New Ranger Barn in North Royalton, Ohio to hold future horsemanship clinics and equestrian events
Cuyahoga Chapter Ohio Horseman’s Council (OHC) members were guests at the Cleveland Metroparks Mounted Ranger Barn for their monthly meeting on Monday October 24, 2016. The facility is located on 9650 Boston Rd., North Royalton, OH 44133.
McNally talked of the conditioning program the officers went through with their equine partners to be able to withstand sitting in the saddle for over 12 hours during the events. She emphasized the importance of coordinating her unit and the downtown Cleveland Police Mounted Unit (CPMU) and how communication between her and CPMU Sergeant Mark Medwid was a major key to success. The departments are anticipating working the Cleveland Indians World Series and Celebration festivities soon!
Established in 1921, the Ranger Department of Cleveland Metroparks is the oldest consecutively running mounted force. McNally and her staff are dedicated to continue that legacy and have developed a program to raise funds. All 9 horses are available for “adoption” through an annual donation of $2500 in the Adopt-A-Horse program. The donation will go towards providing the Mounted Unit specialized healthcare, equipment, and training. In exchange, the “adopted parent” will receive several points of recognition, please see the flyer below and visit www.clevelandmetroparks.com for more details.
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 This past Sunday on July 10, friends of mine, Emma and Kelsey Parrish, were participating in something called Mini-Trials with their equine partners at Hackamore Farm in North Jackson, Ohio.
I highly recommend if you are looking for something exciting and different to do with your horse or pony, give Mini-Trials a try! For 2016, there is no membership fee to participate in the NEOMTA series, and you do not have to commit to each event. You DO need to register for your choice date during the opening and closing period. Entries are received about 6 weeks prior to scheduled date and the deadline is about two weeks prior to the event. For example, the registration closes for the August 7 Rolling Rock Hunt Pony Club on July 20th, which comes up quickly! Check out the links provided for more information and feel free to reach out to the contact person listed for each hosting stable.   On Saturdays prior to the scheduled event, mounts are welcome, sometimes for a fee, to run through their paces for XC schooling. In some locations, stalls for your horsey comfort are available on a daily or weekend rental. Having three different phases in one day offers variety to you and your equine partner. Each hosting stable has unique stadium jumps and challenges on the cross country course. At Hackamore Farm, I became aware owners and hosts Mr. and Mrs. Milliner built all of the colorful jumps themselves, you can see more on their website, http://www.millinerconcepts.com/#!horse-jumps/ahkms. The Milliners were gracious hosts of the event, providing strategically placed porta-potties and water for your horse near the trailer parking. An added touch was an escort to my parking spot, which is a small thing but just made me feel so much more welcome! 2016 NEOMTA Summer Series Schedule |
| Stone Gate Farm • June 26 https://stonegatefarm.org/ Hanoverton, OH Hackamore Farm • July 10 http://www.hackamorefarm.com/ North Jackson, OH South Farm • July 17 http://www.southfarm.net/ Middlefield, OH Stone Gate Farm • July 31 https://stonegatefarm.org/ Hanoverton, OH Rolling Rock Hunt PC • Aug 7 http://rollingrockhuntponyclub.org/ Laughlintown, PA | Bath Pony Club • Aug 21 http://bathponyclub.org/ Medina, OH Erie • Aug 28 http://eriehuntandsaddleclub.org/ Edinboro, PA South Farm • Sept 4 http://www.southfarm.net/ Middlefield, OH Sweetwater • Sept 11 http://sweetwater.center/ Ravenna, OH Tri-State Region PC • Oct 2 http://www.tristateponyclub.org/ Medina, OH |
Tennessee Walking Horse with Upward Fixated Patella of Left Stifle, WV Owner Extremely Happy
6/19/2016
On June 8 I was introduced to this guy and his younger brother, both Tennessee Walkers rescued from an unfortunate upbringing in their younger years. The first video capture's Leo's response to my touch after about 60 minutes of me working with his whole body. He had a major build up of tension in his neck, both front shoulders were restricted in range of motion, and his tensor fasciae latae on both sides were tight as drums.
There is text between each video and the like/comment icons, I just am not smart enough right now to re-code the font color so you can read it, although if you click and drag in the area it becomes highlighted and readable.
There is text between each video and the like/comment icons, I just am not smart enough right now to re-code the font color so you can read it, although if you click and drag in the area it becomes highlighted and readable.
This second clip was during the bodywork session before the major releases began to take place. This is the original post by Leo's human partner, Elizabeth McAdoo from Wellsburg, WV. Read in her own words how she found Agile Equine Bodywork and what she and her husband Mike experienced. Again, sorry for the extra step in accessing her story!
Leo getting up from a roll after his bath. Rolling is a great way for horses to loosen themselves up! This is about 10 days after his first session.
Leo walking off after his bath, left hind range of motion looks good,
Two testimonials in |  The Horsemen's Corral is a monthly publication serving horse folks in Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Indiana, Michigan, and Kentucky. |
Early in the month, I received a text from one of my clients congratulating me about an article she read in The Horsemen’s Corral. This magazine, produced in Lodi, OH, is a tremendous resource for horse enthusiasts in my region of the United States. I am not sure what the circulation is, but for members of the Ohio Horseman’s Council, which has at least 4200 current members, a subscription is included in your primary membership to a county chapter. Ohio is made up of 88 counties, and over 65 of them have a chapter of OHC; each one dedicated to preserving and caring for bridle trails for all equestrians to enjoy.
While I anxiously waited for my April copy to arrive in the mailbox, I checked out the digital edition online. There it was, on page 34, “Do You Believe in Equine Massage?” by Nancy “Go Forward” Virzi. Nancy is a long time horsewoman who is an avid trail rider and also competes in mounted shooting events. She and her 14 year old mare Zoe are members of the Lake Erie Mounted Vaqueros based in Jefferson, Ohio. When I worked with Zoe, it was evident to see the tension and stress she had developed over the years start peeling away! During the bodywork session, I listened to Nancy talk about how Zoe had a very spotty and unfortunate past before she found her and brought her home. She was barrel sour and would only go backwards for the longest time, (I am assuming that is why Nancy’s nickname is “Go Forward”).
I have visited the Virzi farm a couple of times since Zoe’s first session and Nancy has happily reported that besides better times in her shooting pattern, her horse is now so much more at ease with human company as well as with her herd. For instance, she plays with her gelding friends when she used to aggressively keep them at a distance. She often rolls in her arena, something she very seldom did before the bodywork, and she seems overall more calm and relaxed. And most of all, her ride, which used to feel like she was peg-legged, is now more comfortable and easier to sit. You can read what Nancy wrote by clicking on the article title link above. You can also watch the pair’s first shooting competition of the 2016 season May 21st at the Ashtabula County Fairgrounds, click http://www.lakeeriemountedvaqueros.net to read all about the sport of mounted shooting and see the full LEMV schedule.
I have visited the Virzi farm a couple of times since Zoe’s first session and Nancy has happily reported that besides better times in her shooting pattern, her horse is now so much more at ease with human company as well as with her herd. For instance, she plays with her gelding friends when she used to aggressively keep them at a distance. She often rolls in her arena, something she very seldom did before the bodywork, and she seems overall more calm and relaxed. And most of all, her ride, which used to feel like she was peg-legged, is now more comfortable and easier to sit. You can read what Nancy wrote by clicking on the article title link above. You can also watch the pair’s first shooting competition of the 2016 season May 21st at the Ashtabula County Fairgrounds, click http://www.lakeeriemountedvaqueros.net to read all about the sport of mounted shooting and see the full LEMV schedule.
I came across the second write-up when I got my hands on the hard copy of the magazine. As I flipped through the pages, I came to the County Lines section where you can find out what each chapter of the Ohio Horseman's Council is up to. Eventually I landed on page 87 to read about Summit Chapter of OHC.
There I found Joann Ulichney’s summary of the demonstration I conducted for Summit’s monthly meeting on February 17, 2016. I had written about my experience in my February blog entry but it was really nice to read about it from someone else’s perspective, especially from such a descriptive and talented writer as Joann (thank you Ms. Ulichney!) The event was so successful I am entertaining doing similar demonstrations for other OHC chapters and horse clubs/organizations. If you belong to a horse group or stable and would like a live demonstration or a guest speaker for one of your meetings, you can reach me at 724-815-5236 or wendyshaffer@agileequinebodywork.com.
| Featured Links: http://www.thehorsemenscorral.com/ https://ohconline.com http://pubs.royle.com/publication/?i=296256&p=34 http://www.lakeeriemountedvaqueros.net http://pubs.royle.com/publication/?i=296256&p=87 http://www.summitcountyohc.org/ http://www.agileequinebodywork.com/blog/agile-equine-bodywork-demonstration-hosted-by-summit-county-ohio-horsemans-council |  Alfie, a retired Arabian gelding, experiencing tension release in his poll/atlas area, one of the three major junctions of the horse's body that affects performance. |
 | MARCH. The month that signals the beginning of spring, when seeds emerge into vegetation, plants begin to grow, and babies are born. In my eyes, March is definitely the month of change, not only of the seasons, but truly the start of a new year. |
Three years ago this month I lost my equine companion, We had spent 28 years together, growing up and learning from each other. She forgave me in my lack of formal horsemanship training and I benefited from learning about her natural equine behavior. My most favorite memories are of joining her and her herd mates in their 36 acre pasture. This pasture was not all flat grass as one might envision at first. Plenty of open space beautified with running creeks and rolling hills, wooded areas interspersed throughout provided calming trails to wander at leisure. It was my sanctuary, it was her home.
Often I would crawl up on her back and take cat naps. Sometimes all stretched out back to back with my head resting on her rump, sometimes turned over with my legs and arms tangling off her sides and my head resting on her withers. Other times I would reverse direction and lay backwards with my face on her pelvis. I can still feel the warmth of the sun absorbed in her dark bay coat upon my cheek.
As her mobility decreased in her older age, I searched and searched for something that might make her more comfortable, to keep her in her home. She hated to be inside and her happiness was all I cared about. It took awhile to find that something - special thanks goes out to Amy Orris Beck - the gal that helped me find The Masterson Method. That introduction not only helped my horse, it transformed my life too!
Often I would crawl up on her back and take cat naps. Sometimes all stretched out back to back with my head resting on her rump, sometimes turned over with my legs and arms tangling off her sides and my head resting on her withers. Other times I would reverse direction and lay backwards with my face on her pelvis. I can still feel the warmth of the sun absorbed in her dark bay coat upon my cheek.
As her mobility decreased in her older age, I searched and searched for something that might make her more comfortable, to keep her in her home. She hated to be inside and her happiness was all I cared about. It took awhile to find that something - special thanks goes out to Amy Orris Beck - the gal that helped me find The Masterson Method. That introduction not only helped my horse, it transformed my life too!
| Three years ago this month I completed my first official step towards my certification in becoming a bodywork practitioner, the Beyond Horse Massage Weekend Seminar. I flew to Seattle, Washington and met Coralie Hughes, my first and most profound instructor of The Masterson Method. Coralie, who has co-authored The Dressage Horse Optimized with Jim Masterson, was instrumental throughout my field work training, thank you Coralie! While in Seattle, I also completed the 5-Day Advanced Course to further my knowledge of releasing tension and stress in harder to reach (sometimes unreachable) areas of the horse's body. Shortly after my cross country trip, I enrolled in the Field Work program and completed the Coaching Courses in about 2 years time. One year ago this month I obtained my Masterson Method Practitioner Certification. I drove down to Loxahatchee, Florida to take my final course with Jim, I was so nervous it was absurd...even more nervous than taking my college graduation comprehensive exams! I tried to hide it from Jim, but for someone who reads the body language of horses every day, it was a lost cause. What a tremendous experience, he put me right at ease and I only have one regret, and that is not spending more time with him. | Seattle, Washington 2013Sunny Florida 2015 |
So now, even though my Taffy is gone, I think of her everyday and the life she has given me. I also think about the owner's of her home, Mr. and Mrs. Wolford and their daughter Linda, who offered up their facility and their kindness of care for the many years Taffy lived happily with her friends DanDee, Fiddler, Prince, and Pizzazz. I cannot thank them enough for allowing me roam on their property at all hours of the day and night, they are a special kind of people!
Each March is a new beginning, a signal of change, a growth of some sort...what kind of growth will you experience this year?
I was honored to be the guest speaker at the Summit County OHC meeting February 17, 2016. The event was held in Hinckley, Ohio, at Cynthia McWilliams boarding stable and training facility on 15 Bellus Rd.
My equine volunteer was a fine 28 year old Arabian gelding named Alfie. In the prime of his life, Alfie was a competitive long distance endurance horse and is now used for light riding. He was certainly at ease showing his releases in front of the crowd! Stress and tension melted away with each lick and chew and deep sigh he gave. Throughout the live demonstration, we also witnessed several snorts and sneezes, head/body shakes, and repeated yawning. I couldn't have planted a better show, thanks for making me look good Alfie!
Over thirty attendees offered their full attention as I introduced the Masterson Method and some reasons why a horse needs a reputable bodyworker incorporated into his health care team in order to help prevent lameness from beginning and developing into something serious.
I also went over how to perform a simple yet very powerful technique called the Bladder Meridian, which any horse lover can do. I stressed how the bonds they share with their equine partner can be strengthened by using a soft, gentle touch and by paying close attention to the body language their horse uses.
Some members of the Medina and Cuyahoga Chapters also represented OHC. Thank you to all who braved the deep snow that night!
My equine volunteer was a fine 28 year old Arabian gelding named Alfie. In the prime of his life, Alfie was a competitive long distance endurance horse and is now used for light riding. He was certainly at ease showing his releases in front of the crowd! Stress and tension melted away with each lick and chew and deep sigh he gave. Throughout the live demonstration, we also witnessed several snorts and sneezes, head/body shakes, and repeated yawning. I couldn't have planted a better show, thanks for making me look good Alfie!
Over thirty attendees offered their full attention as I introduced the Masterson Method and some reasons why a horse needs a reputable bodyworker incorporated into his health care team in order to help prevent lameness from beginning and developing into something serious.
I also went over how to perform a simple yet very powerful technique called the Bladder Meridian, which any horse lover can do. I stressed how the bonds they share with their equine partner can be strengthened by using a soft, gentle touch and by paying close attention to the body language their horse uses.
Some members of the Medina and Cuyahoga Chapters also represented OHC. Thank you to all who braved the deep snow that night!
November 17th, FREE presentation by Tara Gifford. Begins 3:15pm Tuesday at Lake Erie College; Training can be adapted to dogs as well
Lake Erie College presents “Positive Reinforcement Training for Horses”
On Tuesday, Nov. 17, the Lake Erie College School of Equine Studies will offer "Positive Reinforcement Training for Horses,” a presentation by Tara Gifford of Ohio Animal Training, LLC. This special presentation will teach equine students how to train horses for basic handling, ground manners and preparation for medical care, though all individuals are encouraged to attend.
With over a decade of experience working with everything from horses and dolphins to orangutans, snow leopards, giraffes and all types of zoo animals, Gifford’s expertise in animal training is wide-ranging. She has been a zoo professional since 1985 and spent nine years training marine mammals. Currently, she consults with zoos and horse owners on training and behavioral issues. She is known for her use of classical positive behavioral training methods and clicker training, which can be useful skills for students and faculty members in the fields of biology, psychology and education, as well as those in equestrian studies.
"Anyone who has ever been interested in zoo training and how to train their own dogs or horses would be delighted and enlightened by hearing about Tara’s experiences and training methods,” said Pam Hess, D.V.M., dean of the School of Equine Studies and associate professor of equine studies. "Her presentation will offer individuals a glimpse into the world of successful professional positive training as well as some out-of-the-box training tips that they could use in their own careers.”
The presentation is free and open to the public. It will take place from 3:15-4:45 p.m. in the Coe Conference Room in the Arthur S. Holden Center on the Lake Erie College campus. Immediately afterward, attendees are invited to travel to the George M. Humphrey Equestrian Center for an open demonstration of the presentation’s techniques from 5:00-6:00 p.m. Transportation is not provided. For more information, contact Dr. Hess at phess@lec.edu or 440-375-8005.
Ohio Animal Training works with horses for better cooperation with the farrier, needle aversion, difficulty catching or haltering, deworming, loading and more. The group teaches positive reinforcement techniques using learning theory to mark desired behaviors and reinforce those behaviors with something the animal values. To learn more, visit www.ohioanimaltraining.com.
On Tuesday, Nov. 17, the Lake Erie College School of Equine Studies will offer "Positive Reinforcement Training for Horses,” a presentation by Tara Gifford of Ohio Animal Training, LLC. This special presentation will teach equine students how to train horses for basic handling, ground manners and preparation for medical care, though all individuals are encouraged to attend.
With over a decade of experience working with everything from horses and dolphins to orangutans, snow leopards, giraffes and all types of zoo animals, Gifford’s expertise in animal training is wide-ranging. She has been a zoo professional since 1985 and spent nine years training marine mammals. Currently, she consults with zoos and horse owners on training and behavioral issues. She is known for her use of classical positive behavioral training methods and clicker training, which can be useful skills for students and faculty members in the fields of biology, psychology and education, as well as those in equestrian studies.
"Anyone who has ever been interested in zoo training and how to train their own dogs or horses would be delighted and enlightened by hearing about Tara’s experiences and training methods,” said Pam Hess, D.V.M., dean of the School of Equine Studies and associate professor of equine studies. "Her presentation will offer individuals a glimpse into the world of successful professional positive training as well as some out-of-the-box training tips that they could use in their own careers.”
The presentation is free and open to the public. It will take place from 3:15-4:45 p.m. in the Coe Conference Room in the Arthur S. Holden Center on the Lake Erie College campus. Immediately afterward, attendees are invited to travel to the George M. Humphrey Equestrian Center for an open demonstration of the presentation’s techniques from 5:00-6:00 p.m. Transportation is not provided. For more information, contact Dr. Hess at phess@lec.edu or 440-375-8005.
Ohio Animal Training works with horses for better cooperation with the farrier, needle aversion, difficulty catching or haltering, deworming, loading and more. The group teaches positive reinforcement techniques using learning theory to mark desired behaviors and reinforce those behaviors with something the animal values. To learn more, visit www.ohioanimaltraining.com.
Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary is selling tickets for its annual Vegan Thanksgiving Buffet. The location is Todaro's Party Center in Akron, Ohio. Reservations are required and tickets are $55 a person with the option of attending the Private VIP Cocktail Reception. For an additional $40, enjoy an hour of meet-and-greet with unlimited cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. The VIP cocktail reception begins at 4pm and the buffer starts at 5:30. Annette Fisher, the Founder and Director of Happy Trails, will provide a presentation around 6:15. There will be music, door prizes/raffles, and a chance to shop Happy Trails logo items. All proceeds benefit the rescued animals. Visit their website, happytrailsfarm.org for more information.
,I just registered for this event, it is FREE and everyone is invited! 10am to 3pm Sunday November 1. Equine Specialty Hospital, 17434 Rapids Road, Burton, Ohio 44021
We will get to see equine surgery rooms, exam rooms, and the barn housing the neonatal intensive care unit. Also live demonstrations of the water treadmill.
Check it out, www.equinespecialtyhospital.com, or hit the button below.
We will get to see equine surgery rooms, exam rooms, and the barn housing the neonatal intensive care unit. Also live demonstrations of the water treadmill.
Check it out, www.equinespecialtyhospital.com, or hit the button below.
Cuyahoga County chapter of OHC is involved with this fundraising event! We invite you to join us in support of the care and upkeep of the Cleveland Police Mounted Unit (CPMU). Tickets for a beautiful evening and scrumpious dinner are $30 each and need to be purchased by October 10. I hear Edgewater Yacht Club on Cleveland Memorial Shoreway is a really nice place, please invite friends and family and mark your calendar for the evening of Saturday October 17th.
Author
The picture above was taken in the 1980's. I began my journey in horse massage for the love of my childhood Morgan mare, Taffy, who passed away in March 2013 at the age of 32. I continue to practice bodywork for the love of all horses.
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