Animal Week: Horses

Moira Harris, Editor, Horse Illustrated Magazine (Courtesy Moira Harris) (Courtesy Moira Harris)

Moira C. Harris, editor of Horse Illustrated magazine, discusses every aspect of owning, riding and caring for horses.

The transcript follows.

____________________

D.C. native in London, U.K.: Hello Moira. I was wondering if you have recommendations for good places in the greater D.C. area to buy equestrian clothing and/or boots? I'm reluctant to use the Internet, since one can't try things on that way.

Many thanks for the chat!

Moira C. Harris: I know what you mean about needing to try things on--nothing worse than buying a pair of jods that make the bum look awful!

I'm on the West Coast, so I've only been to a couple of the shops around D.C./Maryland. Bit of Britain, Dominion, Dover State Line have shops that have quite a good line of tack and apparel.

Pick up a copy of The Equiery (I believe it is a free monthly distributed at tack stores). It has all sorts of fantastic information about the Maryland equine industry--and many of the best tack stores take out ads for their sales in it.

_______________________

Chevy Chase, Md.: What resources are there for people in this area who can't afford a horse but would like to help with hippotherapy and get more hands-on experience horses in general?

Until last year I did not even know colleges could offer degrees in equine sciences. Ten years too late for me. Sigh. And I STILL can't fit a pony in my bedroom.

Moira C. Harris: Believe it or not, there are many ways to be involved with horses that don't require breaking out the checkbook. You're right, hippotherapy programs, or handicapped riding programs, are found throughout the U.S. and Canada. You can contact the North American Riding For the Handicapped Association at 800-369-RIDE (http://www.narha.org/). There are also Equine Assistance Therapy programs to help at-risk individuals, and they always need volunteers.

If you just want to be around horses and perhaps take some riding lessons, many equestrian centers have trainers that take on "working students". You will help out with the barn duties in exchange for time in the saddle. Not a bad deal, if you ask me.

_______________________

Huntington Beach, Calif.: Hello Ms. Harris,

I would like to know what you think are the most important qualities and background to look for in a trainer? I am a novice rider, just started jumping, and I'd like to show.

Thanks very much.

Moira C. Harris: Hi, great question:

There are quite a few hallmarks of a good instructor. In this country, we don't have instructors licensed, so you have to kind of use your head. A good instructor is a good communicator. She (I'll use she for brevity, although there are loads of excellent male instructors) will be able to explain things clearly, and rephrase a concept until the student "gets it." She'll always keep the rider's safety in mind--there's nothing worse than a teacher who puts a novice rider in jeopardy because she is moving beyond that person's abilities. I think it's important that the instructor be dressed appropriately, so that if she needs to demonstrate a concept, she can swing into the saddle and do so (not really possible if she's wearing shorts and flip-flops).

A good instructor is actively involved in the industry. She continues her own education by attending clinics...she also still competes.

And of course, she has good ethical business practices. Shows up on time. Is fair to her students. Works within budgets. Is not a flake.

I could go on and on, but I've only got an hour!

_______________________

Arlington, Va.: Hi Moira, what are your thoughts on horse racing and its impact on the overall well being of the horse? Thanks!

Moira C. Harris: This is only my opinion, so please take it as such.

I adore Thoroughbreds. My horse is a Thoroughbred. They are my chosen breed. I do believe that race horses in this country are started way too early, before their bodies are fully matured, before their minds are matured, and this is why we see so many tragically "break down." If we gave them time to grow up, we wouldn't see as many career -- and life-ending -- injuries that we do.

As far as the industry is concerned, it has taken great strides (no pun) in trying to clean up its image. Many organizations have sprung up to give ex-racers a new career. Which is good for me, because my next horse will also be a Thoroughbred!

_______________________

McKinney, Tex.: What do you know about the lives of horses in Cavalia? Do they seem well cared for?

Moira C. Harris: Cavalia, which is a Canadian touring company that is kind of like cirque du soleil on horseback, is renowned not only for its excellent treatment of their equine stars, but also of its training methods. I saw a performance in California two years ago and couldn't believe how fantastic it was. The horses truly seem to enjoy what they're doing. What I like about Cavalia is that the public was able to meet the horses beforehand, too.

_______________________

Panama City, Fla.: Some of our horses are becoming senior citizens and are valuable for giving and receiving love (late 20s). I am having difficulty determining what is a good weight (what is aging and what is need for even more food). I am using beets due to drought and no grazing, free choice hay (no new hay yet) and 14 percent pellet (around 5-6 pounds per day). Do you have any advice regarding this situation? Thank you.

Moira C. Harris: You might want to consult with your vet to come up with the ideal nutritional program for your oldster (hooray for our senior citizens who are living well into their 20s and 30s!). If you want more information on nutrition solutions for fat or skinny horses, pick up a copy of Horse Illustrated's May 2006 issue -- it has an article dealing with how to balance your horse's diet to achieve an ideal weight.

_______________________

Sykesville, Md.: I've been a horse-owner for 30 years now. I would like to say it is still one of the biggest joys of my life, and sharing them with my kids has been delightful.

With that said, I really want to emphasize that horses can live a good long time with care and luck (I have a 34 year old in my backyard, and two 20 year olds--all are still ridden. Obviously at 34 she isn't ridden for more than an hour or two), and the smart horse owner is one who learns how to do things for him/herself whenever and wherever possible. And plans. Because too many fine horses got turned into steaks during the great investment bust of the 20s (I have Arabians, can you tell?) and it was a crying shame.

Before anyone gets a horse, I would recommend that they go work at a rescue to really learn what can and sometimes DOES go horribly, horribly wrong. In this area, Days End Farm Horse Rescue is the platinum standard. They get my money every two weeks.

Moira C. Harris: Your horses are very fortunate to have you as their caretaker. I wish all owners understood how fulfilling it is to have that lifelong relationship! And it is important that horse owners -- and newbies -- understand the commitment needed for such animals. Rescue groups exist for a reason.

_______________________

Frisco, Tex.: Hi Ms. Harris, I am planning a trip to Ireland and am hoping to get some riding in, do you have any suggestions about where to go in that country?

Moira C. Harris: Wish I was going with you! Hands-on my favorite place to go--and not just because of the riding holidays. It's the people in Ireland that make it so special.

That said, I've ridden along the Atlantic Ocean at Horse Holiday Farm in Co. Sligo; along the Connemara and Coast Trails in Co. Galway; stayed at Ashford Castle and ridden in Co. Mayo...I also love the North of Ireland (there's my politics) and would stay at Drumgooland House in Co. Down. And don't miss the Dublin Horse Show in August!

_______________________

Arlington, Va.: Tell us more about your horse. Thanks!

Moira C. Harris: I could go on and on about my horse! She is a 16-year-old Irish Thoroughbred, and my heart just soars when I see her. Her name is Ballymena, named after a town in Northern Ireland where someone very special to me was born. Her nickname is Missy. She was bred to be a Grand Prix showjumper, but had a stifle injury as a youngster that sort of limited her potential. Lucky for me, because I would have never met her otherwise. Our paths crossed because she was being given away--I think the story goes that the owner gave her to the place where she was boarded because they couldn't pay their bill? So she was just being used occasionally as a trail horse, and otherwise sat idle, day in, day out.

When I took her on, I had no idea of her training or her capability. She was underweight and a bit ragged. My instructor said, "that horse can jump" the moment she saw her. (great, since I was riding dressage). So she's turning me into a jumper rider.

She's brave, confident and sweet and actually enjoys my company. And she can certainly jump! Okay, so we're not going to jump Grand Prix, but at my age, I doubt if I'd want to!

_______________________

Alexandria, Va.: Hello Moira, I direct Bit by Bit Therapeutic Riding Program in Lorton, Va. and we are always happy to take in new volunteers! Anyone interested can email us.

My question: Does Horse Illustrated have any plans to feature therapeutic riding anytime soon?

Thanks!

Moira C. Harris: Yes, we have some coverage planned later in the year. Thanks for asking! It is a popular topic that we do cover from time to time...

_______________________

Alexandria, Va.: Please talk a bit about the benefits of Western vs. English saddles. Aren't English saddles better for the horse itself in terms of weight? Also it seems like with a Western saddle far less balance is required. Which do you think is better, or does it depend on the purpose?

Moira C. Harris: Comparing Western versus English Saddles is like comparing VHS to Beta (I think I'm dating myself here). When you add the weight of a human to the weight of the saddle, it's actually negligible. (And there are synthetic western saddles that can actually be just as light as an English saddle). The key is that the saddle fit the horse well. As you know, each horse is built with unique conformation, and so the rider has to keep that in mind when selecting a saddle.

The seat of the western saddle is wider and often a little deeper, so it can lock the rider into position a bit easier. But nothing makes up for being a balanced rider.

_______________________

Silver Spring, Md.: Why are horses so afraid of donkeys? Everytime I bring my donkey over to my brother's farm for shots, etc., the horses there go completely beserk!

Moira C. Harris: I wish I could answer that. I know a ton of horses (my old horse Charlie), who would freak out at Miniature Horses. It was as if he believed that the Minis had been shrunken because they were bad or something.

Might have something to do with scent. A horse's sense of smell is far more acute than ours.

_______________________

Seattle, Wash.: When I see a big, heavy person riding a horse I wonder if it doesn't do some harm to the animal's spine? It seems unnatural for a horse to carry people around on its back. Just as it seems unnatural to dress a horse up in cumbersome leather and iron items. The word to "break" a horse has always made me feel uncomfortable. Doesn't it mean that the horse's spirit has to be broken before it's of use to humans?

Wondering in Seattle

Moira C. Harris: The word "break" is an old horseman's term, and most trainers don't use it anymore. Instead the term "starting a horse" is used. And those old cowboy methods of breaking are being shelved for gentler, more classical training methods.

It is unnatural for a horse to carry a person on its back, technically speaking. But it's also unnatural the way we have animals living in our houses too. That opens up a big discussion on our rights to use animals the way we do, which would take longer than I have here.

_______________________

Huntington Beach, Calif.: Hi again, Ms. Harris:

What has been your most special moment in the show ring?

Moira C. Harris: Probably every time I finish a show, I believe it's the most special time. I still get a kick out of competing--and it's not because I want to win. I just enjoy being able to test what I've learned and see if I've become a better rider for my horse. I still have every ribbon I've ever won.

I'd say my very first show is my favorite memory. I was aboard High Fleet (descendent of Count Fleet), a big, parrot-mouthed old school horse who I was in love with. I was 10 at the time, and all my competitors were on tiny ponies. I just remember looking down and seeing all these fat Thelwell ponies in the walk trot class as well did laps around them.

My stirrup leather slipped off the bar and I had to finish the class with just one stirrup. I thought I would get disqualified for not having all my equipment--but I got a second! (the tiny trophy is in my office right now...)

_______________________

Dallas, Tex.: Hi Ms. Harris,

I have heard of an all natural whole food powerful anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory product called Via Viente, which has been proven to alleviate joint pain and inflammation in the human body. Do you know whether my horse would benefit from an anti-oxidant product?

Moira C. Harris: There are quite a few nutraceutical products made for horses that feature anti-oxidants. And we all know how important it is to keep our horses joints sound and pain free. I'll have to try some of that Via Viente on myself!

_______________________

Germantown, Md.: What can citizens do to stop things like the round up of wild horses on the western ranges, and the slaughter of horses for consumption in Europe and Japan?

Moira C. Harris: In December 2004, Sen. Conrad Burns (R-Mont.) attached a rider to a 2005 appropriations bill (which is now law) and allows the BLM to sell at any price and without restriction horses that are 10 years older or have been unsuccessfully offered for adoption three times. Suddenly, our once-protected Mustangs could go to sale to anyone, including slaughter.

It's important to keep on top of what is going on in our country. The Equine Protection Network (http://www.equineprotectionnetwork.com/)has a mailing list you can join that will help all citizens not only become more aware about horse slaughter, but also gives a call to action. It's a great organization.

_______________________

Editor's Note: washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions. washingtonpost.com is not responsible for any content posted by third parties.