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The Legal Equestrian

September 5, 2017

Preparing for a hurricane (specifically Irma): Equine edition

By Joscelyn Richards.

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Hurricane – a word that is synonymous with Florida – during my time living in FL (pretty much my whole life), I’ve encountered numerous hurricanes.

Just a year ago, Hurricane Hermine hit Tallahassee, which is where I currently live for college. I also keep my horse, Ariel, in this area. Even though the Hurricane was only a Cat. 1, Tallahassee suffered serious damage in some parts, and many were without power for over a week.

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Roads were completely blocked after Hurricane Hermine in TLH. Photo Courtesy of Joscelyn Richards.

As Hurricane Irma, now a Cat. 5,  looms in the Atlantic Ocean, I urge horse owners to start taking action sooner rather than later. While the direct path is still uncertain, a state of emergency has been declared by Governor Rick Scott for the entire state of Florida as of yesterday, Sept. 4, 2017. For the most recent hurricane advisory check the NOAA website here. 

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Hurricane Irma as of 8am Photo Credit; NOAA.

For those of us with equine partners, hurricanes are even more stressful. I have compiled a concise but thorough hurricane preparedness plan as a guide for equine owners in the event that a hurricane does hit.

(Important Disclaimer: This is just a guide, and The Legal Equestrian and its staff cannot be held liable for any action or inaction taken because of this guide.) 

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A barn in Redlands, Florida, after Hurricane Andrew Picture Credit: H.A.A.R.T. Foundation & John Ehmke Photography

Shelter

Finding a safe, hurricane-proof barn for your horse is a crucial thing to do. Or, you can evacuate your horse(s) from the hurricane, to higher ground, if needed. Most haulers won’t ship within 48 hours of a hurricane making landfall, so make preparations and arrangements as soon as you can. Check local equine Facebook groups, contact local officials, or even ask friends for references of places to which you can evacuate your horse. Here is a Google Doc containing some places or transportation companies for evacuation use. Remember if you plan to leave the area, too, one of the worst things you can do is leaving your pet(s) behind in your home.

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Photo Credit: I.C.E. Products

Identification 

In the event that the looming hurricane destroys the barn at which your horse is staying, your horse gets lose, or the area gets flooded, it is vital that your horses have proper identification on them. A lot of horse owners now have their horses microchipped now because of the new USEF rules. But, without proper tools, the microchip can’t be read by a rescuer. As an alternative, many equine owners will use luggage tags attached to the horses mane, halter, or even bridle, with the horse’s name, barn address, owner(‘s/s’) name with multiple phone numbers, vet information, and any other special requirements that the horse may have. As a FL resident that has to deal with hurricane threats often, I recently discovered I.C.E. horse products. The company makes mane and tail tags, halters, and clips. One note: Do not keep a Coggins test with your horse because there are some dishonest people out there who may try to steal your horse. As an alternative, make sure to keep all your horse’s/s’ identification papers such as bill of sale, Coggins, microchip information, pictures, etc. in a safe place.

Preparing your Barn for a hurricane 

Even if your barn is hurricane-proof, there are still major hazards that could cause damage to your barn and severely injure your horses. As a precaution, store all outdoor items such as jumps and poles in a safe place, preferably indoors. Secure trailers, campers, and any other vehicles that could possibly be blown away. Make sure to remove items from the barn aisle, because they can easily turn into dangerous debris in the air. Additionally, flashlights should be available and should contain fresh batteries. Battery back-ups should be kept somewhere easily accessible yet safe, too. You should also have a battery-operated radio and turn off circuit breakers as to avoid a fire if there is a power surge. A good item to have is a generator. If you can get one to run electricity to your barn though, make sure you have plenty of fuel for it.

Preparing your horse(s) for a hurricane 

As mentioned earlier try your absolute best to have your horse(s) in a hurricane-proof barn if you decide not to evacuate. Make sure you have up to a two-week supply of grain and hay for each horse in the barn. The food should be stored in a dry and safe place. The reason for two-weeks is because you really do not know exactly how bad the damage can be after the hurricane makes landfall and leaves. You don’t know how long it will be staying. As a result, you will be unsure where and when you can next get food either for yourself or your horse(s). Additionally, have between 12 and 20 gallons of drinking water per horse. The water should be stored away in the event that the water supply becomes undrinkable or cannot be retrieved safely/properly/at all due to power loss. Be on the lookout for water advisories after the hurricane for more exact details on if the water is safe, You should also make an emergency horse supply kit for each horse which includes all possible medication, ointments, and vet supplies that might be needed. Finally, put extra bedding in your horse(s’) stall so they will feel comfortable, and they can lay down if needed.

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Hurricane Wilma in 2005, passing through my hometown Boca Raton. Photo Credit; NOAA.

During the hurricane

During the storm make sure the horses have hay and at least two (2) full water buckets (also known as 10 gallons) to drink from. This is because you do not know when you’ll be able to go to the barn next. DO NOT stay in the barn with the horses during the storm, as tempting as it may be. You, or someone else who wants to stay, could get severely injured or even killed. Nowadays, many barns have video surveillance. If your barn has this perk, you can monitor the horses that way. Also remember that horses have a natural survival instinct that will kick in, when necessary, so if you are the midst of worrying, the horses most likely know what to do and have done it.

After the hurricane has passed

After the hurricane has passed over the area there will most likely be downed trees and power lines. There will probably also be major flooding. Wait until you know that it is safe before going to the barn to check on the horses. (Side note: If you are a boarder, make sure to stay in contact with your barn manager/owner. The last thing they need is 20 worried horse owners/boarders showing up to the barn after a hurricane.) Also, if there is major flooding, do not drive through it as this is how most people end up dying after a natural disaster where major flooding is involved. When at the barn after the storm, be on the lookout for dangerous wild animals that might have sought refuge at the barn. Since it is Florida, we can include alligators as well as snakes. Avoid live electrical wires, and also avoid standing water. Make sure that all your horses (and others) are okay, check for and tend to any injuries, and assess if there are any immediate emergencies. You can and should also remove debris to clear a direct path to the barn from the road, if safe and possible.

In all the chaos of getting your horse ready for the hurricane, don’t forget to prepare yourself for the hurricane and take your own precautions as well! Remember price gouging is ILLEGAL, report it to your local authorities if you find any cases of this.

The best thing you can do is follow your own hurricane plan and stay safe.

Additional Resources for reference

http://disaster.ifas.ufl.edu/PDFS/CHAP02/D02-12.PDF

http://www.floridahorse.com/hurricane/hurricane.html

http://extension.vetmed.ufl.edu/files/2011/10/Hurricane-planning-for-horse-farms.pdf

ps. We are doing a silent auction to raise money for the victims of Hurricane Harvey which hit the Houston area last week. The auction runs until September 12th at 11:59 p.m. Please go here to check out the amazing items we have to offer and to make your bid to benefit organizations working to help those in need. Fifty percent of the profits will be going to the Houston Food Bank, and the other 50 percent will be going to the ASPCA.

Leave a Comment · Filed Under: Equestrian Health, Equine Health, Equine News, Guest Posts, Health, Horse Advice, Horses, How-to, Q&A, Question & Answer, Tips

April 5, 2017

Finding success by winning the mind games

By Miranda Akins.

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It’s no secret that we all face mental blocks as equestrians. Because honestly, we ride 1200 pound animals and jump them over fences.. some taller than we are. We’re all just a little (ahem, a lot) crazy.

Photo Credit: Miranda Akins Photography.

Photo Credit: Miranda Akins Photography.

We can sit a buck, growling and laughing at a animal with the power to kill us and dare them: “Try it again, let me see you try to get me off.” We can throw a 50 pound feed bag over our shoulder like it weighed as much as a feather pillow. We are pretty strong; we can hold on to a galloping animal with the muscles in our thighs.

But, what happens when your mind has doubts? That you can’t do it, that you’ll fail?

Your heart pounds against your chest so loud you think someone can hear it; your stomach turns into knots, and it feels like you have butterflies pounding against the insides of your body. Your palms sweat, maybe your legs even shake, and your mind goes into overdrive. Visions of crashing through a fence, your horse spooking and skidding, a stop that sends you over the fence alone. You are melting down on the inside like a nuclear plant as you stare at the course you are supposed to begin. This can happen in the blink of an eye or be ongoing for days, weeks, and even months.

How are you supposed to perform when the part of your body that controls your actions is frozen? How are you supposed to ride when all your mind wants to do is run wild? Fear is an incredibly strong emotion.

Gary Mack, author of the sports psychology book Mind Gym wrote: “The desire to succeed needs to be stronger than the fear of failure”

It’s hard. Riding is an incredibly hard sport. Your teammate doesn’t speak English (okay but I’m convinced they can interpret the word ‘cookies’). You can’t say “move your shoulder over” and poof! Your horse is going to move into a shoulder out. Your body has to do all the talking. Whether you are a hunter, jumper, eventer, dressage rider, reiner, barrel racer, etc., you will have challenges. You will fall. You will get bucked off. You will come in last place. You will get discouraged. You will be scared.

And guess what? That’s okay. That is fine. That is normal. You’re not crazy for being afraid. Everyone – yes, everyone – is afraid at some point. Even Olympians, even Grand Prix riders.. they have been scared; maybe they are scared. And, they even have the added pressure of the media and a spotlight that a majority of us don’t have.

What makes them so successful is not only their talent and drive but their mastery of the mind games. They know how to settle the butterflies, the sweaty palms, and the fears. I’m no master myself, but helping crack the secret to the mind games is finding “your thing.” You have to find your zone, the sweet spot, the happy place. To ride well you need to think about anything but the ride.

Crazy I know.

My zone is in my music. Before I ride, it’s earbuds in, everything else out. I let my mind escape and fill it with lyrics. When I get out of the truck to ride, I have left all my problems and stress of the everyday world behind me. My mind is ready to work. I know that when everything else is gone, all I can focus on is the ride. Sometimes they stay in for a course walk or if I’m humming while cleaning tack. Music isn’t for everyone though… try a few things out and see what works for you. A game on your phone, a book, even sleeping. The goal is to clear your head and have a blank slate to work with.

Once you get your zone, visualize, visualize, visualize. Go through every step of your course, every fence, every turn. Run through your dressage test, every change, every transition. Ride that cross country course, that barrel run. Go through every. single. second.  Put yourself on the back of your horse, and think of the view between their ears. Get your plan, go out there, and ride it. Don’t let your mind shut down, don’t let it think of a fall, of a miss, of a crash. It’s all about the plan. Think of the plan. That’s all that is allowed in there until you finish. Let your mind run on overdrive of success not failure.

Your mind is in control. When you step into a show ring your trainer is not there to hold your hand, they’re not the one cantering towards a fence. It’s you, it’s your body, and it’s your mind. They better be working together.

Win the mind games, and you will win the ribbons. Let the crazy horse girl win over human nature. You are capable of winning the mental war between instinct and the crazy passion we have for riding these 1,200 pound animals.

Learn to control your emotions or they will control you. – Edgar Martinez

What have you done to overcome mental blocks? Share below!

Leave a Comment · Filed Under: Equestrian Health, Guest Posts, Horse Advice, Horses, How-to, Riding Tips, Tips, Training Tips

November 16, 2016

Bullet journaling: The latest way to express yourself, keep organized, and improve your mental health

Written by Katie Stone, assistant editor.

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Erin Condren Life Planner. The planners are fully customizable down to the metal binding color!

 

For the last two years I have bought two Erin Condren Life Planners and used them. However, in the past few months I had been struggling to find a planner for 2017 that would be versatile for my life. I am extremely picky about the planner I use and after searching online and in many stores, I was still unable to settle on one that I liked and fit my needs. During this time of research and searching, I found the bullet journal idea on Pinterest!

For me, bullet journaling is my way of creating a planner that has everything I need and nothing I do need. It allows me to keep everything I want and need in one place, whether it is travel information, reminders for school, or important horse information. This method is also not confining. I can design my weekly page however I want, and I can include a page of notes or a big to-do list wherever I want.

One example of bullet journaling.

To bullet journal, any notebook or type of paper can be used. However, it is common to use  a notebook that is dotted to help create straight lines without it looking too busy (This is also the method I prefer). I purchased a hardcover Moleskine from Amazon for around $20.00. Another common brand is Lechttrum 1917 (available at Amazon here), which is a little more pricey (some models are $29.99 while others are less) but does have numbered pages and an index.

Personally, I use a pencil when journaling because I have found that pen bleeds through my Moleskine journal. (Note: It bugged me so much when I saw how bad it bled through!). In the Moleskine, the pages are not numbered, so I numbered them myself and created an index. After doing those tasks, I began with a monthly calendar for October. After the monthly calendar, I created a weekly one for the first week of the month. For the monthly calendar, I used a single page, and for my weekly layout, I had to use the 2 side-by-side pages. During my bullet journaling, I was going to be traveling, and I put all of my travel information, the weather for my destination, and a packing list on one page. I am also the media representative for my IHSA team, so I have a page of the riders, their divisions, and their class standing to help when I have to do write-ups after a busy weekend of showing.  I am only on page 19 of my bullet journal; I haven’t really done much “fun stuff” yet.

Another example of bullet journaling from Buzzfeed.com.

Another example of bullet journaling from Buzzfeed.com.

If you are looking for some inspiration or ideas for your own bullet journal, definitely check out Pinterest and Instagram. These mediums and their content can inspire you. However, be sure to make your bullet journal unique to you and your preferences! It is worth noting that bullet  journaling isn’t for everyone. If you want to ascertain if bullet journaling is for you, take any notebook or piece of paper and give it a try. The great thing about bullet journaling is that you can design it however you would like. It can range from little notes that you jot down or a full-on spread of everything in which you are involved.

For more information on this journaling technique, you can visit one of Buzzfeed’s many articles on how to bullet journal (or simply google ‘bullet journaling’).

Leave a Comment · Filed Under: Equestrian Health, Guest Posts, How-to, Lifestyle, Tips

July 25, 2016

What to do during a course walk

Written by Joscelyn Richards.

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Course walking is my one of my favorite things to do at a horse show. I always feel like a hardcore equestrian who could go tackle a Grand Prix course after I course walk (even if I’m just walking my 3ft hunter course). However, sometimes course walks can be overwhelming, especially if it is a big class. Through my years of experience I have developed tips for what you should do during a course walk.

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Picture Credit: @jlrequinephotography

Stay with your trainer 

Your trainer is like your “tour guide” during the course walk so do not lose them. They will be able to give you helpful insights during the course walk that will help you succeed during your round. In big classes there will dozens of other people walking the course at the same time as you, so make sure you stick next to your trainer. If you’re a short equestrian like me you know how difficult it can be to match your trainer’s walk. I have found that looking down at their legs while they walk and counting the strides out loud helps me stay with them.

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Ask questions 

The course walk is like a sneak peak to how your round will go! Make sure you have the course memorized before you course walk. This allows you to focus on planning out your approaches and distances before you go into the ring with your horse. Course walks are the golden time to ask your trainer any questions you have about your course. If you have a question about the striding of a line or what turn to take, your trainer can show you how you should ride it in real life.

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Bring a crop with you

Okay this might sound weird, but trust me it helps. I always carry a crop with me so that I can point to the different jumps while I’m walking. I point and move the crop around the course like it is me and my horse. I have never gone off course after using a crop to point and go over my course. Plus, if your trainer gets on your nerves you can give them a tap on their behind (just kidding don’t do this unless you want no stirrups for a month).

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Be aware of your surroundings

There will be other trainers and students walking the course at the same time as you. Don’t be that rider that walks the course while using SnapChat and texting their friends. One time at WEF I saw a rider run into a trainer, who was walking a line, because she was taking a selfie. Be courteous to other riders and trainers, and pay attention to where you walk. Also, make sure you wait your turn to walk a line, don’t cut in front of people.

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Picture Credit: @jlrequinephotography

Don’t Stress Out 

Course walks are supposed to help you during your rounds, so take full advantage of them. If you’re feeling nervous about your course, tell your trainer, and they can help calm your nerves. Remember, anyone can feel nervous about a course. I’ve even seen some big name riders look worried about a course. Just have fun and do your best!

What do you do during a course walk? Let us know in the comments!

Leave a Comment · Filed Under: Guest Posts, Horse Advice, Horses, How-to, Riding Tips, Tips

July 17, 2016

Summer Courses 101

Written By: Katie Stone

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Taking college courses over the summer may not be the most fun, but they will be very rewarding! When I take classes over the summer, it allows me to take one less class during the fall and spring semesters. Since I am an athlete, I do not have as much time on my hands to do a lot of schoolwork. So, only having to take three classes instead of four, helps to reduce my work load dramatically.

While taking summer courses is great, do not take them if you know you will not have the time to put forth the effort the course needs. It will be a waste of money and a poor grade in classes will lower your cumulative grade point average. The following tips will help to ensure you do well in your summer courses.

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PRINT & USE the syllabus!

The professor has handed you the golden ticket, use it! All due dates, expectations for the class, and contact information for the professor are all included in a syllabus. Make sure to always have it handy whenever you’re in class, since professors tend to make adjustments to it.

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Set time aside to complete assignments.

Start homework before it is due to ensure you are not scrambling last minute, or stressed because you do not understand the material. If you wait until the last minute you also won’t have time to ask and receive help. This could result in getting a bad grade on your assignment, which could hurt your grade. (Editor’s Note: I recommend using a planner to help keep you organized and to schedule your day.)

Work extra hard in the beginning.

I know that summer is supposed to be all about no responsibilities, but start off working extra hard in your classes. Always maintain a positive attitude and put 100% effort into your work. It’s a slippery slope, do not begin sliding head first.

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Do not be afraid to ask for help.

That is what the professor and your peers are there for! I am sure someone else has a similar question or would benefit from clarification. Also, make sure to visit your teacher, or teacher assistants, during their office hours if you need extra help outside class. 

 

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Meet ALL requirements.

I frequently had discussion posts that required a minimum word count and an in text citation. It was very rare that peers actually met those requirement, and it negatively impacted their grades. Following all the requirements on assignments will help you get an A on them. 

 

Leave a Comment · Filed Under: Guest Posts, How-to, Lifestyle, Tips

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amateur hunter/eq rider. lawyer. entrepreneur.
two horses, one pony.
zone two.
perfectionist.
loves the expensive & innovative.

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