Kentucky Equestrian Directory 2024 Issue : simplebooklet.com

2 Kentucky Equestrian Directory 2024Features:Twinspired! Churchill Downs, Derby Museum Roll Out the Red Carpet for a Milestone 150th Kentucky Derby ..................................................................................17And the Survey Says: Kentucky Equine Industry Resilient and Robust ..................................................................................30Go Pony to Show Pony: Retraining the Thoroughbred .......... 42All Roads Lead to the Horse - Celebrating 30 Years of Road to the Horse ................................................................................... 56Priceless! Ergonomic Saddling Fitting with the Guenthers of Equine Saddleﬁt ...........................................66Vanner House - Swoon-Worthy Equestrian Lifestyle Products ...............................................................76Ellen Skidmore: How Equines, Art and Orchestra Helped Her Find Her Voice ............................................. 80Sponsored Content:The Hay OptiMizer with Sue Wilson .............................................................................. 7Footing Additives - Improve Your Horse’s Performance ....................................... 11Understanding Equine Skin Conditions - Three Steps for Success from a Pharmacist .............................................................. 14Addressing the Shortage of Equine Veterinarians: Nationwide Practices Join Together ...........................................................................29Health Insurance That Makes Sense for Every Horse ............................................36Enhancing Equine Performance: Harnessing the Power of Red Light Therapy for the Hyoid Apparatus ..............39Peace Pony Ambassadors ..............................................................................................51Equine Care Innovation– It’s a Family Tradition .......................................................55Showsafe Aims to Securely Simplify Stable Management...................................72Ohio State Equine Sports Medicine Offers Equine Athletes State-of-the-Art Care ....................................................... 872024®ABOUT THE COVER“Mike Major rode the 6666 Ranch bred gelding YELLOWHOUSE CANYON (Jesses Topaz x Last Call For Gin, by Bet Hesa Cat) to claim his ﬁrst Road to the Horse World Championship of Colt Starting title in 2022. Mike purchased the gelding after the event, and ‘YELLOWHOUSE’ returned to assist Mike in the round pen as a saddle horse at Road to the Horse 2023, leading to back-to-back world championships titles,” according to Tammy Sronce, Director of Operations. Meet The Remuda (above)Since 2003, Road to the Horse has prided itself on bringing the very best American Quarter Horses to the World Championship of Colt Starting. This year is no different, as they welcome Pitchfork Ranch from Guthrie, Texas, and the largest number of colts to date. Road To The Horse at the Kentucky Horse Park (March 20-24, 2024) will showcase these beautiful colts, along with the colt-starting abilities of three world-class competitors, plus a wild card pick. Cover photo and photo below courtesy of Road To The Horse

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4 Kentucky Equestrian Directory 2024From the PublisherWe are passionate about our planet. For every page we print, we replant trees!Photo by Jessa Janes PhotographyErika and EnsoPUBLISHERErika MilenkovichMANAGING EDITORLinda UrbanLAYOUT, DESIGN, & SOCIAL MEDIAChristine Hahn & Mandy Boggs PUBLIC RELATIONS CONSULTANTRayna HenryFEATURED WRITERSSarah E. ColemanKay CoyteAubrey GrahamJen RoytzMatthew SaglioccoSusanna Massie ThomasCONTRIBUTING WRITERSTim BojarskiGina Fortunato, AVPKristen Hansen, PharmDLisa KileyMark O’ConnorRood & Riddle Equine HospitalLisa Lopez-SnyderSusanna Massie ThomasBobby WilliamsDonna WoodsPHOTOGRAPHERSJessa JanesPred MilenkovichBUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGERPred MilenkovichSALES/DISTRIBUTIONPeggy DunkelFilip MilenkovichPROOFREADERJelena MilenkovichADVERTISINGinfo@kentuckyequestriandirectory.com440 668-2812KENTUCKY EQUESTRIAN DIRECTORYis owned byKentucky Equestrian Directory is published annually by ENSO Media Group, Inc.PO Box 470603, Cleveland, OH 44147440 668-2812info@kentuckyequestriandirectory.comkentuckyequestriandirectory.comKentucky Equestrian Directory assumes no re-sponsibility for the claims made in advertisements. The views expressed in editorial content are those of the author, obtained from sources believed to be reliable, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of Kentucky Equestrian Directory. Neither the Publisher, Editor, authors or any other party associated with this publication shall be responsible for any errors, omissions, or claims for damages arising from use of the information contained herein. Reproduction of articles is not permitted without written consent from Kentucky Equestrian Directory or ENSO Media Group, Inc.Kentucky Equestrian Directory and Kentucky Equestrian areregistered trade names owned by ENSOMedia Group, Inc.under the laws of the State of Ohio governing registered trade names and trademarks.®Welcome to the 2024 issue of Kentucky Equestrian Directory! Kentucky Equestrian Directory was created for YOU - owners, riders, professionals, and businesses of all disciplines - to help you connect within the local horse community. More than just a business directory, it also features content on trending topics, the best practices and innovators in the industry, plus tips from the pros. As our readership continues to grow, we are honored to receive requests from other states to create a custom directory for them. One in particular, has been pretty persistent - We are proud to announce the premier issue of our newest publication - Florida Equestrian Directory - available in 2025!It is with much gratitude that we present you with this new issue.We are inspired by those whose vision is to always put the horse rst. Road to the Horse is one such organization doing just that. Known as the “World Championship of Colt Starting”, this event has showcased many dierent trainers and their diverse methods for starting horses over the last thirty years. With a common thread of relationship-based training and doing right by the horse, spectators can learn and gain valuable insights into the best practices of these internationally-esteemed horsemen and women. Be sure to check out our feature article, All Roads Lead to the Horse, in this issue for a bit of history and details about the upcoming event. We are excited to be a sponsor and a vendor this year! Hope to see everyone at the Kentucky Horse Park - Alltech Arena - March 21-24th. Fast forward to May 4th, when the city of Louisville will be hosting the biggest gala event of the year as it rolls out the red carpet (and roses) to host the 150th Kentucky Derby. Our story, Twinspired! has the inside scoop on what to expect and how best to enjoy this milestone experience. Churchill Downs is set to unveil numerous renovations and major improvements, from enhanced seating to VIP experiences for spectators. The Derby Museum is a hub for many activities leading up to the big day in May, along with new Derby exhibits, and collectibles for sale in its gift shop. The new Derby City Gaming Downtown opened its doors in December, 2023, oering plenty of “ritz” along with ne bourbon and cigars for those wanting to test their luck. When in Louisville, you won’t want to miss the city’s latest Gallopalooza - the painted horse statues on display April - October, supporting local beautication projects citywide. Speaking of horses and things of beauty, Kentucky resident, Ellen Skidmore, is not only a passionate advocate for o-track Thoroughbreds, but is also one of the world’s most sought-after artists. Ellen’s unique perspective and incredible natural talent has attracted fans and collectors from across the globe. Her favorite thing to paint is - you guessed it - horses! Her style is colorful and whimsical and sure to put a smile on your face. Ellen Skidmore: How Equines, Art and Orchestra Helped Her Find Her Voice shares Ellen’s journey from her painfully shy childhood to her now, very public persona and art exhibits. You can visit Ellen’s gallery located in historic Midway, Kentucky. Special thanks to the equestrians who generously shared their stories and the businesses that enthusiastically supported this issue! We hope you nd this to be an invaluable resource and ask you to please support our advertisers, without whom this complimentary directory would not be possible.

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6 Kentucky Equestrian Directory 202410456 Big Bone RoadUnion, KY 41091859-240-9747• Dimples Unique Shape makes administering Medication so easy!• Irresistible Taste and Aroma• Soft and pliable• Loaded with ground flax and whole grainsProduced ByOrder Onlinewww.dimpleshorsetreats.comAlso Available at:www.dimpleshorsetreats.comMORE THANAN IRRESISTIBLE TREAT!On behalf of myself, my wife, Elizabeth, and our entire family welcome to Winding Way Farm, home of Dimples Horse Treats.Here at Winding Way Farm, horses are our passion. While Elizabeth and I come from very different equine backgrounds, we both have enjoyed a love of horses since childhood. A love that we now enjoy sharingwith our children. Elizabeth is an accomplished horseman with many years of show experience with Saddlebreds. As for myself, I was more of a backyard cowboy until I started breeding, training and racing thoroughbred horses. We now enjoy breeding Friesian horses together, and who has horses without treats? Not us!After sampling other horse treats, we decided to create a better treat with healthy ingredients, like ground flax (a natural supplement that has anti-inflammatoryproperties and promotes overall health), beet pulp, molasses and whole grain. In fact, each Dimple treat contains a teaspoon of ground flaxseed. But what makes this treat even better is the irresistible aroma and softpliable texture that allows medication to be hidden in the Dimples shape without the horse ever being aware! Dimples eliminates the guesswork in administering most any medicine. It’s so easy anyone can do it!Once we perfected the recipe, we began sharing our special treats with trainers, veterinarians and horse crazy friends with the challenge to find the one horse that could resist the great taste and smell of Dimples. We received very favorable feedback and decided to make our treats available to all horse lovers in a 3 lb. reusable pail (about 60 treats).You can feel good using Dimples Horse Treats as a reward, an aid in giving medication or just a special treat your equine friend will love!To place an order or leave a comment, visit our website at Dimpleshorsetreats.com, or call me at (859) 240-9747.David EnglandMORE THAN JUST ANIRRESISTIBLE TREAT3 LB.Dimples® Horse Treats make administering medication to your horses so easy!Simply place themedication in the unique dimple shape and squeeze the pliable goodness round it.Even the most nicky horses cannot resist the aroma and taste of Dimples® Horse Treats.Dimples® Horse Treats let you takethe guesswork outof givingmedications.Available at quality tack & feed Stores nationwide!www.dimpleshorsetreats.com • 859-384-1058No HorseCan Resist!A Healthy Treat10456 Big Bone RoadUnion, KY 41091859-240-9747• Dimples Unique Shape makes administering Medication so easy!• Irresistible Taste and Aroma• Soft and pliable• Loaded with ground flax and whole grainsProduced ByOrder Onlinewww.dimpleshorsetreats.comAlso Available at:www.dimpleshorsetreats.comMORE THANAN IRRESISTIBLE TREAT!On behalf of myself, my wife, Elizabeth, and our entire family welcome to Winding Way Farm, home of Dimples Horse Treats.Here at Winding Way Farm, horses are our passion. While Elizabeth and I come from very different equine backgrounds, we both have enjoyed a love of horses since childhood. A love that we now enjoy sharingwith our children. Elizabeth is an accomplished horseman with many years of show experience with Saddlebreds. As for myself, I was more of a backyard cowboy until I started breeding, training and racing thoroughbred horses. We now enjoy breeding Friesian horses together, and who has horses without treats? Not us!After sampling other horse treats, we decided to create a better treat with healthy ingredients, like ground flax (a natural supplement that has anti-inflammatoryproperties and promotes overall health), beet pulp, molasses and whole grain. In fact, each Dimple treat contains a teaspoon of ground flaxseed. But what makes this treat even better is the irresistible aroma and softpliable texture that allows medication to be hidden in the Dimples shape without the horse ever being aware! Dimples eliminates the guesswork in administering most any medicine. It’s so easy anyone can do it!Once we perfected the recipe, we began sharing our special treats with trainers, veterinarians and horse crazy friends with the challenge to find the one horse that could resist the great taste and smell of Dimples. We received very favorable feedback and decided to make our treats available to all horse lovers in a 3 lb. reusable pail (about 60 treats).You can feel good using Dimples Horse Treats as a reward, an aid in giving medication or just a special treat your equine friend will love!To place an order or leave a comment, visit our website at Dimpleshorsetreats.com, or call me at (859) 240-9747.David EnglandMORE THAN JUST ANIRRESISTIBLE TREAT3 LB.Dimples® Horse Treats make administering medication to your horses so easy!Simply place themedication in the unique dimple shape and squeeze the pliable goodness round it.Even the most nicky horses cannot resist the aroma and taste of Dimples® Horse Treats.Dimples® Horse Treats let you takethe guesswork outof givingmedications.Available at quality tack & feed Stores nationwide!www.dimpleshorsetreats.com • 859-384-1058Dimple Treats...Dimple Treats...Ride like a Champion andRide like a Champion andTreat like a ChampionTreat like a Champion“On the Double Horn Ranch“On the Double Horn Ranchwe use nothing but the best we use nothing but the best and that’s why Dimple Treats and that’s why Dimple Treats are for our horses. Once you are for our horses. Once you use them, it’s easy to use them, it’s easy to understand why.”understand why.”Craig CameronHall of Fame World ChampionCowboyTThhee oonnllyy ssoofftt pplliiaabblleehhoorrssee ttrreeaatt wwiitthh aa““PPIILLLL DDIIMMPPLLEE”” ffoorr aaddmmiinniisstteerriinnggmmeeddiiccaattiioonnss!!

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2024 Kentucky Equestrian Directory 7by Lisa KileyWhen it comes to hay feeders, there are many styles and concepts that people have tried over the years. The idea of using a hay feeder is simple - keep hay from spoiling and going to waste. Over the years, the health benefits of slow feeding forage to horses have encouraged us to use hay nets or other slow feeders. One would be hard-pressed to find an individual who has put more thought and research into their product than Sue Wilson, who has created the hay OptiMizer. Wilson’s background is in clinical research and product development, with most of her experience and time spent in the medical industry. When Wilson retired in 2019, her creative energy was channeled into looking at they aren’t chewing enough through the day. Wilson advised, if continual grazing isn’t an option, providing a product that mimics natural grazing is important for the gut health of the horse.Wilson also studied the rate of chewing in horses. A horse that is meal-fed tends to bolt its forage and will chew at a rate that is 20% higher than a horse that is fed in a way that mimics grazing. This can be accounted for by the horse being hungry versus having a continual supply of hay. A horse that gets used to eating from the OptiMizer and realizes that they will have a steady supply of hay available, will drop their chew rate by another 20% over time and increase the amount of ‘chews’ per day. There is also a dramatic savings in the amount of hay that is saved from waste. Wilson used the analogy of a horse coming to their hay like we come to a buet table, wanting to grab for the tastiest options first. Horses will do the same when it comes to selecting what they are eating from a flake of hay. When the hay is in an OptiMizer, it is not just going to fall to the ground. Her research has shown that there was less than 1% of hay waste when using the OptiMizer. In the most recent study, when compared to hay bags, it saved 17% more hay.Wilson isn’t done with her quest toward better horse management that has been backed up by research. She encourages horse owners to keep an open mind and optimize what they have for the betterment of horse management practices. ●If you are interested in learning more about the OptiMizer, which comes in both a paddock version and the new InStall option, check out Cashmans.com for more information. The Hay OptiMizer with Sue Wilsonhow things were functioning around the barn. She started to notice how much hay was being wasted with traditional ground feeding methods. This spurred her on to help develop a feeder that would not only hold the hay, but a product that was well thought out and backed by research. Wilson shared that, in nature, horses will graze continuously, chewing up to 60,000 times per day. Chewing creates saliva that buers the acid in the stomach that a horse is continually producing. If a horse grazes or eats from a slow feeder they will get more chews in their day, creating adequate saliva to quell acid. A horse that gets fed in ‘meals’, like AM/PM feeding, is more likely to develop ulcers because

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2024 Kentucky Equestrian Directory 11As an equestrian, you know that the footing in your riding arena is essential for your horse’s comfort, safety and performance. The right footing can make a huge dierence in how well your horse performs, while poor footing can cause injuries and set them back. That’s where Sortas Equine Fibres come in with our range of high-quality footing additives.Our footing ad-ditives are made from premium synthetic ma-terials, carefully selected for their properties. We’ve blended these materials together to create a formula that can provide your arena surface with optimal traction, cush-ioning, and stability. These qualities ensure your horse can perform their best while staying safe and comfortable.One of the most import-ant things when it comes to footing is traction. Our footing additives are designed to give your horse excellent traction, which helps them feel confi-dent while performing. Good traction means your horse can take sharper turns, jump higher and make smoother transitions.Moisture retention is a cru-cial factor in footing additives for equestrian use. Sortas Equine Fibres oer a range of high-quality footing additives carefully formulated to provide the right balance of moisture retention and drainage for your arena surface.Cushioning is another crucial factor when it comes to footing. Your horse’s joints undergo a lot of stress during Footing Additives Improve Your Horse’s Performancetraining and competition and the right cushioning can help reduce the risk of injury and improve their comfort. Our footing additives provide opti-mal cushioning, reducing the impact on your horse’s joints to help them recover more quickly from intense training and competition.Lastly, our footing additives can improve the stability of your arena surface. Uneven footing can cause your horse to trip and fall, which can lead to serious injuries. Our products help stabilize your arena surface, ensuring your horse can perform safely and confidently.At Sortas Equine Fibres, we are committed to providing high-quality footing additives for horse owners and trainers. Our products are safe, eec-tive and easy to use, making them the perfect choice for anyone looking to improve their horse’s performance. For more information: SortasEquineFibres.nlOUR PRODUCTSSortas Equine Fibres GreyThis grey fiber is our best-seller all over the world. This fiber is made from a mix of polyester, polypropylene and nylon ma-terials. This fiber is a popular seller worldwide, due to the competitive price and eec-tiveness in riding surfaces.The Advantages of our Grey Fiber:• improved moisture retention• less dust• a steadier more consistent surface• improved stability• excellent value for moneySortas Equine Fibres WhiteOur white fiber is our most prestigious fiber. This fiber is manufactured using only the highest quality polyester fiber hairs which are blended with a geotextile mix. This fiber is most popular in our Asian, North American and Middle Eastern markets.The Advantages of our White Fiber:• improved moisture retention• less dust• a steadier more consistent surface• improved stability• a very pleasing aesthetic• competitively pricedOur bales are packed in high quality polypropylene packag-ing and stainless steel wires. The bales weigh on average 750lbs and we can load 60 bales in a 40ft container. All of our raw materials are sourced directly from the fac-tory, so you can be sure that you are using the highest qual-ity materials in your surface. The standard length of our cut for both the Grey and White fiber is 1 and 3/5 inch, this length is shown to work best with the majority of riding surfaces. The recommended appli-cation for these materials depends on the discipline that will be ridden and the type of sand that you are using. We suggest roughly 0.5lb per square foot for both the white and grey fibers.STOCKFrom December 2023 we will have stock available from our East Coast warehouse. Meaning shorter delivery times throughout the country. With a steady stock in our East Coast warehouses, we can ship material throughout the country. Door to door ser-vices can be arranged. ● For more information you can contact our team:Marc Harbers (908) 400 1793 – North America Sales Representative, marc@thefibersource.comOr our head oice in the Netherlands Mark O’Connor 0031 613 414842 – International Sales, mark@sortas.nl

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14 Kentucky Equestrian Directory 2024by Kristen Hansen, PharmDAmong the numerous health concerns that can aect horses, equine skin conditions are particularly prevalent and can significantly impact quality of life. As a horse owner, it is important to understand the basics of equine dermatology in order to navigate common challenges eectively. This article can be used as a guide for horse owners to successfully manage common equine skin conditions and provides product selection recommendations from a Clinical Pharmacist. Equine Dermatology BasicsThe epidermis (skin) serves as a horseʼs first line of defense. It shields the body from harmful environmental elements, pathogens, and traumatic injuries. Any damage to this organ opens the door to potential infections and must be treated appropriately. Untreated infections may enter the bloodstream or lymphatic system and cause extensive internal damage or death. However, most common equine skin conditions are mild and can be treated by the horse owner. Three Steps for SuccessCommon equine skin conditions develop due to the presence of 3 variables: a damaged skin barrier, the presence of a pathogen, and an environment that promotes growth of the Understanding Equine Skin ConditionsThree Steps for Success from a PharmacistSevere rain rot (back)pathogen. Similarly, three steps must be followed by the horse owner when attempting to treat an infection involving the skin. Step 1: Choose the proper first-line treatmentUnderstanding the type of pathogen most commonly associated with each type of equine skin condition will help guide the horse owner to the proper first-line treatment. Use the following guide to help identify pharmacist recommended first-line treatment options that are accessible to horse owners. It is important to note that this is not a complete guide and a Veterinarian should be consulted in moderate or resistant cases when first-line treatments fail. A skin culture or biopsy may be necessary to help determine appropriate antimicrobial therapy. Step 2: Protect damaged skinIt is crucial to protect damaged skin with either an appropriate topical product or physical barrier. When hair loss is present or when dealing with skin conditions on the legs, choose a product that will provide the best barrier protection such as an ointment or paste. Physical barriers such as bandaging or blanketing may also be warranted in severe cases. When treating sweet itch or summer sores, fly sheets can be used to reduce exposure to insect bites. For wounds where hair (a partial barrier) is present, a spray or powder may be the best product choice. Moisturizing products such as ointment or sprays will contribute to healthy growth of new skin, whereas pastes and powders can help absorb moisture in undesired areas. A Pharmacist’s Note: Creams and lotions do not provide barrier protection as they are formulated to be spread onto and absorbed into human (hairless) skin; therefore, they are not ideal for use on animals. Step 3: Change the environmentThis can be the most diicult step to implement when treating equine skin conditions. Start with keeping a clean, dry stall or sheltered paddock area available for your horse. Blanketing a susceptible horse during wet seasons may help. Mud and fly management will also help reduce breeding grounds for bacteria and parasites. In chronic cases, this may be the last step Severe scratches (pastern)that is often overlooked and is crucial to eradicate the pathogen from the environment. For boarders, this can be a diicult issue to address without moving the horse to a new property. When unable to drastically change the environment, steps 1 and 2 can keep skin conditions at bay, although it is likely they will reoccur. Following these 3 steps will allow horse owners to choose an appropriate first-line product, reduce time and money spent on ineffective products, and prevent future reinfections. ●Dr. Kristen Hansen is a Clinical Pharmacist with 11 years of experience in hospital, retail, and compounding pharmacies and 19 years of horse ownership. Dr. Hansen is the owner of Dr. Hansen’s Equine Apothecary.For more information: www.drhansensapothecary.comSevere rain rot (head)

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2024 Kentucky Equestrian Directory 15by Kristen Hansen, PharmDAmong the numerous health concerns that can aect horses, equine skin conditions are particularly prevalent and can significantly impact quality of life. As a horse owner, it is important to understand the basics of equine dermatology in order to navigate common challenges eectively. This article can be used as a guide for horse owners to successfully manage common equine skin conditions and provides product selection recommendations from a Clinical Pharmacist. Equine Dermatology BasicsThe epidermis (skin) serves as a horseʼs first line of defense. It shields the body from harmful environmental elements, pathogens, and traumatic injuries. Any damage to this organ opens the door to potential infections and must be treated appropriately. Untreated infections may enter the bloodstream or lymphatic system and cause extensive internal damage or death. However, most common equine skin conditions are mild and can be treated by the horse owner. Three Steps for SuccessCommon equine skin conditions develop due to the presence of 3 variables: a damaged skin barrier, the presence of a pathogen, and an environment that promotes growth of the Understanding Equine Skin ConditionsThree Steps for Success from a PharmacistSevere rain rot (back)pathogen. Similarly, three steps must be followed by the horse owner when attempting to treat an infection involving the skin. Step 1: Choose the proper first-line treatmentUnderstanding the type of pathogen most commonly associated with each type of equine skin condition will help guide the horse owner to the proper first-line treatment. Use the following guide to help identify pharmacist recommended first-line treatment options that are accessible to horse owners. It is important to note that this is not a complete guide and a Veterinarian should be consulted in moderate or resistant cases when first-line treatments fail. A skin culture or biopsy may be necessary to help determine appropriate antimicrobial therapy. Step 2: Protect damaged skinIt is crucial to protect damaged skin with either an appropriate topical product or physical barrier. When hair loss is present or when dealing with skin conditions on the legs, choose a product that will provide the best barrier protection such as an ointment or paste. Physical barriers such as bandaging or blanketing may also be warranted in severe cases. When treating sweet itch or summer sores, fly sheets can be used to reduce exposure to insect bites. For wounds where hair (a partial barrier) is present, a spray or powder may be the best product choice. Moisturizing products such as ointment or sprays will contribute to healthy growth of new skin, whereas pastes and powders can help absorb moisture in undesired areas. A Pharmacist’s Note: Creams and lotions do not provide barrier protection as they are formulated to be spread onto and absorbed into human (hairless) skin; therefore, they are not ideal for use on animals. Step 3: Change the environmentThis can be the most diicult step to implement when treating equine skin conditions. Start with keeping a clean, dry stall or sheltered paddock area available for your horse. Blanketing a susceptible horse during wet seasons may help. Mud and fly management will also help reduce breeding grounds for bacteria and parasites. In chronic cases, this may be the last step Severe scratches (pastern)that is often overlooked and is crucial to eradicate the pathogen from the environment. For boarders, this can be a diicult issue to address without moving the horse to a new property. When unable to drastically change the environment, steps 1 and 2 can keep skin conditions at bay, although it is likely they will reoccur. Following these 3 steps will allow horse owners to choose an appropriate first-line product, reduce time and money spent on ineffective products, and prevent future reinfections. ●Dr. Kristen Hansen is a Clinical Pharmacist with 11 years of experience in hospital, retail, and compounding pharmacies and 19 years of horse ownership. Dr. Hansen is the owner of Dr. Hansen’s Equine Apothecary.For more information: www.drhansensapothecary.comSevere rain rot (head)

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2024 Kentucky Equestrian Directory 17by Kay CoyteThe rst week of December in Louisville, Ky., usually passes with little notice. But despite its chilly and overcast morning, December 6 in 2023 heralded a bright and festive day throughout the city. Why? Because it marked 150 days to the 150th running of the city’s signature event: the Kentucky Derby.At 9am, local dignitaries and Churchill Downs ocials held a ribbon-cutting at its sparkling new Derby City Gaming Downtown facility. Famed Kentucky bugler, Steve Buttleman, sounded the “Call to the Post” and patrons rushed in to check out the bells and whistles of the casino-style operation.Four miles south, the Kentucky Derby Museum opened its doors for an all-day Race to 150 free-admission community event. Many Derby fans carried mementos to include in a time capsule; others were sporting fancy hats for a fashion runway contest. Patrick Armstrong, the museum’s president and CEO, greeted visitors before introducing VIPs that included Gov. Andy Beshear. “Today is all about lifting up Louisville together,” Armstrong said. “And beginning the countdown to an incredible moment in history: the magic of 150 years of the Kentucky Derby.” Meanwhile, a shipment of 75 life-sized horse statues arrived in Louisville in preparation for the Gallopalooza, another round of a painted horse sidewalk derby that supports citywide beautication projects. The organizers bedded down the ghostly white horses, ears pricked with a look of eagles, in what they call the “horse barn,” warehouse space within Louisville’s quirky underground cave known as the Mega Cavern, awaiting their artists’ brush. These events elevated Derby Fever among local racing fans, but within a chain-link fence around a Churchill Downs construction site, more than 100 workers were feverishly building a $200 million, multi-story saddling paddock renovation. It’s the culmination of a years-long revamping of the historic track that will create a new grand entrance, focusing on the iconic Twin Spires while also more than doubling the size of the previous paddock and creating multiple levels of prime viewing, seating and dining. The new 12,000-square-foot paddock area also will sport two jumbotrons for 360-degree race viewing and will allow for better customer trac ow from the paddock to the track side of the grandstands.As some racing fans may have seen watching last year’s Derby, the enlarged paddock is sunken, coliseum-style, with then-temporary saddling stalls anking the widened horse tunnel entrance from under the grandstands. But the biggest change will involve the horseshoe-shaped tiers of seating that overlook the paddock. Among the additional 3,600 seats are a variety of options: private boxes with tables and shade roofs, bird’s-eye seating, swank lounges. Some general admission paddock viewing still exists. The “Plaza Walkaround” will accommodate 3,200 standing-room-only patrons with no track access and a scattering of benches. Keep your spike heels at home, ladies!But some jaw-dropping experiences await those with deep pockets. The Woodford Reserve Paddock Club and the 1895 Club (so named because the Twin Spires were built that year) hold the prime spots on either side of the horse tunnel. There you’ll nd ne dining, top-shelf bourbon, Churchill Downs, Derby Museum Roll Out the Red Carpet Showcasing New Looks, Exhibits for a Milestone 150th Kentucky DerbyTwinspired!Continued on page 18Photo by Kay Coyte

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18 Kentucky Equestrian Directory 2024concierge service, betting parlors and a private human tunnel leading to within-the-paddock privileges. More halls lead to an exclusive plaza for outside track-level viewing.The best seats in those clubs come with a glass-wall window into the saddling stalls and the horse tunnel. Yes, a fortunate few can sip their bourbon or savor their prime rib while the nation’s best Thoroughbreds are steadied and saddled barely a yard in front of them. Go to https://www.derby150.com and click on the Overview and East/West tabs for video walk-throughs of each club.A couple of other premium sections have their own unique perks. The Paddock renovation opened space under the Twin Spires and created the Spires Terrace, an open-air lounge with racetrack viewing on one side and paddock viewing on the opposite. Claim the perfect spot and you can take in those sights without leaving your seat. The new Plaza Balcony dining area has access to similar dual views and is adjacent to the jockeys’ room. Now, you’re in prime autograph-seeking position when riders do the walk to the paddock.These improvements are under construction and projected to be ready by Derby day, May 4, according to the project manager. The Jockey Club Suites, one of the original luxury sections at the track, also got a $14 million upgrade.Fans drawn to the historic Run for the Roses will also see major changes instituted in recent years. In 2022, the apron bleachers along the rail were transformed into a $45 million members-only Homestretch Club. Last year, Churchill Downs doubled that investment to build a rst-turn grandstand with more than 5,000 stadium seats. Its cantilever roof even provides some cover. Below those seats is a 50,000-square-foot First Turn Club. It’s designed for year-round use, such as hosting a benet for backstretch workers’ Backside Learning Center last fall. There’s no homestretch view, but guests will enjoy a sweeping track-and-spires scene, plus the best seat for the mob of horses, horse handlers and hangers-on that Twinspired!Continued from page 17Paddock Project - image courtesy of Churchill DownsDerby City gaming ﬂoor - photo courtesy of Churchill DownsPhoto by Kay Coyte

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2024 Kentucky Equestrian Directory 19has become known as the Kentucky Derby Walkover.Most reserved seats, dining spaces and suites now include concessions and drinks (beer, wine, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages). Of course, the menu of those concessions will depend on the cost of your experience. And how much will those seats set you back? Grandstand bleacher seats far from the nish line start at nearly $1,000, with fees, according to Ticketmaster. Stadium seats, in the grandstand or rst turn, start at about $1,500. Seats at dining tables begin at $3,700. As for those prime-view options? It might be a case of, if you have to ask, you can’t aord it.Is all this out of your price range, but Derby 150 still on your bucket list? Ineld general admission is about $100, concessions not included, nor is frontside access. You do get a program (while supplies last) and you can bring your own picnic food and bottled water, camp chairs, strollers and a blanket or small tarp. Make sure you check the track’s detailed list of what and what not to bring.Churchill Downs may be a beehive of construction activity, but the action on December 6, marking 150 days to the Derby, took place at the Kentucky Derby Museum’s all-day Race to 150 party and Derby City Gaming Downtown’s grand opening.Well before its ocial grand opening, a mix of media, community leaders and local curiosity seekers waited in the morning chill. Many were patrons of southern Indiana casinos or Churchill Downs’ gaming facility in South Louisville. To show its commitment to the community, Garth Williams, Derby City Gaming Downtown’s general manager, presented $20,000 checks to local nonprots and pledged more to come. Louisville, like many U.S. cities, hasn’t fully recovered from the 2020 pandemic and protests over policing in the African-American community, though new hotel construction and an expanded Urban Bourbon trail signals an upswing. “We are so happy to be a part of a vibrant, revitalized downtown Louisville,” Williams said, just before the ribbon-cutting. The 43,000-square-foot Derby City Gaming Downtown is across the street from the Kentucky International Convention Center and just blocks from the Yum! Center sports/concert arena and Kentucky Performing Arts. Its footprint is smaller than the gaming and hotel complex that rose from the site of the former Louisville Downs harness track. The Downtown gaming center is a bit more ritzy, with fancy bourbon, wine and cigar bars, a sports book and live entertainment. Racehorse and roses themes run throughout the building.The 500 whirring, jangling games inside look like slot machines, but by Kentucky law, they are “historical racing machines.” It’s a natural draw for tourists, who also can visit the Kentucky Derby Gift shop from a sidewalk entrance. Minutes before the ribbon cutting, shop sta were unboxing the just-released Derby 150 julep glass. (A limited-edition gold version of the roses-themed glass will be distributed at the track on Derby Day.)“The corner of Fourth and Market will never be the Derby 150, ticketing central: www.kentuckyderby.comSeating Experiences page with saddling paddock details: www.kentuckyderby.com/seating-experiencesTo check pricing, availability of specialty clubs or suites: contact Tricia Speiden, senior director, luxury sales and services, at 502-638-3918 or tricia.speiden@kyderby.comChurchill Downs: www.churchilldowns.comKentucky Derby Museum: www.derbymuseum.orgKentucky Derby Festival: (list of pre-Derby events, some virtual, “Festival at Home”): www.kdf.org Gallopalooza: brightsidefoundation.com/gallopaloozaDerby City Gaming Downtown: downtown.derbycitygaming.comContinued on page 20Some jaw-dropping experiences await those with deep pockets. The Woodford Reserve Paddock Club and its nearly twin Club SI (a nod to a new partnership with Sports Illustrated, look for some iconic cover artwork) hold the prime spots on either side of the horse tunnel. There you’ll nd ne dining, top-shelf bourbon, concierge service, betting parlors and a private human tunnel leading to within-the-paddock privileges. More halls lead to an exclusive plaza for outside track-level viewing.Photo by Kay Coyte

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20 Kentucky Equestrian Directory 2024same,” Williams said in his opening remarks. There, a giant 90-degree wraparound video board illuminates the intersection, scrolling images of racing and gaming attractions.Meanwhile, the Kentucky Derby Museum, which is located at Churchill Downs but is a separate entity, opened its doors for a free Race to 150 community celebration. Early birds received a commemorative leather coaster and Derby Festival pin, and Louisville Folk School musicians serenaded with ddle and banjo. VIPs gathered around a recreation of the Derby winner’s circle with a life-sized replica of the roses-draped 2023 winner, Mage, and his jockey, Javier Castellano. And Buttleman (whose instrument is technically a herald trumpet, not a bugle), again sounded “Call to the Post” before museum ocials, the governor and Louisville mayor gave their opening remarks.For Gov. Beshear, whose mother showed horses and served on the Kentucky Horse Park Commission, Dec. 6 marked another milestone in his support of the state’s racing industry. In March 2023, he signed into law the bill legalizing sports betting in Kentucky. And in September, he placed the rst ocial sports bet at Churchill Downs.“It has taken many years to get here, but sports wagering is nally a reality in Kentucky,” he said then. “This is a win-win for Kentuckians.”After his Derby Museum remarks, Beshear dropped a program for his second-term inauguration into the Derby 150 Time Capsule, then worked the room, chatting with folks about his boyhood riding days.One couple catching his attention was Mike and Pat Sazy, of Louisville, holding a “Welcome” banner from the 1974 Derby. “The story was that it was hung outside the Brown Hotel for the 100th Derby, and it was given to us afterwards by a friend who was associated with the Brown,” said Pat Sazy. Museum sta took a photo of the Sazys holding the banner and added it to the Time Capsule. By the end of the day, hundreds more had added photos to the box and received a photo-booth-style copy to take home.The Race to 150 celebration included Derby 150 artist, Wylie Caudill, in action painting his signature roses on a photo-op wall and Derby winning jockey, Mike Manganello, (1970, aboard Dust Commander) talking about his newly released biography. Guests were treated to Derby-themed treats such as mint julep Nice Cream and Kern’s Kitchen’s trademarked Derby-Pie. Adults could taste-test bourbon and try a $5 Old Fashioned. The Kentucky Derby Festival team displayed the just-released collector’s item pin and sold tickets for a Golden Ticket rae, a $7,000 bundle that includes not only 2 Derby and Kentucky Oaks box seats, but VIP passes to the Festival’s pre-Derby events such as Thunder Over Louisville (reworks/air show), the Fillies Derby Ball, Pegasus Parade and Great Steamboat Race.Families discovered a new Derby Museum feature, Ari’s Horseshoe Adventure, an interactive, clue-nding experience for kids named in honor of the museum’s pony ambassador, Mighty Aristides. The hunt for Ari’s missing shoe takes kids to clue stations at 12 key exhibits, from jockeys to Triple Crown to horse care. Coming in April will be an overhaul of the Riders Up simulated race that will have more realistic horses (and one that’s accessible for all), plus video game and virtual reality elements.“We’ve seen previews of it, and it’s stunning,” said Katrina Helmer, the museum’s communications director. “You’ll be able to race in dierent eras, and the track will change. So if you’re in a race in the early 1900s, the colors and grandstand and crowds will look completely dierent from a modern race. So we’re sprinkling in some history and education into a fun game.”A milliner’s row showcased Derby hats from local hatmakers. Colorado native Jenny Pfanenstiel, sporting one of her hand-made felt cloches with a satin scarf band, founded Forme’ Millinery 2007. Now an ocial milliner for the Derby Museum and Churchill Downs, her Forme’ custom hat shop caters to a boutique crowd. But when a popular Louisville do-it-yourself hat outlet closed last year, Pfanenstiel responded by opening The Hat Shoppe in the same neighborhood.“Dees was such an institution,” Pfanenstiel said. “We aim to ll that void but also give shoppers the choice of our personal design experience.” The Hat Shoppe’s Hat Bar will stock a wide array of hat and fascinator bases, and all the embellishments – feathers, owers, ribbon, pins. That range of styles was on full display for the museum party nale: a Railbird Runway Contest. Anyone could take the stage, and they did, from Miss Kentucky to fashionistas to girls who just wanted to have fun. Deborah Widmer, an emergency medicine physician and Kentucky Derby fan since she was a child, strutted the runway with a high-ying hat, scrubs and a stethoscope. “I used to keep a scrapbook of the winners. Now, I own three retired Thoroughbreds and two are in foal. It may be corny,” Widmer said, “but I bought the hat because my dream out to the universe/God is that the pink and green will be my racing colors when my foals grow and race in the Derby.”Jessica K. Whitehead, the Derby Museum’s curator of collections, has been diving deep into Derby fashion for a “See and Be Seen: 150 Years of Derby Fashion” exhibit opening this summer. “The development of Derby fashion is not only tied to American fashion trends, but it morphed into its own mysterious beast,” said Whitehead, herself styling with a green and white feathered fascinator. “It’s performative, and it’s what we come to see. There’s haute couture but also that humor – Twinspired!Continued from page 19First Turn interior, Backside Learning Center - Photo by Kay Coyte

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2024 Kentucky Equestrian Directory 21camp – and creativity that you can’t wear anywhere else.” Whitehead also has written a Derby Museum book, “The History of the Kentucky Derby in 75 Objects,” that will be released in July. She pitched the idea nearly four years ago as part of “recalibrating the way we tell stories” about the Derby, including lesser-known history of black horsemen, Latino inuence, and women jockeys ghting for the right to race. “The history of the Derby is much like America’s story, an ongoing struggle for true democracy and true equality.”Eorts to include all communities in the Derby anniversary also extend to the city’s latest Gallopalooza, the display of berglass horses to support local beautication projects. “In a perfect world, all 26 Metro districts would display the horses,” said Michelle Black White, executive director of Brightside Foundation. “But we are placing more horses in the West End, and this year we’ll have 11 that represent the 11 black jockeys who won 15 of the rst Derbies. We’re hoping some will have ties to West End sites.” These statues also are set to highlight a Pegasus Parade oat.One horse will represent West End School, a scholarship academy for boys, with the students painting the horse they’ve named “Wes” (the school’s acronym). Gallopalooza, now in its 20th year, is funded through individual and corporate sponsorships; for this round, Churchill Downs is the main sponsor. The painted statues will be on display from April through October, and those not purchased by their sponsors will go up for auction, with the proceeds going to Brightside’s beautication eorts as well as artist grants. Getting an up-close view of actual horses might not be possible on Derby Day. But Churchill Downs opens its frontside for Dawn at the Downs several days before the Derby (last year, Dawn at the Downs concluded on the Wednesday before the Derby). Gates open at 7am and racing fans arrive soon after, toting coee and doughnuts, some sporting their nest hats. The most exciting hour starts at 7:30, after a track harrowing, when training is designated for contenders in the Derby (with their names on neon yellow saddle cloths) and Kentucky Oaks (pink saddle cloths). It’s an equine royalty rush, with track experts and reporters adding commentary via ineld jumbotrons. Even the parking is free, as long as you leave when training hours are over at 10 am. For a fee, the Derby Museum oers track tours, some with exclusive backstretch access. Because of race-going crowds, the museum is closed Thursday through Saturday of Derby weekend. You can also enjoy Dawn at the Downs virtually with a free Churchill Downs app. In addition to helpful maps and ticketing, the site has news and video of the Derby/Oaks contenders, backside interviews, expert picks and fashion features. Workouts are streamed live. Speaking of apps, you can download TwinSpires, the track’s ocial betting partner, for handicapping analysis, wagering and race simulcasts.No matter how you take in the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby – an ineld picnic, a home Derby party, a Millionaires Row lounge, a sports bar TV – you can bet the host track and city will rise to the occasion. The momentum that started with a cold day in December will heat up to a thunderous roar on May 4 as more than 100,000 at Churchill Downs and millions around the world cheer on their favorites for this historic 150th Derby stretch run. May the force be with them and may the sun shine bright on everyone’s Kentucky home that day. ●Kay Coyte, a Louisville native, is a former editor at The Washington Post and editor/publisher of The Horsemen’s Journal, the ocial magazine of racing’s HBPA owners and trainers association. She is a judge for the Dr. Tony Ryan Book Award for excellence in Thoroughbred racing literature and the American Horse Publications’ media awards. A rider since girlhood, she adopted a retired racehorse/broodmare in 2020 and is introducing her to trail riding. That “Birdie” is a daughter of Kentucky Derby winner Thunder Gulch would please her late father, a former Churchill Downs ocial.Photo by Kay Coyte

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2024 Kentucky Equestrian Directory 29by Rood & Riddle Equine HospitalOpportunities in Equine Practice Seminar (OEPS), a professional forum created to encourage students to enter equine practice upon graduation, was held this past Labor Day in Lexington, Kentucky. After a ten-year hiatus, the event was reestablished to address the emerging crisis of the diminishing number of graduating veterinary students entering equine practice. The seminar hosted third-year veterinary students with practitioners from around the country on hand to present their experiences in various disciplines, from general and mixed practice to board specialties, providing an introductory view of all aspects of equine practice, from the large hospital setting to the solo practitioner, at nominal or no expense to the student. The event is the result of the cooperative eorts of equine practitioners from across North America, with additional financial support from industry sponsors and the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP).Attendees could engage in interactive discussions with equine practitioners and industry partners, tour equine hospitals, local horse farms, and Keeneland racetrack, as well as participate in hands-on workshops. OEPS 2023 was an unforgettable experience for those attending.Addressing the Shortage of Equine Veterinarians: Nationwide Practices Join Together“We are thrilled to have such an amazing outpouring of support since the announcement of the return of OEPS, and due to the support of the equine practices and industry partners that joined us, we were able to sponsor over 260 students to attend from the US, Canadian, and island schools,” said Dr. Craig Lesser, the lead organizer of OEPS. “With dwindling numbers of students pursuing careers in equine practice, we aimed to inspire and equip students with knowledge about the vast opportunities within equine practice that make our careers uniquely gratifying.”It was a rare opportunity for practices to positively influence hundreds of veterinary students interested in equine practice and cultivate relationships that will lead to future externs, interns, associates, and colleagues. Many attending practices have already pledged support in future years, as they saw how it was nice to see so many students actively interested in equine practice!The survey of students after the event had some wonderful responses, including one student saying, “I thought it was an awesome weekend, I left feeling motivated for third year and getting closer to being with the equine vets in the field.” And another, “I loved the weekend; I really appreciated the opportunity to network with so many practices and meet other students who were interested in the same thing as me.” One question asked on the survey was: “Based on your knowledge of equine practice before (then after) attending OEPS, how likely will you choose equine practice as your career?” Before the conference, eighty percent of respondents thought they were 80% confident that they would enter equine practice; however, after OEPS, that number rose to ninety-seven percent. Looking forward, we plan to once again host OEPS on Labor Day weekend in 2024 for veterinary students entering their third year (2026 graduates). We must continue to encourage gifted students to pursue careers in equine practice and equip them with practical information for launching successful careers. ●For more information on OEPS and ways to participate, please visit: oeps.com

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30 Kentucky Equestrian Directory 2024by Sarah E. ColemanIn 2022, the University of Kentucky, a land grant institution, and the Kentucky Horse Council, a nonprot dedicated to protecting equines and developing Kentucky’s equine community, collaborated to conduct a comprehensive, statewide equine survey. Both entities are deeply dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the well-being And the Survey Says:Kentucky Equine Industry Resilient and RobustThe 2022 Kentucky Equine Survey revealed changes in the number of equines and equine operations, value of equine and equine-related assets, and income from sales and services in the state’s signature industry. of equines and equine agriculture in the state, and understand the necessity of periodically assessing the health and vibrancy of the equine industry in the Commonwealth. Routine surveys can help identify areas of potential job creation and income expansion, as well as lend context to how past changes and events have impacted the equine industry in Kentucky. These benchmarks can also allow for forecasting how the equine industry may need to adapt to future changes in the economy, the regulatory environment, the business climate and the American lifestyle to ensure its sustainability.Why Do We Need Another Survey?Though equines are a signature industry of the state, prior to 2012, Kentucky had not done a comprehensive, statewide survey of its equines or equine operations since 1977. In 2012, UK and the KHC partnered for the rst time to determine how many horses, ponies, donkeys and mules resided in Kentucky.The 2012 survey determined the diversity of equine operations across the state and obtained an inventory of all breeds of equine, including horses, ponies, donkeys and mules;

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2024 Kentucky Equestrian Directory 31it looked at sales, income, expenses and operation assets. The 2012 survey also provided a comprehensive economic impact analysis of Kentucky’s equine industry. Though some questions on the 2022 survey were similar to those asked a decade ago, this survey sought to determine an accurate inventory estimate of equine operations and equines in the state, which were further designated by breed and use. This survey measured sales of equine, income and expenses from activities on equine operations, and the value of assets owned by those operations. In addition, it captured the primary function of those operations and how much acreage was devoted to equine-related activities. Finally, the 2022 survey sought to determine the age distribution of Kentucky’s equines and what equine health concerns owners felt were most pressing.The 2022 survey dened “equine operation” as an address at which at least one horse, pony, mule or donkey resides. This denition encompasses commercial facilities, competition facilities, training facilities, nonprot facilities and personal residences. The inclusion of all of these facilities in the 2022 Kentucky Equine Survey was imperative in getting an accurate head count of equines in the state. Another survey, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Census of Agriculture, which is completed every ve years, denes a “farm” (and therefore counts the animals that reside on it) as a place that generates at least $1,000 in cash receipts annually through the sale of products. While some equine operations t this denition, neither boarding facilities nor residences where equines are kept for personal use qualify to be counted under this description. It’s estimated that the USDA Census of Agriculture estimates underestimate the number of Kentucky horses by about 50 percent. Key FindingsThe 2022 Kentucky Equine Survey revealed that Kentucky’s equine industry experienced signicant changes in the past decade, due in part to emerging from the Great Recession in 2008 and 2009, navigating a global pandemic in 2020 and 2021, and recovering from multiple natural disasters in 2021 and 2022.Despite it all, the total value of equine and equine-related assets in Kentucky was $27.7 billion in 2022, which is up more than 18 percent from 2012, when the value was $23.4 billion. This is true even though there are currently almost 14 percent fewer equines living in the Commonwealth than were recorded in the 2012 study: 209,500 horses, ponies, donkeys and mules called Kentucky home in 2022 compared to 242,400 in 2012.There were approximately 31,000 equine operations in Kentucky in 2022, representing a decline of 11.4 percent since 2012. This triggered corresponding declines in total operation acreage (18.6 percent) and equine-related activity acreage (15.9 percent). Kentucky’s decline in equine and equine operation numbers mirrors those found nationwide by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Census of Agriculture. The contraction in Kentucky’s equine industry is similar to beef cattle production across the nation, which is at its lowest level since 1962.Acreage devoted to equine use is 84.1 percent of that in 2012 (900,000 acres in 2022 compared with 1.1 million acres in 2012). Total equine-related income from sales and services for equine operations in 2022 was almost $2.1 billion, up from $1.1 billion in 2012, while expenses have increased from $1.2 billion to $1.6 billion. In 2022, 82 percent of operating expenses were spent in Kentucky.Thoroughbreds are again the most populous breed in the state, followed by Quarter Horses, Walking Horses, Donkeys/Mules and Saddlebreds. In 2022, each breed showed a decline in population compared to the numbers reported in 2012, but the average value of equine increased, even after adjusting for ination. This ination-adjusted average value of equine increased for nearly all breeds, as well as in 82 of Kentucky’s 120 counties.An important trend for commercial equine operations in Kentucky is the marked increase in income and sales over the past 10 years. Expenses have increased, but at a lower rate than revenues. After adjusting for ination, operating expenses, not including labor, were just marginally higher than in 2012 and capital expenditures were up 131 percent. Labor expenses (payroll and non-wage benets) increased approximately 134 percent.Continued on page 32Image courtesy of Kentucky Horse Council

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32 Kentucky Equestrian Directory 2024Additionally, commercial equine operations have seen a signicant increase in income and sales over the past 10 years. After adjusting for ination, equine operations with commercial activities have seen income from breeding services increase by 170 percent, while income from non-breeding services increased by 165 percent. Additionally, the value of equine sold also increased by 170 percent in the past 10 years after adjusting for ination.Digging InThe 10 most populous breeds in the commonwealth are:• Thoroughbreds (48,500)• Quarter Horses (35,000)• Walking Horses (28,500)• Donkeys and Mules (13,500)• Saddlebreds (12,000)• Mountain Horse breeds (10,500)• Standardbreds (9,200)• Warmbloods (7,000)• Pony breeds (6,400)• Miniature Horses (6,100)The state’s top-ve primary uses for equines include: • Trail/pleasure riding: 62,500• Broodmare: 33,500• Idle, retired or otherwise not working: 32,500• Growing horse (foal/weanling/yearling): 22,000• Competition/show: 20,000• Kentucky equine inventory by age: • There are 21,500 horses between the ages of 0 and 12 months• There are 41,000 horses between the ages of 1 and 4 years• There are 95,000 horse between the ages of 5 and 15 years• There are 52,000 horses over 15 years oldThe value of all horses, ponies, mules and donkeys in Kentucky in 2022 was $6.5 billion; this results in an average value of more than $31,000 per equine. The top seven breeds, by value, in Kentucky are: • Thoroughbreds: $5.5 billion or $113,814 per horse• Standardbreds $190 million or $20,652 per horse• Quarter Horses: $180 million or $5,143 per horse• American Saddlebreds: $170 million or $14,167 per horse• Warmbloods: $136 million or $19,429 per horse• Walking Horses: $106 million or $3,719 per horse• Mountain Horse breeds: $42 million or $4,000 per horseA new objective to the 2022 survey was to understand which equine health issues are most important to owners of horses, ponies, mules and donkeys. Survey participants were asked to select up to three equine issues (from a list of 12) that were most important to them. The top three equine health concerns were: • Caring for the senior equine (27.1 percent)• Musculoskeletal issues (22.4 percent)• Digestive problems (17.4 percent)Where do Kentucky Horses Live? Just as in 2012, the 2022 Kentucky Equine Survey found a concentration of horses in the Bluegrass area of Central Kentucky, including Bourbon (13,000), Clark (2,100), Fayette (22,500), Jessamine (4,500), Madison (2,300), Scott (5,700) and Woodford (11,000) counties. These seven counties account for an estimated 61,100 horses, ponies, mules and donkeys, or 29.2 percent of the state’s population. There is also a dense equine population along the corridor between Louisville and Lexington, with 17,800 equines in four counties (Franklin, Jefferson, Scott and Shelby). However, there are other areas of the state with significant concentrations of equines: Shelby County has the fourth-highest number of equines with more than 5,900; 1,500 of these are American SaddlebredsJefferson County has 4,800 horsesThe area just west of Louisville, including the six counties of Breckenridge, Grayson, Hardin, Hart, Larue and Mead, has a combined population of more than 12,700 horsesThe seven counties just south of the Bluegrass area (Anderson, Boyle, Garrard, Lincoln, Marion, Mercer and Washington) have a population of more than 13,600 horsesThe South-Central Kentucky area near the Tennessee border has seven counties (Allen, Barren, Logan, Metcalfe, Monroe, Simpson and Warren) that have a combined population of more than 13,700 equinesThe Northern Kentucky area (Boone, Bracken, Campbell, Grant, Kenton, Mason and Pendleton counties) represent more than 11,800 equinesNearly 50 percent of the state’s counties have 1,000 equines or moreConclusion Though the number of equine and equine operations in Kentucky Equine OperationsEquine InventorySurveyContinued from page 31Image courtesy of Kentucky Horse Council

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36 Kentucky Equestrian Directory 2024The ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance program is responsible for this advertisement. Pre-existing conditions are not covered. Waiting periods, annual deductible, co-insurance, benefit limits and exclusions apply. Subject to underwriting. Terms and conditions apply. Preventive Care reimbursements are based on a schedule. Products, rates, and discounts may vary and are subject to change. Products not available in all states. Insurance products are underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company (NAIC #26581. A Delaware insurance company located at 11333 N. Scottsdale Rd, Ste. 160, Scottsdale, AZ 85254), and produced and administered by PTZ Insurance Agency, Ltd. (NPN: 5328528. Domiciled in Illinois with oices at 1208 Massillon Road, Suite G200, Akron, Ohio 44306). (California residents only: PTZ Insurance Agency, Ltd., d.b.a PIA Insurance Agency, Ltd. CA license #0E36937). The ASPCA® is not an insurer and is not engaged in the business of insurance. Through a licensing agreement, the ASPCA receives a royalty fee that is in exchange for use of the ASPCA’s marks and is not a charitable contribution.ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance plans for horses are stand-alone, health insurance only plans, meaning the purchase of mortality insurance is not required to enroll, and the amount paid for a horse is not a determinant in their eligibility to be insured, making the plans fitting for any companion horse.Pet health insurance helps pet parents say “yes” to their veterinarian’s recommendations. ASPCA Pet Health Insurance for horses is designed to lessen concern about the costs of veterinary care so that horse owners can focus on getting their horse the care they need. Horse owners have the opportunity to select one of two plan options to best fit their individual horses’ needs. One of the plans, Colic + Accidents, includes coverage for the exam fees, diagnostics, and treatment of colic episodes and injuries, and emergencies related to accidents, such as trailer-accident injuries, hoof abscesses, and toxic ingestions.The second option horse owners can choose is Colic + Accidents + Illnesses. It covers the costs of exam fees, diagnostics, and treatment of colic episodes, accidents, and illnesses – from minor illnesses like the common cold to major illnesses like cancer. Hereditary and congenital conditions are also included in the plan’s illness coverage.When enrolling in an ASPCA Pet Health Insurance plan, horse owners can choose from a range of deductible, coverage limit, and reimbursement percentage options. The ability to customize plans makes it even easier to find a plan that fits every horse owner’s budget.• Deductible options of $100, $250, and $500 are available. ASPCA Pet Health Insurance plan deductibles are annual, so a customer only has to meet it once in a 12-month policy period.• Horse owners can also select an annual coverage limit of $3,000, $5,000, or $7,000. The coverage limits for ASPCA Pet Health Insurance plans reset every year.• The reimbursement percentage choices are 90 percent, 80 percent, and 70 percent of eligible veterinary costs.For a little more per month, horse owners can add one of two preventive care coverage options – Routine Preventive Care and Platinum Preventive Care. Reimbursements for covered preventive services are based on scheduled amounts. Covered preventive services include dental floating, annual wellness exams, rabies or tetanus vaccination, and other things that help protect horses from getting sick. Caring for a horse can take a lot of time. With ASPCA Pet Health Insurance, quoting, enrolling, and submitting a claim is quick and easy. And when you spend less time keeping your horse its healthiest, you and your horse can spend more time together doing what you both love! If interested in getting a free quote or enrolling your horse in an ASPCA Pet Health Insurance plan, visit ProtectYourHorse.com.●Health Insurance That Makes Sense for Every Horse

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2024 Kentucky Equestrian Directory 39Enhancing Equine Performance:Harnessing the Power of Red Light Therapy for the Hyoid Apparatusby Donna WoodsHorses, with their blend of power and grace, never cease to captivate equestrians and enthusiasts alike. Yet, these majestic creatures often communicate their discomfort through subtle behaviors that can mystify even the most seasoned horse owners. In this article, we’ll unveil the critical role of the hyoid apparatus in equine health and introduce the groundbreaking use of red light therapy to optimize its function and impact on performance.The Hyoid Apparatus: A Silent Performance InuencerNestled discreetly in a horse’s throat, the hyoid apparatus primarily oversees the act of swallowing. While this function might seem unassuming, it serves as the linchpin for healthy digestion and gut well-being in equines. The hyoid’s intricate structure not only provides vital support for the larynx, but also orchestrates a symphony of muscles and ligaments to ensure that food and water flow eortlessly into the digestive system.Beyond Swallowing: The Hyoid’s Performance ConnectionHowever, the hyoid’s role extends far beyond mere swallowing. It wields considerable influence over a horse’s performance, impacting various aspects such as favoring one side, resisting the bit, and even front-end lameness. A balanced hyoid plays a pivotal role in a horse’s comfort, responsiveness to rider cues, and overall physical equilibrium.Unlocking the Potential: Red Light Therapy for the HyoidSince 2004, the author has diligently explored eective methods to address hyoid-related performance issues. The result? The Hyoid Release Technique™ using red light therapy. This revolutionary approach harnesses the power of red light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation, to reset and rebalance the hyoid without any risk of harm.The Safety of Red Light TherapyRed light therapy’s re-markable feature is its safety. Horses can undergo this non-invasive treatment with the utmost confidence in pre-serving the integrity of their hyoid apparatus. This gentle and highly eicient method eectively addresses hyoid imbalances and discomfort, making it a preferred choice over alternative interventions.Adapting for ExcellenceFollowing red light therapy, horses may experience a significant shift in their proprioception (awareness of the position and movement of the body) due to the enhanced hyoid balance. To ensure a seamless transition and harness the full benefits of improved proprioception, it’s crucial to allow horses time to reacclimate to their adjusted hyoid function.In ConclusionIn the realm of equine wellness, the hyoid apparatus wields unparalleled influence, extending its reach well beyond mere swallowing. It holds the key to unlocking a horse’s full performance potential, from balanced movement to responsive bit acceptance and freedom from front-end lameness. Thanks to red light therapy, we now possess a reliable and risk-free means to reset and optimize the hyoid’s function.By recognizing the profound impact of the hyoid on equine performance and harnessing the potential of red light therapy, we empower our horses to lead healthier, happier lives and perform at the peak of their abilities. ●For more information: Photonichealth.com

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42 Kentucky Equestrian Directory 2024by Aubrey P. GrahamIn the last decade, the United States has seen a resurgence of the o-track Thoroughbred. With programs such as the Thoroughbred Incentive Program (TIP) and the Retired Racehorse Project (RRP), the popularity of the OTTB has escalated. This has been aided by burgeoning enterprises such as rehoming non-prots and professional rehomers. Overall, what this means is that each year, more and more Thoroughbreds are leaving the track and heading into second-career homes with professional trainers, Go Pony To Show Pony:Retraining the Thoroughbred amateur riders, and juniors alike.The awesome side of this means that each year there are more Thoroughbreds in all the disciplines – from eventing to hunters, barrel racing to show jumpers, and ranch work to equitation. The versatility of the breed is unmatched. I mean, who doesn’t want the smarts, the work ethic, the athleticism, and the heart that comes with these talented speedsters?Thoroughbreds, literally, can do it all – but – it can be a process to get them there. Transitioning these athletic toddlers from track to sport is rarely a straight line. That said, if you as a rider and trainer know what you’re getting into, the challenges that they present feel more like speed bumps and detours rather than frustrating dead ends. When I brought my rst Thoroughbred home from the track, I had done my research, read what was available, and chatted with a handful of experts. I thought I was ready. When Forrest (Don’t Noc It) arrived after a long haul, all track t and baby-brained, I embarked on a long, bumpy process of discovering just how much I did not know and how much I had to learn.Yes, I had ridden this talented breed for decades. Yes, I had worked with the ones who had quirks and challenges. Yes, I had put the early training in on a handful that had come to others directly from the track. That said, I had not gone start to nish on the whole process. Forrest and his process humbled me and has made me a better horseman in the long haul. Years later, this process of transitioning “go” ponies into “show” (mostly event) ponies is a good portion of what I do professionally. The rest of this article will provide Primetime Spy (16.1h 2013 OTTB Gelding) makes easy work of the Novice (2'11") oxer at Poplar Place Farms in Hamilton, GA. When they are produced correctly up the levels, these horses are ﬁerce athletes in their second careers. Photos by Cora Williamson Photography

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2024 Kentucky Equestrian Directory 43some snippets of advice on how to make that transition easier. Selecting a ThoroughbredI could write thousands of words on each of these sections, but I’ll try to stick to the highlights here. There are a few common ways to acquire a Thoroughbred: either directly from the track, o video, with a trial ride from a reseller, or through other connections. If you’re buying from the track, expect that it will be a fast-paced experience where you’ll need to trust the trainer or your connections to get a quality, sound horse. In such a case, you might be able to have someone pull the horse out of the stall, look at its conformation and watch it jog, but you probably won’t have the wraps taken o for you to examine legs, and you denitely won’t be able to hop on at the track. Depending on the people and the situation, you might be able to have the horse held for a pre-purchase exam. But on the track, speed and cash are king, so if you really want that horse, you’ll need to decide quickly and be ready to send payment and arrange shipping stat! If not targeting a particular horse on the track, the social media world of Facebook is actually one of the best ways to hunt through what is available. Rehomers and casual sellers alike routinely post conformation shots, free movement or jog videos and, if possible, ride videos and photos. My best advice here is to know your abilities and limitations. Rehomers try their best to list horses with descriptions so that they make it to the best, most appropriate home possible. If you’re not sure what horse is appropriate for you on their site, reach out and ask. They may request that you send a recent riding video or chat with you, but that is all a productive part of the matchmaking process. Just be ready to read the descriptions carefully, ask the questions that were not answered there, and again, move quickly if you’re seriously interested. Settling InOnce the horse is home, the next couple challenges are dealing with feet, letdown, and getting them going. When three-year-old Forrest hopped o the trailer, I was hoping to have a horse I could immediately hop on and get going – silly human! I realized quickly that my plans were comical when met with the hurdles he had to get over. His needed letdown time was drawn out by tender feet, a very sore body, and playful-gelding pasture injuries.Since Forrest I have realized that, in fact, he was pretty average for a horse letting down. I have had horses come in who are t and loose through their back and ready for a new job. Equally, I have had others who come in tight, sore, and in need of time, maintenance, and body work. Both types of horses eventually make excellent mounts, but the timeline to riding varies greatly and might be a couple days, a couple months, or longer. Often, they’ll come o the track a bit tight through their back and potentially a tad sore in their legs. Time, turnout, boundaries, proper nutrition (enough calories from quality hay and grain) and body work help here a ton. And where they need more veterinary assistance – potentially dealing with joint maintenance or assessing and treating for ulcers – the biggest piece of advice is just to have a good team put together. With a quality trainer, vet, farrier, and body worker, most things are possible!Some track farriers do amazing things with these horses. Some… well… less so. They often come o the track with underrun heels and long toes and need help growing good supportive feet with correct angles. Without getting into the barefoot vs. shod debate, these horses can have good feet – it just takes some very intentional work! But often, they struggle with the old concept of “pull their shoes and stick them in a eld for a couple months.” While they can weather it, it can be tough to resolve sore bodies as such. Forrest spent the rst part of his letdown playfully raising hell in the eld with typical TB feet – thin soled and small (size 0) with long toes. Six years later, he is now Continued on page 44Forrest (Don't Noc It), shows off the change in his body and his conﬁdence as he heads towards fence two on cross country at the recent Big Cheese Eventing three-phase at Ashland Farms in Covington, GA.

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44 Kentucky Equestrian Directory 2024properly stood up and happily sporting a size 3 and far better herd behavior.First RidesThat said, on the ground or in the saddle, o-track horses know so much more than one might expect. They have seen ags, grandstands, been around chaotic backsides, been in the race paddock and headed to the gate with a whole bunch of other horses. They have been ridden by both exercise riders and jockeys and worked in groups. While they may still look for excuses and likely need good, clear boundaries, they generally have good heads on their shoulders and will be brave if ridden and managed by folks who give them the condence to forefront that courage.First post-track rides are some of my favorite things to do. But my biggest piece of advice here: don’t expect perfection. A rst post-track ride is about assessment – what does this horse know? How do they feel? Mounting at the block might be completely new to them (jockeys are tossed up while the horse is moving), so that is approached carefully and slowly, with a helper on the ground at their head to help provide condence. But beyond that, I look for movement, soundness, how they carry their bodies, how they go left as opposed to right, temperament, rhythm… you know, all the things. While the internet is full of images of rst rides with horses connecting well into the bridle and coming over their back, that does not have to be your rst ride(s). I aim for quiet, steady rhythm at the walk, trot, and canter before I start to add more leg and contact to bring the horse onto the bit. For their rst ride, some horses will have swinging gaits and beautiful movement from the get go. Some will not. Tight backs and tender feet will create choppy trots and unbalanced canters. The good movement will come as they free up and their muscles relax. But a quick point of advice is to not judge their movement too soon. It almost always gets better (often, impressively so) as they get stronger.PonyContinued from page 43Photo by Alanah GiltmierCurlin Lane (16.1h 2018 OTTB Gelding) stands for his conformation photos at Kivu Sporthorses in McDonough, GA. Reading conformation photographs becomes a necessary skill if one is aiming to buy an Off-Track TB. CJ's Empire (16.2h 2017 OTTB mare) trots around the arena working on ﬁgure eights and serpentines at Kivu during a training ride, working on her rhythm and balance.Photo by Alanah Giltmier

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2024 Kentucky Equestrian Directory 45Getting Going: A Focus on RhythmAnd then from there it is usually an up and down road of teaching them to ride for sport as opposed to for speed. There is a ton of specic advice on this topic – and I’ll get into a little of it here – but the biggest thing, as with their bodies, is to have good resources and a team. If you’re new to this (and even if you’re not) having a trainer you trust and who knows Thoroughbreds is key. And with a good team on board, one gets to get going. Slowly at rst, working on rhythm. The great thing about aiming for rhythm rst is that you can ignore 90-percent of the silly things that they try out with the front half of their bodies. They might toss their heads, pop around with their front legs, twist or tilt their necks, curl under or run above the bit. But, if you focus on their feet and ride patiently from the hind end forward, all those front-end antics slowly work their way out of their toolbox. I should note here that I have mentioned rhythm a lot, but have not encouraged a focus on pace. While no one wants to go run out of the arena at speed, many of these green Thoroughbreds will need to go more forward in their early rides than perhaps expected. With tight muscles and track training, slow is dicult. It is often simpler to establish a quality tempo and positive, in-front-of-your-leg, pushing-from-behind gait by kicking on with a bit more zip during the initial rides. And to build said quality rhythm, I will leave you with a couple of extremely simple exercises when working with the green ones: circles and gure eights. These repeatable shapes allow them to (in the case of circles) hold one bend and turn and not need to adjust around corners. Walk, trot, or canter the same big easy circle until they make a good eort to hold their shape and rhythm. Then walk and reward. Figure eights or big looping serpentines help to keep focus while slowly changing direction and asking for a new bend. These are useful when a horse is a bit quicker than a rider would like, as the change in direction brings a half halt into play and asks for attention. Focusing on such basics sets the horse and rider up to build trust and, over time, work towards poles, small fences, grids and eventually courses. At the end of the day, the goal is always to build a brave, capable, well-behaved horse who can succeed in the world of second careers. The process will rarely be a perfectly simple straight line from track to show, but with the right team of experts (trainers, vets, farriers, bodyworkers, etc...), the challenges of the fresh o-track Thoroughbred will carry solutions and bring with it the joy and all the heart that these horses exude. ●Aubrey Graham is an anthropologist and an eventer who focuses on bringing young, green, and challenging horses up the levels. She runs Kivu Sporthorses and Training, LLC out of a former Olympic barn in McDonough, GA, where she trains, coaches an avid eventing team, and runs a retraining-to-sales program. Aubrey is a coach for Ride IQ and teaches lessons focused on Thoroughbred retraining. She writes the Thoroughbred Logic article series for Horse Nation, and hosts the riding clinic series by the same name. This year she opened the Thoroughbred School to provide hands-on learning and riding opportunities for individuals interested in the breed. Unstoppable Force (16.1h 2020 OTTB Gelding) trots with tension but a whole lot of talent down the longside at Kivu Sporthorses (McDonough, GA) during his ﬁrst post-track ride while I assessed his movement, balance and temperament. Photo by Alanah Giltmier

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2024 Kentucky Equestrian Directory 51by Susanna ThomasIn today’s world, where discord, conflict and destruction are pervasive, the need for peace is greater than ever. And so, Gillian Vallis and Laurie LeDuc Glover, who know that just one pebble in a pond can create endless ripples, decided to do something. Enter the Peace Ponies™, global ambassadors of peace based at Pine Knoll Farm in Kentucky. This world-class horse farm is located just a few miles from the renowned Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington!These four wee equine beings - Domino, Puzzle, The Sheri and Apollo have a mighty mission:To inspire and empower humanity to embrace the practices of peace and love in order to design a new reality of harmony and health. Through collaboration, we canovercome perceived cultural dierences and beliefs and commit to creating a kinder, more Peace Pony Ambassadorscompassionate world.For many, this would seem too daunting a task. But Gillian and Laurie knew that every journey begins with a single step, and just as Eleanor Roosevelt said, “the way to begin is to begin.” So, they took that first step with the Peace Ponies™, and trotted o!Since that time, the Peace Ponies™ have been diligently spreading this vision at Pine Knoll Farm through equine-assisted workshops that focus on well-being, education and leadership. Visitors to the farm are welcomed by the Peace Pony ambassador herd.The calm presence of the horses exhibits a sense of serenity which can serve as a model for peaceful coexistence.Visitors can directly experience the benefits of the herd’s social structure, finding verbal - as every experienced horse person knows, they have a world of opinions and things to say about humans! While interacting with the herd, people often discover strengths they never knew they had and experience a lack of judgment about their weaknesses. As the mind quiets and stress diminishes, tranquility gracefully emerges.Ideally, Pine Knoll hopes to ignite a deep desire in others to become part of the Peace Ponies™ mission. They can enroll in the Peace Pony Ambassadors Club and contribute a ‘peace pebble’ to a community project of their choice and wholeheartedly commit to making the Peace Ponies™ vision of a harmonious and sustainable world a tangible reality.Join us in the Journey and let your Hoofprints leave a Trail of Peace! ●For more information: pineknollfarm.com or thepeaceponies.com Find the Peace Ponies™ on Facebook.com/peaceponiesstrength and comfort, as well as experiencing joy and stress relief through relaxation and play. The grazing horses model for us the profound calm attained by resting in nature and embracing the fullness of the present moment.The Peace Ponies™ and Pine Knoll Farm are dedicated to supporting horse owners and riders with workshops, clinics, products, personal development coaching and lectures focused on the horse-human connection and well-being for both horse and rider. From saddle fit and best nutritional practices, to riding techniques and energy sessions for horses and humans, the farm provides learning opportunities and tools to enrich the lives of horses and their people.Adults and children of all ages delight in working with the Peace Ponies™. It’s fun! Although horses are non-

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2024 Kentucky Equestrian Directory 55by Bobby WilliamsGuaranteed Horse Products (GHP) began in 2011 with the goal of providing equine enthusiasts a choice to purchase eective, chemical-free products that are biodegradable. More than 12 years later, GHP is still providing customers with that choice and more. Now a second-generation, family-owned business, GHP has stayed true to its roots, while innovating to meet the needs of horse owners and their equine companions. Driving InnovationBeing an equestrian or horse enthusiast is often more than a hobby, it is a way of life! Each waking moment spent with your companion is priceless. To help make the most of time spent at the barn, GHP takes great pride in providing innovative and eicient products that allow riders to spend more quality time with their horse. From their fly spray, Fly Bye! Plus, to shampoo and detangler, Equine Care Innovation – It’s a Family TraditionPony Polish for Luxurious Locks, GHP’s products are developed to make life easier on the rider, horse, and environment. GHP’s team understands this importance because their products are created by riders, for riders.For example, their shampoo is infused with Fly Bye! Plus to provide all of the benefits of a shampoo with the bonus of fly protection. This helps to mitigate and reduce movement while in cross ties during bathing, and adds an extra layer of fly protection after the bath. Fly Bye! Plus comes in various sizes, including a 2.5-gallon container with customized spout to provide a convenient refill option and ensure your horse is always protected. A Family TraditionAlthough many things have changed since 2011, the core tenets remain the same. GHP is committed to providing eective, chemical-free products for equestrians. GHP’s motto is, “Love Your Horse, Love Your Planet.” This is etched into each product they make, and will continue to drive innovation to support riders, horses, and the planet moving forward. ●To learn more about Guaranteed Horse Products, check out their website: guaranteedhorseproducts.com.

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2024 Kentucky Equestrian Directory 57by Jen RoytzThere is something truly inspiring about the connection that can be forged between humans and horses. When a bond is built based on patience, respect and a deep understanding of animal behavior, a trusting partnership can be cultivated, and truly incredible feats can be accomplished. At Road to the Horse, that process is on full display. Known as the “World Championship of Colt Starting,” each year a selection of the best colt starting specialists from around the world are invited to the Kentucky Horse Park to showcase their approach to starting young horses in front of a crowd of thousands, as well as an esteemed panel of judges, and compete for over $100,000 in prize money. Over the course of three days, competitors take their chosen horses – all three-year-olds with minimal handling – as well as the crowd, on a training journey that includes everything from introducing their horses to lunging, groundwork and tack to their rst rides, tests and obstacles. Held in the Alltech Arena, a 135’ x 300’ indoor arena surrounded by stadium seating, competitors work with their horses simultaneously, each in their assigned round pen and eventually in the open arena. Emcees rotate between competitors to oer insights and commentary and periodically ask them questions about their approach or the feedback they are getting from their horses. On the nal day of the event, the competition culminates with each horse All Roads Lead to the Horseand rider combination attempting to navigate a rigorously challenging competitive trail course, as well as traditional rail work around the arena to demonstrate the horse’s adjustability and willingness at all three gaits. A true test of horsemanship, each competitor is judged not only on whether or not their horse completes each obstacle, but on the eectiveness of their horsemanship and ability to develop a trusting and condent partner in their horse over the entirety of the three-day competition. How it all BeganThe brainchild of Steven and Tootie Bland, the rst iteration of the competition – then called the El Camino del Caballo Challenge - was held in Fort Worth, Texas in 2003 with a goal of celebrating the relationship that can be developed between horses and humans if mutual understanding and trust is kept in the forefront of the training process. Held as a two-day competition in front of hundreds of spectators in its inaugural year, lauded horsemen Clinton Anderson, Curt Pate and Josh Lyons competed at the Cowtown Coliseum at the Fort Worth Stockyards with Anderson proving victorious. Moved to the Tennessee Miller Coliseum in Murfreesboro, Tennessee in 2005, the event drew a sold-out crowd of 5,000 that watched as Anderson, competing against Craig Cameron and Van Hargis, proved victorious once again. The competition was held in Tennessee several more years before spectator demand and limited capacity forced a move to a larger venue, and in 2013, Road to the Horse made the move to its current location at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky. Several years later in 2018, Morris Communications Company, LLC, purchased the event from Tootie Bland and has continued to foster its growth and expansion. As the competition has grown, so, too have the prizes awarded to the winners. While Anderson surely still covets the belt buckle he earned as the event’s inaugural champion, winners in the years since have received everything from custom saddles and commemorative jackets to donations to the competitor’s charity of choice, and cash. Today, Road to the Horse competitors vie for $125,000 in cash, with partial distributions of prize money after each of the two preliminary days of competition (Friday and Saturday) and the bulk of the prize awarded on Sunday (Championship Day). “Over the years the purse has increased dramatically, and the stage and venue are much bigger,” said Tammy Sronce, Director of Continued on page 58Photos courtesy of Road to the Horse

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58 Kentucky Equestrian Directory 2024Operations for Road to the Horse. “The horsemanship has evolved as well. The things these colts are doing now is just mind blowing. The caliber of training has reached such a high level.”Sronce is no stranger to horse training. A native of Australia, Sronce came to the U.S. in 2000 to train cutting horses and eventually got involved with mounted shooting, where she became a multiple World and National Champion Cowgirl in the Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association, a mounted shooting World Record Holder and a Guinness World Record holder for coordinating the largest competitive trail challenge. Sronce explained that as the competition and caliber of horsemanship have grown and evolved, so too have the rules and the overall format of the event. “Whenever we nish an event, we go back and analyze it. We ask ourselves questions like ‘What worked? What didn’t? What could we make better for the horses? Are we asking too much of our competitors or not enough?’” Sronce said. “Over the past ve years we’ve become a lot more granular about what the judges are looking for. There is a lot of money on the line and winning Road to the Horse is a huge accomplishment. It’s on us to ensure it is judged both fairly and credibly, and we take that very seriously.” While Road to the Horse is an invitational competition, horse trainers can submit an application, along with links to videos of their training and any relevant websites or social media accounts, for consideration to the Road to the Horse competition.A committee of seasoned All Roads Lead to the HorseContinued from page 57

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2024 Kentucky Equestrian Directory 59equine professionals, previous competitors and judges then go through the applications to select future competitors. “We look at a lot of things, from how they communicate, how comfortable they are with public speaking, how well they portray and put into action the skills and philosophies they’re talking about,” she said. “There is no one right way to train a horse. We’ve had such an array of horsemen and women – both English and Western - with such vastly dierent approaches. What it really shows is that there are a lot of ways to correctly start a horse.”It’s About the Horse, of CourseSince 2011, the group of young horses – referred to as the “remuda” – that have been used at Road to the Horse have come from the Texas-based 6666 (“Four Sixes”) Ranch. In 2024, Road to the Horse will be sourcing the remuda from a new partner, the Pitchfork Ranch based in Guthrie, Texas. Competitors are asked by the emcee during the evaluation period what their impressions of the horses are and which they hope to work with. Then, they each draw a chip (numbered one through 10) from a hat and the competitor who draws the lowest number gets to choose their horse rst. “Each competitor may look for dierent things [in their chosen horse]. Some competitors weigh heavily on bloodlines, whereas others place the most value in observed behavior of the horse within the herd,” said Sronce. While the competition itself is referred to as the World Championship of Colt Starting, the herd is typically made up of three-year-old geldings that have never been ridden and that have been minimally handled.“Just like as in years past, the main championship remuda will all be geldings, but this coming year we are also hosting a wild card challenge in 2024 and that group will select their horses from a remuda of llies,” said Sronce. Competitors often have the opportunity to purchase their horses after the competition. While some do, most of the horses, including the remainder of the remuda not selected for the competition, return to the ranch to be started under saddle and trained for a ranch horse or performance career. While Road to the Horse oers attendees an insider’s perspective on colt starting and horse training, it often takes spectators on an emotional journey as well. In 2023, for example, J. R. Robles, who qualied to compete at Road to the Horse as a wild card competitor the previous year, brought his horse along expertly, receiving top scores on days one and two, along with a $5,000 bonus for each preliminary round win. The crowd and judges were impressed, and he was going into round three with a legitimate chance of taking home top honors and the lion’s share of the $125,000 in prize money. During the championship nale, however, his horse became more and more overfaced by the obstacle course and nervous. In an incredible display of horsemanship and compassion, Robles put his horse’s best interest ahead of his dream of winning and retired from the competition early, receiving a standing ovation from the packed arena and heartfelt hat tips and handshakes from all of the judges. “Every year something amazing happens, whether it’s Continued on page 60Photos courtesy of Road to the Horse One handsome member of the 2024 remuda coming to KY in March

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60 Kentucky Equestrian Directory 2024based on courage or grit or compassion. I knew what that win and that prize money would mean for J. R. Robles and his team,” said Sronce. “He gave up his dream and that of his crew for the sake of his horse. He probably could have made it through the rest of the course, but it wouldn’t have been in the best interest of that horse, and he chose the horse over himself. That’s what Road to the Horse is all about; it’s always the horse rst.”So Much More than a CompetitionWhile it is known as the World Championship of Colt Starting, Road to the Horse is much more than an equestrian competition. Each year, organizers put together a robust schedule of clinics and demonstrations during the three-day event that includes various breeds, disciplines, training styles and topics. “Since our fan base is so diverse, our clinics and demonstrations include everything from English disciplines, trail, miniature horses, police horse troops and more,” said Sronce. “Good horsemanship is good horsemanship, no matter what you’re doing.”For those who want to do a little shopping for their horse, their pets or themselves while at the event, there is always a wide variety of vendors from which to choose, as well as informational booths where attendees can meet many of the weekend’s clinicians and featured horsemen and women. Slated to compete at Road to the Horse in 2024 are Donal Hancock (Australia), Tik Maynard (Canada), Ken McNabb (America) and one of three yet-to-be-determined Wildcard Competitors – John Baar, Lindsey Patterson and C. D. Wilcox. In addition, attendees at Road to the Horse 2024 can look forward to three well-known clinicians – Brandi Lyons, Mike Major and Pat Parelli - who will be assisting the Wild Card Competitors. “Road to the Horse is very unique. We try to always maintain a multi-generational approach and continue to look for ways to continue to have a global perspective,” said Sronce. “Our goal is to educate and inspire people to develop a deeper connection with their horses.” The 2024 installment of Road to the Horse will be held at the Kentucky Horse Park on March 21-24, 2024, with the Wildcard Challenge taking place on March 21-22 and the main competition slated for March 22-24. For a full schedule and list of competitors and vendors, visit roadtothehorse.com. How to Pick a WinnerRoad to the Horse has evolved signicantly over the years in many ways, including how its winners are selected. In 2022, organizers debuted a new scoring rubric, which focuses on building a horse’s condence and creating a solid foundation throughout the training process rather than simply completing required maneuvers.Competitors are scored in 20 dierent categories on a scale of 0 (lowest) to 5 (highest) using half point increments. In Rounds one and two, competitors are judged on things such as; catching and haltering, All Roads Lead to the HorseContinued from page 59While many of the horses that have come through Road to the Horse remuda have gone on to successful careers in ranch work, barrel racing, roping, trail and liberty work, arguably one of the most famous and recognizable Road to the Horse graduates is Remember Sunset (a.k.a. “Swampy”), who was part of the remuda at Road to the Horse 2012, which featured an international team-style competition including colt starters from Australia, America and Canada.Selected out of the remuda by Dan James of Team Australia, Swampy not only helped James and fellow Aussie, Guy McLean, secure victory that year, but also went home with James to continue his training. Since then, the pair has traveled throughout North America, putting on clinics and demonstrations at major venues, including coming back to perform both at liberty and under saddle at Road to the Horse on multiple occasions. Swampy has also appeared in both print campaigns and ﬁlm productions, including Vogue, Versace, Country Music Weekly and The Walking Dead.Photo by Jay Gunning

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62 Kentucky Equestrian Directory 2024The WinnersRoad to the Horse Champions2023 – Mike Major2022 – Mike Major2021 – Wade Black2019 – Nick Dowers2018 – Vicki Wilson2017 – Vicki Wilson2016 – Nick Dowers2015 – Chris Cox2014 – Jim Anderson2013 – Guy McLean2012 – Team Australia (Guy McLean & Dan James)2011 – Chris Cox2010 – Craig Cameron2009 – Richard Winters2008 – Chris Cox2007 – Chris Cox2006 – Stacy Westfall2005 – Clinton Anderson2003 – Clinton AndersonJack Brainard Horsemanship Award2023 – J. R. Robles2022 – Mike Major2021 – Wade Black2019 – Nick Dowers2018 – Dan James2017 – Kate Neubert2016 – Nick Dowers2015 – Chris Cox2014 – Jonathan Field2013 – Guy McLeanRoad to the Horse 2024March 21-24, 2024Kentucky Horse Park – Alltech ArenaLexington, KentuckyRoadtothehorse.com ●In the heart ofhorse country, Asbury’s world-classequine program sets graduates apart asbury.edu/equineAll Roads Lead to the HorseContinued from page 61Jen Roytz is a marketing and communications specialist based in Central Kentucky with a professional background in Thoroughbred racing and aftercare. Jen is a partner in Topline Communications, a Lexington-based marketing, communications and PR rm serving small and medium-sized businesses. She and her husband, Dr. Stuart Brown own Brownstead Farm, a 115-acre Thoroughbred breeding, sales, racing and sport horse facility in Versailles, KY. Jen remains a passionate advocate for Thoroughbred aftercare and regularly speaks on the topic at both the local and national levels. A lifelong equestrian, Jen enjoys competing in the hunter/jumper arenas and specializes in the transition and retraining of Thoroughbreds into amateur-friendly show and recreational mounts.

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64 Kentucky Equestrian Directory 2024Join or start an IEA team in your area. Membership opens May 2022. 1234567891012131415161718192021222425262728293031326582616723131317191810251442223032242021292827129The Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) is beginning its 21st season in 2022-2023 with more than 14,100 members on nearly 1,500 teams across the United States and the Bahamas.Ohio is part of IEA Zone 5. The map shows current teams (2021-22 season). Membership for the 2022-2023 season opens in May 2022 with competitions running August 2022 to June 2023 (depending upon discipline).Teams are made up of at least three riders in either middle school (grades 4-8) or upper school(grades 9-12) and a coach. Riders compete in divisions from Beginner Walk-Trot through Varsity Open.Horses and tack are provided by the show host for each IEA competition and riders draw the horses they compete on the day of the show. IEA offers competitions in HUNT SEAT (ﬂat and over fences), WESTERN (Horsemanship, Reining and Ranch Riding) and DRESSAGE (Test and Dressage Seat Equitation). Riders compete in regular season shows in their local area. Qualiﬁed riders and teams can also compete at Regional, Zone and National levels. IEA provides an affordable way for riders to compete in equestrian sport and prepares them for draw-based collegiate riding opportunities. IEA awards multiple scholarships at the Zone and National level each season and offers more than 800 horse shows annually across the United States. Financial aid is also available to qualiﬁed families. Miami University Jr. RedhawksDiscipline: Hunt SeatOxford, OH(937) 610-8117Coach: Amanda Wasser & Dressage& DressageFiery Manners’ Equestrian TeamDiscipline: Hunt SeatSunbury, OH (614) 371-3073Coach: Paige McCaslinColter EquestrianDiscipline: Hunt SeatPlain City, OH(330) 524-8525Coach: Carrie McCurrach23333435362021-2022IEA OHIO TEAMS3334351536Dream of showing, but don’t own a horse?We’ve got you covered.The Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) has student athletes in grades 4-12 who ride Dressage, Hunt Seat and Western in a draw-based (catch-ride) format. Nearly 15,000 of them on over 1,500 teams across the United States. IEA Teams and local barns provide loaned horses for each competition so that horse ownership is not a requirement for riders - making IEA an affordable option for parents. IEA offers more than $1.1M in senior cash scholarships each season and prepares students for collegiate riding. IEA Hunt Seat and Dressage National Finals will be held on April 25-28, 2024 at Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring, NC. IEA Western National Finals will be held on June 23-25, 2024 in Fort Worth, TX at the APHA World Show. IEA offers approximately 900 horse shows each season.Join a team in your area or start a new team as a coach with at least 3 riders. You provide the kid, we provide the horse. Now, that is teamwork.MEMBERSHIP FOR THE 2024-2025 SEASON OPENS IN JUNEIEA horse shows run August - April each season. Register your teams over the summer for a full show season.IEA offers multi-level classes in HORSEMANSHIP, REINING, RANCH RIDING, HUNT SEAT OVER FENCES, EQUITATION and DRESSAGE.rideIEA.org @rideIEA 1-877-RIDE-IEAINCLUSIVE. EQUITABLE. AFFORDABLE.2023 Photo by Winslow Photography.IEA Dressage National Finals

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2024 Kentucky Equestrian Directory 65Join or start an IEA team in your area. Membership opens May 2022. 1234567891012131415161718192021222425262728293031326582616723131317191810251442223032242021292827129The Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) is beginning its 21st season in 2022-2023 with more than 14,100 members on nearly 1,500 teams across the United States and the Bahamas.Ohio is part of IEA Zone 5. The map shows current teams (2021-22 season). Membership for the 2022-2023 season opens in May 2022 with competitions running August 2022 to June 2023 (depending upon discipline).Teams are made up of at least three riders in either middle school (grades 4-8) or upper school(grades 9-12) and a coach. Riders compete in divisions from Beginner Walk-Trot through Varsity Open.Horses and tack are provided by the show host for each IEA competition and riders draw the horses they compete on the day of the show. IEA offers competitions in HUNT SEAT (ﬂat and over fences), WESTERN (Horsemanship, Reining and Ranch Riding) and DRESSAGE (Test and Dressage Seat Equitation). Riders compete in regular season shows in their local area. Qualiﬁed riders and teams can also compete at Regional, Zone and National levels. IEA provides an affordable way for riders to compete in equestrian sport and prepares them for draw-based collegiate riding opportunities. IEA awards multiple scholarships at the Zone and National level each season and offers more than 800 horse shows annually across the United States. Financial aid is also available to qualiﬁed families. Miami University Jr. RedhawksDiscipline: Hunt SeatOxford, OH(937) 610-8117Coach: Amanda Wasser & Dressage& DressageFiery Manners’ Equestrian TeamDiscipline: Hunt SeatSunbury, OH (614) 371-3073Coach: Paige McCaslinColter EquestrianDiscipline: Hunt SeatPlain City, OH(330) 524-8525Coach: Carrie McCurrach23333435362021-2022IEA OHIO TEAMS33343515362022 Photo by Lauren Lane.IEA Quarter Horse Congress Western Show - Columbus, OHHave a question about joining IEA?Contact MembershipCoordinator:Jennifer Eatonjenn@rideiea.org1-877-RIDE-IEA ext. 203or visit RideIEA.orgFollow us on all social media @rideieaWhat does it take to start an IEA Team?• A Coach (21 and older)• At least 3 riders in either middle school (grades 4-8) or upper school (grades 9-12)• Access to horses and a facility to practice• Insurance coverageWhat does an IEA horse show look like?• Teams are responsible for bringing horses (owned or borrowed) to each IEA show. • Tack is provided for each rider.• Riders compete in divisions from Beginner Walk-Trot through Varsity Open.• Riders compete in 5 shows per season (6 for Western) in a maximum of 2 classes each show. • IEA shows are held in a variety of facilities including outdoor arenas, private barns, and large show complexes.• Riders draw the horses they compete on the day of the show with little to no warm-up (depending on discipline).• Riders accumulate points for post-season qualification in Regional, Zone, and National competitions.What does it cost to ride on an IEA Team?• Membership in the IEA is $70 for riders, coaches and Adult Members and $200 per middle/upper school team.• IEA Class fees are $45 per class (in 2023). A rider showing in two classes would pay $90 per show.• Each coach is responsible for setting their own fees for lessons, coaching and other team requirements. • Riders and parents are responsible for purchasing show clothing.How do I ﬁnd a team to join?• The IEA website, www.RideIEA.org, has maps of current teams under each discipline. Look for FIND A TEAM.• IEA suggests prospective riders and parents reach out to several coaches in your area to inquire about their team requirements.• Once you have settled on a team, visit www.RideIEA.org to fill out the online membership application on the JOIN page.When is the best time of year to join an IEA Team?• IEA membership for the new season opens in June each year. Teams and Riders may join anytime during the season, but the ideal time to join is between JUNE and AUGUST so that teams are ready to start showing when the season opens AUGUST 1st. • The vast majority of regular season IEA shows happen between September and December. • Post season shows can begin as early as January and run through April (or June for Western). Ruehle PhotographixWinslow PhotographyWinslow Photography

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66 Kentucky Equestrian Directory 2024by Susanna Massie ThomasWhen Philip Guenther talks about what he and his wife, Kerstin, do, passion bubbles out of him in excited swirls of speech. You can see it in his eyes. You can feel it in his presence. He’s earnest. Condent. Churning with purpose.That’s because he and Kerstin are on a mission to help horses. Riders, too, of course. But for them, horses come rst. That’s why, in 2017, the couple started Equine Saddlet, a company Ergonomic Saddling Fitting with the Guenthers of Equine SaddletPRICELESS!dedicated to “ergonomic” saddle tting and educating horse lovers about the science, art, and necessity of proper saddle t. So, what does it mean to have an ergonomically tted saddle? “Ergonomics”is the scientic discipline that focuses on making things easier and more ecient for people. What things? Products, systems, environments, procedures. It’s all about synergistic ts that increase eciency by overcoming limitations. When it comes to saddlery this involves such considerations as: How well does the saddle t the horse? Can the horse move with maximum freedom and comfort? If not, where and what are the causes of these limitations? Can adjustments be made to eliminate these issues? Will the horse need an entirely dierent saddle?Keep in mind that saddle t is a two-part equation. First, the saddle must t the horse properly because, after all, he has the job of bearing the rider’s weight while simultaneously responding to the rider’s requests. However, for these requests to be transmitted clearly with the proper timing, there are other questions that need to be addressed. Namely, how does the saddle accommodate the rider’s seat and leg? Does the rider feel balanced? Secure? Comfortable enough to execute the aids with ideal eciency? If not, what would be a better option? How do you Photos courtesy of Equine Saddleﬁt

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2024 Kentucky Equestrian Directory 67nd it? Can you try it on your horse to verify rst? Will it be aordable?Those are a lot of questions to answer. Fortunately, the Guenthers have the experience, knowledge, and zeal to answer them. Before the formation of Equine Saddlet, Philip, born in Hamburg, worked 20 years for Royal Dutch Shell as a business development manager. Kerstin, a native of Dresden, had been an eldercare nurse prior to her university degree in business administration. She learned to ride as a child and is an accomplished Dressage rider. When they started dating, Philip began following Kerstin to the barn, and shortly thereafter, he was learning how to ride under her tutelage. They found that they both loved animals and were drawn to help dogs, cats, and horses in particular. In 2015, they married. With a nurse’s eye, and a dressage rider’s experience, Kerstin realized that many horses under saddle were in pain and restricted in motion. Wanting to solve this problem, she enrolled in saddlery and saddle tting courses and got certied as a saddle tter during which, over the course of 1.5 years, she evaluated more than 500 horses, and adjusted and ocked over 800 saddles. Hungry to expand his knowledge about horse health, Philip decided to get educated about saddle t, as well, and in 2017, Equine Saddlet was born. At the present time, Kerstin and Philip service over 1,400 horses a year, and give saddle tting demonstrations and clinics across the country.“We are the only independent, trained and certied ergonomic saddle tters in the USA that have so much experience” Philip states. “We’ve had many years of training. We’ve studied the philosophy of saddle t, the biomechanics of both horse and rider, along with the conformation and health systems of the horse. We work with vets, farriers, and trainers, in addition to the owners, because we approach saddle t as a holistic process. Our goal is to have a comprehensive understanding of everything inuencing the movements of the horse, including all the physical variables, as well as the variations of temperament and training that might aect movement, and to consider all of this in relation to the rider’s needs. This is the only way, in our opinion, that you can t the horse with a saddle that provides maximum eciency of movement, as well as ideal comfort for horse and rider. That’s what it means to be an ergonomic saddle tter.”Prior to the advent of the automobile, when humans were dependent on horses for transportation, work, and war, saddle t, reocking and gullet plate adjustments used to be standard operating procedure. Just as we change the oil regularly on our cars today to keep them running at peak eciency, people used to reock the wool panels of their saddles to assure horse and rider “ran” better.Not so anymore. Nor do we have the level of horsemanship we once had. We know less. We see less. We feel less. Saddles are expensive, and if they don’t t, we make them work with half pads, whole pads, riser pads, gel pads, shims and lollipops, foams, and sheepskins. We buy saddles because our trainer tells us to, or because they are on sale, or because a certain model is trendy. Sometimes we choose saddles that t us, but may not t our horses. Or, maybe we buy a new horse but keep the same saddle because we like the way we ride in it. And how many of us have our saddles reocked at least once a year? And when we do, are they reocked with our horse standing nearby so the t can be evaluated, and changes made as needed?“I cannot tell you how many ill-tting saddles we see!” Philip exclaims. “The percentages are huge! Almost 98%! And we are not alone in this opinion. Most saddle tters agree. People, for the most part, just don’t think about regular saddle t checks, even though it’s so important! They know their horses need to see a farrier, an equine dentist, have vaccinations, and be wormed. What they also need to know is that regular saddle ts are an integral part of horse care, as well. The saddle is the keystone for the comfort of the horse and the ease of the rider.” So, what if you’d like to Continued on page 68 Kerstin and Philip Guenther

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68 Kentucky Equestrian Directory 2024nd out if your old saddle will t your new horse? Or, maybe you’re wondering if your current saddle is bothering your horse? Maybe he’s not moving forward the way you want him to. He’s not lame. He’s had a chiropractic adjustment, acupuncture, massage, a magnetic blanket, you name it, you’ve done it. But when was the last time you had your saddle reocked? And where do you go to get that checked?That’s where the Guenthers come in. When they come to a barn to check a horse and saddle, expect a systematic methodology of inspection. First, they listen to what the rider has to say. Next, they examine the conformation of the horse standing still, untacked. They consider the shape of his withers, and the length and width of his back. They make note of the breed, age, gender, and what discipline he is being trained for. They like to see how the horse moves without tack.Then they will look at the saddle, measure the tree, palpate the padding, and study the leather. If the tree ts, they want to see how the saddle looks on the horse. They examine how it looks on the horse’s back at a standstill and how the horse looks when he’s moving. If they spot areas of concern, they take the saddle o the horse, slit the seams, and start reocking, right on the spot, using a synthetic ocking that doesn’t react to heat and moisture the way wool does and has more loft and longevity. “This is the only way that we can be sure that we are making changes that benet the horse - is to have the horse right beside us. That way, as we add material, we can constantly be checking if we need more or less,” they explain.If the tree doesn’t t the horse, however, they’ll stop right there and see if there is a way to modify it. If so, they will do that. If not, they will look for a better option in the lines of saddles they carry (Bates, Kieer, DP, and a special line of their own, aptly named, ES or Equine Saddlet) that will be appropriate not only for the equestrian discipline of choice, but will also accommodate the anatomy, weight, and age of the rider. “Every brand has its strengths and weaknesses,” says Philip. “A saddle that ts every horse is a lie. Our goal is to help you nd the saddle that provides maximum comfort and balance for your horse and you so you can best do the job you want to do together.”If you decide to let the Guenthers help you nd a new saddle, expect another barrage of questions, for they are as thorough in this pursuit as they are in their initial saddle tting process.Once again, they will review with you - your discipline of choice, your riding goals, your preference of saddle, your experience, your desires, and your budget.Next, comes the new saddle tting process for the horse.Finally, once a properly tted saddle has been selected for the horse, you mount.Here comes the next volley of questions:“How secure in the saddle do you feel?” “How balanced?”“How uid is the horse’s movement? Does it feel impeded or uneven?”“Is the horse raising his back?”“Is the horse relaxed and through?”“Does your leg feel in the right place?”“Are you comfortable?” “How is it dierent from your saddle?”Finally, what if you think there is something not quite right with your saddle t, but you’re not sure what?That’s when the Guenthers pull out their ace card: the Medilogic ® pressure pad. Equipped with 400 sensors, this pad is put directly on the horse’s back, under the saddle pad, to measure where pressure is exerted on the horse’s back while he is being ridden. This image is instantaneously transmitted to a screen, where the data is displayed in real time, showing how and where, at every gait and speed, the saddle padding is aecting the horse adversely. “We don’t need to do this for every client,” Philip explains. “That’s because it is so easy to see without it where the horse is restricted or in pain. But, sometimes it is very helpful to pinpoint exactly where the discomfort is. Additionally, it’s a wonderful tool for clients who need to be convinced that what you are saying is true. ‘Your horse is being hurt by this saddle,’ you might say. PricelessContinued from page 67Photos courtesy of Equine SaddleﬁtKerstin checks the tree and ﬂocking on a saddle

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2024 Kentucky Equestrian Directory 69‘That’s your opinion,’ they might respond. That’s where the pressure pad allows you to turn that ‘opinion’ into a fact.”Seeing the relief when a horse has a properly tted saddle is what she loves best about Equine Saddlet. “It’s so rewarding!!!” exclaims Kerstin. They describe a recent incident of a German Riding Pony, whose rider was extremely accomplished but knew somehow that something was not quite right with her mount. So, the Guenthers tted him with the pressure pad, got a wealth of information as to where he was in discomfort and made the necessary adjustments. “After three rounds of trot, he started to stretch and to have fun,” Philip recalls. “Everyone was astounded to see him move in a way that he had never done before. He was so relieved and happy. It was a truly magical moment!”It’s moments like those that keep the Guenthers putting in the long hours, whether they are at home or on the road, tting saddles, adjusting them, nding new saddles for clients, as well as giving clinics to correct the steep learning curve surrounding saddle t.“I just want people to know that we are 100% honest,” says Kerstin. “We mean what we say and we love what we do. Seeing a horse’s relief after it is ridden with a properly tted saddle is priceless to us!” So, what would this “priceless” response cost you? Surprisingly, the Guenthers’ services, saddle t assessments, adjustments, and even their new saddles are very reasonable.On the other hand, what would feeling safe and at ease in your saddle be worth? A lot. Right? And riding a relieved, happy free-moving horse?That’s easy.PRICELESS! ●Susanna Massie Thomas, CPC.-E.L.I. MP is an iPEC certied leadership and per-sonal development coach who helps passion driven leaders, teams, groups and individu-als discover, hone, and apply their leadership skills to create the teams and life they dream about using horses as partners both literally and guratively. She is a lifelong horsewoman and former Executive Director of the Secretariat Center at the Kentucky Horse Park where she received the title of Kentucky Colonel for her creation and application of The Horse Cen-tered Reschooling Program™, a national exemplar in Thor-oughbred aftercare practices. www.theheardleader.com Medilogic® pressure pad complete with 400 sensors

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72 Kentucky Equestrian Directory 2024by Tim BojarskiThe day-to-day challenges of managing the physical needs of competition horses is the number one priority of any owner or trainer. However, the clerical part of the business is equally important as it ensures unimpeded and successful performances. Unfortunately, these two functions do not normally take place simultaneously, resulting in extra time and work for the stable manager. That is, until now. There is a new mobile app named Showsafe that has been developed by horse people, for horse people, that seamlessly combines daily tasks and the documentation that goes with them while automatically storing the information pertaining to each individual horse in your barn. Showsafe was the vision of Tim Cable, a third-generation farrier that has been shoeing horses since he was 13 years old. Cable has worked with multi-disciplined horses and has shod champions in almost every field of competition. He deals with the top trainers in the business and has experienced their frustration when something that should have gone right went wrong, and that is what led to this new app.“In 2014, one of my clients had to scratch out of a $250,000 event for giving a medication too close to competition. Seeing the anger and frustration this cost his barn, I began to think about how this could be prevented, so no one would Showsafe Aims to SecurelySimplify Stable Managementever have to scratch or get a positive again? And, I thought having an app on your phone could keep everyone in the barn on the same page,” said Cable.Cable’s original idea was for a medication calculator with a timer and alarm for each horse in the barn. But, as the project evolved, it became a whole lot more than that. Cable was shoeing for Gianluca Caron, who was immediately enamored with the idea and prompted Cable to pursue it. Caron became part of the project and found an app developer who had a shared vision of what it should be. Gianluca became a professional rider when he was eighteen years old. He spent about 25 years riding and working with some of the most important riders in the world. He first sat on the back of a horse as a small child, and soon after started working at local barns to gain riding time. Throughout his venture, he rode his way through opportunities that led him to horse shows all over Europe. In the midst of climbing his way to the top, his dream of spending every second in the saddle abruptly stopped. Unfortunately, an injury prevented him from riding. But as we say, when one door closes a bigger one opens. In 2007, he started a career as an entrepreneur helping equestrian brands to grow in the US market.“I also knew that the only way this company is going to work is if we bring Scott Sandstrom in to be the managing partner because of his expertise in finance and building companies,” said Cable. Scott Sandstrom was raised in a six-generation horse family and has shown horses extensively with his family around the world. He and his family have also been involved in Thoroughbred and Standardbred racing, giving him an extensive amount of knowledge of every aspect of the equine industry. Aside from horses, Sandstrom has built several successful businesses that included wholesaling through government networks and two wealth management practices, each with assets around $2 billion.“When Tim came to me with the idea for Showsafe, I saw it as a great way to give back and help our sport better manage itself. With my background in building networks for the U.S. military, I am well aware of how governing bodies do things. When they ask for one fact, they are actually looking for many more and Showsafe is designed to document, securely store and present all facets of one’s equine operation in real time,” Sandstrom said. The core function of Showsafe is still to accurately monitor medications and “The core function of Showsafe is still to accurately monitor medications and instantly became the most powerful tool for doing just that.”instantly became the most powerful tool for doing just that. “Showsafe’s medicine and therapeutic list contains over 3,700 medicines and supplements -- basically every single pharmaceutical manufactured for the equestrian industries -- broken down by type of administration. Showsafe’s competition medicine lists and Medicine Calculators go by the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) database which is the global governing body of the sport. It is also equipped with timers and alarms that allow you to enter when and how a horse was treated with something, and then counts down to when it is clear for that animal to go back into competition. It contains all the detection and withdrawal times and keeps accurate records of them all, taking an almost impossible task for a large stable and putting you in complete control from your smartphone,” said Sandstrom. As Showsafe was developed, both Sandstrom and Cable realized it could really help a lot of trainers, not only with barn organization, but also with ensuring their horses meet the standards of FEI, using their own database that’s protected and viewable only by their permission.“Rather than spending more time worrying about regulations that can add work, reduce eicacy, and take the focus away from caring for and training the animal, Showsafe will give you more time to be hands-on with your horses,” said Cable.Besides the medication aspect of the app, Showsafe also oers several other major functions. The app has a Video Vault that organizes any video or photo taken and saves them with a time and date stamp by each individual horse. The Accounting Vault allows anyone from the barn to scan a receipt and enter it to the barn or individual horse in real time, so any bookkeeper can see all expenses by category and easily keep records up to date. The Paper Vault organizes and stores all the Coggins and health papers, passports and other important documents in each horse’s own file for easy retrieval. And in the task section, a trainer can assign daily work to any individual who has permission on the app. In turn, those individuals can click on those tasks when completed and they are automatically time and date stamped when they do. Other features include all of the health records you would need, breeding calculator, feeding scheduler and temperature monitor. And all the tools are easily identified by colored icons on the menu. Showsafe also allows you to invite multiple vets, farriers, trainers, grooms and riders to get access to whatever you want them to see. These contacts are then kept together for easy access from a running list. Every part of the app has drop-down menus with pre-selected settings or names. But the user can also customize any menu with their own label by simply filling in a box and adding it to the menu.Recently, Showsafe has partnered with The Dutta Corp., the largest equine air transportation company in the U.S., to run their customers through the app so all their documentation can be transferred easily to accurately track their horse. “The horse industry as a whole is not digitally savvy, as many still use pen and paper in the horse show world. But with the help of people like Adrienne Lyle and John and Beezie Madden, who were very helpful in refining our app, Showsafe has been developed to a point where anyone can feel comfortable using it,” said Cable.“We have gotten great feedback from our current users and that has helped to make the app better. If somebody has a suggestion that we feel can improve Showsafe, we immediately incorporate it into the software for the benefit of all users.”The developers of Showsafe are planning on giving back to the equine community once this project takes o, by sponsoring events in show jumping, as well as Thoroughbred and Standardbred racing. Showsafe is targeting 10% of profits to be directed back into the industry across all disciplines to help bolster the sport worldwide. Showsafe comes in eleven languages and is available for download in the Apple Store and Google Play Store for free, and has several levels of subscription rates based on stable size. ●For more information visit: www.ShowSafe.Show www.ShowSafeApps.com

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2024 Kentucky Equestrian Directory 73by Tim BojarskiThe day-to-day challenges of managing the physical needs of competition horses is the number one priority of any owner or trainer. However, the clerical part of the business is equally important as it ensures unimpeded and successful performances. Unfortunately, these two functions do not normally take place simultaneously, resulting in extra time and work for the stable manager. That is, until now. There is a new mobile app named Showsafe that has been developed by horse people, for horse people, that seamlessly combines daily tasks and the documentation that goes with them while automatically storing the information pertaining to each individual horse in your barn. Showsafe was the vision of Tim Cable, a third-generation farrier that has been shoeing horses since he was 13 years old. Cable has worked with multi-disciplined horses and has shod champions in almost every field of competition. He deals with the top trainers in the business and has experienced their frustration when something that should have gone right went wrong, and that is what led to this new app.“In 2014, one of my clients had to scratch out of a $250,000 event for giving a medication too close to competition. Seeing the anger and frustration this cost his barn, I began to think about how this could be prevented, so no one would Showsafe Aims to SecurelySimplify Stable Managementever have to scratch or get a positive again? And, I thought having an app on your phone could keep everyone in the barn on the same page,” said Cable.Cable’s original idea was for a medication calculator with a timer and alarm for each horse in the barn. But, as the project evolved, it became a whole lot more than that. Cable was shoeing for Gianluca Caron, who was immediately enamored with the idea and prompted Cable to pursue it. Caron became part of the project and found an app developer who had a shared vision of what it should be. Gianluca became a professional rider when he was eighteen years old. He spent about 25 years riding and working with some of the most important riders in the world. He first sat on the back of a horse as a small child, and soon after started working at local barns to gain riding time. Throughout his venture, he rode his way through opportunities that led him to horse shows all over Europe. In the midst of climbing his way to the top, his dream of spending every second in the saddle abruptly stopped. Unfortunately, an injury prevented him from riding. But as we say, when one door closes a bigger one opens. In 2007, he started a career as an entrepreneur helping equestrian brands to grow in the US market.“I also knew that the only way this company is going to work is if we bring Scott Sandstrom in to be the managing partner because of his expertise in finance and building companies,” said Cable. Scott Sandstrom was raised in a six-generation horse family and has shown horses extensively with his family around the world. He and his family have also been involved in Thoroughbred and Standardbred racing, giving him an extensive amount of knowledge of every aspect of the equine industry. Aside from horses, Sandstrom has built several successful businesses that included wholesaling through government networks and two wealth management practices, each with assets around $2 billion.“When Tim came to me with the idea for Showsafe, I saw it as a great way to give back and help our sport better manage itself. With my background in building networks for the U.S. military, I am well aware of how governing bodies do things. When they ask for one fact, they are actually looking for many more and Showsafe is designed to document, securely store and present all facets of one’s equine operation in real time,” Sandstrom said. The core function of Showsafe is still to accurately monitor medications and “The core function of Showsafe is still to accurately monitor medications and instantly became the most powerful tool for doing just that.”instantly became the most powerful tool for doing just that. “Showsafe’s medicine and therapeutic list contains over 3,700 medicines and supplements -- basically every single pharmaceutical manufactured for the equestrian industries -- broken down by type of administration. Showsafe’s competition medicine lists and Medicine Calculators go by the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) database which is the global governing body of the sport. It is also equipped with timers and alarms that allow you to enter when and how a horse was treated with something, and then counts down to when it is clear for that animal to go back into competition. It contains all the detection and withdrawal times and keeps accurate records of them all, taking an almost impossible task for a large stable and putting you in complete control from your smartphone,” said Sandstrom. As Showsafe was developed, both Sandstrom and Cable realized it could really help a lot of trainers, not only with barn organization, but also with ensuring their horses meet the standards of FEI, using their own database that’s protected and viewable only by their permission.“Rather than spending more time worrying about regulations that can add work, reduce eicacy, and take the focus away from caring for and training the animal, Showsafe will give you more time to be hands-on with your horses,” said Cable.Besides the medication aspect of the app, Showsafe also oers several other major functions. The app has a Video Vault that organizes any video or photo taken and saves them with a time and date stamp by each individual horse. The Accounting Vault allows anyone from the barn to scan a receipt and enter it to the barn or individual horse in real time, so any bookkeeper can see all expenses by category and easily keep records up to date. The Paper Vault organizes and stores all the Coggins and health papers, passports and other important documents in each horse’s own file for easy retrieval. And in the task section, a trainer can assign daily work to any individual who has permission on the app. In turn, those individuals can click on those tasks when completed and they are automatically time and date stamped when they do. Other features include all of the health records you would need, breeding calculator, feeding scheduler and temperature monitor. And all the tools are easily identified by colored icons on the menu. Showsafe also allows you to invite multiple vets, farriers, trainers, grooms and riders to get access to whatever you want them to see. These contacts are then kept together for easy access from a running list. Every part of the app has drop-down menus with pre-selected settings or names. But the user can also customize any menu with their own label by simply filling in a box and adding it to the menu.Recently, Showsafe has partnered with The Dutta Corp., the largest equine air transportation company in the U.S., to run their customers through the app so all their documentation can be transferred easily to accurately track their horse. “The horse industry as a whole is not digitally savvy, as many still use pen and paper in the horse show world. But with the help of people like Adrienne Lyle and John and Beezie Madden, who were very helpful in refining our app, Showsafe has been developed to a point where anyone can feel comfortable using it,” said Cable.“We have gotten great feedback from our current users and that has helped to make the app better. If somebody has a suggestion that we feel can improve Showsafe, we immediately incorporate it into the software for the benefit of all users.”The developers of Showsafe are planning on giving back to the equine community once this project takes o, by sponsoring events in show jumping, as well as Thoroughbred and Standardbred racing. Showsafe is targeting 10% of profits to be directed back into the industry across all disciplines to help bolster the sport worldwide. Showsafe comes in eleven languages and is available for download in the Apple Store and Google Play Store for free, and has several levels of subscription rates based on stable size. ●For more information visit: www.ShowSafe.Show www.ShowSafeApps.com

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76 Kentucky Equestrian Directory 2024by Matthew Sagliocco They say that in order to be successful and truly fullled in your career, you should follow your passions and do things you love. Kristan Cicero, entrepreneur and founder of Vanner House, an upscale equestrian lifestyle boutique, has lived by this motto her entire life; and laughs as she acknowledges that sometimes success in her businesses came along just by doing what she was good at, sans passion…and that sometimes when she followed her “bliss”, she found herself following it right o a proverbial cli. “It’s never a guarantee that by doing what you love that you’ll be successful. However, it’s a lot more fun trying to be successful if you follow your passions!” Kristan lives her life always listening to what her heart VANNER HOUSEand soul truly crave. However, there was one thing that her heart always wanted that she thought was not attainable. It was not until her 50th birth-day that she nally allowed herself to fulll her childhood dream of owning a horse. This decision and doing things that she loves, has led to a new business that she adores. “My love of horses, creating experi-ences, gift giving, and entre-preneurial spirit all culminat-ed in what is now Vanner House.” “Hindsight being 20/20, I can look back and see how every trail led me straight to this moment. Everything I’ve learned, good and bad, every win, loss, every ‘mistake’, every misstep was a lesson preparing me for a time when I would eventually be ready to get back on the horse, so to speak, to start another business.” She did get back on a horse, and she named that horse Dreamer. She describes Dreamer as “an almost irre-sponsibly gorgeous beast of a Gypsy Vanner. “Ironically, I met him the same way I met my husband: online.” When Kristan saw Dreamer in a Facebook post she knew im-mediately that he was meant to be her horse. “The fact that I was 50 years old and had not ridden so much as a trail horse in years, let alone ever owned a horse, didn’t deter me for a single moment. I did not jump into this adventure expecting that owning a horse would be easy. I expected that he would bring me endless laughs and deep eye crinkles from smiling until it was physically painful. I expected the feelings of love, silliness, and a sense of freedom and peace in his presence. What I did not ex-pect was that owning Dream-er would lead me to start a retail business!” Since getting Dreamer, who went on to become a National Champion gelding, her life has changed. She moved with her husband from Los Angeles to Wake Forest, North Carolina in May of 2022 in order to build a barn and have her horses in the front yard. Dreamer is now Vanner House’s mascot. His silhouette is the company logo, and he is the love and passion behind the boutique. “Horses were always my love, and it was always my dream to have a horse. When I was 13, I started taking riding lessons at a local farm, but boys, life, and school got in the way; my dream of own-ing my own horse was put on hold. It just did not ever seem realistic or attainable. She jokes, “When I turned 50 and had a slight midlife crisis, I gured rather than having an aair, having plastic surgery, or buying a fancy sports car, I would make the slightly more rational decision to buy a very high-maintenance, very green, Gypsy Vanner horse!” Kristan now has two beautiful Gypsy Vanner horses, Dreamer and Daisy. Kristan, a born horse lover and entrepreneur, attained a Master’s Degree in Rehabili-tation Counseling and opened her own medical and voca-tional rehabilitation counsel-ing business, an expert witness company, and a utilization review company. In addition Swoon-Worthy Equestrian Lifestyle ProductsPhotos courtesy of Vanner House

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2024 Kentucky Equestrian Directory 77to running those businesses and being a mom for the last 23 years, she has worn several other entrepreneurial hats, including working as a private counselor, a business and life coach, and even owned a bed & breakfast outside of Charles-ton, South Carolina. In 2022, while exploring her new town of Wake Forest and antique shopping with her husband, she walked into a boutique that had dierent vendor booths. She said that the words, “is this booth avail-able” came out of her mouth without her even knowing why she was asking. The owner asked what she wanted to sell. As if the words were coming from someone else, she heard herself say, “equestrian lifestyle products— it’s going to be fabulous!” It was then that she began to curate an equestri-an lifestyle boutique with all of the brands that she loved, and in September of 2022, Kristan ocially founded Vanner House. She has since expanded her business to an online store and pop-up stores at large horse shows through-out the country. She had her rst pop-up store in Raleigh at Duke’s Jump for the Children Horse Show in November of 2022, and it was there that she realized that Vanner House was special, and that people loved the boutique. “I loved seeing their joy when they found their special treasures. I especially love bringing a pop of whimsy to the store by allowing everyone, includ-ing myself and sta, to ride our Pony Cycles. We have had everyone from Olympic champions to judges turn into ve-year-olds when they hop on one of the ponies.” Vanner House’s rst out-of-state show was in Wellington, Florida for the Adequan Global Dres-sage Festival in January of 2023, and since then, they have expanded their team to Kentucky, Michigan, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Maryland, New York, and Virginia, with more shows being put on the calen-dar daily. Vanner House hopes to be a sponsor once again at the Hampton Classic in 2024, and they are currently on the hunt for their rst brick and mortar agship retail location. Kristan does all of the buying for Vanner House with the goal of providing “heart palpitations…the good kind,” to her customers. If an item makes her heart race, she knows others will feel the same. Kristan has always been a hostess at heart, and loves to create experiences. Her goal with Vanner House is to be the answer to every equestrian’s dream. “When our customers come into the store, we are legitimately excited to see them, to learn about them, and their love of horses. “It sounds cliche, I know, but we really do treat everyone as our new friends, and we want them to feel as if they are in our living room chatting, laughing, perhaps sipping champagne, looking at pretty equestrian things, and never wanting the night to end.” In addition to the joy of curating swoon-worthy equestrian lifestyle brands for the boutique, and bring-ing joy to her customers of all ages, Kristan is ecstatic to work with her best friend and Vice President of Vanner House, Sophia Garceau. The two became instant friends when they met in Los An-geles and were heartbroken when they moved away from California to dierent states and were no longer able to see each other daily. “As soon as I realized the business was going to be a success, I knew who I wanted by my side. I immediately called Sophia and asked her if she would like to be my Vice President and ‘Queen of Everything’, as I call her.” Kristan believes that the Vanner House ”secret recipe” is really the energy, love, and fun that she and Sophia bring to the company. In addition to Sophia, Kristan acknowl-edges that although she is the founder of Vanner House, the company can only grow and be successful because of the people that make up the com-pany. She feels overwhelming-ly blessed to have such a strong team who see the vision and want to be part of the compa-ny for the long haul. Kristan is a giver by nature, and that has not changed with the creation of Vanner House. “I have always adored picking out the perfect gift for some-one. Now, I get to curate the perfect items for our custom-ers, and I take it very seriously. I also love having personal relationships with my ven-dors, knowing their story and the ‘why’ behind their brand. My joy is helping other small businesses by representing their brand and sharing their creations.” She also loves to give back to the community by oering private shopping ex-periences, and donating 10% of sales to the host’s nonprot of choice. “Vanner House is all about giving back and helping nonprots, because every little ‘bit’ helps!”Vanner House will be oering their own brand of specialty items, gifts and apparel starting in 2024. “The entire process of dreaming up designs, collaborating with our design team and man-ufacturers, and rolling out our Vanner House brand is beyond a dream come true. Our show schedule is packed, our team is amazing, I’m doing what I love with people I love… and I have horses. I’m happy. I’d call that success!” ●For more information please visit: www.Vanner-House.com. Instagram: @Vanner_House Photos courtesy of Vanner House

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80 Kentucky Equestrian Directory 2024by Sarah E. Coleman Born in Baltimore, Maryland, in the early 1960s, artist Ellen Skidmore was blessed to have parents who nurtured creativity in their children, encouraging her to paint and sister Julie to take ballet lessons. The family lived close to the city, where they could easily visit art museums, watch the ballet or hear the symphony. Artist Ellen Skidmore’s work is focused on receiving the “whole package” of life — the good as well as the bad — and she’s dedicated to embracing all of it. How Equines, Art and Orchestra Helped Her Find Her VoiceEllen’s interest in art was also nourished by her great-aunt, proprietor of a jewelry store near Ellen’s home; she would pay the budding young artist a quarter for each bag she decorated with a small painting. Customer purchases were placed in the painted bags for a bit of extra beauty.Ellen’s art teachers, as well, encouraged her to use her own distinct perspective of the world instead of asking her to make art that t inside that proverbial box (and may have ticked all the lesson plan requirements). From a young age, Ellen sensed that her art was dierent, but it would be years before she appreciated it for what it truly was: real and honest and unapologetically unique. This ability to be herself was critically important to shaping the trajectory of Ellen’s life. Born with a stutter, Ellen often struggled to express herself with words. Her artwork, however, spoke volumes. Self-Discovery As a child, Ellen discovered another passion that didn’t require words: horses. Ellen and her "heart" horse, "Baltimore Bud" - the inspiration for many of her paintings.Photo courtesy of Ellen Skidmore

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2024 Kentucky Equestrian Directory 81She begged for riding lessons at an early age and started going to a summer camp on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, where she learned how to ride. As soon as she could drive, she got a job at a local barn working o lessons. Eventually, she spent summers at the same camp and she began to oversee both the horses and the riding lessons.When Ellen was 18, her family moved to her paternal grandfather’s farm in Powell County, Kentucky, and Ellen’s passion for horses intensied with the purchase of her rst horse. She spent the summer after her senior year of high school galloping race horses at Keeneland Race Course in Lexington and exercising fox hunters. Ellen briey attended Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky, before transferring to the University of Kentucky, where she discovered yet another passion: music. Required to take music as a prerequisite to graduation, Ellen picked up her violin and began taking classes with Daniel Mason, Professor of Violin and concertmaster of the Lexington Philharmonic. Mason gave her tickets to the Lexington Philharmonic and Ellen attended every chance she got. At the same time, Ellen was immersed in her studio art classes and the exposure to such powerful, emotional music greatly inuenced her early formative work. From then on, music became a source of great inspiration to Ellen: She began painting to music, nding a language that owed from her brushes and allowed her to communicate with others. This combination of music and art has led Ellen to create incredible pieces that are unequivocally “her” – they’re chock full of bright colors, movement and things that are going on in Ellen’s life (think walking the dog, weeding the garden, reading or spending time with friends). Ellen’s loves are often the focus of her paintings: It’s not unusual to see a horse with piano keys in his tail or a girl raising a violin to a vast expanse of sky.A Passion PendulumAfter graduation, Ellen circled back to the horses, riding polo ponies and foxhunters and working as a groom on the track. She began to take on horses that were retiring from racing and training them for second careers: She would show them a bit at the lower levels and then sell them.During this time, Ellen had a signicant fall that resulted in a head injury that caused a loss of balance and double vision that lasted for months. The thought of being unable to paint again refocused Ellen’s priorities back to painting and put horses, somewhat, on the back burner. She married and moved with her husband to Sedona, Arizona, where their daughter, Coco, was born. Motherhood, like music, had a profound inuence on her work. Out West, she found the huge expanses of land, the wide, open skies and the mysterious mountains incredibly inspiring. However, Ellen soon began to miss horses after a three-year hiatus and she began taking lessons at a local barn. She took it slowly, remembering her concussion, but her Continued on page 82Image courtesy of Ellen SkidmorePainting of BudPhoto by ENSO Media Group

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82 Kentucky Equestrian Directory 2024passion for riding overcame her fears. Horses were a grounding force that she needed to navigate in the world.Six years later, the family relocated to Bend, Oregon, where they purchased a small farm that allowed Ellen to buy a little POA for Coco to bring along and show. In central Oregon, Thoroughbreds were rare. Warmbloods were the main attraction, so she bought a nished Warmblood to compete in the hunter and jumper rings. Her dedication to painting continued and paid o as her work became successfully received by galleries, and their collectors, in Arizona, Colorado, Kentucky and Washington. In 2008, Kentucky called Ellen home and she moved back to the Bluegrass with Coco, two horses and a Ellen SkidmoreContinued from page 81pony in tow. Being a single mother, she hung up her show coat and got her horsey x by pleasure riding her two then-older horses. She began to immerse herself in the equine scene in Central Kentucky and reveled in being back around her favorite breed: Thoroughbreds.A Dedicated Equine AdvocateIn 2015, Ellen volunteered to be a scribe at the New Vocations All-Thoroughbred Charity Horse Show that was held at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. Watching a nice hunter round by a classy Thoroughbred (rather than a Warmblood) was such a beautiful thing, she thought. She became a staunch advocate for racehorses in second careers and became dedicated to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA), a nonprofit umbrella organization that “accredits, inspects and awards grants to approved aftercare organizations” that rehab, retrain, rehome and retire Thoroughbreds (as per TAA website). Ellen is so dedicated to espousing the value of Thoroughbreds once their racing careers have ended that she donates a portion of the proceeds of items sold under her Throw Me a Carrot banner to the TAA.Her exposure to aftercare reignited Ellen’s dream of owning her own horse – but this one would have to be a Thoroughbred. However, her two horses she brought from Oregon were retired and she was turning 59. Ellen thought she had no business getting an off-track Thoroughbred and she couldn’t help but wonder what would happen if she had another bad fall. Despite her misgivings, she ignored the niggling doubts and followed her heart, vowing to be very careful with whatever horse she got next.Once Ellen manifested the desire for a horse, everything happened in a hurry. Having been born and raised in Baltimore with such fond memories of her childhood, Ellen wanted a Maryland-bred Thoroughbred – if she could get one. While scrolling through equine ads online, she came across a horse at Pimlico Race Course who was ready to retire from racing. His name? Baltimore Bud. When Ellen reached out to inquire about him, the contacts regretfully said he had already been sold. Ellen tried to put the massive (17+ hh!) dark bay gelding out of her mind, but a week later, he became available yet again.Ellen asked TAA Operations Consultant and dear friend, Stacie Clark, to go peek at him since she knew Stacie was at Pimlico for TAA’s Canter for a Cause event. Stacie called Ellen at 6 a.m. and said two words: “He’s lovely.” And with that, Ellen knew her “heart horse” was coming home. Within just a year, Bud had inspired many of Ellen’s paintings. Retired and sound at 5 1/2 years Be Sure to Stop140 E. Main StreetMidway, KY 40347Noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, or by appointment859-704-0892ellenskidmore.com Image courtesy of Ellen SkidmorePainting of Bud

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2024 Kentucky Equestrian Directory 87by Lisa Lopez SnyderWhether it’s examinations, diagnostics, or therapeutics, The Ohio State University Equine Surgery service within the Galbreath Equine Center oers owners state-of-the-art comprehensive diagnostics, surgical services, and rehabilitation to meet their individual horse’s needs.The service is led by ACVS board-certified equine surgeons, each of whom sees all types of elective and emergency surgical conditions, including:• Orthopedic (wound, fractures)• Gastrointestinal (colic)• Reproductive (ovariectomy, caesarean section, male urogenital)• Minimally invasive (arthroscopy, laparoscopy)• Airway surgery• Lameness evaluations are performed through the surgery service. Maureen Kelleher, DVM, associate professor of Equine Sports Medicine and Surgery, is the center’s first board-certified clinician in equine surgery and sports medicine and rehabilitation, having years of experience treating Ohio State Equine Sports Medicine Oers Equine Athletes State-of-the Art Careupper-level performance horses. “We collaborate with the other services on the more diicult cases — such as Internal Medicine, Imaging and Cardiology,” Dr. Kelleher says. “For example, with Internal Medicine, we can consult to evaluate for gastric ulcers using gastroscopy or perform neurologic assessments,” she says. “We can also consult with Theriogenology for reproductive-based performance issues and consult with Ophthalmology for vision-related performance issues.” “Advanced imaging services aid in diagnostic assessments,” Dr. Kelleher adds. “Among the imaging technologies available is our 3 Tesla MRI, which provides highly detailed imaging of bone and soft tissue. The service also features CT, providing excellent bone detail.”The center also oers nuclear scintigraphy (bone scans). “It gives us the ability to localize singular or multiple sources of injury in more diicult musculoskeletal cases,” she says.In addition to these more advanced diagnostic imaging choices, digital radiography and ultrasonography are available. The surgical team members have extensive experience with tenoscopy, arthroscopy, and other musculoskeletal surgical procedures.Among the Galbreath Equine Center’s most recent developments is the December opening of the new 12,000-square-foot Ralph Rogan Equine Performance Evaluation Arena. This all-weather and multi-surface space oers numerous features with opportunities for our equine veterinarians to conduct comprehensive evaluation, diagnostics, and treatments for performance horses.Dr. Kelleher says one of the main benefits of the new arena is that the space will allow the rider or handler to recreate the issues they are having, “which will aid in diagnostic anesthesia or localization of the area of discomfort in the horse.” “In many horse sports, an overt lameness or performance issue is not easily identified,” she says. Subtle changes in performance are only felt by the rider or handler in certain circumstances or situations.“Our veterinarians will also be able to evaluate the horse regardless of the type of competition, for example, whether it be jumping, dressage, western events, or driving,” she says. ●For more information:Oice hours: Monday to Friday7:30 a.m. to 6p.m.Patient visits by appointmentEmergencies scheduled as needed by owner or referring veterinarianFor an appointment: 614-292-6661, ext. 2After-hours emergencies: 614-292-6661Visit us online: vet.osu.edu

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88 Kentucky Equestrian Directory 20242024 B D®ARENA FOOTINGGGT FootingBarb DiPalma851 Simuel RoadSpartanburg, SC 29301864.804.8664 (c)864.579.4484 x105 (o)GGT-Footing.comSORTAS EQUINE FIBRESMark O’Connor - International Sales0031.613.414842Marc Harbers - North America Sales908.40 0.1793SortasRecycling.nlBARN BUILDERSKT Custom Barns5311 Country Road 77Millersburg, OH 44654330.893.3500KTBarns.comKirkham Building System3777 W. State Route 37Delaware, OH 43015740.548.7810KirkhamBuildingSystem.comHorizon Structures5075 Lower Valley RoadAtglen, PA 19310888.44SHEDSHorizonStructures.comMorton Buildings8 0 0. 4 47.74 3 6MortonBuildings.comPole Barns Direct2212 Fox Avenue, SEMinerva, OH 44657877.71.BARNSPoleBarnsDirect.comRigidply Rafters701 E. Linden StreetRichland, PA 17087717.866.6581Rigidply.comWalters Buildings5045 US-68Urbana, OH 43078800.558.7800WaltersBuildings.comBEDDING MANUFACTURERSThe Espoma CompanyEspoma Naturals/Sani-Care6 Espoma RoadMillview, NJ 08332800.634.0603Sani-Care.comBEDDING SUPPLIERSBuckeye Bedding8880 State Route 83Holmesville, OH 44633330.340.5931BLANKET CLEANINGThe Blanket LadyJanet Dyer (Largent)440.552.6900TheBlanketLadyOhio.com(OH) BOARDING STABLES/TRAINING BARNSBayhill FarmDoug Rath Performance Horses2630 Carriage RoadPowell, OH 43065614.588.3316Blue Ridge FarmHolly Taylor37511 Sugar Ridge RoadNorth Ridgeville, OH 44039440.610.1606BlueRidgeFarmEventing.comBookmark FarmsJoan Promen/ Colleen Holton8824 Morse Road, SWPataskala, Ohio 43062740.964.2601BookmarkFarms.comCessna StablesShannon Cessna7651 Friendsville RoadLodi, OH 44254330.461.2318CessnaStables.comChagrin Valley Farms9250 Washington StreetChagrin Falls, OH 44023440.543.7233ChagrinValleyFarms.comCornerstone Farm6809 Beach RoadMedina, OH 44256330.696.4304CornerstoneFarmOhio.comCreekside Eventing Complex3084 Sleepy Hollow RoadBrunswick, OH 44212303.907.7129CSEventingComplex.comEllrick FarmSusan Channing-Lloyd10286 Wilson Mills RoadChardon, OH 44024440.285.4556EllrickFarms.comEquine DifferencesRic Weitzel11911 Leavit t RoadOberlin, OH 44074440.822.4685EquineDifferences.comFree Spirit FarmKris Ropp13987 Watt RoadNovelty, Ohio 44072440.338.4203Handle Hill FarmMary Mehwald11244 Handle RoadStrongsville, OH 44136440.238.4541HandleHillFarm.comHawthorne HillHolly Helbig, DVM7480 Badenoch RoadDublin, OH 43017330.807.2643RideWithHawthorneHill.comHinckley Equestrian CenterRon Rice1575 Ledge RoadHinckley, OH 44233330.289.1787HinckleyEq.comKate Coleman Equestrian3084 Sleepy Hollow RoadBrunswick, OH 44212216.246.5136KateColemanEquestrian.comLedge Hollow StableJean Fashempour982 Ledge RoadMedina, OH 44256330.416.2338LedgeHollowStable.comPure Gold Stables & Equestrian FacilityLaura Ann Kosiorek-Smith3325 State Route 45Salem, OH 44460330.565.6844PureGoldStables.comQuiet Meadow FarmStefanie Portman/Shirley Krames-Kopas8123 Dines RoadNovelty, OH 44072440.636.3813 440.708.3023QuietMeadowFarmOhio.comRed Tail EquestrianRichwood, OHRedTailEq.comRising Star Ranch11337 Watkins Road, SWPataskala, OH 43062502 494-5314RisingStarRanchOhio.comSand Hill StableElizabeth Shaw4311 State Route 303Mantua, OH 44255330.221.8819SandHillStable.com

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2024 Kentucky Equestrian Directory 892024 B D®Stealaway FarmAngela Moore9317 Johnstown-Alexandria Road, NWJohnstown, OH 43031614.989.9029StealawayFarm.comStone Gate FarmJackie Smith/Kyle Smith31407 Schneider RoadHanoverton, OH 4442333 0. 277.6964 33 0. 277.6 592StoneGateFarm.orgTopline Stables at WaldenJaneen Langowski-Grava1109 Aurora-Hudson RoadAurora, OH 44202440.666.6182Topline-Stables.comWhite North StablesJill Klepeis-Brick/ Elizabeth Porter3160 Chagrin River RoadChagrin Falls, OH 44022216.598.6826WhiteNorthStables.com(KY) BOARDING BARNS/TRAINING STABLESBallyhigh Show StableJoyce Brinseld320 Pinckard PikeVersailles, KY 40383859.948.2632BallyhighShowStable.comCircle T FarmsJason Thompson653 Georgetown RoadParis, KY 40361Facebook.com/CircleT-FarmsParisCloud Nine FarmStevie McCarron Wigley480 Lansing LaneMidway, KY 40347859.537.7324TheCloud9Farm.comCornerside StablesMichelle & Laura Shea460 Tarr RoadParis, KY 40361860.268.3714 860.933.2006CornersideStables.comDogwood Hill FarmBailey Armour2400 Fords Mill RoadVersailles, KY 40383DogwoodHillKy.comGrit Equine at Bryan Sta-tion FarmJodi Dickey/Erin Woodall3006 Bryan Station RoadLexington, KY 40516859.420.3401 502.316.3565GritEquine.comHolladay Hills StableLiz Barcomb3950 Real Quiet LaneLexington, KY 40324270.847.3856Facebook.com/ HolladayHillsStableLiftoff EquestrianAshley Watts2108 Huntertown RoadVersailles, KY 40383859.221.9085LiftoffEquestrian.comMoss LandingNicole Patenaude505 Millersburg Cynthiana RoadMillersburg, KY 40348MossLandingKY.comNewtown Breeze Farm, LLC.George & Sylvia Fister2878 Newtown PikeLexington, KY 40511859.338.3592Paddle Stone Equestrian CenterSandra Middleton4864 Bryan Station RoadLexington, KY 40516859.983.3251KYHorseBoarding.comQueenslake Farm292 Soards RoadGeorgetown, KY 40324702.885.1263River Mountain FarmElaine Schott3085 Troy PikeVersailles, KY 40383859.489.0481RiverMountainFarm.comScott Keller, LLC at Townsend Springs Farm571 Russell Cave RoadParis, KY 40361917.609.9663ScottKellerLLC.comShawhan Station EquineEmily Brooks384 Old Oxford RoadGeorgetown, KY 40324502.592.8560Stone Columns StablesJeff & Melanie Ramey611 Iron Works PikeLexington, KY 40511561.870.6587StoneColumnsStables.comT&B SporthorsesTaylor/BrookeOff-Site Lessons & TrainingLexington, KY area847.791.6738 859.285.9784Facebook.com/ T&B SporthorsesTop Venture FarmSarah Berkowitz1901 West LaneNicholasville, KY 40356610.613.1576TopVentureLLC.comValley View FarmJim & Katie O’Brien4606 W Leestown Rd,Midway, KY 40347920.819.1103ValleyViewFarm.onlineVolitivo SporthorsesKate Dickerson292 Soards RoadGeorgetown, KY 40324847.602.3427VolitivoSporthorses.comWest Wind StablesNicole Peterson4787 Haley RoadLexington, KY 40516231.245.6687WestWindKy.comBREEDERSCoppertop ClydesdalesLaurie Gallatin13445 County Home RoadMarysville, OH 43040937.707.9216Harvey ArabiansJim & Louise Harvey7487 Wooster Pike RoadSeville, Ohio 44273330.722.7781Smokey Valley HorseSmokey Valley FarmBob & Jane Coleman5183 K Y-2Olive Hill, KY 41164606.286.6588SmokeyValleyFarm.comBRIDLE FITTERSBy Design Equestrian Boutique, LLCAuthorized Retailer, PS of SwedenJennifer L. McLandrich4 4 0.487.1925CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONSCADSClassical Attraction Dres-sage Society234.804.8735CADSDressage.org

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90 Kentucky Equestrian Directory 2024ELCREquine Land Conservation Resource4037 Iron Works Pkwy, Suite120Lexington, KY 40511859.455.8383ELCR.orgETSEquine Trail Sports512.537. 3961EquineTrailSports.comIEAInterscholastic Equestrian Association877.743.3432RideIEA.orgIHSAIntercollegiate Horse Shows Association844.307.4472IHSAInc.comILHAInternational Liberty Horse AssociationLibertyHorseAssociation.comKHCKentucky Horse Council859.367.0509KentuckyHorse.orgLUCKLeg Up for Cleveland’s KidsLuck4Kids.orgMODAMid-Ohio Dressage AssociationMidOhioDressage.comNODANorthern Ohio Dressage AssociationNodaRider.orgOHCOhio Horseman’s Council614.60 0.1972OHCOnline.comOPHAOhio Professional Horsemen’s AssociationOPHA.orgYEDAYouth Equestrian Development AssociationShowYEDA.comDENTISTRYRood & Riddle Equine HospitalBrad Tanner, DVM, DA-VDC-EQ2150 Georgetown RoadLexington, KY 40511859.233.0371RoodandRiddle.comValley Equine DentistryGian P. Gargiulo, DVMServing OH, PA and MI440.356.9550ValleyEquineDentistry.comDININGRed State BBQ4020 Georgetown RoadLexington,KY40511800.694.4651RedStateBBQ.comWarren’s Spirited Kitchen14614 E. Park StreetBurton, OH 44021440.273.8100WarrensSpiritedKitchen.comWorld Equestrian Center The Paddock Club4095 OH 730Wilmington, OH 45177937.382.0985WorldEquestrianCenter.comEDUCATION/ UNIVERSITIESAsbury UniversityOne Macklem DriveWilmore, KY 40390859.858.3511Asbury.eduGeorgetown College400 E. College StreetGeorgetown, KY 40324502.863.8000GeorgetownCollege.edu/equinescholars/Lake Erie College391 West Washington St.Painesville, OH 44077855.467.8676Lec.eduMidway University512 E. Stephens StreetMidway, KY 40347800.952.4122Midway.Edu/EquineOhio State University281 W. Lane AvenueColumbus, OH 43210614.292.6446Osu.eduOtterbein University1 South Grove StreetWesterville, OH 43081614.890.3000Otterbein.eduSpirit of Leadership9796 Cedar RoadNovelty, OH 44072440.338.1752Spirit-Of-Leadership.comUniversity of Findlay1000 N. Main StreetFindlay, OH 45850419.422.8313Findlay.eduUniversity of Kentucky410 Administration DriveLexington, KY 40506859.257.9000UKY.eduUniversity of Louisville2301 S. 3rd StreetLouisville, KY 40292800.334.8635Louisville.eduEQUINE APPRAISERSSEB Equine Appraisals, LLCSara E. Ballinger419.348.3771SEBEquineAppraisals.comEQUINE-ASSISTED SERVICESCentral Kentucky Riding for HopePO Box 13155Lexington, KY 40538859.231.7066CKRH.orgHope Meadows FoundationCenter for Healing & Equine TherapyPO Box 31862Independence, OH 44131216.232.3656HopeMeadowsOh.orgPine Knoll CenterFor Integrated Horsemanship4901 Ironworks RoadGeorgetown, KY 40324859.559.6220PineKnollFarm.comRowdy Cowgirl Condence Coaching270.747.6939RowdyCowgirl.usSpirit of Leadership9796 Cedar RoadNovelty, OH 44072440.338.1752Spirit-Of-Leadership.comTrue North Veteran Support7575 State Route 521Sunbury, OH 43074740.272.0612TrueNorthVeteranSupport.org2024 B D®CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONSContinued

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2024 Kentucky Equestrian Directory 912024 B D®EQUINE ENTERTAINMENTEquus Television800.358.2179EquusTelevision.comWhispery Pines PercheronsCarriage Rides & LoggingSam & Kellie RettingerKingsville, OH440.858.5285 440.413.3033Facebook.com/ WhisperyPines15FARM EQUIPMENTAg-Pro Company2699 Morehead RoadFlemingsburg, KY 41041606.845.7311AgProCompanies.comCashmans Horse Equipment1646 US HWY 42 NorthDelaware, OH 43015740.363.6073Cashmans.comReveal 4-N-1Mt. Orab, OH 45154937.444.2609Reveal4-N-1.comWillandale Golf Cart Sales111 N. Wooster AvenueStrasburg, OH 44680330.663.3824WillandaleGolfCartSales.comFEED/HORSE CARE SUPPLIESCaliber Feed & Supply8550 OH - 534Windsor, OH 44099440.272.1900Cashmans Horse Equipment1646 US Highway 42 NorthDelaware, OH 43015740.363.6073Cashmans.comCENTERRA Country Stores:CenterraCoop.comOHIO Locations:Kathy Green, Equine Expert440.321.9996Ashland Country Store1290 Middle Rowsburg Rd419.281.8423Chardon Country Store12285 Ravenna Road440.285.3143Cortland Country Store312 South Mecca Street33 0.6 37.4015Grafton Country Store717 Erie Street440.926.2281Jefferson Country Store161 East Jefferson Street440.576.3010Medina Country Store6701 Wooster Pike (SR 3)330.721.0852Ravenna Country Store467 Cleveland Road330.296.3424West Salem Country Store40 Equity Street419.853.4027Wooster Country Store1009 Old Lincoln Way West330.264.9925Farmers Exchange:FeedForLess.comOHIO Locations:Berea Farmers Exchange384 West Bagley RoadBerea, OH 44017440.243.6505Medina Warehouse650 W. Smith RoadMedina, OH 44256330.618.6854Geauga Feed & Grain11030 Kinsman RoadNewbury Township, OH 44065440.564.5000GeaugaFeed.comSmartPak800.461.8898SmartPakEquine.comSugarcreek Shavings3121 Winklepleck RoadSugarcreek, OH 44681330.852.3538 SugarcreekShavings.comReiterman Feed & Supply103 N. London StreetMount Sterling, OH 43143740.869.3817 / 866.869.3817ReitermanFeed.comFEED/SUPPLEMENTSBuckeye Nutrition330 E. Schultz AvenueDalton, OH 44618800.417.6460BuckeyeNutrition.comDACDirect Action Company6668 Old Rt. 39, NWDover, OH 44622800.921.9121FeedDac.comGeauga Feed & Grain11030 Kinsman RoadNewbury Township, OH 44065440.564.5000GeaugaFeed.comMcCauley’s Bros., Inc.111 Broadway, P.O. Box 604Versailles, KY 40383800.222.8635859.873.3333McCauleysFeeds.comSmartPak800.461.8898SmartPakEquine.comWitmer’s Feed and GrainWitmersFeed.comLocations:Berlin3398 Berlin Plank RoadBerlin, PA 15530814. 267.4124Columbiana Mill3770 Renkenberger RoadColumbiana, OH 44408330.482.4321Gareld Mill15970 Front StreetSalem, OH 4446033 0.537.4 6 31FENCING/STALL SYSTEMS & DESIGNHeritage Equine Equipment74 Quail LaneBox Springs, GA 31801706.575.5153HeritageEquineEquip.comRAMM Horse Fencing & Stalls13150 Airport HighwaySwanton, OH 43558800.434.7919RammFence.comSwiss Valley Fence2411 State Route 39Sugarcreek, OH 44681330.852.4460SwissValleyFence.comFURNITURECreated Hardwood16 West Poplar AvenueColumbus, OH 4321533 0.4 47.178 0CreatedHardwood.comHAY GROWERSLittle Stinker Farm13987 Watt RoadNovelty, OH440.338.4203

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92 Kentucky Equestrian Directory 2024HELMETSARRO HelmetsArroHelmets.comHOOF CARE PROFESSIONALSInternational Association For Professional Farriers44 Dorchester BWest Palm Beach, FL 33417859.533.1465ProfessionalFarriers.comEnlightened Equine Hoof CareSteve + Dora HebrockCertied Hoof Care Professionals330.813.5434EnlightenedEquine.comHORSE CARE/ SPECIALTY PRODUCTSAchieve EquineFLAIR Strips/VIP Equestri-an/Iconic EquestrianPO Box 61Delano, MN 55325763.972.9056AchieveEquine.comB Gone Animal ProductsBGoneWhiteLine.comBeneFab ProductsKat Chrysostom855 .957. 8378BenefabProducts.comDimples Horse Treats859.384.1058DimplesHorseTreats.comEquilume Performance LightingLisa Hamilton800.242.9259Equilume.comFarm Jenny24/7 Equine Monitoring139 Pearce RoadMars, PA 16046833.327.6536FarmJenny.comFarrier’s Magic888 School StreetOkolona, Ohio 43545800.321.6694FarriersMagic.comGG EquineGrazing Muzzles888.994.2070GG-Equine.comGrey Pony DesignsCustom Dry-Erase Boards & Farm Signs440.984.6228GreyPonyDesigns.comGuaranteed Horse Products, LLCFly Bye! PlusHudson, OH330.687.3353GuaranteedHorseProducts.comHandsOn GlovesGrooming Gloves817.477.0 017HandsOnGloves.comOne Touch Equine Fly Spray330.594.7797OneTouchFlySpray.comOrange Slow Feeder253.363.7801OrangeSlowFeeder.comPhotonic Health, LLC2471 NW 44th AvenueOcala, FL 34482855.436.7082PhotonicHealth.comShowsafe561.404.SHOW (7469)Showsafe.showHORSE CARE/ SPECIALTY SERVICESDr. Hansen’s Equine ApothecaryKristen Hansen, PharmD. RPh.DrHansensApothecary.comFlex PEMFRene Hushea330.299.5157K.B.’s Sheath CleaningKristen R. Boltz, RVT330.205.3008Facebook.com/KBSS-heathCleaningNursemares of KentuckyLaura Phoenix929 Bethlehem RoadParis, KY 40361607.4 37.0 479Facebook.com/ NursemaresOfKentuckyKESMARCKentucky Equine Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation Center258 Shannon Run RoadVersailles, KY 40383859.873.9955Kesmarc.comThe Blanket LadyHorse blanket washing,waterproong, and repairJanet Largent440.552.6900TheBlanketLadyOhio.comHORSE SHOWS/VENUESBrave Horse1029 South County Line RdJohnstown, OH 43031614.404.1150Brave-Horse.comChagrin Hunter Jumper Classic9250 Washington StreetChagrin Falls, OH 44023440.543.7233ChagrinHunterJumperClassic.orgChagrin Valley Farms9250 Washington StreetChagrin Falls, OH 44023440.543.7233ChagrinValleyFarms.comEquine AffaireOhio Expo Center717 E. 17th AvenueColumbus, OH 43211740.845.0085EquineAffaire.comEQUITANA USAKentucky Horse Park4089 Iron Works PkwyLexington, KY 40511877.5 47.6 398EquitanaUSA.comHITS Show Series151 Stockade DriveKingston, NY 12401845.246.8833HitsShows.comHinckley Equestrian CenterRon Rice1575 Ledge RoadHinckley, OH 44233330.289.1787HinckleyEq.comKentucky Three Day EventKentucky Horse Park4089 Iron Works PkwyLexington, KY 40511859.233.2362KentuckyThreeDayEvent.comWin-Seek Fallen Pines Equestrian Center5022 Everett Hull RoadCortland, OH 44410330.638.2255win-seek.comWorld Equestrian Center4095 State Route 730Wilmington, OH 45177937.382.0985WorldEquestrianCenter.comWorld Equestrian Center1390 NW 80th AvenueOcala, FL 34482352.414.7900WorldEquestrianCenter.comINSURANCEASPCA Pet Health Insurance888.716.1203ProtectYourHorse.com2024 B D®

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2024 Kentucky Equestrian Directory 93C. Jarvis Insurance Agency49 East Gareld RoadAurora, OH 44202440.248.5330JarvisInsurance.comFry’s Equine InsurancePO Box 820Grove City, OH 43123800.842.9021FrysEquineInsurance.comGeissinger InsuranceRachael GeissingerPO Box 454Garrettsville, OH 44231440.781.7412Rachael.Geissinger@ American-National.comMavon Equine Insurance118 Constitution StreetSuite 110Lexington, KY 40507859.455.6781MavonEquineInsurance.comPamela Nock Insurance, LLC440.667.4999Pamela.Nock@ American-National.comJUMPS/EQUIPMENTLight ‘N LastingSouthington, OH800.397.1239LightNLasting.comLEGAL SERVICESLaw Ofce of April L. Woodward, LLC125 Main Street, Suite 2Chardon, OH 44024440.834.2162Woodward.lawMARKETING/GRAPHIC DESIGNAristo MarketingDigital Marketing/Design440.984.6228Aristo-Marketing.com2024 B D®ENSO Media GroupPO Box 470603Cleveland, OH 44147440.668.2812KentuckyEquestrianDirec-tory.comOhioEquestrianDirectory.comGold Horse MediaTaylor GrahamGoldHorseMedia.comTopline CommunicationsSarah Coleman/Jen RoytzLexington, KY330.518.9001/859.494.4712TeamTopline.comYellow Barn MediaJamie SamplesPO Box 432Howell, MI 48843517. 375.539 9YellowBarnMedia.comMASSAGE/ BODYWORKBeauty And the Beasts Animal WellnessJill Lionetti, Certied CCMT, CEMTAkron, OH330.352.3341BeautyAndTheBeasts Massage.comMiracle Farm, LLCBarbara BJ Hartmann-Sasak17964 Owen RoadMiddleeld, OH 44062440.318.4113MiracleFarmRescue.orgNeighSpaWendy Usner, CEMTEquine Massage & Reiki330.220.9087NeighSpa.comWendy L. Shaffer, MMCPMasterson Method Certied PractitionerIntegrated Performance Horse Bodywork724.815.5236AgileEquineBodywork.comMEMORABILIA/ COLLECTIBLESSecretariat.comPO Box 4865Louisville, KY 40204Secretariat.comNURSE MARESNursemares of KentuckyLaura Phoenix929 Bethlehem RoadParis, KY 40361607.4 37.0 479Facebook.com/ NursemaresOfKentuckyPHOTOGRAPHYENSO Media GroupPO Box 470603Cleveland, OH 44147440.668.2812KentuckyEquestrianDirectory.comOhioEquestrianDirectory.comGold Horse MediaTaylor GrahamGoldHorseMedia.comJessa Janes Photography440.669.7860Lasting Impressions PhotographyRaymond Duval440.465.4121RayDuvalPhotography.comLori Spellman Photography4 4 0.497.8 875LoriSpellmanPhotography.comPHYSICAL THERAPY SERVICESAcclivity Integrated Physical Therapy, LLCAmethyst Barto, PT, DPT216.200.7130AcclivityPT.comREALTORSChad Long Coldwell Banker – King Thompson614.580.9513ChadLong.CBInTouch.comLudwig Real Estate GroupKelly + David LudwigColdwell Banker614. 327.0 017LudwigRealEstateGroup.comMary VeddaKeller Williams RealtyOlmsted Township, OH440.336.2796MaryVedda.KWRealty.comRESCUE/ADOPTION/THOROUGHBRED AFTERCAREAngels Haven Horse RescueEvergreen Farm13297 Durkee RoadGrafton, OH 44044440.781.5060AngelsHavenHorseRescue.orgCANTER KentuckyPO Box 2996Louisville, KY 40201312.513.1259CanterUSA.org/KentuckyCopper Horse Crusade3739 Glenn HighwayCambridge, OH 43725740.601.2752CopperHorseCrusade.comHappy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary5623 New Milford RoadRavenna, OH 44266330.296.5914HappyTrailsFarm.orgKentucky Equine Adoption Center1713 Catnip Hill RoadNicholasville, KY 40356859.881.5849KYEAC.org

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94 Kentucky Equestrian Directory 2024RESCUE/ADOPTION/THOROUGHBRED AFTERCARE ContinuedMaker’s Mark Secretariat Center4155 Walt Robertson RoadLexington, KY 40511859.246.3080SecretariatCenter.orgMiracle Farm, LLC17964 Owen RoadMiddleeld, OH 44062440.318.4113MiracleFarmRescue.orgNew Vocations Racehorse Adoption ProgramOH, KY, PA, NY Facilities937.947.4 020NewVocations.orgOld Friends1841 Paynes Depot RoadGeorgetown, KY 40324502.863.1775OldFriendsEquine.orgRetired Racehorse Project2976 Solomon’s Island RdEdgewater, MD 21037410.798.5140RetiredRacehorseProject.orgThoroughbred Aftercare Alliance859.224.2756ThoroughbredAftercare.orgThoroughbred Charities of America2365 Harrodsburg Road, #A200Lexington, KY 40504TCA.org859.276.4989SADDLES/SADDLE FITTINGBarnes Tack RoomRobert Barnes808.557.1371BarnesTackRoom.comFreedman Harness Saddlery206 N. Gratz StreetMidway, KY 40347859.846.9674FreedmanHarness.comSaddles 101Heather SoonesSMS Qualied Saddle Fitter135 Hunt RoadPortersville, PA 16051240.431.1318Saddles101.comThe Saddle TreeAmanda BergesCertied Independent Saddle FitterJohnstown, OH440.983.1495TheSaddleTree.com*(See TACK/RIDING EQUIPMENT/APPAREL for Add’l Saddles Retail/Resale)SPECIALTY PRODUCTS/GIFTSEquestrian Delights216.225.4548EquestrianDelights.comGrey Pony DesignsCustom Dry-Erase Boards & Farm Signs440-984-6228www.GreyPonyDesigns.comMare Modern GoodsOriginal equestrian artwork + giftsMareGoods.comThe Dusty Ribbon Quilting Co.216.392.2004DustyRibbonQuiltingCo.comVanner HouseCurated collection of equestrianlifestyle brandsVannerHouse.comSPORTS MEDICINE/ REHABILITATIONKESMARCKentucky Equine Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation Center258 Shannon Run RoadVersailles, KY 40383859.873.9955Kesmarc.comTACK/RIDING EQUIPMENT/ APPARELBecker & Durski Turf Goods Wagner’s Pharmacy3111 S. 4th StreetLouisville, KY 40214502.375.0001WagnersPharmacy.comBig Dee’s Tack & Vet Supply9440 State Route 14Streetsboro, OH 44241800.321.2142 / 330.626.5000BigDWeb.comBoot Barn2200 War Admiral Way, Suite 110Lexington, KY 40509859.264.7388BootBarn.comBoot Barn4511 Outer LoopLouisville, KY 40219502.961.8468BootBarn.comBy Design Equestrian Boutique, LLCAuthorized Retailer PS of SwedenJennifer L. McLandrich4 4 0.487.1925Carl’s Place4927 Wilkes RoadAtwater, OH 44201330.325.1641Central Kentucky Tack & Leather3380 Paris Pike, Suite 1100Lexington, KY 40511859.299.TACK (8225)CentralKentuckyTack andLeather.comChagrin Saddlery8574 Washington StreetChagrin Falls, OH 44023440.708.0674ChagrinSaddlery.comChagrin SaddleryWorld Equestrian Center4095 State Route 730Wilmington, OH 45177937.382.0985ChagrinSaddlery.com/WEC.netClip-ity Clop Saddlery12930 Chippewa RoadBrecksville, OH 44141440.526.2965Clip-ityClop.comDover Saddlery8740 Montgomery RoadCincinnati, OH 45236513.792.0901DoverSaddlery.comEquine Essentials32720 Walker Road, F-2Avon Lake, OH 44012440.653.5343EquineEssentialsAvonLake.comEquus Now!8956 Cotter StreetLewis Center, OH 43035740.549.4959EquusNow.comEquus Now!420 Wards Corner Road, Suite DLoveland, OH 45140513.630.1197EquusNow.comFennell’s Horse Supplies1220 Red Mile RoadLexington, KY 40502859.254.2814Fennels.com2024 B D®

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2024 Kentucky Equestrian Directory 95Freedman Harness Saddlery206 N. Gratz StreetMidway, KY 40347859.846.9674FreedmanHarness.comGreen Mountain Horse and Tack1327 Sharon Copley RoadWadsworth, OH 44281234.248.4245GreenMountainHorse.comHorse Cents, Inc.199 Markham DriveVersailles, KY 40383859.873.4707HorseCentsInc.comJust Horsen’ Around440.782.1834JustHorsenAroundOH-2.MyShopify.comKBC Horse Supplies140 Venture Court, Suite 1Lexington, KY 40511859.253.9688KBCHorseSupplies.comLuckett’s Tack Shop3735 South 4th StreetLouisville, KY 40214502.363.4131Pinkston’s Turf Goods1098 West High StreetLexington, KY 40508859.2252.1560Pinkstons.comQuillin Leather & Tack1929 Main StreetParis, KY 40361859.987.0215Quillin.comRod’s Western Palace3099 Silver DriveColumbus, OH 43224866.326.1975Rods.comSaltwell Western Store2000 Seven Mile DriveNew Philadelphia, OH 44663330.343.0388SaltwellWesternStore.comSchneider Saddlery8255 Washington StreetChagrin Falls, OH 4402380 0.365.1311SStack.comSkylight Supply2906 Axton LaneGoshen, KY 40026502.228.0070SkylightSupply.comSmartPak800.461.8898SmartPakEquine.comThe Bitless Bridle by Dr.CookPHS Saddlery5220 Barrett RoadColorado Springs, CO 80926719.576.4786BitlessBridle.comThe Hitching Post Tack Shop11403 Main Street, #1390Middletown, KY 40243502.245.4672HitchingPostTack.comThe Tack Shop of Lexington1510 Newtown Pike, Suite 124Lexington, KY 40511859.368.0810TackShopofLexington.comThe Tacky Horse171 N. Alpha Bellbrook RdBeavercreek, OH 45434937.427.0797TheTackyHorse.comWise Choice Tack1019 Georgetown RoadLexington, KY 40508859.224.8976TRAINERSLuke Gingerich Horsemanship7785 Converse Huff RoadPlain City, OH 43064GingerichHorsemanship.comDora HebrockCertied Straightness Training Instructor330.803.2043Laura Kosiorek-Smith A Stone’s Throw FarmNortheast Ohio814.434.0914Angela Moore Stealaway Farm9317 Johnstown-Alexandria Road, NWJohnstown, OH 43031614.989.9029Stephanie Portman Shirley Krames-Kopas Quiet Meadow FarmNovelty, OH440.636.3813QuietMeadowFarmOhio.comPoulin Dressage Kate PoulinChagrin Falls, OH386.624.3968KatePoulin.comPuthoff Performance HorsesLynne Puthoff3275 South Shiloh RoadLaura, OH 45337937.546.1505TRANSPORTATIONAirStall CorporationEquine Air Transportation EquipmentPO Box 470603Cleveland, OH 44147216.235.2409AirStall.usEquiJetInternational Air Transport3 Raritan River RoadCalifon, NJ 07830833.378.4538EquiJet.comTRANSPORTATION/TRUCKINGShuman Specialized Transportation2925 Columbus AvenueSpringeld, OH 45503937.324.4 42 9ShumanTransport.comTRAVEL/TRAIL RIDING/TOURS7LazyP Outtting, LLC891 Teton Canyon RoadChoteau, MT 59422406.466.2245SevenLazyP.comRowdy Cowgirl Condence Coaching Retreats270.747.6939RowdyCowgirl.usHorse CountryLexington, KY859.963.1004VisitHorseCountry.comSmokey Valley FarmBob & Jane Coleman5183 K Y-2Olive Hill, KY 41164606.286.6588SmokeyValleyFarm.comTRUCK/TRAILER SALES & SERVICEAltmeyer’s Trailers771 State Route 307 EastJefferson, OH 44047440.624.0206AltmeyerTrailers.comChuck’s Custom Truck & Trailer750 West Smith RoadMedina, OH 44256330.723.6029Ganley Ford2835 Barber Road,Norton/Barberton, OH 44203800.942.6305GoGanleyFord.com2024 B D®

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96 Kentucky Equestrian Directory 2024Leonard Truck & Trailer12800 Leonard ParkwayNorth Jackson, OH 44451800.455.1001LeonardTrailers.comVETERINARY PROFESSIONALS/HOSPITALS/ PHARMACIESBella Vista Equine Veterinary Services6320 Darling RoadBlacklick, OH 43004614.540.0040BellaVistaEquineVet.comBuckeye Veterinary Service16295 Claridon-Troy RoadBurton, OH 44021440.834.8821BuckeyeVet.orgCleveland Equine Clinic3340 Webb RoadRavenna, OH 44266330.422.0040ClevelandEquine.comCountryside Veterinary CenterLaurie Gallatin, DVM, DACVIM2232 State Route 61Sunbury, OH 43074740.965.8111CountrysideVetCenter.net2024 B D®Doc Lane’s Veterinary Pharmacy101 Venture Court, Suite 125Lexington, KY 40511888.263.2323DocLanes.comDr. Hansen’s EquineApothecaryKristen Hansen, PharmD. RPh.DrHansensApothecary.comEquine Specialty Hospital17434 Rapids RoadBurton, OH 44021440.834.0811EquineSpecialtyHospital.comHagyard Equine Medical Institute4250 Iron Works PikeLexington, KY 40511859.255.8741Hagyard.comHagyard Pharmacy4250 Iron Works PikeLexington, KY 45011859.281.9511HagyardPharmacy.comHawthorne Veterinary ClinicHolly Helbig, DVMKaylin Van Dorn, DVM10435 Jerome RoadPlain City, OH 43064330.807.2643 614.359.9020RideWithHawthorneHill.comOhio State University Large Animal Services at Marysville16410 County Home RoadMarysville, OH 43040937.642.2936Vet.OSU.edu/MarysvilleOhio State UniversityVeterinary Medical CenterGalbreath Equine Center601 Vernon L. Tharp StreetColumbus, OH 43210614.292.6661Vet.OSU.edu/VCM/equineRood and Riddle Equine Hospital2150 Georgetown RoadLexington, KY 40511859.233.0371RoodandRiddle.comTRUCK/TRAILER SALES & SERVICEContinuedThe Apothecary HB A Boutique Mobile PharmacyHolly Helbig, DVM614.706.8935TheApothecary.VetsFirstChoice.comTurning Point Integrative Veterinary Care, LLCMichelle Bucci, DVM937.5 0 4.1534TurningPointVet.comWEDDING VENUES Smokey Valley FarmBob & Jane Coleman5183 KY-2 Olive Hill, KY 41164606.286.6588SmokeyValleyFarm.comDIRECT ACTION CO., INC6668 Old Rt 39 NW, Dover, OH 44622info@feeddac.com ~ 1-800-921-9121WWW.FEEDDAC.COM“Feeding Champions Since 1983”More than 70 proven products for your horses, livestock, dogs and now deer!2025 KENTUCKY EQUESTRIAN DIRECTORY440.668.2812or Email: KentuckyEquest rianDirectory.comThe Complete Guide for Horse Enthusiasts • 2024DIRECTORYKENTUCKY EQUESTRIANAll Roads Lead to the Horse30 Years of Road to the HorseEllen Skidmore: How Equines, Art and Orchestra Helped Her Find Her VoiceTwinspired!Churchill Downs, Derby MuseumRoll Out the Red Carpet for a Milestone 150th Kentucky DerbyINFO@KENTUCKYEQUESTRIANDIRECTORY.COMADVERTISE IN THE