Years ago the Peruvian Paso had to cover vast haciendas in Peru – so they were bred for endurance and smooth, comfortable riding.  These attributes are demonstrated for Equine VIP by the “Pasos” of D Ranch.  Maidy Drefuss, owner of D Ranch, is proud of the six National Titles her horses took home in 2011.  Her quest to find the best Peruvians for her breeding program is a combination of genes from the sire and dam, the finest care and nutrition and patient, gentle training.  

Anthony Kearns won “Ireland’s Search for a Tenor,” which was a national singing competition similar to America Idol. Three years later he joined The Irish Tenors and is the youngest member of the popular music group. The Irish Tenors remain one of the PBS’s most successful acts and are the second most popular musical export out of Ireland following the rock group, U2. Mr. Kearns has performed for Presidents and Prime Ministers, but took some time to speak to Equine VIP while in Kentucky to perform at a benefit for the nonprofit Equine Health and Welfare Alliance (EHWA).

Ireland is known for their beautiful horses. Did you grow up around horses?

I grew up in Wexford which is a village where a lot of people bred, raise and own show jumping horses. I learned how to muck stalls and feed the horses and especially enjoyed watching horses in the fields.

You have been quoted as saying “music and horses” are your passions. How have you been able to combine the two?

I got involved in horses again about ten years ago. I had to take time off to pursue my singing career, so horses are still a new hobby for me.

What type of horse do you own?

A friend invited me to the races and later invited me to own a “leg” of a race horse! The horse’s name was “Irish Tenor” so naturally I was interested. The horse had the look of a race horse, but unfortunately didn’t make it on the track.

Did owning a race horse and that experience disappoint you?

No, I enjoyed the distraction from singing and touring. I find the social aspect of the horse industry, meeting people and being out in the fresh air to be addictive.

What happened next?

My next horse was a “point to point” racing horse – this form of racing is popular in Ireland. I like the idea of this racing because jumping equalizes the field. The horses are very talented but more affordable to own. This particular horse was fun to watch and he covered his costs which is always nice too.

It sounds like you thoroughly enjoy horses from a variety of aspects; owning, watching and getting to know people in the business.

Yes. In some ways I’ve learned that horses are similar to singers. A horse can look like a champion but unless they have the training and heart, they probably won’t go far. The same can be said about a singer… they can look the part but unless they have the training and heart they probably won’t make a career of it!

Where can our readers follow your career and learn more about your upcoming performances?

www.anthonykearnsmusic.com

Dr. Getty’s Tip on Treats: Which are safe and which are not?

 Horse owners often ask equine nutritionist Dr. Juliet Getty about the safety of offering common—and sometimes not so common—foods as treats. Carrots have naturally come up in discussion, but also French fries, garlic bread, and even chocolate. What’s safe and what’s not, and under what circumstances, may surprise anyone who has ever extended a chunk of apple to an eager horse.  Dr. Getty points out that some treats are generally safe, some treats are sometimes safe, and some are never, ever good for horses. As she points out, “Horses trust humans for their care. Choose wisely.”

Safe to feed, generally:

• Apples
• Apricots (without the pit)
• Bananas (including the peel)
• Beets
• Berries
• Carrots
• Celery
• Cherries
• Coconut
• Dates (pitted)
• Grapes (and raisins)
• Grapefruit
• Lettuce
• Lemons
• Limes
• Mango
• Melons
• Oranges
• Peaches
• Pears
• Peanuts (roasted, never raw)
• Pineapple
• Plums
• Squash
• Sweet potatoes
• Tangerines
• Watermelon (including the rind)

Avoid these foods for ALL horses, always:

Chocolate. Like dogs, horses are sensitive to the toxic chemical theobromine found in chocolate.

Milk and milk products: Do not feed ice cream, cheese, and even yogurt. Grown horses are lactose intolerant. As Dr. Getty cautions, “Your horse will get diarrhea and,” she adds with a twinkle, “he will not like you.”

Other potentially toxic fruits and vegetables include:

• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Cabbage
• Tomatoes
• Peppers
• Raw potatoes
• Onions
• Garlic (raw)
• Spinach
• Avocados

Special Circumstances — Choices for horses with insulin resistance, Cushing’s or risk of laminitis: Starch and sugar are out of the question for some horses. Fat deposits along the crest of the neck, rump, shoulders, or back, indicate insulin resistance. Starchy or sugary treats will raise insulin to dangerous levels, increasing laminitis risk. Horses with Cushing’s disease also require a low starch/low sugar diet.

Avoid these:

• Apples
• Bread
• Candy
• Carrots
• Cooked Potatoes
• Commercial treats made with cereal grains (oats, corn, barley, rice, wheat) and molasses

Better low sugar/low starch choices:

• Alfalfa cubes or pellets (surprisingly low in sugar)
• Apple peels
• Watermelon rinds
• Commercial products that are low in starch/sugar

Final Thought: Treats with “something extra”? Not worth feeding. Some commercial treats have added vitamins and minerals. There is a risk of either feeding too many nutrients if the horse already gets a fortified feed, or not feeding enough if the treats are meant as a nutritional supplement. Probiotics are added to some treats, but their microbial concentration is too low to make a difference, unless the horse was given the whole bag.

For More Information or to reach Dr. Getty http://www.gettyequinenutrition.com

The Painted Ladies are aptly named for riding beautiful paint horses.  The drill team kicked off the New Year riding in Hollywood’s prestigious Christmas parade.  The team have also ridden in the Tournament of Roses Parade, Nascar events and Folsum’s Pro Rodeo.  Equine VIP followed the ladies thru a practice where they show off some fancy footwork.

WHEN DID YOU START RIDING? CAN YOU SHARE A SPECIFIC MEMORY?

I think I was four or five when my daddy bought our first horse for the farm…. a bay quarter horse named Doc that he was going to work cows with. I remember I stood up on the tailgate of his truck so he could hoist me up behind the saddle so I could ride with him. I thought it was the best thing in the world.

YOU ARE EXTREMELY BUSY, HOW DO YOU FIND TIME TO RIDE?

I really have to make an effort! I try to ride whenever I make it home to Georgia!

TELL US ABOUT YOUR CURRENT HORSE?

All of “my” horses are at home on our farm, Cherokee Rose Ranch. The one I’ve been riding lately is a three-year-old gelding named Jack. He’s great, but very green! We are both learning lots whenever we go for a ride. 

HAS THE WESTERN LIFESTYLE INSPIRED YOUR SINGING OR SONGWRITING?

HUGELY! It’s my favorite imagery to use in songs. Actually, my favorite song in my catalogue is called “Wyoming”. I wrote it on my first trip out West. It’s a heartbreak story about a girl who lost the love of her life to the West.

HAVE YOU HAD ANY MENTORS/TRAINERS THAT STAND OUT IN YOUR MIND?

My dad taught me to ride, and taught me to respect horses. He grew up riding and is a very natural horseman. Also, Peggy Weldon. When I was in school at Auburn University, my favorite thing to do was go out to her farm and have her teach me to ride English, give me basics of dressage, and even coach me on how to jump! It was a blast, but regrettably shortlived because I left Auburn for Nashville after only one year.

YOU ARE USED TO PERFORMING BUT DOES RIDING MAKE YOU NERVOUS?

My daddy taught me early on that although fun, horses are animals you must respect, and they can be very dangerous. I’ve had some bad experiences through the years that have left me a little jumpy at times, but it usually wears off after being horseback for a few minutes. Riding is one my favorite life experiences, and I dream of owning a buckskin horse that I can ride whenever and wherever one day!!

WHAT IS YOUR WEBSITE SO HORSE DIGEST FANS CAN FOLLOW YOUR CAREER AND LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR NEXT APPEARANCE?

You can find me online at www.joannasmithofficial.com