Kolaborate CS Finds Relaxation & Focus with Gumbits..
Kolaborate CS Finds Relaxation and Focus with Gumbits in Hunter Breeding Yearling Class at Devon
EQUINIUM SPORTS _ June 4, 2018 (Devon, PA) - From "bucket baby" to the Dixon Oval: the story of the elegant young filly, Kolaborate CS, cannot be told without the inclusion of her favorite training tool, Gumbits. In this yearling's first time off her home property, she placed fourth in the prestigious Devon Horse Show's Hunter Breeding division, and was a total pro in the hands of handlers Gretchen Ober of Cavallo Sporthorses and the filly's owner, and 10-year-old hunter derby and junior hunter champion, Kat Fuqua. Known affectionately as Lobo, Kolaborate CS began life as an orphan and overcame her resulting anxiety and fidgety mouth with the help of Gumbits.
Lobo was bred to jump; by Caligula II and out of Zangersheide mare Cupido Z, Lobo unfortunately had a rough beginning to life. Her dam was diagnosed with cancer, and as a result Lobo was born very small. Her dam passed away when Lobo was only a week old, and during the week she was alive, Lobo was constantly awoken to nurse and rarely allowed to sleep more than a few minutes. The resulting anxiety caused the young filly to lick the walls and play with her mouth and tongue as a form of stress relief. While the behaviors weren't directly affecting Lobo's health in a negative way, owner Gretchen Ober was concerned the filly could be prone to cribbing, other health issues, or that the nervous behaviors could affect her scores in the arena, should she become a show horse.
Ober learned about Gumbits from a dressage rider, and decided to give them a try. "There has been a major improvement not only in her nervous mouthing habits but also in her overall focus and trainability," said Ober. "She really only needs a few to roll around in her mouth and she is immediately more focused, quiet, and relaxed, whether its in the stall, with a bridle on, or even on the trailer. It's amazing to see her here, at Devon, for her first outing ever, first time even on the trailer! Both of us had Gumbits in our hands during the classes here at Devon, and we are thrilled that she placed and it was a great training experience for her. You can definitely see she reacts differently to a normal treat versus a Gumbit. It has absolutely been a game changer for her as a training tool."
Following the filly's debut performances at Devon, both horse and handlers received top praise from judges and other handlers. With the help of Gumbits and the support of her family, Lobo looks to be headed for a bright future despite a tragic beginning!
Gumbits' steadily growing fan base includes riders from the US, Canada, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, as well as some of the top international competitors in dressage, eventing, show jumping, hunters, ponies, vaulting, the Quarter Horse disciplines, and combined driving. Gumbits Olympians include Lauren Billys, Lauren Kieffer, Steffen Peters, Matt Brown, Kasey Perry-Glass, Hawley Bennett Awad, David Marcus, Mary Hanna, and Deidrick Van Silfhout, among others. The all natural, bite sized pieces are perfect for use with or without a bridle, and naturally promote chewing activity, encourage submission, activates salivation, and eliminates teeth grinding.
