Horse Tales from the LOPE Ranch

Schleese Saddle Helps Ex-Racehorse

As I wrote on my April 4th post, Schleese Saddlery Service recently became a LOPE sponsor. We were especially excited about their sponsorship because LOPE has been learning more and more about equine biomechanics, and the huge importance of proper saddle fit to horsemanship and horse health.

Lightening Ball, a 15-year-old TB gelding, raced until age 9. In new situations, he would often display tension under saddle and became very tight in both his body and emotional response. He would sometimes whirl and spook unexpectedly at these times. But within a few minutes of riding him in a borrowed Schleese saddle, Lightening Ball showed a large aptitude for dressage movement and relaxed tremendously in his demeanor.

Soon after, Schleese donated a saddle and custom fitting to LOPE for Lightening Ball. The first step in the process was carefully measuring him -- so that the donated saddle could be adjusted perfectly for his body. Kristen Vlietstra of Schleese did the fitting session -- we were all very impressed with her professionalism and knowledge of horse biomechanics. She carefully assessed Lightening Ball’s conformation and body measurements -- and even measured me (to make sure the saddle would be a proper match to my leg length).

A few weeks later, a beautiful Schleese saddle arrived for Lightening Ball. During his first ride in the saddle, he responded with great enthusiasm to its fit. He set off into a lovely, flowing trot, lifting his withers and moving with quiet elegance. We began riding together in his new saddle several times a week and took regular lessons at Hy Court Farm.

Lightening Ball learned how to use his body differently and seemed to be delighted to discover that his saddle was now a help to him (not a hindrance). And I learned how to ride more correctly, with my leg back and upper body straight (instead of perching anxiously over the reins). The Schleese saddle encouraged my leg to be more stable and my seat to settle further back.

Lightening Ball loves his new saddle! But I had no idea just how deep his feeling was until the day I rode him in his old hunter saddle. I wanted to see if I would notice a difference in him -- and I definitely did. Within minutes of starting the ride, Lightening Ball tensed his back, shook his head and began spooking mildly. Once the saddle was replaced with the Schleese, he immediately went back to his calm, happy demeanor.

After a few weeks, I decided to put Lightening Ball (and me) to the test. I signed up for a schooling show at Hy Court Farm. After reviewing the choices, I selected a riding class series that combined a trail/obstacle course and a group equitation ride. Lightening Ball and I had never competed in a riding class at a show before. It was our big debut into the show world.

My goal was to expose Lightening Ball to a supportive show environment. I assumed he would be nervous and a little tense. To my surprise, he took the show in stride -- he warmed up quietly, with a soft eye and calm attitude. He seemed to like the trail versatility course, looking with interest at each obstacle. His movement was especially light and flowing during the group equitation class, exuding confidence and relaxation. After the class, I went to check the results and wondered if we scored well enough for a ribbon. I was proud of Lightening Ball and was pleased that he had enjoyed his first show outing. A ribbon would be icing on the cake. And sure enough, we did earn a ribbon -- the blue one.

We won the class!

Thank you, Schleese Saddlery Service.

Note: The time between my first ride in the Schleese saddle on Lightening Ball and his show win was less than 4 weeks.

Schleese Becomes LOPE Sponsor!

LOPE is thrilled and honored to announce that Schleese Saddlery Service is now a LOPE sponsor! Schleese provides custom fitted saddles designed for the female rider and the biomechanics of the horse. Their saddles are of the highest quality for both performance and pleasure riding -- and provide the horse with the most comfort and support to ensure full movement in all gaits.

LOPE’s mission of placing ex-racehorses into new homes has required that we learn more about equine biomechanics -- so that we can more effectively assess and help each ex-racehorse into the right new career. Many ex-racehorses carry body tension and muscle memory from their track days -- and proper saddle fit is one of the most critical elements in helping the horse transition into proper movement for new disciplines.

LOPE is launching a public education drive to raise awareness about the role of saddle fit in good horsemanship and horse care. "We are not performance riders at LOPE," stated Lynn Reardon, LOPE’s executive director. "But our work with ex-racehorses has led us to Schleese, because of the tremendous impact their saddle fit has on equine comfort and ability to move properly. Whether you are a competitive dressage rider or weekend trail rider, Schleese saddles will help you and your horse be a happier, healthier team."

Lightening Ball, a 15-year-old Thoroughbred gelding who raced until age 9, is one of LOPE’s poster horses for this education effort. "Lightening Ball was very tight in his back muscles and seemed unable to let down and relax into proper movement. Within ten minutes of riding him in a Schleese saddle, Lightening Ball demonstrated a huge aptitude for dressage movement. No longer impeded by improper saddle fit, he immediately lifted his withers and moved his back to allow for a full, flowing trot and canter. It was very dramatic," said Reardon.

Even more surprising was the change in Lightening Ball’s demeanor. "He can be very stoic and reserved. But after working in the Schleese saddle, his personality has really come to the surface. He is noticeably happier and seems to really enjoy his lessons and work now," commented Reardon.

Reardon and Lightening Ball will be chronicling their journey as they learn dressage together in a specially fitted saddle donated by Schleese. As they take lessons at Hy Court Farm in Cedar Creek, TX, LOPE will be recording Lightening Ball’s progress and changes in movement under saddle.

"LOPE is very grateful to Schleese for giving us such a generous sponsorship. With their help, we are better able to help horses like Lightening Ball fulfill their performance potential and transition to the right new careers," said Reardon.

Just follow the LOPE blog for updates on Lightening Ball’s progress. For more information on Schleese saddles and their benefits for horse and rider, go to www.schleese.com.

New LOPE Sponsor: Skillful Paws

We are excited to announce that Skillful Paws, an Austin-based equine and canine bodywork provider owned and operated by Christina Hardinger, is now a LOPE sponsor! Skillful Paws will be helping the LOPE horses with regular acupressure treatments.  Christina has spent several months this year volunteering at LOPE.

We didn't know a great deal about equine acupressure, but we were really impressed with how Christina's technique seemed to help several horses here with body soreness and other rehab issues. The horses love the treatment sessions and line up to see Christina when she walks into the pasture!

And the feeling was mutual, says Christina. "I came across LOPE's website and got so inspired by these wonderful ex-racehorses. I knew from my previous acupressure work with polo horses how much the athletes benefit from having bodywork done. I contacted LOPE and offered to donate my services to the horses most in need. That first session turned into a re-occurring weekly event and I have learned so much from these wonderful horses. It's amazing to see the improvements from week to week and to feel them trust me -- it's very humbling. I am proud to become an official LOPE sponsor."

In addition to their website, you can also connect with Skillful Paws on Facebook and Twitter.

Pogo's Successful Knee-Chip Surgery

Pogomeister, an adorable three-year-old gelding, had blazing speed in his workouts at the track. But in his very first race, he chipped his knee, ending his racing career. His breeder donated him to LOPE soon after, hoping we could find him a new, less strenuous job. Pogo was the perfect candidate for our Homestretch Heroes program.

When Dr. JoLynn Joyce, the equine surgeon at Austin Equine Associates (LOPE’s veterinary sponsor), heard about Pogo’s knee, she and Austin Equine Associates generously sponsored a surgery to remove his knee chips.

Pogo’s surgery took place in Austin Equine’s new surgery clinic in Driftwood, where he received top-notch care in a brand-new, fully modern operating room.

Pogo’s chips were removed in January. After six weeks of stall rest and daily handwalking, Pogo is 100% sound. In another week, he’ll be ready to start back into light work. Thanks to Dr. Joyce and Austin Equine Associates, Pogo now has many more career options available.

If you are interested in learning more about how to adopt Pogo, please visit LOPE’s adoption page.

Austin Equine Associates' New Surgery Clinic

LOPE’s veterinary sponsors, Austin Equine Associates, just opened a beautiful, state-of-the-art clinic and surgery center in Driftwood, TX! And Dr. JoLynn Joyce, an equine surgeon, has joined the practice as well.

Austin Equine Associates already sponsors LOPE for vet care, giving the LOPE horses a hefty discount on any care they may need. Austin Equine makes a huge difference to all the LOPE horses, but especially the ones with long-term rehab needs.

So, imagine our surprise and gratitude when Dr. Joyce told us that she would like to help LOPE with discounted equine surgeries! We see so many horses with knee and ankle chips -- but have rarely had the means to give these horses chip removal surgeries.

Thanks to Austin Equine Associates and Dr. Joyce, LOPE can now commit to chip removal procedures for a few special horses each year!

And the first horse has just arrived a few days ago too -- details coming soon...

Austin Equine Associates

Today I had to give some new horses their vaccinations here. Which made me think of Dr. Damon O'Gan and Dr. Matt Evans, our terrific vets at Austin Equine Associates. They have been the LOPE Ranch vets since 2004 and have been not only great vets but also wonderful teachers.

See, I used to be really squeamish – about everything. I couldn’t even give shots! One day, when our 6-month vaccinations were due, Dr. O'Gan came out and personally taught me how to give the injections properly. He was so patient with me, as I ineptly wielded the syringes – I'd flinch with each shot, afraid I’d poke myself or the horse in the eye. But by the fifth horse, I relaxed and was able to copy Dr. O'Gan's technique - and by the eighth horse, I wasn't even the slightest bit squeamish.

So my vaccination chores today were no big deal – thanks to Austin Equine Associates.

I’ve also learned a ton about diagnostics from Dr. O'Gan and Dr. Evans. Since they have a digital X-ray machine (and are completely mobile), they have the ability to come to the farm, X-ray a horse, and show me the X-ray right there on their laptop. This allows me to view the X-rays right along with them as they explain in detail what it reveals. We get so many horses donated here with injuries like slab fractures, sesamoid issues and ankle chips – it’s been fascinating to be part of their rehab process.

One of the new horses here, Vienna Circle, has an old knee injury – he had chips removed years ago, but arthritis has set in. His knee is sore and needs rest – and will soon be X-rayed and assessed. You can learn more about Vienna Circle on our adoption page.

And we might have a horse coming in a few weeks who fractured his cannon bone several months ago – his race owners paid for expensive surgery to put pins and plates in his leg – just so he could have a chance at being a riding horse. He would be our most complex fracture case here – although the surgery was done several months ago, he'll need a detailed examination and a carefully structured "return to light work" plan.

Thanks to Austin Equine Associates, we can give horses like this a chance.