Newsletter 2019 Issue 3 July August September .

If you have questions regarding the Western Chapter you can contact the following Board Members-

President: Peter Tarnawskyj - [email protected] Vice President: Charlie Kettner - [email protected] Secretary: Barb George - [email protected] Treasurer: Ann Czapla - [email protected]

Pat Burch: [email protected] Barb Cunningham: [email protected] Sharon Kettner: [email protected] Linda Tarnawskyj: [email protected] Larry Thurber: [email protected]

President’s Message Well, it seems like the rain has dwindled, the Colic surgery is indicated, rises to the trails are starting to dry and folks are ready to go $8,000-$10,000 range. If the decision would be riding. Not to be a downer, but there is an issue to put the horse down then you don’t need to we recently had and it got me thinking about consider the remaining issues. If your decision passing along some information. is to make the trip there are a few other things to consider. We had to take my wife’s horse, Fugi, to Cornell. It was a typical situation…check horses You need transportation, either your own trailer in the evening, horse exhibits colic symptoms, or the availability of someone to haul. Also, vet comes out and after doing what can be done invariably these things happen at night so you at the farm recommends a trip to Cornell for need to have fuel in the truck or your hauler further evaluation and possible colic surgery. needs to be ready to go now. We have done this before with both successful and unsuccessful outcomes so we knew what we The trip from Western New York is around three were getting into. Many people face this for the hours there, time at the facility and return trip. If first time and haven’t given any consideration as you have other horses or requirements for care at to what is involved. home you’ll need someone to help at home. The time to consider this scenario is now, when This list of concerns/issues is not all inclusive you are not under pressure to make a decision but meant to get you thinking how you would right away and I’d like to pass along some handle the situation. thoughts and information for your consideration. By the way, Fugi didn’t need surgery, stayed For a trip with no surgery and a few days stay four nights, and is doing well. you are looking at $2,000 to $4,000 cost. If Peter Tarnawskyj

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If you haven’t fallen off a horse…then you haven’t been ridin long enough

New Western Region Director Appointed

Pauline Burnes, Registered Landscape Architect, is a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects, New York State Horse Council, Inc. and Certified Horsemanship Association (Certified Equine Facilities Manager). She holds a Master of Landscape Architecture Degree from the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry with a concentration of studies in Environmental Planning. Retired from the New York State Department of Transportation as Regional Landscape Architect, Pauline is actively involved with the improvement and promotion of equestrian trails in Allegany County on public forest lands. She has been a speaker on equestrian trails at Western New York EquiFest, the International Trails Symposium, and is scheduled

to speak at the International Certified Horsemanship In the ‘70’s and ‘80’s, Mrs. Burnes was a self- Association annual conference to be held at employed farrier and trained young horses to accept Houghton College October 23 through 26 2019. tack and rider for the first time. She was also a certified Clinic Instructor with the Certified Pauline will be working in the southern portion of the Horsemanship Association. Her favorite horse, western region and is also interested in starting a Salamanca Chief, was an off-the track thoroughbred chapter in Allegany and Steuben Counties. You can that she re-schooled for lower level . Her contact Pauline at (607)-765-8543 or by e-mail at current horse is a 16 hand Tennessee Walker that she [email protected] has trained for obstacles and long distance trail

riding.

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• Full page ad - $165 • Half page ad - $90 • Quarter page ad - $45 • Business card ad - $30

Please make checks to WCNYSHC Send checks to Barb Cunningham WCNYSHC Newsletter 3021 Johnson Creek Rd Middleport, NY 14105

E-mail artwork/ads to: [email protected]

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It’s a slow process, but quitting won’t speed it up. Have You Ever Thought About Showing?? Several years ago I became interested in participating in horse shows. I had a lovely Palomino quarter horse mare, who I thought would be perfect for shows. Unfortunately, she was extremely anxious in a crowd of horses, and panicked in the trailer. I decided that I would not subject her to the stress of trailering and shows, and she has become a steady trail horse on our own property.

After a yearlong search, I finally found my once in a lifetime horse. Radical Impact, also known as Black Bart, he is a fourteen year old, quarter horse gelding. He has fabulous temperament, impeccable training, extensive show experience, and is very handsome. He knows a great deal more than I do about western pleasure, and is very patient with me as I learn.

We attended our first this past weekend at the Hamburg Fairgrounds Battle Series Open Horse My goals for the show were to have fun, smile, and show. We received first place in the Trail Class, and not fall off. I achieved all of my goals, and look placed in showmanship. I learned what I need to forward to the next Battle Series Open Horse Show in work on, and had a great time in all of the events. September at the Hamburg Fairgrounds. Submitted by Pat Burch

The Battle Series Horse Show Wins Again for Western New York

The Battle Series horse shows was the idea of Dan the drawing for the saddle. Every Sunday we hold a Laid, a Western Chapter member, back in 2010. The class called Tate's choice, it is $5 to enter, walk trot goal is to have an affordable show with a variety of so everyone can enter. All the money raised goes to classes and for everyone to have fun. At the show in charity. Some people put in $20, $50, $100. Last June there were 172 horses with a total of 1080 class show we did Catt. Co. 4H, we've done SPCA, all entries. At one show this year Dan bought all the different. We raised almost $500 this weekend for a beginners ice cream from the ice cream truck at the scholarship fund that was established in memory of a show. The show not only has ribbons but also has a chronically ill teen that committed suicide. number of prizes. Random exhibitors are selected to Come join the fun and show your horsemanship skills play "Let's make a Deal". They pick from box 1, 2, or off at one or all of the following shows scheduled for 3. Inside is one good prize and the other two boxes 2019. may have something like candy, water bottle, etc and July 19-20-21 Little Valley other has a gag gifts. A saddle is given away at Aug 23-24-25 Little Valley every show. Once you enter a class you are entered in Sept 14-15 Hamburg Show Plex

Fun for all ages and sizes

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For one to fly, one needs only to take the reins.

Dedication of the Kathy Calanni Memorial Trail Course May 18, 2019

Many of you here never met or knew Kathy Horse Shows and State Fair, all the obstacles are Calanni. What you do not realize is that much set up in an arena. But those of us who Trail of what the 4H Horse Program is and does, came Ride know that is not what a REAL trail ride is to be because of what Kathy Calanni strived to like. That is not what Kathy wanted. When she establish "for the good of the kids". That was passed, money was donated towards re- always Kathy's mantra for the years that we establishing the Trail Course here at 4H Acres. knew her. We want to thank those of you who are here and Kathy was Vice President of the Horse who donated money towards this endeavor. A Committee and a club leader of the Chautauqua committee was formed with members Dave County Jr. Trail Riders for over 20 years. She Shauman, Ann Masood, Mary Ann Wills, and continued to be a 4H Leader and Committee myself. There have been many years of Member after her own children, Rusty, Dana, discussion regarding how to go about and what and Megan, aged out of the program. She to include in the course; if the course should be promoted as she herself was an avid here or if obstacles should be set up around the Trail Rider. Kathy always stressed to the 4H periphery of the grounds. It was finally decided members that there was "more" to 4H than that everything should be where Kathy always Horse Shows. While a member of the 4H Horse wanted it here, on this natural slope of property Committee, every annual 4H Handbook to replicate a "natural" trail course. In 4H, there included a flyer for the 4H Competitive Trail is now a class called "Ranch Horse Trail" which Ride or the Judged Trail Ride at the Chautauqua Chaut. Co 4H is establishing with the help of County Trail Riders Club. Montana Pope and Marie Milliman. This In addition to Trail Riding, Kathy was includes dragging a log and roping a steer head. also a proponent of and was one of the These and other obstacles are going to be Leaders who established Dressage Classes in the included, as this Trail course will have Chautauqua County 4H Program. interchangeable obstacles to give the riders a What many of you do not realize is how different challenge at each show. In addition to much more Kathy did for the entire Horse this course, there is also a trail which goes into Community in the Southern Tier. Locally, the woods. This trail has logs and branches the Kathy was a very active member of the horse and rider must maneuver. These and other Chautauqua County Trail Riders. Kathy was a obstacles will be set up and also be changed at member of the North American Trail Ride each event. Unfortunately due to the wet spring Conference (NATRC), and was the force we have been experiencing, all the obstacles are and organizer of a NATRC ride that place not yet set up in this section. in Allegheny State Park. At this time I want to thank Johnny Kathy was successful in establishing a McCarthy and his wife Dawn who have worked Chapter of the NYS Horse Council here in the so hard mowed, chopped, trapped, and rebuilt Southern Tier. The Catt-Chaut Chapter of the you name it to re-establish this Trail Course. NYS Horse Council exists because of Kathy Kathy would be so proud to see how Calanni. popular and how much Trail Riding occurs in Now let’s get back to why we are here this area, and how much work her Trail Riding ... The original Trail Course was here when my friends do to uphold and maintain the horse son was in 4H in 1992-93. It ceased being used trails that exist in Chautauqua and Cattaraugus a number of years ago because of lack of Counties. So today we want to take this time to upkeep. The original bridge was no longer safe, open the Kathy Calanni Memorial Trail Course there were many woodchuck holes, and several with her family. committee members voted to have the Trail submitted by Ainsley Smith Classes set up in the arena because at open

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I’d rather ride on a Mustang, than in one.

Mounted Clinic Coming to Western NY August 3rd and 4th

Diana Olds is the founder and CEO of the We will be shooting both from the ground and Chelee Warriors out of Pennsylvania, as well as on horseback. Diana can also help with the Vice President of Horse Archery USA. introducing new horses to the sport. Equipment Diana will be here to teach us more mounted will be available to rent; horses may be available archery techniques and to help us hone our skills to use. Please contact Eternal Flame if you need this August! Many in WNY became acquainted any equipment, or help finding a place to with Diana during EquiFest this past March. purchase your own. Diana travels throughout the country introducing this exciting sport to equestrians. The clinic will be held at “Better Be Barefoot” owned by Sherri Pennanen, who has graciously agreed to allow us to use her barn which is located at 8002 Tonawanda Creek Rd, Lockport, NY 14094. The Cost is $350 or $300 if you are a member of EFMA. A deposit of $100 is required to hold your spot. All participants must be a member of Horse Archery USA (horsearchery.us). Auditors welcome.

Please contact Eternal Flame through our Facebook page, email at [email protected], or call or text Alaina Reid directly at (716)799- 4511.

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A pony is a childhood dream. A horse is an adulthood treasure.

“Western New York to Windsor”?

I gave up on a great many things as a rolling countryside of Belgium and the perfect child. Shorter and blonder then, I would sit in quaint fields of The Netherlands. The places the outfield picking dandelions during my T-ball this industry has taken me have been games. I was more frightened by the bees than I breathtaking, and its community has become like was interested in playing the game. I quit soccer a family. However, in all these travels nowhere because I hated how the shin guards pinched my ever quite felt like home. Maybe because it was legs, plus it was too much running. I never quite always warm, and I seem to have done a lot less got the hang of basketball, despite my height. running. And again, why all that running? The barn however was somewhere I never tired of, somewhere I never quit. My grandfather owned a large boarding stable, Niagara Equestrian, in Lockport where I spent most of my childhood. Riding horses, while the chosen sport of my family, was not fully grabbing my interest. Truthfully, my little sister was better at it than me; you can deduce how this made an eight year old boy feel. My mother, by now surely exhausted by my lack of interest but determined to find me my place, dragged me to my first driving lesson at Prairie Star Ranch.

It was early spring, and it was cold. It always seems to be cold here in Western New With a focus on the future, and York. Too much running, and too much cold homesickness in my heart, I moved back to seem to be the markers of my early memories. Western New York to share my knowledge and A short dapple grey with no forelock (clipper experience with this community, the one that incident), was standing waiting for us. His name gave me my start. What was once a thriving was Remington Steele. He had all the attitude local driving community has waned with the loss and swagger embodied by young Pierce of some of the iconic shows of my childhood; Bronson’s character of the same name. In that Walnut Hill, The East Aurora Driving Society moment I was hooked and I have to believe my Show, and The Silver Shoe Farm Classic. I aim mother was relieved I was not going to end up a to bring renewed interest, education, and life to gamer in her basement. this sport. With the help of my family, mentors, As I grew, so did the size of my steeds and friends I opened the doors on a driving and my passion for this beautiful sport. From center here in WNY. So I invite you to grab a minis, to ponies, to horses, then to pairs and jacket, maybe some tennis shoes, and join me in four-in-hands my passion grew and grew and I running this new leg of the journey. To the road! became determined to follow where the journey Interested in learning more about led. This pursuit of passion led to driving the ? Contact: Tim Zimicki winding carriage trails of Acadia National Park, [email protected] around the Dixon Oval at Devon Horse Show rimmed in that iconic baby blue paint, fording the Brandywine River heading to Winterthur Point-to-Point races, driving hunched over in the holding area at Toronto’s Royal Winter Fair so as to not to get knocked off the box seat by a rafter. Then on to the sand roads of Southern Pines, weaving around Newport’s great mansions, down the Great Walk at Windsor Park after long days at Ascot Races, and on to the

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I am still under the impression that there is nothing alive quite so beautiful as a horse.

Autumncrest Sport horses Dressage and Driving

Ian Macartney and Tim Zimicki Offering training, , clinics, and sales

Located at Heritage Ridge Equestrian Center 9694 Fargo Rd. Corfu, NY 14036 Just 7 minutes from I-90 Pembroke exit!

Call us today: 716-531-6716 Find us on Facebook: Autumncrest Sporthorses www.autumncrestsporthorses.com

ROC The Standardbred

ROC the Standardbred, a NY based not for •adoptees to those who never left their race profit, has launched an ambassador program family; and to promote the versatility of Standardbreds • riders aged 15 and up. under saddle. Teams are located throughout New York, The group, founded by Alyssa Hedges in Ohio, New Jersey, Maryland and even 2015, started on Facebook to connect Canada. They will be found doing Standardbred lovers and has since grown in everything from , to dressage, size and mission. ROC the Standardbred to hunter/jumpers, to mounted archery and became a 501(c) 3 not-for-profit even RUS. Aiming to prove just how organization, effective September 2018. versatile Standardbreds are, the team is The group’s primary mission is to create a excited to share the breed with the horse market for Standardbreds as a pleasure world. The ultimate goal is to drive up horse, and its breed ambassador program adoption rates from Standardbred was designed to help them reach that goal. rescues/transition programs and also to give The 2019 lineup features 16 horse and rider those in the business alternative options for teams that include the following: selling horses retiring from the track. •a pony-Standardbred cross to multi-million To keep up on all of the action, you can join dollar winner Golden Receiver; ROC the Standardbred’s Facebook group or • horses aged 5 – 21; follow them on Instagram! • bays to greys to chestnuts; Website - www.rocthestandardbred.org •three blind-in-one-eye horses; Facebook – •some who raced and others who didn’t www.facebook.com/groups/ROCtheStandar make it to the track; dbred Instagram - @rocthestandardbred

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Lollypop farm introduces their new farm equine Manager- Steven Stevens

Steven Stevens is the new Equine Manger at While in Texas he wrote a blog for North Texas Lollypop Farm in Fairport, NY. He recently Farm and Ranch Magazine called the Natural moved here from Texas, where he worked as a Horseman. http://ntfronline.com/category/the- Natural Horsemanship Trainer and Clinician. natural-horseman/

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A Life without horses, is like taking a breath without air

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“ allow for a greater field of vision, more awareness of your own and your horse’s body, less tension, and easier, freer forward movement.”

Soft Eyes A Window To More Success With Your Horsemanship. By Susan Strong Kelley Level 3 Centered Riding Clinician

What are Soft Eyes and how can they to your inner body in relationship to your horse help you obtain a better outlook and success in and his motion. To find soft eyes pick an life on and off the horse? In this article, I am object to look at with hard eyes first, then let going to share my journey into this intriguing your vision soften and relax, leaving your basic developed by Sally Swift, founder of center of interest in the middle, visually take in Centered Riding. Centered Riding has 4 the surrounding area allowing a more basics-Soft Eyes, Breathing, Centering, and panoramic view by widening your awareness Building Blocks. Grounding and Clear Intent and seeing around the object. Soft eyes allow are also part of the team and are the us to be more aware and take in what is going “supporting cast” to successful riding using on around you, beneath you and inside of you. the Centered Riding formula. When you drive a car we sure hope that Soft Eyes has been the deepest, most you are not looking at the hood ornament elusive, basic for me to truly grasp and I keep instead of out onto the road, for you learning more and more about how using soft would surely crash the car. Successful eyes has transformed my life on and off the drivers use soft eyes looking out the horse. Have you heard the old saying “You windshield to see where were going. don’t know what you don’t know”? When I Here’s where it gets interesting. The started my journey in Centered Riding more horse is a prey animal, he has his eyes on the than 20 years ago, I attended an Open Centered sides of his head. This eye placement allows Riding Clinic with Susan Harris, level 4 him to see his world in almost 360 degrees, he Centered Riding Master Clinician. In this clinic can’t see directly in front of his nose or directly with Susan, I discovered that for 37 years, I had behind his tail. Being that he is a prey animal, been holding my breath and looking down at he needs to keep diligent watch for anything my horse with hard eyes a lot when I rode. I which may harm him, like a predator. The horse didn’t know I was doing this and how is deeply wired thru evolution, to be able to spot negatively it was impacting my riding. (Susan trouble and run away fast as his first defense. Harris has graciously allowed me to share this So here we are with our eyes on the front of our poster from her series of the “Centered Riding 4 heads, a predator, riding a prey animal. Our Basics” posters.) horse is a very sensitive and timid animal who This poster shows has survived for centuries by escaping us the typical predators. When we ride using hard eyes on our rider’s range of horse, his very nature is to attempt to escape us vision. The Red and our aids. Using hard eyes will also result in zone is the rider the loss of your center, will restrict your looking down at breathing and reduce your awareness of your our horse’s ears, body and your surroundings. As I have been “Hard eyes”. The living the 4 basics for a long time now, I have Blue zone is the developed a deeper understanding of Soft Eyes, “Soft eyes” and which has been the most challenging basic for the subject of this me to fully grasp. I now truly believe that a discussion. person with soft eyes can take in the whole Hard eyes are easy to find, just stare at picture when encountering another, be it a horse something in front of you, see nothing else but or person. it and you will soon find that you probably A recent experience which I had with stopped breathing and have stiffened up in Spirit Hawk, my young Arabian gelding, is multiple places. The use of soft eyes brings what prompted me to write this article. awareness, not only to your surroundings, but Arabians are very intelligent and highly

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No philosophers so thoroughly comprehend us as dogs and horses.

sensitive animals and Spirit is true to his choose Spirit to teach off of that morning, heritage. My husband was out of the country tacked him up and put him on a lunge line, last week so I hired Dylan, a college student, to alone, while my student was getting her mount do the mowing and weed whacking in his ready. Spirit was completely different than he absence. Spirit is often seen standing sentry, was the day before, soft and attentive, ready to either in the run-in-shed or pasture, watching work right away. the activities around the farm. So, that day as When my student arrived to join me in usual, I brought him into the barn along with the arena, we mounted up and we started another horse at lunch time, to await the working the horses where they felt most safe, afternoon riding lesson. I teach a lot mounted on the less noisy side, my brother’s side. We on a horse to demonstrate and often use Spirit to then gradually worked them around the entire teach with. Spirit’s stall has an open window in arena quite successfully using the 4 basics, no the back and an open Dutch door in the front so problem, even with all the distractions. Spirit he can see all around and usually enjoys this was absolutely wonderful, unconcerned and stall over the others. When I returned from a happy to work with me demonstrating in all quick lunch, Spirit was agitated and quite three gaits in both directions, during the riding restless so to be on the safe side I decided to lesson. lunge him in the arena to access his disposition. I used my Soft Eyes in a completely Spirit proved to be rather hot and distracted by new way by seeing that although Spirit looked our college student, (who had been driving the ready to work after the lunging the day before, mower quicker than my husband). While instead of pressuring him into working in the lunging Spirit, I got him to take his attention off riding lesson, I gave him the time to think it of Dylan and back to me. I did this gently over. This gave him the chance to feel safe, whenever he looked away from me- I would secure and confident with his ability to be the give him a well- timed “quick” tug on the line wonderful partner I always dreamed he would and bring him back to me mentally in both be. directions. I worked him for only a few People with tunnel vision in life minutes, until I felt that he was soft and happy are stiff and inflexible. Soft Eyes are a working with me. My student arrived and it wonderful way to interpret life and stay would appear that it was time for me to get on relaxed and attentive. Try seeing the and teach the lesson, right? No, my soft eyes “whole picture” when you are moving told me that although Spirit was calm and thru life. You can practice using your relaxed, it would be a better idea to put him soft eyes in all that you do, especially back out and find another horse for that when you’re feeling stressed and while afternoon lesson. So, while the riding lesson riding in crowded areas. Loss of Soft was going on and practicing my soft eyes, I Eyes will undermine the 3 other basics could see Spirit watching us from the shade of and grounding. Learning the 4 basics, the shed. Now I know you are thinking that I grounding and clear intent of Centered have spoiled Spirit and let him get the better of Riding takes time and is similar to me. Just wait, here is another benefit of using making good stew; you put quality Soft eyes many do not think about! The next ingredients together and simmer slowly. day Dylan was weed whacking the hedge row Taking my time has certainly enabled me along the driveway along the short side of the to become a better rider and riding arena, about 15 feet away from us and my instructor. In my next article, I will brother was running his tractor on his vegetable explain the second Basic, Breathing. farm on the opposite side and across the field. There were a lot of distractions going on. I

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2019 Clinic Dates April 13 & 14 June 15 & 16 August 3 & 4 September 7 & 8

Cost to Ride $275/weekend Cost to Audit $25/day or $40 weekend

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There is Still Time to Sign up for a Clinic

Jack & Emma Minteer – Stress Free Obstacles. August 10th 8002 Tonawanda Creek Rd. Lockport, NY 14094-9045 Horse Council members - $130, Nonmembers - $170 Not only do Emma and Jack train your horse but they also teach you (the owner) so many things! They work with the horses and people with kindness and laughter. Contact Barb Cunningham at [email protected]

Terri Bowen Lindley August 24th -25th Work for Softness, Forward, Engagement and Collection 8002 Tonawanda Creek Rd. Lockport, NY 14094-9045 Horse Council members - $350, Nonmembers - $400 To sign up Contact Barb Cunningham at [email protected]

…. Driving Educational / Fun Days Sponsored by East Aurora Driving Society Held at the Chur Equestrian Center at Knox Rd. and Gypsy Lane 12:00 pm till 3:00 pm

Clinics will be held on the following dates: • July 28-How to Maneuver an Obstacle Course • August 18- Gaits used in

Come and bring your equines and vehicles. Or just come and watch and learn. We will be available to help with any questions. We will work in the rings and maybe go for a trail ride through the park. Social time after- bring snacks and drinks For more info check our website https://eastauroradrivingsociety.org/ or Facebook. Or contact Sue Emborsky at : [email protected] phone:716-741-2200

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If you want to know about a horse’s life just look into his eyes.

“Ruby’s Grand Adventure - Horse Passion Has No Boundaries"

A group of seven Western New York riders has never seen - hoodoos, slot canyons, and I went to southwestern Utah for a trip of small creeks, Indian etchings in the rocks, a lifetime in early May. Most of us own and high narrow path trails with very steep horses and trail ride often. It would be a walls below us. The scenery was so diverse new experience for us to be on rental horses as we explored Red Canyon, Thunder 5 to 6 hours daily for four straight days in a Mountain, Willis Creek, and the Henderson row. We were joined by riders from Rim Trail. We even explored a trail made Michigan and a couple from Arizona for a famous by Butch Cassidy and his outlaws. total of 20 participants. But we were ready for it!!!! None of this would have been possible without the experienced wranglers who guided us on our adventure. They were true professionals in every sense of the word knowledgeable about each and every horse and their tack. Their focus was on the safety of the riders and also the safety, health and care of the horses. Often they would tell us stories many of them lore from days gone by of the old west. Ruby's is a family-run business. What was most enjoyable to me was that the word business never factored into our adventure. The wranglers treated us And then the riding began. it only took me like family by making sure we had the one hour in the saddle to realize that this ultimate customer experience each and would be an experience like no other. If every day. you’ve been to Bryce Canyon Utah to visit you know what I mean. Most visitors don't have access to the areas we did; very few visitors get to see what we saw on horseback. Mother nature provided spectacular sites that this Western NY gal

They called this trip Ruby's Grand adventure and it was Grand in so many ways. Submitted by Lisa DuBois

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Jeff Wilson Clinic Submitted Pat Burch The Western Chapter of the New York State Horse Council (WCNYSHC) invited Jeff Wilson to return to the Western New York area for the second consecutive year for a Western Dressage Clinic. The clinic was held at The Meadows in Marilla, owned and operated by Sandy Keem Noel.

The weekend began with a meet and greet on Friday evening at The Meadows. The WCNYSHC hosted the meet and greet and The exercises continued with the horses under provided light refreshments. Jeff spoke to the saddle, and at the close of the clinic, many of the attendees about his methods and training riders commented “The horse I have now is so much different than the one I arrived with”. philosophies, and presented a riding Lazy horses had more forward movement; fast demonstration on Cowboy, a quarter horse horses were able to slow down, tense and braced owned by Barb Cunningham. Cowboy had just returned from five weeks of training at Jeff’s facility in Delhi, NY. Barb rode Cowboy in the 2018 western dressage clinic, and realized Cowboy needed to work on collection and . “Cowboy does not have a lope - he gallops!”. Barb was amazed at the transformation in Cowboy after his five week boot camp with Jeff. “I can’t believe how soft Cowboy is - he has a lovely, collected jog and lope now. I never was able to lope him before- he just would break into a frantic gallop.”

horses rode soft and collected, and stiff horses were able to bend around a small circle. A few horses even demonstrated flying lead changes and walking pirouettes!

Jeff riding the new and improved Cowboy 11 riders and their horses participated in the two day clinic, and began their training with ground work to help the horses become supple.

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A number of riders are requesting that the WCNYSHC work with Jeff to coordinate an “advanced” Western Dressage Clinic in Fall 2019 or 2020, for riders who have already attended one of Jeff’s clinics. Numerous auditors, who had seen Jeff at Equifest several years ago and who had heard of him from people who previously attended his western dressage clinics, attended to observe Jeff’s techniques.

The WCNYSHC sponsored numerous clinics in 2019, and offered scholarships for one youth rider at each clinic. Bailey Shocknesse was selected to attend the Western Dressage Clinic, and her registration fee was paid by the WCNYSHC.

The “advanced” clinic would build on and continue with the foundation principles from the Jeff’s previous clinics.

The WCNYSHC will keep people posted via FaceBook page, as well as on Barb Cunningham’s Facebook page. If you are interested and want to be notified of Jeff’s next clinic you can also e-mail [email protected] .

WNY is certainly looking forward to learning more from Jeff Wilson at future clinics.

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My horse teaches me everything that I need to know about myself.

Royalton Equine Veterinary Services, P.C.

“Providing quality, compassionate care for the horses of WNY since 1998”

Jeanne Best, DVM Vicki Bentley, DVM, DACVS-LA Chelsea Fland, LVT

Clinic and barn call appointments are available. Please call (716) 629-8384 for scheduling and emergency care information.

7735 Chestnut Ridge Rd. Lockport, NY 14094

Check our website for practice information and upcoming events: www.besthorsevet.com

Full health care service for horses, ponies, minis, donkeys and mules. Including:

• Routine/Preventative Medicine • 24 Hr. Emergency Care (for regular clients) • Routine and Advanced Dental Care • Elective surgical procedures • Lameness Evaluation and Treatment • Purchase Examinations • Nutritional Counseling • In-house Laboratory Diagnostics • Digital Radiography • Ultrasonography • Endoscopy • Equi-Resp equine nebulizer • Cold Laser Therapy-including blue light, TENS and a rental unit • Annual Client Education Seminars

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“Horses don’t lie”

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There is no secret so close as that between a rider and his horse.

Mutual Trust and Respect - It Takes the Time It Takes On Sunday, May 5, the Western Chapter Brannaman, Ray Hunt, Tom Dorrance, Bill hosted a clinic in sunny Cattaraugus with Dorrance, Leslie Desmond, John Lyons and Gail Pearles, owner of Kinship with Horses. Pat Parelli. Five horse/rider teams enjoyed individual hour long lessons with Gail focusing on During this clinic, rider position was skills that the riders selected and that Gail discussed at length. Gail discussed the use recommended after evaluating the teams. of seat, legs, posture, and energy in communication with the horse. It was noted that many riders tend to use reins as their main tool of communication when the reins could become just one of several tools and, in fact, move well down the list of ways to tell your horse how you would like him to move. The horse and rider teams all had the chance to see this in action during their individual sessions. In addition to the riders, there was a full gallery of auditors. “We saw a difference in every single horse and rider team” reported one auditor. “The softness and subtlety was impressive”, she continued. “Watching the horses relax and move so freely, shaping their bodies and working with their riders Gail has a long history in the Western New was awesome”, she concluded. York horse community, helping many riders and horses enjoy their partnerships. The To learn more about Gail and her training Kinship with Horses Philosophy brings opportunities and methods, visit together the best of the modern masters of www.kinshipwithhorses.net. Natural Horsemanship including Buck

An Easy way to fill a hay bag

Put the hay net in a container, just like you would put a garbage bag in a trashcan. Toss the hay in the container and then gather the hay net around it and pull the drawstring. Your hay net will be full and ready to keep your horses happily munching for hours.

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People don’t teach people how to ride, horses teach people how to ride.

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Remember when you join the Western Chapter as a Business you are entitled to a free listing in our newsletter

Western Chapter Business Membership’s Free Listing

ORGANIZATION PHONE EMAIL Alfred University Equestrian Center Steve Shank (607) 587-9012 [email protected] Allegany Mountain Trail Saddles Staci Saulter (716) 652-0680 [email protected] American Heritage Morgan Farm Donna Fox (585) 735-5322 [email protected] Amy Hanssen Training Center Inc. Amy Hansesen (716) 735-7988 [email protected] Attica & Show Association Inc. (585) 591-8230 [email protected] Better Be Barefoot Sherri Pennanen 716-432-2218 [email protected] Begin Again Horse Rescue, Inc. Harriett Rubins (585) 322-2427 [email protected] Equine Essence Nancy Proulx (716) 731-2808 [email protected] Forelegs Forward Michelle White (585) 721-0206 [email protected] Genesee Valley Equine Clinic Kathy Stein, Office Manager 585-889-1170 [email protected] Green Mountain Nutritional Services, Inc. James Miller (585) 591-0922, Fax: (585) 591-4839 [email protected] Heritage Ridge Equestrian Center Connie Zimicki (716) 946-4163 [email protected] High Hurdles Therapeutic Riding of SASI Erin Brauen (716) 496-5551 [email protected] Jim s Farm Service James Gebel - (716) 364-9593 NA Kinship With Horses, LLC Gail Pearles (716) 982-5180 [email protected] Laurelin Farm Caroline North (716) 532-9434 [email protected] Lollypop Farm, Humane Society Joanna Dychton (585) 223-1330 x269 [email protected] Lorick Stables Gareth Selwood (716) 258-1714 (716) 745-3611 [email protected] Lothlorien Therapeutic Riding Center, LLC Maggie Keller (716) 655-1335 [email protected] Main Street Insurance Agency, Inc. Linda Kruszka 585.599.1590 [email protected] Mangold Ranch Versatility Megan Mangold (716) 201-6229 [email protected] Newstead Equestrian Center LLC David Howard (716) 542-3064 [email protected] Roanchar Ranch Draft Horse Rescue Lida Masovich (716) 289-7370 [email protected] Royalton Equine Veterinary Services, P.C. Dr. Jeanne Best (716) 629-8384 [email protected] Sand Meadow Farm Andrea & Steven Barber (585) 624-4468 [email protected] Sedona Rose Ranch Brenda & Gordon Martin (716)374-4943 [email protected] Springville Veterinary Services Joseph Tashjian (716) 592-0070 [email protected] TruFit Saddle Inc. Judith Bromley (716) 435-6051 [email protected] Wolcott Farm 4 Seasons of Fun (585) 786-3504 [email protected]

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Barb Cunningham 3021 Johnson Creek Rd. Middleport, N.Y. 14105

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