Click here for Holdharmless Release Form. Every organizer needs to have participants sign a release.

Contact Ginger for fee schedule, training contract, evaluation history form or video evaluation checklist.

Clinic Organizer Contact Information:
• Equetec, Prospect Hill, NC Ginger Long 336-562-8053, fax 336-562-8054 or email Ginger

• Breezing Hill Farm,
Vanessa Craft in Oxford, 919-603-5495 or email Vanessa Craft

• Equis Run, www.equisrunfarm.com
Amy Bonis in Wake Forest 919-570-0951 or email Amy

• Linda Simmons-Mansfield in Highpoint/Greensboro for her clinics at her farm, Linda can be reached at 336-442-3933 or email Linda

• Jo Lapp in Rolesville, NC Email Jo

• Willow Creek Farm,
Dr. Kirsten Tillotson, Leasburg/Roxboro/Yanceyville/Danville area,
Email Kirsten

LATEST NEWS: The Winning Formula = Equetec + Training Results, working together to help you reach your exercise and training goals with your horse and in your daily life.

We are starting a new clinic series here at the farm.
.  
Click here to view pics of our fun
Click here for a synopsis on how you too can join in on this synergistic, integrated approach to exercise training.
Click here to view our Training Results and Equetec Mission

Come and join us.  Email me
Ginger Long or call 919-619-8223 to get started
and
Contact: Sandi Green. Training Results, www.trainingresultsinc.com 919-358-8461, email Sandi
Training Results, Sandi Green has two Master's Degrees in Exercise Physiology and Clinical Kinesiology and extensive
certifications including ACSM, NASM, NSCA, ZHEALTH.

The Rider's Winning Formula = Seat Lessons + Kettlebell Training
Kettle Bell Classes Combined with Seat Lessons are available to strengthen your core and riding biomechanics for ideal posture and movement in harmony with your horse. (or one of ours)

Preview class starts soon, once a week at Equetec then following for 6 weeks.  Once a month Saturday Clinics will be available to bring your horse in for your seat lesson portion or you can use one of our horses for that portion of the clinic.  Seat lessons will prepare riders for work in all disciplines: dressage, stadium and cross country jumping.   Riding--English or Western. 

Directions to the farm: Map to Equetec

From East, through Raleigh: Take 40 to Durham Freeway end that merges with 85 in Durham. After 147 merge with 85 the next exit is Hwy 70 exit number 170 toward Hillsborough, following signs to 86N. Once in Hillsborough you will come to a light with signs turning Right to 86N.   Follow 86 N until you see the Exxon in the middle of the road where 86 bears left and 49N turns right.  Turn right on 49 N.  We are exactly 1.8 miles on the right, Cactus Drive.  Turn right into Cactus drive, there will be signs to direct you into the field for parking for clinics or turn right into the first sand drive to the barnyard for regular lessons or drop offs.

From West, through Greensboro: Take 40/85 to Exit 150 Haw River. Turn left at the top of the exit ramp and go through the light that crosses over Hwy 70 then follow the signs toward Roxboro and 49N. The next light there will be another Roxboro sign for you to turn right. Stay on that road til you come to the end, stop sign intersection of Hwy 86. Turn left onto 86 North then at Exxon turn right on 49 North. We are exactly 1.8 miles on the right, Cactus Drive.  Turn right into Cactus drive, there will be signs to direct you into the field for parking for clinics or turn right into the first sand drive into the barn yard for drop offs or lessons.

From South, Chapel Hill/Asheboro/Siler City/Pinehurst---15-501 North through Pittsboro if coming from Pinehurst to Chapel Hill-- in Chapel Hill cross the bridge to turn LEFT onto 54 Bypass West (away from Durham toward Carboro) Go through a few stop lights until you get to (shopping center on left/Post office on right then next light)  Old Fayetville Road turn RIGHT, pass the school and continue STRAIGHT through stoplight intersection of Dairyland and Homestead.  Old Fayetville Road turns into Old NC-86 to Hillsborough.  Go through Hillsborough North on Old NC-86 out of town for about 15 miles or so.  Follow 86 N until you see the Exxon in the middle of the road where 86 bears left and 49N turns right.  Turn RIGHT on 49 N.  We are exactly 1.8 miles on the right, Cactus Drive.  Turn right into Cactus drive, turn right into the first sand drive to the barnyard for regular lessons or drop offs.

From the East, through Oxford through Roxboro-follow signs to 49S
(or from Virginia via 49S to 501 turn right on 49S to Caswell County line sign)

From Oxford follow 158 W to 501 in Roxboro, turn right in Roxboro onto 501 following the signs to 49 S. The signs are clearly marked in Roxboro where you turn left three times following 49 South. Stay on 49 S until you see the green Welcome to Caswell County sign on your right. We are the second drive on the left after that sign, Cactus Drive. Turn left into Cactus drive, turn right into the first sand drive to the barnyard for regular lessons or drop offs.

From the North, Virginia through Danville via 86S through Yanceyville.

Follow 86 S through Yanceyville until you get to 49 where the big Exxon station is and will be on your left. Signs mark left turn onto 49 North. Turn LEFT on 49 N.  We are exactly 1.8 miles on the right, Cactus Drive.  Turn right into Cactus drive, turn right into the first sand drive to the barnyard for regular lessons or drop offs

Map to Equetec

1. County Saddlery Fitting Evaluation and Demo Day -

   Improve your horse's balance and movement with a saddle that fits well and allows your horse's back to swing freely.  Enjoy the benefits of a saddle that sits you in the ideal posture to move well and in balance with your horse.
   
   We are planning a County saddle evaluation day here in Prospect Hill, with our local County dealer, Mia Hawley.  Please email me and let me know if you are interested in participating in this exciting opportunity.  If you've been thinking about a better fitting new dressage or jumping saddle, be sure to be here with your horse.  The days are now longer and we have lights too if you need to come after work since it is a weekday. 

   County regularly replaces the demo saddles in all the agents’ sales kits. These are saddles that have been ridden in for 10 min at a time as demonstration – not day in and day out like regular used saddles. Our list of demo saddles is updated weekly.

   These demo saddles have standard features and Mia can make considerable adjustments in the panels to make them an excellent fit for the horse.

   Looking for all the fine tuning custom options for yourself and a great fit for the horse? You'll love the comfortable ride, “immediately available and discounted” County saddles. Another advantage of demo saddles is the 5 day trial period before deciding.
   
   You may also choose a "made to order" saddle so you can pick the options, size, fit and leather that is ideal for your horse and you.

   Fees
   1. The Fitting Evaluation fee is $75 payable to Mia Hawley. If you choose to purchase a saddle, I waive this fee (within 30 days of Fitting)
   2. $20 facility fee payable to Equetec or $65 hour lesson and evaluation with Ginger Long to get you and your horse in working harmony.

County Saddlery:

Go to the County Saddlery Website click here

Equetec is sponsored by and has a vast team of equine professionals to help you with all your equine needs and to give you the best overall team solution to your Equine Health, Education and Performance goals including:

Upcoming Clinic Series Dates

Mark your calendars.....More details coming soon here on the web, in the ncdcta newsletter or email me, ginger@equetec.com your interest and let me know how you'd like to participate and/or volunteer.

Clinic Dates TBA

Contact us to make your clinic requests. ginger@equetec.com

Clinic Series overview

Equetec goals for the clinic series are:
1-Safety- preparation and judgment: 

2-Education on improving conditioning, movement, strength and soundness while promoting overall health, performance and longevity for horse/rider.  Education toward the "whole horse"  team approach not just competition skills and horse show preparation.  People will compete safer and more successfully if  the quality of competitive riders increases as our education and expectation is improved.  Have fun while being well prepared, systematically trained and conditioned with your team of equine professionals.

Teach safety and preparation through schooling and seminars per clinic.  Multiple professionals will speak and teach.

Let me know what you think of my ideas or if you have questions.

Lann's Story

"My story". I really wanted to share with you, and others, how pivotal it has been in my life to have met you. I've always been a real believer that things happen for a reason and that perfect timing sometimes just happens! Which is truly how I feel about meeting you. So, here's my story!

I tend to measure my horsey happiness based on my old mare TM (The Mare). She was a wonderful TB x Han mare that needed my rescuing. We had a great time together and she was a very bold mare that tough me a lot in our 5 years together. Unfortunately, at the age of 17 she developed a chronic lameness that forced me to retire her. I was so hurt by having to retire her that I decided my next horse would be young so that I didn't have to go through that heartache again anytime soon. What a naive approach. I thought I could find a young green broke horse that showed lots of athletic ability that I could ride, train, compete and keep for many years. I found a really cool TB gelding and at first things went rather well. Six months down the road things were not going so well. I quickly learned I did not have the confidence and guts that are needed to guide a young inexperienced horse. I definitely was not equipped to deal properly with a young sensitive TB. It was suggested I contact Ginger Long to do an evaluation on the effectiveness of our partnership.

I met with Ginger and she spent a good hour working with my guy. She's a very gutsy lady. She didn't know me from Adam, but, was professional enough to tell me based on our conversations, the input from my dressage instructor, and the hour that she had spent with my gelding, that this was not a good match. I could tell she really didn't want to tell me that. She really felt badly, but, it was what I needed to hear from an unbiased professional. Don't get me wrong, she provided me with options that we could do to see if we could form a proper and working partnership. I thanked her for her honesty and time.l I headed home knowing I needed to evaluate my time, finances, immediate and longterm horsey goals. After much thought, heartache, and discussions with other horsey friends, I determined it would be best for us both if we parted ways and started fresh with other partners.

I began taking lessons with Ginger on some of the horses she had at her barn. She was able to see some of my riding habits that really drove my gelding CRAZY. I became known as "wiggle butt" around the barn! She helped me work through some of my habits that would annoy the crap out of most horses. Ginger also helped me find a lease situation that would allow me to ride more regularly until my gelding sold. Santa, the super Appy, was a true gift in my life at that point and helped me learn to have some fun riding. (Thanks Vanessa for allowing me to experience such a great horse!)

Finally, my gelding sold. So, now, what did I want??? I knew I didn't want something young...been there, wasn't equipped to do it well! So, that must mean I need something with a little more experience. OK, got that down.... Now, do I have a breed preference?? Well, not sure I would be able to handle another TB...but, guess I should keep my options open. So, did I really want to show? Or, did I just want a good 'ole horse that would be mainly a trail horse that could do some dressage and some jumping. Nah, not sure I would like that...but, not sure how "challenged" I wanted to feel. So, I decided to work with Ginger and Vanessa to help me find my next beast. I was in no hurry as making a hasty decision did not work the last time. I know I drove them crazy with all the internet ads!

Well - The one thing I knew for sure was I wouldn't buy the first one I rode, but.... that's pretty much what I did!

Ginger had gotten in a few horses at her barn that were for sale. One was a TB hunter, one was a well rounded QH, and the other was a TB eventer. I really thought I wanted something that could be a ready to go event, but, honestly, I had become timid and insecure in my abilities, and not sure of my own wants/needs. So, I went out to spend the day trying these horses. Someone else was at the barn looking at the same horses and she was riding the QH when I arrived, so, I started with the TB. Later I learned that Ginger REALLY thought the TB would be my pick, so, she saved him for me to ride first so I could have first option. Well, it was a smart move. I liked his walk and trot. He seemed pleasant enough. But, I was SOLD once I cantered him. What a great canter - especially for a horse that had been out of real work for a while now. Well, then the guilt of possibly buying the first one I rode creped in...so, I decided to ride the QH just to make sure. Well, I knew immediately that I preferred a TB. So, I asked Ginger if we could work together with him for a week or so before I made up my mind. She agreed and for the next week really tested me with him to make sure we could work with each other and not AGAINST each other.

Next thing I know - we are off for a vet check. It's been almost 9 months now, and I'm 100% happy and in love with this gelding!! I never thought another horse could compare to my old mare. But, I phone my husband everyday on my way home from the barn to tell him how happy I am and how much I love my Frazier. I even told him I thought he was really measuring up to my old mare...probably even passing her, as he has way more talent. I finally feel like I am really riding. That I am building confidence. All because Ginger was able to find a horse who is my perfect partner that is teaching me to RELAX, BREATHE, FEEL and most importantly TRUST and have FUN!!! THANKS GINGER!!

We've all heard of the great stories about people who have rehabilitated horses. Well, I like to refer to myself as Frazier's Rehab Rider. So, just for fun - here's his story!

Life With My
Rehab Rider
By Frazier

My life has been a great one that has led me down many adventurous paths. I began my life with a wonderful family, who not only brought me into this world, but provided me with a wonderful education. I learned all kinds of really cool things like dressage, stadium jumping and playing on the cross country course. Of course, I had to learn the not so fun things like good ground manners and maintaining my patience! I’m told it’s because of those oh so important lessons that have lead me to my newest adventure “rehabbing” my new owner.

It was a yucky week in February 2006 that I found myself beginning a new chapter in my life. I was moved from my comfortable pasture with my first family and transported to this spunky lady’s barn. I learned this was Ginger and I could immediately tell this was going to be a relaxing place. I figured I would let them know I was cool with the new digs by lying flat out in my stall to take MANY LONG naps. Though from the whispers I heard I guess not many of the new guys settle in so quickly. Oh, well, that’s just my way of relaxing.

A week or so after coming to Ginger’s I met this new girl. She looked me over and I don’t get why, but, didn’t seem too impressed with me initially. Guess I better show her some of my good moves if I want to make a good impression. I did like the way she scratched my itchy spot behind my ears! J So, I decided to be on my best behavior when she rode me. Up she went and I could tell she was anxious, but, I didn’t let that get to me… I knew what to do. I wasn’t too sure if she liked me that much. That is until she got the guts to canter. That’s when I knew I may have hooked myself a new owner. She seemed pretty happy with the balanced and floaty canter I provided her. I decided she might be a good person when she gave me my carrots…yes, I had to stretch and work for them, but, she gave me CARROTS!! YUM!

I saw this new girl, who I learned was called Lann, several more times over the next week or so. I was SO happy when she let me show her my jumping abilities. I could tell she was really anxious and tense, but, that was ok, I showed her I could take care of her. And boy was it FUN.

Being the observant beast that I am, I picked up on the fact that her last horse was not a good match for her. He evidentially did not have the experience, confidence, patience, or tolerance that I have. Which I guess made her very untrusting and caused her to loose confidence in her riding abilities. I was going to have to work hard and maintain my patience in order to help this girl realize horses were fun and she CAN ride.

It was early one morning in March that Lann lead me to a new trailer. Cool, where could we possibly be going? Once we got to our destination I met a team of new people who began to poke and prod and poke some more! They flexed my legs high and tight and made me trot on the hard asphalt. I was lunged in little circles. As if that wasn’t enough - then Lann rode me in a strange ring with LOTS of wind and bags blowing. I could tell she was worried about how I would handle all the distractions. Don’t know why she was worried, it as new surrounds with lots of things to look at, but, nothing to worry about in my mind. They even pulled my shoes off and took lots of pictures of my feet and legs. Thank goodness they wrapped up my ouchy feet for the ride back home. I think I behaved well…just hope the pictures came out good!

Guess I did well, because next thing I know, Ginger and Lann are excited to tell me that she will be my new Mom. But, I’m more excited because I get to work with my very first “rehab” rider. What a challenge…but, I’m up for it!

I spent the next few months living with Ginger while she worked my butt good and got me back in shape. That was great because it made it much easier for me to be the best boy I could be for Lann. Lann came out twice a week to learn more about me and love on me. Boy did she need some work! But, each time she came I was able to release more of her tension. I could tell she was going to get it in time.

May brought about my next trip onto Lann’s trailer. This time, I could tell it was different, as there was a lot of excitement. Ginger also gave me a hint when she told me to stay on my best behavior and keep my patience with Lann. She reminded me that my new job was to take care of Lann and teach her what life with a true equine partner could be like. It was going to be a big challenge, probably more than any of the Training level events I had been to, but, I was ready! As I loaded up, I whispered to Ginger it would all be ok, but, somehow, I think she already knew that. So, off we went to settle me into my new home.

SWEET!! What nice digs I have at this place. There are wonderful large pasture with lots of space to run and a cozy stall to take my “lay all out” naps. And WOW LOTS of sweet feed and pellet feed and fat supplement … oh, AND hay!! YIPPEEE!!! Boy was I glad when Lann figured out my mind couldn’t handle all the new carbohydrates. I thought she was going to give up on me and take me back to Gingers. Not that I didn’t like Gingers, it was great, and I’m always relaxed there, but, I really wanted to stay with Lann and watch her grow.

It’s been about 8 months since I moved here with Lann. She’s doing GREAT. She has gotten the confidence to take me to all kinds of new places. We’re taking lots of lessons. There’s a hunter person that comes to the barn and she’s really happy with the work I have done with Lann. She sees the results and relaxation that’s starting to come in her riding style. We’ve gone to lessons with Ginger at her place and at another barn that has a cool covered arena that pings as the sun heats it. Ginger seems pleased with what I have been able to do for Lann as well. We also met up with an instructor that has worked with Lann as she has ridden other horses. I heard her tell Lann I was the perfect horse for her. That I was going to teach her a lot. She seemed to notice that I don’t really like it when Lann rides me with tense arms, but, also noted that I wasn’t protesting too much. She realized I wasn’t going to hurt my new Mom. Oh, we’ve also been on a cool trail ride at a place called Umstead Park with one of Lann’s best friends. I was excited that I heard her laugh and giggle as we trotted and cantered around the park. I knew I was teaching her well if she could do that!

I have no idea where we will go next. I’m really hoping Lann will get the confidence to take me to a schooling show or two. Maybe one day a real recognized show or event. I love all the fun that can be had at a show! But, I’m really happy to know I’ve made such a difference in my owner’s life. She tells me every day how much she loves me and that I’m wonderful. What I like hearing most is happiness in her voice when she tells me I’m her partner. What I’m most proud of is that she has the confidence to play with me over fences when we are at home alone! I’m so thankful to my first family for giving me the tools I needed to be a proper horse to rehab my owner. And even more grateful to Ginger for finding the perfect “rehab” rider for me to play with!

Our first photo together. I know Mom is NOT happy with her appearance, but, I think we’re cute together!

Becky and Katie' s Story

Tied for first place at the 2007 Pinehurst Dressage show and came in Third in their second class! Congratulations Becky and Katie.

Miracles DO Happen!---I thought I'd share this inspiring story and our latest rehabilitative progress report with you.  This is a great story; rejoice with us.   Read the story below and take a look at these before and after photos and see if you can recognize the changes from Katie's start date on the left to now on the right and middle top trot photo.  These most recent photos are from a Bailey Cook clinic where Bailey didn't even recognize her as the same horse.  Bailey had seen her once many months before.   She even thought she was taller thanks to the change in her posture and new muscle development. Katie's owner Becky said that Bailey hopped on her and thought she enjoyed riding the "new and improved" Katie as much as we had been enjoying her recently.  It was a true judgment day for Becky and Katie to confirm their progress.   

Congratulations Becky and Katie.   We can all have hope and learn from a success story like yours.  Thank you to all those involved in the Equetec team to produce these results.  Thank you to Dr. Kirsten Tillotson, DVM, MS, DAVIM, Dr. Richard A. Mansmann, VMD, PhD, Kurt Vom Orde, David Brooks and Bailey Cook for recognizing and approving the results.  Thank you to Becky and Katie most of all for the opportunity and patience. You are both a joy and privilege to work and teach.

The file linked below is in Adobe Acrobat Reader.  Email me if you have problems opening the file. 

Look at the pdf file, Click here to view Katies before and after photos--Notice the bend in the left hind canter photo....this hind leg was her weakest link but as you can see in the canter photo she can bend and sit down on her left hind now.  Evaluation on arrival--Scoring --0 for a  normal horse starting out in an Equetec rehabilitative exercise and training program, 5 being the worst condition on start of an exercise/rehab program.   Katie previously had gait irregularities (4), stiffness (5), resistance (3), weakness(3), asymmetry(5).  With that many problems physically, you can imagine how she felt mentally.  Overall her posture and movement before was pretty poor about a (4) compared to a normal (0) horse starting a new rehabilitative exercise and training program.  This rehabilitation program goes with a story that will make your heart melt too.   Read below and open the file link to share in this success story.

If you have any questions or comments, please reply.  You are welcome to share this link with anyone that needs hope too.

Enjoy!

Best Regards,
Ginger

Becky's Story

Miracles DO Happen!  
For the last three years I’ve had the opportunity to ride and show a beautiful bay Quarter horse mare named Katie. I fell in love with her immediately, before I had even sat on her….it was fate….she had the same name as my daughter!

I had taken lessons as a child, but through the years only managed to fit in a trail ride every once in a while. When I started back in a lesson program in my early 40’s, that childhood passion was renewed and as strong as ever. During a lesson one day, Katie and I started going over some cross rails…my very first jumping experience! I was hooked! The barn allowed me to lease Katie and our love affair continued. I had dreamed of having my own horse since I was 5 years old, and this was as close as I thought I’d ever get.

Because Katie was still in the lesson program, several other girls rode and showed her as well. But there was something special between her and her ‘mom’. She would do things for me she wouldn’t do for the other girls. I was beginning to believe she was a one person horse, and I desperately wanted that person to be me! But she also started acting like she didn’t feel quite right. After months of no improvement and numerous strategies….a masseuse, a chiropractor, a saddle fitter, a trainer, new pads, new shoes, no shoes, supplements, hormones, etc. etc., Katie was put out to pasture. (During this time Katie was sent to Equetec for a brief period, but circumstances didn’t work out that she could stay, though I believed in my heart that’s where she needed to be.) At one point in this saga, I approached the owner of the barn and begged him to sell Katie to me. I felt, whether naively or not, that I could fix her and she needed me to rescue her. But to my dismay, she wasn’t for sale. Too many other girls loved her too. I wept for days. Katie didn’t seem to care if she was working or not, but my heart was breaking….I missed my partner.

As fate would have it, during the time she was ‘recuperating’, I had to have rotator cuff surgery and spent 4 months in rehab. My husband (NOT a horse person) was convinced I hurt my shoulder during one of my many falls jumping and begged me to give it up. Another heartbreak…no horse to ride, no jumps to jump. For months I moped around. I was beginning to feel old. Then a couple of good friends at work who own horses and ride dressage gently convinced me to give dressage a try. I was open to it…I HAD to get back on a horse before I shriveled up and died! I took a couple of lessons and attended some clinics and soon began to feel like I was up for this new and difficult challenge. I also realized to pursue dressage, you need a consistent partner to work with. So, with a reluctant heart which still had a very big hole in it, I started looking at the sale ads. Even though there are hundreds and hundreds of perfectly beautiful horses out there, I continued to feel as if I was betraying my Katie. I was assured I could and would love another horse as much as her, but I didn’t believe it. I wasn’t ready to give up on her and that’s what I felt I was doing.

A few months passed and I continued to look through the sale ads, and will admit, deep down I began to feel the stirrings of excitement over the possibility of owning my own horse. All this time I was still going to the barn and spending time with Katie…brushing her, feeding her treats, and doing her stretching exercises (it made me feel better too).

The time came when I realized a decision needed to be made….do I stick with the barn and resort to being a ‘helper’ since I could no longer jump, or do I move on and pursue dressage and find a horse. The bottom line was I wanted to be riding….so I lined up a couple of horses in Georgia to go check out. In the meantime, I felt I needed to tell the owner of the barn of my plans. He had been so good to me over the years and all the girls were like family to me. I would miss them all terribly and was reduced to tears every time I thought of leaving Katie. But the time had come to move on.

After a long story, here’s the miracle. I told the owner of my plans and how hard it was going to be for me to leave the barn, the girls, and especially Katie. What happened next I never could have imagined in my wildest dreams…. he said he couldn’t imagine any one else riding Katie but me, that he believed she had become a one person horse too, and that she needed me and I needed her….to consider her mine. CONSIDER HER MINE!!! No need to go to Georgia, no need to scour ads, no more guilt of abandoning her…..she was mine!! Yes, there are truly good hearted horse people out there and yes, miracles DO happen. Katie is back at Equetec getting everything she needs to become the best horse she can be. If it happens that dressage is not her thing, that’s fine by me….she’s the only horse I want and she’s mine, ALL mine….at last!!

For more information on Clinics, please click here. Clinic flyer.

Equetec W elcomes Atlantis
APPROVED KNABSTRUPPER STALLION

click here for more information on Atlantis

Click here to view his flyer

See Ginger Long and Equetec AT THE SOUTHERN HORSE FESTIVAL Jim Graham Building & Dorton Arena - State Fairgrounds, Raleigh NC
News from the Horse Festival

--Ali and Vanessa were perfect in our demonstration and we received a lot of great feedback and folks even took notes!

--Thank you to Susan Harris of anatomy in motion and many other equine publications for giving Equetec an endorsement and invitation to clinic with her and visible horse. For more info on Susan Harris please visit her website at www.anatomyinmotion.com

For tickets and more scheduling info go to http://www.southernhorsefestival.com/

Dr. Kirsten Tillotson and Jo Gormley

Dr. Kirsten Tillotson and Jo Gormley at their first CT and show jumping debut with Willow, Sampson, Devon and Winston. What a great summer they've had together. For more information on Dr. Tillotson, please go to www.tillotsonequine.com

Congratulations to Daisy and Madison

Blue ribbon they won at the Carolina Horse Farm show in the Trotting over Poles class.  They also won the walk trot pleasure class. Daisy is doing really well for Madison, and next month we are going to take her to Raleigh to the all-arab show and show intro dressage and sport horse halter

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Articles & News

Irish Oaks
Karen & Claude Bruce
PO Box 474
Lewisville, NC 27023
336-945-5178
For other clinic organizers and locations Click here

Even though Tipper gave us some great last rides;
We lost him to colic. We will miss you.
Hang in there Kimberly.
We love you,
Ginger and all the Equetec team and friends

Click here to read about Becky and Katies story

Becky's comments from her experience: Our first rated show and what an awesome experience!  To say I'm proud of my girl is the understatement of the year!  I knew Dressage at Lexington was a big deal, but I had no idea how BIG (which was probably a good thing!!). There were 394 horses registered for the show, only 6 of which were QH or QH cross, so we were definitely in the minority!  There were 8 arenas going at once, golf carts, scooters, dogs, water trucks, and of course, horses galore, but Katie acted like she had done this a million times (even though she was in heat!).  We rode in three different arenas, one of which was an indoor (with some resident birds), but she took it all in stride.  She was so relaxed that her first night there, she went to sleep while getting her mane braided!  We rode Training tests 3 & 4 each day, placing 5th out of 10 for test 3 on Sun. morning (it was at 8:30 so it wasn't as hot as the other rides, which for us 'old' folks is a major plus!).  My scores were lower then I've gotten at schooling shows, but I knew to expect that.  Overall, I was very pleased.  The highlights....we received an 8 on our halt, a 7 on our free walk, a 7 on one of our canter circles, a 7 on gaits, and my favorite comment was "sweet, honest horse".  Of course, I think she's the sweetest mare on the planet and love her more now than ever!  Thank you for loving her too, and believing in both of us!

Ecco Domani at his show jumping clinic with Harold Chopping. Cold, rainy day but we had fun......

Congratulations Kimberly and Tipper for recovering from potential retirement and the potential end to a successful competitive career. They are now sound, jumping and winning too! After all their hard work, they are back; not only at the "C" shows but in the "A" show ring and placing in the Adult Amature Hunter over fences and Equitation. Kimberly and Tipper's accomplishment shows us all that with the love of your older horse, you can overcome weakness with strength and asymmetry to straightness, balance and working harmony. With the right exercise, rehabilitation program and the Equetec team support, you too can achieve longevity with the mature horse that you love. Good work Kimberly and happy Tipper! Still going............... and going strong........keep up the good work, you've earned your success.

Click here to view their before and after photos to success!

Ingredients for our success --
- Perseverance and hard work,
- The help of a terrific instructor,
- Believing I can dare to try, and
- Having an instructor who believes in my horse and keeps reminding me he's a gem.
 
Ginger, from the bottom of our hearts, Griffin and I thank you for sharing your wisdom with us and showing me what it means to really love my horse......

Congratulations to Susan Hardaway and Griffin for all their hard work to win the Macnairs Maiden CT series for 2007. Her final win included a 7 on Griffin's gaits and a 7 on her Rider score from the prestigious judge, Janine Malone.
What a wonderful exciting journey Susan. Keep up the great work. Thanks for letting me be a part of your adventure. You are the BEST! Enjoy that new beautiful Cooler. You earned it!

Linda and Kestrel get their hard earned lengthening! Yahoo! Congratualtions, keep up the good work.
Click here to view more pictures

Congratulations to Vanessa Craft and Folgenstaff on their First Level wins this year.

Click here to read a little Gingerism to provoke some thought

"How to prevent resistance in your horse" by Ginger S. Long

Resistance in horses is noncompliance - a lack of willingness or ability to relax, soften, yield, and give to the request of the rider/handler. It could be a lack of forwardness, a lack of suppleness, stiffness, or it could be as extreme as rearing, bucking, or stopping at a jump.

 Other types of resistance are: head tossing, hollowing the back, lack of bend in the body or joints, transitions that aren’t smooth, a disobedience mounted or un-mounted, tacking or while leading or during groundwork. Resistance includes many types of disobediences, mental or physical tightness and/or a lack of submission. Remember, resistance can be caused by not only a lack of willingness but from a horse that doesn’t understand, hasn’t been taught or isn’t physically capable or strong enough to perform the request.

 “How do I prevent resistance?” is a common question I am asked in much of the work and training that I do. My goal is to teach horse owners not only how to work through resistances in their horse but a systematic approach that will help prevent future resistance. Prevention is the answer. So what causes resistance in our horses? From my experience, resistance most often comes from a combination of factors.

 The following are culprits to consider in analyzing the answer to this complex question.

Resistance in horses develops from a combination of:

• Physical weakness- Lack of strength and/or flexibility, lack of correct biomechanics, poor shoeing, or lack of suitability for the discipline

• Lack of training or understanding- Each horse must be understood in light of not only his current level of training but his mental capacity for training (i.e. a young horse has a shorter attention span). Each training discipline and each level in the training has its own systematic, logical progression. Lack of experience, lack of knowledge, wrong teaching, or wrong understanding of the logical steps required in training are often to blame for common resistances in horses.

• Pain –Either previous or current can lead to resistance. Pain may cause compensation that remains even after the injury has healed and the pain removed.

• Excess energy- Being over fed (too much grain and not enough roughage) and under exercised and lack of enough turnout can lead to resistance. A horse needs time “to be a horse.” Inappropriate daily care and management can cause resistance.

• Rider error- Often the rider doesn’t have the correct knowledge, skill or ability and creates the resistance accidentally. Poorly fitted tack also can cause resistance.

Our question is “how do I prevent resistance in my horse?” Other questions may include: How do I have the judgment to know if my horse is strong enough, or is healed enough, or is compensating? How do I learn the training process for my discipline? How do I make conclusions that lead to my desired outcome? The answer to preventing resistance in your horse is really quite simple. The “doing,” “the adding the steps together,” is the difficult part. It is a lifestyle. The formula for success, the answers to the equation, includes the following principles and philosophies:

1) Recognize that you are not alone. A team approach to horsemanship can help you formulate the equation to get the answer you are looking for, which is a willing, freely moving forward, happy horse and rider combination - harmony. You need other professionals who can share with you their particular expertise and experience. You need to find your team of professionals who can help you with a systematic approach and teach you judgment.

 2) The next step to solve the equation is time, repetition, and patience. How do you add those factors into the equation? Commitment. Commitment and discipline to make time 3 or 4 sessions per week to work toward your common goals are required to prevent resistance in your horse.

 3) Assess and evaluate where you and your horse are at this time. Have a professional help you determine where you are and what you have to work with right now. Then you can identify the next step in your systematic approach to reach your goals with your horse.

4) Put together a plan. You will see the reward, the release from your horse. He will surely begin to offer what was once difficult because he has been systematically prepared.

 5) Consistently meet with your team to help you assess your progress and training. Re-valuate, make notes and plan your success in workable steps.

 6) Have understanding and compassion; recognize that your horse is that: a horse. Learn to think like your horse thinks. Part of understanding is being understood.

 7) If you or your horse has had a previous or current injury, get your veterinarian or doctor to give you a clear diagnosis and prognosis on where you are in the healing process. Most folks forget that rehabilitating isn’t just resting to heal, then starting back where you left off, but a process. Rehabilitation includes getting back to the previous state of health and rebuilding muscles, nerves, and systems to function as they haven’t for a period of time, and reducing compensatory problems that may have developed during the layoff.

 8) Management has to be based on your horse’s physical and mental needs for health, interaction and exercise. Learn the ideal weight, muscle development, mental capacities and daily management that are necessary to meet your goals with your horse. You may need help from your team member who has more experience in this category to assess the daily management of your horse.

 9) Work on your own riding and handling skills. Make a consistent effort to have a member of your team instruct you and help you increase your skills.

 10) Accept that this is a process; requiring systematic committed work. Training doesn’t happen overnight. Preventing resistances in our horses takes time, repetition and a consistent effort to work with your team of professionals to learn and grow and meet your lifetime goals with your horse.

 If these ideas of prevention and philosophies on how to be successful with horses interest you, if you are interested in learning, if you have a desire to take the team approach to preventing resistances in your horse, then please contact Equetec to learn more. Equetec and Ginger Long provide specific exercise programs for horses and riders to achieve optimum health, strength, suppleness and performance. Each program includes a gait evaluation, ground exercise, mounted exercises and results! Equetec provides training and rehabilitation for horses; lessons and clinics designed to provide horse owners a path to their pursuit of harmony.

Contact us for more information 336-562-8053 or ginger@equetec.com

Click here to view our family horse photos

Click here to view our family BABY photos

Wrojo's Dance update: aka Bling Bling our homebred filly. Her brother (we hope) is in the oven.

Click here to see the latest photos of Baby Bling
Tina Turner and her wild Afro

Welcome Wrojo's Dance -Home bred Dutch warmblood/Thoroughbred filly born 3/31/07
2 weeks early but doing well. Wrojo and Avatar's
Dance, aka Avie are very proud parents.

To view more photos, click here to open Acrobat
Reader Collage

Exercise Programs are available for the Rider

Contact me to schedule your personalized rider exercise strength and stretching program.
Instructional exercsie training programs for the rider will be presented in our basement gym and in a seat lesson on your horse or on one of ours. Followup sessions can be scheduled and homework will be given per phase. For more information contact
ginger@equetec.com

Need some inspiration? Motivation? Then keep reading.......
Jump start your spring of 2008. Jump into new challenges.
Dressage your way to the next level of strength and performance.
Exercise training with Equetec benefits all horses for overall health strength and longevity.
Come and have fun and learn with us. The hard work and team spirit is contagious around here.
Let's keep up the momentum and add you to this list.
If these folks can reach their exercise, training and performance goals; you can too,
Each of these victory sharings has a story.  They each had things they had to overcome, whether the goal is for health, performance or simply for pleasure.
Go TEAM GO!

Thinline affiliate program. Click here to order and receive Equetec rewards from purchasing: www.thinlineinc.com/affiliates/Equetec

Thinline pads and boots not only help performance horses but rehabilitative weak, asymmetric horses too…

Equetec provides exercise programs for asymmetric, weak, stiff or uncoordinated performance horses and we rehabilitate horses post surgery and/or injury. So often a horse needs an Equetec program due to physical and/or behavioral problems where alleviating back pressure and pain is primary. Once a horse heals, he is relieved with a saddle and pad that is properly fitted and well applied. Under saddle work can begin. Thinline pads have facilitated Equetec's training and rehabilitation horses by reducing concussion, saddle slippage and improving saddle balance. The Thinline pads work well for transitioning a horse as it is adapting and developing. The Thinline 1/2 back correction pad allows us to transition asymmetrical backs to symmetrical by adding and/or removing inserts. Each horse is taught to move freely, evenly and properly then gradually remove an insert or two as strong, symmetrical muscle replaces pain, weakness and asymmetry. This allows owners to invest in a correctly fitted tree in their saddle and use the Thinline pad and inserts as the horse?s body changes throughout its exercise, training and rehabilitation program. Once the horse is "strong enough" from rehabilitation or fit for the level of activity required for performance, the final flocking and saddle adjustments are made. Thinline pads are adjusted and continued even once a horse is back to normal work. The Thinline boots and shaped pads with inserts are great for daily exercise. Used daily, they support, reduce concussion and eliminate pressure which encourages correct posture: round, soft and supple backs. Thinline boots and pads make happy horses that move freely through their backs, not only for rehabilitation but through daily training in dressage, stadium and cross country jumping. Encouraging soft supple backs with Thinline pads and using Thinline boots are a part of Equetec's daily routine. We recommend Thinline to all of our customer's horses for daily preventive care, rehabilitation, to improve performance, stamina and longevity.

Equetec and Thinline have synergistically improved the following types of cases:

• Hot, sensitive dressage horses improved strength and relaxation to move up to the next level
• Stiff, resistant horses that lack flexibility and swing in their backs were able to unlock movement; supple in flatwork and bascule over gymnastics, stadium and cross country fences
• Ataxic or uncoordinated horses learned to balance by developing their backs and hindquarters
• Behavioral cases including, rearing, bucking, run away, worried/insecure horses improve confidence, obedience and trust
• Geriatric horses that were losing their top lines were able to build their backs up again and be ridden
• Back, hip, stifle and hindquarter weakness and injuries were rehabilitated and brought back to full use
• Podiatry cases that due to improper hoof balance, led to asymmetry throughout the body improved
• Young impressionable and mature horses were trained and developed in a relaxed, strong body, happy mind and progressed the training scale in harmony with their riders.?

For more information, contact Ginger Long and visit the Equetec website: www.equetec.com or email ginger@equetec.com If this testimonial encouraged you to purchase Thinline products, please click on this link to the Equetec Affiliate Thinline store. By using this link you are supporting our affiliate program with your purchases: www.thinlineinc.com/affiliates/Equetec

 

Publications

Press Release: New booklet Now Available

"Basic Ground Exercise Therapy For All Horses" by Ginger S. Long and Dr. Richard A. Mansmann, VMD, PhD. For information on the book and purchasing, please click on the Exercise Therapy link.

For more information on Dr. Richard A. Mansmann, VMD, PhD, please go to http://www.cvm.ncsu.edu/vth/ehc-sp/podiatry.html

Equetec was invited to submit a paper titled "Exercises for Veterinarians and Trainers to Prevent and Rehabilitate Injury in the Horse" by Ginger S. Long and Dr. Richard A. Mansmann, VMD, PhD and demonstrate exercises in a wet lab at the 3rd International Symposium on Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy in Veterinary Medicine. People from all over the world participated and we received a lot of good feedback. If you would like to read the paper please click here but do not print or copy without our permission as it would infringe on copyright laws.

A similiar paper was presented at the 2007 Equine Medicine Symposium for Veterinarians at NCSU. Final paper will be uploaded soon.....

"Exercises for Veterinarians and Trainers to Prevent and
Rehabilitate Injury in the Horse"

Welcome home Wrojo - Dutch Warmblood 2 year old stallion imported in utero. Sire is Florett by Florestan and Dam is Nikkita STV by Uniform

Click here to see his family portrait

Wrojo - Dutch/Hann Stallion family pics

Holiday Wrojo pictures Click here

Sunset with Wrojo Click here

Equetec Partners with Vanessa Craft of Breezing Hill Farm  

Click here for Breezinghill Farm Flyer

or go to www.breezinghillfarm.com

Vanessa at Bromont

Vanessa Craft of Oxford trains and retrains horses and their riders in dressage and combined training. Vanessa has competed through the preliminary level three-day in eventing and through third level in dressage.
She continues to show, bringing along young horses and giving older horses positive show experiences. Vanessa uses a combination of ground work and mounted work to improve a horse’s mental and physical suppleness, strength, balance and obedience. She also improves the rider’s balance, strength and communication. Vanessa partners with Ginger Long of Equetec to develop specific exercise programs for horses that target the horse’s weak or stiff areas to prepare the horse to be happy in his work.
(919) 603-5495
breezinghillfarm@gloryroad.net

Congratulations Ali and Vanessa on your first place dressage and new jumping career! What a changed horse and fun now too . Many more victories to document soon. Good luck. 2nd and 4th at Pinehurst dressage!!

Congratulations, Nicki and Ellen. You are having a fun, happy, relaxed Beginner Novice season.

Congratulations to..........................

Trainer, rider and Gold medalist Dawn Weniger for her 65% on their first Prix St. George test in Pinehurst 2005 and 2006 2nd place Prix St. George at a rated show, yahooo! It takes a team to make a dream come true!

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