DECEMBER 2010 THE RIDER /21 Active animal welfare is key in promoting a positive equine industry


By Dr. Katrina Merkies, Assistant Professor, Uni- versity of Guelph Kemptville Campus


“Everything is possi- ble with a soft, balanced seat.” Dr. Gerd Heuschmann, head veteri- narian of the German National Riding School, reiterated this mantra many times during the annual “Balance in Motion” Equine Symposium held at the University of Guelph Kemptville Campus on October 22-24, 2010. This


posium were treated to riv- eting talks given by Dr. Heuschmann delving into how the biomechanics of the horse dictate how that horse is able to move in a manner consistent with its conformation. His new 3-D animation based on research showed how the muscles in the neck, back and hindquarters move in relation to head and neck position. It became obvious that hyperflexion of the neck causes raising of the back in such a way as to


guage rather than dominat- ing the animal.


The weekend wrapped up with an interac- tive discussion on the effects of hyperflexion and aggressive training on the equine industry as a whole. Active animal welfare was the keyword of the day. As horse owners, trainers and enthusiasts, it is our respon- sibility to ensure the best welfare for the horses we revere.


Don’t miss out on other equine events being held at Kemptville Campus – the College Royal Horse Show on March 10-12; Equine Career Night on March 24; and the annual Kemptvillian Medieval Festival, this year featuring the Knights of Valour jousting team on April 2. www.kemptvillec.uoguelph .ca


Dr Gerd Heuschmann


then transfer to the main Guelph Campus for the final two years of the pro- gram. For more informa- tion, please visit www.kemptvillec.uoguelph .ca/bbrm.


About University of Guelph Kemptville Cam- pus


Located in


L to R: first year BBRM students Brianna Guerin, Jenna McKay, and Brittany O'Donnell worked the registration desk as part of their learning experience for their Event Management Course.


symposium was hosted by the students in the first year of the Bachelor of Bio- Resource Management degree program in Equine Management as part of their event management course. The weekend would not have been possible without sponsors Purina, Schleese Saddlery, Upper Canada Village, Country- man Winery, Chateau des Charmes, Sandbanks Estates Winery, B&H Foodliner, Foodbasics and Kemptville Campus.


disengage the hindquarters, thus preventing the horse from being able to use its hind end for the collected and extended movements called for in high-level equestrian competition. Each afternoon, Dr. Heuschmann demonstrated his training techniques with horses and riders at varying levels of training in dres- sage and eventing.


Complementing Dr. Heuschmann’s message, other speakers contributed to the importance of bal-


Denise Lenz from Schleese Saddlery explains how to properly fit a sad- dle to Kemptville Campus school horse GrayC.


About the Bachelor of Bio-Resource Manage- ment degree program in Equine Management The BBRM program is Canada’s first and only degree program in equine management featuring hands-on learning focused on the biology, physiology and behaviour of horses as well as the economic, envi- ronmental and business aspects of associated indus- tries. Students spend their first two years studying at the Kemptville Campus,


Kemptville, Ontario, just 30 minutes south of Ottawa, UGKC is one of the three regional campuses of the University of Guelph offering education and research in the Agri-food industry. The student body of approximately 400 is comprised of full-time or part-time students in the degree, diploma, certificate, apprenticeship and continu- ing education programs. For more information, please visit www.kemptvil- lec.uoguelph.ca


Dr Gerd Heuschmann explaining his training techniques to demo rider Lauren Mulrenin, certificate student at Kemptville Campus, and her thor- oughbred horse Finn. All photos by Helen MacGregor.


Dr. Heuschmann has spent over 20 years exam- ining the effects of different training methodologies on the health and welfare of horses. As a veterinarian being presented with numerous lameness cases, he concluded that many of the lameness problems prevalent in sport horses today are due to poor train- ing techniques. He actively speaks out against the use of aggressive techniques such as hyperflexion in the training of horses, and berates international judges for rewarding performances that demonstrate flashy movement over correct classical training.


Attendees of the sym-


ance in working with hors- es. Denise Lenz from Schleese Saddlery demon- strated how the differences between male and female riders dictate how to cor- rectly fit a saddle. Dr. Derek Haley and Dr. Peter Physick-Sheard from the University of Guelph dis- cussed equine behaviour and equine heart health in relation to different disci- plines. As an introduction to the new Leadership through the Equine-Assist- ed Discovery (LEAD) pro- gram being offered by Kemptville Campus, Ruth Heney demonstrated how to properly handle a horse on the ground through understanding body lan-


Five Star Tack Depot Shines At Grand Opening


By Kelly Bowers


Five Star Tack Depot’s Grand Opening on Novem- ber 20th was a HUGE success! Owner, Gail Haynes would like to say “Thank you” to all who came out to Five Star Tack Depot’s Grand Opening! They had a fab- ulous turnout and a very warm welcome from her horsey neigh-bours! Many Consignment items were sold, lead- ing to a great number of local horse people promising to return with their own extra tack and Show Apparel to sell in the brand new “Consignment Corner”. Addition- ally, in the next few weeks, Five Star Ranch will be expanding their Tack Shop and Gift Store to carry even more items. It’s their goal to be THE tack shop for Hal- ton Region. Gail explains, “If we don’t have it in stock, we’ll get it, and we’ll meet or beat any competitor’s prices.” Five Star Tack also offers several new unique services in appreciation for their customers. They have the “Bits and Bridles Gift Registry” and the “Winner’s Circle” VIP Frequent Buyers Card. Barns are also rewarded every time one of their students or boarders makes a purchase. Five Star is even offering their own currency called “St*r bucks”, similar to Canadian tire money for Horse People!


Email: info@intercityinsurance.com


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