PHOTOGRAPHY

 

Question: How can I improve my timing when taking photos of trotting horses?

 Howard Schatzberg:  They say "timing is everything" and in equine photography, boy is that true!

The simplest way to improve timing is just practice, practice, and practice. Go to a schooling show

or shootat your barn while your friends or your trainer are working horses. In most disciplines of

riding, usually the best and most balanced photograph is taken at the trot because it is a two beat

gait. A simple train of thought that I used when I first started shooting horses at the trot or jog was

to look for the front leg closest to you to be perfectly straight! When that happens and if a horse is

properly cadenced, that will give you the other front leg at its highest point. Some photographers

do the complete opposite and shoot when the outside front leg is at its highest point. It sounds crazy,

but simply watching a horse trot or jog and saying to yourself ‘Now, Now, Now, Now, etc.’ will help you visualize that shot. The only issue you may have is that many cameras simply have too much hesitation in the trigger to catch that immediately, so you may need to shoot early to make up for the lag time. Remember practice makes perfect!!

 

Question: What’s your favorite part of farm shoots? How can I prepare for a photoshoot of my horse and I at the farm?

Howard Schatzberg: The key word here is "preparation"! For me, farm shoots are fantastic. For a trainer, not so much! There is no better way to get THE photo of a horse and rider then at the farm. Granted the spontaneity of making a victory pass at a horse show is the ultimate rush but as far as controlling the environment to get that perfect image, the farm shot gives you that formula for success. When at a farm, the first thing I do is talk to the trainer or owner and ask what are you looking for? A sales shot? Something for you to have at home? An image to market your farm or breeding program? When we get a feel for what the client wants to capture then you can roll from there. I will then scout out the farm/surroundings and ascertain when will be the best time to shoot and where. Then as I mentioned earlier, it’s all about the prep work done by the trainer and their staff. If we are shooting babies, it's always best to leave them in for a day or two before the shoot and always have all the prep work done as far bathing, clipping, etc. before the shoot, not the day of. Farm shoots are just like preparing for a horse show and in some instances even harder. We sometimes shoot before and/or after feeding time which can throw a barns schedule way off, so for a trainer and their help it can be tough. I really do try to make it fun and remind people "This isn't a horse show, loosen up and enjoy"! When people feel comfortable and are having a great time the finished product is a natural feeling beautiful image. For me what makes a farm shoot so much fun is the quality time I'm able to spend with people that we never seem to get at a horse show, and that's what makes the farm shoot experience so rewarding.

 

EQUINE INSURANCE 

 

Question: I don't run a farm or conduct commercial operations in the horse business, but
what if my personally owned horse hurts someone or damages their property? 

Horseworks Insurance: Personal horse owner liability insurance is available for amateurs and those
individuals who do not work in the horse business. 

Question: My horse is older and I've been told that I cannot obtain major medical coverage. Is this true?

Horseworks Insurance: No! Horses up to age 20 are eligible for major medical coverage.

 

Question: How important are release and waiver forms for professionals and how often should they have
clients sign them?

Horseworks Insurance: They are extremely important. They are your first line of defense in the event of a
claim. All new clients should sign them and they should be signed by existing clients on a yearly basis. Most states also have a state equine liability statute that should be included in your release form!

 

Question: What happens if my horse is sick? How do I know when I need to talk to my insurance company about treating my horse?

Horseworks Insurance: You need to give immediate notice of a claim or potential claim. Claims adjustors are accessible 24 hours a day in the event that your horse becomes sick or injured. 

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Question: Can a horse be insured that I am only leasing?

Horseworks Insurance: Absolutely! There is an insurable interest in a lease agreement between the lessee and lessor. 

 

 

RIDER EXERCISE & FITNESS

 

Question: What are exercises that you use to strengthen a saddle seat rider? 

Kristen Cater: We do a lot of strength training on and off of a horse. I encourage my riders to go to

the gym, I find that the more fit you are the better rider you are. We often do “lunge lessons” which

are lessons on a lesson horse with no reins, which enables us to do a lot of core exercises. We use

elastic Stretchy bands, weights (sizes vary depending on the strength of the person), batons, weighted

bars, medicine balls, and then some other lighter things like spongy balls to work on coordination. We

do a lot of balancing (similar to two point), and a lot of no stirrup work (even with the non-equitation

riders). I also push all of my riders to have “form to function” because I feel the better and stronger

your form is the more effective rider you will be!

 

EQUITATION

 

Question: When you walk a pattern before a class - what is the process and how to does it

transition to the show ring? Is it something you also do at home?

Kristen Cater: I think this is very important for a rider to picture themselves doing the pattern on their horse and then walking it to try and channel your exact moves and thoughts prior to attempting to execute it on your show horse. We walk the pattern (often both David and I will walk it with them) and go through their personal “difficult” points as well as their “show off” points. We walk it together the first time. I tell them what I want them to do, when I want them to make adjustments, and as a team we pick our points. If we are walking it with multiple kids at the same time our instructions for each rider might not be the same. So we would pick our points together, that should be the same no matter what horse they are on, but how they execute it is discussed as an individual. If it’s a tough pattern, like a National Finals, we then walk it a second time together where the rider tells me their precise movements, adjustments, and things to watch out for. Then usually they walk it a third time by themselves, just to make sure they are comfortable with their points and also their communication with their horse. At home, for my beginner equitation riders I would walk some workouts to get them in the understanding of how to do it when we get to a show. But for my advanced riders, I do not walk them at home. I normally tell them the workout once, I repeat it, I ask them if they need to repeat it to me, and then they execute. This gets them thinking quickly and effifienctly on their own in case they were ever called for a pattern in the ring without being able to prepare.

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ROADSTER

Question: What do you look for in a roadster prospect?  

Peggy Alderman: I would say the #1 trait I look for in a road horse is attitude. I'm looking for a horse

that not only likes to work, but tends to get a little "wired" when he/she hits a frame and speed that he

likes. My best road horses have had attitudes that made them not quite fit other divisions. Physically,

I like a well made horse, but specifically look for a horse with a big step behind and hindquarters that

allow he/she to stay engaged and trot way up under themselves.

 

Question: How does a driver make the transition from pleasure driving to roadster? 

Peggy Alderman: I think the best way to become a road driver is to drive on a road. Learn how to let

go and support a horse instead of managing him every step. Learn to feel the rhythm in your horses

gait and how to sustain it on the road. There is a lot to learn in the ring as well, but I believe both

horse and driver benefit from actual road work.

 

PROPER BLANKET FIT 

Question: I am looking for a proper fitting winter blanket for my sweet 32-year-old Morgan. He has such broad shoulders that most blankets rub him. What do you recommend? 

Bonnie Sogoloff: We have found Radon blankets are the best fitting for Morgans. They have two weights, a lighter weight which we use because our barn is heated, and a fuzzy lined blanket that is super warm. I use a closed front and scoop neck which accommodates the Morgan upright neck.  Radons are well made and last forever! Their website is easy to use and they are very nice to work with.