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December 2019

In This Issue Barn News & Updates Dressage Training Video: How to Ride a Half-Halt Dressage Training: Stretching the Top Line has Several Positive Effects Horse Care Tip of the Month: Should You Be Concerned with Equine Windpuffs? Life & Style: DIY Holiday Gift Basket Ideas Recipe of the Month: Cannoli Cheesecake Paula's Pearls: "Ah-Ha!" Moments in Riding A Little Inspiration: Mares...Gotta Love Them! About Paula Paglia Dressage

Barn News & Updates

Arizona State Championships in Tucson, AZ In November I traveled to Tucson for the State Championships. I took that weekend off from riding and coached a few of the ladies I regularly teach at the nearby Oh So Ready Ranch and at my ranch. It seemed strange as it was only the second show in 20 years that I attended and did not show! I love to show...but this was fun and challenging too! The best part is to coach and encourage the riders, and with each class they improved their scores.

Congratulations to Michelle Scarzone, for the Reserve Championship and Alana Almgren for her third place in this large class. Congratulations to Tania Radda for her third place in the 3rd level Championship class. Congratulations to Christy Rogers on moving up to first level with her thoroughbred Parker and scoring mid 60s in her training level classes. Last but not least, congratulations to Jill Graff on her 3 scores in the 70’s. It’s going to be fun to see where we are in a year. Thank you ladies for being such serious students and for all your teamwork! Thank you Denise and Nichole for all the grooming, running, and work you did to make this adventure a success for everyone!

Dressage Training Video How to Ride a Half-Halt Source: AmeliaNewcombDressage

Dressage Training Stretching the Top Line has Several Positive Effects Source: Equipedia | By: Inger Lise Andersen

Most riders want their horse to have long, supple movements, yet it is easy to forget that learning and successful training that demand collaboration with the animal has to start with calmness and a relaxed state of mind both in the trainer and the horse. A high fear and stress level blocks or reduces the speed of the learning process and makes communication with the animal difficult. For instance, stimulating the horse’s positive emotions by rewarding positive behaviours rather than using force and punishment, will stimulate positive behavioural expressions in the horse which indicates a positive mental state. Behavioural indicators that could be of relevance to assess the mental and/or physical state (i.e.welfare) state of the horse are: head and neck position, tail movement, mouth movement, ear position, other facial ques such as eye expression (Eisersiö et al., 2013) or by the recently developed facial grimace scale to indicate pain or discomfort. Not surprisingly, rein tension is among others clearly related to mouth movements (Eisersiö et al., 2013) as any excessive bit pressure causes oral movements, discomfort and pain (Manfredi et al., 2005; 2010). Facial grimace scale is not so easy to use during training when the horse is moving in different speed, but it is possible to develop related scoring system for all these factors mentioned. A consequence of this is most likely reflected in an improved quality and suppleness of the movements. Therefore, we would like to address the link between behavioural expressions and biomechanical measures in riding horses subjected to a standardized, preventive, riding method. Although general biomechanics of the horse is complex (Moore, 2010), it is far from being simply mechanical. According to McGreevy og McLean (2010), a longitudinal flexion that stretches and extend the horses back and top line should be a part of every daily training or warm up before every riding session because this loosens up the muscles and may initiate a relaxed state in the horse. Another and even just as important goal with this method is that it may strengthen core muscles along in the back and neck region if conducted in the right way. Simply head lowering induced by downward pressure on the head collar via a lead rope and then released pressure at the wanted height, did not result in calming effect of the horse (Warren-Smith et al., 2007), revealing that it is more to this than just forcing the head into a lower position. Click here for the rest of the article.

Horse Care Tip of the Month Should You Be Concerned About Equine Windpuffs? Source: DressageToday.com | By: Courtney Varney, DVM

Any horse in a consistent training program is a possible candidate to develop windpuffs, and most older horses who have had a long career in competitive sport have them.

When you observe the fetlock region of your horse, you may find a puffiness or fluid-filled area on the back side (palmar/plantar region) of his fetlock. This fluid-filled area may be what is referred to as a windpuff. Windpuffs, or wind galls, are a result of fluid distention of the digital flexor tendon sheath (DFTS) and do not involve the fetlock joint itself. They typically have a bilateral presence in the hind limbs, although they may be present in all four limbs. The fluid distention of the DFTS caused by windpuffs is usually incidental and is not associated with discomfort or lameness. The development of windpuffs is a result of accumulation of fluid in the DFTS. The DFTS serves a protective function, allowing frictionless movement as the tendons traverse the bony prominences of the fetlock joint. Over time, the repetitive gliding of the tendons over these bony surfaces can cause the naturally occurring fluid in the DFTS to increase. This can result in a puffy appearance to the DFTS—hence the term “windpuff.” Some owners wish to lessen the blemish for cosmetic purposes, but most treatments will only decrease the effusion for a few days, and it will most likely return to its enlarged state within a week or two. Windpuffs can be observed in performance horses of all ages, but they are most common in older horses. Any horse in a consistent training program is a possible candidate to develop windpuffs, and most older horses who have had a long career in competitive sport have them. If a horse has bilaterally symmetric windpuffs with no associated lameness, heat, pain or history of injury to the DFTS, their presence is most likely without consequence. With that said, it is important to have any new swelling or effusion that is asymmetric examined by a veterinarian to determine if further diagnostics are necessary. There is usually nothing you can do to prevent the formation of windpuffs. Even bandaging and sweats will only temporarily decrease the effusion, which will usually return a few hours after bandage removal. Once windpuffs have developed, there is rarely anything that can be done to correct them. Conversely, tenosynovitis is a condition that causes increased fluid accumulation in the DFTS that mimics the appearance of a windpuff. It causes varying degrees of lameness as well as a positive flexion test.d are likely experiencing other changes in their routine. As much as possible, a horse’s.. .click here for the rest of the article.

Life & Style DIY Holiday Gift Basket Ideas Source: FoodAndWine.com | By: Jillian Kramer

Gift basket experts pick their favorite items for the holiday, and explain how to assemble and wrap stunning food gift baskets—big or small—for everyone on your list. ‘Tis the season for gift baskets. But this year, you’ll break out of the pre-packaged mold and prepare your own picture-perfect gift basket in five simple steps. Read on to find out what kind of basket to buy, what to put inside it, and how to wrap it, straight from the experts.   1. Buy the right basket. It’s not just about picking something stylish. When you select the basket, you must consider a few factors, advises Jason Wing, director of merchandising for online gift basket retailer 1-800-Baskets. First and foremost, think about the size you need, he says, “based on your planned contents, and whether the gift basket is for an individual or a group of people.” Then, consider how the basket will be delivered—by hand, or in the mail—so you can purchase a basket durable enough for transit. Lastly, style does matter. So, make sure the basket aesthetically matches the overall sentiment and design of the gift.   2. Wrap it up. While hand-delivered baskets can be passed along au-naturale—without any wrapping—you can dress them up with fabric or netting for a “more luxurious feel.” says Wang. But for baskets sent in the mail, he says, “cellophane is the most functional, and will provide the best hold for shipping.” Choose a colored cellophane for fun and festivity. 3. Add the best items. One thing every gift basket must have, says Mandy Wynn, owner of BKLYN Larder, is something local. “There's nothing like championing a small-batch maker with a little hometown pride to make your gift feel extra personal,” Wynn says. Then add in something sweet—licorice, caramels, chocolate, or cookies—and something shelf-stable. “It's hard to finish off an entire food gift in one-sitting—or so we've been told,” says Wynn. “It's thoughtful to send along something that can be enjoyed days—if not weeks—after you give the gift.” Consider adding “jarred tapenade, jam, spread, or olive oil,” Wynn suggests. 4. Stuff it for the season. Adding stuffing—such as shredded paper—to the bottom of a basket adds extra protection to the gifts inside. But don’t miss the chance to coordinate the padding with the season. “For example, red, green, and gold are often best for holiday gift baskets as opposed to pastels, which might be more appropriate for spring,” Wang says. 5. Personalize the package. “The most important element of any gift is that you find a way to personalize it,” says Wynn. “Select a gift that speaks to the recipient as an individual—particularly if you are sending food. Is anyone in the household gluten free? It will mean so much if you select an item that takes that into account.” Another easy way to personalize a gift basket is to include a note. “Something like, ‘to James, from Mandy,’ might work for an office secret gift exchange,” says Wynn, “but if you go to the trouble to send a gift basket, try to take a moment to tell the recipient how you feel, what makes them special, and why you want them to have this extraordinary gift. Or share something personal about the items. If you’re sending your favorite local chocolate, for example, let them know. Or maybe you just tasted the best almond butter ever and simply had to share it with them.”

Recipe of the Month Cannoli Cheesecake Source: HardcoreItalians.blog

"Oh my -- this is a decadent treat that you'll absolutely LOVE. There's something about the holidays that make you want to indulge in delicious desserts with family and friends. Enjoy." Paula Ingredients: 7 oz pkg cannoli shells 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 2 tablespoons sugar 4 cups whole milk ricotta cheese 1 1/2 cups sugar 1/4 cup flour 1/2 cup whipping cream 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract 1 teaspoon orange zest 5 large eggs 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips Confectionery sugar for sprinkling Optional: Almonds Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment (or Wilton mini cheesecake pans for deeper cheesecake). Crush cannoli shells (food processor works best), add butter and 2 tablespoons sugar and continue to pulse until med-fine crumbs. Press crumbs firmly onto bottom of the pan. Bake 10 minutes. Let cool. Beat ricotta cheese, remaining sugar and flour in the bowl of an electric mixer on medium until well blended. Add whipping cream, vanilla, and zest; mix well. Add eggs, 1 at a time, mixing just until blended after each addition. Pour over crust. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, then sprinkle top with the chocolate chips delicately, pressing chips in lightly. Continue to bake 10 more minutes or until center is almost set. Run a knife around rim of pan to loosen cake. Cool before removing rim of pan. Refrigerate for 4 hours or more. Before serving sprinkle with confectionery sugar. Top with whipped cream if desired. Store leftovers in the refrigerator. Serves: 10

Paula's Pearls "Ah-ha!" Moments in Riding One of the biggest things to remember is the value of leg yields. It builds abdominal muscles. Keep your horse parallel to the long side and with light reins leg yield all the way across the arena with large cross-overs. This can be done in the walk, trot, and canter. In the canter, make sure you are riding a real sideways jump in counter flexion. This exercise helped my half passes have a better response to going sideways as well.

A Little Inspiration

About Paula Paglia

Paula Paglia, owner and head trainer of Paula Paglia Dressage in North Scottsdale, Arizona began her professional training career in 1979. Paula is a USDF Bronze, Silver and Gold Medalist and has been named ADA Rider of the Year numerous times through 2018. Paula has been an integral part of the training and success of her clients. She is credited with creating numerous winning horse and rider combinations through the FEI levels. She has developed Regional Winners and sent many students to the National Junior Young Riders Championships, the North American Young Riders Championships and the National Dressage Seat Equitation Finals. Formerly the head trainer at Dynamite Dressage, and the head trainer at Los Cedros, she is thrilled to now offer her own niche to her clients: a full educational program based on dressage, developing amateurs, young riders and other professionals to their fullest potential. As owner of Paula Paglia Dressage, she has taken the best of training practices used throughout her career to offer a specialized experience for her clients. She considers her facility to be "heaven for horses." Owning her own facility allows her to cater to every horse's special needs. Paula has trained with some of the most successful trainers and riders in the world, including Debbie McDonald, Leslie Reid, Christine Traurig, and Conrad Schumacher. In 1992, Paula began importing warmbloods from Holland, Poland and Germany. Presently, Paula conducts personalized buying trips abroad for her clients, as she has extensive experience selecting and starting young horses and developing them up the levels. Philosophy The Paula Paglia Dressage philosophy is to develop a partnership between horse and rider. The well-being of the horse is the primary consideration. Paula evaluates each horse and rider individually and will design a program appropriate to their ability, yet focused on the long-term goals of upper-level classical dressage. Each horse and rider is developed at their own pace, allowing each team to be mentally and physically strong at each level of competition. Paula believes that a successful training regimen is a logical, step-by-step process that utilized the horse's natural intelligence, his loyalty, his goodwill, and his honesty. A sensible, kind and structured training program will produce a horse with a strong muscle structure and a sharp working mind. Both are necessary to compete at the national and international levels of dressage.

Paula Paglia Dressage Services & Facility

Services Boarding/Training Lessons Showing Purchase/Sale Clinics International Equine Procurement  Amenities Regulation arena with premium footing Oversized stalls, cleaned multiple times daily with premium shavings Fly misting system and cooling misting system  Two all-weather turnouts Premium hay feed 5x a day Personalized grain/supplement feedings 2-3x a day Automatic waterers/outside tubs and interior buckets cleaned daily Hot water wash racks Locked tack rooms Laundry rooms Blanketing/final night check Caveletti course Access to Equine Corridor trails Regularly scheduled on-site clinics Trailering to shows available

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