The Horse:Your Guide To Equine Health Care provides monthly equine health care information to horse owners, breeders, veterinarians, barn/farm managers, trainer/riding instructors, and others involved in the hands-on care of the horse.
Issue link: https://thehorse.epubxp.com/i/570682
49 October 2015 THE HORSE TheHorse.com clean stalls: "She just wanted to be around horses. She didn't have to ride, but sometimes that can be a perk of help- ing out." Hack Around, Spectate, or Tour Maybe you're not ready to sign up for a commitment of more than just a few hours around horses here and there. That's okay. As King Solomon (and The Byrds!) said, "to everything there is a sea- son." Anndy Cosby, a mom and teacher based in Lexington, rode all through childhood at her family's South Carolina horse farm and until recently hadn't ridden consistently for eight years due to graduate school and other commitments. "Back in March, a coworker of my husband invited me out to ride with her," Cosby says. "I rode once a week on the weekends until school let out, and then I rode a few times a week all summer. It's been wonderful to get back in the saddle, and I hope to be able to ride most week- ends until the weather gets too bad," she says. "I also take my 3-year-old daughter out there, and she rides with me at the end of my ride. She loves it, so we're looking forward to riding lessons in two years." Cosby also goes to horse shows to watch grand prixs, hunter derbies, and events such as the Rolex Kentucky 3-Day Event. "My husband and I also make a point to go to Keeneland for every race meet," she says. "My mom and I also went to a few different events when the World Equestrian Games were here in 2010." Her mom, an avid horse- woman, sends Cosby local and national horse magazines so she can keep up with show results and the horse happen- ings in her hometown. Visiting museums—the International Museum of The Horse, in Lexington, and the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, in Saratoga, New York, come to mind—are other ways to enjoy horses. How Can I Live … ? The horse ownership bug bit me again about a year ago, so I'm back in the literal saddle and enjoying my very own red horse, converting him from a racehorse to an eventer. Griffith also upped her commitment to riding, purchasing a green mare from a dressage barn that she's preparing for a hunter/jumper career. Meanwhile, Lopatina is truly enjoying her "horseless" season and the opportu- nities it's affording her. "People ask me, 'How do you live without a horse?' and, you know, I'm so blessed with all those people (who are helping me learn to be a versatile rider). "I actually am really happy with what I do, and I think that some people aren't aware that it's another way to live a horse life. And I think, especially for beginners, it seems like it's not that bad of an ar- rangement. It's working very well for me, and I still get to kiss horses' faces." h ABOUT THE AUTHOR Stephanie L. Church is editor-in-chief of The Horse. She's past- president of American Horse Publications and recently purchased an off-track Thoroughbred, "It Happened Again," aka "Happy." The better you ride, the more people will offer, ask, and trust you with their horses." LENA LOPATINA VA.1214.AFJPOUR Problem: Acute Founder. Solution: Glued on shoe with Adhere and filled caudal region with Equi-Pak to support bony column. This helped to stabilize the horse until X-Rays could be taken. Four week application. Manage acute and chronic lameness... Vettec • Oxnard, California • 1.800.483.8832 • www.vettec.com | Utrecht, The Netherlands • +(31) 30 241 1823 • www.vettec.net Have a hoof problem? Contact us to talk it over. 1.800.483.8832; info@vettec.com VA.0815.THORORNG