on many different levels. There is of course excellent Veterinary care here and the Ferrier’s can be instructed as to your individual shoeing needs (but you might have to purchase those special shoes you like and wait for them to come in from the States). You will have to search out contacts for decent alfalfa or pasture hay (there is good quality of either with the right contacts). Straw is non existent as stall bedding here and shavings are not a specialized industry but rather the scrap that is picked up at wood working places and hard to locate on a regular basis. That being said, there is a reason why it is much cheaper here (also on many different levels). If you are looking to compete at FEI levels I think we all know there are only a few places that are in sight and frankly this would not be the location to consider. If you are interested in competitive fun and not much higher than say… National Level Competitions then this area might be a wonderful lifestyle for you and your equine partner. Like everywhere else in N.A. the Equine Industry is growing here as well and eventually some of the minor inconveniences will disappear.
Thank you so much for response, Victoria. It was much as I expected, but you had some good points that I had not considered. You are definitely right to say that the best way to spot/find property is to search it out "on site", as it were. We're planning a trip to PV in Dec. 2010, and had planned to do some searching then.
On another note--if you have time--what is the equestrian industry like in that area? PV, specifically.
Hola from Mexico Everybody:
One of Kings Crossing’s Blog followers…. Coleen, has asked questions regarding the Equestrian Industry in Puerto Vallarta. Although Puerto Vallarta is only about 21/2 hours away by car….it is outside of equestrian information’s I have access to. To expound on the equestrian Industry here in the State of Jalisco or the Country of Mexico would be beyond my authority since I am a private Horse Operation and am not a spokesperson for any agency here in Mexico. That being understood I can offer information’s that I have discovered for myself and express my own personal opinions regarding subject matters.
To get a clearer understanding statistically about the level of competition or participation in the Equestrian Industry here in Jalisco or nearby neighbouring areas it might be a good idea to contact the Federation Equestre of Mexico in Mexico City for more concise information and perhaps a list of contacts.
If you are looking for parallels regarding facilitation of Competitions or Industry Support as exists in N.A. you will not be satisfied here. The Industry is developing here but is no where near the level of sophistication that has been reached in other parts of N.A.
You will not have the same availability of products or services and will have to make some extreme adjustments on many different levels. There is of course excellent Veterinary care here and the Ferrier’s can be instructed as to your individual shoeing needs (but you might have to purchase those special shoes you like and wait for them to come in from the States). You will have to search out contacts for decent alfalfa or pasture hay (there is good quality of either with the right contacts). Straw is non existent as stall bedding here and shavings are not a specialized industry but rather the scrap that is picked up at wood working places and hard to locate on a regular basis. That being said, there is a reason why it is much cheaper here (also on many different levels). If you are looking to compete at FEI levels I think we all know there are only a few places that are in sight and frankly this would not be the location to consider. If you are interested in competitive fun and not much higher than say… National Level Competitions then this area might be a wonderful lifestyle for you and your equine partner. Like everywhere else in N.A. the Equine Industry is growing here as well and eventually some of the minor inconveniences will disappear.
Can You Ride Outside All Year in Your Area
Tue, 1st December, 2009
Question from Jessica - December 1/09 - Can you ride all year round in your area or is there a rain season or cold season.
Dear Jessica:
Well it is interesting you asked about the weather here. I do not think most people know just how amazing the conditions here really are…particularly for horse people.
Lake Chapala has been declared by National Geographic as being perhaps the second best weather in the World.
As a horse person and having had horse operations in many other parts of the World prior to coming here….I have to admit I never been in better year round conditions for man or beast. We have a rain season that typically survives for approx 4 months mid June into July, August, September, ending about mid October during which time the people of the Lake or thoroughly enchanted and entertained by the rainstorms that do not start rolling through until late in the evening and end by morning. Even the most dramatic storms with the heaviest evening rainfalls leave behind only a fresh glistening morning ready for horses to be turned out for another sunny day. The ground here opens up and absorbs all that the rain gods have to offer…all that is left is a fresh morning scent of flowers opening up with a new days bloom and sweet green grass for the horses to graze on . The annual temperatures do not fluctuate much in fact probably by less that 8 to 10 F for average day time temps and this is considered a dry climate without the tropical stickiness that sometimes comes with higher temps. One warm month in the year that challenges your ability to stay away from the pool is May. You can still ride in the morning cool and enjoy the moderating lake breezes. Mornings, I wear a vest waiting for the sun to come up and then it is down to a T-shirt and Capri’s except winter months….the jeans stay on. Not many insects bothering the horses…..I would say less than average for other locations. Where I live at the Lake the footing is sand based and not a rock in sight.
If I could have a covered arena for the afternoon temps so I could avoid too much sun on the skin as well….I would have it all…however, riding in the morning in this part of the world is the norm and a lot cheaper! So if you like fresh mornings, warm days, warm nights, no day rains, no need for air-conditioning (fans will do), no high humidity…..romantic thunder storms at night in the summer and fall…..riding in moderate conditions all year round ….at half the cost of any other place that I know of …..Come Visit us at Lake Chapala…!
Dear Jessica:
Well it is interesting you asked about the weather here. I do not think most people know just how amazing the conditions here really are…particularly for horse people.
Lake Chapala has been declared by National Geographic as being perhaps the second best weather in the World.
As a horse person and having had horse operations in many other parts of the World prior to coming here….I have to admit I never been in better year round conditions for man or beast. We have a rain season that typically survives for approx 4 months mid June into July, August, September, ending about mid October during which time the people of the Lake or thoroughly enchanted and entertained by the rainstorms that do not start rolling through until late in the evening and end by morning. Even the most dramatic storms with the heaviest evening rainfalls leave behind only a fresh glistening morning ready for horses to be turned out for another sunny day. The ground here opens up and absorbs all that the rain gods have to offer…all that is left is a fresh morning scent of flowers opening up with a new days bloom and sweet green grass for the horses to graze on . The annual temperatures do not fluctuate much in fact probably by less that 8 to 10 F for average day time temps and this is considered a dry climate without the tropical stickiness that sometimes comes with higher temps. One warm month in the year that challenges your ability to stay away from the pool is May. You can still ride in the morning cool and enjoy the moderating lake breezes. Mornings, I wear a vest waiting for the sun to come up and then it is down to a T-shirt and Capri’s except winter months….the jeans stay on. Not many insects bothering the horses…..I would say less than average for other locations. Where I live at the Lake the footing is sand based and not a rock in sight.
If I could have a covered arena for the afternoon temps so I could avoid too much sun on the skin as well….I would have it all…however, riding in the morning in this part of the world is the norm and a lot cheaper! So if you like fresh mornings, warm days, warm nights, no day rains, no need for air-conditioning (fans will do), no high humidity…..romantic thunder storms at night in the summer and fall…..riding in moderate conditions all year round ….at half the cost of any other place that I know of …..Come Visit us at Lake Chapala…!
Q - What is the Dressage like in Lake Chapala
Mon, 30th November, 2009
Question from Angie - Mon, 30th November, 2009 Hi, I was wondering what the dressage community looks like in our area, are there many shows?
Thanks
Hi Angie: Great question.
We are developing our Dressage here in this area…it is in its infancy and is catching on really quickly. This State is considered the Horse State of all of Mexico and it is already home to several Internationally competitive Jumpers with some Dressage talent on the horizon.
There are established Clubs and now a new Competition Facility in Guadalajara that offer both Dressage and Jumping venues at both local club levels as well as to National standards. All other out of State competitions are held within a 4 hour ground haul. Most of the events are within two hours.
This Farm has been approached by Dressage members who are affiliated with the Clubs here and the Federation Equestre de Mexico about the possibility of holding Events at Kings Crossing.
We of course are hosting the Pan American Games here in Guadalajara in 2011, and I am sure Kings Crossing whether it be under my Leadership or someone else is at the helm…might be a potential Host for some of our out of Country Equestrian Competitors and a Training Facility Alternative prior to commencement of the Games.
The Season and Schedule of Competitions is similar to Florida’s and is quiet in the summer months.
Thanks
Hi Angie: Great question.
We are developing our Dressage here in this area…it is in its infancy and is catching on really quickly. This State is considered the Horse State of all of Mexico and it is already home to several Internationally competitive Jumpers with some Dressage talent on the horizon.
There are established Clubs and now a new Competition Facility in Guadalajara that offer both Dressage and Jumping venues at both local club levels as well as to National standards. All other out of State competitions are held within a 4 hour ground haul. Most of the events are within two hours.
This Farm has been approached by Dressage members who are affiliated with the Clubs here and the Federation Equestre de Mexico about the possibility of holding Events at Kings Crossing.
We of course are hosting the Pan American Games here in Guadalajara in 2011, and I am sure Kings Crossing whether it be under my Leadership or someone else is at the helm…might be a potential Host for some of our out of Country Equestrian Competitors and a Training Facility Alternative prior to commencement of the Games.
The Season and Schedule of Competitions is similar to Florida’s and is quiet in the summer months.
Q - What are the Property Values in your Area
Mon, 30th November, 2009
Question from Coleen:
Comments - What are the property values in your area, and are there small acreages for sale? We are looking for a 2-5 'acre' property within easy driving of PuertoVallarta. Thank you
Hi Coleen:
Thank you for having a peak at the website. I would like to be able to give you quick simple answers to your questions but the problem is that property prices here vary depending on how close you want to be to a town and/or what kind of terrain you are interested in.
For example in Ajijic close to or in town the price per sq.mtr. is anywhere from 50. to 100. USD
Where my home is on the Lake can be anywhere from 12. to 50. USD per sq. mtr and is considered rustic property.
We happen to be 5 minutes from the town of Chapala but in Mexico that seems like a lifetime to some???
If you want to be nearer to Puerto Vallarta you might want to consider the other side of Guadalajara. We are about 2 1/2 hours away....and if you looked at - Tepic - perhaps....you might cut your drive time to PV by at least an hour.
Land here is typically sold either in small plots or huge tracts (by the sq. mtr and 10,000 sq mtrs equals roughly 1 hectare and 1 hectare is about 2.47 acres). We happen to be in an area where the land is more along the lines of what you are looking for 2 1/2 to 5 or 10 acres....
Because Land here is also usually sold by Mexicans privately....the price can be hard to pin down.
You might want to consider a short vacation to this area...and have a look around to get a feel.
Anything to do with real estate for sale in mexico is usually advertized to death by this area - Lake Chapala and San Miguel de Allende.
I am happy to help out if I can with any questions or other inquiries....but sometimes it takes a visit to really get a feel...
Best of luck and warm wishes
Victoria
Date: Sun, 29 Nov 2009 18:22:05 -0500
Comments - What are the property values in your area, and are there small acreages for sale? We are looking for a 2-5 'acre' property within easy driving of PuertoVallarta. Thank you
Hi Coleen:
Thank you for having a peak at the website. I would like to be able to give you quick simple answers to your questions but the problem is that property prices here vary depending on how close you want to be to a town and/or what kind of terrain you are interested in.
For example in Ajijic close to or in town the price per sq.mtr. is anywhere from 50. to 100. USD
Where my home is on the Lake can be anywhere from 12. to 50. USD per sq. mtr and is considered rustic property.
We happen to be 5 minutes from the town of Chapala but in Mexico that seems like a lifetime to some???
If you want to be nearer to Puerto Vallarta you might want to consider the other side of Guadalajara. We are about 2 1/2 hours away....and if you looked at - Tepic - perhaps....you might cut your drive time to PV by at least an hour.
Land here is typically sold either in small plots or huge tracts (by the sq. mtr and 10,000 sq mtrs equals roughly 1 hectare and 1 hectare is about 2.47 acres). We happen to be in an area where the land is more along the lines of what you are looking for 2 1/2 to 5 or 10 acres....
Because Land here is also usually sold by Mexicans privately....the price can be hard to pin down.
You might want to consider a short vacation to this area...and have a look around to get a feel.
Anything to do with real estate for sale in mexico is usually advertized to death by this area - Lake Chapala and San Miguel de Allende.
I am happy to help out if I can with any questions or other inquiries....but sometimes it takes a visit to really get a feel...
Best of luck and warm wishes
Victoria
Date: Sun, 29 Nov 2009 18:22:05 -0500
