23 minute read
HORSE KEEPING
FEEDING RATION BALANCERS
Ration balancers are concentrated sources of essential minerals, vitamins and protein designed to balance out a horses’s diet. But how do you know if they will benefit your horse specifically?
BY HEATHER MACINNIS & KERI WEIR, EQUINE NUTRITION CONSULTANTS
WHAT IS A RATION BALANCER?
Ration balancers are designed to “balance” your horse’s diet. Simply put, ration balancers are a concentrated source of protein, vitamins and minerals. This high level of concentrated macro and micro minerals allows optimal nutrition to be met easily for any stage of life, activity level and age. The flexibility of this product is the low inclusion rate that can be fed into the feed bucket all at once into one feeding, or spread out with the feeding schedule. Ration balancers provide a “balanced diet” with a high level of nutrition without having to increase the amount of complete feed to elevate nutrition, which may affect weight and attitude.
CALORIES
Do ration balancers have calories? Not really. They bring vitamins and minerals, which cannot be converted into calories in the same way as carbohydrates for example. They play a completely different metabolic role and are important cofactors and carriers for the metabolic reactions necessary for the proper functioning of the horse. A well-known example is iron, which is a component of the hemoglobin protein involved in the transport of oxygen in the bloodstream. Here, iron (a mineral) plays a facilitating role to transport oxygen through the horse’s body. It is not used as a source of calories. Even if it is essential for breathing, iron will not affect the horse’s excitability. It does play an indirect role in the “energy’’ level however; a horse that breathes well will be more energetic. This logic applies to the majority of vitamins and minerals. Even though each of them plays a different role, they are indirectly related to the overall “energy” of the horse.
When it comes to ration balancers – is more, or less, better? While it is true that a horse with nutritional deficiencies (lacking enough vitamins and minerals to meet his needs) is calmer or apathetic, it is frankly unethical to deliberately deprive an animal to reduce its energy level. Read the feed tag for accurate amounts based on performance level and weight. Providing just one nutrient to a diet, like selenium or vitamin E, will only meet that one requirement. Providing all nutrients will help balance the Ca:Ph (Calcium and Phosphorus) and Zn:Cu (Zinc and Copper) ratios and meet required limiting amino acid levels that have to be added to the diet because the horse cannot create these himself.
INTRODUCTION
Introducing a new supplement can create a behavioural change; therefore, it is recommended to do so gradually. This will have a stabilizing effect and reduce changes in the horse’s behaviour. Supplementary intake should be increased very slowly and, when behavioural change is observed, the amount given should be maintained even if the ideal amount to balance the ration has not yet been reached. The horse will then gradually get used to the new intake of vitamins and minerals. When its behaviour has stabilized, the amount can again be increased until the desired level is reached. This way, the horse has time to adapt to its new diet and the spurts of excess energy will be limited.
PROTEIN
When to choose a ration balancer with higher protein? Protein is essential to life; it accounts for approximately 80% of the overall structure of the horse, not counting water and body fat. The primary role of protein is to provide the horse with the amino acids necessary for growth and tissue repair. More precisely, amino acids are the building blocks for the horse’s bones, muscles and soft tissue. What should interest the horse owner who is concerned about feeding his animal properly is, therefore, not protein per se, but the amino acids that form the protein. For the digestion of the protein to be used and show results, it must be bioavailable for efficient absorption.
A protein molecule consists of various combinations of the 22 amino acids that exist in nature. When an animal ingests protein, the enzymes and acids in its digestive system break up the chain of amino acids that constitute the protein, and each amino acid is absorbed through the wall of the small intestine and into the bloodstream, via the liver. From there, the amino acids travel to the specific sites requiring growth and repair. Among the 22 amino acids that constitute protein, 10 are called essential in the sense that the horse cannot synthesize them; they must therefore come from the diet to meet the horse’s specific needs.
UNSURE IF YOUR HORSE HAS DEFICIENCIES OR IS GETTING EXCESS?
Deficiencies include decreased growth and development in the foal, reduced appetite, slow hoof growth, dull hair coat, slower shedding of winter coat, and loss of muscle tone or poorer performance. Excesses include weight gain and increased water consumption.
ALREADY FEEDING GRAIN?
Do I need a supplement if I am already feeding a grain ration? It all depends on the amount he’s fed. Theoretically, all feeds are complete when they are fed according to the recommendations printed on the label. However, very few horses will require as much feed. Of course, there is no need to overfeed them and make them obese to meet their mineral and vitamin requirements! If a horse requires less feed than the amount recommended on the label and his condition is good, simply add a vitamin and mineral supplement to the ration. Ration balancers compliment a complete feed that is not being fed at the recommended amounts.
HAY-ONLY DIET
Hay does not provide all the necessary nutrients for a horse’s health. No hay produced in Canada, no matter how high the quality, will contain sufficient trace elements (i.e. zinc, copper, manganese), or vitamins after a just a few weeks of storage. It is quite possible that a horse may survive several years on a hay-only diet and have a good body condition but in the long run, the lack of fortification will have an effect. After several years, deficiencies can be seen with poor development, poor hoof condition, poor coat, poor performance and recovery. Broodmares and foals are particularly vulnerable to such deficiencies. It is also to be noted that a fat horse is not necessarily a healthy horse. Ration balancers can complement hay-only diets.
Ration balancers provide essential nutrients for a balanced diet and are a great addition to any feed program when fed properly. A healthy horse is a happy horse!
Purina Canada’s Equilibrium Optimal and Equilibrium Equilizer are available in Alberta at your local Purina retailer. Visit equipurina.ca to learn more about these products. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions on your horse’s nutrition!
For more information, please visit: www.equipurina.ca AB
Craving more information about Trail Riding or Camping with Your Horses?
Tania Millen’s books are available for sale...
...through the AEF website!
An obvious choice to balance your horse’s ration
PROUDLY
CANADIAN!
THE PERUVIAN PASO HORSE
A Gaitway Through Time
BY MONIQUE NOBLE
Originating from horses brought to South American shores by Spanish Conquistadors almost 500 years ago, the Peruvian Paso Horse (PPH) is as beautiful, versatile, and resilient as the country that treasures it as part of their national heritage. 1500s Peru was a hot spot for Spanish vice-royalty requiring smooth gaited horses to travel to and through their extensive plantations and haciendas. Importing gaited horses like Jennets and Palfreys gave them the hardiness and smoothness they required; crossing them with Spanish Barbs and Andalusians gave them the endurance and conformation they loved.
Fondly referred to by admirers as “the working horse that can show,” Peruvians are hardy horses bred to withstand diverse terrain and living conditions and look good while doing so. Surprisingly easy keepers, they are not a horse that should be left idle in a pasture as they gain weight easily. Born gaited, PPHs live to move and have two lateral gaits alongside the walk, trot and canter. A PPH will canter in the field but once under saddle they default to their breed defining gaits, the exquisite Paso Llano (pawso-yawno) and the faster Sobreandando.
The Paso Llano has four distinctive beats in a 1-2-3-4 rhythm and is the world’s smoothest ride. In the show ring, judges occasionally evaluate contestants by listening for the sound or Metal (Me-tahl) of this rhythmic movement rather than by watching them. The Sobreandando is a faster gait with a rhythm of 1-2, 3-4. Both gaits are lateral meaning the legs move right-front, right-hind, left-front, and left-hind. Lateral gaits have almost no vertical motion as there are always two or three feet on the ground at any given time. This smoothness and stability is passed upwards to the rider requiring them to do little to remain balanced and comfortable. Perfect for covering distance quickly, these gaits also require less energy from both horse and rider.
All that saved energy has to go somewhere and that is to the “Brio.” The Brio is the hard-to-define quality of being agreeably spirited, vivacious, courageous and energetic – yet polite – all traits readily apparent in PPHs. For a horse to have true Brio it must have energy; but it must be contained, focused and of service to the rider. Brio, combined with a smooth gait, provides many hours of comfortable riding.
Quiet and friendly on the ground, once you are in the saddle, Peruvians love to work and come alive with the opportunity for adventure and exercise. PPHs can intimidate a rider who is not used to having such a quick and energetic horse underneath them. Brio is often mistaken as “hotness” and certainly can become hotness if not trained properly.
PPH breeder and trainer Mimi BuskDowney who owns Crescent Moon Ranch in Acme, Alberta offers, “We train them quiet, we don’t jack them up or stimulate their energy because we want them to develop a stable mind, and once that’s there, you can let them show their fancy. But if you start out by stimulating them to the point that they are hyper, you will never bring them down… you can’t put the genie back into the bottle.”
PPHs start training around threeyears-old, once their knees have matured. Training must be done patiently as it is very easy to misdirect their Brio. Peruvians are smart and quick to learn but they are sensitive, and they do not respond well to heavy handedness. They respect a trustworthy leader and thrive under consistent, knowledgeable handling. The key to training a PPH is to not interfere with
their natural gaits, but to know how to best enhance them. This is done with quiet, almost imperceptible changes in rider balance and equitation. The smoothness of the PPH allows its rider to concentrate on their horsemanship, rather than matching their body movement to the stride of their mount. Like any training, speed is secondary to quality. Steeped in tradition and experience, the classical way of training a Peruvian is slowly. Progression is only made when the horse is ready and quality of gait and Brio are more important than speed. PPHs begin training in a Peruvian bosal and then (when they are ready,) are gently introduced to the Peruvian bit while still wearing the bosal. This looks both tricky and impressive as it requires four reins. The combination allows the trainer to guide the horse, while ensuring their mouth stays soft to the slightest whisper of pressure. Through small movements, the rider sends their mount messages encouraging proper collection, rating and headset. The most common mistake made in training Peruvians is doing it too quickly, both in progression and in speed of gait. When properly trained, the ideal Peruvian is the picture of controlled intensity. Not intense control – Brio.
Beauty is a given when breeding for the elite PPH. Regal in their own right, PPH horses come in most colours, have a distinct head carriage, luxurious manes and tails and a finesse of bone that belie their strength and stamina. Ranging from 14.1-15.2 hands high, PPHs have a short, broad back. They also have powerful hindquarters, with a low tail carriage designed for the impulsion required for the natural collection and fluidity of their gaits – and they can carry a rider well into their 20s.
A common misconception is that hoof care is related to another defining PPH trait. Unlike other gaited breeds, the PPH is bred for a natural movement called “Termino.” Natural movement is so important in the PPH world that they are not allowed to show in shoes – although they are still recommended for rocky trails. Likened to a swimmer’s stroke, Termino is a graceful outward movement of the foreleg starting at the shoulder, extending throughout the forward stride. Termino is not necessary for the fluidity of gait but it is very distinctive and flashy. Dramatic Termino – while lovely to watch – may
This is CM Romance a Peruvian gelding, shown while still a stallion, when he won National Champion Pleasure Stallion. Ridden by Mimi Busk-Downey. Photo Courtesy of Crescent Moon Ranch.
not guarantee you a ribbon in the show ring, as quality of gait is more important than flourish. Horses and history are deeply interconnected and the invention of the road was a dramatic change for both. With roads, came carts, racing and the desire for horses with speed, strength and size over smoothness. This shift played a part in the extinction of some gaited breeds including the PPH’s ancestor, the Spanish Jennet. PPHs were protected from outside breeding by nature of its homeland. Guarded geographically on either side by the Andes and the Pacific Ocean, the PPH was also guarded by the people of Peru – especially in the north – who to this day use PPHs for daily transportation and value their traditionally smooth, if archaic, gait. Interestingly, due to the passage of time and influences of other breeds bred into today’s modern Andalusian, many breeders consider the PPH to be a more accurate example of the renaissance Andalusian and therefore the purest of all Spanish breeds.
Despite centuries of protection by breeders, the PPH declined in the 1930s when many were lost to the ravages of the Chilean war. Several horses were released into the Andes in a desperate attempt to save the
PHOTOS CLOCKWISE: The Peruvian Bosal is essential to successful training. Customary PPH handmade show saddles and regalia elegantly display Peru’s love of tradition and fine workmanship. Tapa ojos, once used as eye coverings, are now strictly ornamental when used in the show ring. Photos by Monique Noble.
breed from decimation. In 1945 (a decade after Peru started recovering), an amazing effort to preserve the PPH and record their history was initiated. A stud book was created, an association formed, shows were organized and the breed flourished. Sadly, civil unrest and government directed “agrarium reform” in the 1960s saw the at-gunpoint closure of breeding facilities and the demise of many herds. Beloved mounts were again released into the Andes, some were hidden in haciendas and hundreds were exported in a rescue effort to North America by fellow Albertan and author Vern Albright, where they have since won many admirers.
Coincidentally, Busk-Downey was a friend of Albright’s. Busk-Downey too fell in love with the PPH in California and brought horses with her when she moved to Alberta, 40 years ago. Busk-Downey and her husband Dale, established a renown breeding and training program producing the stallion Soberano CM. Soberano was the first Canadian born PPH to win a title at the U.S. Nationals, winning Best Gaited Horse of show in 1984. Soberano’s achievements are extensive. His progeny
ABOVE: A conformation shot of CM Soliluz, who was sold to a client in New York. Pictured here with trainer Oscar Vasquez. Photo courtesy of Crescent Moon Ranch. BELOW: PPH’s hooves tend to be flatter than trotter breeds and require slightly different trimming techniques that acknowledge but do not enhance, nor hinder their trademark gaits. Photo by Monique Noble.
and the breeding program at Crescent Moon Ranch continue to enhance the breed and introduce their charms to riders through lessons and by hosting annual guided equestrian tours in both Ecuador and Peru, (currently suspended due to COVID-19).
Once introduced to the PPH, riders love the versatility, temperament and Brio that make them spectacular mounts for trail riding, mounted shooting, parades and endurance. Smooth gaits offer virtually no strain or jostling to the rider, making them popular with people who have issues with body pain.
Half a millennia since their descendants arrived in Peru, surviving through turmoil, tragedy and the threat of extinction, over 40,000 Peruvian Paso Horses are now conquering hearts all over the world. With their willing attitudes, showy presentation and crowning distinction of being the smoothest gaited horse in the world, they are making their way back into the equestrian lifestyle – even if the path to get there was a rocky one. AB
GET READY TO TRAIL RIDE!
Trail riding is one of the most enjoyable things you can do with your horse this summer, but it pays to be prepared. BAR XP PHOTO
Here are some suggestions for having the most enjoyable trail ride this summer, complete with a saddlebag recipe and a listing for Alberta equestrian trails with campgrounds.
BY TANIA MILLEN
Yahoo! Summer is on the way and it’s time to go and explore new trails. Planning your trail ride and assessing potential risks can go a long way towards keeping you, your horse, and your riding partners safe. Avoiding trouble by gathering information about the trails you’re going to ride, riding a suitable horse, and riding with a partner, is ideal. However, even the best plans can go awry, so before leaving home it’s wise to create an emergency plan plus fill your saddlebags with useful gear.
Here’s how to create an emergency plan. Ask a friend, partner, or family member who won’t be riding with you, to act as your designated safety person. Before leaving home, give your contact information to said safety person, and tell them where you’re riding, who you’re with, and what time you plan to return. Advise your safety person what to do if you don’t contact them by your return time. Should they search for you? Call emergency services? Assuming the ride goes well, make sure you contact your safety person upon your return, so they don’t send out a search party.
Next, you’ll need to carry a communication device such as a cell phone, SPOT® messenger, or Garmin inReach® device, to communicate with your safety person or emergency services in the event of a problem. Remember to carry phone numbers or email addresses you might need, too. Also, many riding areas don’t have cellular service so check coverage before you go, and if needed, carry an emergency device that doesn’t rely on cell service. During the ride, carry the communication device and contact information on your person at all times, as it’s useless to have your device on a horse that’s galloping down the trail without you. A small travel pouch worn beneath your clothing works well.
Three other items best carried on your person include a whistle, knife, and lighter. These will help you survive if you, your horse, and your partners, are separated. Hopefully, you’ll never need
to use any of these things but in the event you do, you’ll be very happy to have them.
So what else do you need to pack on your horse to enjoy a safe trail ride?
Well, if a trail ride goes sideways you’ll appreciate having some emergency gear in your saddlebags, including a first aid kit, fix-it kit (multi-tool, cord, binder twine, duct tape, zip ties), trail re-finding tools (compass, flagging tape), fire-starting kit (fire starter sticks, candle, lighter), and gear to survive an unintentional night out (headlamp, space blanket, food bar, toilet paper). It’s easy to keep this gear organized and dry by putting everything in Ziplock® bags or a lightweight dry bag.
Other items that will help you enjoy the ride include food and water, Global Positioning System (GPS) and hard copy map, sunscreen, bug spray, halter and lead shank, hobbles, spare hoof boot, rain jacket and pants, extra sweaters, and a camera. Depending on where you’re going and what you expect to encounter, you might also wish to carry an axe in a scabbard, a handsaw, bear spray and bangers, spare gloves, binoculars, and a fishing rod. This is a lot of gear to carry on one horse; however, some of the gear can be shared between riding partners to lighten the load.
Meanwhile, choose your mount carefully, condition appropriately, select trails that are within both your limits and plan your trip before heading out. With an emergency plan in place and gear in your saddlebags, you’re ready to go and enjoy the trails.
TRAIL RIDE SANDWICH WITH TANGY JALAPEÑO MAYO
Sandwiches built for a trail ride should have four basic components: a good quality crusty bread such as french baguette or individual rolls, a flavourful spread, a sliced meat and fresh or grilled vegetables. Try to keep it simple, too many ingredients and flavours will overcomplicate taste. Avoid watery vegetables like tomato and cucumbers that will make your bread soggy.
BAR XP PHOTO
This sandwich recipe involves a little bit of pre-preparation a day or so in advance. The creamy component for the sandwich – tangy jalapeño mayonnaise – can be made one or two days ahead. This is the flavour base for the sandwich and can also be used as a dip for veggie sticks or dressing for salad or coleslaw. The flavour will always be better the next day, once all the components have time to get to know each other a little better.
It’s no secret that leftovers make great sandwiches. If you are planning a ride, make sure to cook extra the day before. Roast beef, lamb shoulder, pork loin or chicken make excellent sandwiches and any one of them can be used in this sandwich. In this case, we roasted a shoulder of spring lamb. Roasting a lamb shoulder, contrary to popular belief, is incredibly easy. Rinse, pat dry, rub with salt and crushed chili pepper and roast long and slow in the oven.
TIP! To keep the sandwich cool on hot days, freeze a saturated kitchen sponge in a zipper bag. The sponge won’t leak water as it thaws and you can reuse the sponge over and over again. This idea is perfect for keeping your lunch cool in your saddlebags.
TRAIL RIDE SANDWICH
Total Time: 40 min Prep Time: 30 min Assembly time: 10 min Total Servings: 6 Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
Six crusty rolls 1 cup Jalapeño Mayonnaise (see below) 1 ½ lb roast lamb 1 head butter lettuce 1 sweet onion Salt and pepper to taste
Jalapeño Mayonnaise
4 Jalapeño peppers 1 Tbsp. olive oil I Cup mayonnaise 1 lime ¼ Cup cilantro ½ Tsp. cumin 1 Tsp. chilli powder Salt and pepper to taste
METHOD
Slice the jalapeños lengthwise and remove the seeds and pith. Toss in olive oil and lay cut side down on a parchment lined baking tray. Roast in a 400°F oven until the skin is golden brown and blistered. Remove from the oven and let cool.
Place mayonnaise in a mixing bowl. Coarsely chop roasted peppers and cilantro and add to bowl. On the fine side of a cheese grater, or with a zester, zest the lime and add half of the juice from the lime. Mix in cumin and more lime juice, salt and pepper to taste. Keep covered in the refrigerator overnight.
Get your ingredients together. Cut the rolls in half, thinly slice the meat, slice the onions paper thin, wash and dry lettuce leaves. Assemble sandwiches. Distribute the jalapeño mayonnaise on the tops and bottoms of the buns. Distribute the meat evenly and season with salt and pepper. Carefully lay the onions on the meat, one at a time, and distribute evenly. Next, add lettuce and cover with the bun top.
Wrap up the sandwiches individually or in pairs. If you want your rolls to stay crusty, wrap the sandwiches in parchment or paper bags. If you like the bread a little softer, wrap them in plastic wrap, the moisture will soften the crust of the bread as you travel.
EQUESTRIAN CAMPSITES IN ALBERTA BY MONIQUE NOBLE
The following is by no means a complete list; however, all of these Alberta equestrian sites include trail heads with campgrounds. For information on day-use trails in each area, please call the numbers listed. Some really great trails for fitness building are in Mesa Butte, Indian Graves, Sandy McNabb, Little Elbow (not the Powder face trail) and the Lower Tombstone area. There are numerous resources available in regards to these trailheads online.
BIG BERLAND
-Big Berland PRA
BIG ELBOW BACKCOUNTRY
- Big Elbow PRA
BLUEROCK EQUESTRIAN
- Sheep River PP
CRESCENT FALLS
- Crescent Falls PRA
DAWSON EQUESTRIAN
- Dawson PRA
ETHERINGTON EQUESTRIAN
- Etherington Creek PRA
FIDDLE BACKCOUNTRY
-Whitehorse WPP Hinton 780-865-2154
Bragg Creek Online booking
Turner Valley 403-949-3132
Nordegg
Canmore 403-721-3975
403-673-2163
Longview
Robb 403-591-7226
780-865-2154
INDIAN GRAVES EQUESTRIAN
- Indian Graves PRA
JEWELL BAY BACKCOUNTRY
- Bow Valley PP
LITTLE ELBOW EQUESTRIAN
- Little Elbow PRA Longview
Canmore 403-995-5554
Online booking
Bragg Creek Online Booking
MESA BUTTE EQUESTRIAN (Group Use) Bragg Creek Online Booking - Mesa Butte PRA Group Use Closed
MESA BUTTE EQUESTRIAN
- Mesa Butte PRA Bragg Creek 403-949-3132
MOUNT ROMULUS BACKCOUNTRY
- Elbow-Sheep WPP
MOUNT ROMULUS EQUESTRIAN
BACKCOUNTRY- Elbow-Sheep WPP
PEPPERS LAKE STAGING
- Peppers Lake Staging PRA
POACHERS LANDING
- Poacher’s Landing PRA
RANDOM BACKCOUNTRY CAMPING
- Fort Assiniboine Sandhills WPP Bragg Creek Online Booking
Bragg Creek Online Booking
Nordegg 403-845-8349
Athabasca 780-623-7189
Barrhead 780-960-8170
ROCK LAKE - Rock Lake PP Hinton 780-865-2154
SANDY MCNABB EQUESTRIAN
- Sheep River PP
SAWMILL BACKCOUNTRY
- Whitehorse WPP
SPRING CREEK EQUESTRIAN
- Cypress Hills PP
STRAWBERRY EQUESTRIAN
- Strawberry PRA SULPHUR GATES - Sulphur Gates PRA
TOMBSTONE BACKCOUNTRY
- Elbow-Sheep WPP
TOMBSTONE EQUESTRIAN
BACKCOUNTRY- Elbow-Sheep WPP
TRAPPERS BACKCOUNTRY
- Whitehorse WPP Turner Valley 403-949-3132
Robb 780-865-2154
Medicine Hat Online Booking
Longview 403-591-7226
Grande Cache 780-827-7393 Bragg Creek Online Booking
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