IDCTA_Scribe_February_2012

February 2012

IDCTA
Page 1
FEBRUARY 2012
VOL. 19 NO. 2
Scribe Editor Jennifer Kotylo’s postive take on the
transition to an electronic format is on page 2.
What’s Inside:
USEA Annual Meeting Report
Over the Rainbow
2
Welcome New Members
2
2011 USEA National
Convention Report
IDCTA & TopLine
Equestrian Center Jump Clinic
with Leslie Law
3
5
9
Save The Date — Colleen Rutledge at
USEA Area IV Annual Meeting
5
2012 IDCTA
Schooling Show Series Schedule
10
Clinics with Conrad —
The Use of Cavaletti
6
IDCTA 2012 Membership Form
11
The Senior Horse
7
Dressage Committee Meetings
12
Calendar of Events
12
Classified Ads
12
To Try Homeopathic Therapy or Not... 8
4
Dressage with Lilo Fore
IDCTA
February 2012
Over the Rainbow
By Jennifer Kotylo
Scribe Editor
If you are of a certain age (ok rather old), you
can remember when color TV was new. And if
you are that old, you probably watched the
Wizard of Oz every time it came on – on one of
only three, yes three networks...
If you were or are a fan, you can remember
the feeling when Dorothy wakes up in Oz,
which is bursting with color (unlike Kansas
which was a dreary black and white.) You
oohed and aahed, it was magical. There were
ruby red slippers, a yellow brick road…… a
rainbow of color.
Okay, so the new on-line, in-living-color
Scribe doesn’t quite do for me what the Land
of Oz did for me when I was a kid, but it’s still
pretty darn cool. Those pretty ponies actually
come in bay, chestnut and palomino. Wild Star
Wars, Zebra stripe saddle pads and matching
polo wraps are there in all of their glory. The
flush of a face that has just completed a
grueling cross-country course, the flicker of
intensity of a competitor’s eyes come alive.
This is all to say that we have dipped our toes
into the future and like what we see. You have
two more months of receiving the Black and
White Scribe in your mailbox (This issue,
February 2012 and next month, March 2012).
But you can access the new and improved
color Scribe by going to www.IDCTA.org and
following the link at the top of the page. As of
April 2012, you will be forced into the future –
only online color.
You know writing this column has giving me
some really great memories. I loved the Wizard
of OZ and all that it stood for. Hoping to find
your Rainbow...

Page 2
Welcome
New Members
Agata Rekucka
Erin Loitfellner
Joe Zanides
Rachel White
Nicole Nicholson
Advertise in the
And do it it color! Our online Scribe is in FULL COLOR, giving your ad the impact
that is sure to get the attention it deserves!
For more information on advertising in the Scribe, go to www.idcta.org and click on
the “About Us” tab, then the “Advertising Costs” tab, or contact Advertising Manager.
Mary Jo Downen at [email protected], or 815-522-2285.
BOARD MEMBERS
IDCTA
February, 2012
VOL. 19 NO. 2
NEWSLETTER EDITOR
Jennifer Kotylo, [email protected].
Members are encouraged to submit
comments, articles, news, photos. Deadline:
10th of preceding month. E-Mail is best!
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All Ads must be prepaid and received by the 10th of
the preceding month. Ads must be “camera-ready”
and sized to fit; those requiring extra work my be
subject to additional graphics charges. Please see
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information.
Send Ads & Checks to:
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EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERS
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Julie Poveromo
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[email protected]
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INFORMATION HOTLINES
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CT - Cindy Zitko
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716-573-5390
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President: Ed Eichelberger
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[email protected]
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630-830-4801
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Visit our Website: www.idcta.org
A monthly newsletter published by the
Illinois Dressage & Combined Training
Association, An Illinois Not for Profit
Corporation. Opinions expressed within
are those of the authors, unless
otherwise indicated.
The IDCTA is a USDF Group
Member and USEA Affiliate
Member Organization.
This organization’s members
are automatically USDF
Group Members
February 2012

IDCTA
Page 3
2011 USEA National Convention Report
By Julie Poveromo
I was fortunate enough to attend the United
States Eventing Association’s national convention in Nashville, TN December 9-11, (thanks
to IDCTA!) so I wanted to share a little of the
information covered during the convention.
One of the main themes of the weekend was
safety, and how to continue to improve the
safety of Eventing and horseback riding in
general. Many discussions and open forums
were held on this topic and they were attended
by members, trainers, and officials alike. Helmet fit and effectiveness was covered at length,
and Dr. Dave Halstead, a renowned head
trauma expert, explained that the three most
important characteristics for proper helmet fit
are that the helmet needs to be sufficiently
down on the forehead, the chinstrap needs to
be snug, and the helmet needs to fit snugly on
the head. There is no point in wearing a helmet
that does not fit correctly, as it will not protect
your head in the case of a fall. He also stressed
that several common chemicals such as sunscreen or bug repellent can break down the
lining of a helmet over time and make it less
effective. The recommended length of time to
keep a helmet that is being used regularly and
does not sustain a major impact is 5 years.
Helmets should always be replaced after a
major impact.
There was much debate and discussion
about the newly adopted one fall and out rule,
which states that a rider who falls from their
horse as the result of trying to negotiate a fence
is eliminated from completing the course & the
remainder of the competition. Under this rule,
a rider can fall at any location on the course,
remount and continue, other than in relation to
an obstacle. The rider can also continue to
compete other horses at the same competition,
even if they were eliminated for falling previously. The old rule stated that if a rider falls,
they are free to remount and continue the
course, regardless of where the fall occurred
(although 65 penalty points were added to the
rider’s score if the fall was in relation to a
fence). The heart of the issue in this debate is
if the rider falls and sustains a head injury, their
ability to make decisions can be impaired,
which could potentially cause further injury to
themselves or their horse if they remount and
continue. There was talk of having jump
judges or medical personnel clear the rider to
continue, however there are many liability
issues associated with this scenario. Most
jump judges are volunteers, and would feel
uncomfortable having to make a serious decision about whether or not a rider was OK to
continue. Many attendees expressed concern
about the falls when a rider simply pops off the
horse and lands on their feet, and no damage
is done. They feel it is unfair to end a rider’s
weekend based on an insignificant fall. Those
supporting this side of the argument stated that
it is the rider’s responsibility to make decisions
based on their own health. It was a very
intriguing topic of discussion, and a decision
will be made to either keep the rule or repeal
it for Training level and below sometime in the
next few months.
Max Corcoran, head groom for David &
Karen O’Connor, gave a talk about getting the
most out of a pre-purchase exam. She stressed
having a good relationship with your vet or
getting a referral from your vet if the exam must
be done out of town. Having the knowledge to
stop the exam if something that’s a “dealbreaker” comes up is very important, so no
additional expense is added if the horse will not
be able to do the job it’s being purchased for.
Discussing with the vet what type of maintenance the horse will require was an important
point noted, as things like corrective shoeing or
maintenance joint injections are an extra expense for keeping a horse performing at its
best. Some buyers are not interested in doing
much maintenance on horses, while others
don’t mind minor things that could come up
during a pre-purchase exam that would require
regular maintenance. The most important
factor was whether or not the horse would be
able to perform the job expected of it; horses
being used for lower level dressage or trail
riding could have a few minor flaws and still be
able to their jobs, while upper level horses
need to be able to withstand repeated stress
and trauma and bounce back from it easily.
The importance of good conformation comes
into play here, especially in the legs and feet.
Another interesting topic was a lecture about
the influence of tack on the biomechanics of
the horse, which was given by Peter Menet
(designer of Amerigo saddles). He explained
that any type of horse, regardless of discipline,
should be allowed to warm up while stretching
over the back (long and low), in order to let the
back and top line loosen up before any harder
work is performed. This should be a component of every cool-down as well. Mr. Menet
stressed the importance of proper saddle fit,
including plenty of clearance at the pommel, a
wide enough gullet all the way down the
horse’s spine, and leaving at least an inch of
space behind the horse’s shoulder blades to
allow freedom of movement. He also said that
ideally, the rider’s weight while seated in the
saddle should be the same as the place the
rider would sit if he were riding bareback, as
this is the strongest weight bearing area on the
horse’s back.
Overall, I was very impressed with the variety of topics covered and seminars available to
those who attended. It was nice to see such an
emphasis placed on making the sport safer, as
this has been a big issue in recent years. There
was definitely a strong sense of community
among those present, and I would recommend
attending future conventions to anyone who is
interested in getting a more in-depth view
about the issues our sport faces.
SAVE THE DATE – SATURDAY, MARCH 24, 2012
FOUR STAR RIDER COLLEEN RUTLEDGE WILL BE THE FEATURED SPEAKER
AT THE USEA AREA IV ANNUAL MEETING AND AWARDS DINNER.
THIS WILL BE IN THE CHICAGO AREA, LOCATION AND PRICE TO BE ANNOUNCED.
A FUN EVENING FOR ALL AGES IS PLANNED WITH GREAT FOOD, GREAT PRIZES,
GREAT AWARDS, AND GREAT COMPANY
Colleen gained national recognition this past spring when she and her off the track Thoroughbred Shiraz finished
12th at Rolex, their first Four Star competition, and later the same year traveled to England and breezed around
the toughest cross country course in the world at the Burghley Horse Trials. She has her sights set on Badminton
in the spring of 2012. Get to know Colleen and hear her story!
IDCTA
February 2012

Page 4
IDCTA & TopLine Equestrian Center
Offer a jump clinic on March 31st and April 1st with
Leslie Law
Cost: $385 clinic, stabling, lunch, $325 clinic, lunch (priority given to IDCTA members)
Weather permitting: day stalls $35 at time of clinic
Checks payable to IDCTA
TopLIne Equestrian Center, 42 W 220 Plank Road, Hampshire, Illinois 60140
Send Entries to: Cynthia Zitko, 4422 Edinburg Lane, Hanover Park, IL 60133
630/830-4801 OR 708/302-3468 Email: [email protected]
Opening Date: November 1, 2011
Early enrollment deposit of $100.00 accepted until opening date of March 1, 2012
Entry form and a copy of NEGATIVE COGGINS (within 1 year) must accompany full payment.
Closing Date: March 20, 2012. Withdrawal before closing date: Refunds less $35 office fee. Withdrawal after
closing date: Refunds less $35 office fee ONLY if space can be filled from a waiting list. Bounced checks require payment in
cash, money order or cashier check before closing date.
RIDER_____________________________________ IDCTA # ____________________________________________
HORSE __________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
ADDRESS _______________________________________________________________________________________
PHONE # ________________________________________________________________________________________
EMAIL ___________________________________________________________________________________________
Beginner Novic/Young Horse____Novice____Training____Prelim/Intermediate____
STABLING: YES________NO________
ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST SIGN THE FOLLOWING RELEASE:
WARNING: Under the Equine Activity Liability Act, each participant who engages in an Equine Activity expressly
assumes the risks of engaging in and legal responsibility for injury, loss or damage to person or property resulting from the
risk on Equine activity. I understand that this is a high risk sport and I am participating at my own risk. I hereby release
and hold harmless: IDCTA, TopLine Equestrian Center, its owners and employees, attendants, spectators, Leslie Law and
all others involved from all liability for accidents, damage, injury or illness sustained or caused as a result of my participation
in this IDCTA jumping clinic. Riders will be notified of ride times by e-mail. (Parent/Guardian if under 18)
Signature_____________________________________ Date: _______________________
February 2012

IDCTA
Page 5
USEA Annual Meeting Report
By Nora Endzel
perspective that just might push me to the
camp that supports the one-fall rule.
Other than the one-fall rule, several course
related items were discussed at the Rules
Open Forum on Friday, mainly centered around
keeping consistently high-quality courses at all
levels, at all venues. The rule change proposals included clarifying what types of fences can
be used, what striding is appropriate at the
levels, where and how many oxers can be on
the course, etc. Another rule that may affect
some of our local venues is that poles used as
the top rail in show jumps must have solid
wood core. PVC or other plastic poles can still
be used as groundlines or other poles on the
fence but the top rail must be a solid wood rail
or have a solid wood core.
Piggybacking on what Julie said about Max
Corcoran’s presentation, I learned quite a bit
about pre-purchase exams from one of the best
grooms in the industry. She focused a lot on
cost and how to maximize your dollars. She
suggested that if you find an issue, address that
first before moving on. For example, if the
horse you’re considering flexes positive on the
hocks, xray those first before the feet, fetlocks
and anything else you were going to take views
of. Xrays are going to be your biggest cost. She
suggested feet, fetlocks and hocks if money is
very tight. If you can do a bit more, add stifle
xrays if it’s a young horse or knees if it’s an
OTTB. She also discussed soft tissue injuries
and how the number 1 reason for gaps in a
competition record for an event horse is a soft
tissue injury. I had no idea! She also recommended that if you are buying a horse with
hopes aimed at the two star level and above,
you should scope the horse for breathing issues.
Kissing spine was a hot topic of discussion
in the question and answer session that followed the presentation. Doug Payne quoted a
statistic that 65% of FEI horses were found to
have kissing spine with no symptoms. Back
xrays were discussed as a way to diagnose
kissing spine, I had no idea that a typical
portable xray machine that your vet brings to
your barn could get a back xray, but they can
and it might tell you if the back soreness your
vet saw on the physical exam was from poor
saddle fit, or something
more serious.
Overall, the quality of the presentations
was extremely high, but
for me (and this is why
I’m recommending everyone go at least once)
the highlight of a convention like this is the
chance to “rub elbows”
with the best and the
brightest our sport has to
offer. I’ll admit that I
was starstruck more than
Paid Advertisement
Like Julie, I also attended the USEA Annual
Meeting for the first time this year. As an avid
eventer, I’ve been meaning to go for years and
this year IDCTA allowed me that opportunity.
I am going to add a bit to what Julie said about
the convention topics and give you my opinion
of the best reasons to attend a future convention.
Safety was certainly the topic of the week,
with the one-fall rule being at the center of it.
To me, the most interesting rule discussion
happened outside of the convention. Julie and
I were waiting for the hotel’s shuttle to the
Nashville airport and happened to be a part of
a fascinating discussion about the one fall rule
with none other than Bruce Davidson and
David O’Connor. These two titans of our sport
had vastly different views, but both valid and
interesting. Bruce was completely against the
one-fall rule, he compared it to trying to learn
how to ride your bike and going home after
every fall. He talked about how we fall off
schooling, in lessons, etc. and we just get back
on and try again. This is what builds character
and teaches us to ride. My favorite thing he
said, and I’m paraphrasing, is that he taught
his kids to ride not to make them into professional athletes, but to build their character. If
you were there to see Buck, his son, and his
armful of trophies he won at the awards dinner
including Rider of the Year, Horse of the Year,
Preliminary Rider of the Year, Mare of the
Year, and the winner of the Adequan Gold Cup
Championship, you might agree that Bruce’s
philosophy worked.
However, his perspective on the safety aspects of the sport, in my opinion, is a little
behind the times in light of what we know
about head injuries. David had a perspective
that was entirely different than what I’d heard
all weekend. Most of the discussion centered
around safety vs. rider responsibility. Should
we mandate that riders stop after a fall, or let
them make that decision on their own? However, David’s thoughts weren’t safety related at
all. His position is that if you fall off related to
a fence on the cross-country course than you
haven’t answered the question that was asked
of you. Plain and simple. I found that refreshing and a totally new, non-safety, oriented
once. Drinks with Boyd Martin, car rides with
Bruce Davidson and David O’Connor, seminars with Doug Payne, Phillip Dutton, Karen
O’Connor, Buck Davidson, Leslie Law, the list
goes on and on. A chance to see these riders
without their helmets and Rolex pinney was a
treasure. There’s something inspiring about
hearing the absolute best riders in the world,
talking about this sport, my sport, OUR sport,
with such love and dedication that helps beat
the winter blues and make me want to shine up
my boots and keep working at it. For me, that’s
what the USEA convention was all about.
Calling All
Green Horses!
By Katie Lindsey
Have you ever dreamed about a competitive experience especially designed
to give your very green horse a chance
to look around and dip his toe in the
water without the stress and expense of
doing a full fledged event or combined
test? Your wish may be answered!
On the last day of the Wayne Eventing
Derby, Sunday, April 15, an innovative
Derby Within a Derby will be offered
alongside the last jumping phase of the
Eventing Derby. This judged test will
be run in one of the side dressage rings
at Lamplight and will consist of a very
elementary Dressage test and four or
five low fences. There is plenty for a
green horse to look at in the big feeling
atmosphere at Lamplight so the actual
tests will be super simple. Entry fees
will be under $40, stalls will be available for the day at $25, and there will
even be modest cash prizes.
This mini-competition is open only
to horses who have never competed
anywhere in any discipline – youngsters, OTTB’s and the like.
Entries for the Derby open on March
20. New this year, in addition to the
Derby Within a Derby, is the Jockey
Club Thoroughbred Incentive Program
award which will offer $100 to the
highest placed Thoroughbred in the
Novice and Beginner Novice Divisions.
Information and entry forms are available on the Derby website www.
mauijimhorsetrials,org, and details
about the mini Derby will also be posted
on this website as soon as they are
worked out. For additional information,
email [email protected].
IDCTA
February 2012

Page 6
Clinics with Conrad – The Use of Cavaletti
By Amanda Johnson
Cavaletti Exercises
Conrad Schumacher is a world renowned dressage trainer, with multiple students winning
medals in international competitions. He visits
Tempel Farms to teach clinics at least twice a
year, once in the Fall and then again in the
Spring. I have been riding with Mr. Schumacher
since 1997, and have rarely missed a clinic
with him since then. Mr. Schumacher frequently uses cavaletti exercises in his lessons.
These exercises are used to help loosen the
muscles of the horse, help the horse move
through his back, and engage the hindquarters. As winter approaches, the use of caveletti
once a week or a few times a month may help
break up the monotony of being stuck in the
indoor arena during the cold months. I will
explain how to introduce the horse to caveletti
and a few exercises to do.
To start, you will need poles. It is best to use
heavy, thick, round and hard poles generally 811 feet long. The heavy, hard poles may be
difficult to lug around, but they generally stay
in place better and horses tend to pay better
attention to them if they knock them with their
feet. I do not recommend using PVC poles for
cavaletti, they may be easy to carry, but they
also are very easy to roll and be knocked
around by the horse which may increase the
chance of injury. To decrease chance of injury
it is better to use poles with the combination of
a block system, or poles with a cross stand.
This decreases the chance of the poles rolling
around. In general, 4-6 poles are sufficient.
Introducing the horse to cavaletti. A ground
person will be helpful to use, they will be able
to adjust poles for distance and add poles for
you so you do not have to get off and interrupt
your ride. After an initial warm up of the horse,
about 10 min of light work to warm up the
horses’ muscles and joints, you can start introducing the horse to cavaletti. Start with one
pole, and walk over the pole both ways with a
light contact allowing the horse to stretch its
neck forward and downwards. When the horse
accepts walking over the pole both ways, then
introduce trotting over the pole. All work over
the cavaletti should be done in rising trot.
When the horse calmly trots over the pole both
ways start introducing multiple poles. For trotting the distance between poles is between 45 feet. Add poles one at a time, until the horse
is able to trot over 4 poles, spaced about 4-5
feet apart. Distance may vary with each horse,
so use a ground person to help find the correct
distance for your horse to comfortably trot over
the poles. If using the block system or poles on
cross stands, start on the lowest setting. The
lowest setting is what will be used in all
exercises. Higher settings must only be used
with horses that are experienced and well
schooled over cavaletti. Personally, I rarely use
the higher settings.
Exercises with cavaletti. Improve trot/canter
transitions and create more engagement with
this exercise. Place three to four cavaletti
on the arc of a 20 meter circle at one end
of the arena. Leave enough space between the cavaletti and the short side so
the horse may pass on the outside of the
cavaletti. The inside arc of the cavaletti
should be placed about 4 feet apart and
the outside arc should be placed about 5
feet apart. After the initial 10 minute start
of the work to warm up the horses’ joints
and muscles, start trotting over the cavaletti
in rising trot on the 20 meter circle. The
optimal frame for the horse is they should
be trotting into the contact of the rider,
bending around the inside leg, reaching to
the bit in a half long neck. Riding the neck
a little lower and longer than a competition frame will help loosen the muscles of
the back and create relaxation when going
over cavaletti. The poles may be adjusted
to the horses stride, and because the poles
are narrower at one end the rider can use
the change in distance in the poles to
continued on next page
February 2012

IDCTA
Page 7
Clincis with Conrad continued from page 6
adjust the horses stride. Once the horse is
going over the poles in a relaxed, rhythmic
manner the exercise can start. Trot the horse
over the cavaletti and as the horse’s nose
approaches the wall sit the trot and ask for the
canter depart. Ride brisk and forward into the
canter depart and then perform at least one
round of canter on the 20 meter circle, going
around the outside of the cavaletti. See Figure
1. The canter should be ridden briskly forward
to help open up the horses back. The rider
should then collect the canter and ride a
balanced trot transition and prepare to go over
the cavaletti again. As the rider approaches the
cavaletti, the rider should yield the horse slightly
to the outside creating a bend and framing the
horse in from the outside aids and then offering
a slight stretch over the poles. The canter
depart is repeated after the cavaletti and one
round of canter until the horse is cantering
freely forward. When the horse is performing
the work of the cavaletti and transitions in a
forward and relaxed way the transitions can
start happening quicker. See Figure 2. Trotting
through the cavaletti, sitting for the canter
depart as the horse approaches the rail, riding
briskly forward in the canter on the open side
of the circle and then collecting and balancing
the horse for the transition into the trot as the
horse approaches the rail and then riding over
the cavaletti again, bending the horse around
the inside leg and asking for a slight stretch and
repeating the transitions. This exercise creates
more engagement in the hindquarters, and
quicker canter transitions with more jump.
Make sure to give the horse frequent breaks
when introducing cavaletti work, so they do not
get overtaxed. .
Cavaletti can also be used to improve the
canter stride of the horse. This should be
performed by horses and riders who are confident going over the trotting poles, and have
good control at the canter, being able ride
small circles and adjust the horses canter
stride forwards and backwards. The poles will
be placed on one end of the arena on an arc of
a 20 meter circle. Start with just one pole, and
canter over it. The horse should stay on a round
twenty meter circle line and canter over the
pole in a relaxed and rhythmic manner. The
rider should ride over the cavaletti in a forward
seat over the pole(s), upper body slightly forward and the seat lighter in the saddle. The
horse should also go in a half long neck, the
same as when trotting over the poles. Introduce the horse over one pole at a time, and
canter over both directions. The distance between canter poles is about 11 feet, and can be
adjusted to the stride of the horse. The exercise
is simply on the 20 meter circle canter over 3
cavaletti, placed about 11 feet apart. See
Figure 3. The horse should canter over the
cavaletti in a more animated manner, much
like an in-and-out in jumping. This creates
more engagement in the canter stride and
helps create more of a suspension phase in the
canter stride which will help with those horses
who struggle with a 4 beat canter or are
struggling with flying changes. Listen to your
horse, and give them walk breaks as needed,
and don’t do more than 6 rounds of the cavaletti
work consecutively. See figure 3.
When you are working with cavaletti you are
asking your horse to do increased work so pay
attention to your horse, and try to keep the
cavaletti work to 10 minutes or less at a time.
Take your time to introduce your horse to
cavaletti and stay safe. A ground person is
helpful to adjust distances and to assist in
moving the poles. Check out Tempel Farm’s
website http://www.tempelfarms.com/ to find
out the next time Conrad Schumacher is in the
area to audit and watch these exercises and
more in person!
The Senior Horse
By Claudia Giffin
We all hope our equine companions live to
a ripe old age. Today, with all of the
advances in veterinary care, that is a real
possibility for many. How do you best care
for your senior horse?
Regular and preventative veterinary care
becomes even more important as our horses
age. Older horses tend not to recover as
well, or as fast as younger ones, which
makes sense. Having your horse on a
regular schedule for vaccines, worming,
teeth checks/ floating and physical exams
can catch problems before they become
major concerns. Supplements can also
help with certain conditions. Check with
your veterinarian to see what he/she might
recommend for your specific horse in these
areas.
Feeding the senior horse is also very
different from feeding a young horse. Senior horses tend to have a lower activity
level, they may have certain conditions
which dictate feed choices, and they also
metabolize their food differently/slower than
younger animals. By taking all of these into
account, you can provide your equine with
a diet that will keep his energy levels up,
but not cause weight gain, is easily digestible, and keeps him interested in eating.
As with all horses, foot care is extremely
important. Since activity levels change, as
do exercise requirements, hoof care may
also have to change to meet these needs.
A qualified farrier can advise you on how to
keep your senior horse more comfortable.
They can also help you decide if hoof
supplements are needed.
Older horses will have changing exercise
requirements too. Overall activity levels
tend to decrease as an animal ages, as
does with people. However, as long as your
horse is sound, you should provide some
exercise. Again, as with people, exercise
helps to prevent or lessen some signs of
aging. Keeping him/her fit and at an ideal
weight can help prevent some soundness
issues and provide mental well being too.
I can speak from my own experience
with my 24 year old Thoroughbred gelding
that senior horses have a lot to offer. It is a
quieter relationship away from the hustle
and bustle of the show ring and there is
time to really appreciate your accomplishments be they large or small. I think that
with diligent care and some luck (they are
horses after all) our horses have a good
chance of being with us to a ripe old age.
I hope that we all get to experience the
special relationship one can have with a
senior horse and I wish you good luck and
good riding.
IDCTA
February 2012
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Page 8
To Try Homeopathic Therapy or Not...
By Deidre Vergeer
My horse, Pi, and I had a great first show
season together. I mean it was AWESOME. He
did great and managed to suffer gallantly
through my riding with high spirits!
Unfortunately, that show season was two
summers ago. That Fall, I was riding Pi in my
indoor (he is NOT a fan of being outside) and
he started to ‘gimp’ on his left front. In order
make a really long story shorter, came to find
out he made a tiny, itty bitty tear in a tendon in
his hoof. Great. Stall rest required. Stem cells
injected. Further consultations and we (the
husband and I that is) decided that injecting
his coffin bones would be beneficial. So we
did. 4 days later, Pi was in the hospital where
he stayed a month and had two surgeries. It
would seem he had a reaction to the injection.
His hoof had been bled 3 times (to relieve
pressure) and the third time the vet said we
needed to get him up to the clinic asap.
We maxed out our insurance pretty darn
quickly (although VERY grateful to have it) and
watched as our 18hh puppy dog stood on three
legs. He could not put weight on his RIGHT
front hoof. So now, he is standing and putting
all 1,700lbs of his giganticness on the hoof
that is supposed to be resting. And Pi being Pi,
he just has to lurch around his stall to see what
everyone is up too. The first surgery (to flush
the hoof out) seemed to work really well. Then
about 5 days later, he was back to being just
as sore as before. He is not stellar about pain
either so it was extremely hard to see him
lurching in his stall. Another surgery was performed. He did better was still an 8 out of 10
(10 being ‘we need to put this horse down’)
lame. MRI’s had been taken. Other veterinary
hospitals had been consulted. Research papers looked into. A test to see if it was an
infection or not was done (it came back negative). Toward the middle of the month, the
surgeons (yes that is right, more than one
surgeon was assigned to his case) and I decided to try him on the uber antibiotics. They
were hesitant to use it because some horses
just do not do well on it – violent diarrhea and
worse. Pi showed improvement and no tummy
upsets. He was on a ton of meds. Pain killers,
antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, etc. He had
dropped at least a 100lbs by the time he came
home.
But he did come home. He was still on a boat
load of meds but not getting any worse. He was
about a 5/6 out of 10 lame. Stall rest with only
10 minutes of hand walking for several weeks.
Ultra sound therapy, acupuncture, massage
work and lots of prayers were given. Tears shed
(lots and lots) and glimpses of hope. We
graduated to 15 minutes of hand walking.
Then we graduated to 10 minutes AM AND 10
PM hand walking and so-on and so-on. Months
later (oh about 4 months or was it five….),
supportive shoeing and adjusted meds, I was
cleared to sit on Pi and walk him around the
indoor for a whooping 10 minutes. Don’t get
me wrong, I was HAPPY to be able to do that!
We eventually graduated to a whole 40 minutes at a walk under saddle. He was about for
2 lameness, mainly on the corners where he
had to put more pressure on that hoof. Feeling
hopeful once Pi went sound around the corners
at a walk, I called Jennifer for a lesson at a
walk. I did not want to ‘mess Pi up’ while he
recovered.
We graduated to a trot. We were up to 30/40
minutes at walk/trot . I even ventured to taking
a few more lessons (albeit short lessons) just to
make sure he progressed properly. We were on
the road to recovery. He was getting better. The
vet was no longer coming every week for
ultrasound, acupuncture, etc. The main surgeon who had worked on him had even down
for a visit. Stating that seeing him move so well
was the best gift he had been given that year
(wow!).
Then like many things in life, he had a setback. Suddenly lame.
Dr Judith Shoemaker from Pennsylvania
was coming to the barn Jennifer Koytlo boards
at. She asked me if I wanted Pi to be seen. My
thought “What can it hurt?” We went.
Without the benefit of x-rays, Dr Shoemaker
analyzed him. She adjusted him. She gave him
acupuncture, she gave him ozone treatment.
She educated us on homeopathic remedies.
She recommended herbal supplements for
him and regular (multiple per week ozone
treatments) and looked me straight in my face,
without hesitation, said “He has a sterile bone
abscess.”
Pi came back from the clinic a bit sorer. I
called my regular vet and Pi’s second surgeon
came down. X-rays were taken. MRI suggested
(I said no – no more). A hole in his coffin bone
was found. It was pretty obvious (even I saw it
immediately!). Pi went on antibiotics, again
and anti-inflammatories. Dr. Shoemaker was
right. And without an x-ray! I emailed Dr.
Shoemaker Pi’s x-rays and asked her recommendation. She recommended the same meds
that she had before (all herbal plus Blue Emu
on the surgery area every day) and she said
“Ozone treatments. Three times a week.” Dr.
Shoemaker also encouraged me to change
how Pi was shod (not by much, thankfully; she
loved the work my farrier had done and was/is
hopeful that he would continue his great work).
I researched this ‘hole’ in the coffin bone
situation and found out that, although uncommon, this can happen to a horses’ coffin bone
several months after an ‘invasive’ surgery in
the hoof (albeit necessary surgery).
I borrowed an ozone machine (thank you
Annie Logan for the help in locating one) and
my vet was ‘trained’ on how to administer it. Pi
received ozone treatments 3 times a week for
3 weeks. The same surgeon came out to x-ray
Pi again. You could have knocked her over with
a feather when she saw his x-rays. The hole
had shrunk. It was smaller. He was a bit
sounder and his attitude was returning back to
his ole puppy dog self. I consulted Dr. Shoemaker again after sending her the second set of
x-rays. She recommended continuing both the
ozone treatment and the herbal meds.
By that time, Pi was now OFF of ALL extra
meds. No more anti-inflammatories, no more
anti-biotics, etc. Pi just got his ozone therapy,
his herbals and his regular supplements. Three
more weeks later, another set of x-rays and the
hole had gotten SMALLER yet. He was moving
sound with just a tiny hiccup here and there.
Back in the saddle I went. Slow and steady.
Now to end this story….I hope I can. Pi is
now moving 100% SOUND. He is at the barn
Jennifer boards at for conditioning/training for
the next few months. We are graduating to
canter work. He is on ozone once a week. I
learned how to administer it – had to in order
to keep those vets bills from coming in! I
ordered my own machine as my “Christmas
present”. He is almost done with his herbal
supplements. He is back to his goofy, puppy
dog self. And I couldn’t be happier!
Now was it the homeopathic treatments that
got him through this last hump? Was it the
conventional vets? I personally, think it was/is
a combination of both. Do I think he would
have recovered without the treatments suggested by Dr Shoemaker? Honestly? No, I
don’t. Do I believe that he needed the treatments by my regular vets? Absolutely. I do
believe that had it not been for the excellent
care from my regular vets (Wisconsin Equine
Clinic) AND Dr. Shoemaker, Pi would no longer
be with us. All this to say: Don’t shut the door
on an alternative idea; it could be the answer
you are looking for.
See you this show season?
February 2012

IDCTA
Page 9
Dressage with Lilo Fore
February 12 and 13, 2012
Fireside FFarm
arm
28131 98th Street
Camp Lak
Lakee WI 53109
Lilo Fore is owner of “Sporthorse America” in Santa Rosa, CA, where she has offered as many as six
Champion stallions at stud at one time. Lilo has her FEI “I” judges license and has judged many CDI-W
shows, qualifying international shows and USET Selection Trials. Lilo was involved with the USDF
Instructor Certification program from its inception, is an Examiner for the program and is Chair of the
Instructor/Trainer Council for USDF. She is also an examiner for the USDF Sporthorse breeding program.
She has trained both horses and riders nationally and internationally. Lilo grew up outside of Dusseldorf,
Germany, where, at age four, she saw her first horse. Lilo says “...from that time on I knew that four legs,
a mane and tail would be my life.” She is the winner of numerous national and international Horse of the
Year awards for California, USDF and USET.
RIDERS: Two-day rider/horse cost is $325 for IDCTA members / $380 for non-members, paid to IDCTA,
and includes 2 – 45 minute lessons with Lilo and lunch on both days. A $50 deposit is required with clinic
entry. Stabling is an additional $35/night paid separately to Fireside Farm (e.g. $70 Fri-Sun). Riders will be
selected based on receipt of complete entry (including current coggins) with deposit, levels to be filled,
and volunteerism. Members have priority over non-members. Please complete the rider Dressage Clinic
Entry Form posted in the Scribe or on the website (www.IDCTA.org/printable). Each rider is allowed one
free accompanying auditor (groom, spouse, parent), additional individuals are subject to the auditing fees.
Entries close January 27, 2012. There is a 10 rider maximum. Dinner Saturday night; cost not included.
Note riding in this clinic imposes restrictions for showing under Lilo for USDF level or for FEI level. ASTM
helmets are required at all levels.
AUDITING
AUDITING: Pre-registration for auditing is $25/day for members and $30/day for non-members; at the
door auditing cost is $30/ day for members/$35 a day for non-members, paid to IDCTA. Age 16 and under
are free. Lunch will be provided for auditors. Pre-registrations must be received by February 10, 2012. To
pre-register, please complete the IDCTA Dressage Events Audit Form available on the website
www.IDCTA.org/printable.
Send entries to: Molly Fine, 36887 N Old W
oods TTrail,
rail, Gurnee, IL 60031
Woods
Any questions contact: Dawn at Cell: 716-573-5390 or Email: [email protected]
IDCTA
February 2012
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Page 10
February 2012

Page 11
IDCTA
IDCTA
February 2012

Page 12
To list your event in the IDCTA Calendar of Events, e-mail to Jennifer Kotylo at [email protected]
FEBRUARY
February 12-13
Dressage with Lilo Fore, Fireside Farm, Camp
Lake WI 53109, Contact: Dawn at 716-573-5390
or Email Molly at [email protected]
February 18-19
Cross-country Jump Building Clinic with Dan
Starck. Paddock Hills Equestrian Center, Union,
IL. Contact Lisa Habbley at 815-923-4755 or
[email protected]
MARCH
March 2-4
Illinois Horse Fair, Illinois State Fairgrounds,
Springfield. Contact Joy at 639-557-2575
March 24-25
Dressage Clinic with FEI Judge Jayne Ayers.
Paddock Hills Equestrian Center, Union, IL.
Contact Lisa at 815-354-0765 or
[email protected]
March 31 - April 1
IDCTA and TopLine Equestrian Center present a
Jump Clinic with Leslie Law. Hampshire, IL.
Contact Cindy Zitko at 630-830-4801 or
[email protected]
APRIL
April 13-15
Wayne Eventing Derby, Lamplight Equestrian
Center, Wayne IL. Contact Katie at
[email protected].
April 21-22
Classical Dressage Clinic with “S” judge Tom
Poulin at Paddock Hills Equestrian Center, Union,
IL. Contact Lisa Habbley at 815-354-0765 or
[email protected].
MAY
May 5-6
Wayne DuPage Cross Country Derby (Schooling
on May 5, event on May 6) Pratt’s Wayne Woods
Forest Preserve, Wayne, IL. Contact
[email protected]
May 19-20
FRVPC Mini-Event. Barrington Hills, Riding
Center. Contact Lauren Foos at 847-381-2695 or
[email protected]
JUNE
June 9-10
Lucinda Green Cross Country Clinic. Pratt’s
Wayne Woods Forest Preserve, Wayne, IL.
Inquiries: [email protected]
June 11-12
Lucinda Green Cross Country Clinic. Pratt’s
Wayne Woods Forest Preserve, Wayne, IL.
Inquiries: [email protected]
SEPTEMBER
September 9
Combined Test and Mini Event at Paddock Hills
Equestrian Center, Union, IL. Contact Lisa
Habbley at 815-354-0765 or
[email protected]. Entry forms are
available at www.idcta.org.
Note: IDCTA Events and Notices are Bold
*Starred events qualify for
IDCTA volunteer hours
Classified Ads
Dressage Committee Meetings
Meetings will start at 7pm., Fields and Fences, Wadsworth, IL
Tuesday, February 7th
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Tuesday, September 18th
Tuesday, October 16th
Tuesday, November 13th
TACK FOR SALE
FOR SALE: 17 ¾ (45cm) medium
tree black Niedersuss Symphonie
dressage saddle. Retails new $2300,
asking $1000. Call 630-557-0241 or
email [email protected] for
more information.
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Classified ads must be paid in full and received by
the 10th of the preceding month (e.g., May 10 for
June issue). First 25 words are $5 for a member
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