Cari Swanson

Horse Industry Contributes $39 billion to US Economy

Horse Business is big business. A recent study by the horse Counsel reveals that our industry contributes $39 billion to the US economy and supports 1.4 million full time jobs. When indirect spending is considered, the total is closer to $102 billion. The following conclusions have been made:

The horse industry is both large and economically
diverse, as well as a key contributor to the overall
fabric of the U.S. economy;

Horse owners and industry suppliers, racetracks,
and off-track betting operations, horse shows and
other industry segments all generate discrete
economic activity contributing to the vibrancy of the
overall industry;

. Of the total economic impacts reported,
approximately $32.0 billion is generated from the
recreational segment; $28.8 billion from the
showing segment and $26.1 billion is generated
from the racing segment.

“This study paints a portrait of an industry that operates in
every corner of the country and contributes mightily to the
American economy and culture,” said Jay Hickey, President
of the AHC. “Never before has the impact of our industry
been so dramatically demonstrated.”

“Millions of Americans have a personal commitment to the
horse industry, from the grassroots to those who compete
nationally and internationally,” said David O’Connor
President of the United States Equestrian Federation and
an Individual Olympic Gold Medalist. “Some are kids riding
their backyard horse for the sheer joy of it, some support
their family working for an equine business, and others are
breeders and competitors at the highest levels. Together
they contribute billions to the economic health of our
country through their shared passion for the great
American icon, the horse.”

“We know horses have a special place in America’s history
and culture. This study clearly demonstrates the horse
industry’s significant role in America’s economy too,” said
Congressman Don Sherwood (R-Pennsylvania), a breeder
of draft horses. “When you have a tough week in
Congress, there is nothing like going home, cleaning a
stall, and grooming a broodmare. The old saying that there
is something about the outside of a horse that is good for
the inside of a man is so true.”

Understanding Colic

Colic is not a disease, it is simply a belly ache. Colic is the number one killer in horses so it is important to understand how to prevent and identify the symptoms of this ailment. Nearly 10% of the equine population experiences Colic at some time. Luckily more than 80% of these cases are resolved medically rather than surgically.

The horse’s digestive system is not the best, the stomach is the size of a football and there are 80 feet of intestines that are designed for food to keep moving through all the time. Horses are natually grazing animals and when we change their routine by keeping them in a stall most of the time, the natual system starts to break down. Thus it is important to offer your horse forage, or hay throughout the day and feed small amounts of grain several times a day.

Colic takes several forms. Gas colic can be mild or severe, depending on how much gas has accumulated in the intestines. Spasmaodic colic is the spasms of the intestinal walls and impaction colic is the accumulation of feed that has caused an obstruction. Colic can also be caused by parasites so it is important to keep your horse on a diligent worming program.

Water consumption is key to a healthy digestive system, so always check your horses water supply and add electrolytes when the weather is too hot or too cold.

Dental care is also important. Your horse must be able to chew and digest his food properly.

Symptoms of colic can be identified if you know your horse well, If he starts to paw, bite his belly, attempt to urinate without success, roll, lie down, stop eating, have a temperature, or act strangely, you should immediately treat him and call your vet. remove your horses water and feed, administer ace and banamine to relax and relieve the stress, hand walk your horse until the drugs take effect. Keep an eye out for manure in his stall and watch for gass or manure to pass. Take his vital signs–you should know his normal temperature and heart rate. Listen to his gut sounds, you should hear rumblings on both sides of his belly.

Most of the time the belly ache passes and all is well, but as an owner you must be in tune to how your horse is feeling. The earlier you identify signs of distress, the faster you will help your horse feel better.

How Horses Think

How horses think…

A student recently came to me and told me her horse was mad at her and she did not know why.
I asked what was going on, and suddenly he was rearing and uncontrollable although she felt
nothing had changed in his routine. He seemed to constantly be bad in one place in the arena.

First of all, horses do not think like humans. They do not usually have ulterior motives and try to
“get us”, as some people may think. Of course there are always exceptions to everything.

Horses learn from 4 sides, the front, back, left and right. They do not transfer a task from the right side,for example to the left side. Thus in training the rider must remember to always do everything from both sides equally to be in balance.

Horses do not want to be bad. Horses in general want to please, they want to chose the most efficient way to do something. Therefore when given a choice to work very hard and expend a great deal of energy, or take the easy soft way, normally they chose the latter.

Horses cannot see directly in front of them or behind them, so check to see if there is a new noise, or
object in or out of sight.

Always check to see if your horse is sore or hurting. Horses almost always show us what is wrong, if we only listen.

Next I ask if you immediately surrender once the bad behaviour occurs, if so, then you are training him to do this.

Sure enough, after some analysis, we concluded the rider had more tension than normal in her body due to life stresses and her horse was reacting accordingly. We must always remember horses are highly intuitive creatures. Sometimes if you think a movement, the horse will perform perfectly to the thought. If you are highly stressed and in a hurry to race through your ride in order to stay on schedule, you will undoubtedly have a horrible ride. Bill Steinkraus once told me, when training your horse ride as if you have all the time in the world, simply relax.

Remember that horses want to conserve energy, so they will always chose the easier option. They also learn by observing each other, so it may help to take another horse in the ring and have him walk through the “danger area” first a few times.

Riders must realize that horses survive on feeling the energy around them, so you must be calm and relaxed, and breathe in order to enjoy a pleasurable ride. Ride in the moment and all will be better.

Buying a Horse

Spring is here and everyone is out looking for the perfect horse for themselves or their children. Every day I receive numerous calls from people desperate to find a horse for the beginning of the show season. First, I tell them to have a plan. Evaluate exactly how much they can afford and what the actual job of the horse will be. Once this is determined check the web sites of dreamhorse.com, or search google for the type of horse desired. Ask friends where they found their horses and network as much as possible.

When you make an appointment to try a horse, be on time, or if you are running late call the barn to let them know. Groom the horse and tack him up if possible. It is important to handle the horse and get to know him in normal situations.

Ask questions, why is he for sale? any vices such as cribbing, pawing, bad behaviour, rearing, bolting, or anything else unusual you should know about? Knowledge is power, and do not panic if your horse has a problem. Some situations are easy to work with, others you want to walk away from.

Watch the horse move under saddle warming up and then performing the desired task. Then hop on and feel him for yourself. Always start slow, take your time to feel how much it takes to make the horse move forward and how easy it is to halt. Ask the trainer/owner to help you if they see you struggling with something. Every horse is different and this one may be trained to different aids than you are used to. Have a friend video the horse so you can watch it at home and see how you and the horse look.

Finally, come another day and try the horse a second time to confirm your feel and confidence in the horse. Walk the horse out of the ring and around a field if possible.

Sometimes you are lucky and the first horse you sit on is the right match. This is rare, but do not walk away if it is the case. In some cases you will look at many horses but do not become frustrated. If you are being realistic about your goals and budget, the right horse will find you. One customer came to me and was exhausted from the search, she said this was the 30th and possibly the final horse they would look at. It was love at first sight and her daughter went on to show and win every championship they entered. So keep the faith, do not quit before the miracle!

Tony Mason Clinics

It is my pleasure to invite you to a clinic at Windrock Farm to be given by Mr. Tony Mason, known as the man who talks to horses.

I have been working with Tony with several of my horses and find that we are making tremendous progress in communicating more effectively and clearly.

Mr. Mason was always known as a horse psychic, healer and Master trainer of the “Old School”, long before the titles of Horse Whisperer etc. were invented and everybody jumped on the bandwagon. Using these powers and his profound knowledge of horses and riding techniques gained from a lifetime around these creatures, he produces results, which often leave the rider quite surprised and thrilled. From the moment the rider walks into the arena with Mr. Mason she quickly learns she or he are in for a special experience and leave looking at the horse and their riding in a different way and with a fresh eye.

Tony was born in India in the last days of the Raj and was one of the last of the “colonial brats”, just as he is respected as one of the last trainers in the World who still insist on and know the old ways. No gimmicks, tricks, or cruelty. Tony uses simple “horse logic” in his training and thorougly explains and discusses the work with you, giving you a deeper understanding of the whys and wherefores of the work.

At the age of twelve he returned to England where his formal riding education began. In 1969 he won the Winston Churchill Memorial Felowship, which brought him to the USA, where he has now lived since 1970 as a US citizen. During his twenty five years as a V.P. and designer of menswear for such notable names as Oscar De La Rena, Pierre Cardin, John Weitz, Le Tigre and Stetson, he was able to travel all over the world and incorporate training sessions with notable masters such as Herr Kurshner, retired instructor of the German Cavalry and continues to work with Karl Mikolka, ex Senior Rider of the Spanish Riding School. Mr. Mason takes his psychic poers, his healing ability and his profound knowledge of riding and training to produce winners on the East Coast. He as taught clinics in Holland, Japan, Korea, Hong Kong and Italy and today teaches regularly in England and France.

I highly recommend any serious rider who seeks a deeper understanding of communicating with their horse to meet and train with Tony. He is not only a remarkable trainer but an inspiring human being who has survived against all odds. He is a rare survivor of two organ transplant operations, a liver in 1992 and a kidney last year.

Email me at cari@cariswanson.com for clinic dates and availability

What is the Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event?

Every Spring I travel to Lexington Kentucky at the end of April to attend the most exciting equestian events in the world. I have been attending the Rolex Event as a spectatar since 1978 when it began. It is such an inspiration to see all of the top riders and horses competing at the highest level of this sport. I encourage anyone who loves horses to make the journey down to Lexington and experience this amazing horse spectacle.

THE ONLY FOUR STAR THREE-DAY EVENT IN THE AMERICAS
Because horse and rider combinations compete in World Championships and Olympic Games at the Four Star level, the ability to train and test themselves at this level on an annual basis is critical to developing strong individuals and teams for those contests.

While not every combination that competes at the Four Star level will be chosen to represent the U.S. or, in the case of foreign riders, their own country, the Rolex Four Star Championship, $200,000 in prize money and a Rolex Watch make the competition important in its own right. Additionally for U.S. riders, the USET Foundation CCI**** Championship for the Pinnacle Cup marks the high point of any U.S. rider’s career.

To win Rolex Kentucky sets a horse and rider apart and they become members of that upper echelon who are winners of a CCI****. Simply to finish also puts them in select company.

ONE OF THREE EVENTS IN THE ROLEX GRAND SLAM OF EVENTING
The Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing awards $250,000 to the Rider who can win the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials in England the first weekend in May and the Burghley Land Rover Horse Trials in England the first of September in succession. In its 5th year in 2003, Pippa Funnell of Great Britain became the first Grand Slam winner with wins at Kentucky on Primmore’s Pride, Badminton on Supreme Rock, and Burghley on Primmore’s Pride, taking the $250,000 prize that most had thought impossible to win. When the next Grand Slam winner will burst onto the Eventing scene is anyone’s guess.

New Book on Dressage

I am often asked to recommend books to read and as resources for my students. There are many out in the market, and every year new ones are released. Recently, the United States Dressage Federation (USDF) announced a new book by Jennifer Bryant which I encourage all of my students to read.

Assuming no prior knowledge of the sport of dressage, this new book, the USDF Guide to Dressage, explains the training scale to riders. The book is illustrated with a full course of excercises, from pre-introductory to Second Level. The book offers beautiful photographs of accomplished riders demonstrating the various movements.

This authoritative guide includes the dramatic and colorful history of dressage, an overview of proper terminology and equipment, as well as information on competitition, cross-training for other disciplines, management of the dressage horse, rider fitness and much more.

Dressage is an intricate ballet of athleticism and grace, demanding precise movement and excellent comunication between horse and rider. This sport is particularly appealing to the growning group of “Baby Boomer” riders who are looking for opportunities to expand their riding skeills and knowledge without the physical challenges and risks involved in jumping and racing. Whether they have been in the saddle for years or are just taking up or renewing their riding practie, these eager riders will find the USDF Guide to Dressage and important key to building a more satisfying relationship with their horses.

Feeding Garlic to Horses

I believe in treating all of my animals holistically and naturally whenever possible. It is much more efficient to allow the body to heal from within, allowing for optimum health. I do not like to treat ailments and illness with drugs that mask the symptoms. As we enter Spring and Summer, the fly and tick season is upon us. To help our horses combat these annoying pests, I recommend adding a garlic powder supplement to your feeding program.

Garlic is one of most effective natural healing substances in the world. It is an anit-oxidant, anti-cancer, antibacterial, anti-infection, anti-parasitic, anti inflammatory, anti viral, anti fungal, tonic, high in sulfure, richin aminao acids and will not harm friendly intestinal bacteria.

A horse needs between half an ounce to 2 ounces per day depending on the size. You can feed it in powder form as a supplement in your daily feed routine. This will not only build his immune system, but it will also help defend him against flies and ticks. You can purchase this supplement from Equilite.com.

Natural Horsemanship

Natural Horsemanship
By Cari Swanson Swanson

Looking back, I realize that my grandmother trained horses using natural horsemanship techniques without knowing that is what she was doing. She taught me how horses think, how they have to learn from four sides, the front, back, left and right. She explained to me that the secret to training is moving the horses feet. If my horse stopped, or reared, or got stuck, she would tell me to move the feet, either laterally or forward or backward to unlock the blocking. It was all about finding a way to make the horse respond to us.

I believe in these techniques because they are innate in my way of working with horses.
My entire approach is holistic; one must consider the mind body and spirit. By nature, horses want to please us. They do there best to communicate to us what is going on. Trouble begins when the trainer does not listen to the horse.

As I began working with different horses I came to understand each one is an individual and needs to be considered as such. Of course there are basics and a training scale to follow, but often a particular horse would break the rules and teach me something new. This is when I recognized that the greatest teacher is the horse.

Over the years I have met many natural horse trainers. After trying to find someone to help me with a seemingly impossible flighty filly, I was introduced to Buck Brannaman at a clinic. He worked with her and taught me many things, the most important lesson is to be patient.

I have always been fascinated by true horseman, people who seek to understand the mind of the horse. Somehow I am drawn to horses no matter where I travel. While living in Luxembourg for my junior year abroad, I discovered dressage at a local farm. A great master taught me the training scale which I learned is founded on relaxation and rhythm. Whenever a problem arose, he insisted on returning to a relaxed gait. No matter where I am horses seem introduce me to interesting people and places.

When traveling in South America I was introduced to an unusually talented horse trainer, Ruben Morales who was incredible at understanding and communicating with horses. I watched him break wild stallions, tame yearlings, and fix complicated behavioral problems using his system. I invited him to visit my farm for a year so that we could share our knowledge and different worlds of the horse.

Through studying the higher movements of dressage, I have met and trained with Tony Mason. He learned from the masters of the old school of classical riding in Austria and Germany. His deep understanding and clear communication of both the rider and the horses biomechanics have helped me trememdously. Tony is instrumental in helping me understand the power of the mind while working with horses and how destructive anger or frustration can be. Horses are very sensitive by nature and pick up any negative energy. I have seen horses refuse to move and yet dance when they see Tony.

Recently I met Rex Petersen, a reknown horse trainer who trains trick horses for Hollywood films. If you are shooting a film and need a horse to jump through a window, or lay down and play dead, or rear up and fight, he is the guy to call. Rex studied with the great Glen Randall for years and admits to knowing a fraction of what his teacher knew. He helped me understand that many times we learn how to convince a horse to do something by mistake. Each horse has different buttons that trigger a response. You should always be open to experimenting and feeling your way to solve a problem.

All of these people agree that the most important lesson is to continue to be open to learning and discussing new ways of understanding the horse. There are many books to read and learn valuable information about understanding the nature of horses. We must never stop learning and always remember that the horse is our greatest teacher.

How I came to work with Horses

Recently I was asked how I came to work with horses. At first it seemed like a strange question because horses have always been in my life and it seems natural to work with them.

My grandparents were avid horsemen, they were married at the local hunt club, oats were showered upon them celebrating their marriage, and I grew up at family outings on horseback. My grandmother was barely five feet tall, yet she handled enormous horses both on the ground and under saddle. She could lay her hand on a horses shoulder to calm them down or encourage them to do whatever she asked. I imagine I learned from her example through instinct. My sister and I spent hours in the barn taking care of every aspect of the horses, we were responsible for feed, turnout, vet care, grooming, cleaning…everything accept driving the tractor.

My first pony was a black Shetland, the most ornery creature you every met, he found great pleasure in dropping his shoulder to dislodge me from his back. We were not allowed to ride in a saddle until we mastered riding bareback. Almost every year or two I was given a new project horse, while my previous mount was handed down to my sister until I graduated to a very talented, athletic and spirited Appendix Quarter Horse, called Fella, who gave me the confidence to jump anything. He was bold and light on his feet, galloping over any obstacle– picnic tables which my brothers were seated at or my Uncles red MG. Needless to say, we were scolded for endangering family members, but it was too much fun. And it was great practice for competitions where we won many championships. He lived with me until he died when he was nearly 100 in human years, he was a great friend and teacher.

My entire family rides, some better than others. My sister is a western cutting champion as well as an avid fox hunter. One brother was a wrangler and will always be a cowboy at heart, the other rides on occasion but prefers his Cessna Cub. It seems natural that I am surrounded by horses.

Now I train horses and riders as well as selling horses. I find it very rewarding to find the perfect horse for someone to learn and grow with. In teaching, it has become a challenge to describe what I feel naturally to new riders and explain how to communicate with the horse. I encourage riders to leave the ring and enjoy a ride across the countryside, viewing the landscape from vantage points they would never see by the road. Leaving the ring also allows the riders to feel the horse and stop focusing so much on the technique. They naturally, they will adjust their balance going up and down hills without overthinking the details. The most important thing I try to teach is that learning to ride is like life, it is a constant journey, every day is different and you have to learn to relax and enjoy the moment.