When I started Mikko’s Choice I knew I needed to find an “influencer” to help get the word out about my product. I may be a millennial, but I hate influencers and what they have become. So instead, I decided to shift focus to a more meaningful relationship. The goal was to find someone who aligned with my values–both personally and within horsemanship. Naturally, I thought about those I had already turned to when working through Mikko’s history of abuse. The Schiller family immediately came to mind. I spent hours watching Warwick Schiller’s youtube videos and learned invaluable lessons from them. So, one day I took a leap of faith and emailed them. Weeks went by and then the phone rang. It was them.
The next day I sent them a few jars of CBD pellets to try. Then a few months later I found myself visiting their ranch. I spent almost five hours there just chatting and visiting away–it felt so natural. This was the relationship we were both looking for.
Recently I spent some time on the phone talking with Robyn Schiller about the transition for her horse, Oscar, from World Equestrian Games competitor to hanging out at home. Interestingly enough, CBD is allowed within reining. In fact, Oscar was on a different CBD when the pair competed at the 2019 Run for A Million. Despite it being legal, Robyn had a moment of worry when Oscar was drug tested. Perhaps like you might when you see a cop, but you’re not actually doing anything wrong! He passed the test.
The Schiller family all take CBD personally, so they know its benefits. Robyn’s main reason for giving Oscar CBD is because it is a natural alternative to bute. Every horse owner knows about bute and that prolonged use can cause other issues as well. This was a major factor in bringing Mikko’s Choice to market! Luckily, Oscar doesn’t have a serious nagging injury like many show horses do. He is 16 now and has been shown since he was 3, but has only been on CBD for about a year now. Robyn finds it helps him with general joint health and swelling reduction. She believes CBD has helped him stay consistent in his health. Not all show agencies allow the use of CBD, like FEI. However, it does make me wonder what would happen if those horses could take CBD and compete. Would they have less injuries? Would they be less stressed? Would they come back from injury faster?
I’ve had many people who show tell me they can’t use CBD because it is banned and most are correct. My response is to keep it in mind for when a horse is done showing as it may help the horse transition. I asked Robyn specifically about that transition as life can change pretty drastically for a show horse once that part of their life is over. Her biggest piece of advice is something the Schiller family has done with their horses—get the horse into a herd environment. They found this makes a huge difference mentally, for the horse. Especially because some physical issues come from being mentally stressed. Hello stress and weaving. She went on to say, it stands to reason if an individual is mentally stressed they are also holding tightness in their body. So if they can be helped with any kind of stress alleviation, it will make a huge difference mentally and physically. Robyn has found putting their horses into a herd situation has made all the difference. Sprinkling some Mikko’s Choice CBD pellets in with their grain (or given by hand) is just the icing on the cake!
If you’re interested in learning more about the Schiller family you can visit their website and subscribe to their enormous online video training library. Their subscribers have access to an incredible app that guides you through anything you can think of. I’ve never seen anything like it and was practically jumping out of my chair with excitement. Seriously, go do the free trial now!!
