I hope you’ve had a fun and horse-filled summer so far. Mine has been both of those things – it’s included a tour of North Georgia of sorts. I’ve gotten to spend some quality time with horse friends – some who I’ve known since college, some who are newer acquaintances – and it’s made me appreciate how fortunate I am to know such a variety of riders.
I kicked my summer riding off with an extended visit mid-June with my longtime friends Dana and Nikki Surrusco of Ellijay, Ga. They own HorseSense Riding Academy, and I’m not exaggerating when I say they have one of the finest lesson programs in the state. Nikki’s an AH-rated former Pony Club member, and she integrates into her barn the meticulousness that is the trademark of longtime Pony Clubbers.
Everything in her tack room and feed storage area is organized and labeled according to which horse uses it. Each horse and pony living within the carefully-maintained electric fencing at HorseSense wears a fly mask to maximize grazing comfort during the day, and Nikki can give you the rundown on the health history of every equine in her care. In fact, I view her as my “older horse” guru. She has a knack for keeping aging lesson horses happy, healthy and sound well into their 30s.
I had the best time riding in the mornings on her bouncy custom footing (ground-up carpet remnants mixed with sand) and watching Nikki build up the mental and physical foundations of the young riders in her lesson program as they hopped over crossrails and counted strides in between.
Next, I had the distinct pleasure of seeing an artist at work in early July. I had sent my young paint horse, Chase, to a friend to be started under saddle. I had done all the groundwork myself – lungeing, tacking, driving – I’d even sat on the little guy, but I wanted someone with lots of horse-starting experience to actually “walk him off” under saddle for the first time.
That person was Chad Childers, of Calhoun, Ga. – full-time farrier and part-time colt starter. He comes from the gritty world of bareback riding, so he can literally stay on anything. The thing that I value about Chad, though, is the fact that he can read a young horse so well. His focus for Chase was to instill respect and confidence, and when I stopped by to ride the colt for the first time, I could tell Chad had done some of his best work. Chase knew what was being asked of him, from the time he was led to the arena to the first time I smooched him up into an easy lope, and he was happy to do his job.
It was a genuine pleasure to talk with Chad about his riding philosophy and learn that he instinctively seeks rhythm relaxation and straightness in the young horses he rides. His motto is “Set them up to win.” Mission accomplished, Chad! I look forward to reinforce these concepts in Chase.
Finally, later in July, I stopped by the Mustang and Wild Horse Rescue of Georgia (MWHRG) tack swap at Wills Park in Alpharetta. The association’s executive director, Elizabeth Montgomery, did a fabulous job of pulling together members of the local horse community. There were booths housing professionals and enthusiasts from all walks of horsey life: a chiropractor, an equine herbalist, a masseuse, crafters and several used tack sellers. It was a real pleasure to walk from booth to booth and introduce myself to these movers and shakers who seek to make the local horse world a better place and stay connected while doing it. I hope MWHRG hosts this event again.
As for this issue, you’ll find, as always, a varied slice of the horse world: the jewelry designer who knows what riders wear, the local author who knows what riders read and, of course, our carefully-curated summer reading list. You’ll also notice we’ve partnered with Countryside Veterinary Services in Covington, Ga., for a veterinary column featuring issues pertinent to the Southeast. You’ll also see our giveaway ad. We’re going to be conducting these events regularly, so watch your inbox and Facebook for chances to win all sorts of amazing equine products from Southeastern businesses. I hope you enjoy the rest of your summer, and most of all, I hope it’s horse-filled!
Sincerely,
Liz
