OEC Newsletter - Issue 7, Volume 2, 4th Quarter 2010
Karen O'Connor Clinic, September 2010

"Don't Just Survive…..RIDE!"

What better way to prepare for the American Eventing Championships and fall events than riding with Olympian Karen O'Connor? The OEC hosted a weekend of education and training with Karen that taught the basics of connection and what it truly means to ride. Saturday started off with flat work exercises, which pointed out the gaps in the riders' training and aides. Being able to manipulate the horse's body in direction and tempo was the key lesson learned by the pairs to guarantee their success over fences. Then, during grid work exercises, riders were pushed to extend their flat work knowledge to the strides between the fences. All riders focused in on riding the strides they wanted instead of riding the fences as a single entity. Direction, speed, balance, and rhythm became the mantra for all riders as they worked the exercises on Saturday.

Sunday morning brought a brief cross-country position discussion on the three jumping positions before heading out to the course. During warm-up, all riders were encouraged to apply the morning's discussion on rider position and leverage to their particular horse. Some mounts took more leverage than others at the gallop to adjust their direction, speed, balance, and rhythm, without relying on the use of the reins. Karen helped each rider learn to ride the horse they have instead of being a passenger "holding on for survival". The new-found connection between riders and their mounts proved to be beneficial as they worked through the exercises Karen created on the cross-country course. Coffin complexes set at an angle, jumps into and out of the water, and bank exercises all challenged the riders to get out of their comfort zone and... RIDE!

All participants came away from the clinic with a sense of accomplishment and excitement for the fall season. We are looking forward to Karen's return to the facility in early winter. Be sure to check out calendar, and watch out for the e-blasts for more details!

Cross Country riding prep, with Karen explaining how to use your "sails" and body leverage
(Photo courtesy of Lauren Gates)		 Rider A. Kearley, on Goober, showing a great use of her "sails", as she gallops through the water complex exercise.
(Photo courtesy of A. Kearley)		 AEC Working Student B. Aickelin, on Chip, showing great form down the novice bank complex.
(Photo courtesy of Lauren Gates)

For more on David and Karen O'Connor, visit their website at www.oconnoreventteam.com.
 
Lesson Horse Spotlight: Oliver Twist

A successful lesson program relies heavily on the equine athletes in your barn. It is difficult to find safe, reliable mounts that can fulfill the needs of multiple riders at multiple levels. At The Oaks Equestrian Center, we are fortunate enough to have several donated lesson horses that fit this bill and deserve a little time in the spotlight!

One such horse is Oliver Twist, a.k.a. "Ollie Pop". Oliver has been graciously donated to be a part of our lesson program by the Dilling family. With a background in Western Pleasure, the Dillings purchased Oliver for their daughter, as a safe mount with which to work up through the hunter show ring. Oliver happily complied with his new job and had great success with the Dillings. As their daughter grew older, the Dillings decided to seek an opportunity for Oliver to bring the same joy to other children as he did to their own.

In 2009, Oliver joined The OEC Lesson Horse Team and proves to be an irreplaceable mount! Oliver is a social butterfly in the barn and is the first horse to nicker at you in the morning. He has never met a stranger and is always willing to walk over to the fence line for a pat on the nose by anyone taking a tour. Oliver is great with younger riders and even lowers his head for them to put on his halter. Under tack, Oliver shows his versatility by packing riders around while they learn to "stop, start, steer" one day, then by heading out to teach cross-country the next. Over the past year and a half, Oliver has participated in two full summer-camp sessions, the "Take Your Time Turtle" division of the Hunter Pace, and several clinics. A staff favorite, Oliver has earned himself a special place in the heart of the OEC!
 
Kids' Connection

The Oaks Equestrian Pony Club Riding Center

altThe Oaks Equestrian Center hosted some very fun and exciting Pony Club events this summer and early fall! July brought the C-and-Up camp with renowned clinician Daniel Stewart. Riders at the C-Level and above spent two full days of mounted and unmounted instruction on balance and planning with their horses. This clinic proved to be fun and informative for all PC'ers who participated, as well as for the auditors! We can't wait to see Daniel in action again at the CHA conference!

August was full of preparation and confirmation. Pony Club members Mia LaDuke and Rachel Tinsman spent many hours on their horses, in the classroom and at home, to prep for their rating. Both PC'ers successfully completed the qualifications of their rating and are now D-3 riders! Way to go, ladies!

September brought many changes to the cross-country course, as well as more training opportunities. Not only did all PC members have an opportunity to train with Karen O'Connor, a few dual members from the St. John's River Pony Club trained with Bunny Hendricks to prep for their next rating. This prep clinic was focused on the standards and proficiencies expected for the C-2 level. A new cross-country course was designed, and Bunny was able to hone in on the "little things" that have an effect on the big picture. She was able to push the riders to create a better relationship between them and their mounts, which in turn increased their confidence in themselves. We wish all of the riders testing for their C-2 this winter the best of luck!

Remember: Pony Club members receive discounts on activities and training at The Oaks. Call or email to find out how you can become a dual member of our riding center!

Rachel Tinsman
Instructor's Assistant
OEC Pony Club Member (and now a C - 1!!)

alt alt
C-and-Up Campers posing with clinician Daniel Stewart C-2 Candidate Prep with Bunny Hendricks
(Photo courtesy of A. Kearley)

Please call or e-mail to inquire more about our lessons for children or our Pony Club Riding Center.

Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 386-755-1488.
 


Fun Tidbits - Fall '10

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Did you know?
On average, a horse...

Sleeps 2 1/2 to 3 hours a day

Has 205 bones in its body

Grows 0.25 inches of hoof each month

Coming Soon - Fall '10

  • Beginning of the Young Sport Horse Clinic - Nov 13th-14th
     
  • Fall Hunter Pace - Nov 28th

  • OEC Annual Christmas Party - Dec 18th

  • Club PC Rating with St. John's River PC - Dec 18th-19th

Vet's Corner - Fall '10

Dear OEC Vet Corner:

As the summertime weather of sunshine and cool breezes turns into cooler nights and possible snow, how can I be sure that I am doing all I can for my equine partner? Try as I might, I just can't convince my husband to let me bring my horse into the house, and I want to make sure he is comfortable!

Thanks,
Weary About the Weather

Dear Weary About the Weather,

With winter right around the corner, here is a compiled checklist to be sure that your horse is well-prepared for the cooler weather:

Adequate Shelter. Your horse will need to get out of the extreme weather that often accompanies winter.  This may be a stall, a pasture shelter, or even a thick hedge of trees. Whatever shelter you provide, be sure that it is large enough for the entire herd.

Blanketing (if necessary). Be sure that all blankets are in good repair. The following are some good rules of thumb regarding blanketing:

  • Horses that are clipped generally need blanketing when the temperature drops below 60 degrees.  Horses with a moderate coat need it at 40 degrees.  Horses with a heavy coat can easily tolerate weather in the 30-degree range.  Be aware that wet or windy conditions change temperature limits.
  • Horses moving from warmer climate may need to blanketing.
  • Senior horses may benefit from blanketing as well.
  • Be sure to regularly check under your horse's blanket to determine their body score and coat/skin health.

Body Condition Score/Consistent Caloric Intake. During the winter, your horse will burn more calories in order to regulate their temperature and stay warm.  Be sure that you are providing enough calories through quality forage and grain (if necessary).  The average 1,000-lb. horse needs 1 to 1.5% of their body weight in forage (or roughly 10-15 lbs. of quality hay). Caloric intake will also need to be adjusted according to the horse's exercise schedule.  Using a body scoring chart allows you to regularly assess your horse's body condition and make appropriate adjustments in his feeding schedule.

Dentistry. Have a veterinarian examine your horse's teeth.  The average horse needs to have their teeth floated annually (senior horses may need check-ups twice a year). Proper equine dentistry ensures that your horse is able to properly chew and digest their food and utilize the available calories in their feed.

Farrier. Wet or hard ground can be very hard on your horse's feet.  Hard, frozen ground can lead to bruises and abscesses, while soft, muddy ground is a breeding area for thrush-causing bacteria.  It is highly recommended to check and pick out your horse's feet everyday.  Keep your horses on a regular farrier program to ensure good hoof health and growth.

Deworming. Talk to your vet about developing a good parasite program for your horse.  Good parasite control will keep your horse healthy and allow them to fully utilize their feed.

Mineral/Salt. Offering a free-choice mineral/salt block is an easy, non-expensive way to allow your horse to supplement their diet with the required salt and minerals they need for proper body function.

Monitor Water Intake and Manure Output. Water is absolutely vital for proper bodily functions, such as digestion and circulation.  Ensure that your horse always has access to fresh, clean water (preferably kept at a tepid temperature to ensure good drinking).  Be familiar with your horse's habits,  daily water intake, and average manure output.  By knowing your horse's regular routine, you will be able to notice changes in behavior that could be early signs of serious conditions, such as colic.

With proper care, our equine partners will stay healthy and warm during the cooler winter months.

Happy trails!

Lindsay Brown
Barn Manager

211 SW Theodore O'Connor Circle, Lake City, FL 32024 | p. 386-755-1488 | f. 386.755.1490