SIGN IN YOUR ACCOUNT TO HAVE ACCESS TO DIFFERENT FEATURES

FORGOT YOUR PASSWORD?

FORGOT YOUR DETAILS?

AAH, WAIT, I REMEMBER NOW!

Sidelines MagazineSidelines Magazine

  • LOGIN
  • Home
  • Current Issue
  • Subscriptions
    • Flipbook
    • Subscribe Options
    • Order Individual & Back Issues
  • Podcast
  • Marketplace
    • Business Ads
    • Directories
      • Barns, Farms, Trainers & Clubs
      • Equestrian Services
      • Real Estate
      • Stallions
      • Tack & Feed Stores
    • Classifieds
    • Horse Trailers for Sale
  • Advertise
  • Blogs
    • Show World
    • What’s Happenin’
  • Partners
  • Contacts
    • Contacts
    • Employment
1
Monday, July 11 2022 / Published in Sidelines Spotlight

The Importance of Being Proactive

By George Williams

 

 

Rumors of photographers lurking in the trees taking pictures of the warm-up spread quickly at a major competition in France last month. Our riders are not used to that kind of unfriendly scrutiny and it was easy for them to be distracted, causing them to become immediately suspicious of individuals occasionally snapping a photo. In some ways, it was a rude awakening; or perhaps, a reality check to the challenges dressage and all equestrian sports face and will continue to face in the future.

 

It’s up to those of us actively involved in equestrian sports to be proactive. We will not be successful by directly confronting those who are opposed to what we do. Rather, we must do some soul searching, self-evaluate and be willing to step forward when we see things that are wrong.

 

I was delighted to see that two different important initiatives were recently announced in the international equestrian press. While they seem to be approaching it from different angles, they both are looking at the welfare of the horse and the sustainability of equestrian sports in a changing world. In this country, we might not be as confronted by organized groups opposed to the use of horses in sport as in Europe, but our day may come. Now is the time we need to dot our i’s and cross our t’s.

 

A press release from the European Equestrian Federation (EEF) dated May 25, 2022, puts it this way: “The EEF is excited to announce a new partnership with the Sporthorse Welfare Foundation. The foundation is an international research group committed to enhancing horse health, performance and welfare, and improving horse-rider relationships through high-quality and inclusive research, education and increasing understanding.

 

“The EEF will be working on a specific research project to find consensus about what the essential aspects of sport horse management and training are to safeguard the welfare of the sport horses involved. Ultimately, working towards creating clear guidelines and advice to bring a global standard for sport horse welfare.”

 

Two different initiatives were recently announced and are looking at the welfare of the horse and the sustainability of equestrian sports in a changing world.

Photo by Melissa Fuller

 

 

On June 2nd, the FEI announced it is launching a similar project. In their press release, FEI President Ingmar De Vos explained, “The FEI has formed an independent Commission to develop a practical framework that will allow the International Federation to address current and future concerns related to the use of horses in sport.

 

“In our industry, Social License to Operate (SLO) is the term given to society’s acceptance of the practice of equestrian sport and all its related activities. Equestrian sport and the FEI’s activities are more than ever under public scrutiny and through the Commission we want to embrace that scrutiny to drive change and shine the spotlight on our number one stakeholder—the horse.”

 

Both initiatives have called upon an impressive group of experts to help in their studies. The U.S. has a representative on each. On the FEI initiative is Dr. Camie Heleski as an external expert. She is a senior lecturer at the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment with the University of Kentucky. According to The Horse magazine, “Her applied research interests include equine behavior and welfare, horse-human interactions, and working equids in the world’s developing regions. Her equine research and outreach efforts have taken her to Brazil, Mexico, Honduras, Egypt and Mali.”

 

On the EEF and Sporthorse Welfare Foundation project is Prof. Hilary Clayton, Ph.D. She is currently with Sport Horse Ltd as a researcher and equine consultant. Dr. Clayton is well known for what The Horse describes as her “innovative research in the areas of equine biomechanics, conditioning programs for equine athletes and the interaction between rider, tack and horse. She has written seven books and over 250 scientific articles on these topics.” Many United States Dressage Federation members are familiar with her work, as she has been a popular presenter at the USDF Annual Meetings over the years.

 

I was glad to see that there is U.S. representation, for it’s important that there is on projects such as these; not that they are there to represent U.S. interest, but simply by living and working here they at least innately bring a U.S. perspective.

 

Although the future is always a little uncertain, long-term strategic planning is still crucial. We have to be looking ahead; someone will always find something wrong with what we do. However, our goal should be to work in a manner that removes as many legitimate complaints as possible and be able to point to the benefits to both humans and horses.

 

FEI President Ingmar De Vos summed it up nicely in the FEI release. “This is our duty as the governing body responsible for equestrian sport, and this is why we have set up this important and independent Commission to allow us to move forward with a course of action that will strengthen equestrian’s place in society.”

 

While it challenges us, I like his forward thinking.

Double D Trailers Info

Tagged under: dressage, equestrian, george williams, horse welfare, photographers

What you can read next

Nick Haness — California Born and Bred
Unbridled with Bev Bedard
In the Heart of Texas — A Talented Team Teaches Dancing on Horseback

Download Sidelines Digital now from your favorite app store!

Sidelines Magazine - Apple store   Sidelines Magazine - Google Play store   Sidelines Magazine - Amazon store
Update iOS app. Re-download Google Play and Amazon app.

Follow on Instagram!

sidelines_magazine

Sidelines Magazine
Jan Lukens has always felt blessed to be an artist Jan Lukens has always felt blessed to be an artist, turning his observations into works of art, but it hasn't always been easy. “My biggest challenge starting out was fitting in to the equestrian world as an artist, not a rider. Although I spent the better part of two decades exhibiting 15 weeks a year at national horse shows, there’s a massive 
difference between an artist who paints horses and someone who has been climbing into the saddle since they were 5 years old, surrounded by all aspects of the horse 
world.”

A prolific painter working mainly in oils, Jan’s original and commissioned works of art hang in the collections of the likes of individual gold medalist Joe Fargis and Rodrigo Pessoa, as well as many other Olympians and owners. One of the most influential 
moments in Jan’s career was in 2014, when Ralph Lauren acquired two of his equestrian paintings. “I was still recovering from the 2008 recession at that time. There  is a unique part of a painter’s reputation that is based on who has purchased or commissioned his art, and when I promoted that sale, my phone didn’t stop ringing for a 
year and a half.”
For more information visit janlukens.com

Read Jan’s full article at the link in our bio. And never miss an article by subscribing to Sidelines Magazine! 

 #Sidelines #sidelines2023 #sidelinesmagazine #magazine #forhorsepeople #abouthorsepeople
Calling all trainers and professional riders! St Calling all trainers and professional riders! 

Struggling to keep up with your social media and the barn? Reel editing got you overwhelmed? Is your #Hashtag - trending audio - sponsor tagging being neglected? 

Entrigue specializes in equestrian social media and rider management! We help equestrians handle the daily posting to Instagram and Facebook, handle boosting and engagement ads, and can help trainers and barns maximize their sponsorships, keep websites up to date, and PR! Your barn is a business too and as a rider or barn your digital hoof print counts!

@entrigue_marketing 

#equestrian #sponsoredrider #socialmedia #equestrianmarketing #equestrianreels #horsesofinstagram
Yay for June! We have another great edition for yo Yay for June! We have another great edition for you all that we can't wait for you to read. Up first are Evan and Ashley Donadt a dynamic duo that has won the hearts of many! Stay tuned for many great stories like this by following us on Instagram and Facebook or subscribing to get your very own copy of Sidelines Magazine!

What happens when a horse-crazy equestrian girl meets a never-touched-a-horse-before guy? If you’re Ashley and Evan Donadt, it might just be the beginning of a happily-ever-after that includes a solid dressage program and extremely popular social media channels featuring good-natured humor and horses.

Ashley, a lifelong equestrian, began her horse experiences with the local 4-H club, progressed to lessons with the local dressage trainer when she was 10, then her own pony when she was 11. Conversely, Evan grew up in Massachusetts, without any horse experience to speak of. The odds of them meeting were fairly low, until fate landed them both in Southern California.

Evan knew from the start that spending time with Ashley meant spending time at the barn. In fact, Ashley told him straightaway, “The horses come first always; you’re going to be second!” Evan wasn’t deterred, and instead found the loophole: spending all his own free time with her at the barn.

Read Ashley and Evan's full article in this month's edition of Sidelines Magazine! You can also click the link in our bio. Don't forget to subscribe to get your very own copy delivered right to your door! Thank you Evan and Ashley for allowing us to share your story!
📸Portraits by Jeni Jo Brunner

#sidelinesmagazine #sidelines2023 #forhorsepeople #abouthorsepeople
As we head into June we wrap up our May women entr As we head into June we wrap up our May women entrepreneur, edition. We were so lucky to be able to feature so many amazing women within the Horse industry. We have one more to share with you, and if you missed any of the women entrepreneur stories head to our website for all of our past issues! Enjoy! 

Hurry Up and Wait” is a familiar saying at hunter-jumper competitions. Unlike other disciplines, where 
riders are assigned specific ride times, hunter-jumper riders typically must check in with the starter at 
the in-gate throughout the day to determine when they will show. In 2019, Emma Fass decided to put 
her computer science background to use in the show industry and created RingSide Pro to allow riders 
to be “ringside” wherever they are.
Throughout high school, Emma competed at horses shows on her horse Son Of A Sailor, aka Ernie, 
oftentimes trailering Ernie into the show for the day with her mom. “That was stressful because we 
didn’t know how the show was running until we got there. Even once we were on the show grounds, we 
struggled to find information. It’s a hike to the rings and the speakers in the barns tend to be 
unreliable,” Emma said. “I would think to myself, There’s got to be a better way.”

For more information, visit www.ringsidepro.com

Read Emma’s full story at sidelinesmagazine.com, and never miss an edition of Sidelines magazine by subscribing. 

@ringsideproinsta @emmafass 
📸Photos by Kirsten Konopnicki, kkonophoto #Sidelines #sidelines2023 #sidelinesmagazine #magazine #forhorsepeople #abouthorsepeople
Load More... Follow on Instagram

From Our Classifieds Ads

  • Pamela Jensen PHOTOGRAPHY
    Horses, Hounds, and Houses Capturing moments. | Creating tangible memories. Pamela Jensen | Owner www.PamJensenPhotography.com PamJPhotography@gmail.com | 910-528-1840 Follow me on @pamjphotography

    [Read more]

  • RAUSCHENBACH TACK SHOP
    Exclusive retailer ÉCE Equestrian Quality Custom Wear for Horse & Rider Hits Saugerties May-September mlucci@aol.com www.rauschenbachtackshop.com

    [Read more]

Sidelines Articles by Email

Subscribe to Sidelines Magazine Articles by Email

RSS Sidelines Blogs: What’s Happenin’

  • Woodside Recognizes the Best in the West
  • Get More for Your Money with an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage
  • Longines Global Champions Tour of New York Returns to Governors Island

RSS Sidelines Blogs: Show World

  • Conor Swail Was the Best Bet in $15,000 CSI2* Markel Insurance Welcome at San Juan Capistrano International
  • Lillie Keenan Leads in CHF68,000 South Coast Plaza Welcome Speed at San Juan Capistrano International CSIO5*
  • McLain Ward Wins CSIO5* Longines Grand Prix at San Juan Capistrano International

Category

Recent Posts

  • June 2023 – Table of Contents

    Subscribe for just $9.95 or Order Individual Is...
  • Kayden Muller-Janssen: Equestrian Royalty to Disney Star

    By Kimberly Gatto   For every little girl ...
  • Kelly Prather: An Eventing Journey Around the World

    By Tafra Donberger   Sisters are often at ...
  • Lauren Pileggi Friga & Show The Bows: From Puppy Woes to Smiles and Bows

    By Jan Westmark Bauer   Lauren Pileggi Fri...
  • Kate at the In Gate: Busy With Photography, Riding and a New Direction

    By Jan Westmark Bauer   Kate Kosnoff, bett...

Copyright © 1987 - 2021 Sidelines Magazine
Privacy Policy · Returns & Refunds Policy · Hosting by Lucian Web Service
· Login

TOP
Get the Sidelines Scoop — your weekly look behind the scenes.Sign me up!