Category Archives: Dressage News

Para-Equestrian Ellie Brimmer Prepares for 16th Annual Key West Half Marathon and 5K Run to Raise Money for The Cancer Support Community of Greater Ann Arbor

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Photos and article by: Lindsay Y McCall

Wellington, Florida – January 15, 2014- Born three months premature and weighing only 2 pounds Eleanor Brimmer (Ellie) and her twin sister were in a rush to take on the world. From the moment Ellie arrived her family knew she would have multiple obstacles to overcome in her future. At 27 years old Ellie has met those challenges head-on giving other children and adults with Cerebral Palsy a hero to look up to. She has learned through her struggles and accomplishments that it takes hard work to meet high goals and along the way a person must give back to the community that influenced their life or shaped their everyday world. Her humanitarianism combined with a goal to become a healthy and active athlete has led her to compete in the 16th Annual Key West 5k Run in Key West, Florida, January 19, 2014, in benefit of The Cancer Support Community of Greater Ann Arbor. She empathizes with those who have been diagnosed with Cancer, especially young children. She hopes that her support for this organization can help raise awareness and benefit many of those diagnosed with the life-threatening disease. The Cancer Support Community of Greater Ann Arbor holds an additional special meaning to Ellie as her Grandmother Joan Scott had a long battle with bladder cancer. Joan Scott spent much of her time mentoring other bladder cancer patients before she lost her flight with the disease. When Ellie isn’t on the road she resides Ann Arbor, Mich., where she trains as a Para-Equestrian Dressage athlete and hopeful future Paralympian. She has been working with a trainer, losing weight, and constantly exercising to get herself in top shape for the 5k run.

Ellie Brimmer and horse Carino H at the 2013 Para-Equestrian Dressage CPEDI3* competition in Wellington, FL. Photo by Lindsay Y McCall/ PhotoLyte.com
Ellie Brimmer and horse Carino H at the 2013 Para-Equestrian Dressage CPEDI3* competition in Wellington, FL. Photo by Lindsay Y McCall/ PhotoLyte.com

From birth through adulthood Ellie had to work through the physical issues including muscle spasticity, strength and balance problems that occur with her disability. Her years have consisted of physical therapy, multiple surgeries, visits to the hospital, and constant monitoring of her body. Her daily life from childhood through her adult life consists of weakness in her leg, stiff joints, and continually working to improve her strength and suppleness. Her perseverance and discipline transfers from her everyday life to the high-performance international sport she competes in year round.

 

As a 4th generation horsewoman, Ellie always felt a connection to the equestrian sport. She enjoyed the freedom of being on top of a horse and she loved the skill and discipline it took to work collectively with an animal to succeed. Originally, Ellie began riding show hunter and jumpers however, a purchase of a talented horse that was experienced in Dressage led her to pursue the discipline and everything it had to offer.

 

In 2010, the World Equestrian Games in Lexington, Kentucky, showcased the sport of Para-Dressage in the United States for the first time in history. Although Paralympic equestrians had competed in the Paralympics since 1996, most of the American public did not know about this unique sport. With a horse that would help Ellie learn the intricate world of Dressage and a solid goal to become a Paralympian, Ellie had her future set. For the final stages of becoming a Para-Dressage rider Ellie was internationally classified in Grade III. There are five grades include Grade Ia which includes subjects with severe impairment, Grade Ib, II, III, and IV with the least impairment. Impairments are problems in body function or structure such as a significant deviation or loss.

 

With hard work Ellie became the 2011 Para-Equestrian Dressage Grade III Reserve Champion. She would attain this title once again in 2012. Her top scores earned her a spot as a long- listed rider for the 2012 London Paralympics. Although she did not make the 4 person U.S. Paralympic Team she supported her fellow riders and traveled to London to assist the team and their affiliate, the United States Para-Equestrian Association.

 

Ellie’s experience and defeats have brought her to the 2014-year with aspirations to qualify for the 2014 World Equestrian Games held in Normandy, France. With her busy schedule and constant travel for the equestrian discipline, Ellie always finds time to give back. On January 19, 2014 Ellie will run the 5k in Key West to raise money for The Cancer Support Community of Greater Ann Arbor. To donate to this organization prior to the event on Ellie’s behalf please visithttp://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/erbrimmer_kw5k/keywesthalfmarathon

 

Ellie Brimmer and Carino H Photo(C)Lindsay McCall
Ellie Brimmer and Carino H competing at the 2013 Para-Equestrian Dressage CPEDI3* competition in Wellington, FL. Photo(C)Lindsay Y McCall/ Photolyte.com

 
About the United States Para-Equestrian Association:

 

The USPEA is a network of riders, judges, national federation members, and equestrian enthusiasts.  The association gives athletes the ability to get involved and expand their knowledge and experience in the Para-Equestrian sport. The USPEA encourages Para-athletes to participate in all disciplines under the Para-Equestrian umbrella.

 

The USPEA is a recognized affiliate of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) which serves as the National Governing Body for the equestrian sport.  This relationship between the USPEA and USEF is to encourage Para-Equestrian competitors, leisure riders, coaches, fans and enthusiasts to network and get involved with the entire equestrian sport.

 

Ultimately the goal of the USPEA is to foster growth in the Para-Equestrian discipline.  From growth in the number of participants to growth as a team, and growth in the experience and knowledge of all involved.  From local horse shows to international Paralympic Games, the USPEA provides Para-Equestrians the knowledge and resources needed to succeed.  The USPEA connects with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), the United States Dressage Federation (USDF), USA Reining, and USEF which provide Para-Equestrians the top equestrian resources.

 

In June 2010, the USPEA earned its 501 (c)(3) status which has encouraged supporters to help supply funding to the Para-Equestrian Team as a recognized affiliate of the United States Equestrian Federation(USEF).

 

For more information about the USPEA please visit www.USPEA.org or contact USPEA President: Hope Hand by e-mail: hope@uspea.org or by phone: (610)356-6481.

 

To view an online version of this press release please visit: http://uspea.org/category/recent-uspea-press-news/

 

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FEI World Cup™ Dressage 2013/2014 – Pacific and Central European League Updates

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Lausanne (SUI), 15 January 2014

Photo Caption: Russia’s Tatiana Dorofeeva won the 2013/2014 FEI World Cup™ Dressage Central European League to earn a qualifying spot for the Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage 2013/2014 Final which will take place at Lyon, France in April.  Photo: FEI/Katya Shtatnova.

Russia’s Dorofeeva dominates Central European League while Australia’s Hanna tops Pacific series, by Louise Parkes

Tatiana Dorofeeva was the runaway winner of the FEI World Cup™ Dressage Central European League 2013/2014 which concluded at Minsk, Belarus last October.

Runner-up on home soil at the second leg in Nizhniy Novgorod last June, the 48-year-old Russian rider posted the winning Freestyle score in Moscow in September, while third place at Minsk a month later sealed the cleanest of series victories.  Dorofeeva finished a full 17 points ahead of nearest rival, Katsiaryna Varchenia from Belarus, in the final league standings, and these two riders have qualified for the Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage 2013/2014 Final at Lyon, France in April.

Russia’s Inessa Merkulova claimed third spot on the Central European League table ahead of Poland’s Katarzyna Milczarek, while another of the strong Russian contingent, Marina Aframeeva, slotted into equal-fourth place.  Russian dressage riders were on top form all season.

Meanwhile Mary Hanna earned the single available qualifying spot for riders from the Pacific region when winning the FEI World Cup™ Dressage Pacific League Final in Melbourne, Australia in November. The four-time Olympian pipped last year’s Pacific champion, Rozzie Ryan, whose husband, Heath Ryan, finished third.  Whether Hanna takes up the opportunity to travel to Europe for the Reem Acra-sponsored World Final remains to be seen.

Central Europe

A total of six qualifying legs took place in the Central European region, with riders also permitted to take points from other leagues.

The 2013/2014 Central European season began in Lipica (SLO) last May, where Elena Sidneva and Romeo Star headed the line-up with Germany’s Matthias Kempkes (Riccoletto) and Sylvia Zimmer (Broadway) slotting into second and third places.

Dorofeeva only came out of the starting blocks at round two in Nizhniy Novgorod (RUS) in June, but instantly made an impact when finishing second behind Russian counterpart Alexandra Korelova who also won the Grand Prix at this event with her 17-year-old black stallion Baikal.  All of Dorofeeva’s success throughout her FEI World Cup™ Dressage campaign was achieved with Khorovod, the 14-year-old bay gelding with which she also competed at last summer’s ECCO FEI European Championships in Herning, Denmark.  At Nizhniy Novgorod they scored 70.850 while Korelova won through with a mark of 73.125, and Ukraine’s Svetlana Kiseliova and Parish finished a close third when posting 70.825.

At round three in Brno (CZE) in June, it was Poland’s Katarzyna Milczarek and the experienced Ekwador who scooped the honours ahead of Austria’s Belinda Weinbauer and Debut Dallas while Norway’s Ellen Birgitte Farbrot and Tailormade Akon Askelund finished third.  But when Dorofeeva returned to action on home ground in Moscow in September she had it all her own way. Ground Jury member, Francis Verbeek von Roy, awarded an artistic mark of 77.000 that was backed up by further strong scores from Hans-Christian Matthiesen (DEN), Maribel Alonso de Quinzanos (MEX), Yuri Romanov (RUS) and Raphael Saleh (FRA) for a total of 73.725 to clinch maximum points.

It was a strong day for the Russian squad, as Inessa Merkulova (Mister X) lined up second ahead of Regina Isachkina (Diaz) in third while Katsiaryna Verchenia from Belarus (Redford) finished fourth.

The fifth leg took place at Wroclaw (POL) in September and when Switzerland’s Marcela Krinke Susmelj (Smeyers Molberg) claimed pole position ahead of Spain’s Morgan Barbancon Mestre (Heimliche Liebe) in second and Australia’s Hayley Beresford (Jaybee Alabaster) in third, it was Milczarek who earned the best of the Central European points when slotting into fourth ahead of Sweden’s Malin Hamilton (Fleetwood).

But Dorofeeva tidied it all up with another strong result at Minsk (BLR) in October when third, behind Merkulova, in the class won by yet another rising Russian partnership, Aframeeva with Vosk.

Pacific League

All of the Pacific League events took place in Australia, and at the opener in Melbourne last March it was David Shoobridge and 00-Seven who emerged victorious ahead of Caroline Wagner (Tango V) and Kerry Mack (Mayfield Pzazz).  Shoobridge’s winning score of 73.575 left him more than four marks clear of his nearest rival.  At the third leg of the series in Brisbane in July, Sheridyn Ashwood and Prestige VDL pinned Sue Hearn (Remington) into runner-up spot while Anjanette Harten (UQG Aladdin) was next in line.

Ashwood had to settle for second behind Hanna at Sydney in October where husband-and-wife team, Heath and Rozzie Ryan (Regardez Moi and GV Bullwinkle), clinched third and fourth places, and when the action returned to Sydney again the following month it was Heath Ryan who topped the scoreboard on that occasion. His score of 72.600 ensured the 72.250 earned by Ashwood was only good enough for second place while Jayden Brown (Furst Friederich) finished third.

At the series Final in Melbourne in December however it was Hanna who had it all her own way.  Ground Jury members Susan Hobson (NZL), Susan Hoevenaars (AUS), Mary Seefried (AUS), Stephen Clarke (GBR) and Anne Prain (FRA) combined to award the winning mark of 72.600 to the rider who has been coached by both Kyra Kyrklund and Clemens Dierks during the past 18 years.  Hanna’s dark bay Hanoverian gelding Sancette was being trained by America’s Steffen Peters when the Australian rider first climbed on board in 2010, and is by Sandro Hit.  Together the partnership achieved their ambition of competing for Australia at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Second place at the Melbourne Final went to last year’s champion, Rozzie Ryan with GV Bullwinkle who recently celebrated his 18th birthday, while Heath Ryan and Regardez Moi finished third.

Results:

FEI Pacific League World Cup™ Dressage Final 2013/2014 – 1, Sancette (Mary Hanna) AUS 71.825; 2, GB Bullwinkle (Rozzie Ryan) AUS 71.450; 3, Regardez Moi (Heath Ryan) AUS 71.375; 4, Diamantina 4 (Maree Tomkinson) AUS 69.600; 5, Ferero (Chantal Wigan) AUS 69.425; 6, Tango V (Caroline Wagner) AUS 68.375; 7, Mayfield Pzazz (Kerry Mack) AUS 67.625; 8, Django of Cacharel (Jeremy Janjic) AUS 64.500; 9, Carlyle (Nadia Coghlan) AUS 59.300.

FEI Central European World Cup ™ Dressage League 2013/2014 :

1. Tatiana Dorofeeva RUS – 52
2. Katsiaryna Varchenia BLR – 35
3. Inessa Markulova RUS – 34
4. Katarzyna Milczarek POL – 33
4. Elena Sidneva RUS – 33
6. Marina Aframeeva RUS – 32
7. Alexandra Korelova RUS – 31
8. Svetlana Kiseliova UKR – 28
9. Alena Mastsianitsa BLR – 24
10.Zaneta Skowronska POL – 19
Full result here

FEI World Cup™ Dressage, the only worldwide series in this discipline, has entered its 29th season. The series, created in 1985, comprises four leagues: Western European, Central European, North American (including Canada) and Pacific (Australia, New Zealand, Asia). Each FEI World Cup™ Dressage qualifier consists of a Grand Prix test, which in turn is a qualification for the Freestyle to music competition, where league points are accumulated towards places in the Final. Judged on both technical and artistic merit, the FEI World Cup™ Dressage combines art, sport and partnership between horse and rider at the highest level and consistently proves a winning formula with audiences all over the world.

The Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), founded in 1921, is the international body governing equestrian sport recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and includes 133 National Federations. Equestrian sport has been on the Olympic programme since 1912 with three disciplines – Jumping, Dressage and Eventing. In 2012 equestrian sport celebrated its centenary as an Olympic sport. It is one of the very few sports in which men and women compete on equal terms. It is also the only sport which involves two athletes – horse and rider. The FEI has relentlessly concerned itself with the welfare of the horse, which is paramount and must never be subordinated to competitive or commercial influences.

 

Media contact:
At FEI
Malina Gueorguiev
Manager Press Relations
+41 78 750 61 33

 

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Dressage Canada Announces 2013 Bursary Recipients

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Ottawa, ON, Jan. 7, 2014 — Dressage Canada is pleased to announce the 2013 recipients of the Dressage Canada Bursary Program. 

Each year, the Dressage Canada Development Committee provides one senior and two junior dressage riders with a bursary of $2,500 to help encourage the accomplishment of personal goals as they relate to the sport of dressage.

The 2013 senior recipient of the Dressage Canada Bursary is:

Kristen DeYoung (Ottawa, ON)

DeYoung is a 21-year-old student at the University of Ottawa, studying Honours Psychology. She began riding at the age of eight, and her passion for the sport grew steadily with exposure to the different disciplines. DeYoung began riding in the area of hunter/jumper, and moved into eventing during high school. After moving to Ottawa, she was exposed to a high level of dressage, which led to her changing her focus solely to dressage. This past summer was a great success for DeYoung as she competed at the Gold level, ending the season with a Reserve Championship in Training level at the Ontario Dressage Championships. DeYoung continues to train and advance both herself and her horse in the hope of moving up the levels together. Future goals include furthering her knowledge of dressage, and working to share her passion for horses with others.

The 2013 junior recipients (21 years of age or younger) are:

Julia Helland (Sundre, AB)

Helland is a 16-year-old high school student who plans to attend the University of Alberta in order to study Environmental Sciences. Her love of horses started at an early age, as she grew up on a farm with parents who shared her passion for horses. Helland joined the Canadian Pony Club at the age of seven, actively participating in shows and clinics. She decided to focus on the discipline of dressage at the age of 12. In her first year of dressage competition, Helland earned Provincial and Regional Children’s Championship titles. She has spent the past three years competing at the EC Gold level, where she has earned Second Level Open and Junior Champion titles. In 2012, Helland moved up to the FEI Junior level. Her goal is to represent Canada in international competition, including the North American Junior and Young Riders Championships (NAJYRC), which she hopes to attend within the next two years. She plans to use the bursary fund to attend clinics and other educational events that will expand her knowledge as a rider.

Brooke Koppeser (Winterbourne, ON)

Koppeser is an 18-year-old student enrolled in the Honours Psychology program (with a minor in business) at Wilfrid Laurier University. She had her first riding lesson at Sonnenhof Stables at the age of seven, and continues to train there today, under the guidance Ute Busse. Koppeser was a member of the Ontario/Manitoba Junior Dressage Team at the 2013 NAJYRC in Kentucky. In 2011, her partner, Viva’s Capitol (owned by Busse) was awarded the Canadian Warmblood Breeder’s Association Dressage Horse of the Year (Ontario Chapter) as a result of their competition success. Additionally, Koppeser and her young mount Fabelhaft have obtained scores up to 80.350% in competition. In the future, Koppeser’s goal is to represent Ontario and Canada at international competitions, including returning to NAJYRC.

Dressage Canada Bursary Program recipients are chosen based on various points of consideration, including:

  • Future educational plans
  • Equestrian experience
  • Commitment and dedication to the sport of dressage
  • Goals pertaining to the equestrian industry
  • Results at EC sanctioned Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum competitions
  • Demonstrated financial need
  • Positive contributions to the sport of dressage

About the Dressage Canada Bursary Program
The Senior and Junior bursaries are made possible through the Dressage Canada Levy Program. A $7 levy fee is collected from each horse entered in an EC sanctioned Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum competition. The total collected revenues are forwarded to Equine Canada and used, in part, to fund the Dressage Canada Bursary Program. The purpose is to provide monetary grant assistance to those who have a demonstrated need for financial assistance in order to meet their goals within the discipline of dressage. Three bursaries in the amount of $2,500 are granted to one senior rider and two junior riders each year.

For more information on the Dressage Canada Bursary and Levy programs, visit www.equinecanada.ca/dressage.

 

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Global Dressage Forum North America 2014 Aspiring Para-Dressage Rider Scholarship Award Winner is Announced

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Andreas Stano, founder of the Global Dressage Forum North America, is presenting a new scholarship award at this year’s event.  Mr. Stano and partner, Suzanne La Licata, expressed their desire for the scholarship to be awarded to a disabled person seeking to improve his quality of life and provide him with needed financial support to continue his dedication to dressage.  The GDFNA embodies Dressage Education for all and is proud to offer support to a disabled rider who wishes to improve his horsemanship, whether seeking equine therapy through a PATH International center or for a budding Para-Dressage rider.

This year’s recipient of the GDFNA’s Aspiring Para-Dressage Rider Scholarship Award will go to a very dedicated rider.  By spotlighting the needs of disabled equestrians, the GDFNA hopes to inspire riders and trainers who can assist them.  To support the scholarship for 2014, newly named Education Partner PATH International will exchange educational information and materials.   The GDFNA can now extend its reach to even more dedicated equestrians with this partnership.    For the award itself,  the GDFNA will provide direct financial support with a $10.00 donation for each General Admission Ticket seat sold after January 1, 2014 for the 2014 Global Dressage Forum North America.  The scholarship will be awarded at the GDFNA on February 15 & 16, 2014 and proceeds from the ticket sales after 1/1/14 will go directly to the recipient so that he or she may continue their pursuit of Dressage Education.

GNFNA is proud to announce that Kelby Barranco will be the recipient of its 2014 Aspiring Para-Dressage Rider Scholarship.  His award will be used to assist in his goal of Para-Dressage competition.

According to Lindsay McCall of the USPEA:

“Kelby is currently nationally recognized as a para-dressage rider but he will be formally classified at the 2014 Adequan Global Dressage Festival CPEDI3* in Wellington. He is planning to enter and compete in the Grade II Para-Equestrian Dressage competition.”

Dressage shows in Palm Beach County are punctuated by the warm smile of Kelby Barranco, who is a hard-working volunteer.  Monica Barranco, Kelby’s mother works both international and national shows as a ring steward. Her love for horses comes from Kelby’s love for horses, and the almost miraculous healing power that horses have had in Kelby’s life.

Kelby was born with Microcephaly, which is a diagnostic term for small head development.  In addition, doctors discovered that Kelby had one fully developed brain hemisphere and one very underdeveloped hemisphere.  At 8 and ½ months of age, Kelby clearly demonstrated features of cerebral palsy.

By age 3 and ½, Kelby was not walking or talking.  What was a mother to do?  A truly excellent, devoted mother would get creative.  That is exactly what Monica Barranco did.  She found a trainer and put Kelby on a horse.

With each month’s passing, Kelby developed increased physical strength, and demonstrated a great love for horses.  Ms. Barranco did what all children want their parents to do.  She bought a horse for Kelby.  His first horse was Princess who was his teacher for 10 years before she passed away at age 35.

All of Kelby’s achievements, awards, along with his physical and cognitive development have been the subject of other interviews.  Kelby’s most recent acclaim was being awarded the USDF Youth Volunteer of the Year.

Here he is shown with his dear friend, Sylvia Rizzo.

Congratulations, Kelby!  You just won the GDFNA 2014 Aspiring Para-Dressage Rider Scholarship Award.  We wish you well in reaching your goals of competing as a Para-Dressage Rider.

Written by Sharon Packer
(Photo Credit: Sharon Packer)

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Feeding Straw to the Insulin Resistant Horse May be a Mistake

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January 13, 2014

by Juliet M. Getty, Ph.D.

Your horse is a grazing animal; he needs access to grass or hay all the time, all day and all night. Left with an empty stomach, the horse may develop ulcers, be prone to colic, experience laminitis or its relapse, and exhibit sensitive, irritable behavior. If you have an overweight horse, the hormonal stress response to forage restriction will actually keep him from losing weight. The solution? In short, provide low starch/low sugar forage and get your horse moving.

Straw is often touted as a low NSC (non-structural carbohydrates) feed source for insulin resistant horses because, while not terribly nutritious, it can “keep them busy” in between hay feedings. After all, straw is just empty calories, right?  The answer may surprise you.

 

What is straw?

Straw is the dried stalks of cereal plants such as wheat or oats, but it generally contains no grain kernels (as we often see with oat hay, for example). After the grain is harvested, the stalks are left standing to dry. They are then cut and baled. Typically, straw is used for animal bedding or industrial usages. It is not a worthwhile food source mainly because it is very high in lignin, a fibrous substance that binds nutrients and cannot be digested by the microbial population in the horse’s hindgut. The NDF (neutral detergent fiber) value of straw tends to be high, meaning it is not digestible, and hence, provides few calories. But, before it reaches the horse’s hindgut, the carbohydrates, fats, and protein are extracted and digested inside the small intestine. Non-structural carbohydrates (NSC), which include sugars, fructans, and starch, are a concern when feeding the insulin resistant horse. So the questions become: “Is straw low enough in NSC?” and “How does it compare to other commonly fed forages?”

Every forage is unique; its nutritional content will vary depending on the soil, amount of rainfall, exposure to sunlight, and degree of stress. Consequently, testing is the only true way to know what is in your hay, or what is in straw. Some straw will test low enough in sugar and starch to best safe to feed to an insulin resistant horse, but oftentimes this is not the case. Most farms (unless they use it as bedding) do not have enough straw on hand to warrant testing it, so feeding it may not be worth the risk.

Ideal values for the insulin resistant horse

To determine whether a forage is safe to feed free-choice to an insulin resistant horse, pay attention to three key indicators:

1)      NSC: Ideally, the NSC value of your forage should be less than 12% on an as-sampled basis.

2)      ESC + Starch: This represents the simple sugars plus starch. It should be less than 10% on an as-sampled basis. Since NSC includes fructans (which do not significantly contribute to blood insulin levels), this second indicator is worth evaluating, especially if the NSC value of your forage is slightly above 12%.

3)      DE: For the overweight horse, it is important to reduce calories. Ideally, the DE (caloric) content should not exceed 0.88 Mcals/lb (1.94 Mcals/kg).

 

Over the past 12 years, Equi-Analytical Labs has compiled normal ranges of key nutrients in forages. The chart below compares straw to various types of hay.

 

Normal Ranges of Key Nutritional Indicators of Straw Compared to Other Forages1
(on an as-sampled basis)
Straw Alfalfa hay Grass hay
(cool season)		 Bermuda grass hay
(warm season)		 Oat hay
DE Mcals/lb
(Digestible Energy)		 0.7-0.8 1.1-1.3 0.9-1.0 0.9-1.0 0.9-1.0
%NDF
(Neutral Detergent Fiber)		 65.6-81.3 33.5-44.0 55.7-70.1 62.0-71.7 53.1-65.5
%WSC
(Water Soluble Carbohydrates)		 1.7-12.0 7.4-11.1 6.8-15.8 5.8-9.5 9.0-24.1
%ESC
(Ethanol Soluble Carbohydrates)		 0.6-7.0 5.9-8.9 4.7-10.2 4.7-9.2 5.2-15.5
%Starch 0.0-5.1 0.9-2.8 0.7-3.5 2.2-8.4 1.5-8.1
NSC
(WSC + Starch)		 1.7-17.1 8.3-13.9 7.5-19.3 8.0-17.9 10.5-32.2
ESC + Starch 0.6-12.1 6.8-11.7 5.4-13.5 6.9-17.6 6.7-23.6

 

 

The table above offers several significant points

Evaluating NSC levels:

  • The NSC range of straw may be generally low, but it can be as high as 17.1%, which is unacceptable for the insulin resistant horse.
  • Alfalfa, often touted as high in sugar, has an NSC range that is reasonable and predictable.
  • The NSC range of grass hays (both cool and warm season) is broad, highlighting the need for testing.
  • Grain hays (from oats, as shown above, but which can also include barley, wheat, rye and millet) tend to be quite high in NSC.

 

ESC + Starch values parallel the NSC levels of each forage type. Forage safety cannot be assumed; testing is the only way to take the guesswork out of feeding.

 

DE variations exist. The DE of straw tends to be low. Alfalfa’s caloric content is higher due to its protein content. Many grass hays have a low enough DE to be suitable for the overweight horse, but this is not always the case.

 

The NDF percentage in straw is high, even at its lowest range level. If the NDF value is greater than 60%, the forage contains a large amount of indigestible fiber, making it lower in feed value for your horse. With straw, the concern is not feed value; the high NDF appears to be a good thing. But its coarseness makes it difficult to chew and swallow, and more significantly, can lead to impaction colic.

 

Summary

 

Straw may seem like the ideal way to fill in the time between hay feedings for the insulin resistant horse, but it is not likely worth the risk. It can be as high or even higher in sugar/starch as grass hay. And because it is extremely dry and coarse, feeding it increases the risk of the horse developing colic. A better way is to test your grass hay to confirm that it is suitable to feed free-choice, thereby feeding your horse the way his predecessors remained healthy for millions of years. Respect his need to be what he is – a horse.

 

1Source: www.Equi-Analytical.com forage analyses ranges over last 12 years.

 

**************************

 

Permission to reprint this article commercially is granted, provided prior notice is given to Dr. Getty at gettyequinenutrition@gmail.com. No editorial changes may be made without her approval.

 

Juliet M. Getty, Ph.D. is an internationally respected, independent equine nutritionist who believes that optimizing horse health comes from understanding how the horse’s physiology and instincts determine the correct feeding and nutrition practices. She is the Contributing Nutrition Editor for the Horse Journal, and is available for private consultations and speaking engagements.

 

Buy Dr. Getty’s comprehensive resource book Feed Your Horse Like a Horse at Dr. Getty’s website,www.gettyequinenutrition.com, and have it inscribed by the author. Or buy it at Amazon (www.Amazon.com), Barnes and Noble (www.barnesandnoble.com) or Books A Million (www.booksamillion.com). The seven separate volumes in Dr. Getty’s topic-centered Spotlight on Equine Nutrition series are available at her website, where Dr. Getty offers special package pricing, and also at Amazon in print and Kindle versions.

 

Dr. Getty provides a world of useful information for the horseperson at www.gettyequinenutrition.com. Sign up for her informative, free monthly newsletter, Forage for Thought; browse her library of reference articles; search her nutrition forum; and purchase recordings of her educational teleseminars. And for the growing community of horse owners and managers who allow their horses free choice forage feeding, Dr. Getty has set up a special forum as a place for support, celebrations, congratulations, and idea sharing. Share your experiences at jmgetty.blogspot.com. Reach Dr. Getty directly atgettyequinenutrition@gmail.com.

 

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Invitation to Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 Live Media Briefing

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Press Contact: Susanna Elliott, Alltech PR
suelliott@alltech.com; 859-473-2696

You are cordially invited to the January edition of our live media briefing monthly series to hear the latest news regarding the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy.

This month, Fabien Grobon, CEO of the Normandy Organizing Committee, will express his best wishes for the New Year, give an update on ticketing and present a glimpse of 2014. Samuel Hallifax, manager of the Volunteer Program, will give an update on the hiring and training process for volunteers.

This global media webinar will be hosted by Chris Stafford, vice president and secretary of the International Alliance of Equestrian Journalists (IAEJ), and supported by title sponsor Alltech.

Following the presentation, we will offer a live question and answer session, moderated by Chris.

Date: Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2014

Time: 1800h (CEST); 1700h (BST); 1200h (US Eastern); 0900h (US Pacific)

Language: English

Click Here To Register: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/887800232

 

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Steffen Peters and Scott Hassler Returning to Succeed/USDF FEI-Level Trainers’ Conference

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A reminder:

Lexington, KY (May 14, 2013) – The United States Dressage Federation announced today that Olympian Steffen Peters and USEF National Young Dressage Horse Coach Scott Hassler will return to headline the 2014 Succeed/USDF FEI-Level Trainers’ Conference.  The conference will be held January 20-21, 2014 at Mary Anne McPhail’s High Meadow Farm in Loxahatchee, Florida.  During the 2014 conference, Peters and Hassler will focus on the critical stages of development and training.  Peters will, again, be hands-on with FEI-level horses, spending time in the saddle as he identifies where riders ‘get in trouble’, and showcasing his techniques as he works through ‘real life’ issues as they relate to the Pyramid of Training.  Peters and Hassler will also engage attendees in peer–to–peer discussion throughout the conference, as they evaluate each situation.
Steffen Peters is one of the most sought after trainers and clinicians in the world and is known for his correct and sympathetic approach.  In addition to his training credentials, Peters has a highly decorated international competitive career.  He recently made history in having the number one and number two horses for the 2012 US Olympic team. Peters earned an Individual and Team Gold medal at the 2011 Pan American Games, earned an Individual Bronze medal in both the Grand Prix and Grand Prix Special at the 2010 World Equestrian Games, won the 2009 World Cup, placed fourth individually in the 2008 Olympic Games, earned a Team Bronze medal in the 1996 Olympics, has been named as USEF Equestrian of the Year an unprecedented three times, and has won six USEF National Grand Prix Dressage Championship titles.
Scott Hassler, a well sought after clinician, is one of our country’s most respected all-around horsemen and is an internationally respected and accomplished trainer and educator.  Hassler’s straightforward and simple training and coaching techniques have been used to successfully develop horses of all ages through the Grand Prix level, as well as helped achieve the best US result to date at the World Championships for Young Horses, with a fourth place finish in 2005.  Hassler’s visionary impact and dedication to the sport is further illustrated in the Young Dressage Horse Trainers Symposium, which Hassler initiated while he was at Hilltop Farm. This meaningful event is entering its eighth year and is heralded as a model for successful educational forums of the nature Hassler and Peters intend to deliver.  A member of the USEF Dressage Committee, the USEF Strategic Planning Committee, the USEF Young Horse Steering Committee, and the USDF Sporthorse Committee; Hassler was named USEF National Young Horse Coach in 2006 and is based at the renowned Riveredge Training Facility in Chesapeake City, Maryland.
Kathie Robertson, Senior Education Programs Coordinator, stated, “After the overwhelming response to Steffen and Scott last year, we couldn’t be happier that they have agreed to return for this year’s conference.”
For more information on the Succeed/USDF FEI-Level Trainers’ Conference, including criteria for attendance, please contact the USDF office attrainersconference@usdf.org or at (859) 971-2277.

 

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