Equine Athlete Veterinary Services

The summer show season is upon us! And while it brings longer days and time for more shows, it also brings warmer weather and its own set of challenges for you and your horses. Before everyone gets bogged down by the heat, let’s take some time to revisit some common problems show horses encounter during the hotter months of the year and, more importantly, what you can do to prevent them.

As with any show environment, proper sports medicine preparation is paramount. We recommend having your horse regularly evaluated by a veterinarian during show season. This will allow you to stay ahead of any impending lameness issues which could become problematic under the different training and footing conditions at a show. Hot weather can present additional risks to the horse which you can help prevent with your trainer and veterinarian ahead of time. The two most common clinical problems we see at summer horse shows are colic and shipping fever. Though this article will be discussing how you can prevent and treat them during your summer show season, we encourage you to employ these strategies year round.

Colic, which is described as the outward clinical symptoms due to abdominal pain, can be caused by many different factors including the following three common culprits: dehydration, a change in diet, and stress. Since the show environment often exacerbates these factors, particularly in the summer, it is common to see colic at horse shows. Even in a perfect management scheme, horses can still experience colic; unfortunately, the design of their GI tract lends itself to colic far too easily. There are several specific diagnoses related to colic in horses. The most common are gastritis/equine gastric ulcer syndrome, gas or spasmodic colic, impaction colic, mechanical obstruction, functional obstruction, and displacement. Although these are quite variable, many episodes of colic are started by the three factors listed above and then progress to something more severe. There are several key steps you can take to mitigate these factors and decrease the odds of your horse experiencing colic this summer.

We mentioned that dehydration is one of the key factors that lead to colic. Making sure your horse is well hydrated before hauling and during the trip so that there is less "catching up" to do upon arrival is one way you can stay ahead of dehydration. This can be easier said than done as some horses don’t drink very well while traveling. You can encourage a horse to drink by adding a daily electrolyte powder supplement in their feed 3-5 days before leaving and continuing through the show and trip home. Alternatively, you can administer an electrolyte paste starting 2-3 days before leaving and continuing daily. A commonly used brand that we find effective is Summer Games, but there are many great choices. A salt lick in the stall or feed trough also helps keep the horse drinking well year-round. On longer trips, some horses seem to do better if they are administered water, electrolytes, and a small amount of mineral oil via a nasogastric tube by your veterinarian prior to hauling. Be sure to offer water at each stop along the way and when the horse arrives. Some horses do not like the taste of new water at different venues, and you might choose to offer water mixed with apple juice or Gatorade to help encourage them to drink better. If you do this, always make sure to hang a second bucket of plain water as not all horses like flavored water.

Another common way horses colic is an abrupt change in diet. Most horses travel with enough of their own concentrate to last throughout the show or purchase more of the same concentrate at the show as it is often commercially available everywhere. But since many shows are quite long, it is often impractical to haul enough hay for your horse, especially if you’re in a large group. So, sometimes you will have to change the hay portion of your horse’s diet at shows. Something as common as a slight change in hay can stress a horse’s delicate GI tract which can lead to colic. However, if the transition to the new hay is done slowly, the GI tract usually has time to adjust to the new hay and colic can be prevented. In order to ease the transition, start folding the new hay in slowly with the hay brought along on the trip so the change is less abrupt. Coastal Bermuda hay is very common in the southern United States and is actually a good nutritional hay, but it can be difficult for horses to get used to it. Bermuda can be fine-stemmed which can have a tendency to bunch together and cause impactions, particularly in horses that are not already used to eating it. Grass hays such as timothy, oats, or alfalfa mixes are easier to digest. A small amount of alfalfa has a lubricating effect on the GI tract and can be useful at shows as well. But it is a richer hay and your horse may have other medical conditions precluding its use in their diet, so check with your veterinarian and trainer.

Stress manifests itself in different ways in horses, and gastric ulcers is a very common symptom of stress. Gastroprotectants are particularly useful in show horses since a large percentage of them have at least a minor amount of gastric upset during hauling and showing. Omeprazole, found in Gastrogard and Ulcergard, is made up of proton pump blockers that reduce the production of acid in the stomach. This is doubly effective as it heals ulcers that are already present and helps prevent new ones from forming. Pump blockers must be started three days before hauling since they are absorbed in the small intestine and work through the bloodstream. H2 blockers like ranitidine and cimetidine are also effective as they block acid production at the receptor in the stomach. So they work more quickly, but require more frequent dosing. Gastric coating agents like sucralfate have value in blocking the effects of the acid splashing on the upper, more sensitive portion of the stomach, but the effect is short-lived (60-90 minutes). Gastric buffers such as Maalox or Neigh-lox, are very effective, but they should never be used in a horse that is not on a proton pump blocker because of a phenomenon called the Rebound Effect. Because they are so effective at buffering the acid and raising the pH of the stomach, the stomach reacts by pouring in massive amounts of acid to get the pH back down for digestion. If the horse isn’t on a proton pump blocker, this happens after the buffer has already left the stomach, and the effect is quite painful if ulcers are present.

The stress of hauling can also manifest in another way, which brings us to our other most common clinical problem seen at shows: shipping fever. Shipping fever is a condition that is aptly named; horses commonly develop a fever after hauling a long distance or upon arrival in a new environment. The two main reasons for this are bacterial pneumonia from airborne debris and particulate matter and exposure to a viral pneumonia agent such as the equine herpes virus or equine influenza. Horses have a long trachea, and the ciliary process that helps them clear mucous and debris from their lungs and airway is not very efficient. They really need the ability to lower their head to help clear their airway. Long trailer rides with their heads tied up make this difficult. Compounding this issue is dry bedding containing urine or manure and hay that swirls around in the trailer and becomes inhaled as well as drier dustier conditions during the summer at show grounds. If some of this dust contains bacteria and settles in the lungs without being cleared out, it can set up an infection. Likewise, exposure to viral agents in new environments around new horses can lead to infection. This pneumonia leads to fever and systemic illness, loss of appetite, depression, increased respiratory rate, and sometimes coughing. Since the fever is often the first sign, this condition has been dubbed "shipping fever".

It is a good idea to check temperatures upon arrival and call a veterinarian to treat early if any abnormality exists. If the pneumonia is not caught and treated early, it can lead to a very serious and difficult to treat condition called pleuropneumonia which is an infection outside the lungs but inside the chest cavity. In most of those cases the horse will not get to show, they will require hospitalization and longer term treatment, and will have to stay after the show until they are healthy enough to haul home.

Prevention strategies for bacterial pneumonia shipping fever include decreasing exposure to dust by using larger shavings as bedding, wetting hay, allowing horses to lower their head while hauling, and feeding on the ground when possible. Immune stimulants, discussed later, can also help. The chances of viral pneumonia can also be decreased by adequate vaccination. The USEF has a new requirement that all horses vaccinated for influenza and rhino (equine herpes virus) within the 6 months prior to showing. This new policy has been created in an effort to decrease exposure to these pathogens when horses are commingled at shows. In order for these to be effective, they have to be given at least twice yearly requiring an initial vaccine and then a booster to achieve adequate systemic immunity. We have found that the intranasal product called Flu-Avert is also effective. It incites a local nasal immunity to these pathogens almost immediately and for a short-term period of several weeks after administration, even without a booster, and it can be an added layer of protection. Immune stimulants given as a series at least a week prior to hauling have been effective at decreasing illness, at least anecdotally. Your veterinarian can advise to the appropriate product based on your horse and availability. Products like Eq-Stim and Zylexis are given as a series of shots to help boost the immunity of the horse and make them more effective at fighting off infection.

Using a few simple strategies outlined above such as keeping your horse well-hydrated, easing the transition to new hay, modifying your hauling techniques, and administering some preventative gastroprotectant, vaccination, and immunostimulation strategies prior to hauling can help keep your horse healthier at shows, especially during the summer. These small investments of finances and effort far outweigh the potential negative consequences including potentially compromising the horse's health, the finances involved with treating a sick horse, financial loss and disappointment of having to withdrawing from the show. Hopefully, by using the strategies provided above, you and your horses will have a healthy and successful show season. We hope you have a fun and safe summer and enjoy your Arabian and Half-Arabian show horses!

An annual occurrence in the third week of April, National Volunteer Week is dedicated to recognizing, celebrating, and showcasing those who serve their communities in a variety of ways. This year, AHA Regional Directors submitted volunteers from their region who go above and beyond to promote the Arabian breed within their local communities.

Mimi Gaffey

Region 1

Mimi Gaffey is a past director, longtime volunteer, and supporter of the Arabian horse! We appreciate all that Mimi does to promote the Arabian breed within her community.

Meaghan Shaffer

Region 2

Meaghan Shaffer is an active volunteer within Region 2's San Fernando Valley. Region 2 Director Nancy Goertzen says, "Meaghan has been instrumental in getting San Fernando back on it's feet and putting on lots of event, including an overnight horse camping trip!"

Marci Cunningham

Region 2

Marci Cunningham is an avid volunteer within Region 2 and the Endurance Riding community. Region 2 Director Nancy Goertzen says, "She spearheads the Region 2 Endurance Challenge and the Region 2 Championship Endurance Ride. People in the Endurance community appreciate all her hard work and dedication, as do I."

Lisa Kolke

Region 4

Lisa Kolke is known as a 'Volunteer Extraordinaire'! Region 4 Director Julie Hedden says, "My motto for here has always been if there's a will, she will find a way!" We appreciate all that Lisa does to promote the Arabian breed within her community.

Cassie Richard

Region 4

Cassie is reliable, dependable, and an all around fantastic volunteer! Region 4 Director Julie Hedden says, "When the call goes out for volunteers Cassie is always one of the first people willing to lend a hand."

Chris and Sonya Bickford

Region 4

Chris and Sonya Bickford are active volunteers within Region 4! Region 4 Director Julie Hedden says, "Chris Bickford and his wife Sonya have donated the most precious thing, their time and their talent, and I cannot thank them enough for all they have done and continue to do."

Barbara Tibbs

Region 5

Barbara Tibbs is an active member within Region 5, founding the Emerald Empire Club with her sister Laurie in 2020. Region 5 Director Carrie Olson commented, Barbara and her sister Laurie "saw a need for a grass roots club in their area. Barbara also produced an online virtual horse show series."

Laurie Tibbs

Region 5

A Region 5 member, Laurie Tibbs is a staunch advocate for the Arabian breed. Region 5 Director Carrie Olson says, "Laurie helped start the Emerald Empire Club along with her sister. She is active in breed awareness and promotion in Region 5. Their efforts have truly been outstanding."

Melissa Townsend (left)

Region 6

Melissa is a member of Montana Arabian Horse Association, bringing enthusiasm and energy to the club. Region 6 Director Nancy Rohde says, "Region 6 and MAHA send a heartfelt thank you to Melissa for her dedication to the club, the region, and the Arabian horse."

Roz Gilbert

Region 10

Roz Gilbert is an active member and volunteer in Region 10. Region 10 Director Mary Smith says, "As a member of the Northern Minnesota Arabian Horse Association, she has served in various officer positions and as a Region 10 Delegate. She has managed our local horse show for many years as well."

Tracey Clement

Region 12

Tracey Clement is a Region 12 delegate, acting Region 12 Secretary, the VP of the Orlando Arabian Horse Clun, the Region 12 Youth BOD leader, and is actively involved in her 4H club. Region 12 Director Laurie Salmi says, "I absolutely could not function without her endless energy and support!" We appreciate everything Tracey does for the Arabian breed in her community!

Lu Ann Hoffman

Region 15

Lu Ann Hoffman always brings her work gloves with her! Region 15 Director Cricket Gates says, "Lu Ann can be counted on to do the hard work at Pennsylvania AHA and Region 15 events."

Meet an Arabian Horse Month, a celebration dedicated to the sharing, promotion, and education of the Arabian breed, is returning in May of 2022! Meet an Arabian Horse Month has something for everyone, from virtual to in-person participation.

The AHA is encouraging Discovery Farms, lesson programs, and clubs to host their own Meet an Arabian Horse Events within their local communities. New this year, event hosts can register their Meet an Arabian Horse Event on the AHA website. Watch the Event Registration Tutorial to register your event. Registered events will be listed publicly on the AHA Event Calendar. Promotional materials are available to be shipped upon request.

For virtual participation, weekly themes associated with the education and promotion of the Arabian breed will be shared throughout May. We encourage everyone to participate virtually by posting, sharing, and following along with the weekly themes. Use the hashtag #MeetAnArabianHorse on your social media posts for a chance to be featured! Follow AHA on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Tik Tok to stay current on all Meet an Arabian Horse Month news and trends.

Lastly, if you have photo and video content that you would like to share with AHA for Meet an Arabian Horse Month, please submit items to marketing@arabianhorses.org. Submitted content will be featured throughout May on AHA social media platforms.

Hippology contests are a great way to introduce and educate youth about the Equine Industry. Covering topics that range from equine care to specific disciplines, competitors will need a wide range of knowledge to be successful at the National level.

Preparing and studying for a hippology contest is no easy task. Let’s look at the resources necessary to prepare a team for the Arabian Horse National Hippology Contest.

Horse Industry Handbook - A great all-encompassing resource. Chapters cover everything from reproduction to nutrition, barn safety to horse business management. This resource is a compilation of over 200 national professionals in the equine industry. This is an amazing resource for all things equine. A must have when preparing a hippology team.

Horse Smarts - Packed full of information, this resource provides interactive activities that help students retain information. Horse Smarts is excellent for using during meetings to help create activities where youth can learn and study together.

Equine Science - This all encompassing book simplifies all things equine. It takes most of the large topics covered in the previous two resources and simplifies the information while providing introductory vocabulary. This resource is a great way to focus on overarching themes.

Arabian Horse Promotional Materials - The Arabian Horse Association (AHA) has produced a variety of promotional materials. AHA can send you a guidebook, that talks about the history of the breed, disciplines, and more. Plus, learn more about the anatomy and features of the Arabian breed with AHA's Ideal Breed Poster.

Illustrated Dictionary of Equine Terms - This resource is all about terms. If you want to mix up your practice and focus on terminology this is the go-to book. It even provides illustrations to help you learn key words.

The Coloring Atlas of Horse Anatomy - Do you have some interactive learners? This book is great for those who process visually or actively. This book goes over all parts of anatomy and is created so you can color all the different elements in each section. This is an amazing visual resource.

US Equestrian Rulebook - AR Arabian, Half-Arabian and Anglo-Arabian Division – Specific to the Arabian horse, this is AHA's rulebook that provides all rules pertaining to shows.

Native Costume Parts – Unique to the Arabian horse is the Native Costume Class! Make sure your team knows the components of the costume for this contest!

For more information about youth activities and contests go to www.arabianhorses.org/youth. If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us at youth@arabianhorses.org.

Learn how to make your Arabian Horse registration as simple and straight forward as possible! Most registrations are quick and easy, but there are a few things you can do to assure an efficient registration process.

Complete Markings One of the most common things that hold up registrations is incomplete or missing markings. It's helpful to have pictures of your horse’s markings on hand when you complete the Registration Application.

Name Choices Have a few name options, just in case the one you want has already been used. Names choices must be no more than 21 letters/spaces and four parts or less. You can give us a call (303-696-4500 Option 2) or use ,DataSource to check that the name you want is available!

Transported/Stored Semen Certificates Any horses bred using transported, stored, or frozen semen must have a Transported/Stored Semen Certificate sent in with the Registration Application. Make sure that sire has a Transported/Stored Semen Permit on file. Talk with the sire owner about the most efficient way to get a Transported/Stored Semen Certificate.

DNA Typing All Purebred Arabians and any Half-Arabians that are two years or older at the time of registration must be DNA tested so they can be parentage qualified to their purebred Arabian parent(s) for registration. Once you receive your DNA kit from AHA, pull the hair as soon as possible so your registration is not delayed! Do not cut the hair and be sure to check that the hair follicles are intact.

Keep Communication Lines Open! Signatures from the recorded owner of the dam at time of breeding and foaling and the recorded owner of the sire are required for all Registration Applications. Keeping communication open between you and the dam and sire owners will assure you get everything you need to complete your Arabian or Half-Arabian registration!

For more information on Registrations with the Arabian Horse Association, go to ,https://www.arabianhorses.org/registration. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to give us a call at (303) 696-4500, option 2 or email ,info@arabianhorses.org.

About the Author: Megan Corgan has been the Special Services Representative in Registry Services Department at the Arabian Horse Association for over 6 months now. She also travels to many AHA shows and serves as the Canadian Arabian Horse Registry Representative. Megan has a Bachelor’s in Equine Science and a Master’s in Animal Science from Colorado State University. She enjoys showing her horse, Autumn, in Versatility Ranch Horse and Cowhorse events!

ZEE MICHAELANGELO 'Mick' was the first Arabian horse to enter the CMSA (Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association) Futurity.

"I have to say I am pretty proud of my team. In 9 short months, my trainer Jared Penley took a purebred Arabian with Reined Cow Horse breeding [...] and remolded him into a high caliber shooting horse" says owner Melissa Shaner.

For every run, 'Mick' and Jared finished in the top five, with mere thousandths of a second separating each horse and rider pair. 'Mick' was a top ten finisher for Horse of the Year as well.

Melissa recounts, "Jared overcame one ammo malfunction pulling off a beautiful +11/2 lead change for a double shot, which brought the crowd to it's feet."

During the last run of the futurity, Jared experienced a chain fire that left the team with a 20 second penalty. Even with the penalty, Melissa looks back on the run with pride. "We took a young 4 year old Arabian horse and [...]put Mick against the CMSA's best young horses and their shooters. Now where we landed, we succeeded in doing what no one else had done before."

1. Use a Contract. Even if not required in your state, it is always a good idea to have a written sales contract signed by both parties stating the rights and duties of the buyer and seller. The contract allows the parties to have a written record of the horse that was agreed upon.

2. Get a Pre-Purchase Veterinary Exam. Always get a pre-purchase veterinary exam performed by your vet. It is also a good idea to drug test the horse during the pre-purchase to avoid deception from a dishonest seller.

3. Verify. Confirm the horse’s registration number and show record with the applicable breed association or equine organization.

4. Obtain a Second Opinion. Buying a horse is incredibly exciting. Try to take an experienced horse professional with you when looking at a horse. An objective horse professional will be able to tell you if the horse you’re looking at is a good fit for the rider in terms of temperament, physical abilities, and suitability for a particular event.

5. Take a Break. After looking at a horse, try to go look at other horses or take a short break from shopping altogether to give yourself time to reflect on whether a particular horse is right for you. If the seller consents, videotape the horse and watch the video a few days after you visited the horse. Doing so will allow you to look at the horse again without time constraints or pressure from the seller.

Kimbrell J. Hines is an active equestrian and an attorney with Williams Parker in Sarasota, Florida. She obtained her law degree and bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida, where she competed for the University of Florida Equestrian Team. She also has a Master of Science in Human Resource Management from the University of Tennessee. Kimbrell may be reached at khines@williamsparker.com or (941) 366-4800.

This article is provided as a guide for educational purposes only. It is not intended to serve as legal

advice and should not be used as a substitute for consultation with an attorney.

At your next visit to a barn or show, look around, and you will probably see at least one "WARNING" sign citing the state's equine law. Aside from Maryland and California, every state has an equine law. These laws limit the legal remedies for lawsuits seeking damages for horse-related injuries. Despite popular belief, most equine laws only offer limited protections, leaving many who do not take proper steps to protect themselves exposed to liability.

Unprotected Activities Contrary to popular belief, equine laws do not prevent horse owners and professionals from being sued. Instead, these laws provide a statutory defense that can be asserted by a defendant to a lawsuit. Even if successful with a statutory defense, defending a lawsuit can be stressful, time-consuming, and expensive. In some states, to be protected under the law, a horse owner or professional must obtain a written document with the law's warning notice clearly printed on it signed by the participant or post a sign stating the law in a visible location near the equine activity.

Additionally, many state equine laws exempt certain activities from their protections. Most state equine laws, do not provide protections if a horse owner or professional: · Acted carelessly about the safety of a participant; · Provided faulty tack or equipment; · Did not determine the ability of the participant in handling a particular horse; · Failed to warn someone of a dangerous condition; or

· Intentionally injured the participant.

For activities not covered under state law, horse owners and professionals should have appropriate insurance coverage and use a liability release agreement (commonly called a waiver).

Benefits of Equine Laws Although equine laws do not prohibit lawsuits or protect all activities, they do offer significant benefits. First, equine laws generally protect equine owners and professionals (including activity sponsors) from liability if an injury results from an "inherent risk" of horses. An inherent risk is a risk that is unavoidable, no matter how careful a person is.

Equine laws generally protect against inherent risks resulting from: · The likelihood of a horse behaving in a way that may cause injury, harm, or death to a person around it (examples: bucking, kicking, rearing, biting); · The unpredictability of a horse's reaction to sounds, sudden movement, people, other animals, unfamiliar objects, etc. (examples: horses spooking at plastic bags or the sign in the corner they walk past daily); · Hazards on the property (examples: holes in the arena or field, wet pavement); · Collisions with other equines or objects (examples: the crowded warm-up pen).

Second, equine laws provide a legal defense to negligence suits arising from horse related injuries based on the theory the injured person assumed the risk of choosing to be near horses. Negligence is the failure to take proper care in doing something. Equine laws recognize horses can be dangerous and involve risk, and no matter how careful someone may be, even the most gentle and well-trained horses are unpredictable. If the statutory defense is successfully asserted, the possible damages available to the person suing will be reduced and or even denied. Again, having a waiver provides additional support for the defense that the injured party accepted the risk.

The defense provided by equine laws discourage lawsuits. Attorneys representing those seeking compensation for horse related injuries generally work on contingency arrangements— meaning they get paid a percentage of the money their client wins. Attorneys

recognize the legal defense provided by the law as an obstacle to success. And even if successful, the available damages will most likely be reduced, which ultimately results in less attorney’s fees. Consequently, those seeking to file such suits, may find that to proceed they would have to, at a minimum, pay out of pocket for an attorney to take the case outside of a contingency arrangement. The legal defense offered by the statute often leads to earlier, and lower value settlements. Ultimately, lower defense costs, fewer lawsuits, and less expensive settlements result in less risk for insurance companies. Lower risks enhance insurance companies' willingness to write coverage, which lowers rates for the insured.

Practical Tips First and foremost, read your state’s equine law to become familiar with the scope of protected activities. Second, post a sign stating the law’s warning provision in a visible location near where the equine activity begins and obtain a written document with the law’s warning notice clearly printed on it signed by the participant. Although in some states, a horse owner or professional may use a signed written document in lieu of posting a sign with the equine law, it is always good to post a sign on the property in a visible place. Multiple warnings provide even more notice to participants that horses are dangerous and interacting with or near horses involves risk. Equine laws are no substitute for other risk-management practices. Create and maintain safe practices to reduce the likelihood of accidents. If an accident occurs, safe practices show you took proper care, and therefore are not responsible for the person’s injury. Obtain proper liability coverage for all equine activities. Finally, obtain a well-drafted waiver, and have legal counsel lined up to answer any questions that come up regarding your state’s equine law.

*** Kimbrell J. Hines is an active equestrian and an attorney with Williams Parker in Sarasota, Florida. She obtained her law degree and bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida, where she competed for the University of Florida Equestrian Team. She also has a Master of Science in Human Resource Management from the University of Tennessee. Kimbrell may be reached at khines@williamsparker.com or (941)552-5547.

*** This article is provided as a guide for educational purposes only. It is not intended to serve as legal advice and should not be used as a substitute for consultation with an attorney.

State Your Horse's Strengths Let the potential buyer know what your horse can do. Is it a show horse or endurance? Riding or halter, english or western? This will cut down on questions later. Be up front about what age group your horse would be suitable for. Is it beginner safe or does it need an advanced rider? Would an adult amateur be a good fit or would it be better for a younger rider?

Outline the Pedigree State the horse’s sire, dam, registered name, and age. Provide additional pedigree information if possible. If the horse has any major accomplishments, state them in the ad.

Display Quality Photos and Videos Provide a short video and include clear, flattering pictures. No one is going to want to buy a horse off of a poorly shot video. Your video footage should be clear and stable so that the viewer can see all gaits clearly.

Use Multiple Media Sources Post on multiple social media platforms and in different groups within those platforms. The more your ad is out there, the more likely your new buyer will be able to see it. If possible, list price or at least a price range. That will save you a lot of emails or messages asking for price.

AHA members can post classified ads for their horses by using AHA's Marketplace. Learn more here.

This blog is brought to you by the information provided by Denise Alvarez of Stormlily Marketing on the Arabian Horse Connection Podcast.

Social media can be intimidating. With the constantly changing trends, app features, and various platforms it can be hard to know how to get started or increase your online presence.

Before taking a dive into creating a social media page for your business, club, or Discovery Farm, ask yourself this essential question, ‘where is my audience already located?’ Meaning, what platform are the people you would like to serve currently using?

To find out what platform your audience may be utilizing, simply ask. If you already have a slew of clients, club members, or participants, take a quick word of mouth survey. You can even poll folks in your community who frequent your local feed store or equine businesses.

Once you have an idea of the social media platforms that your community uses, think about the platform that will work best for you and that you enjoy using. Picking a platform that you can commit to and one that you will be able to engage in will help your business in the long run.

Create Engaging Content

Content includes the video, picture, or text/caption that goes out on your platform. Creating content that people are excited about is an essential step towards increasing engagement. According to Denise Alvarez, engagement is a like, favorite, share, repost, comment, or view on a video.

Denise uses these three R’s to help her clients create engaging content.

Regular: Showing up regularly on social media will increase your visibility. Give your community an opportunity to engage with your content by posting regularly.

Relevant: Create and post content that relates to your business and the services you may offer. Think about what you are trying to sell, and how you can engage with your audience in a meaningful way to bring your message full circle.

Rich: Writing meaningful content that engages your audience with the story you are telling will be fruitful for your business.

For example, writing a caption like, ‘Had a great club meeting today!’ is okay because it is relevant to the services you offer as a club. However, you can level up this caption and engage your audience by writing content like this, ‘Having a community to share ideas with is one of our favorite things about our club. Last night’s meeting was a great way to connect and work on projects to move our club forward! You can find a list of meeting dates on our website. We hope to see you there!’

This caption is more meaningful and engages with your audience. It may even lead to more club memberships, as an audience member may be more likely to want to join.

Be Social

Remember that social media was created for the purpose of being social. Think about ways that you can engage in content created by others. By commenting on another user’s post, you are issuing an invitation for others to find your page.

Find pages and profiles where your dream clients are currently interacting and post a few comments or respond to create engagement. Make sure your comment is meaningful and more than one or two words. Remember, intention equals connection.

Use the Tools Available

There are multiple tools for engagement across different platforms. While this may seem overwhelming, it’s important to remember that it’s okay to choose one or two tools when you are first starting out.

For example, you may really enjoy Instagram’s Reels feature, but do not like using stories. That’s okay! Fuel your creativity and pour more of your passion into creating reels. Then, just post the Reels you create to your page’s story.

Get in On Facebook Groups

If you are a Facebook user, there is a high possibility that you are already a member of a group. You can use groups to your advantage by sharing educational material and answering questions. Sharing your knowledge within groups is a great way to instill trust in your audience. “People buy from people that they like and trust” says Denise Alvarez, so it’s important to primarily use Facebook groups to serve, rather than sell.

For those that are apart of clubs, it’s a great idea to start a private or public Facebook group for your club. This is a great way to build a community, provide information for members, and reach new members who may be interested in joining.

Plan Ahead

If you are feeling overwhelmed by the commitment surrounding social media, don’t worry! If you take time to plan ahead, the looming feeling of posting dread will dissipate. Set aside one day during the week where you can intentionally work on the content you would like to post, so you can be fully present when you host an event, club meeting, or Discovery Farm tour. You can use features available to you via the note’s app on your phone or even save your post to your drafts section on social media.

Whatever method you choose, taking the time to schedule your posts in advance will lead to less stress.

Bonus Tip: Remember Your Audience

In today’s world, it’s easy to think of ourselves first, especially with social media. When writing captions and drafting posts, think of the people that you would like to work with and how to connect with them. For example, instead of writing “I can introduce you to an Arabian Horse at my Discovery Farm,” write, “You will be able to experience the full scope of the Arabian breed when you make a visit to Discovery Acres Farm.” When you start your captions with a ‘you’ statement, you automatically create a connection with your audience members.

More Resources from Denise Alvarez

If you are interested in the services Denise provides at Stormlily Marketing,, click here. Find information becoming a Social Stride Member ,here. For more information, visit ,StormlilyMarketing.com.

Plus, listen to the ,How to Market Your Horse Business Podcast to receive insider tips on all things marketing.

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Two Ways to Participate

Individually

1. Sign up. Get the latest news for Meet an Arabian Horse Month here.

Follow AHA on social media

Facebook: @ArabianHorseAssociation Instagram: @arabianhorseassoc

2. Turn on Post Notifications. Weekly challenges will be announced every Sunday during the month of May. Turn on those post notifications so you don’t miss a moment! Unlock your creativity with each challenge by creating a video, story, or post. Learn how to turn on notifications for Instagram here and Facebook here.

3. Post and Participate! Document the completion of the challenge by posting to social media and using the hashtag #MeetAnArabianHorse or by emailing your submission to marketing@arabianhorses.org.

4. Enter to Win Prizes! Use the #MeetAnArabianHorse hashtag to be entered in the Weekly Giveaways!

As a Club or Discovery Farm

If you are an AHA Club or Discovery Farm this challenge is for you! A $500.00 payout will be awarded to the top five Discovery Farms and Clubs who enroll the most new AHA members, with the top Discovery Farm and Club receiving an additional marketing package prize. You may host multiple virtual or in person events for this challenge.

1. Enroll. Sign your club or Discovery Farm up for this challenge here.

2. Host and Post! Post your event to the AHA website through the AHA Event Calendar. You can find the tutorial here.

3. Utilize Resources. Did you know AHA has an event checklist curated just for Meet an Arabian Horse Month events? Plus, you can request educational materials to handout during your Meet an Arabian horse Month event. Planning on going virtual? We have downloadable links available. You can find more information here.

4. Track! Track each person that signs up to be an AHA member by utilizing this form.

5. Submit! Send your final number of members to AHA by June 1st. Winners will be announced on June 5th.

Find additional details, resources, and sign up information, click here.

Weekly Challenges

Week 1: Nice to Meet You! Introduce your Arabian horse (this includes lesson horses, favorite Arabian horse, or even dream horse!) –Share a bit about them –from fun quirks to favorite treats!

Week 2: Discipline or lifestyle? Share your very favorite Arabian horse discipline and why you love it so much! (Disclaimer: who can just pick one favorite discipline!? Feel free to share more than one)

Week 3: Memory Lane. Share an event, memory, club meeting, trail ride, or anything in between that made you feel connected to the Arabian breed.

Week 4: I Choose the Arabian Breed because… Tell us why this breed is special to you.

Follow AHA on social media so you don’t miss a moment.

Facebook: Arabian Horse Association

Instagram: @arabianhorseassoc

Tik Tok: @arabianhorseyouth

Youtube: Arabian Horse Association

Sign up for our newsletter to get the latest information on Meet an Arabian Horse Month.

Find free resources to market your Meet an Arabian Horse Event when you utilize the AHA Marketing Toolkit! Find items like:

• Social Media Graphics
• Membership Forms
• QR Codes
• How To's
• Sponsorship Letters
• Press Release Templates
• and more!

Click here to access the Marketing Toolkit.

For the Arabian Horse Breeder…

Prize Money Programs is the premier program for serious breeders. With three tiers included in the program, there is opportunity to propel your horse to the next level. Find more information about ,Prize Money Programs here.

For the Arabian Horse Enthusiast...

If you love Arabian horses and want to be apart of the Arabian breed, we have you covered. Immerse yourself in the Arabian Horse Industry by taking a listen to the ,Arabian Horse Connection Podcast. Learn about all aspects of the industry straight from leading professionals. From trainers, judges, and local level enthusiasts, the Arabian Horse Connection has an episode for you. Stay up to date on the latest AHA information when you ,sign up for our Newsletter and follow AHA on ,Facebook and ,Instagram.

For the Arabian Horse Competitor…

Competing with Arabian horses is rewarding, challenging, and fun! With different levels of competition to choose from, there is a way for you to challenge yourself and your Arabian horse. From the local level all the way to competing nationally, you can find more information here.

For the Arabian Horse Youth…

Did you know that AHA has an area just for youth? The Arabian Horse Youth Association (AHYA) is dedicated to providing the future of the Arabian breed with resources to promote learning, leadership, and fun! Find the latest information about AHYA activities, competitions, and more here!

For the Arabian Horse Farm…

The Discovery Farm Program assists in sharing the Arabian breed with local folks in your area! Farms that register in the Discovery Farm Program will receive resources straight from AHA that assist in the promotion and marketing of your farm. Receive a subscription box, marketing materials, and social media spotlights when you register your farm.

Visit the Arabian Horse Association website to learn about more opportunities for you and your Arabian horse!

Many members attend shows but there are also those that want to put on a show. Here are 5 easy steps to getting your show recognized by the ,Arabian Horse Association.

1. ,Consult with your Regional Director

Your Regional director is a great source of knowledge and will let you know if the dates you would like your show to be held are available. They can also help answer questions you may have about getting a show recognized. You can find a list of Regional Directors ,,here.

2. ,Choose the type of show you want to put on.

We have two different show platforms your show can be recognized under:

USEF Recognition: Allows your show to be eligible for USEF Horse of the Year Award points and rankings. Obtaining USEF recognition can result in higher fees associated with your show. If you choose to have your show recognized with USEF, you are required to have a Steward, EMT and Farrier onsite.

Value Show: Provides smaller shows, clubs, and organizations with the opportunity to hold an AHA qualifying show that is more affordable. This type of show does not require USEF membership for exhibitors. In addition, certain personnel are not required for the show under mileage and/ or horse number exemptions. The outcome is a more affordable way for many of our Arabian exhibitors to show their horses, receive qualifications, and remain involved with the breed.

3. ,Submitting your application.

This can be done on the website through your member log in or via ,hard copy recognition application.

4. ,Wait for approval

After your application is submitted an approval email goes to the Regional Director(s) of the region your show will be held in. They have 10 business days to approve, hold, or deny the show recognition. If there is no response from the Regional director the show is automatically approved.

5. Show Recognition Packet

Once your show is approved, the show manager and secretary listed on the original application will be emailed a Show Recognition packet. This packet includes details on the next steps following your show being recognized.

You can find more information on AHA Recognized Competitions and AHA Value shows ,here. Feel free to call our office and speak to a Competitions Representative at 303-696-4500 option 4 or email at ,info.comp@arabianhorses.org.

About the Author: Courtney has been with the Arabian Horse Association for almost 4 years working in AHA’s Competition's Department. She has helped in many areas in the Competition's Department but now mainly oversees the Show Recognition, Prize List approvals, and assists with AHA’s Convention. Courtney graduated from Colorado State University with a degree in Equine Sciences and minor in Agricultural Business. She aspires to be an Event Manager within the Equine Industry someday! Though she used to ride horses in the Hunter and Jumper divisions, she now mainly focuses and enjoys taking her dogs to AKC dog shows. Her Tibetan Terrier Torrey has been in the Top 20 of the breed the past 2 years.

Courtney can be reached at courtney.mclees@arabianhorses.org or 303-696-4500 option 4.

Via Time to Ride

Washington, DC – Time To Ride®, a FREE program created by the American Horse Council Marketing Alliance, can help build your lesson program by setting you apart from other instructors in your area.

Equine facilities and instructors must meet specific staff and physical property requirements to be designated as Time To Ride Program Facilities. Similar to receiving the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval, achieving Time To Ride Program Facility status verifies that your facility and instructors meet a stringent set of requirements for safety and professionalism.

Time To Ride Program Facilities receive access to specially created marketing materials and support to help them succeed in gaining new lesson riders. These materials highlight the qualifications that Time To Ride Program Facilities must meet, and how that makes them different from other lesson barns. The Time To Ride marketing toolkit includes logos, press releases, letters, flyers, social media posts and more to help participating instructors promote their lesson programs to kids and their parents in their local area.

One TTR participant said, “We are absolutely in love with the Time To Ride program and have had huge success here at our facility.” Another participant stated, “We used our Time To Ride Program Facility status to reach an entire school district and become part of their physical education program.”

If you want to build your lesson program and set yourself apart from other instructors in your area, then Time To Ride is for you. Check out the requirements and apply here: https://timetoride.org/requirements/

For more information visit TimeToRide.org, email ttr@horsecouncil.org, or call 202-891-7971.

About Time To Ride

Time To Ride is managed and funded by the American Horse Council Marketing Alliance. The Marketing Alliance was founded to encourage and support the growth of the U.S. horse industry. Current members of the Marketing Alliance include: Active Interest Media/Equine Network, American Horse Council, Purina, Spalding Laboratories and Zoetis. Additional support is provided by the American Paint Horse Association, American Quarter Horse Association, National Reining Horse Association, Troxel Helmets and Weaver Leather. Educational support is provided by Certified Horsemanship Association, United States Equestrian Federation and United States Pony Clubs.

For more information contact Molly O’Brien, Time To Ride Program Manager: ttr@horsecouncil.org; 202-891-7971.

Register Early!

When you register your foal early, you automatically receive the lowest fees for registration. Whether you have one or two foals a year or are apart of a large breeding farm, registering early will give you the most bang for you buck.

Have your Foal's Name Ready

Don't wait to name your foal, as this could cause your registration to pend. Rather, utilize AHA's Name Generator. This tool can be useful in searching for an available name but is not guaranteed. Names are limited to four parts and 21 total characters including spaces and dashes. Once you find a name that works for your foal, write it in the naming section of your registration application.

Know the DNA Requirements

Understanding the DNA requirements will help you be prepared and ready to go when registering your foal. It is required for Purebred Arabian horses to have DNA on file. It is optional and not required for Half-Arabian or Anglo-Arabians to have DNA on file.

Fill out the Markings Section Completely

Filling out the marking's section in it's entirety will assist in making the registration process smooth and easy. If this section is left blank, or not filled out completely, it could cause your registration to pend. Make sure the markings are clearly noted on the registration application to avoid any holdups.

For questions regarding the registration process, you can find information listed on the AHA website or by contacting AHA's Registry Services Team. AHA's Registry Services team provides the highest level of service in the industry - with one or two week turn-around in most cases. In addition, the Association takes pride in maintaining the most accurate and reliable records in the industry.

Properly cooling down your horse in the cold weather is so important to keeping him healthy. Even though the temperatures drop, and the thought of sweating seems impossible, horses will continue to sweat during exercise, especially if they have their winter coats. Although it may be a very tedious task, an appropriate cool down is necessary to prevent your horse from getting chilled after exercise.

Always be prepared with your cooler in the arena or wherever you are riding. Have it in a location where you can easily grab it while mounted on your horse to place on his hindquarters after your ride, depending on how sweaty he has gotten. The less time your sweaty horse has to spend in the cold, the less likely he is to get sick.

To ensure that your horse does not catch a chill after an exercise, always end your ride with a 10- to 15-minute walk while still on your horse to get his breathing back to a normal rhythm. Since horses tend to sweat most underneath the saddle and girth, this will also allow the horse to begin to cool off with the saddle still on, allowing for that sweat to start to dry up and therefore, preventing it from being exposed to the chilly air right away. It will also allow for all of the heated-up, tense muscles throughout the horse’s body to start to cool down and relax. You can choose at this time if you’d like to also place a cooler on your horse’s hindquarters to help prevent a chill. If your horse is sweaty in areas other than under his saddle, then placing a cooler right away is recommended.

Once your horse’s respiratory rate has returned to normal and you feel your mounted walk is complete, dismount and loosen the girth, allowing for the sweat to dry up underneath the saddle and girth even more before completely removing the saddle. Now would also be a great time to place a cooler over your horse’s entire body, covering the saddle with it as well. There are many types of coolers out there, so do your research and discover which one is best for your horse, the type of exercise you do and the weather climate where you live. Then continue to walk your horse by hand for another five minutes or so. Again, use your best discretion on the amount of time that is needed to walk him out, depending on the intensity of the workout, the temperature outside, etc. Consulting with your vet and/or trainer with any questions or concerns is always recommended.

After walking him with his saddle on, remove the saddle and replace the cooler, covering his entire body, including the sweaty area under the saddle, and continue to walk him. Be sure to make sure that your horse is drying and cooling properly throughout this process. Feeling the front of his chest to make sure he is not still hot or breathing heavy is a great tip to be able to tell if he is cooling down appropriately. Allowing him to drink some water to rehydrate and cool himself from the inside can also help speed up the process. Depending on how sweaty your horse got, rubbing the sweaty areas with a towel to help dry out the hair can speed it up also.

Only once you feel that your horse has returned to his normal temperature and his coat is completely dry can you then remove the cooler and either place a dry, winter blanket on him (or not if you don’t blanket your horse) and put him away.

Cooling off a horse in the winter is definitely time consuming. Make sure you plan for extra time after a ride to allow your horse to cool and dry before you finish. It is very tedious, but in the end, your horse will be happy and you will be grateful for a healthy horse.

The podcasting boom continued in 2020 and is showing no signs of slowing down. In the US it is estimated that 22% of the population listens to at least one podcast every week and 51% have listened to at least one podcast in their life. In 2020 Spotify made further large investments in the medium by acquiring some of the most popular podcasts and even entire podcast networks.

This podcast boom means there are now high quality podcasts available in nearly every niche. For Equestrian enthusiasts the choice of podcast has never been better.

Many equestrian podcasters have cultivated a large following over a number of years while others have only started podcasting more recently but are already seeing quick growth in their followers.

Equestrian podcasts vary massively depending on the region of the world where it is produced and the particular equestrian discipline that is being discussed. Whether it is dressage, rodeo, equestrian fashion, riding tips, horse breeding, or training you are certain to find a podcast to your liking. Here is my own list of the best equestrian podcasts available today.

The Equestrian Podcast

Bethany Lee is the person behind the popular blog My Equestrian Style. Bethany is primarily based in Northern Florida and her blog combines her love for horses and fashion. She is also the host of The Equestrian Podcast which is an interview based show that features many different personalities from the equestrian world.

Each series of 10 episodes has its own theme so you can easily pick and choose topics that interest you. Examples of themes include fashion, inspirational stories, and personal development.

The conversation style is always friendly and the show makes for some nice easy listening. The production is solid and content is released consistently which can often be a struggle for some of the other podcasts.

Apple Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/the-equestrian-podcast/id1447789118

Podbean: https://equestrianpodcast.podbean.com/

The Arabian Connection Podcast

The Arabian Connection Podcast was launched in 2020 and is the official podcast of the Arabian Horse Association

The podcast is hosted by Katie Feighner and provides listeners with a unique insight into the world of Arabian Horses. The show features interesting interviews with guests from the Arabian Horse community and has covered topics such as training, breeding, tack, distance riding, registration, photography.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3zFSrLpZDhJAtjEvQP8WoO

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-arabian-horse-connection/id1510573878

Horses in the Morning

If you need a daily fix of light equestrian content then perhaps Horses in the Morning is the podcast for you. This daily podcast has listeners in over 90 countries and is a light and fun look at the horse world and it various personalities. The show features a number of regular segments and has interviews, competitions, listener call ins, and lots more.

The show was created by the founders of the horse radio network Glenn the Greek and coach Jenn who also act as podcast hosts. The other host is Jamie Jennings who competes in the sport of 3 Day Eventing, and has a special interest in race horses and their transition into retirement and a new life.

Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/horses-in-the-morning

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/horses-in-the-morning/id399998714

The Dressage Radio Show

As the name suggests, this podcast is aimed squarely at Dressage enthusiasts. It is hosted by two Grand Prix riders (Reese Koffler-Stanfield and Philip Parkes) and is the official podcast of the United States Dressage Federation (USDF).

The weekly podcast covers news, issues, rider and competition updates, interviews, as well as riding and training tips. The podcast is part of the horse radio network and each episode is typically 30-60 mins in length. If competitive Dressage is your thing then look no further than this show.

Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/dressage-radio-show

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/the-dressage-radio-show/id317809747

Horses in the Morning

If you need a daily fix of light equestrian content then perhaps Horses in the Morning is the podcast for you. This daily podcast has listeners in over 90 countries and is a light and fun look at the horse world and it various personalities. The show features a number of regular segments and has interviews, competitions, listener call ins, and lots more.

The show was created by the founders of the horse radio network Glenn the Greek and coach Jenn who also act as podcast hosts. The other host is Jamie Jennings who competes in the sport of 3 Day Eventing, and has a special interest in race horses and their transition into retirement and a new life.

Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/horses-in-the-morning

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/horses-in-the-morning/id399998714

About the Author: Anne is an experienced equestrian and competitive showjumper who has been involved with horses her whole life. Her blog Seriously Equestrian is dedicated to providing tips and info on everything equestrian including horse care, riding, and training. Anne is also a qualified physiotherapist with a specialist interest in rider performance for professional equestrians.

When local AHYA youth member Katherine-Mary Laczkowski learned that Exceptional Equestrians Unlimited (a local therapeutic riding center) was struggling to make ends meet due to COVID-19, she sprang into action.

Katherine-Mary quickly collaborated with a local photographer, David Centifanto, to create a Christmas themed Equine photoshoot, gathering participants from her barn and utilizing help from her local AHA club, The Dunes Arabian Horse Alliance. In addition to the photoshoot, participants brought canned food items to donate to the community’s local food pantry, Hebron Food Pantry.

The event was successful, as Katherine-Mary was able to present a check of $1,000 to Exceptional Equestrians Unlimited and boxes of food to the Hebron Food Pantry. The success of the event inspired another youth member, Brianna Jacobs, to start a fundraiser for Exceptional Equestrians Unlimited via Facebook to continue the work that Katherine-Mary started. Brianna has been able to raise $350.00 for Exceptional Equestrians Unlimited so far.

Katherine-Mary’s mom, Karen Cardinale, an AHYA Youth Director, stated that she is “very proud and blown away that in two hours, $1,000 was raised by this amazing event. It created a spotlight within our Arabian club that we need to come together to help those in need.” Katherine-Mary along with members of the Dunes Arabian Horse Alliance club plan to host another fundraising event to assist their local equine community. Katherine-Mary and her local AHA club proved that with a little help, an idea can become reality, proving yet again how significant our youth members are.

For more information about Exceptional Equestrians Unlimited click here.

Special thanks to Karen Cardinale, David Centifanto, Duneland Arabian Horse Alliance members, Jarod Oliver, Jackie Peck, Shilo Ranch, and Sue Half.

Anyone who has spent time around animals, and horses in particular, know they can be unpredictable. Even with gentle and well-trained horses, accidents and injuries occur. A person harmed by a horse may suffer serious injuries requiring expensive medical care. A person who suffers a horse-related injury may sue the horse's owner, the property manager, the riding

instructor, or the landowner for their injury. Unfortunately for horse professionals, people in the U.S. are known for being "sue happy," and lawsuits can be extremely costly. Even if an equine professional successfully defends a lawsuit, legal proceedings can be time- consuming, stressful, and expensive. But there is some good news for professionals in the horse industry. Equine professionals can reduce their chances of being sued by using liability release agreements.

What is a Waiver? Liability release agreements protect a business or professional from liability in the event of an accident. A liability release agreement is sometimes referred to by different names, such as a waiver of liability agreement, a release, or a waiver. This article will refer to liability release agreements as waivers. A waiver is a written contract that educates the participant of the risks of the activity. When signing a waiver, the person acknowledges they understand the activity's dangers and accept such risks. A written record makes it difficult for the injured person to later claim she was unaware of the potential risks of engaging in a horse-related activity. Although relatively common in the horse industry, there is doubt about the effectiveness of waivers. Some have argued waivers are "not worth the paper they're written on," leaving many professionals unsure whether they should use a waiver. Often, professionals who use a waiver treat the document as a mere formality, uncertain of its effectiveness. So, you may be wondering whether your program needs a waiver. In short, yes. All professionals engaged in equine-related services should require clients, guests, and spectators to sign an adequately drafted waiver before engaging in any horse-related activity.

Equine professionals can use a waiver as a valid form of risk management. This article will discuss the legal principles behind waivers and offer advice for using a waiver. Since legal issues regarding waivers can be complicated and state-specific, those with concerns or questions should consult a lawyer.

Why Use A Waiver? Waivers are helpful to equine professionals in two significant ways. First, waivers can provide a defense if there is a lawsuit. When adequately drafted in compliance with state law, signed waivers can result in a complete dismissal of a lawsuit. Second, a waiver may discourage someone from filing a lawsuit in the first place. It is important to note that liability releases do not entirely prevent a lawsuit— a person can file a legal claim even if they signed a valid, enforceable waiver. But the waiver can be used as a defense when a lawsuit begins. If the judge considers the waiver applicable, the waiver will be a strong defense for the horse professional. Additionally, reading and signing a document might cause a person to think twice before engaging in risky horse-related activities.

Furthermore, lawyers may be reluctant to represent an injured person if the person signed a waiver. Lawyers who represent plaintiffs (the injured person bringing the lawsuit) often work off contingency agreements, meaning the lawyer only gets paid if their client wins. Lawyers are a lot less likely to take cases where the person sued has a strong defense.

Tips for Using Waivers Requiring someone to sign a waiver will not automatically protect an equine professional from being sued. A person signing a waiver of liability must understand the risks of the activity and what rights they are giving up when signing a waiver. A court will not uphold a waiver if it is unclear or misleading. If an equine program or professional decides to use a waiver, there are a few essential things to consider.

A Waiver Should Be Easy to Read A waiver should be titled in an easy to read, large, bold font stating something similar to "Release and Waiver of Liability." The title should tell the reader the document's purpose and that it could affect the reader's ability to sue, even if the reader does not read the rest of the document. It would also be useful to include either near the title or by the signature portion, a statement such as, "Note: by signing this waiver, you give up your right to sue." Such language makes it difficult for the signer to argue later that they did not understand what rights they were giving up. It is best to keep a waiver to a single page and have the terms typed in standard-sized print. Waivers should avoid complicated and unclear language. It is preferable to have the terms of the waiver in plain language that can be understood by all readers. A well-written waiver makes it more difficult for someone to argue they did not understand what they were signing.

A Waiver Should Comply with State Law The enforceability of a waiver depends on the document's language and the waiver's compliance with state law. The legal requirements of a waiver vary from state to state, and failure to comply with your state's law could make the waiver unenforceable. It is crucial to keep state law in mind, as many professionals use liability releases obtained from a friend or downloaded from the Internet. These generic documents are problematic because they often contain broad language not specific to the participant or the equine program or not in compliance with state law. Such generic forms may be found unenforceable by a court.

A Waiver Should be Specific Waivers need to have clear and unambiguous terms; generally, with the waiver's language, the more specific, the better. A waiver should inform the participant of the inherent risks related to equine activities. A vague statement such as "horseback riding can be dangerous" does not adequately tell the risks. The waiver should also include an explanation of why horseback riding can be dangerous. A good starting point for coming up with this language could be your state's equine activity statute, which likely defines equine-related activities' inherent risks. An equine activity statute is a law designed to limit liability for injuries and deaths connected with horse-related activities. The idea behind these state laws is that a person dealing with horses "assumes the risk" inherent in horse-related activities. Some equine professionals believe that because they have an equine activity statute in their state or posted a sign of the law on their property, they are immune from liability. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Waivers and equine activity statutes protect horse professionals from different types of lawsuits. Even though posting an equine activity statute is a great practice, horse professionals should still require people who use their services or enter their property to sign a waiver.

A Waiver Should be Signed A signature demonstrates that the person signing read and understood the agreement. Before having a person sign a waiver, ensure the person has adequate time to read the entire document. Also, it is a good practice to ask the person signing if they read and understood the waiver. Additionally, a person signing a waiver can only sign away his or her rights. It is just as important to have family members, guests, and spectators on the property sign their liability releases. If the participant is a minor, the minor's parent or guardian should also sign the waiver. Generally, only parties explicitly named in a waiver are protected from liability. This issue comes up in situations where multiple horse professionals are working at the same location. For example, a riding instructor may have a student sign a waiver releasing the instructor from liability if the student gets hurt. But if an accident occurred, caused partially by the riding instructor's fault and partly by the property owner’s fault, the owner, if not named in the waiver, could still be liable. Each party should ensure they are listed in the waiver that participants sign. Such assurance requires communication between all parties. If a riding instructor implies their waiver covers a barn owner, the barn owner should read the waiver to ensure it specifically mentions the owner. And vice versa, if a barn owner claims their waiver covers riding instructors on their property, the instructor should read the document to ensure the waiver mentions the instructor. The waiver should clearly state the name of each person or entity exempted from liability, so there is no uncertainty about who is covered.

In conclusion, waivers can offer a powerful defense for equine owners and professionals if users ensure the waiver's terms are clear, the correct parties are mentioned, and the waiver is signed. Equine professionals should create a waiver that suits their particular business and have participants sign the document before engaging in horse-related activities. While it may take a little time and money to use a proper liability release, it will undoubtedly be less expensive and less time consuming than a lawsuit!

About the Author: Kimbrell Hines is an active equestrian and an attorney at Williams Parker. Hines received her law degree from the University of Florida Levin College of Law, a master's degree from the University of Tennessee, and a bachelor's degree from the University of Florida. In college, Hines competed for the University of Florida Equestrian Team. For questions and comments, Hines is accessible at khines@williamsparker.com or at (941) 366-4800.

*** This article is provided as an information service only and is not meant as legal advice. Readers are cautioned not to act on the information provided without seeking specific legal advice concerning their unique circumstances and applicable laws in their respective states.