Equine Consumers' Guide 2015

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proud

ly Canadian

Insta

CONTENTS

2015 CANADA’S HORSE INDUSTRY AT YOUR FINGERTIPS A Special Issue of

INSIDE 10 Editor’s Desk 78 How To Horsekeeping PHOTO: PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAROLYNN

Step-by-step instructions for five tasks every horse person should know how to tackle.

101 Index to Advertisers

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FEATURES CAREERS WITH HORSEPOWER 12 Making a Living with Horses

E xploring seven career paths that led from passion to profession.

24 Knowledge is Power

Equine Guelph makes education accessible with flexible options for all horse owners .

HORSE HEALTH 28 The Dangers of Medicating

Improper use of commonly administered drugs can impact the health and safety of our horses.

PHOTO: KATHRYN CARMALT

32 New Research Projects at WCVM

The latest projects include Equine Cushing’s disease, septic arthritis, bacterial infections, and laminitis.

32 CONNECT TO THE HORSE INDUSTRY

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CONTENTS

2015 FEATURES cont.

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HORSE INDUSTRY 40 Options in Equine Insurance

Identify your needs and choose the right policy for you and your horse.

46 How to Reduce Boarding Stress

Written boarding agreements help protect the rights of both horse and stable owner.

54 OEF and HCBC… At Your Service

PHOTO: ©CANSTOCKPHOTO.COM/EGONZIT TER

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Canada’s equine federations are the hub of the horse industry.

WELFARE 64 New Approaches to Wild Horse Management

Game-changing strategies for population control in Alberta.

68 The Edible Horse… What If?

PHOTO COURTESY OF WHOAS

PRODUCTS & SERVICES

87 The Marketplace

Equine Consumers’ Guide 2015

Your comprehensive source for products, services, breeds, stallions, and more.

A collection of products available in Canada from horse industry businesses.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF TOTAL SADDLE FIT

91, 93, 100, 102 New & Noteworthy Products & Reviews

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Exploring the controversial implications of thinking outside the box.

Welcome to your Annual Equine Consumers’ Guide We’ve been working on this edition for the past several months and hope you enjoy our menu of features on the topics most requested by you, our readers.

Do you dream of one day turning your love of horses into a career? Do you have what it takes to make a living in today’s horse industry? Nowadays, we are fortunate to have abundant opportunities to pursue a horse-related occupation, and to acquire the education and training to make it happen.

If you’re considering a move from the boardroom to the barn, you will enjoy reading about the careers of the horse industry professionals profiled in our feature, Making a Living with Horses.

Our second education feature, Knowledge is Power...Horsepower, describes some of the programs developed by Equine Guelph to meet the industry’s demand for education and reliable information. Whether you are seeking a new career or simply want to expand your knowledge, Equine Guelph has a course to suit your needs, and online delivery of their Equine Studies program allows you to stay at home and ride your horses while you study – the best of both worlds!

We frequently hear about positive drug tests in the world of horseracing or in competition, and wonder how horse owners could put their animals’ health and safety at risk. But did you know that the majority of these positive test results involve some of the drugs we give our horses routinely? Drugs and Your Horse: The Dangers of Medicating explains how some of these dangerous situations occur, and how to prevent them. Meanwhile, researchers at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan have been working on several projects focused on improving horse health, thanks to funding from the veterinary college’s Equine Health Research Fund. These fascinating research projects include techniques to allow early detection and more effective treatment of Equine Cushing’s disease; prevention and treatment strategies to control heaves; and a surgical therapy to slow the progression of laminitis. This intriguing work is described in Current Equine Research Projects at WCVM. Most horse people are familiar with the need for liability insurance, which provides coverage if your horse injures someone or damages property. But did you know that there are a wide range of insurance options available? Our feature Understanding Horse Insurance will help you identify your needs and choose the right policy for you and your horse.

It’s been several decades since my first pony arrived on our southern Ontario farm where I grew up. Since then, I have looked after my own horses at home, boarded horses at stables large and small, and cared for horses at boarding and breeding barns. Having been on both sides of the boarding fence, I have a deep appreciation for the people who operate boarding stables, and an equal amount of empathy for owners who must leave their horses in care. Karen Weslowski’s feature, The Value of Written Boarding Agreements, provides common sense advice for both horse and stable owners when dealing with boarding situations.

All Canadian provinces have equestrian federations, and all of them are working hard to keep our industry moving forward. The Ontario Equestrian Federation and Horse Council of British Columbia are two of Canada’s largest and most proactive horse associations. Read about their numerous activities and accomplishments, and their goals for the future, in Equestrian Federations: The Hub of the Horse Industry.

We are excited to tell you about a new development in wild horse management in Alberta.

Read about the new fertility control and adoption programs being undertaken by the Wild Horses of Alberta Society in Managing Alberta’s Wild Horses.

This is an industry-focused edition, and one of the major issues affecting Canada’s horse industry is equine welfare. Our feature, The Edible Horse, considers the question posed by Princess Ann, the Princess Royal, in her speech at the 2013 conference of the World Horse Welfare charity of which she is president, and explores the controversial implications of that question.

Would the equine welfare crisis be mitigated by implementing her suggestion? Maybe you’ll be repulsed by the title of the article and won’t want to read it. But if you do read it and want to join the ON THE COVER discussion, your comments will be welcome.

Photo:©iStockphoto/Somogyvari Kathy Smith, Publisher 10

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Volume 15 • Issue 3 • 2015 The Equine Consumers’ Guide is a Special Issue of EDITOR / PUBLISHER Kathy Smith ACCOUNTS Chantal Patterson ADVERTISING Ronnie Olsen • April Dawn Ray • Terry Andrucko SUBSCRIPTIONS/DISTRIBUTION Mark Smith • Nathan Reimer MARKETING Janna Reimer PRODUCTION Elisa Crees CONTRIBUTORS Robin Duncan Photography • HCBC • OEF Margaret Evans • Western College of Veterinary Medicine Equine Guelph • Pam MacKenzie ADVERTISING, SUBSCRIPTIONS & GENERAL INQUIRIES 1-800-299-3799 • 250-655-8883 or email: sales@horsejournals.com ADVERTISING DEADLINE 5 weeks prior to issue date (eg: Sept. 21 for Nov. issue) INTERNET EDITION WEB SITE www.horsejournals.com MAIN OFFICE E-MAIL editor@horsejournals.com PRODUCTION DEPARTMENT E-MAIL design@horsejournals.com

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We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage.

REPRODUCTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART OF ANY MATERIAL CONTAINED IN THIS PUBLICATION WITHOUT THE WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE PUBLISHER IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. The information and services listed herein are intended to facilitate accessibility to the professionals, products and services that play a part in the horse industry. While readers are encouraged to use the products and services of the merchants listed in this Guide, Horse Community Journals Inc. does not recommend or guarantee the products and services of advertisers or associates listed.

Manuscripts and photographs will be returned only if SASE is provided.

The return of unsolicited material is not guaranteed. Contributors and advertisers warrant all materials supplied are free of copyright and they have the legal right to use the same. All material accepted for publication is subject to such revisions as are deemed appropriate by The Canadian Horse Journal (CHJ). The opinions expressed in CHJ are not necessarily those of the publisher. CHJ reserves the right to refuse any advertising or submission. Contributors consent to have their submissions published in CHJ and on www.HORSEJournals.com and elsewhere as determined by the publisher. Printed in Canada. Please recycle.

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n CAREERS

Making a Living

Many people with a passion for horses dream of one day turning that passion into a career in the horse industry.

Today, there are many opportunities to pursue a horse-related occupation, from the more traditional career paths, to jobs that combine equine knowledge with non-horsey skills and experience, to professions in new areas of specialization.

Opportunities for the training, education, and experience to prepare for a horse industry career are more accessible than ever before.

This feature explores the career paths of several equine professionals who are making a living in today’s horse industry.

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By Margaret Evans

PHOTO: PHOTOGR APHY BY C AROLYNN

with Horses

Tara Reimer, who operates Cloud 9 Ranch near Steinbach, Manitoba and her husband, Derek, sees opportunity in every challenge.

Tara and Derek Reimer RIDING FACILITY OPERATORS Tara Reimer and her husband, Derek, operate Cloud 9 Ranch near Steinbach, Manitoba. There they offer group, semiprivate, and private riding lessons; therapy rides; vaulting; birthday parties; boarding; training; clinics; and judging. They are also looking at adding equine assisted learning and parents/preschool lessons.

CANADA’S HORSE INDUSTRY AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

“I have been riding all my life and started teaching younger 4-H members while I was a member myself in my teens,” says Reimer. “I taught 4-H as a leader for five years (then) pursued my university degree and took my first job travelling in sales. Once I took the time to teach and train again, the business grew steadily as clients spread the word. Cloud 9 Ranch has been operating since 2003. We had over 140 regular lesson students in 2014, averaging 65 a week in our different

sessions. In addition, we host several birthday parties, either riding or vaulting.”

Reimer came from a hard-working dairy farming family. She earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture, worked for a time in marketing, then opened her own tack store. Swynar Tack was to play a big role in the early years of Cloud 9 Ranch, not only through gaining contacts, but also from the experience earned by running her own business. Reimer is also a Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) Clinic Instructor certifying riding coaches across Canada and US, and is the CHA Region 2 Director. In addition to being an AQHA Professional Horseman, she is a General Performance Judge and Western Coach.

Organization is critical to providing all the services offered at Cloud 9 Ranch. The day starts early with horses fed and stalls cleaned at 7 am. Administrative work is taken care of before horses in training go for their sessions and the therapy riders arrive during the morning. Private lessons are held in the afternoon, and lessons for children and youth run after school from 4:30 pm to 10 pm Monday to Thursday, and all day on Saturday.

Reimer sees opportunity in every challenge, such as chances to add programs and reach out to those with mental, emotional, or physical needs who would benefit from the healing power of horses.

“Having said that, you cannot be everything to everyone,” she cautions. “It is difficult to lose a client when you have their best interests at stake, but it is inevitable.

I am learning to do as the customer wishes, so long as the horse’s welfare remains top priority.”

Running a business is demanding, and Reimer wears many hats to keep things going smoothly. “We always treated Cloud 9 Ranch as a real business that had to support itself. Every day I make important decisions, answer phone and email queries to schedule lessons-boarding-training, ensure students are getting the most from lessons, update social media, ensure the progress of training horses, look for ways to add programs, ensure staff are on schedule and task, keep up financial records, and more. You need to be a business person with many skills other than just a teacher or trainer. (My advice is to) get the life experiences to have skills in many areas. Hiring people to do these tasks costs money, which is not feasible in the early years of a business.”

Their website is www.cloud9ranch.ca.

Jamie Wiltse BC SPCA CONSTABLE “Primarily, I respond to allegations of animals in distress with the goal of working with an animal owner/caretaker to relieve any distress, and to improve the welfare of their animals through education and cooperation. If necessary, deterrence may be in the form of legal proceedings,” says Jamie Wiltse, special provincial constable, BC Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) Cruelty Investigations Department, Kamloops Area. “I also attend schools and public events to provide humane education as well as work with other agencies in my community such as the RCMP, Bylaw, First Nations, Child and Family Services, etc.”

Wiltse participated in 4-H and Pony Club as a child, and volunteered with the SPCA where she gained valuable knowledge and experience.

thinking of an enforcement career is that while the focus is animals, the majority of what constables do is working with people.

“If you aren’t a ‘people person’ this won’t be the right field of work for you,” she said.

“Also, you won’t change the world (for animals) overnight. Every small act has a ripple effect that improves the welfare of animals over time. In my opinion, a good investigator is focused on education/ prevention and is drawn to and exhibits characteristics in line with the service element of our job. The majority of our calls are not crime related.”

Working as a special constable means there is no typical day. “Sometimes I can travel over 4,000 kilometres a month to investigate reports of animals in distress. When we do have horses in care, I work with fosters, local vets, even feed stores to return the horses to good health. I love to see the happy endings; one of my favourite parts of the job is taking a horse out of a bad situation, returning it to health, and seeing it off to a new home.”

For BC SPCA Constable Jamie Wiltse, one of her favourite parts of the job is taking a horse from a bad situation and restoring it to health, then seeing it go to a new home.

“Most of my education and work experience as an adult was enforcementbased (which) fitted together nicely for a career with the BC SPCA Cruelty Investigations Department,” she says.

Wiltse believes that the qualities that make a good investigator include compassion and empathy for both animals and people, integrity, good judgment, neutrality, an ability to work independently as well as part of a team, assertiveness, problem-solving skills, and, of course, a love of animals. Often overlooked by those

With colleagues, she participates in public relations activities and fundraisers to maintain awareness in the community.

Paperwork must be completed for court cases, and time is taken to give evidence.

“I entered this career because I wanted to help animals, but with that comes seeing animals in varying degrees of distress, which can be really tough. Self-care is so important when you are on the front lines working with abused and neglected animals. I also hope to see a day where the BC SPCA is supported with government funding. BC SPCA is the

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only enforcement agency in the province not funded by government, but we are sworn in as Peace Officers under the Police Act to enforce animal cruelty laws under both the Criminal Code and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. Having more constables on the road would be such a benefit.”

She adds, “Every day I have the opportunity to make a positive difference in the life of at least one animal.”

BC SPCA Constable Jamie Wiltse.

Maureen Walters INSTRUCTOR, COACH, JUDGE Maureen Walters of Chilliwack, British Columbia, began her equestrian and instructing career in the early 1970s at Mound Farm, in Cloverdale, BC. She taught her daughter to ride during her Canadian Pony Club days and, as word-of-mouth reputation brought clientele, Walters’s career expanded and she taught therapeutic riding, became a judge, and today is the Master Evaluator for British Columbia.

“As the Master Evaluator, I am a ‘coach developer,’” says Walters. “At a coaching evaluation, I, along with another evaluator, will evaluate candidates while they go through a number of tasks (which have desired outcomes) in order to meet or exceed the standard of their appropriate coaching ‘context.’ A typical day for me is having direct, almost daily communication with the Horse Council BC office, open communication with other evaluators across the country, and keeping abreast

of the ever-changing program by reading emails and other documents.” Walters also attends the Equine Canada national conference each year, and is available for the important task of mentoring up-andcoming instructors and coaches.

Walters’s services include coaching in English dressage, stadium jumping, and cross country jumping for all levels, and her most satisfying occupation is teaching the teachers, those who wish to become certified instructors or coaches.

Like many coaches, she has been challenged to deal with rider shortcomings.

She deals with green riders on green horses, riders whose expectations are too high or whose goals are unrealistic, those who lack commitment, and those who lack the work ethic needed to achieve attainable goals.

But despite the frustrations, one of the greatest rewards for Walters is to see people enjoying themselves while preserving the correct traditions and procedures of learning to ride. Over time, riders and their horses develop both physically and mentally as they build

PHOTO: KEN HOLMBERG

Maureen Walters believes that developing business skills and a marketing plan are essential to achieving success as a coach and instructor. Walters is pictured with (L-R) Biggles, Lucy, and Carolena, all by Swedish warmblood Flaminko.

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confidence with the horse moving forward in a willing partnership. Watching that unfold is sheer joy for Walters.

“It was a rush when I was teaching an overweight girl on a $500 horse in a $200 saddle, and I watched them improve,” she said. “I would give her homework, but if I overlooked it, she would ask for it. There was such a commitment to do the best she could with what she had.”

To become a successful coach and instructor, Walters stresses the need for good people skills, a strong understanding of horses and a willingness

not to compromise, coupled with diligent attention to detail to do things correctly.

She also stresses the need for good business skills including an understanding of contracts, cancellation policies, accounting report forms, insurance, certification, progress report forms, medical forms, and a business plan. They are all part of a professional portfolio.

“There is a real need to develop business skills and a marketing plan,” said Walters.

“Instructors must also realize that students and clients will come and go and not to take it personally. They need to understand

the benefits of being certified and part of a national program. Sometimes, coaches feel that they can be an ‘island’ rather than being part of our national coaching program. Find a mentor who is not only a good coach but who also understands the coaching system.

Those interested in becoming qualified in BC should contact Horse Council BC (or the equestrian federation of their province) to get information.”

In addition, Walters teaches Equine Production and Management at the University of the Fraser Valley. It focuses on correct and basic horse theory and practices and covers many different horse topics.

Sidonia McIntyre EQUINE MASSAGE THERAPIST Sidonia McIntyre of Cottam, Ontario, is an equine massage therapist who began her career as a human registered massage therapist (RMT) then took a course in massaging horses. She learned to apply various massage techniques, drawing on her experience in human massage.

“As the horses began to respond to the work, I was able to make connections with the specific work done on specific areas,” she says. “As my knowledge base grew through both personal learning and achieving my Diploma with Distinction from the University of Guelph in Equine Health Sciences, I was able to ‘connect the dots’ with regard to their anatomy and physiology. I continued to learn more about natural horsemanship and began to implement these techniques into the massage – a facet of the work that has far surpassed my expectations, as now I can work with a willing partner who has both the right to tell me where the pain is located, and the ability to show me where the pain is located.”

Owners can sometimes present an unintended challenge and, given how easily horses are distracted, McIntyre’s policy is to work alone in the stall and not allow anyone within two metres of the stall area. This prevents distracting conversation and keeps the horse focused on her work.

“To work with a horse that is in pain and to have the horse show me where the discomfort is located, then to allow me to work on these areas with trust, is very humbling. These animals are encoded with the impulse to flee from harm and danger. When the horse stands Sidonia McIntyre considers a well thought out business plan, good communication and marketing skills, and excellent time management to be essential in her line of work. McIntyre is pictured with Rooster.

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and not only allows the work to progress, but is encouraging me to work more deeply in an area of pain only confirms to me that the work I am doing is making a difference!”

Skill sets in this work are not only the techniques of massage but communication with owners, marketing, and promotion. A well thought out business plan that includes promotion, marketing, accounting, and cash flow is essential. Then there is patience.

“Patience with horses is tantamount to working with them; however, patience with the owners is another facet of business.

Dealing with an owner who refuses to change a saddle when it is clearly the issue is a tough situation, and one in which only patience and calmness can deliver information.”

Time-management is crucial for a service that may be called on suddenly.

“If I receive a call from an owner who needs me to come out prior to an event starting at 10 am, I need to be there at 7 am.

I am a business person available and ready to work at any time. Many people overlook this important aspect of business.”

Days are full, often intense and, to some extent, dictated by weather conditions.

“When I am home, a day where I am working with clients usually begins at approximately 7 am at the barn. It is very hot and humid in southern Ontario, so an early start is important. I can book two sessions in the morning, take a break for the afternoon, then go back to work in the evening — anywhere from 6 pm to 10 pm is typical with two sessions. We are a bit at the mercy of the weather, as it is very difficult to work in any extremes. In the winter, my day would not begin in the barn until after 9 am, with two sessions, lunch break, then two more sessions from 1 to 5 pm.”

For any competent equine massage session, McIntyre said that the absolute minimum is 1.5 hours of hands-on time.

Typically, the first session takes about 2 to 2.5 hours as she watches the horse in motion, does a complete saddle fit check, a full assessment, then the 1.5 hour massage.

As the Canadian Equine Massage Therapy and Vertebral Realignment Instructor, McIntyre offers a variety of courses and travels nationally teaching and certifying people as equine massage therapists.

Her website is www.equinerehab.ca.

“To work with a horse that is in pain and to have the horse show me where the discomfort is located, then to allow me to work on these areas with trust, is very humbling.”

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FARRIER

“The beginning of the day starts in my shop at about 7:00 am, doing some forge work, clipping up shoes and sharpening knives for the day’s work,” says Certified Journeyman Farrier Dean Sinclair of Kelowna, BC. “I have a young man who is apprenticing with me, and we are under our first horses at 8:00 am. I have a mixed practice of shoeing show horses, endurance horses, and pleasure horses along with a handful of jumpers. Lunch is generally a sandwich on the run and we wind up the day back at the shop by about 5 pm.

All of my appointments are pre-booked, so I finish the day calling the next day’s appointments with a quick phone message or text to remind clients. We average about four to six shoeings and five or six trims per day depending on the time of year. Being seasonal work, many farriers will work much longer hours and sometimes seven days a week during the busy time of the year to make up for the slow times over the winter months.”

Sinclair offers basic shoeing and trimming, as well as therapeutic and corrective shoeing.

Generally, basic shoeing makes up the bulk of the day’s work, but specialist shoeing offers variety and satisfaction when the horse responds positively.

Although he had little horse experience at age 16 when introduced to farriery, Sinclair enjoyed the work. He graduated from the Olds College Farrier Science Program and built his clientele through advertising and reputation.

Sinclair takes pride in working with his hands and with horses. It’s a genuine feeling of accomplishment to take a lame horse or a horse with poor hoof quality or conformation, and use his forging and shoeing skills to produce a sound horse.

Like everyone who works with horses, the weather can be a real challenge as most of the work is outside. Nervous horses or those that misbehave can make it difficult to do a quality job. It is also a challenge, or perhaps a public relations dilemma, to have to educate clients that the farrier’s job is to shoe or trim the horse – not to teach it to behave.

“You don’t necessarily have to ride horses to be a good farrier, but a solid understanding of how a horse thinks and reacts is essential,” he said. “You need patience working with the horse, as well as patience in developing your farrier skills. Learning to shoe horses is a lifelong 18

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journey that needs to be supplemented with going to continuing education workshops in forging and shoeing skills along with pushing yourself to achieve different levels of certification.”

Sinclair stressed the importance of a fiveyear business plan. It can take time to build up a practice and earn the trust of clientele.

“A lot of young people who are graduating from farrier schools are now choosing to work under an established farrier for several years and slowly build up a clientele until they are ready to go out on their own,” he says.

And it’s not just farrier skills that are important when you think you are

CANADA’S HORSE INDUSTRY AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

ready to branch out alone. Sinclair says communication skills are huge!

From 2000 to 2014, Sinclair held the position of Farrier Science Program Coordinator and Head Instructor at Olds College in Alberta. “During my years of teaching at Olds College, we would conduct an interview process to select the applicants for the program (it was a competitive entry program). One of the questions asked of the applicant was: Why do you want to become a farrier? Probably 90 percent of them would answer: I want to be my own boss. The reality is that once you have established a clientele, you will have about 125-plus bosses all with

“You don’t necessarily have to ride horses to be a good farrier, but a solid understanding of how a horse thinks and reacts is essential.”

Dean Sinclair believes that being a farrier is a lifelong journey, and that farriers should continually further their education and skills.

PHOTO COURTES Y OF DE AN SINCL AIR

Dean Sinclair

different personalities, so you’d better have the communication and people skills to deal with them.

The last and probably the most important quality to the survival in any business is dependability. If you can’t show up on time or show up at all, your skills as a farrier are worth nothing. The owner’s time is worth just as much as your own. Remember, everyone is replaceable.”

Sinclair said that there are over 65 farrier schools in Canada and the US, but he believes the two best are Olds College and Kwantlen Polytechnic University. Both facilities have up-to-date farrier labs that are well equipped to deliver their course loads.

The Canadian Quarter Horse Association is a national affiliate of the AQHA Annual membership is free to current members of AQHA. To enroll on-line, visit the CQHA website www.cqha.ca and choose “Membership” section.

Join CQHA now and “stay in the loop” about issues of importance to Canadian Quarter Horse owners and breeders. Choose “Affiliates” to link to provincial Quarter Horse Association websites.

Like our Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/can.quarter.horse.assoc Contact Haidee Landry, President • 604-530-8051 or email: president@cqha.ca

Judy Todd PHYSIOTHERAPIST (HIPPOTHERAPY) ACADEMY OF EQUINE ASSISTED LEARNING

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Hippotherapy is the use of the movement of a horse as a treatment for impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities in people with varying levels of sensory malfunction. It is practiced by physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists who have completed additional training through the American Hippotherapy Association.

Physiotherapist Judy Todd of Abbotsford, BC, works extensively with physically challenged children who come to her barn.

“Like any other medical treatment, a plan is made before every session and reassessment made at the end,” said Todd.

“This all fits in with the long term goals I have for each child. I may measure range of motion, muscle strength, ability to align themselves on the horse, or take a photo of the (hopefully improved) drag marks of a shoe in the gravel.”

She explains that the hippotherapy sessions are on a bareback pad, so the rider can be rearranged into alternate positions while the horse handler is in control of the horse. Sitting sideways helps retrain the pelvis and trunk side-flexion, which are so often deficient in poor gait patterns.

“Sitting backwards improves spine extension, correcting head posture and pulling the jaw back into neutral so the child’s tongue is in a position to enable articulation and lessen drooling,” she explained. “It is usually in this position that we hear their first comprehensive words.”

During the annual riding camp, she moves more into the field of therapeutic riding, inviting her higher functioning children for closely supervised hands-on

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Physiotherapist Judy Todd (red jacket) uses hippotherapy to work with physically challenged children.

below: “Taylor”, in pink, suffers from a rare form of dwarfism and a tiny brain. She is wearing a bike helmet as her head is too small to be safely fitted with a riding helmet. The blue sensory toy lights up and she is fascinated with it. The toy helps to focus her attention.

time with a horse, and the opportunity to ride with a saddle and bridle.

With the challenges of hippotherapy come unexpected thrills. Todd said that it is especially rewarding not only to meet treatment goals, but also to watch the children open up to new dimensions of treatment after so often burning out in other more clinical settings, especially after extensive surgeries. And it is always a thrill 20

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to watch horses respond with unexpected softness to the children’s unorthodox behaviour around them.

Challenges are unique and varied.

As the therapist, she must deal with unpredictable mood changes in the children and the horses, volunteers not showing up, and perhaps the loss of a favourite pony or horse. The horse also needs to be on its best behaviour CANADA’S HORSE INDUSTRY AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

and tolerate the children’s physical and emotional stresses while giving up its personal space and having its movement manipulated to engage the sensorimotor system of the child. So when everything does line up, it is especially gratifying.

“The mom of a three-year-old cerebral palsy child who I was treating postoperatively in my clinic heard I had horses and insisted on bringing him up

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to the farm. After repeated attempts to dissuade her, she won out, put him on the tiny Shetland and watched him shine!

Thirteen years later, while he is no longer riding, he comes regularly to drive the cart with my mustang.”

Every day must be well organized. Once Todd has completed work at her clinic, she reviews the treatment goals for the afternoon’s children who will be coming to the farm.

“My list of client-horse-longliners-side walkers will have been completed the night before and the arena prepared. Volunteers help get the horses ready, including warm ups for their bodies and minds. The sessions last an hour with two horses working together for one or two hours each. By 5 pm the horses are enjoying a well-deserved meal, the toy boxes and equipment have been put away, and calm has been restored to the barn. I then write up the charts and organize the schedule for the next week.”

A wide range of life skills is essential for this field of work including patience, consistency with your response to behaviour challenges, empathy, a sense of humour, an ability to be goofy with the children, an ability to keep a professional distance, and understanding that some of the children’s conditions are going to deteriorate in spite of all your efforts, while some may not have the luxury of a normal life expectancy. Good communication skills, verbal or otherwise, are essential as is the ability to truly listen.

And, Todd stressed, there is always the need to remember that you are working with a large flight animal as a treatment tool.

In addition to providing therapeutic sessions, Todd runs periodic one day workshops on hippotherapy with her colleague Pippa Hodge at Valley Therapeutic Equestrian Association in Aldergrove, BC.

clinical settings. |

CANADA’S HORSE INDUSTRY AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

Margaret Evans EQUINE JOURNALIST

By Kathy Smith Writer and journalist, Margaret Evans, of Lindell Beach, BC, has a specialty in equine issues. A lifelong horse person, she is a regular contributer to Canadian Horse Journal publications, and has been writing for over 40 years. Over those four decades, she has seen many changes in the publishing industry and the current digital revolution is another huge curve with new opportunities. She has been published in a wide variety of magazines and newspapers, writing on everything from agricultural science and astronomy to women’s issues and current and international affairs.

Today, she not only writes editorial copy and books, but offers writing clinics, editorial services, and talks.

“Many people want to write,” says Evans. “The skills needed include a strong foundation in English, a natural curiosity, a wide variety of interests, great people and communication skills, the ability to work alone and at all hours (you may be interviewing anyone from any time zone), and an ability to work under deadline pressure.”

For many, the hardest part about writing is getting started. Evans always advises people to do their research thoroughly and start where their passion is the strongest. She stresses the need to get those first few sentences up on the screen.

They build momentum. A few sentences become a paragraph, then a page of text.

Don’t stop to proofread or correct things.

Get the main points of the writing down with the opening statement, all the qualifying information to support that statement, then the conclusion.

“It’s only in the re-writing that the real writing emerges,” she explained. “Writing is a process. You get the raw material down, then you start moving the material around and begin editing by adding, deleting, cleaning, proofreading, spell-checking (with a dictionary not only spellcheck), and polishing. You can go through many drafts before producing a final copy.”

What appeals to editors and publishers, she says, is sourcing stories that are different, unique, or have a fresh angle.

“My typical day starts early with checking emails,” said Evans. “I may spend the day working on an article, sourcing new stories to be pitched to editors, proofreading a story ready

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Margaret Evans has seen a multitude of changes in the publishing industry during her 40 year career as a writer and journalist. to be filed, finding photographs which are a necessity for almost every article, conducting interviews either by telephone or by email, and doing administrative chores.”

Interviewing scientists and experts in their field whether by phone or email is always a pleasure, and they may be located anywhere in the world. The challenge is to stay on task and meet the deadlines, while keeping all the balls in the air.

Evans believes that the qualities of a good writer include a willingness to push the boundaries, to address the issues that appeal to a wider audience, and to present material that has both compassion and depth. With those thoughts in mind, that intent must be built into the questions posed to the people being interviewed in order to draw from them more insightful or visionary responses.

Today, writers can hone their skills writing articles for their blog or posting mini articles on their Facebook page, and as they build a following and generate conversation it can lead to new story angles and opportunities.

“I always wanted to write,” says Evans. “But it took time to build the craft of writing on the back of many rejection slips from editors.

My first story was published in 1971 and it was about grizzly bears for the Calgary Zoo’s Dinny’s Digest newsletter. I still have it.”

Her website is www.earthwaysmedia.com.

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PHOTO: BRIE PERDUE

n CAREERS

Knowledge is Power…

HORSEPOWER

The horse industry’s contribution to Canada’s economy and quality of life is huge, yet often underestimated. To nurture growth and encourage those not currently involved with horses, the industry needs to promote itself as accessible and attract new participants. Equine Guelph has recognized this need and expanded their programs to meet increasing industry demand.

By Jackie Bellamy, Equine Guelph An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Yes, we are talking about how to best care for your equine friend.

Horse ownership can be a source of great joy and companionship, but it can also be frustrating and taxing if you are stocked up with passion and lean on education. Owning a horse requires a much larger commitment compared to other family pets, not only in literal size but also in planning ahead.

Gaining horse sense will save you more than a few cents in the future. Lack of knowledge can result in thousands of dollars spent on vet bills or land maintenance costs, and your horse may pay a price, too.

Evidence-based education “Newcomers to the industry are chomping at the bit to learn, and Equine Guelph offers the educational pathway to increase their 24

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knowledge and confidence,” says Gayle Ecker, director of Equine Guelph.

Education has been identified by the equine industry as a high priority. In response to this need, Equine Guelph developed an approach to learning that encompasses the needs of the beginner through to the industry veteran, modeled on evidence-based research, industry input, and technology.

The statistics available from the Census of Agriculture (2006) showed that the number of horses in Canada has increased 28 percent over the previous ten years. The 2010 Canadian Horse Industry Profile Study

by Equine Canada put the estimate of horses in the country at 963,500 with the horse industry contributing more than $19 billion annually to the Canadian economy, with $9.3 billion in direct on-farm expenditures.

CANADA’S HORSE INDUSTRY AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

Separating fact from fiction “Every time I asked someone for an opinion on something to do with my horse, I got different answers and I was getting confused.” Sound familiar?

Scholars of Equine Guelph’s program are impressed with the confidence they gain through the education program. The evidence based courses separate myth from science. Equine Guelph focuses on the five interrelated areas of research, education and training, performance, health care, and industry development. These core areas support the horse throughout its lifespan by providing a comprehensive continuum of care that optimizes health, addresses performance issues, and fully supports the diagnosis and treatment of sick and injured horses.

To build this continuum of care, Equine Guelph brings all of the resources at the

University of Guelph together in partnership with the equine industry. Equine Guelph’s efforts in the areas of performance and health care continue to support both the horse athlete and the beloved backyard pony with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment.

Horse ownership can be a dream come true, but without the right knowledge it can quickly become a nightmare for both the horse and its owner.

Since 2002, Equine Guelph’s awardwinning programs have expanded tremendously to meet the increasing industry demand. Equine Event Management teaches the skills required to plan, initiate, host, and evaluate a successful event in the equine industry. Stewardship of the Equine Environment explores the importance of properly managing the natural environment and man-made facilities to optimize the health of your horses and reduce your environmental hoof print.

Marketing and Communications is perfect for those interested in learning how to select marketing strategies and improve communications with customers. Advanced courses are now offered for students who have completed the ever-popular Anatomy, Behaviour and Nutrition courses.

The new Equine Welfare Certificate courses explore important issues which have, or continue to have, a profound

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PHOTO: K ATHLEEN KOCMAREK PHOTO: BRIE PERDUE

Newcomers to the horse industry have a strong desire for education and reliable information to help them achieve their potential as horse owners and riders.

Today’s average person is several generations removed from an agricultural background. People who like horses sometimes just don’t know how to get involved, or where to turn for quality information. The learning approach at Equine Guelph is designed to address the needs of horse people from beginner to veteran.

Flexible Online Delivery

Lifelong Learning Equine Guelph, University of Guelph offers horse owners and caretakers award-winning education programs that focus on lifelong learning, including: • EquiMania!: An interactive website and youth exhibit featured at shows and fairs. Equimania! was proud to be the Youth Education Partner at the World Equestrian Games in 2010!

• eWorkshops: Two-week online courses for busy horse enthusiasts who are short on time but hungry for knowledge on hot topics such as colic prevention, horse behaviour, safety, and biosecurity.

• Certificates in Equine Business Management, Equine Science & Equine Welfare: Online programs provide practical information to improve the health and well-being of horses. These university level certificates require the completion of six online courses.

The 12-week online courses can also be taken individually for interest.

PHOTO: BRIE PERDUE

• Diploma in Equine Studies: Online programs for those who want to expand their education to the next level. Students tailor their diploma to their specific interests in the horse industry by choosing four elective courses added to six core courses.

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impact on the industry. Equine Guelph’s Equine Welfare Certificate was launched in June 2012. This certificate made up of six online courses is offered by the Campbell Centre for the Study of Animal Welfare (CCSAW), Equine Guelph, and Open Learning and Educational Support.

What makes the University of Guelph Equine Studies program unique is complete delivery through the Internet. You can stay at home and ride your horses while you study.

This award-winning program from one of Canada’s top universities is a flexible learning opportunity that meets the needs of you and your horses. There have been thousands of students enrolled in the program from all around the world, including the United States, France, United Arab Emirates, Korea, Egypt, Australia, Austria, Poland, Denmark, Norway, Italy, Israel, Columbia, India, South Africa, and every province in Canada. Not only will you be able to share experiences and learn from horse enthusiasts around the globe, students at Equine Guelph benefit from leading instructors, industry experts, and internationally renowned guest speakers.

Some of the impressive line-up includes Dr. Sarah Olsen, former Curator at the Carnegie Museum; Jessica Phoenix, Canadian Olympic eventer; Derek Nelson, specialist on the use of horses during wartime, and many more.

“Every student has a different reason for studying with Equine Guelph, making the ‘classroom’ even more diverse and dynamic,” says online student, Laura Stevens-Guille.

“For me, my career in the equine industry continues to be very rewarding. I am passionate about horses with a strong desire to learn more. I always look forward to taking the online courses which are stimulating and challenge my way of thinking. As long as Equine Guelph keeps offering new courses, I will keep taking them!”

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Whatever your level of involvement in the equine industry, Equine Guelph can advance your knowledge and give you the tools to improve your horses’ health and well-being. The 12-week courses run frequently throughout the year. Participants should plan to spend at least 10 to 14 hours per week on assignments.

Whether you are interested in taking one course to improve your knowledge as a horse owner, or looking for a pathway to a professional career in the horse industry, Equine Guelph has a course to suit your needs. Visit the website to explore free helpful tools like the Vaccination Equi-Planner, Colic Risk Rater, Senior Horse tool, Lameness Lab, or Biosecurity Risk Calculator, and to learn more about course offerings.

About Equine Guelph Equine Guelph is the horse owners’ and care givers’ Centre at the University of Guelph. It is a unique partnership dedicated to the health and well-being of horses, supported and overseen by equine industry groups. Equine Guelph is the epicentre for academia, industry and government – for the good of the equine industry as a whole.

Open Learning and Educational Support provides expertise and leadership to the University of Guelph community and our partners in the following: the scholarship and practice of teaching, technologyenhanced education, open learning, and professional development. We provide support for teaching and learning that is evidence-based, responsive, developmental and based on best practices.

For more information please visit: www.EquineGuelph.ca.

Printed with the kind permission of Equine Guelph.

Photo (edited): Steven Lilley / Flickr

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n HORSE HEALTH

Drugs & Your Horse

THE DANGERS OF MEDICATING

By Barbara Sheridan, Equine Guelph In the management of horse health, injuries and disease, conscientious horse owners would never put their horse at risk; however, improper use of some commonly administered equine drugs can impact the health and safety of our horses more than we realize. Seldom does a month go by when media attention doesn’t focus on a positive drug test in the horseracing world. The news leaves many in the horse industry shaking their heads and wondering how trainers or owners could do such a thing to their animals. But did you know that the majority of these positive drug test results involve some of the more commonly used drugs that we administer to our horses on a routine basis, and which can produce some unsettling results?

Horse owners should be familiar with the correct use of common drugs, which should be administered with the guidance of a veterinarian. The horse should be closely monitored during treatment.

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PHOTO: ©THINKSTOCK.COM/JARIH

Under Diagnosis and Over Treatment Used to relieve pain, allow or promote healing, and control or cure a disease process, therapeutic medications can be effective when they are used properly, but are quite dangerous when misused.

Phenylbutazone or “bute” is one of the most commonly administered prescription drugs in the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) family. When used properly, NSAIDs offer relief from pain and help in the reduction of inflammation and fever. Found in the medicine kits of many horse owners, bute can be prescribed for a plethora of ailments, including sole bruising, hoof abscesses, tendon strains, sprained ligaments, and arthritic joints.

NSAIDS are invaluable as a medication, says Dr. Alison Moore, lead veterinarian for Animal Health and Welfare at the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs in Guelph, Ontario. “When used appropriately, they are very safe; however, some horse owners tend to give too much of a good thing,” she says. Dr. Moore goes on to say that this form of drug (bute) is both economical and convenient, and available in either injectable and oral formulations

PHOTO: ©THINKSTOCK.COM/PEPLOW

PHOTO: BARBAR A SHERIDAN PHOTOGR APHY

Phenylbutazone or “bute” is one of the most commonly administered prescription drugs in the NSAID family.

It can be given orally or by injection and when used properly, it relieves pain and helps reduce inflammation and fever. However, health problems can occur if bute is used for too long or in high doses, or if given at the same time as another NSAID.

create gastrointestinal and renal problems as listed above, but bute and flunixin given together can cause a severely low blood protein that may affect interactions with other medications.

That Calming Effect The list of tranquilizers, sedatives, and supplements intended to calm a horse can be extensive, including some that can be purchased online or at your local tack shop. For example, Acepromazine, known as “Ace,” is commonly used as a tranquilizer to keep a horse calm and relaxed by depressing the central nervous system. It is available as an injection or in granular form and does not require a prescription. If given incorrectly, it can carry a risk of injury or illness for the horse.

“Tranquilizers can be used to keep horses quiet for training purposes or for stalled

horses due to injury, but it can be difficult to control the dose when given orally,” states Dr. Moore. “The difficulty with chronic administration is you don’t know how much you’re dosing your horse or how the horse is metabolizing it. Since it is highly protein bound in the bloodstream, a horse with low protein may develop side effects more quickly or react to a lower dose. Side effects include prolapse of the penis, which is more of a problem in stallions, and low hematocrit, a measure of red cell percentage in the blood.

At very high doses, the horse will develop ataxia [a wobbly gait] and profuse sweating.”

As every horse is different, and the correct dosage needs to be calculated based on the horse’s weight and other influences, Dr. Moore stresses the importance of having a vet oversee any tranquilizer use. It is also important to inform the veterinarian of any

Calming agents are used for training purposes, or to keep stalled horses quiet to allow recovery from injury.

PHOTO: ©C ANSTOCKPHOTO/KNEWMAN

— but is most likely to cause problems if given for too long or in improperly high doses, especially in horses more sensitive to NSAID toxicity.

“If you look at the chronic use of bute, there are certainly known ramifications from it,” says Dr. Moore. “There are health derived issues including gastric and colon ulcers, as well as renal impairment. Renal impairment is more prevalent in older horses that have developed issues with their kidney function or with equine athletes that perform strenuous exercise and divert blood flow from their kidneys. Chronic or repeated dehydration is also a risk factor for renal impairment. Chronic exposure to bute is more likely to cause signs attributable to the gastrointestinal tract.”

Clinical signs of toxicity include diarrhea, colic, ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract (seen as low protein and/or anemia on blood work or as ulcers on an endoscopic examination), poor hair coat, and weight loss.

If such symptoms occur, the medication should be stopped and the vet called for diagnosis and treatment. And while a different type of drug, flunixin meglumine (trade name Banamine), is found in the same NSAID family, “It’s not typically used as chronically as bute because it’s more expensive and mostly used for gastrointestinal, muscular or ocular pain, but if misused, especially with dehydrated horses, kidney and digestive tract toxicity can occur similarly to bute,” Dr. Moore notes.

Because of the deleterious effect chronic NSAIDS can have on your horse, it is even more important not to “stack” NSAIDS. This is the process where two NSAIDS, usually bute and flunixin, or bute and firocoxib (trade name Previcox), are given at the same time. Not only does the dual administration

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acepromazine given to your horse, as it can affect the outcome of veterinary procedures, such as dentistry that requires sedation.

Drug Compounding In equine medicine, compounding is the manipulation of one drug outside its original, approved form to make a different dose for a specific patient, whether it’s mixing two drugs together or adding flavouring to a commercially available drug.

However, mathematical errors can occur.

Last July, Equine Canada issued a notice asking their members to use compounded drugs with caution citing that because these medications are not available as a licensed product, they may contain different concentrations compared to a licensed product. There have been several instances where the medication contained too little of an active ingredient, leaving it ineffective, or too much, which can result in death.

Compounded drugs and their related risks came to light in 2009 with the high profile deaths of 21 polo ponies at the US Open Polo Championships in Wellington, Florida.

After being injected with a compounded vitamin supplement that was incorrectly mixed, all 21 ponies collapsed and died.

Dr. Moore explains that the biggest issue

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with compounded drugs is that many horse owners do not understand them. “They think it’s a generic form of a drug, but it’s not.

It’s the mixing of an active pharmaceutical ingredient, wherever it comes from in the world, with whatever flavour powder or product the pharmacy or veterinarian puts together. When going from one jar to the next, the concentrations could be different. It could be twice the strength, and that’s harmful, or half the strength and have little effect.”

Because this process is not regulated with respect to quality, safety and efficacy, there can be risks associated with compounding drugs. “Technically, veterinarians are not supposed to dispense a compounded drug if there is a commercially available product already, such as phenylbutazone [bute],” says Dr. Moore. “If your vet felt that there was a therapeutic use for a combination product of bute and vitamin E, then that is a legitimate reason for compounding it. But a lot of people want to use compounded drugs because they’re cheaper. But cheaper doesn’t necessarily mean better.”

Dr. Moore explains that without careful attention to the appropriate dosage and administration, such as shaking the bottle properly so that no residue will settle in the bottom (or the last few doses will be

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CANADA’S HORSE INDUSTRY AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

PHOTO: FLIC JKR/PETER PE ARSON

extremely concentrated), health issues can occur. Compounded medications have provided a lot of benefit to horse health by providing access to products or product forms that would be difficult to obtain otherwise, but because of the concerns regarding quality control, horse owners should fully understand the potential risks of using a compounded product and discuss these concerns with their veterinarian.

Deworming Strategies In the past, traditional deworming programs did not consider each horse as an individual, as common practice was to deworm the entire barn on a fixed, regular schedule. However, over the past ten years, studies have shown a growing parasite resistance to dewormers.

Veterinarians now recommend that horses be screened for parasites by way of a fecal egg test first instead of deworming with a product that may not be effective against parasite burdens.

A fecal exam is far safer than administering deworming medications that are not needed.

Dewormers are safe when used properly, including testing first and using a weight tape for an accurate dosage. Dr. Moore suggests contacting your vet to develop a deworming program that is right for your horse and your specific area.

A Question of Welfare?

Horse owners should be aware of the more frequent reactions to drug use in their horses and consider both the short and long term effects before use. The horse’s present and future welfare must be taken into consideration.

With the use of drugs in horses, it’s important to: • Proceed with the guidance of your veterinarian; • Use the lowest dosage possible to achieve the desired results; • Calculate the correct dosage based on your horse’s body weight through the use of a weight tape; • Closely monitor your horse throughout the course of treatment.

It’s essential to be aware of the correct use of our common, everyday drugs, says Dr. Moore. Regardless of how good a drug is, when it’s misused, negative effects will occur.

“There’s a greater importance on knowing the overall health level of your horse. It’s always best to have a good base point first. Because the kidneys and liver are the two main organs that process medication, it’s important to know that those organs are working properly — which is why those annual veterinary wellness exams are so important.”

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n HORSE HEALTH

Current Equine Research Projects at WCVM

By Sarah Figley

Researchers at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan are working on a number of valuable equine health projects thanks to annual funding from the regional veterinary college’s Equine Health Research Fund (EHRF). the EHRF provided more than $70,000 to renew research fellowships for Drs. Keri Thomas and Andres Sanchez, surgical residents (combined Master of Veterinary Science-residency program) at the veterinary college.

Rebecca McOnie, a second-year veterinary student from Armstrong, BC, was the EHRF’s undergraduate summer student in 2014.

2014-2015 EHRF-Supported Research Projects Septic Arthritis For several years, WCVM researchers have been investigating potential options for treating septic arthritis. Caused by an infection within a joint, septic arthritis is a common condition that can end a horse’s career, or even its life. The disease results in inflammation, degeneration, pain, and loss of function of the affected joint.

P H OTOS: D R. J O E B R AC A M O N T E

For the 2014-2015 year, the EHRF awarded nearly $69,700 toward 19 scientists working on six horse health-related research projects.

“The Equine Health Research Fund has been a wonderful asset to this university for nearly 40 years. Its financial support allows WCVM researchers to conduct high quality, clinically-relevant research,” said Dr. Baljit Singh, Associate Dean of Research for the WCVM. This year, the funded projects span a range of topics including equine Cushing’s disease, septic arthritis, bacterial infections, and laminitis.

“The WCVM boasts a very collaborative research environment and that is certainly reflected in the projects that were submitted this year,” added Singh.

“Many projects include researchers from diverse backgrounds who provide the expertise required to conduct meaningful research. These projects will ultimately result in improved animal health.”

In addition to research grants, the EHRF supports opportunities for advanced education and research to students through fellowships and undergraduate summer student awards. For the 2014-2015 year,

WCVM scientists aim to determine if SAA levels can be used to assess throughand-through lavage, a less expensive procedure than arthroscopic lavage.

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Joint fluid was removed from horses to investigate the levels of SAA protein, a possible marker of septic arthritis.

CANADA’S HORSE INDUSTRY AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

RESEARCH TEAM: Drs. Joe Bracamonte, Andres Sanchez-Teran and Hilary Burgess, WCVM; Dr. Luis Rubio-Martinez, University of Liverpool; and Brent Hoff, University of Guelph.

Equine Cushing’s Disease Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), also known as equine Cushing’s disease, is caused by a tumour of the pituitary gland. Clinical symptoms of

the disease include excessive hormone production, laminitis, excessive drinking and urinating, weight loss, and redistribution of fat stores. While there’s no cure for PPID, owners can manage the

P H OTO: A B U J OY/ W I KI M EDI A CO M M O N S

Current treatment options include flushing out the joint using an arthroscope or “through-and-through” lavage using needles. Veterinarians often use the through-and-through option because it’s more economical and produces good results. But diagnosing and monitoring septic arthritis can be challenging because practitioners have no way to definitively assess the effectiveness of treatments.

These therapies may also cause changes to conventional inflammatory markers.

A research team, led by WCVM equine surgeon Dr. Joe Bracamonte, has recently shown that serum amyloid A (SAA) — a protein that’s naturally found in blood — is a reliable marker to assess the efficacy of arthroscopic lavage. In the team’s latest project, they’re determining whether SAA is also a reliable marker following throughand-through lavage therapy in a group of healthy horses. If results substantiate this theory, the protein could eventually become a standard tool for diagnosing, treating, and monitoring septic arthritis in horses.

The classic symptom of Cushing’s disease is a long, curly coat that does not shed normally. Other symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, weight loss, muscle wasting, and development of fatty deposits along the crest of the neck and above the tail. Horses with Cushing’s disease are at higher risk of developing laminitis, and are more susceptible to infection.

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CANADA’S HORSE INDUSTRY AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

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treatment of PPID before the onset of severe clinical symptoms – especially laminitis.

This study focuses on detecting specific enzyme alterations at the cellular and molecular levels that may be responsible for PPID. With this information, researchers will attempt to develop an early-stage definitive assessment for PPID based on hormone-based biomarkers.

Research team: Drs. James Carmalt, Andrew Allen and Suraj Unniappan, WCVM; Dr. Hall Schott II, Michigan State University; and Dr. Han van De Kolk, Euregio Laboratory, The Netherlands.

Heaves Heaves, or recurrent airway obstruction (RAO), is a chronic inflammatory airway condition in horses that can drastically affect their overall health and performance and requires lifelong management.

Researchers of similar conditions in people have suggested that changes in the microbes (bacteria) found in the airways may be responsible for chronic inflammation. More specifically, certain microbes may trigger the immune system and cause inflammation.

P H OTO: R EB ECC A M CO N I E

condition with daily drug treatments.

WCVM equine surgeon Dr. James Carmalt and his research group aim to develop and refine a process for accessing the pituitary gland in live horses. It’s based on a technique that scientists have previously used to investigate the pituitary gland blood in normal horses. Researchers plan to insert a small catheter into a blood vessel on the side of the horse’s face and direct it toward the pituitary gland in the brain. The research team has gained direct access to the pituitary gland in live horses and obtained blood samples. Their ultimate goal is twofold: to perfect a sampling technique that may allow early detection of PPID, and to develop a more effective treatment for PPID-affected horses.

Dr. Carmalt is also working with Drs. Suraj Unniappan and Andrew Allen on a second study that is investigating the exact hormonal changes that lead to PPID. The researchers believe that changes in proteins (enzymes) which regulate the production of pituitary hormones may cause the disease to develop. This process, which happens at the genetic and molecular levels, is gradual and progressive. Timely detection of these changes may result in early diagnosis and

Cushing’s disease is caused by excessive hormone secretion from a tumour in the brain’s pituitary gland.

By perfecting a sampling technique to allow early detection of PPID, researchers may be able to develop a more effective treatment for Cushing’s disease.

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P H OTO: J O R DA N S T EED M A N

WCVM researchers are investigating the bacterial populations (microbiomes) that inhabit the trachea of healthy horses and horses diagnosed with heaves..

Research team: Drs. Katharina Lohmann, Julia Montgomery, Hilary Burgess and Janet Hill, WCVM.

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Stress in Horses While the number of animal neglect and abuse cases continues to rise every year in North America, many cases go unreported and undetected. Cortisol, a natural hormone released during times of anxiety, pain, or injury, is a well-known indicator of stress that correlates to trauma, abuse, or poor living conditions. Previous research has discovered that hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) are

a reliable marker for long term stress in live animals. In many species, hair provides a linear record of cortisol levels over a long period of time and can indicate when stressful events have occurred in an animal’s life.

Led by internal medicine specialist Dr. Fernando Marqués, a WCVM research team is determining if HCC can be reliably measured in horses. The researchers are conducting a segmental analysis of hair collected from the

P H OTO: ©C A N S TO C K P H OTO.CO M/KI EP

Based on these findings, a WCVM research group proposes that the presence of different microbe populations (microbiomes) might also be associated with equine heaves development. Microbiomes are the collective group of microorganisms that are found within living animals, and these populations often vary in composition during healthy and diseased states.

To test their hypothesis, researchers are taking lung, tracheal and blood samples from healthy horses as well as horses diagnosed with heaves. Team members are then comparing the microbe species colonizing the trachea between the two groups of client-owned horses, looking at the total number of organisms, diversity and presence of potential harmful bacteria (pathogens). Researchers aim to highlight differences between the microbiomes in the airways of healthy horses and horses with heaves.

Results will help researchers gain a better understanding of the disease’s development and progression. It may also open new avenues towards preventive, diagnostic and treatment strategies in the control of heaves.

The hormone cortisol, released during times of anxiety, injury, or pain, is an indicator of stress. Hair cortisol concentrations provide a linear record of when stressful events occurred over a period of time. Researchers at WCVM are analyzing hair collected from castrated and non-castrated horses to determine if cortisol levels are a conclusive identifier of past stressful events, with the goal of establishing a noninvasive method of monitoring neglect and abuse in horses.

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P H OTOS: K AT H RY N C A R M A LT

In 2014, WCVM researchers successfully developed and tested the single screw placement technique in normal, live horses.

WCVM researchers are testing a novel therapy for laminitis that involves placing a single screw through the hoof wall, which engages the bone and prevents rotation of the coffin bone in acute cases of the disease.

tails of castrated and non-castrated horses. This process involves dividing the horses’ hair into small sections based on the distance from the body. By looking at horse hair growth rates and the dates of when the animals were castrated (a stressful event), the scientists aim to determine if cortisol levels are a conclusive indicator to identify past stressful events in horses.

Results will hopefully establish a noninvasive and definitive method for monitoring abuse and neglect in horses.

hoof wall. This procedure may allow for better hoof repair in the early stages of laminitis — something they believe is key in stopping the progressive deterioration of the hoof.

The research team has conducted trials in equine cadavers and live horses to optimize the surgical technique. If successful, the WCVM research team hopes

that this relatively inexpensive procedure will be adopted by veterinarians and applied in clinical practice.

Research team: Drs. David Wilson and James Carmalt; and Kathryn Carmalt (veterinary student), WCVM. For more information about the WCVM’s equine health research program, visit www.ehrf.usask.ca.

Research team: Drs. Fernando Marqués, Carolina Durán, David Janz and John Campbell, WCVM.

Laminitis is triggered by inflammation and results in the separation and degradation of the hoof wall. It’s a painful, progressive disorder with limited treatments.

Previous studies have shown that the separated layers of the hoof are quickly repaired in the early stages of laminitis. But once rotation of the coffin bone occurs, there’s little potential for healing.

Equine surgeon Dr. David Wilson and his research team are aiming to develop a surgical therapy that will slow down the progression of laminitis. During this study, the researchers will develop and analyze a surgical approach that will stabilize and prevent rotation of the coffin bone.

So far, they have calculated the rotational forces that occur around the hoof and have designed a method that uses surgical screws to anchor the coffin bone to the hoof wall and limit movement between the bone and the 38

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P H OTO : K AT H RY N C A R M A LT

Equine Laminitis

Forty-eight to seventy-two hours after the screw was placed in the hoof, WCVM researchers could remove the screw while the horses were standing without desensitizing their feet.

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Understanding Horse Insurance

By Hayley Kosolofski Although many horses in Canada have high performance, breeding, and emotional value in the eyes of their owners, few of the animals are covered under an equine insurance policy.

Horse insurance can help owners with the cost of treating these horses.

“We are often dealing with horses that are injured or sick, and owners are facing the choice of a treatment that may be very expensive,” says Dr. Steve Manning, an equine field service clinician and an associate professor at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM).

“There is a lot of stress associated with not just the injury or illness, but the financial implications of that [treatment].”

Horse insurance initially began as protection against horse theft. Today, it has evolved into a service that offers horse owners a variety of choices from basic mortality policies to loss-of-use packages for high-end athletes. With all these options, choosing a policy that is right for you and your horse can be challenging, says Manning.

TYPES OF HORSE INSURANCE “If people insure their horses, by and large they are purchasing mortality insurance,” says Manning. Two types of policies are typically offered: full mortality and theft, or limited mortality.

Full mortality and theft is comparable to a term life insurance policy. It insures against financial losses from death for any reason, and proven theft. Limited mortality will cover the death of a horse due to specified perils such as fire, natural disasters, or vehicle accidents.

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Equine insurance today offers horse owners a variety of options from basic mortality to policies covering loss-of-use for high performance athletes.

PHOTO: ©C ANSTOCKPHOTO.COM/PHOTOGR APHY33

Mortality

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The Henry Equestrian Insurance Plan is offered throughout Canada.

When the horse is injured or ill, the horse owner must deal with the stress associated with their horse’s health crisis. To cope with the financial implications of the treatment, surgical and major medical insurance can be added to a mortality policy.

Surgical

Surgical policies are purchased as an addition to mortality policies. “It insures you against any financial losses incurred as a result of any surgery that has to be performed by a licensed veterinarian to save an animal’s life, to better its health, or to treat an injury,” says Manning. Often, it will also cover medical costs associated with the surgery.

Major Medical

Major medical insurance, like surgical insurance, can be added to a mortality policy.

It will provide coverage for your horse’s medical needs such as hospitalization and long-term medical therapy.

To obtain a quote contact the office nearest to your location.

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PHOTO: ©THINKSTOCK/OPIS

PHOTO: ©C ANSTOCKPHOTO.COM/EGONZIT TER PHOTO: CANSTOCKPHOTO.COM - ALESSANDRO0770

above left:

Loss of Use

If your horse will travel internationally by ground or air, you may need to look into shortterm trip insurance.

Loss of use policies are the equine equivalent of disability insurance for people.

“High end performance horses, whose financial worth is in the performance of the task they do, can be insured for that activity,” says Manning. If the horse suffers an injury or illness that ends his career, but not his life, the policy will pay a percentage of his declared value.

above right:

Insurance providers usually require a veterinary exam to determine the horse’s overall health and condition, and may request the horse’s past medical and surgical history.

left: Comparable to a term life insurance policy, full mortality and theft insures against financial losses from proven theft, and from death for any reason.

Stallion Infertility

Valuable breeding stallions can be insured against acquired infertility. Some conditions that Manning commonly sees include breeding injuries, tumours of the penis, and testicular degeneration. Before obtaining a stallion infertility policy, the horse breeder must prove that the stallion is fertile.

PHOTO: ©C ANSTOCKPHOTO.COM/MICHAEL JUNG

Transport

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CANADA’S HORSE INDUSTRY AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

Most mortality insurance policies will cover ground transport to a certain extent. However, they will not cover international travel or air travel. “So if your horse is travelling internationally by air, or sometimes even by ground, you may need to look at purchasing short-term trip insurance to cover the horses on those journeys,” says Manning.

Liability Insurance

Anyone who owns a horse should probably, at the very least, carry liability left: Liability insurance will provide coverage if someone is injured or their property is damaged by your horse.

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Before insuring against acquired infertility, the stallion owner must prove that their breeding stallion is fertile.

Equivalent to disability insurance for people, a loss of use policy will pay a percentage of the horse’s declared value in the event of a career-ending injury or illness.

insurance, recommends Manning.

Liability insurance will protect you if someone is injured, or property is damaged by your horse. Liability insurance is often covered in a group policy offered to members through provincial equestrian federations such as Horse Council of British Columbia, Alberta Equestrian Federation, and Ontario Equestrian Federation. Specific insurance policies for coaches, stable owners, clubs, outfitters, and therapeutic services are available and are tailored to the needs of those activities.

The Insurance Exam

horse’s eyes and to perform a brief lameness exam. Insurance providers may also request information about the horse’s past medical and surgical history.

Before obtaining a policy, insurance providers often require a veterinary exam.

“What we are asked to do is a general physical exam — so we take the horse’s temperature, pulse, and respiration, we listen to the heart, and we listen to the lungs. We make sure that the horse is free from evidence of infectious disease or any skin disease, that it’s generally healthy and in good body condition,” says Manning.

In addition, Manning says the exam often requires the veterinarian to look at the

PHOTO: ©C ANSTOCKPHOTO.COM/JARIH

Choosing a Policy: Final Tips

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CANADA’S HORSE INDUSTRY AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

• Understand your needs and reasons for obtaining an insurance policy for your horse. Think about your horse’s activity, risks, and current health status.

• Compare price, coverage, and exclusions between insurance providers.

• Choose a policy that fits your lifestyle.

For example, many limited mortality policies allow you to add additional specific perils such as an attack by a dog or a wild animal.

• Know exactly what coverage is provided before you purchase a policy. Ask your insurance provider to explain any terms or conditions that are unclear.

• Understand your responsibility in the event that your horse becomes ill or injured. Be familiar with the guidelines for emergency situations and end-of-life decisions.

Note: This article is provided for information only.

Neither Dr. Steve Manning nor the WCVM has any association with an insurance company or the marketing of insurance policies.

Hayley Kosolofski is a third-year veterinary student from Sherwood Park, Alberta, who is the undergraduate student representative for the WCVM’s Equine Health Research Fund.

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Horse Boarding

THE VALUE OF WRITTEN BOARDING AGREEMENTS

By Karen Weslowski Miller Thomson, LLP, Vancouver, British Columbia Boarding a horse can be stressful. Horse owners want to ensure their horse is safe and well-taken care of, while stable owners want to ensure their boarding fees are paid and their property is respected. To address both sides of this equation, consider the following when dealing with boarding situations.

PUT IT IN WRITING Most successful businesses operate through written agreements. A stable is in the business of horse boarding and should use a written boarding agreement setting out the terms upon which board will be provided.

Written agreements protect both the horse and stable owner and lessen the chance of disputes by ensuring that each party’s rights 46

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and obligations are clearly stated.

A written boarding agreement may also encourage compliance with the agreement’s terms, as the parties should be aware of their respective obligations.

To ensure the boarding agreement is properly worded and legally enforceable, a stable owner may wish to invest in having a lawyer draft the agreement. Although there is a cost associated with using a lawyer, such cost may be a fraction of the expense that can arise from a dispute or court action where the respective rights and obligations of the parties are not clearly defined.

SUGGESTED TERMS The following terms should be included in a boarding agreement:

CANADA’S HORSE INDUSTRY AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

1. IDENTIFYING DETAILS: (a) The

names of each party to the agreement, i.e. the horse owner(s), horse boarder (if different from horse owner), and stable owner, and each party’s contact information, including cell phone numbers to allow contact in an emergency; (b) The operating name and address of the stable; (c) The name of the horse(s) to be boarded; and (c) The date of the agreement.

2. DESCRIPTION OF THE HORSE(S) BOARDED: Sex, breed, age, height,

registration number, colour, markings, and any other identifying details.

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A boarding stable should use a written boarding agreement which sets out the obligations of each party, and lessens the chances of disputes later on.

3. BOARDING FEE: Specify the boarding

fee, frequency of payment (i.e. per week, month, etc.), whether federal and/ or provincial sales tax is included, date board is due (e.g. first of each month), and how board is to be paid (i.e. cash, cheque, etc.).

4. TERM: Specify the start date of the

agreement, the term, and the end date, if known.

5. SERVICES INCLUDED: Specify what

services are included in the boarding fee.

For instance, if blanketing is not part of the stable’s standard service, specify if that service is subject to an additional cost or not included. Specified services may include providing a stall, turnout (provide details as to when, where, frequency, etc.), hay and grain provided, and feed schedule.

6. EXERCISE: Is exercise included? If so,

the agreement should specify the type of exercise, frequency, and duration as well the names and qualifications of riders.

PHOTO: K ATE WEBSTER/FLICKR

The horse owner should provide the stable owner with instructions regarding the veterinary care and assistance the stable owner is permitted to provide in an emergency situation, and if the owner cannot be reached.

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7. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: The boarding

9. RISK OF LOSS AND INJURY: The

agreement should have a spot for special instructions from the horse owner to the stable owner in the event that the horse requires special attention.

8. SPECIAL RIGHTS OF STABLE OWNER:

If the stable owner is granted any special rights, for instance, use of the horse, this should be stated in writing.

Most often, stable owners require horse owners to assume these risks.

boarding agreement should specify whether the horse owner or stable owner is to assume the risk for any damage resulting from boarding the horse including things such as loss by fire, theft, death or injury to the horse, death or injury caused by the horse to a person, or property damage caused by the horse.

10. INSURANCE: Stable owners require

specific insurance policies to provide coverage for property damage and potential injury claims. A standard homeowner’s policy will not provide the necessary or appropriate coverage, so stable owners should consult a knowledgeable insurance broker to ensure they have the right policy in place. The horse owner should also have liability insurance. Stable owners should request to see a copy of the horse owner’s insurance policy and may wish to be named as an additional insured on the policy.

PHOTO: ©ISTOCKPHOTO/BR ADLEY 1989

11. EMERGENCY CARE: The boarding

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PHOTO: ©C ANSTOCKPHOTO/ZUZULE

The boarding agreement should include a detailed description of the horse being boarded including age, breed, sex, height, registration number, colour and markings, and other identifying characteristics.

agreement should contain a term addressing what veterinary care and assistance can be provided by the stable owner if the horse owner cannot be contacted in an emergency. The term should stipulate that the stable owner will try to contact the horse owner, but In the event of non-payment of board, in British Columbia the Livestock Lien Act requires that the stable owner must give the horse owner three months’ notice of intention to sell the horse and effects by public auction.

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The boarding agreement should specify the type of hay and grain provided, as well as the number of feedings per day. that the stable owner is permitted to act in an emergency. The agreement usually states that the horse owner agrees to pay all emergency treatment costs and authorizes the stable owner, as their agent, to arrange for billing. It is not usual for the stable owner to assume responsibility for routine veterinary care or other routine procedures, but if the parties wish, such terms can be included in the agreement.

12. WARRANTY OF HEALTH: Some stable

owners may require a warranty from the horse owner regarding the horse’s health.

This term may say something like the horse owner warrants that the horse(s) shall be free from infectious, contagious, or transmissible disease at the time the horse is first boarded, and that the horse owner shall immediately advise the stable in person if the horse owner is advised, or has reason to believe, the horse(s) is infectious, contagious, or has a transmissible disease at any time during the period of the agreement.

13. DEFAULT: The agreement should specify

the stable owner’s remedies in the event that the horse owner fails to pay the boarding fees or contravenes some other term of the agreement. A common remedy upon default is termination of the agreement.

14. NOTICE TO TERMINATE: The agreement

should stipulate the length of notice required to be given by a party in the event that party wishes to terminate the agreement.

15. SIGNATURES: All parties to the

agreement should sign and date the agreement.

This is not an exhaustive list of the terms to be included in a boarding agreement.

The particular circumstances of each situation may require additional terms or modifications to these terms. Provided the parties agree, they can include such additional terms as may be appropriate.

PHOTO: STEVEN LILLEY/FLICKR

STABLE RULES

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The stable owner should make a list of stable rules and provide them to each horse owner. This can be done by attaching Special rights, such as the right to ride the horse, may be granted to the stable owner in the boarding agreement.

PHOTO: RREIHM/FLICKR PHOTO: ©C ANSTOCKPHOTO/PHBC

PHOTO: ROBIN DUNC AN PHOTOGR APHY

Services such as grooming, blanketing, and exercising may be included in the boarding cost or available for an additional fee.

a copy of the rules to the written boarding agreement. The rules should also be posted in the stable.

The boarding agreement should contain a term that the horse owner agrees to abide by all of the stable owner’s rules and that failure to abide by the rules may constitute grounds for the stable owner to terminate the boarding agreement.

DEALING WITH NON-PAYMENT: LIVESTOCK LIEN ACT In British Columbia, the Livestock Lien Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 272 (the “Act”) provides stable owners with certain legal rights to place liens and sell boarded horses when there has been non-payment of board.

The Act defines “livestock” as cattle, 52

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which includes any “horse, mule, ass, swine, sheep or goat, or animal of the bovine species.” The Act permits “keepers of livery, boarding or sale stables, and persons who feed and care for cattle for compensation” to place a lien on any cattle and effects left with them by the owner “for the value or price of food, care, attendance or accommodation furnished for the cattle.”

The value of the lien placed is determined by the amount owing for board or other services rendered. The stable owner is permitted to detain the horse or any tack while the amount owed remains outstanding. Once the horse and tack (or other effects) have been removed from the stable owner’s possession, the stable owner loses any right to detain them.

The stable owner is responsible for the detained horses and effects while in their

CANADA’S HORSE INDUSTRY AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

possession. If the stable owner intends to sell the horses and effects, the Act requires the horse owner be given three months’ notice of the stable owner’s intention to sell. The Act provides for a right of sale by public auction. There is no provision for private sale. This is likely a protective measure designed to ensure that the horse and effects are sold for fair market value.

The stable owner is entitled to deduct the outstanding board fees from the proceeds of sale and must pay any leftover funds to the horse owner.

If the horse owner cannot be located, the stable owner must pay the balance of sale proceeds into the BC Supreme Court. The court will hold the money for one year, after which time if the money is not claimed, it will be paid into the province’s consolidated revenue fund.

The Act requires stable owners to keep a copy of the Act in their office and at least two other copies in “conspicuous places” in their stable.

Most other Canadian provinces contain legislation similar to the Livestock Lien Act, although the particular provisions of a province’s legislation should be reviewed before placing and acting upon a lien.

Stable owners could also sue on the written boarding agreement, claiming breach of contract. However, this remedy is not as efficient as proceeding under the Act because the commencement of a court action is required.

CONCLUSION By using a written boarding agreement, the respective rights and obligations of horse and stable owners should be more clearly understood. Horse owners should have greater comfort in knowing that their horse is well cared for. Stable owners will have greater certainty knowing they should receive payment for their boarding services, failing which, their rights and remedies will be clearly stated.

Karen Weslowski is called to the British Columbia bar and is a partner at Miller Thomson in Vancouver, British Columbia. She practices civil litigation, including insurance litigation. Prior to practicing law, Karen was a certified Level 1 Equine Canada coach and a regular competitor in horse shows, particularly the jumper divisions. For further information about the issues discussed in this article, Karen can be reached at 604-643-1290 or kweslowski@millerthomson.com This article is provided as an information service only and is not meant as legal advice. Readers are cautioned not to act on the information provided without seeking specific legal advice with respect to their unique circumstances and the applicable law in their province of residence.

n HORSE INDUSTRY

Equestrian Federations

By Margaret Evans

Austin Bradbury, accompanied by his mother, competed in driving with their miniature horse, Ezras Sumber déjà vu, at the 2014 BC Heritage Circuit Finals in Maple Ridge, BC. 54

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CANADA’S HORSE INDUSTRY AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

PHOTO: DIVINE EQUINE PHOTOGR APHY

The Hub of the Horse Industry

“Horse Council BC was established in 1980 to provide a coordinating body to serve all equestrian and equine interests except pari-mutuel racing,” said Kelly Coughlin, manager, industry and agriculture. “HCBC credits Bill Archibald and Sherman Olson as the founders of our organization. (It) has a membership of over 23,000 people, effectively making us the largest and one of the most successful equestrian provincial sport organizations in Canada.

We have membership representation on our board from all the FEI disciplines as well as thoroughbred racing, harness racing, breed associations and recreation through Backcountry Horsemen. There were 60,801 horses owned by HCBC members as of 2004. (However), the 2009 industry-wide survey concluded that 22,000 households owned approximately 100,000 horses.”

The industry continues to grow, although its diversity is making it more challenging to collect province-wide data. The same is true in Ontario where the Ontario Equestrian Federation formed in 1977 and represents over 22,000 individual members from all industry sectors.

“Our membership base includes professionals, amateurs, competitors, and recreational enthusiasts of all ages and disciplines,” said Melissa Monardo,

PHOTO: DIVINEEQUINE.C A BY MARION PHOTOGR APHY

Y

ears ago, if someone wanted to start riding they would visit a local riding school and ask about lessons or a one-hour hack. Or maybe a friend would give them a quick ride on the backyard horse. The experience would nurture a natural fascination with horses and a growing curiosity about riding. The aspiring horse person would want to learn more, do more, and become involved in the world of horses.

This could lead to a long term interest in recreational riding, to a desire to compete, or to the dream of becoming a horse owner.

But where would the inexperienced horse person turn to learn the basics of proper horse handling and safe riding and driving?

Today, finding helpful information about the horse industry and ways to become involved is easier with the help of Canada’s provincial equestrian federations. Over almost four decades, these federations have grown to become the go-to organizations, providing valuable information about services, lessons, coaching, teaching, ways newcomers can get safely started in riding and driving, as well as opportunities offered within the horse industry.

All provinces have equestrian federations, but the two largest are Horse Council of British Columbia and the Ontario Equestrian Federation.

above: Lisa Laycock (shown) is the Executive Director of Horse Council BC, the largest and one of the most successful multi-breed, multi-discipline provincial equine organizations in Canada. below: A competitor at the 2013 BC Heritage Competition Circuit Championships gets her number pinned. Forty percent of HCBC members compete in local and provincial competitions.

PHOTO: ANDREA BL AIR, PAPERHORSE PHOTOGR APHY

PHOTO COURTESY OF OEF

A great time was had by all including the “horses” at OEF’s annual Member Appreciation Party, which this year was held during the Royal Winter Fair on November 11th.

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PHOTO: GORDON MCLEAN PHOTOGR APHY

An Andalusian stallion from Medieval Times thrills audiences during his performance at the 2014 OEF Horse Day. marketing manager. “We are currently in the process of developing a member survey that will provide us with current and more detailed demographic information to better serve our members.”

On a nation-wide basis, according to the 2010 Industry Profile Study done by Equine Canada, there were an estimated 963,500 horses in Canada owned by members of 226,500 horse-owning households.

Recreation has a strong hold on the hearts of riders and, in British Columbia, beautiful and varied terrain accessed by provincial and regional trails systems draw over 45 percent of HCBC membership.

“The next most popular activity is local and provincial competitions attracting participation from over 40 percent of our membership,” said Coughlin.

In Ontario, some 7,552 members of OEF hold Equine Canada Sport Licenses, indicating they are competitive riders who make competition a focused part of their riding commitment.

“That represents 36 percent of our

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membership,” said Monardo. “It’s important to keep in mind, though, that the number does not take into account those who compete at provincially sanctioned competitions or at unsanctioned events, both of which do not require EC Sport Licenses.”

A critical issue for OEF is maintaining and promoting the vitality of the horse activity. The organization’s focus is on introducing people to the sport, but they know full well that it is expensive and there are many other forms of recreation today competing for people’s time and money.

“We try to offer our members benefits that will help reduce their costs to make riding and horse ownership more affordable,” said Monardo. “That’s why the OEF Youth Bursary program is so essential.

The youth who receive those bursaries often struggle financially to meet their equestrian goals. We give them a leg up to keep them in the game.”

Keeping people in the game also means keeping – and increasing – the number of certified coaches in the province and OEF is currently making changes to make the coaching program more accessible to members.

OEF’s Toronoto Horse Day, a highly popular flagship annual activity, which profiles the many values of horse riding, is now in its seventh year.

“Horse Day is a free, one-day, public event designed to educate people of all ages about horses, and provide visitors with the opportunity to experience horses up close and personal,” said Monardo. “The idea behind its creation was to provide a safe, fun environment to give people the opportunity to discover horses and, hopefully, pursue the sport. Many Canadians now live in urban settings and have few opportunities to even see horses, let alone meet them and ask questions about riding. So we thought, let’s bring horses to the city.”

What started as a small event attracting a couple of hundred people has grown to over 2,000 people each year. The concept has also expanded across the country and the OEF worked closely with Equine Canada in 2014 to assist other provincial sport organizations to hold their own Horse Day events.

“Every year we try to offer something new at Horse Day to keep the event fresh, particularly for returning visitors,” she said. “Two years ago we introduced the stick horse class and it’s always a hit for

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top:

At the 2014 OEF Horse Day, young horse lovers gallop around the ring on their stick steeds. The OEF works hard at introducing people to horses and offering member benefits to help make riding affordable.

PHOTO: GORDON MCLEAN PHOTOGR APHY

PHOTO: GORDON MCLEAN PHOTOGR APHY

PHOTO: GORDON MCLEAN PHOTOGR APHY

middle:

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Young horse enthusiasts at OEF’s Horse Day in Toronto pose for a photograph with four-star Eventer Rachel McDonough, who made her debut at Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event this year, and Para Equestrian Athlete Jody Schloss, who represented Canada at the 2012 London Paralympic Games.

bottom: Olympians Eva-Maria Pracht and Martina Von Buttlar sign autographs for young fans at OEF Horse Day. The mother-daughter duo rode together on the 1987 Canadian Dressage team that won gold at the Pan-Am Games. Pracht was also on the 1988 Dressage team that brought home Canada’s first and only Olympic medal in Dressage.

spectators and participants alike. We usually have a couple dozen kids or more in this class, and they love it! At the end of their ride, each stick horse rider is given a red ribbon, just like at a real horse show. We hope this experience ignites their passion for horses so they can trade their stick horses in for the real thing when they get a bit older.”

Horse Day is equally popular in BC, and in 2014, HCBC hosted it at The Fair at the Pacific National Exhibition in August. Plans are underway for the 2015 Horse Day. HCBC offers a wide range of educational programs including the annual BC Equine Education Summit focusing on horse health and welfare, the HCBC Sport Symposium that takes place each February, a scholarship program launched in 2012 offering five $1,000 scholarships, a high school achievement recognition program, and online courses for all members.

“Horse Council BC was the first province to establish a partnership with the Ministry of Education to allow high school students achieving Western or English Rider levels to be given credits on their high school transcripts for Grade 10, 11, and 12,” said Coughlin.

There are various funding programs from core funding (provincial funds targeted for events or projects that support sport growth and development); participation grant funding (for any member club organizing an event or clinic aimed at increasing membership and new participants to riding, which annually funds $8,000 to $10,000); BC equestrian trails funding for the construction and maintenance of trails and campsites; and zone funding.

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Fun programs keeping people in the saddle include the Ride and Drive Rewards Program. “The Ride and Drive Rewards Program is designed to give BC’s recreational riders and drivers an extra incentive to spend more hours in the saddle or behind the breeching - whether in the arena or on the trails - for practice, exercise, therapy, or just plain fun,” said Coughlin. “The Ride and Drive Rewards Program started in 2004 and it was revised in 2013 to update the prize list.” Hours spent riding or driving are logged on a daily basis on a Ride and Drive log sheet and sent in to HCBC as each level is reached. The rewards are progressive starting at the 25 hour level and increasing in increments to 5,000 hours, which earns a reward that consists of a recognition patch and a first aid kit.

OEF also offers a rewards program called RIDE ONtario, which rewards member riders and drivers at levels from 50 hours to 5000 hours, and recognizes top participants at their Year End Awards.

BC is the only province to offer the next step in the long term athlete development pathway to high performance competition.

The Kamloops Legacy Performance Games was developed to fill the need for equestrian athletes to gain experience in a multi-sport games competition at a technical level equivalent to Western Canada Games.

Dressage and show jumping were offered, and in 2014, endurance was included. HCBC was invited to participate in the development of the Games for their members. The Games are held in late July each year and represent competition at the national level, just below the international level.

While keeping members riding and driving for fun both recreationally and in competitive sport is the backbone of equestrian federations, working with related businesses is a big part of their mandate.

The more businesses can engage with provincial equestrian organizations, the more they can serve the rider or driver through goods and services so that all parties benefit.

“We recognize that businesses are the backbone of our equine industry, and we try to do as much as possible to help them thrive,” said Monardo. “From a big picture perspective, we’re constantly working in everything we do to strengthen equestrian sport. Without riders, we are all out of

business. More directly, we’re uniting the businesses serving Ontario’s equine community by bringing them on board as industry members. There is strength in numbers, and the more businesses that come together, the more we can offer them.

For instance, this fall we launched a health and dental program in partnership with the Ontario Federation of Agriculture. OEF members, their families, and their employees are now eligible for affordable health care.

If you run a business, a program like that can be a huge advantage in attracting and retaining staff.”

Monardo recognized that most people know that equestrian federations are the source for good equestrian personal liability coverage, but the OEF offers other business related opportunities for its members.

“In 2014, we rolled out a number of new programs we are excited to provide to our members,” she said. “We have partnered with Kincardine-based Bruce Agra Dehy to provide OEF members MAAAX Equine long fibre forage cubes. This is a product that is grown and processed in Ontario and available exclusively to OEF members at a great rate. For people who have trouble getting enough good quality hay, have no room to store hay, or find hay difficult to manage, this product is great. The best part is that for every bag sold, $1 is donated to OEF programs. So this is a win-win for our members.”

OEF has also developed a closer affiliation with the Ontario Federation of Agriculture. This allows the organization to be a more powerful advocate for equine welfare and any future issues the industry could face.

“Our partnership with the OFA has also allowed us to bring even greater savings to our members. OEF members are now invited to participate in OFA days at TSC Stores, which provides significant cost savings during several sales events throughout the year.”

To drive more business to Ontario member stables, OEF developed their Horse Facilities program that helps to introduce potential riders to member stables. They then partnered with Equine Guelph last year to develop a new program called Ticket to Ride. The program runs at special events and brings young people from the

PHOTO: ©MISSION HORSE CLUB

Mission Horse Club Barrel Racers participated in HCBC’s inaugural BC Horse Day held at the Pacific National Exhibition in August.

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left: The Fusion Vaulters and their horse, Bam-Bam, gave a vaulting demonstration at the BC Heritage Circuit Finals in Maple Ridge, BC, in July 2014. below: Kathy Fremes of Country Hill Farm introduces Trigger, a Miniature Horse, to participants of the stick horse class at OEF Horse Day.

PHOTO: GORDON MCLEAN PHOTOGR APHY

PHOTO: DIVINE EQUINE PHOTOGR APHY

interactive EquiMania! exhibit to the OEF booth where they will receive their Ticket to Ride, which directs them to one of 30 participating stables offering free assessment rides, discounted lessons, or barn tours. It’s a potential way to get the curious committed to horses.

Despite all the economic challenges, the future looks bright for the equine industry.

“The horse industry is stable and holding its own,” said Monardo. “There has been

Weathering the Challenges According to the Ontario Horse Racing Industry Association (OHRIA), in March 2012, after a 14-year partnership, the SARP was abruptly cancelled by Ontario Lottery and Gaming (OLG) with no warning or consultation with the Ontario Horse Racing Industry. SARP was a revenue sharing agreement with the OLG, which allowed the government owned and operated slot machines to be installed and run in the privately owned racetracks in Ontario. The agreement was such that government would receive 75 percent of the slot revenue with the host racetrack receiving 10 percent, horse people receiving 10 percent (in the form of race purses) and the 62

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municipality where the racetrack was located receiving 5 percent of the slot revenue.

The OHRIA website (www.value4money. ca) states that since 1998, SARP has supported local businesses with more than $440 million in purchases made from local and regional vendors; paid more than $641 million from slot revenues to local municipalities where racetracks are situated; and paid more than $2 billion in wages and benefits to OLG employees. Supporting more than 60,000 jobs, the Ontario horse racing industry generates annual expenditures of $2.3 billion for production, care, training, and racing of horses in Ontario.

CANADA’S HORSE INDUSTRY AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

no drop in membership. There is more interest coming from children wanting to start riding. For horse riding we don’t recommend they start until they are six, but some parents are approaching us with two-year-olds. We’re trying to find ways to accommodate younger children as we don’t want to lose them to another sport such as figure skating or gymnastics. Parents only have some much time and resources to enroll their children in activities.”

Horse Council BC offers two types of business memberships, open to all businesses, not just those directly involved in the horse industry. For a small fee, businesses can be listed in their online business directory. They also have the option of giving HCBC their marketing materials to take to tradeshows that the organization attends. The Premium Business Membership gets a little more marketing and promotion in exchange for a higher yearly fee. These memberships enable businesses to promote themselves directly to their BC equestrian demographic.

HCBC also offers a wide variety of advertising and event sponsorship options that are available to businesses looking to gain a greater presence in the equestrian community.

“That being said,” commented Coughlin, “we want our membership to know that we have a very strict privacy policy and do not sell or share any information about our members. We also try to limit our e-blasts to as few as possible so as not to overload anyone’s e-mail inbox.

HCBC produces periodic horse industry studies, which are the most comprehensive source of economic activity statistics, and are

By Margaret Evans The industry has also been a major contributor to funding for equine health research. The impact of the cancellation of SARP and its potential for far-reaching industry repercussions caused wide-ranging uncertainty in Ontario’s horse industry.

SARP officially ended on March 31, 2013 and a one-year deal was put into place while both the government and OHRIA negotiated a longer term contract. In March of 2014, a five year, $100 million-a-year contract was negotiated with the industry and OHRIA is currently working with the OLG to integrate the horse racing industry into the OLG’s overall gaming strategy.

One of the OEF’s new programs is a partnership with Bruce Agra Dehy Inc. to provide OEF members with MAAAX Alfa-Timothy long fibre cubes. This Ontario-grown product is available exclusively to OEF members and for every bag sold, $1 is donated to OEF programs.

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an important tool for businesses developing and updating their future plans. Business members are listed in the HCBC directory and are able to connect to members with the HCBC forums.

According to Coughlin, the horse industry is influenced by developments within the industry, regional developments set by municipalities, and general economic and social conditions. One impact is the expansion of residential housing into rural areas, which can have both positive and negative consequences.

“Changes in land value make the use of land for horse farms look relatively less attractive economically; loss of agricultural land will increase rents and raise the cost of farm inputs such as hay,” she said.

“Conversely, a larger population living in areas with easy access to horses can lead to increased interest in recreational riding, lessons, equipment purchase, etc.”

Canada’s horse industry has faced many challenges in the past decade, not the least of which have been rising prices and greater demands on families for their time and resources. Yet the industry appears to be holding its own, including the horse racing community which, in Ontario, experienced a significant impact when the Slots at Racetracks Program (SARP) was cancelled three years ago (see sidebar: Weathering the Challenges).

While the horse industry has endured many changes, equestrian federations such as HCBC and OEF have worked hard to keep it moving forward through vision, advocacy, strong programming for members, activities to attract new members, and strategic alliances with business associates and related industry sectors.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF WHOA S

n EQUINE WELFARE

Managing Alberta’s Wild Horses There’s a game changer happening in wild horse management in Alberta

By Margaret Evans In November 2014, the Wild Horses of Alberta Society (WHOAS) entered into an agreement with the Alberta Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Resource Development (ESRD). The five-year agreement allows WHOAS to work in collaboration with ESRD to humanely manage the wild horse population in the Sundre Equine Zone which contains the greatest concentration of wild horses in the province.

They will keep populations at a sustainable level in two ways. First, WHOAS will use a contraception method administered through a vaccine to prevent mares from becoming pregnant. Mares will still cycle as usual and stallions can still mount mares. The vaccine surrounds the egg so that sperm cannot fertilize it.

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extremely successful in the United States, and it will be the first time in Canada in which wild horse populations will be controlled with the same vaccine.

Their second strategy will be an adoption program. Horses that stray onto private land or get into trouble will be rescued, managed, and placed for adoption into forever homes.

Last year WHOAS volunteers built a facility where horses that needed managing could be humanely corralled. Last summer they rescued nine horses that were eventually adopted out.

“WHOAS was formed in 2001 to protect wild horses,” says Bob Henderson, president of the society. “The provincial count last March was 880 from Kananaskis country all the way north (to the Brazeau Equine Zone).

In the Sundre area we have created our own database, and it is about 380. But our aerial

CANADA’S HORSE INDUSTRY AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

count revealed some 420. We lost a lot of horses in last year’s winter.”

The provincial count in 2014 was approximately 448 horses in the SEZ. The number is a sustainable one given that the zone covers thousands of acres. The management objective is to keep those numbers balanced, and that is where the vaccine program will play a huge role.

“We are working with the University of Calgary researchers who have come on board,” says Henderson. “We will use the PZP vaccine. We went to The Science and Conservation Center in Billings, Montana, to take the course on how to use it.”

Fertility control for horses through the use of immunocontraception has been in play for over two decades and it has proven to be arguably the most effective, the most

PHOTOS COURTESY OF WHOA S

humane, and the best long term solution for their management.

The system was pioneered by Dr. Jay Kirkpatrick, reproductive biologist and senior scientist with the Science and Conservation Center at ZooMontana.

With his colleagues, he developed the program in the late 1980s. And in 1994, the PZP program was first put in use by the National Parks Service to manage wild horses on Assateague Island. Over the next several years, the program proved to be an astounding success, as births were reduced to the target population number.

The PZP program is a vaccine made from a protein in pig oocytes (eggs). It stimulates a mare’s immune system to produce antibodies that prevent a stallion’s sperm from fertilizing her egg. The vaccine is administered with a dart gun, and does not interfere with a current pregnancy. It has no side effects, does not affect a band’s complex social behaviour, and can be maintained each year with a booster. It is also reversible, meaning the mare can be returned to fertility.

The PZP vaccine as a wildlife contraceptive has been used for 29 years, and deemed a success in altering entire populations by reducing growth rates, attaining zero population growth, or reducing populations. This has also been achieved with urban deer, African elephants, wapiti (elk), and bison, as well as 85 exotic species in zoos.

“For the Sundre conservation program, we’ve come up with a targeted number and we worked on that with Dr. Kirkpatrick based on the population we had given

Cimmaron snorts a warning at us as we photograph him and his two mares.

Dakota, an eight year old stallion, protects his herd.

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Thanks to a generous donation of 20 acres of land from private citizens, WHOAS now has a site on which to build a humane and safe handling facility. With the ability to handle the whid horses properly, the process of gentling them for adoption will be easier. vaccine is administered.”

Henderson says that, at first, there was mixed reaction from other stakeholders including farmers and ranchers in the Sundre region. Most of them, though, hope that the plan will work, although some are still skeptical.

“We have the support of the ESRD. They want it to work. We just have to develop it and that takes time. The horses this winter are in pretty darn good condition. There was public controversy after last winter when many died, and in 2012 when most of them went for slaughter.

The government realized that they can’t keep doing things the way they used to. There have to be better solutions to managing horse populations. We believe that’s what we’ve got. This is a game changer

for horses and for society. We’ve got some good people on board, and this is a much more effective way to manage the horses.”

Wildlife fertility control is not easy, but done properly with patience and persistence it is effective and it works. It achieves population goals without the sacrifice of a single animal. This program could be just as effectively applied to maintain other wild horse herds in Canada such as the Brittany Triangle herd in British Columbia’s Chilcotin region or the iconic Sable Island horses. The goal is to sustainably maintain healthy herds within their environment.

Over the next five years, WHOAS intends to show that this is a win-win for everyone. But most importantly, it will be a stunning win for the horses.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF WHOA S

him of the ratio of males to females,” says Henderson. “We’re starting small this year with 19 mares that we have selected.”

He explains that the herds in the Sundre zone are graded on a sliding scale with “A” herds that are very healthy with foals on the ground down to “D” herds with a young stud, a mare, and no foals. They are left alone to let them develop. Each targeted mare is identified through her specific markings, photo records, and her own herd.

“When we hit the field with our vet (who will be taking the vaccine course) we have pictures of the targeted mare, and we have identified which herd she belongs to,” says Henderson. “For environmental purposes we recover the dart with a metal detector. The dart has a slight charge to make sure the

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n EQUINE WELFARE

The Edible Horse

By Margaret Evans

Would a market for horsemeat reduce a welfare crisis?

Should restaurants offer lukba on the menu? What about basashi? Or sauerbraten?

And what about the celebrated French dish countrefilet? Other dishes they could offer might be kazy, umido, charqui, or sate jaran.

In November 2013, Princess Ann, the Princess Royal, was delivering a speech at the annual conference of the World Horse Welfare charity of which she is president.

During her speech she made a remark that turned everyone on their heads, caused just a bit of an uproar in England, and was widely reported in the national media.

She was referring to a horse welfare crisis in the UK. Winter was approaching and it was 68

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estimated that some 7,000 horses were at risk of abandonment, severe neglect, or starvation.

Equine aid agencies were already bulging at the seams as they tried to cope with horses that owners no longer wanted or could no longer afford. Stabling, pasture, feed, farrier, and veterinary needs were all huge expenses that were becoming more and more difficult to meet. So Princess Anne tossed out this oneliner as a possible solution: “Owners might take better care of their horses if they believed they could sell them for meat,” she is reported to have said.

Rather than scorning her words that seemed counter to cultural values, some

CANADA’S HORSE INDUSTRY AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

animal welfare charities viewed her suggestion with an open mind. The highly controversial topic was at least worthy of debate. The RSPCA and other equine charities needed answers as to what to do with so many neglected horses. Perhaps a domestic horsemeat market would not only alleviate the chronic welfare crisis, but also serve UK’s multicultural population with an alternative food choice.

Princess Ann, a gifted equestrian and former Olympic competitor, knew the consequences of her words in horse-crazy England. Historically, horses had always been more valuable alive as working animals and

PHOTO (LEFT ): ©THINK S TOCK/ROGER BR ANCH

PHOTO (RIGHT ) : ©THINK S TOCK/DEPSIMAGE

below: Backyard breeding contributes to the number of unwanted horses by producing mediocre horses for which there is no market, and leaving the resulting offspring to face an uncertain future.

right: Horsemeat from horses slaughtered in

plants inspected by the CFIA is widely fed to zoo animals in Canada and the US.

used for exploration, settlement, and war.

They are still used on farms and ranches and as draught animals for hauling goods. And, of course, horses have been used in competition for centuries. Among many cultures, horses remain deeply iconic, and they symbolize the growth and expansion of civilizations.

But in recent years, horse values have plummeted to rock bottom lows and the blunt fact, known to many in the horse world, is that a horse is worth more as meat.

Princess Anne decided to put the idea out there, for what it was worth. It was time to think outside the box. She said in her speech that British attitudes toward

horsemeat may have to change, and that the whole cultural acceptance of eating horses was at least worthy of a conversation.

The question she posed was: Should we consider a market for horsemeat, and would that reduce the number of welfare cases if there was real value in the horsemeat sector?

That question could just as well be floated in Canada. In 2014, the British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BC SPCA) seized over 100 horses.

But according to Marcie Moriarty, SPCA chief prevention and enforcement officer, there are possibly thousands of horses in the province that are neglected or abused, and

the SPCA simply can’t reach them all.

Those numbers are likely reflected right across the country. Neglect comes not only from sheer lack of care or lack of concern, but it can also come from people thinking they can make money breeding backyard horses, only to find they have produced mediocre, unsaleable horses that still need to be fed. The offspring is often doomed to an uncertain future.

Backyard breeding sources unknown genetics, horses poorly matched, or simply bad luck. The practice can put too many horses on the market, plunge horse values, and result in too many unwanted and

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Horse slaughter frequently, and understandably, triggers emotional responses, and it has been the focus of many claims and petitions against the practice by various animal activist groups. The purpose of this feature has been to provide a broader understanding of the horsemeat industry from both a global and a Canadian perspective.

Slaughter involves an animal being placed in a kill box and shot through the brain to render it unconscious and unable to regain consciousness so that it can be hung and bled out in order for its meat to be harvested. Problems arise when the process does not meet industry standards.

In April 2010, the British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) released their Report on Horse Slaughter Practices in Canada with disturbing information on inhumane practices in the killing process of horses at slaughter plants. The report stated that at three different plants there was a level of unacceptable performance in which animals were slipping, falling, or requiring multiple stuns in the stun box, while some were willfully abused. Information for the basis of the report came from video documentation recorded by the Canadian Horse Defense Coalition a few years earlier.

As a result, the auditors of the report made a number of recommendations to improve humane practices. Some of those recommendations included improvements and redesign of the kill box to prevent slippage and enhanced restraint for accurate

CANADA’S HORSE INDUSTRY AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

shooting; proper training, supervision, and discipline of employees; implementing the practice of unannounced in-person audits to assess the accuracy of captive bolt operators and successful stunning; and care for animals in the holding pen.

According to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, “The technology related to the stunning of animals prior to slaughter has improved, in great part due to research into the energy that must be transmitted into the brain to achieve the required instant, irreversible stunning effect. As a result, this has helped to enhance the humane treatment of the animals.”

The Agency said that it is the responsibility of the plant operator to ensure that all personnel at the registered establishment who are involved in the examination, handling and slaughter of food animals receive appropriate training on the process and tasks for which they are responsible, and that they are qualified to perform their duties. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) provides oversight to ensure that the operator has developed, carried out and kept up-to-date a written training program for these employees.

In addition, regulation requirements state that no food animal shall be slaughtered unless the slaughter has been authorized by an inspector. During slaughter operations, there must be at least one veterinarian on site and additional veterinary inspectors may be present depending on production volumes and the plant’s size.

But when things go wrong, as they have

discarded animals that have to be cared for one way or another. Sometimes that management puts them in the auction and in the hands of the meat buyer.

The horsemeat industry is far bigger than many people realize. Over one billion people, or 16 percent of the global population, eat horsemeat, mostly in Europe and Asia.

According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, in 2005 nearly 960,000 tonnes of horsemeat were consumed, an increase of 27.6 percent over 1990 figures when nearly 690,000 tonnes were eaten.

Canada ships up to 10,000 live horses to Japan each year through Calgary. Some are purpose-bred for this market, and Japanese buyers come to Canada to select certain horses.

According to the Canadian Meat Council, in 2011, 89,000 horses were slaughtered in Canada and the average gross domestic product (GDP) value of the exported horsemeat was $5.08/kilogram compared to the average value of $4.46/kg for beef and $2.69/kg for pork. Of Canada’s production output, Quebec, where a culturally distinct palate appreciates a horsemeat cuisine, consumes about 2,000 tonnes a year. A horse will dress out at 35 to 50 percent of its gross weight, depending on its conformation, and generally the domestic price per kilogram is higher than for other red meat products.

According to UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) figures, in 2012 some of the top countries that consumed horsemeat included China (193,000 tonnes), Mexico

By Margaret Evans

Canadians have a right to know that the plants are humanely run, professionally overseen, and accountable when things go wrong. in the past, the CFIA has a broad range of enforcement activities that can be applied as appropriate up to and including prosecution.

They have the flexibility to select an appropriate response based on the gravity of the infraction and consider all factors such as the potential or the actual harm, the compliance history of the plant or regulated party, and the potential intent of the party to commit a contravention or cause harm in the first place.

In August 2013, Teresa van Bryce, writing for Canadian Horse Journal, interviewed Dr. Temple Grandin, professor of animal sciences at Colorado State University and renowned for her humane innovations in livestock handling. She had visited Canadian slaughter houses and her recommendations to improve kill box design included higher sides to prevent horses looking out, non-slip level flooring, and two people to run the stun box. She also suggested streaming video uplinked to a web page for public observation but that is not going to happen given privacy laws in Canada. The theory was that public

monitoring of slaughter practices would ensure plants matched or bettered humane standards. And in Dr. Grandin’s opinion, horse slaughter in a professionally run plant is better than the alternative facing thousands of unwanted horses in the United States.

As Dr. Grandin said during her interview with Ms van Bryce, “I asked activist groups to give me some alternatives to slaughter that I would present to a horse summit two years ago, things like bigger rescue places, euthanasia stations, dude ranches, etc. I presented these things and haven’t had one of them follow up with me as to whether or not any of these things were done. They don’t have a practical solution to the problem. I think that horse slaughter in a decent plant is a better alternative to starving. The problem on these issues is that people are so far away from the practical realities of things.”

Those words still hold true now. Horse slaughter for meat is a fact of life and a legal industry in Canada. But Canadians have a right to know that the plants are humanely run, professionally overseen, and accountable when things go wrong. And with Europe’s increased demands for humane handling, the stakes are higher.

The CFIA stated that the Canadian animal welfare requirements have been assessed by the European Union authorities and are considered to provide standards comparable to those specified in Council Regulation (EC) No 1099/2009 on the protection of animals at the time of slaughter.

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animals. Horsemeat is widely fed to animals in zoos across Canada and the US where carnivores are fed meat originating exclusively from horses slaughtered in plants inspected by the Canadian Food and Inspection Agency (CFIA). The diet formulations are based on the Toronto Zoo Carnivore Diet which provides guidelines for the specific nutritional needs of wild and captive bred felines, canines, and small carnivores with respect to their varying needs for protein, fats, fibre, vitamins, and minerals.

PHOTO: ©C ANS TOCKPHOTO.COM/ V0V

(83,350 tonnes), Russia (48,000 tonnes), and Kazakhstan (75,000 tonnes).

The Canadian Meat Council stated in a report on their website that in 2012 Canada exported 17.7 million kilograms of horsemeat valued at almost $90 million to 15 different countries. The major markets were Switzerland, Japan, France, Belgium, and Kazakhstan.

In addition, Canada exports horsemeat to the United States. It is not for human consumption but as a supply to feed zoo

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Many wild carnivores prefer horsemeat over other meat products such as beef. The meat fed is drug-free, and of a standard that would meet human consumption needs.

Horsemeat most closely approximates wild meat and, compared to beef, it is leaner, has more amino acids, and contains more vitamins such as B-6, B-12 and C. By all accounts, people who have eaten horsemeat will attest to how delicious it is. It is a tender, sweeter, fat-free, close-fibre red meat similar to deer or moose, but without the gamey taste. In terms of nutritional value, a four ounce piece of horsemeat has 20 percent more protein than high quality beef cuts, 50 percent less fat, nearly 20 percent less sodium, and 50 percent more iron. In some areas of Quebec, medical doctors recommend that patients who are iron deficient eat horsemeat to bolster their iron intake.

Horsemeat can be used to replace beef or pork in just about any recipe, and does extremely well in soups, stews, and grills, or smoked and made into salami. Kazy is a Kazakhstan sausage dish. Basashi is a Japanese dish consisting of thinly sliced raw meat dipped in soy sauce with ginger and onions. Lukba is a Philippines delicacy in which the meat is marinated in lemons, soy, and fish sauce then lightly fried. Sauerbraten is a German braised meat dish. Charqui is a form of jerky eaten in Chile. Sate jaran is a Javanese dish made of chunks of horsemeat served in a spicy sauce.

Many people logically argue that if we slaughter and consume beef cattle, pigs, lambs, and chickens, why not horses? The answer is a complex mix of history, culture, and emotion. The notion of consuming horsemeat has been taboo among many cultures for centuries. In the eighth century, popes Gregory III and Zachary instructed Saint Boniface, a missionary to Germany, to forbid the eating of horsemeat by the converted due to its association with Germanic pagan rituals.

Horsemeat is forbidden in Jewish dietary laws because horses are not cloven hoofed and they are not ruminants. In Islamic law, consumption of horsemeat is discouraged, but not forbidden.

Horses symbolize the growth and expansion of civilizations, and in many cultures they remain truly iconic. Pictured is the original bronze equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius, an ancient Roman statue in the Campidoglio, Rome, Italy, standing 3.5 m tall.

10 WHOA!, that includes industry

PHOTO (LEFT ): ©THINK S TOCK/DESIGN PIC S-DARREN GREENWOOD

Our bond with horses is strong. Down through the ages, they have been our friends, our partners in work and sport, and have served and died alongside us in war. Given our emotional ties with horses, many people are repulsed by the idea of eating horsemeat. Yet others argue: If we consume beef, pork, lamb, and poultry, why not horse?

In Canadian society, horsemeat is generally not eaten except in Quebec where it is widely consumed. Across the country there are a few specialty butchers where horsemeat is available, and a few restaurants will serve horsemeat dishes.

Many people’s aversion to eating horsemeat comes from the fact that we are, quite simply, emotionally tied to them.

We value horses as pets, partners in sport, recreational companions, and friends in physical and psychological therapy. We give them names, buy endless accessories for them, provide them with more blankets than we have on our own beds, give them baths, braid their manes with coloured ribbons, protect them from parasites, fit them with shoes, make carrot cakes for their birthdays, decorate their stalls at Christmas, and colour-code their saddle pads with our initials. How do you eat that?

Responding to pressure to stop horse slaughter in the States, the US government enacted a law in 2007 that effectively banned horse slaughter in the country.

But it came with terrible unintended consequences, which were eventually brought to Canada’s doorstep. With no horse processing facilities available, owners had few options for moving their animals.

Very quickly, there were too many horses on the market. Horse prices plummeted 74

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and owners who would normally take their animals to auction found themselves without a saleable outlet. The unwanted horses were abandoned, abused, neglected, or left to starve to death. Thousands of horses were loaded up and shipped to Canada for slaughter, effectively dumping an American problem in Canada’s lap.

Currently, some 35,000 horses are still sent to Canadian processing plants.

“The Horse Welfare Alliance of Canada [HWAC] was started in 2008 because of horse welfare concerns,” said Bill desBarres, chair. “In 2007, the slaughter plants were shut down in the US. We were getting tremendous problems with horses in terrible shape coming to Canada from the US for slaughter. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) helped very much in getting things straightened away. We formed the Horse Welfare Alliance to address the problem of the welfare of horses that glutted the market, reduced the prices of horses, reduced the profitability of breeders, and created a very large welfare problem in the US and Canada.”

The focus of HWAC is equine health and welfare, education for horse owners, caregivers, transporters, industry stakeholders, the public, liaison with government departments and agencies, and the monitoring of the health and welfare of

CANADA’S HORSE INDUSTRY AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

the Canadian herd. Part of that commitment to horse welfare includes overseeing the humane end-of-life options.

“Different markets look for different products,” said desBarres. “For horses there are different markets that look for different conformation. Some like them young, older, lighter, or young and heavy like draft horses.

Canada has an excellent reputation in providing some live horses to some of these countries. On a regular basis we ship 5,000 to 10,000 live horses to Japan each year through Calgary. That’s one market. They are purpose bred to go there, and Japanese buyers will come here to select specific horses.”

According to desBarres, there are five federally registered facilities that perform horse slaughter in Canada. Two are in Alberta, two in Quebec, and one in British Columbia. Some 500 people are employed in the horsemeat sector and over 85 percent of Canada’s horsemeat is exported.

In 2013, horsemeat was discovered in European meat products that were labelled as meats other than horsemeat. None of those products were exported from Canada or imported into Canada, but the problem caused a sweeping backlash in Europe. As a result, the European Union (EU) introduced reforms to strengthen their equine passport identification system so that all Europeanborn horses will have their movements and

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medical records traced throughout their lifetime. This will also document such major concerns as the presence of drug residues in horses slaughtered for human consumption.

It was this concern that resulted in the EU’s Food and Veterinary Office (FVO) suspending the importation of horsemeat from Mexico because of questions around horses’ medical and drug treatment records, and the traceability of horses to specific vendors. In addition, the FVO’s 2014 audit revealed serious animal welfare problems during transport or at slaughterhouses respecting euthanasia, humane handling

devices, and methods being shown to be inadequate to provide humane care for the animals. It is reported that some 87 percent of the horses processed in Mexico originated in the United States.

The Canadian Meat Council stated on its website that the CFIA performs daily inspections in all federally registered meat establishments to verify that the operator is producing meat products that are manufactured in accordance with federal food safety and humane rules and regulations. The Agency will randomly test meat for any pesticides, drug residues, or

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environmental contaminants. The testing is based on scientific standards set out by the UN FAO and the World Health Organization. Any adverse detection results in an increase in testing and, if necessary, removing the product from the supply chain.

According to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, traceability is the ability to follow animals, plants, food products, or ingredients from one point in the food supply chain to another. Livestock traceability is based on three elements – animal identification, premise identification, and animal/product movement. The traceability system is an effective tool to protect animal health, public health, and food safety. They reduce response time and limit economic, environmental, and social impacts through a fast response to disease outbreaks.

Currently, Canada has industry-led animal identification systems for cattle, bison, and sheep and there exists an Equine Identification Document for horses originated by CFIA. Equine Canada has been working for a number of years on an enhanced equine identification system and the Horse Welfare Alliance has been ready since its inception to cooperate with Equine Canada.

“We have a database ready to go and it will integrate globally,” said desBarres. “We need it to be available to all horse people in Canada. The database will also serve as a performance indexing database for any club so they can rate their animals in terms of how they are doing in performance. We have programs that will do that. It’s absolutely necessary for selling abroad. Our database will integrate with the world system of identifying livestock.”

HWAC has been working with Ontariobased Animal ID Solutions who have developed a sophisticated, state-of-theart identification and traceability system to meet comprehensive levels of animal identification that have never been required in the past. The system, Equine Traceability Canada (ETC), can provide a complete profile of any horse including identification, health records, veterinary drug use, tracking, performance, and passport requirements.

The objective is to minimize risk and disease spread or outbreak, and safeguard human health as well as to enhance live and product export opportunities.

The reformed horse identification electronic database being put in place by the EU will need to be dovetailed with the existing CFIA Equine Identification

Neglect comes from lack of care and concern, and from the owners placing no value on an animal they are unable to sell. In recent years, the price of horses has fallen and the result has been an increase in the number of welfare cases across the country.

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Document, but that document may prove to be insufficient for the EU’s future enhanced standards. CFIA may be required to provide a more sophisticated program if horses or their products are to continue to be exported to Europe. The HWAC/Animal ID Solutions database would, according to desBarres, more than meet the EU criteria.

If the federal government fails to act on an upgraded system it could mean that Canadian horses and/or their products would be refused entry to the EU, putting some 35,000 to 40,000 horses annually at risk of becoming unwanted and facing a potentially harsh and uncertain future.

Horse slaughter isn’t for everyone.

However, many believe that the choice of end-of-life options for their horse is a democratic right. Slaughter for meat is an emotional, controversial topic and its roots are deeply embedded in our culture. But, properly done, it offers a humane end-of-life option for some horse owners who may have few places to turn.

A year ago when Princess Ann floated the idea that eating horsemeat could reduce an equine welfare crisis, she began a debate with many convoluted layers. The discussion will no doubt continue for some time to come.

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How To HorseKeeping Have you ever wondered how to check your horse’s vital signs, what to do about mud fever, or how to tell if your horse is dehydrated? Do you want to start regular fecal egg count testing to reduce parasite drug resistance in your horse… but are unsure of what to do? And would you like to know the keys to keeping your leather tack in tiptop shape?

The step-by-step instructions in our collection of How To articles will help you perform these basic horsekeeping tasks with confidence and ease.

HOW TO…

Test Your Horse for Dehydration Dr. Bri Henderson, assistant team vet for Canada’s endurance team at 2010 WEG says, “Hydration is everything. The correct balance of water and body salts controls everything from the brain to the gut. As dehydration develops we risk our horse’s health and welfare by stressing their hearts, kidneys, and gut function. From the polished show horse to the race horse to the beloved pasture horse, we must ensure access to clean drinking water and CORRECT replacement of electrolytes lost through sweating.”

Two simple ways you can check your horse for proper hydration are the capillary refill test and the skin pinch test.

Mucous Membranes/Capillary Refill

Skin Pinch While dehydration leads to changes in a number of the areas examined, the most common means to quickly check hydration is the skin pinch test. As the animal becomes dehydrated, the skin elasticity decreases due to loss of water from the skin. When the skin on the neck just above the shoulder is pinched and pulled gently away, it should snap back quickly upon release.

Take a fold of skin between the thumb and forefinger, lift it away from the underlying tissues, twist slightly and release.

A skin fold or “tent” that remains for over two seconds indicates dehydration. A delay of five seconds is serious. It is important to know the normal skin pinch results on your horse as there can be a variation due to age and breed. For this reason it is important to test the same area of the skin each time to maintain consistency of results.

Printed with the kind permission of Equine Guelph. www.equineguelph.ca.

PHOTOS: PAM MACKENZIE PHOTOS

Lift the upper lip of the horse and look at the gums above the teeth (also called the mucous membranes).

Mucous membranes should be a healthy pink, shiny, moist and slippery. If they are pale, dry, or tacky this can indicate dehydration. Colours such as pale white, jaundiced, brick red, bluish, purplish, or muddy are indicative of a serious problem.

Next, press your thumb or finger on the gum to “blanch” the area (push the blood out from under the finger) to determine capillary refill time. Upon release of the pressure, count the seconds that elapse while the

colour returns. Normal time is up to 1.5 seconds. Delays for two to three seconds are cause for concern.

Delays beyond four seconds are serious. Delayed capillary refill time is an indication of reduced blood circulation due to reduced volume (blood loss or dehydration) and/or decreased blood pressure (shock).

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HOW TO...

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR

Equine Facilitated Wellness (NAEFW)

Check Your Horse’s Vital Signs

NAEFW is a resource for anyone interested in building respectful partnerships with equines.

Whether it is for your own personal development, to enhance your relationship with horses or to become a certified practitioner, NAEFW welcomes you.

By Jess Hallas-Kilcoyne

• belong to a community that values what equines have to teach us and that treats them as equal partners

PHOTO: PAM MACKENZIE PHOTOGR APHY

• enhance our growth and learning through our engagement with equines • deepen the connections with the equines in our lives • become an accredited EFW practitioner

FOR MORE INFORMATION LOG ON TO

www.equinefacilitatedwellness.org Every horse owner should be familiar with their horse’s normal vital signs.

Knowing your horse’s healthy resting temperature, heart rate, respiration rate, capillary refill time, and gut sounds will help you realize when he is unwell. And in the event of illness or injury to your horse, being able to check and report his vital signs to your veterinarian can help him or her determine the horse’s present condition.

All you need is a thermometer and a watch with a second hand. A stethoscope is optional for determining heart and respiration rates, and for checking gut sounds, but you should ask your veterinarian to show you how to use it correctly.

To establish what is normal for your horse, check his baseline vital signs when he is healthy and calm, as doing so when he is nervous or excited can result in an inaccurate representation.

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Temperature

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A horse’s temperature is taken rectally.

Plastic digital thermometers are safer than the traditional glass, mercury thermometers.

If you do use a mercury thermometer, a string should be attached to one end and the string can be fastened with a hair clip to the horse’s

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To take your horse’s heart rate, locate the facial artery on the inside edge of his lower jaw bone with your fingertips. tail; make sure you shake the mercury down to around 96 degrees Fahrenheit before taking your horse’s temperature. Lubricate the thermometer with K-Y Jelly or a similar water soluble lubricant. Your horse should be safely tied or held by a helper as you stand beside his hip, lift the tail, and gently insert the thermometer into the rectum, angling it slightly downward. Most digital thermometers will beep when they have an accurate temperature reading. A mercury thermometer should be left in position for at least three minutes. Once you have your horse’s temperature reading, always clean the thermometer well before putting it away.

Heart Rate There are several arteries from which you can determine your horse’s heart rate or pulse; the one most easily detected

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Respiration Rate Respiration rate, or breathing rate, should be determined by observing the horse’s ribcage rise and fall with each breath. Stand beside your horse’s shoulder and watch the curve of the belly in front of the stifle, counting the number of breaths for one minute. Remember to count each inhalation and exhalation as one breath, not two.

Capillary Refill Time To perform the capillary refill time test, which is an indicator of blood circulation, lift your horse’s upper lip and press your thumb firmly against the gum above a corner incisor for two seconds. This should create a white mark on the gum as blood is squeezed out of the area by your thumb. Remove your thumb and time how long it takes the gum to return to its original pink colour. If the blood takes longer than two seconds to return to the area, your horse may be experiencing shock or dehydration.

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Gut Sounds Check your horse’s gut sounds by pressing your ear against his barrel behind the ribs, in front of the stifle. Normal gut sounds vary widely, but should always be present. Faint, infrequent, or absent gut sounds usually indicate colic and your veterinarian should be called.

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HOW TO…

Collect a Fecal Egg Sample Performing regular fecal egg count testing is an important step in equine parasite management.

Collecting a manure sample is easy, but it must be done properly to ensure accurate test results.

Here’s how: 1. Turn a new zip-lock bag inside out over your hand.

2. With your hand inside the bag, pick up a fresh fecal mass.

3. Use your other hand to pull the zip-lock bag over your hand, turning the bag right side out.

The feces are now in the bag.

4. Zip up the bag. Place the bag into another zip-lock bag.

5. Write the date and horse’s name on the bag.

6. Store in a cool place, such as a fridge.

7. Deliver your fecal sample to the vet within 48 hours!

Be sure to request that the feces are examined for a strongyle egg count in horses aged 2 years and up.

Do not place the sample in the freezer or leave it in your car. Extreme cold or heat can kill parasites, defeating the purpose of collecting a sample.

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Printed with kind permission of Equine Guelph. www.equineguelph.ca.

Horses that spend long periods of time indoors are more at risk for roundworms and pinworms; horses on pasture are more at risk of picking up strongyles while grazing; and foals are predisposed to roundworms. Horse owners should discuss the parasite control program with their veterinarian to determine an individual program for their horse.

DEWORMING BASED ON FECAL EGG COUNTS A fecal egg count (FEC) exam is used to determine the number and type of parasite eggs present in your horse’s manure, and is not to be confused with a fecal flotation test (the fecal sample is submerged in a solution that causes the eggs to detach from the manure and float), which only confirms whether parasite eggs are present but does not render the specific volume. An FEC test requires the fecal sample to be floated, but then a precise portion of the findings is placed onto a specialized slide for examination and enumeration under a microscope. The results, expressed as eggs per gram (EPG) of manure, indicate whether your horse is a low, medium, or high shedder of parasite eggs, thus allowing you and your veterinarian to develop an appropriate deworming program.

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EEggs per Gram (EPG)

Level of Shedding

0-200 Low 201-500 Medium 501-1000 High 1001+

Extremely high

The research suggests that horses tend to shed at a consistent rate, meaning that a horse will render similar results when tested numerous times.

According to recent studies, approximately 80 percent of equine parasites are harboured by just 20 percent of the horses in a herd. However, it remains common practice to recommend the same standardized rotational deworming program for all horses despite widely varying parasite burdens.

Unfortunately, this practice is a major contributing factor to the widespread and growing resistance of

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equine parasites to certain commonly used classes of anthelmintics (dewormers) A more sustainable parasite control program begins with performing FEC exams to identify the level of shedding for each horse in a herd or on a farm, as well as the type of parasites present. Horses classified as low shedders require a less regular deworming schedule (perhaps only twice yearly), which will minimize resistance caused by overexposure and can save unnecessary costs. High-shedding horses will require more frequent deworming and may need to be segregated to reduce pasture contamination. The class of dewormer used should be chosen according to what species of parasites are present in the EPG counts.

Besides helping to reduce parasite drug resistance and offering potential financial savings for owners, deworming based on the EPG counts obtained from FEC exams also results in individualized treatment programs to ensure optimal health for each horse.

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NEWBERT HOW TO...

Equine Enterprises

Clean and Care for Leather

PURVEYORS OF NEW & USED

DRIVING EQUIPMENT

Vehicles u Tack

u

Clothing

By Jochen Schleese, CMS, Equine Ergonomist

LIGHTWEIGHT BALANCED DRIVING WHIPS – Diamond N Whips SAFETY/MARATHON EQUIPMENT Quick release shaft loops, traces & pole straps, slow moving vehicle signs, safety shackles, etc.

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Taking proper care of your leather goods will greatly enhance their appearance and lifespan.

One of the greatest misconceptions in leather care has been with the correct use of saddle soaps. Saddle soaps are basically just what their names imply: soaps, and as such are to be used for cleaning only. In fact, sweat, which is acidic, and soap are the two greatest enemies of leather if they are not removed. Saddle soap should be used to rid the leather of accumulated sweat and grime which, if left on, will result in the leather becoming brittle and cracking. It is important to keep your saddle and other leather goods clean so they don’t irritate your horse’s skin, and

to protect your investment.

Soaps containing glycerines or built-in moisturizers are beneficial in that they remove less of the natural lubricants of the leather during washing. But just as you rinse off the soap after washing your hands, make sure you completely rinse your leather of the soap product, as water will harm leather much less than the chemicals in the soap.

Living skin is made up of 70 to 80 percent water, and leather is essentially skin which has been tanned. After tanning, a moisture content of about 25 percent is retained. In the past, leather was tanned over a six-month period and was more durable, but nowadays the tanning process takes only about six weeks. Every time

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vets

love them!

GOT HORSES? you wash or clean your saddle – even with soaps containing glycerine - you need to rinse with water and then apply moisturizer, just as hand lotion is often applied to return moisture to your own skin.

Tanned hides are much like our own skin except that they cannot replenish lost moisture content.

A leather moisturizer/conditioner will return some of the natural lubricants. A conditioner that contains balsam but no cleaning ingredients is highly recommended, as it can effectively be used on all leather items. Leather oil can be used as a one-time application over the entire saddle or other tack to darken the original colour.

After that initial application, oil should only be used on the saddle panel as a lubricant, since the wool will soak up any excess. Used on the seat, it will soak through and onto the laminated and glued layers of the tree, possibly resulting in the eventual breakage of the tree (especially if you have an English spring tree). Even with saddles built on other trees, applying oil more often is not recommended. Oil should not be used anywhere the leather comes into contact with your person (breeches, gloves) as it tends to discolour these materials. In addition, oil on the flaps leads to such a softening of the leather as to make the flaps too flexible. Make sure you use products that are meant for leather. Baby oil belongs on babies, olive oil belongs in salad dressing – neither belong on leather.

Ideally, saddlery should be cleaned each time it is used. At the least, it should be given a quick cleaning (wipe) after each use, and thorough cleaning once a week. To store your saddle or tack over a longer period of time, keep it at room temperature, but never cooler than five degrees Celsius, and at a humidity of 30 to 40 percent to retain the suppleness of the leather.

If mildew appears, a good wash and a leather conditioner will soon restore it.

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HOW TO...

Prevent and Treat Mud Fever Scratches, greasy heel, dew poisoning, dermatitis – no matter what you call it, it irritates your horse’s skin, and like any bacterial infection, has potential to do much deeper damage.

Skin which is exposed to wet or muddy conditions on a continual basis can result in a breakdown of the protective barrier of epidermis, allowing bacteria to invade with resulting infection.

Prevention • Provide clean, dry bedding in the stall and turnout in a well-draining field.

PHOTO: PAM MACKENZIE PHOTOS

Symptoms • Small red ulcerations of the skin can often be spotted at the back of the pastern, signalling the beginning of this infection.

• Scabbing, oozing of serum.

• Loss of hair.

• Inflammation, and in more extreme cases, swelling and heat in the affected leg, skin sloughing, and lameness.

Treatment

Mud fever is a skin condition that affects the lower legs and causes crusty sores to form in the areas around the horse’s pasterns, heels, and fetlocks.

Treatment includes clipping the hair to allow the skin to dry and to make cleaning easier.

• The turnout paddock or field should be clean and free from mud and manure where bacteria and fungi thrive.

• Make sure fields and paddocks have a dry, sheltered area for horses to access.

• Keep the legs clean and dry. Wash the area thoroughly and gently with warm water and an antibacterial cleanser. Avoid vigorous scrubbing which will further irritate the skin; crusts that are dry and hard can be soaked off or softened with antibacterial ointment before removal.

• Use clean towels to dry the area. Do not use the same towels on other horses and dry the affected area last to prevent the condition from spreading.

• Carefully clip the hair without opening sores to allow air-flow to the area and help keep it dry.

• If the skin is dry and cracking, apply antibacterial ointment recommended by your vet • Severe cases may need antibiotics or antiinflammatories as prescribed by your vet.

You will also want to ensure your tetanus shot is up to date.

Printed with the kind permission of Equine Guelph. www.equineguelph.ca.

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CANADA’S HORSE INDUSTRY AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

CANADA’S HORSE INDUSTRY AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

PHOTO: ©C ANSTOCKPHOTO/OLGARU79

Pages 87—98

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MARKETPLACE

Marketplace

MARKETPLACE

AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION Princess is a stunning '96 registered QH Palomino mare (Rich MS Poco Doc). This girl has a lot of potential for a more experienced handler as she has not been handled much.

Please consider adopting an older horse — there are many mature, unhandled horses who need homes and have just as much potential as a youngster!

You can find Princess & over 100 more horses at

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LONG RUN THOROUGHBRED RETIREMENT SOCIETY

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CLUBS—ASSOCIATIONS ALBERTA EQUESTRIAN FEDERATION

Suite 100, 251 Midpark Blvd SE Calgary, AB, T2X 1S3 www.albertaequestrian.com/ info@albertaequestrian.com Fax: 403-252-5260 Phone: 403-253-4411 1-877-463-6233

CLUBS—ASSOCIATIONS CONT. EQUINE ASSOCIATION OF YUKON

PO Box 30011 Whitehorse, YT, Y1A 5M2 www.equineyukon.weebly.com equineyukon@gmail.com

EQUINE CANADA

308 Legget Drive, Suite 100 Ottawa, ON, K2K 1Y6 www.equinecanada.ca inquiries@equinecanada.ca Fax: 613-248-3484 Phone: 613-287-1515 1-866-282-8395

FÉDÉRATION ÉQUESTRE DU QUÉBEC 4545, av. Pierre-De Coubertin Montréal, QC, H1V 0B2 www.feq.qc.ca infocheval@feq.qc.ca Fax: 514-252-3068 Phone: 514 252-3053 1-866-575-0515

HORSE COUNCIL OF BRITISH COLUMBIA 27336 Fraser Hwy. Aldergrove, BC, V4W 3N5 www.hcbc.ca reception@hcbc.ca Fax: 604-856-4302 Phone: 604-856-4304 800-345-8055

MANITOBA HORSE COUNCIL 145 Pacific Avenue Winnipeg, MB, R3B 2Z6 www.manitobahorsecouncil.ca mhc.exec@sportmanitoba.ca Fax: 204-925-5703 Phone: 204-925-5719

Visit the Marketplace at HORSEJournals.com/marketplace

NEW BRUNSWICK EQUESTRIAN ASSOCIATION 900 Hanwell Road, Unit 13 Fredericton, NB, E3B 6A2 www.nbea.ca horses@nbnet.nb.ca Fax: 506-454-2363 Phone: 506-454-2353

NEWFOUNDLAND EQUESRTIAN ASSOCIATION

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Alberta Trail Riding Association

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NOVA SCOTIA EQUESTRIAN FEDERATION

5516 Spring Garden Road Halifax, NS, B3J 1G6 www.horsenovascotia.ca nsefmembership@sportnovascotia.ca Fax: 902-425-5606 Phone: 902-425-5450

ONTARIO EQUESTRIAN FEDERATION

1 West Pearce Street, Suite 201 Richmond Hill, ON, L4B 3K3 www.horse.on.ca horse@horse.on.ca Fax: 905-709-1867 Phone: 905-709-6545 1-877-441-7112

THE CANADIAN REGISTRY OF THE

Tennessee Walking Horse

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NEW STRIDE

Dedicated to the assessment, rehabilitation and placement of abused, neglected and mistreated horses.

THOROUGHBRED ADOPTION SOCIETY

PEI HORSE COUNCIL

40 Enman Crescent, Charlottetown, PE, C1E 1E6 www.islandhorsecouncil.ca gevans@upei.ca

SASKATCHEWAN HORSE FEDERATION 2205 Victoria Avenue Regina, SK, S4P 0S4 www.saskhorse.ca staceyriche@saskhorse.ca Fax: 306-525-4041 Phone: 306-780-9449

Dedicated to finding adoptive homes & new careers for former Thoroughbred racehorses.

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• Volunteers welcome

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MARKETPLACE

Animal Talk

COACHES—INSTRUCTORS

EQUESTRIAN CENTRES

providing a voice for the non-human creatures of our world

LESLIE DESMOND INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF HORSEMANSHIP

ASMARA STABLES

with Lauren Bode

905-751-1280 • animaltalk@hotmail.com

www.animaltalk.ca

t Horse Dentistry - 20 yrs exp.

- IAED Member t Equine Sheath Cleaning

NEWBERT EQUINE ENTERPRISES

t Horses For Sale t Problems: Trailer

Loading, Etc. t Clinics

t Horse & Livestock

Hauling

t Better Horsemanship DVDs

Suite # 339, 612 - 500 Country Hills Blvd. NE, Calgary, AB T3K 5K3

Cell: 403-993-0269 • kellyshorses4you@yahoo.ca

www.jeffreyrkelly.com

G.W. Equine Services Re-Schooling of Thoroughbreds Evaluation u Training

Garry Westergaard 51246 Range Road 202, Sherwood Park, Alberta T8G 1E8 780-662-3013 • info@gwequineservices.com

www.gwequineservices.com

JJOI OI N N US IN US IN 2015 2015

TICKLEWOOD FARM

Board, lessons, training, school horses, sales, hunter, jumper, dressage, certified coaches. www.ticklewoodfarm.com ticklewood@hotmail.com 250-752-2980

EDUCATION EQUI-HEALTH CANADA

Equine health and emergency first aid training for horse owners and lovers of all ages and abilities.

Courses available across Canada. www.equi-healthcanada.com www.equisantecanada.com equihealthcanada@gmail.com Fax: 888-708-6662 Phone: 888-938-6687 660 Brownsey Avenue, Duncan, BC, V9L 1C2 Earn high school credits riding at Canada’s Equestrian UniversityPreparatory High School for Girls.

Boarding available to Girls (Gr. 6-12).

Train to compete or ride for fun in Hunter/ Jumper, Dressage or Eventing disciplines.

Connect at QMS. www.qms.bc.ca admissions@qms.bc.ca 250-746-4185

MORE Hours of Training...

Info...

MORE Interaction...

MORE Hours of Training...

MORE Interaction...

NWSAM...Where the Future is in Your Hands.

NWSAM...Where the For moreisinformation visit Future in Your Hands. www.nwsam.com or call toll For free more1.877.836.3703 information visit www.nwsam.com or call toll free 1.877.836.3703

Equine Consumers’ Guide 2015

“Everything for Driving.” Lessons and Clinics for both driver and horse.

Training for Breed Classes, Pleasure Driving or Combined Driving.

Lungeing and long lining specialist. www.newbertequine.com 403-946-5194

QUEEN MARGARET’S SCHOOL

Our Animal Massage Programs now have Our Animal Massage MORE Info... now have Programs

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Rider and working student positions available in Leslie Desmond’s 2015–2017 Apprenticeship Program. www.lesliedesmond.com www.facebook.com/thefeelofahorse apprenticeship@lesliedesmond.com

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Armstrong, BC Boarding, indoor and outdoor arenas, grass jumping ring, horses for sale. www.asmaraarabians.com asmarawg@gmail.com 250-546-6004

MASON BLUFF FARM

Sechelt, BC Boarding-Training-Lessons.

Quality horses for sale.

Jeanine Ellingham - Equine Canada Coach III Eventing.

Certified CanTRA I Coach for Therapeutic Riding Jeanine Ellingham jbcbean@gmail.com 604-885-2489

TURNING POINT RANCH

Pritchard, BC Full care, customized feeding, individual attention. 40+ years experience. Ideal for recreational riders, layups and retirement. www.turningpointranch.ca horses@turningpointranch.ca 250-577-3526

EQUINE ASSISTED THERAPY HIGHER TRAILS

Intensive, hands-on work with horses, Coach Training clinics across Canada. www.highertrails.org info@highertrails.org 403-874-6284

FEED OTTER CO-OP AT PITT MEADOWS

12343 Harris Road, Pitt Meadows, BC, V3Y 2J5 pittmeadows@otter-coop.com Fax: 604-465-0718 Phone: 604-465-5651

Visit the Marketplace at HORSEJournals.com/marketplace

n CAREER CLOSEUP

Living Your Dream with Horses

Contributed

We have all dreamed of working with horses full-time. Some of us have achieved the dream and others are just waiting for the right opportunity. Since 2009, Equine Connection, based near Calgary, Alberta, has been helping people bring their dreams to life.

Equine Connection offers a course on how to become a certified facilitator for an Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) Course. The certification explains how four-legged teachers assist participants in learning the power and strength of non-verbal communication and the difference between facilitation and teaching, as well as everything they need to get started in their own business. Taught by dedicated professionals, the course provides participants with the keys to finding long term success on the journey of teaching, learning and understanding, both for graduates and for those they teach.

“We came from the Middle East looking to become Facilitators for an EAL program,” said Phyllis Wiesner, a recent graduate of the program. “We were particular about where we wanted to go and this program had the tools to Kari Fulmek, help execute all of what Master Instructor we learned. We gained and Senior Facilitator/ so much more than Owner of Equine Connection. what we had hoped. The course was interactive, challenging, and fulfilling.

Kari and Carolyn give seamless instruction and are great at what they do.”

The programs are objectively driven, giving a specific outcome for each and every course offered.

And through the sheer interactive nature of the course, each participant comes away with an action plan to start living their dream.

Letting Legends Lead the Way • SASKATCHEWAN • ALBERTA • BRITISH COLUMBIA •

www.northforkhorses.ca

find us on facebook

Learn to do by doing www.bc4h.bc.ca

For more information, please visit: www.equineconnection.ca

PHOTOS COURTESY OF EQUINE CONNEC TION

Horse-for-Sale ads are

SFREES on

The four-legged teachers at Equine Connections help participants to learn the power of non-verbal communication.

CONNECT TO THE HORSE INDUSTRY

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MARKETPLACE

Providing Quality Full Board Lessons, Training and Riding Facilities

www.willowacres.ca

604-531-5159 willowacres@telus.net

FENCING

HOLIDAYS ON HORSEBACK

FERRIS FENCING

KENDAL HILLS COUNTRY VACATIONS

Serving Horse Owners for 30 years with innovative, top quality products. Solar, 110 volt battery, portable and permanent electric systems, vinyl, No Climb, and all accessories to make your fence a success. www.ferrisfencing.com info@ferrisfencing.com 1-800-665-3307

LAMB ACRES ELECTRIC FENCING

Speedrite and Patriot New Zealand electric fencers (110 volt/12 volt/ solar) and accessories for permanent and portable fences.

Trail riding fence kit.

Bulyea, Sask. www.lambacres.ca 306-725-4820

WOODGUARD CANADA

Reserve Your Seat!

10 minutes to 10 days • Lake Louise, AB Paul & Sue Peyto • 1-888-858-3388

TimberlineTours.ca

www.woodguard.ca info@woodguard.ca 1-604-858-3375

GROOMING SUPPLIES ANDIS

www.andis.com 1-800-558-9441

HELP WANTED NORTH SHORE EQUESTRIAN CENTRE 3 Night & 6 Night All Inclusive Packages

• Horseback Riding • Wagon Rides • Skeet Shooting & Archery • Cattle Drives The Bar W Guest Ranch • 866.828.2900 2875 Hwy 93 West • Whitefish, Montana

www.TheBarW.com

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(www.WeCreateRiders.com) in North Vancouver is looking for a Certified English Coach to teach intermediate riders on school horses and owned horses. We are looking for a personable team player to join our team of coaches. Lessons will be mostly weekend or evening groups with possibly some daytime privates.

A hunter/jumper oriented coach is preferred. We have Saturday to start, and possibly more hours available by February. denise@WeCreateRiders.com

Orono, Ontario Holiday with your horse.

Ride directly from our farm to the beautiful horseback trails of the Ganaraska Forest. www.kendalhills.ca tufts@kendalhills.ca 905-983-5465

OUTPOST AT WARDEN ROCK Banff, Alberta Stagecoach and horseback holidays in Banff National Park’s Rocky Mountains. Alberta’s best riding vacation, bar none. www.outpostatwardenrock.com info@outpostatwardenrock.com 877-762-2767 403-762-2767

HOOF CARE HIGH COUNTRY HORSESHOES LTD.

102-20381 62nd Ave., Langley, BC Tack, hoof care and farrier supplies.

Distributor of Farriers Formula. hchorseshoes@gmail.com Fax: 604-530-1775 Phone: 604-530-0761

HORSES FOR SALE APPALOOSACENTRE.COM

Where it’s all about the mind and conformation — the colour is a bonus. Canada’s leading breeder of multi-generational Appaloosa bloodstock and family-friendly equine partners. Visitors welcome.

250-963-9779

BUFFALO CREEK CANADIANS

Breeding for excellence in conformation and temperament.

Registered Canadian horses for sale.

Stallion services by Laureat #9038 — live cover only.

Dawson Creek, BC dhiebert@xplornet.com 250-759-7403

Visit the Marketplace at HORSEJournals.com/marketplace

n PRODUCT REVIEW

Total Saddle Fit – Shoulder Relief Girth

By April Dawn Ray, Canadian Horse Journal

Rafter 7 Quarter Horses

and Mules Hancock | Blue Valentine | Driftwood | Leo Recently, we received two Total Saddle Fit Shoulder Relief Girths to test out. The girths are available in dressage or jumping/ all-purpose, and are designed to allow for a full range of shoulder motion, elbow comfort, and better saddle fit. I took the jumper girth and my co-worker, Emily, tested the dressage girth.

I was intrigued by the design because when jumping, I had noticed that my girth was consistently sliding back from my horse’s shoulder and causing the saddle to slip, too. The Total Saddle Fit Shoulder Relief girth is one of those innovative items that makes you wonder: Why didn’t someone think of this sooner? It just makes sense when you consider the freedom and comfort the horse needs in its elbow and shoulder area for optimum performance.

Given the reasonable price point, I was impressed by the girth’s good quality leather. The girth fit true to size with elastic on both ends for added comfort. Although I normally school in a synthetic fleece girth, I found the Shoulder Relief Girth to be just as soft with the padded calfskin leather on the underside, and will continue to opt for this girth in place of the synthetic one.

I definitely noticed a marked improvement in my horse’s movement as soon as we picked up the trot. He is an older, larger horse, and always takes some time to warm up and feel his best. With this girth it didn’t seem to take as long as usual to get that quality movement I was striving for. I noticed more freedom in his shoulder and better movement overall, especially in a lengthened stride in the trot and canter. Emily noticed this too with her horse in the dressage girth; earlier in the warmup, he moved more freely from the shoulder, eliminating the need for a longer warmup.

When I dismounted, I found my saddle still in the same place as when I mounted up. It usually slips no matter what type of pad or breastplate I use, but with the Total Saddle Fit Shoulder Relief girth, my saddle stayed in the intended position on my horses’ back.

With exceptional customer service, a money back guarantee, and a very reasonable price point, if you’ve been toying with the idea of trying a shoulder relief girth, you can’t go wrong with this one. Find more details at www.TotalSaddleFit.com.

Dwayne & Lori Chute P.O. Box 558, Churchbridge, Saskatchewan, Canada S0A 0M0 Telephone: 306-742-4221 Email: rafter7@xplornet.ca

www.rafter7quarterhorses.com

CONNECT TO THE HORSE INDUSTRY

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MARKETPLACE

MARKETING & PROMOTION PHOTOGRAPHY

MAKE IT PERSONAL WITH ETCHED GLASS

REIMEREASON PHOTOGRAPHY

• Equine/Judge’s Gifts & Club Awards; • Stable, Horse, Rider Names; • No Order Too Small!

info@hourglassstudio.com • 604-308-9481

www.HourGlassStudio.com

Publishers of:

“Dr. Reed’s”

* Organic Selenium * Organic Trace Minerals

ROBIN DUNCAN PHOTOGRAPHY

For Horses

www.DrReeds.com For your growing & performance horse, feed Total Equine.

Available through your local Hi-Pro Feeds Dealer

www.geertsema.ca/equine-nutrition

Equi-Lete Massage Therapy Massage Therapy for your Equine Athletes

Lisa Kavanagh

Serving All Breeds and Disciplines Network with a HUGE targeted audience that’s growing daily.

Grow Your Business with Multi-Media Marketing reaching 10 million equestrians annually through print, online and social media on the platforms they use. www.HORSEJournals.com sales@horsejournals.com 250-655-8883, 800-299-3799

R.E.M.T., B Kin

www.cyanstarmorgans.com/equi-lete

MARKETING SERVICES • Save time, money and hassle.

• Get professional design services at competitive rates • Ads for Print and Website • Flyers, Business Cards, Signs • Contract Publishing • Printing at competitive rates www.HORSEJournals.com sales@horsejournals.com 800-299-3799, 250-655-8883

ONLINE Your Connection to the Horse Industry • Online Display Ads and E-Newsletters • Marketplace of Businesses and Services • 600,000+ impressions annually • 450,000+ unique visitors annually • 10,000+ E-newsletter subscribers • 325,000+ Facebook Fans and Twitter Followers • 1,200+ articles www.HORSEJournals.com Visit Today – Visit Often Equine Consumers’ Guide 2015

Professional portraits in natural settings. www.robinduncanphotography.ca robinduncan@telus.net 250-479-8970

PUBLICATIONS

Publishers of: Your Horse b Your Passion b Your Magazine

519-517-0774 H • 905-259-8631 C lisa@cyanstarmorgans.com

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Preserving your precious memories, one frame at a time. www.reimereason.com nathan@reimereason.com 250-589-1049

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Serving All Breeds and Disciplines If horses are your passion, Canadian Horse Journal is your magazine.

Features on horse health, training, breed profiles, rider fitness, major event coverage, contests and much more are designed to educate, inspire and unite Canada’s horse industry.

Readers LOVE our Canadian content. www.HORSEJournals.com subscriptions@horsejournals.com 1-250-655-8883 800-299-3799

SADDLE FITTING MUSTANG MUSTS CUSTOM TACK & REPAIRS

Certified Independent Saddle Fitter. Certified Saddle Re-Flocker.

Saddle fitting, saddle re-flocking, adjustments.

Servicing BC and Alberta. www.mustangmusts.com 604-984-3319

Visit the Marketplace at HORSEJournals.com/marketplace

Sizes to Fit Mini Donkeys & Horses, Ponies, Mules & Light Horses

English & Western Tack Pleasure Driving Harness & Equipment

ALWAYS AVAILABLE: Gently used tack & riding clothes, etc.

Ride N Drive Horse Supplies AIRDRIE, AB • 1-877-821-9745

www.ride-n-drive.com • info@ride-n-drive.com

Victoria Saddlery

The Horse Habit Quality Equipment for Horses & Their Humans

english equestrian tack and apparel

quality makes a difference 2200 Keating Cross Road • Victoria, BC 1-866-475-6766 • victoriasaddlery.com

Visit our store in Owen Sound, or shop online for great prices and convenient delivery.

323418 East Linton Rd., Kemble (Owen Sound) ON 519-371-4239 • 1-800-981-6681 Visit ellen@horsehabit.ca w e our n ! website

www.HorseHabit.ca

Letting Legends Lead the Way • SASKATCHEWAN • ALBERTA • BRITISH COLUMBIA •

www.northforkhorses.ca

Subscribe Today Your Horse b Your Passion

Your Magazine

h

1-800-299-3799 (250-655-8883) subscriptions@horsejournals.com

www.HORSEJournals.com

find us on facebook

FOOTING SAND – from Lakeshore Sand Co a division of Fairmount Minerals • 800 Strathearne Ave. N. Hamilton, ON L8H 7N8 Fairmount Minerals produces 100% clean, pure, and high quality Footing Sand.

Whether it is an indoor or outdoor arena, we can provide the right Footing Sand for all your needs. Our sands are thoroughly washed to remove all impurities and are readily available throughout the year.

ADVANTAGES: • 100% pure washed product - dry or damp • Sands can be blended to meet your specifications • Bulk and packaged sands are available

(P) 905-547-3571 • (F) 905-547-7881 • Toll Free: 877-467-4363 E-mail: eric.porter@fmsand.com • www.fairmountminerals.com CONNECT TO THE HORSE INDUSTRY

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MARKETPLACE

FARM, FEED, TACK and APPAREL TOLL FREE

888-792-0678

LOCAL: 604-792-0678 • FAX: 604-792-0169 46255 Chilliwack Central Rd., Chilliwack, BC

Experience Leather Quality Saddles and Tack

CORDELL CULL DIDSBURY, ALBERTA

SUPPLEMENTS & REMEDIES HERBS FOR HORSES www.horseherbs.com sales@horseherbs.com 1-888-423-7777

PURICA

www.purica.com service@purica.com 1-877-746-9397

1-403-586-1734

www.ExperienceLeather.com

TACK—REPAIR

Bob & Tara Hickman SADDLEMAKER

• Cable Rigged Saddles • Custom Saddles • Pack Equipment • Suspenders • Custom Chaps Box 1779, Okotoks, AB T1S 1B6 • 403-938-2818

info@hickmansaddlery.ca • www.HickmanSaddlery.ca

MUSTANG MUSTS CUSTOM TACK & REPAIRS

All tack repairs done, English and Western Custom Tack. Alterations, dog collars and leashes, leatherwork.

Pick up and drop off available. www.mustangmusts.com 604-984-3319

TACK—RETAIL BOSLEY’S PET FOOD AND TACK

2 Locations to Serve You! 7669 Evans Road

A wide selection of English and Western tack.

22745 Dewdney Trunk Road, Maple Ridge, BC, V2X 3K4 Fax: 604-463-3177 Phone: 604-463-3855

Chilliwack, BC

Toll Free: 877-847-3735 3155 Pleasant Valley Road

Armstrong, BC 250-546-9174

Panels • Gates • Feeders www.countrywestsupply.com

FRASER VALLEY ACE HARDWARE

7072 Wren Street, Mission, BC www.buildingsupplies.ca miken@buildingsupplies.ca 604-820-1134 800-249-4474

HAIRY BACK RANCH — ­ SOLO RIDE www.hairybackranch.com info@hairybackranch.com 604-866-6060

HIGH HORSE TACK

5481 Hamsterley Rd., Victoria, BC English and Western tack and apparel, new and used.

250-658-0011 96

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TACK—RETAIL cont.

THE HORSE STORE Calgary, AB www.horsestore.com info@horsestore.com 403-270-7700

NICKERS SADDLERY LTD.

Canada’s own treeless saddle manufacturer — Custom manufacture of Sensation Ride™ saddles and accessories.

Penticton, BC. www.nickerssaddlery.com saddlery@shaw.ca 1-888-492-8225

RIDE N DRIVE HORSE SUPPLIES

A complete line of English and Western Tack, horse health and grooming supplies, pleasure driving and miniature horse and donkey equipment.

Airdrie, AB www.ride-n-drive.com info@ride-n-drive.com 403-948-8715 877-821-9745

STAMPEDE TACK & WESTERN WEAR

Canada’s Finest English and Western Store. Proudly serving you since 1966 with everything for Horse and Rider – English and Western.

Now shop online at: www.stampede.ca 1-800-745-5511

THE TACK TRUNK LTD.

English and Western tack. Grooming and stable equipment. Minis to draft sizes. Blanket and tack repairs. Books and local handcrafts. Come visit!

Rocky Mountain House, AB thetacktrunk@telus.net 403-845-4020

WOOL TABLE EQUESTRIAN SHEEPSKINS

Horse and rider will appreciate the comfort of sheepskin products. See website for product images and list of Canadian distributors. www.thewooltablesheepskins.ca thewooltable@rogers.com 800-854-9774

Visit the Marketplace at HORSEJournals.com/marketplace

MARKETPLACE

TRAILERS & ACCESSORIES ADVANTAGE TRAILERS & TRUCK SALES

Your one stop shop for affordable living quarters, livestock, cargo, flat, dump, industrial trailers.

250-plus trailers in stock — trades welcome.

Specializing in custom orders.

• Sales • Service • Parts • Wiring • Hitches.

Located on #1 Hwy in Brandon, Manitoba.

Check out our website: www.aats.ca 888-571-8899

B&W TRAILER HITCHES www.turnoverball.com 800-248-6564

RUSTIC BLUE RANCH

Horse Transport

• Cross border (Canada-USA)

DOT approved Bonded Insured

transportation • Door to door service • Direct routes • Experienced working with horses

Balgonie, SK • rusticblueranch@gmail.com

rusticblueranch.wordpress.com

INTERCITY AND

INSURANCE SERVICES INC.

Capri INSURANCE

‘Equi-Care’ & ‘Farm-Care’ Insurance Programs

Intercity Insurance Services Inc. Aurora, ON • (888) 394-3330 www.intercityinsurance.com

mohawkequipment@bellnet.ca

www.mohawkequipment.ca

Capri Insurance Kelowna, BC • (800) 670-1877 www.capri.ca

DON LAING TRAILERS

Sales, Rentals.

Parts, Accessories, Repairs, Service.

Charmac, Norberts, Double “A” Biker Bars. www.donlaingtrailers.com inger@donlaingtrailers.com 403-783-8411 888-210-8400

TRAINERS FALLING STAR RANCH

Birgit Stutz Chris Irwin Gold Certified Trainer Training, lessons, clinics, camps, mentorship programs, demos and short courses, equine behaviour workshops. www.fallingstarranch.ca fallingstar@valemount.com 250-968-6801

LESLIE DESMOND INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF HORSEMANSHIP

Rider and working student positions available in Leslie Desmond’s 2015 – 2017 Apprenticeship Program. www.lesliedesmond.com www.facebook.com/thefeelofahorse apprenticeship@lesliedesmond.com

All Tack Repairs Done English Saddle Fitting with Complete Back Tracings English Saddle Re-Flocking Adjustments On Site Custom Personalized Halters & Shanks Pick Up / Drop Off Available in the Lower Mainland, BC

First Choice in Horse Trailer Service

FULL-SERVICE REPAIRS STEEL & ALUMINUM WELDING 21220 32nd Ave., Langley, BC

604-984-3319 • tackrepairs@shaw.ca

www.mustangmusts.com

604-533-4209

www.petersentrailers.ca

BIT TRAINING PRODUCTS FOR TODAY’S HORSE

NEW and IMPROVED

Bit Warmers Bit Wraps Bit Spritz Bit Butter Bitty Bite Treats Bit Bags

www.LickityBits.com See Display Ad Index on page 101

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BREEDS & STALLIONS

ISLAND PHARMACY

Offering a full line of custom sterile and non-sterile compounded medications for equine patients, prepared in our in state-of-the-art compounding facility.

1769 Shawnigan Mill Bay Rd. Shawnigan Lake, BC www.islandpharmacy.ca shawnigan@islandpharmacy.ca Fax: 250-743-6976 Phone: 250-743-6977 877-743-9644

BRANKA’S MORGANS

New generation of extremely friendly and fine quality young Morgans. www.brankabmorgans.com 604-486-7137

KOZMENIUK ICELANDICS Sharing the wonder of the amazing Icelandic Horse.

Icelandic Horse Breeder. www.melodykozmeniuk.com melodykozmeniuk@gmail.com 306-548-4693

Baptiste Lake Morgans CREMELLO CAPITAL OF CANADA

Morgan Horses available for sale

A Foal’s Paradise

MANGALARGA MARCHADOR Brazil’s national horse in Canada!

Impressive stamina, beauty, agility with smooth efficient gaits.

Importing/Breeding — Rocke Ridge Ranch hilltophoofers@gmail.com 250-809-0822

TURNING POINT RANCH

Purebred Arabians, custom crossbreds.

Proven performance lines. Stallion Services (Arabians and homozygous Paint); breeding, sales, boarding.

Pritchard, BC www.turningpointranch.ca horses@turningpointranch.ca 250-577-3526

780-675-5168 • larmfelt@telusplanet.net

www.BaptisteLakeMorgans.com

PTF Sport New Forest Ponies Competitive Ponies for adults & kids!

780-696-2558 Breton, AB

www.ptfponypower.com

PHOTO: BRANDI MEYER

MARKETPLACE

VETERINARY SUPPLIES

Cyberfoal.com Your Colostrum Connection

A Voluntary Service Supporting Ophan Foals Since 1997

HORSE COMMUNITY JOURNALS, PUBLISHERS OF: Put the POWER of these numbers to work for your business:

Our Readers Are Your Customers Since 1991, Canadian Horse Journal has delivered the content that matters to horse people, and the reading audience that matters to the horse industry. Our reputation as a trusted source of quality information for all breeds and disciplines is second-to-none. Today this quality content is delivered across multiple platforms including print, website, e-newsletters, and social media.

Our multi-media network connects with readers on the platforms they use.

Contact one of our marketing specialists today 98

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Photo: ©Shutterstock/Rita Kochmarjova

• 90,000 Magazine Readers Canada-wide • 600,000+ impressions, 450,000+ unique visitors annually on HORSEJournals.com • 10,000+ E-Newsletter Subscribers • 330,000+ Facebook Fans and Twitter followers • Over 10 million equestrians reached annually through multi-media

• 1-800-299-3799 or (250) 655-8883 • sales@horsejournals.com • www.HORSEJournals.com/advertise Visit the Marketplace at HORSEJournals.com/marketplace

Your Horse • Your Passion • Your Magazine

Photo: ©iStock.com/AMR Image

Proud to offer

REDUCED-RATE SUBSCRIPTIONS

SUBSCRIBE TODAY

to members of Canada’s provincial horse associations

Subscriptions include 10 issues per year, both Print and Digital editions, and the Annual Equine Consumers’ Guide

“I love your magazine. It’s just so nice to have some great and relevant articles show up in the mail. We just purchased a hobby farm of 160 acres. We’ll be building a barn next year and I want to start researching features.” — KAREN EMBREE, SUBSCRIBER “I have enclosed my renewal subscription to this world class quality magazine. Really enjoy it from cover to cover, a real great magazine. There is no other like this one.”

— DOUG PARKER, KAMLOOPS, BC

HOW TO ORDER:

VISIT — www.horsejournals.com CALL — 1-800-299-3799, or 250-655-8883, ext. 212 EMAIL — subscriptions@horsejournals.com RETURN — the subscription form in this issue

PERSONAL CHEQUE

n PRODUCT REVIEWS

Solo-Ride™

By Sonja Beale, Canadian Horse Journal

The Solo-Ride arrived in a box covered with pictorial instructions, and included a fanny pack (with lots of pockets) in which to store the Solo-Ride while riding. The Solo-Ride itself is comprised of thick nylon webbing that creates the support system, a folding stirrup that is made of lightweight aluminum, and a padded strap that can be used for additional padding, either on the wither or under the leg. The nylon webbing adjusts in two places and allows for maximum customization for different size horses. The Solo-Ride loops around one leg and over the back/wither and hangs down with a stirrup.

After setting the Solo-Ride up on my horse, I spent a few minutes putting my weight in and out of the stirrup. My horse is still green, but quickly adjusted to the new pressure and I was able to mount within five minutes.

I made my first attempt while my horse was already tacked up. With the Solo-Ride lying to the right side of my stirrup (similar

to using a step-stool) I put my right foot into the Solo-Ride’s stirrup, then my left foot into my saddle’s stirrup, which allowed me to mount easily. I used the padded band that comes with the Solo-Ride over the cantle of my saddle to protect the leather from the nylon webbing.

To mount bareback, I lengthened both of the adjustable straps so I could reach the stirrup from the ground, and again I mounted easily, then folded the Solo-Ride into the fanny pack so it was neatly out of the way.

I am excited for nicer weather so I can test the Solo-Ride out on the trail. It is exciting to see such a unique product on the market, and I will make sure that mine stays around the barn from now on.

For more information, and to watch a video of a mounting demonstration, visit: www.hairybackranch.com.

The Foundation for Excellence JUMPING with Jonathan Field & George Morris What do you get when you combine natural horsemanship trainer Jonathan Field and iconic hunter/jumper master George Morris? The answer is The Foundation of Excellence JUMPING, a four-part DVD series and, the ultimate guide for horse and rider from the ground up.

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This series is a great collaboration between two distinct worlds, with the common goal of a partnership between horse and rider no matter the discipline or level. The series shows how both trainers’ styles complement each other, and how they are on the same page when it comes to their philosophies about horses and training. Morris talks about his interest in riding, which is very classically based, and sticking to those basic principles ties in well with Field’s methods.

Going back to basics, part one starts with an introduction to Elvis, a four-yearold thoroughbred new to the barn and to Jonathan. He is a typical thoroughbred with a hot mind and quick feet, but Jonathan makes working with him look simple and almost effortless. The first three DVDs include progressive sessions with Elvis and Jonathan, and proceed to under-saddle work, with big improvements all along the way. Issues that were present on the ground are also there under saddle, which is a good reminder that the more you can correct things on the ground, the easier it will be once mounted.

CANADA’S HORSE INDUSTRY AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

By April Dawn Ray, Canadian Horse Journal Part Four finishes with a private lesson with Spencer Smith and George Morris, putting it all together. At the time of filming, Spencer, at 16 years of age, had just joined the team for the Junior Nation’s Cup as an individual to represent the US. Again sticking with the theme of the series, they worked on a lot of the basics, including transitions and positional corrections. As always, Morris was tough in his expectations of his student. But after the session, when asked how to handle the pressure, Spencer’s answer was: “Everything he says is beneficial – he’s trying to help you.”

What a great attitude to have at such a young age, and I’m sure it’s one of the reasons for his success so far in his riding career.

This is the perfect tool to tune up your skills for the upcoming show season, or to help you achieve any other goals you may have for yourself and your horse, no matter what level you’re riding at.

For more details or to purchase your copy go to: www.horsejournals.com/catalog/ jonathan-field-dvds

Index to Advertisers 5 Star Equine Products. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95 Abby Saddle Shop. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 Absorbine — Showsheen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Absorbine — Ultrashield. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 AgPro Insurance Brokers Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93 Alberta Donkey & Mule Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . See Marketplace page 87-98 Alberta Trail Riding Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . See Marketplace page 87-98 Alfa Tec. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 Allan Dale Industries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Andis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Animal Talk with Lauren.. . . See Marketplace page 87-98 B&W Trailer Hitches.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Baptiste Lake Morgans. . . . . See Marketplace page 87-98 Bar W Guest Ranch . . . . . . . . See Marketplace page 87-98 Basic Sports and Equine Nutrition. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 BC 4-H.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 Bear Valley Rescue. . . . . . . . . See Marketplace page 87-98 BFL Canada .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Big Bale Buddy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 Bronco - Galiano Island Soap Works.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Butler Professional Farrier School.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Cache Creek Ranch. . . . . . . . . See Marketplace page 87-98 Campbell River Trail Riders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . See Marketplace page 87-98 Canadian Agri-Blend .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Canadian Horse Journal .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98, 99 Canadian Quarter Horse Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Canadian Registry of the Tennessee Walking Horse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . See Marketplace page 87-98 Castle Plastics .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Central Wyoming College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Certified Horsemanship Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 CF Fence .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Chrysler - Dodge Ram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Circle F Horse Rescue. . . . . . See Marketplace page 87-98 Cloverdale Pharmasave. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 Conterra Industries Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Country West Supply .. . . . . . See Marketplace page 87-98 Cummings Trailer Sales & Rentals Ltd.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 Cyberfoal.com.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . See Marketplace page 87-98 Dr. Reed’s Supplements. . . . See Marketplace page 87-98 Dubarry of Ireland. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Dufferin Bedding. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107 Dufferin County.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 EC Ventures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93 EcoLicious Equestrian. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 EcoNets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 El Ranchito.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 Elliott Equine Transport. . . . See Marketplace page 87-98 Equi In Style.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Equiade Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Equifit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 Equi-Lete Massage Therapy . . . . . . See Marketplace page 87-98 Equine Connection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Equine Rehab. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Experience Leather - Quality Saddles and Tack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . See Marketplace page 87-98 Ferris Fencing.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Fit to Ride. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Fraser Ace Hardware. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 General Motors - Chevrolet Silverado . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Greenhawk Harness & Equestrian Supplies. . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 GW Equine Services .. . . . . . . See Marketplace page 87-98 Handy Haynets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 Henry Equestrian Insurance Brokers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Herbs for Horses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Hermen Geertsema Equine Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . See Marketplace page 87-98 Hickman Saddlery . . . . . . . . . See Marketplace page 87-98 Hi-Hog Farm & Ranch Equipment.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Horse Council BC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Horse Country Campground. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 Horse Habit, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95 Horse Store, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 HORSEJournals.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Hour Glass Studio .. . . . . . . . . See Marketplace page 87-98 Hub International . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Integrated Biosystems Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Intercity Insurance Services Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103 Intercity Insurance Services Ltd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . See Marketplace page 87-98 Ironwood Building Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Jeffrey R. Kelly. . . . . . . . . . . . . . See Marketplace page 87-98 Jud Little Ranch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Kastle Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 Koelln, Marni (Art by Marni).. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93 Lakeshore Sand Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95 Lickity Bits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . See Marketplace page 87-98 Life Data Labs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . See Marketplace page 87-98 Marecharlerie Bromont Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . See Marketplace page 87-98 McKitrick, Mercia .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 Mill Store, The. . . . . . . . . . . . . . See Marketplace page 87-98 Miller Thompson LLP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Mohawk Equipment Ltd. . . . See Marketplace page 87-98 Muck Boots Canada. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Mustang Musts. . . . . . . . . . . . . See Marketplace page 87-98 N.A.G. Bags. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 National Association for Equine Facilitated Wellness.80 Neogen - BotVax B.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Neogen - Uniprim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 New Stride Thoroughbred Adoption Society . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . See Marketplace page 87-98 Newbert Equine Enterprises. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 North Fork Gypsy Cobs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 North Shore Equestrian Centre. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95 Northwest School of Animal Massage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . See Marketplace page 87-98 Okanagan Ribbons. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107 Old Entrance B 'n B. . . . . . . . . See Marketplace page 87-98 OnceUponA Farm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Ontario Equestrian Federation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Otter Co-op. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Pacific National Exhibition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Paddock, The. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 Petersen Trailers Ltd.. . . . . . . See Marketplace page 87-98 Pferde Traum Farm. . . . . . . . . See Marketplace page 87-98 Pro Panel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Purica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside F/Cover Queen Margaret’s School .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Rafter 7 Quarter Horses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93 Ram Rides - Ram River Horseback Tours. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Redmond Equine .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Rescue 100 Foundation. . . . See Marketplace page 87-98 Ride N Drive Horse Supplies.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95 Robin Duncan Photography.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 Robinson Buick GMC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Rocky Creek Hill Treeless Saddles & Bitless Bridles. . . . . . 79 Rocky Mountain School District. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Rustic Blue Ranch & Horse Transport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . See Marketplace page 87-98 Saddle Doctor, The.. . . . . . . . . See Marketplace page 87-98 Schleese - Saddlefit4Life.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Schleese Saddlery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 SciencePure Nutraceuticals Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Slow Feed Netting.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Solo-Ride. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 Southend Tail Extensions & Jewelry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . See Marketplace page 87-98 SSG Gloves. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Outside B/Cover Stampede Tack & Western Wear.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Star-Gro. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 Sunrise Trailer Sales.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105 System Fencing.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside B/Cover Tack Collector, The. . . . . . . . . . See Marketplace page 87-98 Tasco Dome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . See Marketplace page 87-98 Terralink Delta Feed Farm & Garden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . See Marketplace page 87-98 Thunderbird Livestock Equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 Timberline Tours.. . . . . . . . . . . See Marketplace page 87-98 Total Equine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . See Marketplace page 87-98 Tribute Equine Nutrition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Twin Valley Ranch. . . . . . . . . . See Marketplace page 87-98 Ultra-Kelp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 University of Edinburgh. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 University of Guelph.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107 Vanderveen Hay Sales.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 Vetoquinol. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104 Vetoquinol. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108 Vettec . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Victoria Saddlery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95 We Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106 Western College of Veterinary Medicine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Whispy Willow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 Willow Acres Equestrian Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . See Marketplace page 87-98 Winther, Karren - Re/Max Aldercentre Realty. . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Woodguard Canada.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 Wrayton Transport Ltd.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

CONNECT TO THE HORSE INDUSTRY

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www.HORSEJournals.com

101

n NEW & NOTEWORTHY

WHOA Dust Everyone who has ridden in a dusty arena knows that airborne dust can cause adverse health effects in both horses and riders. The College of Agricultural Sciences, Penn State University, states that while dust generated by agriculture is a recognized hazard, research shows that “the dust generated in the winter and early spring from indoor areas is even more intense than some of the dust generated by general agricultural practices. Equestrian professionals are exposed to a threat of a wide range of respiratory conditions, such as organic dust toxic syndrome, chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive lung disease, hypersensitivity pneumonitis (Farmer’s Lung), asthma, grain fever, and pulmonary fibrosis. They are being exposed to combinations of inorganic and organic dusts.”

Now you can say goodbye to dusty arenas with WHOA Dust. Not only will it reduce the dust in your arena, it will improve the footing as well.

WHOA Dust simply charges the neutrally charged dust particles floating in your arena to a negative state. Once charged, the dust will be pulled down and no longer suspend in the air. Moisture will be retained to an optimal state and will reduce the need to water the arena by 50 to 75 percent or more. In addition, by charging the dust the surface suspension of footing is improved; footing will provide a more supportive and desirable texture and feel for horse and rider. Often arenas only need 6 to 12 KGs of WHOA Dust and the application can be done in under two hours.

Whoa Dust can be used with almost all footings including rubber

Aegis Microbe Shield

Equine Consumers’ Guide 2015

|

For more information, visit: www.WhoaDust.com.

®

Tired of scrubbing persistent algae out of your water trough?

Need to control the bacteria and odour in your stalls and trailer?

Want to use a product that creates a healthier environment for yourself and your horses? The AEGIS Microbe Shield could be the answer you are looking for.

AEGIS is a patented, innovative product that has been used as a surface and fabric protectant for decades in many countries, and in 2013, it was approved as a surface protectant by Health Canada.

AEGIS represents a new concept in antimicrobial protection.

The Antibacterial/Mold (AEGIS) product is effective on nearly any surface, including wood, rubber, metal, plastic, masonry, drywall, glass, and more. The product can be used almost anywhere to kill or control mold, fungus, algae, bacteria, odour, and staining, including the following applications: • Stalls, stall mats and stall mattress systems, aisles, washracks, tie stalls, and other barn surfaces • Tack, saddles, pads, bits, leather goods, blankets and pads • Boots, clothing, helmets, socks, polo wraps, bandages • Buckets, feed bins, troughs, auto waters • Trailers, trucks, cars, farm equipment When applied, the product bonds to surfaces resulting in a strong, durable, invisible, effective, and extremely safe barrier that kills 102

crumb, geo-textile, specialty sand, screened or washed sand, claysand mixture, hog fuel, organic footing, and many others.

Most treatments can cost less than $600, can last up to 16 months, and the product is 100 percent safe and biodegradable.

The left side of this trough was treated with Aegis Microbe Shield®.

microorganisms on contact, and provides ongoing protection against their growth between cleanings and disinfection. It kills and prevents the growth of a wide range of microorganisms such as bacteria, algae, yeasts, mold, mildew, and viruses for six months or longer depending on the surface treated and its exposure to wear and tear.

For more information, and to watch a video demonstrating this product being used to clean a water trough, visit: www.strathconaanimalbedding.ca, and find Aegis Microbe Shield® under Agricultural Products.

CANADA’S HORSE INDUSTRY AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

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Insurance for Horses & Their People – It is What We Do!

equine super diet s.b.

A complete source of vitamins and minerals in just a 30g scoop*.

4 An excellent source of Selenium, Vitamin E, Zinc and Biotin; 4 Conveniently pelletized and apple-flavoured; 4 Manufactured with VÊtoquinol’s 80 years of experience in research and know-how in the animal pharmaceutical industry. * Calculation based on feeding a 450kg horse 30g daily.

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ATTENTION HORSE OWNERS: WANT TO SAVE MONEY?

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• Will reduce your stall cleaning labour!

• Ideal for all fine bedding such as shavings, pellets, flax, sawdust.

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Watch our video to see how to provide a healthier bedding environment for your horse. This cleaning process removes harmful bacteria by aerating every single piece of bedding!

Distributors wanted for Canada and the USA

www.DufferinBeddingMaterial.com

Horse Bedding MORE COST EFFECTIVE THAN SHAVINGS

• Dust Free and 100% Natural • 3 times more absorbant than shavings • Can be field appplied with no loss of nitrogen from the soil PLEASE REVIEW OUR WEBSITE FOR ADDITIONAL ATTRIBUTES OF OUR HORSE BEDDING.

www.DufferinBeddingMaterial.com

ALSO IDEAL AS POULTRY BEDDING!

Dufferin Bedding Material Phone: 519-941-6868 • Toll Free Phone: 1-844-941-6868 Fax: 519-941-8989 • Toll Free Fax: 1-844-941-8989 • Email: sales.dufferinbedding@gmail.com CONNECT TO THE HORSE INDUSTRY

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THEY’RE IN GOOD HANDS

A complete and simple year-round solution for your equine gastro-intestinal parasite problems. ® EquiMax is a registered trademark of Virbac SA. ® Exodus and Bimectin are registered trademarks of Bimeda-MTC Animal Health Inc.

www.vetoquinol.ca

Anytime, Anywhere

– if you need riding gloves SSG Digital™

SSG Technical™

SSG Hybrid™

DigiGrip palm Our top show glove Breathable, durable and washable Black, White Navy,Brown, Camel Style 2100

Aquasuede Plus palm. Lightweight and durable Black, White Style 8500

Leather back, Aquasuede Plus palm Black, White, Brown/Tan Style 4200

SSG All Weather®

THE BEST JUST GOT BETTER

SSG Deer Suede

Aquasuede Plus palm Best seller in 18 colors!

Black, White, Burgundy, Brown, Zebra, Neon Green, Purple, Stars & Stripes, Yellow, Red, Hot Pink, Teal, Royal, Green, Leopard, Navy, Horseshoe, Pink Leopard

SSG 10 Below Waterproof

Pile lined soft split deerskin Dark Brown Style 4650

Thermal feelings polar fleece Brown Style 6400 W

Style 8600

SSG Winter Pro Show Leather thinsulated lined for warmth with knitted cuff Black Style 4300

SSG Winter Rancher

SSG Winter Trainer

Polar fleece lined deerskin Natural, Black Style 1650

All purpose leather winter lined with thinsulate, knitted cuff Black Style 6000

For these and other styles visit our website at: www.ssgridinggloves.com We do not sell directly to the public.