About Jessica Hughes Expertise I can answer diet and nutrition questions regarding performance, breeding/raising young horses, showing, and pleasure riding needs. I can answer questions regarding riding and training problems or advice. I can answer questions regarding equine behavior problems. I can answer questions regarding show horses, how to groom the english or western horse for the horse show arena. I can answer any general question regarding horses.
Experience My expertise includes owning and running a successful show and boarding facility. I have done much research on the nutritional needs of all different types of horses and how their digestive system works and how to keep that healthy. I have shown and trained horses for cutting, western pleasure, halter, breed show all around, and currently hunter/jumpers on the hunter curcuit. I have also raised babies and bred my own mares for the last 5 years specializing in thoroughbreds, warmbloods, and welsh ponies. I also give lessons to all types of riders. I evented for 3 years.
Organizations I currently belong to Blue Ridge Hunter Jumper Association and American Quarter Horse Association.
Education/Credentials I apprenticed under Mark Poovey an accomplished cutting horse trainer for 4 years where I was assistant trainer and barn manager. I have ridden under and participated in many clinics under such people as George Morris and Daniel Geitner. I have also worked as a vet tech at a local veterinarian. I attended Isothermal Community College where I attained my business degree.
Awards and Honors I was #8 in the nation in 1994 with the American Paint Horse Association at the end of that year in the event of Working Hunter 18 & Under. I was also 4th at the AQHA World Show in 1994 in the event of Hunter Under Saddle Youth Team Tournament. I won many year end awards with the APHA during that year. I also won the Raleigh Cutting Horse Futuritiy in the youth division in 1994. I was leader of a local 4-H group for many years.
Past/Present Clients Hope Bleeker, Freda Jessen, Judy Scott, Sharon Scruggs, Elizabeth White, Jackie Gardinier, Laura Bailey, Kevin Hamby, Jane Juanaco,
Anne Schager, Diane Randolph
Question I live in Orange County, New York, about 1 hour northwest of New York City. Right now, I've just had a field plowed, and want to plant grass for my horses to eat. Do you have any suggestions for me?
Thanks so much,
Pam
Answer Hi Pam, My suggestion would be to plant either orchard grass, brome, or timothy. All three of these types of grass are more quality than just fescue. Horses seem to eat them well. I would discourage against bermuda/coastal. Reason being is the coastal/bermuda is much finer and tends to have a higher rate of colic due to impaction because of the fine texture, at least if baled. The lugume grasses are great but they are higher in protein and unless you have pregnant mares and babies or high energized show horses you wouldn't need the extra protein. If you want to plant alfalfa I would mix it with timothy, that seems to be a good mix. I have hunter/jumpers and have had other types of performance horses and I prefer the orchard, brome, or timothy. You may also contact your local agriculture extension office as they should have more extensive information on all types of grass or legume and what would grow best in your environment. Hope this helps, Jessica
