All Around Good Time - Writing and Riding

 

Variety is the spice of life, and for horse people it is no different. Many of us wear multiple hats including the riding helmet, and are happy to put our creative talents to use in avenues other than the horse training one. And as most of you are aware, for me, one of these is writing. 

March marked a very special 'red letter' day for me, your current Editor at Catskill Horse, as my first work of fiction "The Dutchess of Chadwick" was published. It is available only in print. And you can find it here if you'd like to purchase an authentically signed copy. But hurry, because the First Edition is limited.

My book is a work of literary historical romance written in the traditional style. And it offers a nostalgic look at life in the Gilded Age, a book genre that has sadly seen a massive decline in recent years, mostly due to the 'woke' movement and the big publishers reluctance to promote romance per se. 

While popular Gen Z culture continues to expand its love of 'old money' fashion  styles and the romantic nature of the attire in a truly nostalgic escape from the present day trials, the publishing world has taken a giant step away from providing the women's fiction market with books that cover romantic interludes, passionate relationships, lifestyles of the 'haves and have nots' and the confining culture of the day that was prevalent, 'back in the day'.

Ironic perhaps, that the 'woke' movement included this step away from historical romance fiction. The action was driven by concern by publishers that the misogynistic aspect of these works was something to avoid mentioning and something not to be pushed into the readership realm, although most titles actually include the heroine overcoming the trials and tribulations that society presented as part of the storyline. 

I say ironic, because when you consider the founder of the huge author group, The Romance Writer's of America and who she was and what she stood for you realize that romance writing began its legacy in the U.S. as part of a 'woke' idea. Vivian Stephens, a black female author, wanted to inspire and help other women authors and thus she co-founded the organization with 37 other authors. It was in fact, originally, 'woke'. The controversial issues at what was actually the largest association of authors in the world at one point, The Romance Writers of America, caused a massive decline in membership leaving the organization in tatters. I sincerely hope it will recover.

This step way has meant that even noted and highly successful romance authors were told their next book wasn't wanted, so many authors pivoted and transformed their works to 'romantasy' and other mixed genre creations. Many notable authors went to indie publishing. And why not - there are many readers that love their works of historical romance fiction and see the merit in reading and assimilating it.  

 

Read a review here

 

And here I am, joining a dwindling group of authors who still believe that good writing combined with accurate representations of the life and times of yesteryear can help the 1,2,3 and Me and ancestry seeking present day reader learn and enjoy the process of what has gone on in history and what women both endured and conquered. Historical romance titles help people can find out what turmoils and tumults their ancestors dealt with and perhaps experience a taste of the, "Call The Midwife" like educational aspects that gift new-found respect for our mothers, grandmothers and relations further back in the family tree. We can collectively feel and know about what they endured and survived, and also what they enjoyed and loved in their lives.

The new world of writing that the publishing hierarchy has prescribed for women, is named, 'Chick Lit', itself a derogatory title for the effort and contributions writers in this genre provide.

The reality is, that other countries media are not quite as fickle as the U.S. publishing companies. Media entities abroad seem to realize that it is by showcasing how things happened in history that society learns what has come before and hopefully learns from it. 

Historical romance fiction can help today's generation better appreciate the efforts of the women that overcame the odds thrown at them to gradually improve life for women. Young readers are interested in experiencing that world. There are after all, only so many wizards and alien sci-fi fantasies the market can bear.

 

 

I give much respect to folks like Cindy Lauper, who illuminates the issues all women face and encourages us all to think more and to act with her foundation and its wonderful mission, "Girls Just Wanna Have Fundamental Rights," . Many authors do want to improve the health and well-being of all women and safeguard how far we have come to date, and protect the future from regressive laws and behaviors. 

But being aware doesn't mean we can't enjoy the look back at life in eras such as the Gilded Age, earlier Victorian and Regency periods and times even further back in history. Why should we be told what we can and can't access or enjoy.

If you go into a local bookstore, you will likely find that romance section is fairly small or missing altogether. The big 5 NYC publishing houses have taken it upon themselves to rely almost solely on shows like Bridgerton, a non-traditional language historical production, to carry the mantle of society's history of human romantic relationships to present day audiences. In fact when I went into my local bookstore in Oneonta, a two college town, called The Green Toad (what a wonderful name), the ONLY book they had in store in the historical romance genre was Bridgerton. How sad is that?

Across the pond and here in the U.S.A., the interest in traditional historical romance books and programs is high. Many have enjoyed Lord Julian Fellowes's writings and resulting productions such as Downton Abbey, The Monarch of the Glen, and remakes of Miss. Austin and Pride and Prejudice are streaming into the consciousness of a new generation of audiences worldwide.

In an effort to help inspire both aspiring and existing authors and to offer an opportunity for reader/writer engagement I've begun Nikki's The BookSmith Club. 

 

The BookSmith Club is free to enjoy, just like this magazine Catskill Horse that I began as community resource 12 years ago. The idea being to give access to all, and to create a useful environment for like-minded individuals with common interests to convene and chat. 

Horses and romance go very much hand in hand for many, and I hope that the mix that I have created in my novel, The Dutchess of Chadwick, will entertain, educate and offer a feel-good escape that we all need from time to time! 

Horse women are fairly savvy, tough and independent types of gals in general, but it is our 'soft center' that accesses the inner horse mentally and our hearts that give us the wisdom and the ability to be empathetic. And of course you learn empathy by reading. 

So kick off your boots, take a bath and enjoy some 'me' time with a good book. Please pick mine! I promise the horsey scenes are accurate and a horse doesn't neigh every time he enters a page and that the 'white knight' will be riding alongside our heroine, not taking charge of her life.

 

 

When To Quit Your Horse Business

According to the recent report from the American Horse Council the horse industry is alive and kicking. And not only does the horse industry continue to grow and develop, it's economic impact on other sectors are a whopping $122 billion. This total added value in 2023 shows a massive increase from the 2017 total of $122 billion. 

 

The same recently released report (which you can find here), also stated that there was a slight reduction in the horse population from the $7.2 million recorded in 2017 to $6.6 million in 2023. Are horse breeders stepping down and out of the industry? Or are imports of horse numbers down? Or are horse breeders simply breeding less horses but remaining in business?

The variety of active horse business types is extensive. An industry that has the bandwidth across tourism, agriculture, land conservation, construction, medical and other concerns naturally has huge impacts on regional economies. 

The relationship between horse ownership and class distinctions of elite societies has not dwindled over time, but the grass roots horse aficionado population continues to develop as folks discover the incomparable emotional/health benefits that horse ownership brings to their lifestyles. 

Ardent horse lovers that have either made their professional life one of working with horses or have operated a horse farm as a hobby or side hustle, often have a difficult time letting go of their passion for operating a horse business. Even when the writing is clearly on the stable wall that that time has arrived.

 

In Catskill Horse magazine's recent article, "How To Find The Energy To Stick With Horses As You Age Up," the topic of aging out of horses is discussed in regard to the amateur owner. But what about the horse professional? 

Following a recent discussion I enjoyed with a fellow horse breeder who had sold up her farm after 30 years in the industry and moved State, bringing with her a herd of horses that included young horses, mares and foals and stallions, it struck me that letting go of the horse owning and the horse breeding habit is certainly not easy for many of us to do. In fact, letting go of operating any horse business is hard to do.

Gambol's Georgy Girl - Our 2nd generation homebred mare was the last to go and was sold in Feb 2020.

 

Certainly as a now retired from horse breeding professional, I continue to love owning young horses and developing them (hence my chat with the lady above while on the hunt for another horse to add to our private yard). 

It was hard to sell off our homebred 2nd and 3rd generation mares and to let go of the annual routine that was such a big part of our lives. Stallion collections and selection of suitable sires from outside our yard, AI process and protocols, prepping mares and stalls for foaling out, and of course working with the progeny through their lives until sale or in some cases, until they reached their potential as Grand Prix horses.

Our last homebred foal - WVH Extravaganza

 

BUT, I am glad that we did fold out of the horse breeding business. Once the pandemic finally allowed us back to the world of giving horse clinics and travel was back on the table, life has definitely been a lot less stressful on the horsey homefront. 

There are now no worries about how the pregnant mares are faring; no need for the arduous process of taking down of partition walls for foaling stalls; no nighttime foal watches; no newborns to pander over etc. 

It is especially less stressful when we need to travel having less concern over horse care at home while you are gone. Handling and caring for breeding stock is not for the inexperienced horse person and finding good help is always difficult. It has also given me the freedom to spend more time abroad with family, and to lend a hand to facilitate my 90 year old Mom fulfilling her dreams of trips and travel.

Our private yard is empty of any mares at all, and boys are the focus. Which is where we began our horse ownership all those years ago. 

Me with our WVH Extravaganza, our 3rd generation homebred - Lusitano/DWB - he's all grown up!

Of course I miss the excitement of waiting for the Spring crop of foals to hit the ground, and hanging out with my mares enjoying some Mom to Mom time. But there are always good reasons to hang onto a lifestyle, and always good reasons to let it go.

For the lady I mentioned above, it sounded as though her regrets at selling her horse farm were well-founded. She is now renting space, dealing with the usual bevy of upsets that can come with keeping horses away from home. The livery options available to her are limited by both her location and the fact the horses she owns include stallions and foals etc. 

As one of many horse businesses you can operate, horse breeding in particular is something very hard to do competently without a good home base.

Lots of time spent in Portugal - Here in the Algarve

 

Travel back and forth across the pond, to both Europe and the United Kingdom has certainly picked up pace for me. And I am enjoying it. Trips to Spain and Portugal, Italy coming up again soon, and dear old Blighty - are lots of fun. 

Trips are always a mix of work giving dressage clinics, taking some dressage lessons with master riders and trainers in the sport where possible, visits with PR/Marketing clients and completion of writing assignments, and where possible, family time.

Enjoying the 'High Life' with British Airways

 

Travel is not all fun though. Flight cancellations, a lot of as I call it, 'Hurry up and wait' time. It is tiring. I am always happy to be home and back to our private yard of horses and to my own bed. 

If you are a horse business owner, consider all your options this year and decide how you truly want to move forward for yourself. It is a leap year after all, perhaps this is the year to take that leap of faith and change up what you are doing in with your life.

 

 

 

 

 

Clinic Season Popping - The Joy Of Giving Horse Clinics Abroad

Travel is always both fun and difficult for a horse owner. The benefits of being able to get 'off the farm' for a respite from the daily work is welcome but the convoluted world of air travel can make the idea of taking off for different climes and countries a stressful affair.

But once I am safely seated in my international airline seat, I know there is nothing to be done but kick back and enjoy the ride. A bit like when you finally enter at A during a dressage test as an experienced competitor. It's time to put the nerves away and just get on and enjoy the fruits of your labor.  

 

Once you have safely landed the next major happy moment is seeing your luggage come off the carousel. For every passenger seeing that their suitcases are present and intact is always a relief, but for a horse clinician or competitor, it is especially significant. Let's face it, replacing your custom tall dressage boots or perfectly fitted riding helmet on the fly would not be easy to do.

 

Arrival at an English-speaking company is always easier than one where you have limited (if any!) comprehension of the language. Visits to give clinics in Europe for hubbie and myself, have always been difficult where the audience is not all ex-pats that speak English or even the younger generation of EU riders who can manage to converse in English reasonably well. 

Portugal and Spain are notably harder to navigate than France or Germany, and Italy is definitely one where a translator is necessary at the clinic events. Technology options not withstanding, it is still an challenging task to get the message through at times. Though many laughs are often had along the way.

Horse keeping methods and horse barns are always interesting to observe during your travels. In Portugal horses in training are often stabled for much of the time, as grazing is very limited due to the lack of grass available. 

Meantime in Britain, where grass is plentiful, livery barns of all grades offer plenty of turn out. And of course my noted fellow countrymen, Charlotte Dujardin ( actually grew up in my hometown!) and Carl Hester, advocate the benefits of grazing for even their most elite equine superstars.

 

Even at the most prestigious world renowned dressage masters' private yards, care is sometimes more rudimentary than you might expect.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Horses in the U.K. are most commonly pastured most of the time.

 

One of the superstars at a clinic event we gave in the Lake District, UK. No fancy stabling but a beautifully fit horse and well-kept.

Not just the horse housekeeping but also the horse training and workout methods are also different globally. Pounding horses around the indoor day in day out is frowned upon most everywhere. 

In many countries getting the horses out on the road, exposed to everything that is there at an early age, helps set them up for success when it comes to the busy world of showgrounds and competition. And of course, linking up from bridleway to bridleway is a great way to enjoy trails elsewhere.

Safety first when on the road is a must. Boots and jackets for everyone.

Riding through the villages is great fun.

 

There is always a lot of driving involved when giving clinics abroad. It is important to be a good map reader, because navigation systems only go so far. It pays dividends to take a good co-pilot along with you. It makes things much easier. 

 

And of course, when you're not pouring over maps and devices to find your way, there will be beautiful scenery to enjoy. And random food stops!

Lake District - Windemere

Tavira, Portugal Algarve Region

 

 

Converted dairy barn in farm county.

Random spots for a coffee stop, including renovated stables!

And don't forget the foodie fun. Exploring different cuisines is all part of the adventure. But I do carry some SNZ antibiotics, charcoal tabs/psyllium tabs/ Immodium and Gavescon with me just in case needed! Don't want too much adventure, and feeling poorly when you've got to stand in the center of an arena giving instruction for 8 or 9 hours a day is no fun.

 

Don't forget to try the local wine

Living dangerously with cured meats - but delicious fare is worth the risk (pick a clean/good quality restaurant though!)

Don't forget to take time out to relax. Especially after all that driving and standing/walking/riding about... , 

Nikki at the Estrela Pousada, Serra da Estrela. highest point on mainland Portugal.

 

In all, getting yourself out of your own 'training' rut and out and about, shopping/competing or giving clinics is always good for the mind and soul. 

Don't be shy to expand your horizons, the rewards are well worth the expense and effort. And meeting fellow equestrians from different backgrounds and countries is always a treat!

 

Paul and Nikki Alvin-Smith, The Algarve, Portugal.

 

When Equestrian Press Calls Out

The stand Eventing Nation {EN} recently took regarding their contention and action to have the name of the event Plantation Field removed from the competition due to its claimed offensive undertones, made the national news cycle including the NY Times. Contentious rhetoric and actions ensued. 

The owner of the property pulled the lease rather than change the name of the event, which has been on the calendar as a recognized competition for 20 years; Olympic rider Boyd Martin, requested publicly that his image and name be removed from any press at the publication; other publications brandished their swords alongside EN and the equestrian populace came out to voice either their support or boycott of EN and its owner brand and advertisers. 

So in theory September 2020 was the last time equestrians will be invited to gallop along at this fixture, at least as it is now called.

The pulling of media credentials from Eventing Nation's Editor by the competition's management, as a result of the publication's article, was not the first time access has been denied at an event to press as punishment for speaking out and certainly it will not be the last. 

 

I have personally experienced similar access issues to eventing competitions, although in my case for no apparent reason. The property owner that hosted a major cross-country event that cancelled recently after a good run in Dutchess County was extremely hesitant to allow me to cover the competition for this magazine, Catskill Horse. In that case the statement 'came down' to me that I would be allowed to cover the event provided I kept a low profile and did not publish anything negative about the sport of eventing or the competition. I did not attend.

I am not going to delve into the wrongs or rights or moral grounds for the Plantation Field controversy, except to say it could have been better handled better by all parties. The timing of the article and the way the conversation was approached was certainly designed for maximum impact.

I do believe that elitism in equestrian sport, whether perceived or actual, needs to go and that governing entities need to do a better job of developing an inclusive environment for everyone. 

In my opinion the boycott of a publication or company for its views is somewhat inevitable, as in my experience people like to read and hear thoughts and ideas they agree with better than those that challenge their mindsets. That is human nature I suppose. It is a sad reality though. How can we improve life for all when we are afraid to think no further than our own frame of reference and education.

Of course as a publisher and a writer I believe free press is critically important to society and that voicing an opinion or bringing to light options for improving life for all is an essential component of a media professional's job. It was the driving force that guided me to start writing professionally back in 1981, covering events for The Chronicle of The Horse and penning 'how to' articles for the now defunct, Dressage and CT. 

 

 

I also fervently believe that facts should be the guiding principle in all writing, not under researched or ill-informed and errant statements used to promote ignorance or create tensions or unrest.

Media professionals will always be the subject of retaliation. Sometimes petty instances and histrionics but sometimes severe consequences can follow publication of their works.

For event management press is usually highly sought and much desired. It boosts not just the entries and attendance at a competition, it also brings much needed numbers of 'eyes' on the valuable sponsors participation that most venues require to operate. Event planners, hosts and management work hard to bring equestrian competitions to the public eye and try endlessly to support the sport to keep it on the Olympic calendar. Their task is not an easy one by any means.

 

The expression, " All press is good press," is something to think about. I am a PR/Marketing Specialist and in my experience for smaller brands this is the case. For larger brands perhaps not so much. Glean.info covers this topic beautifully. For equestrian events, in particular the dangerous sport of combined training, press can cast an unwanted spotlight on issues with death and disasters on course. Reticence to allow open press access to events held on private property is understandable if the event management team is concerned about a journalist highlighting a negative aspect of the competition, even if it is factual and accurately illuminated.

The name of a venue is a challenging thing to adapt, not least because of the historical factor that may be inherent in the place name. Whether that name be perceived as a negative or positive attribute is a societal moral issue. 

One thing is certain, the freedom of the press to report and do their job is an essential part of the conversation. However, the author must be certain of their facts before they hit send and the topic could have easily been discussed as Boyd Martin's official press suggested, "over a cup of coffee," and after the event had concluded, not just in advance of its date.

Photo Credits: Nikki Alvin-Smith

Why Are Young Racehorses Breaking Down At Tracks All Over The Country?

That is the multi-million dollar question. Why? Is it the track surface that has resulted in 22 horses being euthanized at Santa Anita, CA? Is it the use of a whip or medications such as Lasix? Was the summer of 2017 in Saratoga that much different in equine death toll numbers? How many is enough to say halt the racing season?

So many questions and it appears very few answers. I was doing some research for an article I was writing for one of my clients several months ago, and found some very concerning issues for horse health concerning the use of a certain drug called Osphos, a bisphosphonate

To say I found the comments from the scientific community on the risks and reports of long term damage from its use mind-blowing, would be an understatement.

A few months later a top surgeon came out in a report published in the Paulick report with this comment,

“I wish we'd never seen these drugs,” said renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Larry Bramlage at the conclusion of a recent presentation about bisphosphonates. 

It is not a huge leap of faith to see that lasix, whips and poor riding surfaces are not likely the root cause of the recent rise in racehorse injuries. At let's keep it real, the new medications such as Osphos are not just used on racehorses. They are used across all riding disciplines. Yes, the FDA has approved their use. But is that enough? 

As a horse owner you most likely rely on the advice of your vet for treatment of injuries and lameness in your horse. And your vet, just like your doctor, is consistently courted by big pharma to purchase and promote their offerings.

In my humble opinion you should be an advocate for your horse by completing your own research as thoroughly as possible before following the sole advice of anyone as to treatment and long term effects of medications. It is not just about what is show legal or FDA approved, it is about the well-being of your horse long term not just when its under saddle competing for your financial and emotional edification. 

Check your own conscience. Are you doing enough due diligence?

Let's Make 2013 A Banner Year for Catskill Horse Folks

"The Merry Band of the Catskill Horse" team is looking forward to bringing all Catskill horsemen and horsewomen together but we need your input and help to do it.

Carly Diamond was runner up for Most Improved Rider at Fairbanks Stables Clinic Event, narrowly missing winning The Horse Studio Degas bridle. All riders received a sweatshirt or T-Shirt though, kindly donated by THS, so no-one was left out.

Northfield Farm owner Anneliese Gilchrist riding her Oldenburg mare Farah at a recent dressage clinic, and beating some pretty serious odds to do it.

Whatever discipline(s) you love to ride and compete in we hope to see your names and faces on the Catskill Horse site this year. Over the past few months we've heard from and met in person, many of our directory business members. We've attended events in the area from shows, to clinics to tack swaps and have loved meeting you all.

                                                                                          

Maplewood Warmbloods ( Jen Vanover on left) at NEDA - winning.

Catskill Horse would also like to thank all of the folks that welcomed us and treated us like VIPs -

VIP Tent - End of a long day for both Catskill Horse publisher Paul & one of the VIP host volunteers - Karen.

Catskill Horse would like to thank the volunteer team for helping with the Directory including Anne Tanner Arent, Jeannette Moser, Cheryl Kelly and Kim Sanford,

Here are just some of the plans for the forthcoming year.

• The addition of an interactive horse for sale listing option, which we hope will benefit every horse looking for a new home.
• The addition of an interactive calender that registered members can use to promote their own events.
• Catskill Horse member sign up. Members will receive special 'extras'.
• New feature articles and wrap ups..
• Advertising opportunities for local businesses on banner and sidebar ads coming soon.
• Editorial features each month.
•  Advice column - look for our January column, " How to Host A Successful Clinic and Make $$".
• More photo contests and free giveaway prizes. 
• 10% discount to all Catskill Horse members from various local businesses with membership sign up.

Catskill Horse welcomes all ideas for other features in the directory.  This is a 100% volunteer effort, so please be patient when you contact us - we get to it all as soon as we can.
Email us your ideas to info@CatskillHorse.org and don't forget to send us news and photos of all your forthcoming events.


All photos courtesy NikkiAlvinSmithStudio.com All Rights Reserved.

Coming soon. New York Horse Park.

I am very excited at the thought of having our own 'horse park' in New York. Fairly naturally Saratoga is the chosen venue and I just received my invite to attend the 1st Annual Event Texas BBQ at the Saratoga Winery on August 12th, 2012 from October Hill Farm. Delightful.

Years back we used to regularly show in Saratoga at the Memorial Day Weekend CDI and despite the track being very deep footing for the horses we enjoyed the times spent there immensely. We even went on to sponsor classes and advertise our farm in the program to show our support. I am a big believer in not just talking but putting your words into action. Whether it be by dollar support or volunteering time and effort. It can be a win/win situation for everyone.

I love the idea of a horse park here on our doorstep and hope that everyone will step up and support the idea to bring it to fruition. It's so easy to sit back, criticize and become one of the peanut gallery and let everyone else bring things along or even worse make every effort to cause friction and not cohesion. Be a team player. Yesterday I was chatting with a friend who is on the board of a local (ish) art group. Like me he volunteers his time. In his case to help get the performing arts and art in general off the ground in the region. Sadly, as is so often the case, even though he works hard and is doing what he does for free, there are others who just want to either hijack the association and its goals and play political football behind the scenes and cast negativity where none is deserved. I sincerely hope that while the Horse Park of NY is presumably going to include a lot of commercial activity, that the folks that are working for it do not receive the same attitude or hindrances.

Whenever you do anything there will always be naysayers. There will always be people more concerned with their own angle or agenda than the benefits for all and the greater good. Sometimes I guess it's just jealousy, sometimes ignorance and sometimes fear. This "Horse Park' will be a boost to everything equestrian in New York and if we could just get the NY Congress to pass the Equine Inherent Risk Law ( see the news page at CatskillHorse.org to connect with your representative and ask them to support it, it only takes a minute), we would really be making headway in the right direction.

Horse farms help conserve the farm land that we love in the Catskill region. They save it from development, they maintain it for folks to enjoy riding over and they bring jobs to the area. I recall twelve years ago when we moved from Dutchess County to the Catskills, we had so many complete strangers come up the driveway to ask us if we were going to keep the property as farmland. They were so relieved to receive an affirmative answer. When areas develop from 'sad to lose but happens, dairy farms,'  to horse farms at least the land remains free of tract housing, deer and wildlife are free to roam and the area maintains its beauty.  The support services required for horse farms are numerous and everyone benefits.  The central horse park idea can only help local equestrians by providing a venue where people will come from far and wide to attend events.

So I urge everyone to get busy and get involved. And next time you attend an event remember to thank the volunteers that helped make it happen. Many of us work hard at full time jobs in addition to providing service to the community and for all those of you who volunteer doing anything. Bravo. I urge you to take no notice of those that choose to demoralize or interfere, to KBO as Winston would say ( Keep Buggering On, pardon the language, his not mine).  We need people like you to selflessly donate time, effort and funds to help the community.

 If I get the chance I'll be at the BBQ and hope to become more involved with helping this horse park as things get going. Look for a report at CatskillHorse.org later in the summer.

Horse Photos and Copyright Issues

Recently a local photographer explained that she wouldn't like to share any photos with us at Catskill Horse because she never gives copyright release on her photos. That sparked a discussion in the office regarding the use of photos on websites and on social media and the ever growing difficulty of protecting copyright content of not just photos, but articles and writings too.

Recently I was working with a publisher re Amazon and e-publishing. When you read the 20 page or so Amazon contract you note that it specifically states that Amazon can make a minor edit change to your work(s) and then consider it their copyright. Furthermore, they state copyright of all future works of the author are also their entitlement. Obviously you will have filed a copyright of the finished work with the copyright office, but this is no guarantee.  I wonder just how many folks go down this road and discover later that this clause, which obviously won't be taken up unless your work is a success, is detrimental to any chance of you gaining royalties and new publisher activity including movie making. Be warned. Needless to say I wouldn't sign over those rights as part of the larger contract with the publisher and we negotiated a different verbiage. The best way (is apparently) to make sure you have you work in hard print and naturally copyright filed, and submit it then as a hard copy to Amazon.  Later you can offer an e-book version if you want to do so.
This is not legal advice, just my understanding. Check with counsel first.

The issues regarding photography are just as difficult. If you post low resolution images on the internet then supposedly no-one will bother using them because they won't print well. But with today's technology I'm not so sure. Enhancement does wonderful things and you can still play with the original image and make it your own. Meantime your images lack clarity and viewers will be less impressed with your authority in the lens.

If you are a professional photographer and are being paid for the shoot, then watermarking, adding copyright notice and only allowing non-commercial use is an option. However, never providing a copyright release to a website or publisher or entity for a specific use is a little short sighted. What about when you started out and when you were given your photo credit in return for the free press of your work? That was a great start up help. Unless you are David Bailey or Susan Stickle or Terri Miller or Mary Phelps, I am not sure that you are famous enough to overlook this kind of support and coverage or indeed will ever be noticed. Everyone has a camera and technology allows even the poorest of talent to dress up their images.

I must confess that as a professional photographer myself I have had issues over the years with copyright and been upset when folks have used my images without permission. I usually respectfully ask if they will add photo credit at a minimum or remove the commercial use of the image and sometimes they do so and sometimes not. The websites that offer photo bucket style uploads are usually very good about removing them at your request. But it is not easy to find your images if they have been usurped. Especially if they have been downloaded and printed even with watermarking. Some software allows locking of images, but it's pretty easy to snap shot it.

As a fine artist I find it is a similar issue. While I like to maintain the original painting and offer prints, as soon as they go up for sale on a website you simply cannot control who will download them. Where my images have been used in calendars over the years, I know that people have bought the calendar and told me they are going to frame the page. This I choose to take as a compliment. Of course I'd rather they buy the original but at least someone is enjoying my work and showcasing it in their home or office.

Racing Respite Oil on Canvas Nikki Alvin-Smith

So the dilemma continues. Over the years I have learned that there is little point in being paranoid about the use of the images I create - well, within reason. If I am submitting images for a competition, or on social media I realize I am not going to be able to protect their use. Instead, I choose to share my work. When I do a photo shoot especially at a showground I always offer at least one free image for each rider and I try to shoot every rider. I also add candid shots and often find those are the ones that the rider will spring for first. When I started out I would shoot film ( way more expensive back then), and print and send the rider shots I had taken for free. This led to some serious support for me over time. So I encourage start up photographers to look at this type of PR for themselves especially now as digital is so cheap and easy to share via email.

Just so everyone knows ( and it is posted on the website), any photos submitted to Catskill Horse are assumed copyright released for the purpose of the site, and if for a competition/contest rights copyright release is granted to Catskill Horse for their use as they see fit, this is a requirement of entry and the image will be used for promotion and PR release world wide thereafter. This release doe snot transfer all rights to the photo or image. The photographer retains the rights to use the photo wherever. It simply means that the photographer grants Catskill Horse the rights to use the photo on the site and for promotional purposes. The terms and conditions page of the website will further clarify this point. Photo credit is always given. Naturally Catskill Horse will never post a photo that is copyright marked. If your photo taken on private property, please be sure you have a model release from the participants.If you submit a photo then having the permission of the participants to use their image is your responsibility.

There is a wonderful contest going on right now at CatskillHorse.org where you can garner credit for your photo ability and for just sharing a photo of you and your horse - you can win the super book from Quarter Horse expert Lesli Groves on Horse Photography. So go enter. Who knows, for the copyright release on one photo you could enjoy much more in free press and PR than the one time fee you could charge for the image - given of course your photo is selected as the winner. This photo contest is designed for both the amateur and pro photographer. Share your horse passion.

And don't forget, Catskill Horse is looking for images to accompany your business listing too.Adding an image will help your business stand out.