AROUND THE EQUINE CENTER10As Dr. Stephanie Valberg discusses how trainingaffects muscles, Legend displays his paintedmuscles on the high-speed treadmill.Piper Clinic Trainer Seriesexpected to be annual eventThe first Piper Clinic Trainer Series wassponsored by the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Minnesota</strong><strong>Equine</strong> Center and Nutrena in Februaryand March. The five-week programfeatured hands-on demonstrations andlectures by board-certified veterinariansfrom the <strong>Equine</strong> Center.At the kick-<strong>of</strong>f session, Dr. StephanieValberg discussed how different musclesare used during exercise and how trainingaffects muscles. Participants then sawthese muscles in action with the help<strong>of</strong> Legend, who displayed his paintedmuscles on the high-speed treadmill.Other topics included “Advances in UpperAirway Diagnostics,” presented byDr. Anne Nicholson, “Tendon Injuries andTreatments, ” presented by Dr. NicolasErnst, “Treating Arthritis in Horses” and“Advances in Gait Analysis,” presentedby Dr. Troy Trumble, and “RehabilitationTherapies and the Aquapacer,” presentedby Dr. Anna Firshman. Each sessionincluded a demonstration <strong>of</strong> state-<strong>of</strong>-theartdiagnostic and research equipment atthe Leatherdale <strong>Equine</strong> Center, includinga live upper airway examination, palpationand ultrasound <strong>of</strong> tendons, use <strong>of</strong> the gaitanalysis system, and a workout in theunderwater treadmill. Nutritionists fromNutrena provided information related toeach topic.The series is expected to become anannual event. To see pictures from thePiper Clinic Trainer Series, visitwww.cvm.umn.edu/umec/trainerseries.Horsemanship CampSummer <strong>2011</strong> marks the fourth year<strong>of</strong> the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Minnesota</strong> <strong>Equine</strong>Center’s Horsemanship summer camp inpartnership with Kids’ <strong>University</strong>. Therewill be four weeks <strong>of</strong> camp, with oneweek designed for older teens focusing oncareers with horses. The other three weeks<strong>of</strong> camp will teach older children andyoung teens the basics <strong>of</strong> horsemanship,including skills on the ground. Thisprogram will also explore signs <strong>of</strong> healthproblems and safety around horses. Formore information and to register, visithttp://recsports.umn.edu/youth/kidsu.Trainer’s challengeFor the past three years, <strong>Minnesota</strong>Hooved Animal Rescue has invitedtrainers from across <strong>Minnesota</strong> to apply totake on the truly challenging student: theunbroken horse with an unfortunate past.<strong>Minnesota</strong> Hooved Animal Rescue takesin neglected and unwanted horses andfinds them new homes when possible. It ishard to re-home the unhandled horse; thisis where area trainers come to the rescue!Every year, they have the chance to workwith an unhandled horse and turn thehorse into a life partner for a rider in only120 days. This challenge culminates witha competition where they can show <strong>of</strong>ftheir accomplishments. The event is heldeach year at the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Minnesota</strong><strong>Equine</strong> Center. In 2010, approximately300 spectators attended to cheer ontheir favorite horses. The champion wasSullivan, trained by Cassie <strong>Spring</strong>er,with a tie for reserve champion betweenRioja, trained by TJ Clibbon, and Weebay,trained by Sid Zacharias. The FourthAnnual Trainer’s Challenge will be heldat the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Minnesota</strong> <strong>Equine</strong>Center on Saturday, August 13, <strong>2011</strong>. Formore information, visitwww.mnhoovedanimalrescue.org.Refuge Farms GalaNovember 2010 marked the second yearfor the Refuge Farms’ Fall Gala at the<strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Minnesota</strong> <strong>Equine</strong> Center.Refuge Farms is a nonpr<strong>of</strong>it organizationthat focuses on providing hospice-typecare for horses. This year’s Fall Gala andAuction will be held on November 5,<strong>2011</strong>. For more information, seewww.refugefarms.org.Upcoming events atthe <strong>Equine</strong> CenterWestern Dressage ClinicMay-7-8, <strong>2011</strong>Featuring Randy Byers, a JohnLyons-certified trainer, this clinicwill teach participants cues andtechniques for controlling their horsefrom the ground and the saddle.The John Lyons discipline is newlyrecognized by the United StatesEquestrian Federation and is allabout teaching dressage elementsto western horses in western tack.Midwest Western Dressage is workingto bring recognition and a <strong>Minnesota</strong>presence to this discipline. The clinicis expected to have all rider slots filledby time <strong>of</strong> publication, but auditorsare welcome. Learn more athttp://midwestwesterndressage.com.Horsemanship campJuly 11-15, July 18-22, July 25-29Fourth Annual Trainer’s ChallengeAugust 13, <strong>2011</strong>Debbie McDonald Dressage ClinicOctober 1-2, <strong>2011</strong>Nearly 100 spectators, volunteers, andriders are expected to attend this clinichosted by the Central States Dressageand Eventing Association (CSDEA).Debbie McDonald has representedthe United States at multiple Olympicand World Cup events and is knownfor her partnership with the 2005Farnam/Platinum United StatesEquestrian Federation (USEF) Horse<strong>of</strong> the Year, Brentina.In 2010, Debbiewas named theUSEF’s DevelopingDressage Coach.Eight riders will beinvited to participatein this two-dayclinic. Interested inriding, auditing, orsponsoring? ContactMindy Lenz, CSDEA,at Melinda.lenz@toro.com. om.Refuge Farms Fall GalaNovember 5, <strong>2011</strong>
AROUND THE EQUINE CENTERDudley BarnopensDecember 2010 saw the opening <strong>of</strong> the brand new Dudley Barn at the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Minnesota</strong> <strong>Equine</strong> Center. This 14-stallfacility serves many purposes. It houses horses for outside events such as clinics, small shows, and fundraisers that alsoutilize the spacious Barenscheer Arena at the Leatherdale <strong>Equine</strong> Center. In the five months since the Dudley Barn hasopened, interest in the Leatherdale <strong>Equine</strong> Center as an event venue has increased, and this space has made several <strong>2011</strong> eventspossible.The Dudley barn currently houses the We Can Ride horses and two horses available to the <strong>College</strong> for multiple purposes, Mr. Perfectand Legend. Legend recently demonstrated his painted muscles while exercising on the treadmill for horse trainers participating in thePiper Clinic Trainer’s Series.The Dudley Barn was made possible by William and Jane Dudley, Randy and Sarah Hogan, Karen Rylander, and the <strong>Minnesota</strong> HorseCouncil.11
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