Ready. Set. Show.

Jeff Lindberg at Stockade in 2015

Catskill Horse magazine staff are lining up the shows they will be attending to write up this season.
Please don't be shy to come and say Hi if you see us out and about, we love to engage with our readership and to give you a shout out if we can.

The Catskill Horse Events page has become 'the place' to look for events in all disciplines. There's a good chance we'll be at many of those events listed.

Definite plans to attend Centerline HITS on May 21st, and ENDYCTA Dressage Days on Memorial Day weekend are in the works. Wonder what happened to Dressage at Saratoga? Check out the scoop in our article Changes Afoot.

Some of our advertisers such as The Horse Studio are also involved in the show and clinic scene. They are a Bronze Medal Advertiser at the ENCYCTA Dressage Days four day event as well as sponsoring clinics such as Northfield Farm & Finger Lakes Equestrian Center events. So please show your support for their support of both this community magazine with their advertising dollars and for the equestrian sport by visiting them online and shopping their wonderful tack and riding apparel.

Click here to shop now..

The collaborative effort of all regional businesses and riders makes the competitive equestrian world go around. It is easy to overlook the sponsors for the events in which you participate. And if you are a lucky winner of a Gift Certificate don't forget to use it. It is as good as cash!

See you out there and good luck!

Do You Remember When

A boulder the size of a Fiat crashed down the hillside on Route 42 in Lexington, New York. The time of this rather spectacular asteroid landing was approximately midnight. Following a wonderful meal out at Peekamoose Restaurant with a client, hubbie and I were driving home and thankfully we saw it in time to skirt around it through the debris and rock litter that it had left as a trail on the left side of the road. It was quite a shock.

As we headed slowly forward we came across a newer SUV with hazard lights flashing, parked on the partial shoulder. We slowed down to chat with the two S.U.N.Y. Oneonta college students through the window and asked if they were O.K.. They had not been as lucky as us, their car had suffered a flat back tire and they were baffled as to what to do.

We pulled in and took a look.

" Well the good news is it is only flat on the bottom, " said hubbie, trying to diffuse their obvious distress with a bit of humor.

The anxious young man explained that he had no cell service and could not call 911. Not having cell service was something completely alien to the young man and I suppose being stranded on top of a mountain in a car you don't own, in the middle of the night with no way to reach anyone would be a bit daunting. Two or three of his friends had been picked up by a passer-by in a BMW and taken down the other side of the mountain toward Lexington to try and find some cell service.

Another car pulled up and paused to ask if he could help.

" Do you have a spare?" he asked.
" Yes, the young man answered. It's not my car, but I'm sure there is a spare."
" I gotcha," said the young bearded man in the older sedan.

He promptly pulled in and set to work. Hubbie and I said we'd double back down to the Shandaken Police Dept. and see if we could raise anyone. The boulder was certainly dangerous, and I suggested to the student that he should get a case report from the police so the tire or any other damage could be claimed on insurance.

We turned our car and headed back down the mountain. I was nervous crossing the debris and we passed a tractor trailer with a flatbed zooming up from the other direction. We flashed our lights but he zoomed by. We crossed our fingers and prayed that he wouldn't hit the boulder.

The police station was brightly lit inside, but there was no sign of anyone around but we did now have cell service. So after pushing the emergency button to no result, we phoned 911 and explained the situation to the calm sounding voice that answered. Despatch said someone was on their way.

We clambered back into the car. Cold from the chilly night and drove back to scene. I was nervous to cross all the debris and did not want a puncture too - but we were safely past and thankfully there was no sign of the tractor trailer.

The young bearded man had already changed the tire when we arrived back. Record time for sure, he knew what he was doing.

The young college student hugged the young man, hugged me and was very relieved to have his vehicle back in working order. I explained the police were on their way.  We congratulated the young bearded man on his kindness in helping out and he asked where we were headed.

" Home to Stamford, just 20 miles North," I said.
" Stamford? My girlfriend and I just moved to Harpersfield, so I guess we're neighbors," he said.
" Yes, we have a horse farm there," I explained.
" Horses?" his eyes brightened. " We love horses. We've never owned one but would like to ~ do you give riding lessons."
Horse chat naturally followed even though we were all cold and tired.

I tried to remember back to not knowing anything about horses but wanting one all the same. I think I was about three, riding on a cardboard box in which the large kitchen radio had arrived. I tied a piece of string to the flap and rode it around the garden. One day I left it out in a rain shower and when I went to ride it again it flopped to the floor, the cardboard sodden. The loss of my first horse. I cried and cried.

I explained we did not offer lessons and racked my brain for where to send him and his girlfriend for a good start with horses. I started fishing about in my handbag for a business card for the Catskill Horse Magazine.

For a moment he thought I was searching for my wallet to pay him.
" Oh no payment, please. I am just happy to help."
" No, I wasn't going to pay you, I am searching for a business card," and I explained about the magazine and how it was a great resource for everything equine in the area and beyond.
" Drop me an email," I said and let's keep in touch. " What is your name?"
" Mohammed," he said, almost shyly.
" Well Mohammed, I'll help you find a place to start riding. Good job tonight!" I smiled.
Just then the BMW returned with a bunch more anxious students shouting they couldn't find any cell service so had come back.
The college kids by the SUV looked relieved to see them.

The college kid hugged hubbie, I and Mohammed again and thanked us. Hugs all around ensued.
Mohammed disappeared to his car and off down the mountain toward Lexington and we were not far behind. Just as we pulled back onto the road we saw a small SUV flying up from the North side. We flashed our lights at him. And he flashed his lights back. His lights were a bit brighter than ours. It was a police car and his light bar was a welcoming sight.

All was well and I hoped that this serendipitous meeting with Mohammed would lead to he and his girlfriend fulfilling their passion for horses. Two days later I received an email.

Humbly it started, " I don't know if you remember me..."
Yes, I remembered him, and was very happy to be able to set him along on his journey with horses.

Catskill Horse Surpasses Goals for Readership

Catskill Horse is off to the races this year. Our January target to reach 60,000 unique visitors was met, and 'The Merry Band at the Catskill Horse' has been extremely busy adding lots of new columns and features to this bi-monthly digital magazine to feed the ever-growing audience.

As our readership has reached so far beyond the Catskill Mountain region, we actually had to change our letterhead to reflect that. Not bad for an all volunteer publication. We may have been foaled in New York but we have galloped clear across the region. Check it out.

As a result of our readership base, our promo advertising rates will be significantly increased, so if you want to get into the gate for the best rates be sure to sign up by the end of February ( leap in before the 29th!). You can email info@CatskillHorse.org for the promos, there is still time. Many new advertisers have already signed up. As a result, the home page premier leaderboard position is now rotating with ads, so these advertisers will receive impressions. The new rates for this service are available on our advertising page. And to make things more convenient for our noble advertisers ( many of which renew), we've also added a drop down menu and Paypal, and the contract and advertising agreement are downloadable, so you can simply fill in and fax or email.

Our advertisers also appreciate that our magazine being a .org provides a valuable SEO boost to their businesses. It's all about helping them grow.

Here are a few of the features we've added. They are by no means complete yet, but are developing nicely as folks pass news of them via social media and word of mouth. Listings in all these directories is free. Here's a few of the new columns:-

Come and claim your free listing!

Plus there's foodie advice too!

Catskill Horse has also just added a Stallion Directory.

Each of these columns will feature articles providing education, tips and funny shares of video and photos with interesting interviews with folks including celebrities of not just the horse world, but the world in general. If you've been down in Wellington at the 'fish bowl' that is the winter circuit, you'll know just what I mean. From Mit and Ann Romney to Bruce Springsteen you can hardly move without bumping into a celebrity.

On our facebook page you can follow along with all the new stuff, including our Catskill Horse Weekly Giveaways. Usually something horse related such as books or DVDs, sometimes equestrian lifestyle products. These are FREE to enter of course!

Look out for our newsletters and e-blasts in your mailbox if you've subscribed to the magazine. Which of course is also FREE!

Our events page is brimming with all sorts of horsey events so be sure to check that out! And we'll be out and about at various events during the forthcoming show season in the North East, so come say Hi if you see us there!

Kudos to all for their hard work. Whether volunteer writing, doing the IT or writing and researching content.

Onward and upward. 

I Resolve to.....

So 2016 has ticked in and here in the New York we are blessed with little snow to date, and some exceptionally kind December temperatures that had us all working horses outside in shirt sleeves.
Incredulous as that sounds today with temperatures due to be as high as 7 degrees F tomorrow.

Naturally the New Year beckons as a clean slate to be filled with new goals, promises and optimism invades us as we recover from the champagne toasts and holiday fare.

Balmy December ~ Clipped & No Blanket

As athletes, probably everyone of us pledges some sort of fitness goal. For myself I've been impressed with Riding with Chi and Success in the Saddle DVDs. These are attainable given my age and my desire to not over-stress the aging body! Perhaps we'll eat less junk food, take healthy snacks to shows instead of eating showground fodder. Yeah, like we'll have time to prep that.

For our horses we also begin to make plans. Show dates, training goals all bounce around in our heads in a dizzying array. Which clinics should we attend? Which shows should we do? The schedule is so open at this time of year but it sure fills up fast.

But perhaps the most important thing we should do is look to our horse. Hitting different clinicians can be very good for us or very bad for us but the horse has no choice in the matter. Should you find a clinician you like and stick to their program? Will you confuse your horse by cramming him around different instructors or will you both learn faster or better?

Think about why you show. Is it to show off? Is it to gain a medal score? Is it something you enjoy? Does your horse enjoy the competition lifestyle? Are you over-stressing him physically or mentally to achieve your own goals?

It is a good time to take stock. To pause a moment and to be honest with yourself. Your horse will thank-you for it.

Winter Horse Training Tips

The winter is coming and if you are lucky enough to live in a warm climate or are headed to Florida for the season then you have a different set of 'winter training' issues than those riders battling snow, ice and damp weather.

For riders in the North East we can count on a few blizzards, some down time from the saddle when it is just too cold to exercise our horses in a proper training workout, and some packed snow and ice.

Here are a few thoughts on how to help protect your horse:-

1. Allow time for longer, slower warm ups and cool downs.

Keep your horse's back warm before and after tacking up. It is important that you and your horse do a few stretches before you ride. Pull out the front legs, gently, once your horse is saddled. Preferably not with his head attached to cross ties as this can result in a panic. Once in the saddle take your time to engage the horse. He must be in front of the leg and stepping smartly forward, but he does need time to walk out and then trot gently with lots of transitions on a light rein to ensure his joints are lubricated well before you start your training workout. Afterward, be sure you do not put your horse away wet. If he has sweated and is hot and puffing, do what you would do at anytime and walk him out to cool him until his respiratory rate is back to normal. Add a cooler if he is steaming. Be careful NOT to have it draping around his hind legs. It is better to buy a specialty cooler that is designed to be added to the saddle for this. A proper cool out additionally prevents lactic acid build up in the muscles, which can prevent soreness the next day. Once your horse is back in his stable, be sure to watch for a 2nd sweat breakout and keep a cooler on until he is thoroughly dry.

2. To clip or not to clip ~ that is the question.

If you are working your horse daily then clipping is a good plan.  It does not need to be a full clip and in any event you should always leave coat under the saddle. By removing the coat from the underside of the horse's neck and chest you allow him to cool out more quickly. Obviously any clipped horse should be blanketed when stabled and when turned out, with a sufficient weight blanket to prevent chills.

3. Hoof Care & Snow Angels.

If you are riding in the snow it is important that you address the packed snow in the hoof. If you have your horse barefoot then be sure he has regular trims as otherwise the snow will pack in the hoof. If you have your horse shod then bubble pads and borium may be necessary. Talk to your farrier about what is the best plan for your horse and riding needs. Always remember to boot a horse that has borium to protect his legs and back of hooves from accidental knocks or missteps.

If you have to ride from your barn to the indoor across snow, it is important to check/pick his feet before you mount in the indoor to be sure snow has not accumulated and packed in his hooves en route.

4. Cold temperatures.

In my humble opinion riding horses at more than a walk when temperatures plummet to less than 20 degrees fahrenheit is foolish for both horse and rider. The lung capillaries may warm up as you work, but the stress placed on both horse and rider is increased by the colder temperatures.  Some folks say the horse has such a long neck that by the time the cold air reaches his lungs it is thoroughly warmed. Perhaps so and there is a fantastic array of options for dressing warm during the winter as a rider.

5. Visability is poorer and stopping distances greater in bad weather.

Be certain to wear a highly visible jacket if working on the roads. While road riding is not as common in the USA as Europe, this is an important part of your wardrobe. There are reflective boots, saddle pads and lots of safety gear available for the horse and rider so take advantage of them and stay safe.

Hay! Hay! Hay! Frustrated Yet?

Everyone's level of frustration with Mother Nature's present weather pattern in the North East is rising along with the level of the water table. The fields of green toss their mane of grasses tantalizing the farmer to come knock them down. Farmers phones ring off the hook with calls from hay dealers far and wide all searching anxiously for some first cut.

The growing season in the mountains of the Catskill region is incredibly short. You barely have a chance to take a second cut before the leaves start to turn and fall. Normally 1st cut begins late May and runs on our farm through June. We're now past the middle of June and no three day sunny forecast is in sight. As we grow organic hay and do not use dry down agents or preservatives, we need a straight three days and temperatures over 75 degrees to bale clean and green hay. The tall timothy and dense undergrowth of mixed grasses seem to mock me, they toss their seedy heads and beckon me to take a look at how wonderfully they are growing.

Other farmers have taken the plunge and knocked hay down. I see it laying there still, brown and waterlogged, hit by a sudden cloudburst. Many farmers have chopped the hay, giving up on dry baling.

Well it is not entirely unusual for us to have to wait until the beginning of July to cut hay when I reflect back on our fifteen years of experience haying in Upstate New York. But unless we get massive rain in August which is highly unlikely, the 2nd cut will be a miserable small quantity so that will be in short supply and prices at a premium.

Fortunately we still have hay from 2014 left which is fortunate for us, and even a little available to sell if anyone is stuck for a supply.

When the hay does finally come in, I'd be sure to stock up early and check the quality carefully.

What's in a name? Catskill Horse Magazine reaches beyond......

When Catskill Horse started out three years ago in 2012,  the mission was to provide a neighborhood community resource for everything equestrian in the Catskill Mountain region and beyond.

It appears the beyond has bloomed and now we find ourselves in a dilemma. Should we change the name to encompass our much wider than expected audience or should we maintain our birthright?

I have lived in the Catskills since 1998 on a full time basis. Yes, originally the plan was to have a 2nd farm in addition to our Dutchess County home, but it became almost immediately apparent that we wanted to be a part of the full time Catskillian community. Clean mountain air and water, wide open spaces, miles and miles of trails and room to grow our own organic hay for our horses and breeding program ~ what was not to like? O.K. well finding a good vet continues to be a source of frustration or a commercial horse transportation company but apart from that.

When we arrived the equestrian community was 'splintered' at best. There was no common source to locate shows or events. No place to find the services we needed, whether that was farriers, vets, tack shops or snow tires. There seemed quite a divide between English and Western riders. Hence the notion to start a community magazine.

Catskill Horse advertisers are reaching over 50,000 unique visitors by being a support part of our magazine and these visitors come from across the nation and even from abroad.And all this has been achieved by a small but " Merry Band at the Catskill Horse " comprised of horse folks from various walks of life who seek to help other horse owners.

So we toy with the notions - new trademark for " Catskill Horse and Beyond ", new T's and products and logo? Rename it altogether and lose the brand we have created?

For Catskill Horse regardless of what it is called, we will continue to keenly service our readership in the counties of Upstate New York, Eastern New England  and Northern PA as a primary goal.

Have an idea to address the issue? A new name idea or an add on to the existing one? All ideas welcome!!!