Better Horses - Fall 2023 Issue

WELCOME TO THE FALL EDITION

The passing of a business partner is never easy.

On Wednesday, July 12, 2023, Better Horses painfully said goodbye to its founder, Ernest Raymond Rodina, who passed away at the age of 68. Throughout the following weeks most of my days were spent listening to countless entertaining memories from the people he touched.

During the 2011 Dream Ride I was introduced to Ernie Rodina by my father who worked with Ernie for 30 years at Purina.

As his business partner of Better Horses, I had the honor of working with him for five years. Ernie spent 35 years (1978 – 2014) with Purina and was adored by hundreds of his Purina colleagues. When he retired, he then moved what was “The Checkboard Corral” from Purina into his own Better Horses media platform; a print publication and a radio show, co-hosting with Dawn Dawson since 2009. It wasn’t until I met him, Better Horses embarked on a television show now broadcasting nationwide. With thousands of friends, Ernie was one of the best bird dogging salespeople I have ever seen. His natural ability to make someone feel important and valued was his superpower.

When asked why I went into business with Ernie I never really gave a good answer. Just retired myself, I explained to people it was for the love of the equine industry. But that wasn’t the real answer. Running a boarding barn, and training horses satisfied that passion. It was because of Ernie. I knew he needed me but I didn’t realize how much I needed him. I have been blessed in my career and managed hundreds of salespeople in various industries but I have never met anyone quite like Ernie Rodina. He told me upfront he never had a business partner. I wasn’t surprised, but he was passionate, loved the equine industry and truly cared for people giving him a network of thousands of respected and appreciative individuals. Our success in the business relationship was made easy because he could always make me laugh.

He treated me like family, even when we had “healthy conversations” (that’s corporate lingo for disagreeing). But in reality, I wasn’t family – I was his business partner. We looked out for each other personally and professionally. He talked about the loss of his son Matt, his siblings, his wife, his kids and the meaning of life.

In 2020 Ernie Rodina was diagnosed with Lewy Body disease. He knew for three years he had a short runway of life left. He prepared the best he could. It was hard, but he was strong. He dedicated his life to Christ and asked me that Better Horses become his legacy. I promised him I would do my best.

His family, hundreds of business colleagues and thousands of friends have given the best testimonials ever given. As his one and only business partner I can only say I miss our many rides together, his excitement when we would close business, syndicate the show, cover an equine event or just talk about horses.

My final thoughts are an Ernie Rodina quote when he said his final goodbye to his radio listeners.

“I want you all to be good buckaroos and buckerettes, mind your moms and dads, be brave but don’t take any chances out there. Until next time, happy trails and ride for the brand.”

ED ADAMS, CEO BETTER HORSES

IN THE ISSUE

5. Color Breed Congress Set for November

6. Equestrian Advocate Ernie Rodina Passes

8. Overcoming Fear

11. Should Music and Night Lights be Left on in the Barn?

12. Let’s Have a Parade

15. Why Owners are Utilizing Coggins Testing

16. The 75/25 Formula

18. How to Warm Up and Cool Down Horses in the Winter

19. National Western Stock Show Competition Set for January

20. Fergus

26. Fundamental Training

Dr. Lutter conducts a

COLOR BREED CONGRESS SET FOR NOVEMBER

WRITTEN BY MERLE ARBO

Join us for an unforgettable equestrian extravaganza at the much-anticipated 2023 Color Breed Congress, set to grace Tulsa, Oklahoma, from November 3rd to the 11th. Better Horses is thrilled to be part of this incredible event, and we’re excited to share all the exciting details with you! This year’s Color Breed Congress promises to be an equestrian spectacle like no other, bringing together enthusiasts from all corners of the horse world. Proudly hosted by the PtHA (Pinto Horse Association), this nine-day extravaganza will showcase an impressive array of classes and disciplines that cater to riders of every persuasion.

What sets this event apart is its inclusivity; there’s no need for qualification, as the Color Breed Congress welcomes all current PtHA members with open arms. It’s a true celebration of the equestrian spirit, where novices and seasoned riders alike can come together to share their love for these magnificent creatures.

Prepare to be amazed by the sheer variety of classes, totaling over 500, spanning PHBA (Palomino Horse Breeders of America), ABRA (American Buckskin Registry Association), NSBA (National Snaffle Bit Association), All Breed Ranch Horse, Long Ear Congress, and Long Ear Futurity categories. The competition will be fierce, and the stakes high as riders vie for the prestigious titles of congress champions and reserve champions.

What’s more, PtHA is going all out to make this event truly special. With a prize pool exceeding $200,000, there’s no shortage of incentives to perform your best. High point awards for each discipline will feature dazzling Gist buckles, Perri’s Halters, Tioga Territory jackets, chairs, and much more. PtHA is committed to keeping our audience engaged throughout the show with webcast coverage of all three arenas, easily accessible on their website.

The PtHA Heritage Foundation will add a flavorful twist to the proceedings by sponsoring the annual chili cookout,

a delightful gathering for exhibitors and their families. We encourage everyone to savor the camaraderie and mouthwatering chili while sharing stories and forging new friendships.

To keep you updated and connected, we invite you to follow PtHA and Better Horses on our social media, where you can catch candid snapshots of exhibitors in action. For a more comprehensive look at the day’s events, be sure to tune in to the PtHA YouTube Channel for daily recaps.

So, mark your calendars and save the date for this exceptional equestrian experience. Join us this fall at the 2023 Color Breed Congress, where the world of horses comes alive, dreams are realized, and memories are made. We can’t wait to see you there.

EQUESTRIAN ADVOCATE ERNIE RODINA PASSES

WRITTEN BY FRANK BUCHMAN

Horses and anybody affiliated with horses in any way have lost their best friend and advocate.

Ernie Rodina passed away following an extended illness always remaining positive, believing, and strongest in his faith for God.

Likely best known for his Better Horses newspaper, radio, and television shows, Ernie passed away July 12, 2023, at his Ottawa home.

Yet Ernie was much more than a media and horse person. He was always eager to help everyone in whatever the endeavor.

My first personal acquaintance with Ernie was more than four decades ago when purchasing Purina horse feed from him. He was a most dedicated salesman often personally hand-delivering products and closely following up with customers about results.

Through his feed business, Ernie developed the Better Horses newspaper dedicated to helping horses and horse people.

Wide popularity of the publication lead Ernie to start a radio show with the

same Better Horses title. Listenership expanded throughout the Midwest and the Better Horses television show was started.

Better Horses newspaper, radio, and television now all have widespread audiences throughout the country. The most outgoing enthusiastic contagiously friendly Ernie was a friend of everybody. He could strike up a conversation with everybody and became a remembered acquaintance forever.

Always with an affection in his heart for horses, Ernie grew up in the Kansas City area. Graduating from Ottawa University, he then made his home in the Ottawa community with his own horse operation.

No prejudice for a specific horse discipline was ever shown because Ernie liked them all. An enthusiastic horse rider, he raised and owned several horses that claimed major show championships. Promotion was Ernie’s business whether selling livestock feed or developing contacts for his media endeavors.  Generosity overflowed in

Ernie’s blood as he was always eager to assist with every horse activity.

He was recognized locally and throughout the country for willingness to help everybody in any and every way possible.

Always an entrepreneur and forwardthinker, Ernie developed sideline endeavors for the benefit of the vast horse community.

Family always remained very close to Ernie’s heart and extensive credit was given for assistance in his many endeavors. He was especially appreciative of his wife Connie’s cooperation and support working with the media enterprises. Their sons also worked closely together immediately upon call.

Always strong in his faith, Ernie, without shyness or reserve, expressed his heartfelt beliefs in vast public testimonies. Many of those can be reheard on public computer videos.

Thank you, Ernie.

OVERCOMING FEAR

WRITTEN BY KERRY KUHN

Irecently had the opportunity to take my wife and another friend out into the scenic Gypsum Hills of Barber County, Kansas, for a little outside riding. For anyone that has never seen the Gypsum Hills, riding through them you wouldn’t believe you were in Kansas unless you were from around here. Bluffs, canyons, cedar trees, and lots of wide open spaces is what you’d encounter. I grew up around here riding through those hills and feel right at home riding a horse through the terrain. So what made this day special enough to write about? My wife went along on her horse. Now, this wasn’t the first time my wife had ridden a horse. It wasn’t even the first time she had ridden a horse outside. It was, however, the first time she had ridden a horse outside my arena since she come off her horse and broke her arm in half just below the shoulder.

Here’s what happened: We returned from our honeymoon on November 10th, 2021. The very next morning we were at the barn planning to work horses that morning and then load a stallion up to haul to the vets to get castrated. I had several young horses that I wanted to work that morning and my wife was planning to exercise her horse. I decided I wanted to take one of my young horses for a quick trip around the back pasture through the brush and asked my wife if she wanted to go along. She said sure, and off we went. My plan was to just hit a nice jog through the brush and make a lap around the entire pasture. I like to trot my young horses through some brush and uneven country to get them to find their feet and get them warmed up. My wife was jogging along nicely right behind me for about three fourths of the way. I slowed down and mentioned to my wife that it might be a good idea if she led for a while so that her horse wasn’t just following mine. So, she trotted around me and took the lead. We hadn’t gone but maybe 100 yards when we came around some thick trees and her horse spooked. As her horse spooked to the side, she was posting up in the saddle, so she got off center to the left and began to just slide off the side. I think she was in shock that she was about to fall off, because she never even tried to stay on. As she came down on the ground, she landed on her left

elbow, and it snapped her proximal humerus bone in two, just below the shoulder.

That little story sheds some light on why my wife going out into the hills with me to ride her horse is such a big deal. She has dealt with the fear of coming off and getting hurt ever since that day. The surgery and healing process took a very long time as she also tore her rotator cuff, and her shoulder was locked up by the time the surgeon would allow her to move it. She was probably close to six months before they would even let her get back on a horse, and when she did, she had no desire to leave the comforts of my arena. So, for the next year and a half, all she would do is ride her horse around inside my arena.

Now, I have dealt with a lot of accidents myself over the years, some even resulting in broken bones, but I never really had to deal with the fear of getting hurt, influencing my confidence on a horse. That was sure not the case for my wife. She was so controlled by that fear that she wasn’t sure she would ever ride outside again. I would ask my wife if she wanted to go back out with me if we went slow. I even tried to build her up and remind her how good she was doing. But it didn’t matter, She wasn’t interested. So, I just left it alone and let her do what she was comfortable with. Over time, the more she rode around me, the more I

Kerry Kuhn alongside his wife.

would watch her do with her own horse. Eventually she opened the gate and started to ride right outside my arena where we had a little obstacle course set up. As time went on, I started to notice her drifting a little further from my arena. She was sure making progress, but still wasn’t ready to go back through the brush where she came off.

When one of our friends from Florida came up to ride, I was planning on spending some time riding outside. I was hoping that our friend would be some extra motivation for my wife to step outside her comfort zone a little bit and venture back out. With a little hesitation, she decided to go with us. So we started slowly and didn’t get too carried away in finding any real rough terrain. As she began to build some confidence, we began to challenge our horses a little more. I will never forget we were riding down this pretty steep trail that was narrow and deep. There was grass on both sides, and your horse

really needed to pay attention to not get its feet tangled in that narrow trail. As my wife is coming down the trail, her horse is so focused on eating that she almost trips and falls down the slope. Thankfully, she didn’t. When they got to the bottom where I was waiting, my wife said, “Now I know why you don’t let your horses eat while you are riding them.” I just smiled and thought to myself, yeah, that’s one of the reasons. We finished out our day covering some rough terrain and had a lot of fun in the process. I told my wife how good she and her horse did that day in hopes that it would give her a boost in her confidence and help her get outside of that box she had been trapped in since her accident. It wasn’t until about three days later that my wife sent me a text message on her way home from work asking me if I wanted to load up some horses and go ride out in the hills again. That was the day her fear no longer had control over her.

So, to anyone out there struggling with fear on a horse, I would say this… just don’t give up. Fear is not a bad thing, It’s simply self-preservation. There will always be some element of that when it comes to riding horses. But we can work every day to lessen our chances and minimize that risk. And the best way to do that is to expand our knowledge and build a patient willing frame of mind in our horse. That will make it a little easier every day to take a small step outside our comfort zone so that we don’t have to live under that blanket of fear. Growth only happens outside our comfort zone.

For anyone interested in our horsemanship clinics we host across the country, our new Empower Team, or our horses for sale, you can go to KerryKuhn.com or check us out on social media at Kerry Kuhn Horsemanship.

SHOULD MUSIC AND NIGHT LIGHTS BE LEFT ON IN THE BARN?

WRITTEN BY BETTER HORSES STAFF

Having music playing might be something you enjoy listening to while picking stalls or find relaxing during your ride. You might also find it helpful to have the barn already lit up when you walk in for night check. But when the music and lights are left on every day and night, we must ask, are these disruptive or comforting to horses?

WHY BARNS LEAVE THE LIGHTS ON

Some barns purposely use artificial lighting to bring mares into heat earlier in the year or to keep horses’ coats short. It takes 16 hours of continuous light (any combination of incandescent, fluorescent or natural) followed by eight hours of continuous dark to fool horses’ brains into thinking it’s summer, not winter. If your horse is at a barn that specifically uses light for either or both functions, they’re doing it right. And if your horse is close enough to that light source, she might be getting an extended lighting regimen “benefit.”

Another reason for keeping lights on at night is horse and human safety. Night lights at human entrances, bathrooms, etc. help people find their way in the dark, while large overhead lights on the outside of barns may deter criminals and trespassers. There is even some evidence suggesting total darkness in a horse barn should be avoided.

One concern with leaving lights on inside or near a barn after dark is that it attracts bugs in the warmer months. However, the biggest question is probably: will my horse get enough sleep if it’s never dark?

YOUR HORSE’S SLEEP CYCLE

Horses need less deep sleep (REM) than us, only 30 to 60 minutes a day, and probably not even every day at that. But they must lie down to experience REM sleep, and for that, a horse must feel completely relaxed in his environment; that is, he must feel safe and comfortable. He needs to perceive his immediate area as not dangerous. So, he doesn’t necessarily need it to be dark. Sometimes horses get their best sleep stretched out in the middle of a pasture on a bright, warm sunny day!

HOW MUSIC EFFECTS HORSES

A study from 2008 by Lester GD showed that there is a link between playing the radio and gastric ulcers in thoroughbred racehorses. Although talking had more of a negative effect, playing either music or talk radio increased the odds of moderate to severe ulcer disease by almost three times.

In contrast, another study by Wilson, M. E., Phillips demonstrated that music had a modifying effect on stabled weanlings exposed to a stressor. It is important to note that the music

selected in this study was considered relaxing because of its constant rhythm, continuity, and predictable melody. A radio station—even one that plays music—would not provide continuous, soothing songs but be subject to talk, commercials, and a wide variety of music styles.

There are recordings, videos, and CDs that can be found online or purchased that are specifically modulated to the hearing range of horses. These sounds are recommended for use during stressful times such as veterinary work, hoof trimming, dental care, clipping, etc. Buying or creating your own playlist of classical music or soothing nature sounds might be an option for a particularly nervous or hot horse.

While leaving the radio on may cover up noises that tend to excite horses, the “con” to this practice is that white noise may also mask sounds that horses want and need to hear, like cars driving up or people approaching.

LET’S HAVE A PARADE

Lawrence holds old-fashioned Christmas parade

WRITTEN BY JULIE DEYOUNG

Those words kick off a Lawrence holiday tradition, the Lawrence Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade, held the first Saturday in December at 11 a.m. This year, on December 2, 2023, it will be for 30th time.

If you love horses, holidays and history, you’ll love the Lawrence OldFashioned Christmas Parade. Held since 1993, this all-horse parade features historically accurate wagons, carriages and horse-drawn vehicles of every sort decorated in holiday finery. The parade is part of the Downtown Lawrence holiday festivities with everything you need for holiday shopping, dining, and entertainment. Whether you want to participate in the parade with your own horses or travel to Lawrence to enjoy the spectacle, this is an event every horse-lover should experience.

From a humble beginning, the Lawrence Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade has grown to a major event in the Midwest with as many as 85 entries. Originally named “The Eldridge Hotel Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade” it was the brainchild of Robert W. Phillips, a local businessman and general manager of the (at the time) newly renovated Eldridge Hotel. This hotel plays a significant role in Lawrence and Kansas history, having twice been burned to the ground and twice rising from the ashes.

In 1992, Phillips became involved with driving horses, and purchased a team and wagon so he could participate in a wagon train that traveled across Kansas on the historic Oregon Trail. Along the route, people came out to see the wagon train, and as it passed through small towns, it turned into a parade. Phillips was struck by the enthusiasm of the crowds. Thus the idea of a parade hosted by the Eldridge Hotel was born.

As news of this event spread, the number of entries increased each year and the crowds who came to watch grew dramatically. With entries traveling from as far away as Texas, Minnesota, and North Dakota, the parade acquired national recognition, named a Top 10 Things to Do During the Christmas Season by USA Today.

Word of this event continues to spread and the number of people watching has grown year after year. Although weather is always an unpredictable factor, parade-watchers begin gathering several hours before starting time to settle in, bringing blankets, chairs and even a recliner from home! The excitement is contagious and it’s hard to tell whether the entries or the spectators are having more fun.

Lawrence is located in northeast Kansas, approximately 40 miles west of Kansas City, Missouri, and 25 miles

east of Topeka, and is the county seat of Douglas County. Lawrence is a doublyblessed college town with not one, but two universities. The University of

Credit: Wauk A Way Photography

Credit: Wauk A Way Photography

Kansas was founded 1866 and Haskell Indian Nations University was founded in 1884.

The town has a fascinating history, established in 1854 by the New England Emigrant Aid Company with a political agenda – to shift the balance of power toward anti-slavery, so Kansas would enter the United States as a free state rather than a slave state. Lawrence became a focal point of that debate and the Bleeding Kansas era that followed, including the Wakarusa War, the sacking of Lawrence and the Quantrill Raid that resulted in the burning of Lawrence and the massacre of over 200 men and boys. Watkins Community Museum and the Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area help to tell the tale.

Today Lawrence hosts a vibrant art scene and is known for its live music venues. Its pedestrian-friendly main street, Massachusetts Street, is named for the home state of the founders, but known to the locals as Mass Street. It’s been called “the best destination in Kansas.” There you will find unique shops and art galleries, locally owned restaurants, breweries, coffee houses and, of course, music.

30TH CELEBRATION

“We are so honored to continue this tradition for its 30th trip down Massachusetts Street. For both participants and spectators, it has become a special time to kick off the Christmas season with family and friends, and it wouldn’t be possible without the support and participation

of the equine community,” said Marty Kennedy, president of Lawrence OldFashioned Christmas Parade, Inc. Kennedy leads the 501c3 non-profit Board and all-volunteer committee that manages the parade.

As part of the 30th Parade celebration, participants in the original parade will be recognized at the Friday night dinner and during the parade. Organizers expect several of the original participants to have wagons in the parade, and those no longer driving will be treated as special guests.

Parade organizers hope to make this one of the largest in parade history and are inviting entries from old and new participants. Entries must be driving historically accurate wagons, buggies or other vehicles (no pneumatic or rubber tires) decorated for the holidays. Period or holiday attire is encouraged. Each entry may have no more than two outriders. Those traveling from more than 50 miles are eligible for a free

hotel room and overnight stalls. All participants and sponsors are invited to a free barbecue dinner with a live band the night before the parade.

The 5.5 mile parade route departs from the Douglas County Fairgrounds at 10:00 a.m. and travels to downtown Lawrence, down Massachusetts Street and then returns to the fairgrounds. Local law enforcement and Sheriff’s Posse members provide escort from the fairgrounds through downtown and on the return. The parade also has designated official outriders to assist as needed and insure the safety of entrants and spectators. The Kansas Horse Council is providing a free chili lunch at the fairgrounds following the parade. For more details about attending or participating in the parade, visit www. lawrencechristmasparade.org to review the Parade Guidelines and submit an entry application.

Beautiful draft horses pulling historic wagons are the mainstay of the Lawrence Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade. Credit: Wauk A Way Photography

WHY OWNERS ARE UTILIZING COGGINS TESTING

WRITTEN BY KELSEY DAVIS, DVM

Coggins testing is something most horse owners are familiar with when they travel with or show their horses. There is a common misconception, however, that a Coggins test is similar to a health certificate; that it is a box to check to legally move your horses across state lines. While both health certificates and Coggins testing are managed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and performed by USDA Category II accredited veterinarians, there is much more to it than that.

Coggins tests are legal documents with many requirements for a reason. This blood test tests your individual horse for a disease called Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA). EIA is a bloodborne disease most commonly spread by horse flies and deer flies. It can also be spread via re-use of needles and syringes. A mare can also contract it from a stallion during breeding. She can also transfer it to her foal in utero or via her milk. Currently, there is no treatment or vaccine available for EIA. When a horse comes into contact with blood infected with the disease, they typically show signs within 7-60 days. The clinical signs of EIA vary depending on the horse. Horses with an “acute” infection may suffer from fever, weight loss, severe anemia, and sudden death. They may appear jaundice (yellow mucous membranes), have a

rapid heart and respiratory rate, have swollen limbs, or bleed from the nose. Should a horse survive the acute phase of the disease, he/she may become a lifelong carrier. Horses with this chronic form of EIA are often inapparent carriers, meaning they may never show any clinical signs. If they do develop recurrent flare-ups of EIA, it is often induced by stress such as an illness or life change.

Prevention and annual testing are key to preventing a deadly outbreak of EIA. It is important to reduce exposure to biting flies. This may include the use of fly spray and fly spray systems as well as fly sheets, boots, and masks. It is important to keep barns and pens free of manure. This includes daily (or more frequent) removal of manure away from the barn to eliminate the habitat required by fly larvae to hatch and grow. If spreading manure on pastures, it is recommended to spread it in a very thin layer so that manure and bedding moisture is less than 50%. Never reuse a needle or syringe if giving any kind of intramuscular, intravenous, or subcutaneous injection on a horse. Needles should always be considered “one-time-use.”

Should a horse receive a “positive” Coggins test, there are only two options for that horse. The horse will either have to be permanently isolated at

least 200 yards from all other horses or be euthanized due to the high risk of spread. EIA is not a disease that is only present in other countries. In 2021 alone, there were 103 positive EIA cases on 54 premises in the USA. This number was up from the 29 positive cases in 2020. These numbers come from the USDA reports directly which can be found on their website. They also provide distribution maps which show that positive cases have occurred in Missouri, Texas, Tennessee, Virginia, Utah, and California (amongst many other states). I recommend looking on their website for further information.

Regardless of if you travel or show your horse, I highly recommend performing annual Coggins testing. It is for the health of your horse, your herd, and your neighbor’s horses to know the result.

THE 75/25 FORMULA

WRITTEN BY AL DUNNING

“When you do it wrong, a horse develops a defense mechanism. To undo it, you must do it 100 times correctly. To solidify, it will take 100 more.” --

Don Dodge

A little bit of knowledge goes a long way! After showing horses for over 50 years and helping hundreds of people with their riding, I have surmised that the formula for success is 25% talent/natural ability and 75% learned knowledge. Don Dodge once told me that once you know enough to be great, your body is too old to cooperate! In the past, I feel that this was true, but today the avenues to knowledge are so vast and easily accessible that one can learn at any rate desired. Back in Don’s time, most knowledge was passed on by watching, working with a mentor, and mostly by trial and error. That trialand-error piece of the equation sure messed up a lot of good horses.

Another Don-ism was, “When you do it wrong, a horse develops a defense mechanism. To undo it, you must do it 100 times correctly. To solidify it, it will take 100 more.” There is no such thing as a quick fix. Believing this is true, today you have the chance to not go down the trial-and-error route, but to take the tried-and-true methods that are being passed down by great horsemen. The wealth of knowledge that is available through DVDs, magazines, books, Internet resources,

biographies, and various other sources allows many to do it the right way the first time.

with quality knowledge so you can use your talent to reach all your equine goals. Your horse will thank you!

THE TRIANGLE HAND POSITION

There are many things we do when riding that work well, but never have a name put to them. The “Triangle” is a hand position on the reins that enables you to lift one shoulder while keeping your horse in good alignment from head to tail.

To be a successful horseman, just watching and having talent is not enough. You must possess the knowledge. You can obtain this knowledge by working for a top trainer for several years and absorbing all that trainer has to give. However, this is a lifestyle that doesn’t work for everyone. For those people, the knowledge is still available. Attend clinics, watch DVDs, read books, and blogs, be a student; study horse training like you would your major in college.

Remember, even if you have all of the talent and natural ability in the world, that missing 75% still must be addressed. Fill your training toolbox

One example of how to correctly use the Triangle is while loping a circle, your horse may lean into the center by dropping his inside shoulder, creating a poor example of round. The fix is to lift your inside rein, up and close to the neck, while pulling away with the outside rein. Your hand position has created the “triangle” with your two hands and the bit.

Your inside hand lifted the dropped shoulder up and back in align with the body. The outside rein kept the head straight while helping you to further pull the shoulders forward in the path of travel.

Another helpful result of the Triangle hand position is that it maintains the head in a vertical, collected manner. Basically, the inside rein creates an inside arc and lift, while the outside rein aligns and maintains direction while flexing the poll.

A proud horseman works cattle alongside his partner.

The Triangle can be used in many circumstances as a valuable tool to straighten your horse. When working a cow, you must maintain eye contact from your horse to the cow. By lifting on the cow side rein, the horse’s head turns toward that cow. The problem is without outside rein, the horse leaks or follows his head toward that cow. This can put your horse in a poor position that can lead to chasing the cow, not stopping or rolling a turn. By using the outside rein to align the horse in conjunction with the cow-side rein, we now keep the horse straight while maintaining the eye contact with the cow. The same rein position is helpful in stopping with the cow, maintaining a position of attention, coupled with an accurate stop.

The Triangle is a hand position that you must have in your training toolbox. It can be used while stopping, backing, circling, working cattle, or merely to travel a straight line. And now it has a name!

Understand that horses can be inspired by other horses. I believe they emulate one another, and this can be for the good as well as the bad. I have the habit of putting my “next champion” in a stall next to the best horse in my barn. I have a strong sense that the good habits of the one tends to rub off on the other.

HOW TO WARM UP AND COOL DOWN HORSES IN THE WINTER

WRITTEN BY REX BUCHMAN, BAR U RANCH

It’s hard not to love the fall as an equestrian as it’s a beautiful season with glorious riding weather. It’s also the warm up act for winter, which is slightly less amazing when it comes to life in the barn.

Cold-weather barn life brings unique challenges, and every rider has their tips and tricks to make the best of it.

PROPER WARM UP AND COOL DOWN

Make sure to give your horse adequate time to warm up, especially if they have been wearing a blanket. Their muscles are cold too, and demanding a lot from your horse too quickly could be asking for an injury.

Any athlete will tell you that the cooldown is just as important as the warm up. After your lesson or the training portion of your ride is complete, continue walking under saddle for 10 – 15 minutes. You can put a cooler on your horse halfway through or dismount and hand walk him. A gradual cool down is key to preventing temperature shock, reducing the risk or injury, or getting a chill.

TAKE YOUR TIME WHEN UNTACKING

Part of the cool-down process includes when you are untacking your horse. Slow down this process in the

colder months to allow your horse to relax. Loosen the girth and let them stand in their cooler and dry. Currying sweaty spots or rubbing the coat with a towel can help speed up drying.

and use sunblock where you can’t cover. This also goes for our white-nosed horses, too!

SLOW DOWN AND WATCH YOUR STEP

As mentioned before, it’s important to warm up, cool down, and really take your time, allowing your horse’s muscles to adjust to the different temperatures. It’s also very important to slow down and watch your footing when you are outside.

When walking in snow and ice, whether venturing to the paddocks or ring, the footing can be unpredictable. It’s easy to accidentally step on the ice, slip, and twist something. Use caution in the barn, on the bridle paths, in the pasture, and on the trail when the weather is cold enough to have ice on the ground.

PROTECT AGAINST THE SUN AND WIND

Something riders often forget in the winter is our sunscreen! If you have ever gotten a sunburn from riding in the snow and wind, or on an overcast day, you know firsthand that sunburns in the winter can be just as bad as those in the summer. Plus, the sun’s rays can reflect off the snow. So keep covered up

Rex Buchman rides his horse through the prairie

NATIONAL WESTERN STOCK SHOW COMPETITION SET FOR JANUARY

WRITTEN BY KENDRA MCCONNELL

Reining, roping and reined cow horse riders will join forces on opening day of the National Western Stock Show in a newly created feature called the Western Performance Horse Showdown.

Witness top athletes from three prominent disciplines in the western performance horse world compete in their respective event to vie for the team championship in the CINCH Arena in the Events Center in Denver, CO, on Saturday, January 6th. Exceptional riders will be invited to select their best horse to compete for over $17,000 in this double-judged, inaugural event. Teams of three representing each discipline will be randomly drawn. Each team will earn a payout plus individuals have a chance at a jackpot for the high score in each event. This event is sanctioned by the National Reining Horse Association and National Reined Cow Horse Association.

This event will join other opening weekend features which celebrate the legacy of the western world and traditions carried on through these disciplines. The Youth Ranch Horse Mentor Matchup, Invitational Ranch Rodeo and RAM Invitational Freestyle Reining will complete the schedule for Saturday and Sunday. Details will be posted on our website (nationalwestern. com) and interested riders are encouraged to fill out an Interest Form on the website before October 31, 2023.

Reined cow horse riders vie for ultimate control as they take a cow down the fence in a fast-paced, unpredictable phase. Stemming from vaquero traditions, the talent and diversity of horses is showcased when they are asked to box or hold a cow at one end of the arena, run it down a fence and turn it plus circle it in the middle of the arena, driving it

each direction. The most controlled cow work with the highest degree of difficulty and best form wins.

Reining is derived from moves required of a working horse on a ranch when handling cattle. Horses must be athletic, responsive and agile. They showcase their talents through iconic maneuvers like the sliding stop and spins.

Managing cattle on a ranch often requires the ability to rope and stop a cow for doctoring or health checks. Steer stopping is all about timing between horse, rider and steer so they can maneuver into the best position and rope and stop a steer as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Western Performance Horse Western Performance Horse

HORSES IN HOLLYWOOD

A Tribute to Pie and Trigger, Western Film movie stars

WRITTEN BY FRANK BUCHMAN

Two veteran movie horses with long careers increased the popularity of silver screen cowboys, according to writer Steve Hulett.

Jimmy Stewart explained his love for his four-legged co-star named Pie.

“I rode Pie for 22 years,” Stewart said. “I never was able to buy him because he was owned by a little girl by the name of Stevie Myers, who is the daughter of an old wrangler who worked for Tom Mix and W.S. Hart.”

“When Hart retired, he gave this horse to Stevie. Pie was a sort of a maverick and hurt a couple of people,” Stewart said. “Pie nearly killed Glenn Ford, ran right into a tree.”

“But I liked this darned little horse. He was a bit small Quarter Horse and Arabian. I got to know him like a friend,” Stewart continued. “Pie understood about making pictures. I ran at a full gallop, straight towards the camera, pulled him up, did a lot of dialogue, and Pie stood still.”

“Pie never moved. He knew when the camera would start rolling and his ears came up,” Stewart said.

Petrine Mitchum Day, Robert Mitchum’s daughter, horse enthusiast and author of “Hollywood Hoofbeats,” said Jimmy Stewart rode Pie in 17 Westerns.

“They just became so attuned to each other that in one film, ‘The Far

Country,’ Stewart was able to get the horse to perform at liberty when the trainer was not around.

“Jimmy Stewart just went up to Pie, whispered in his ear, told him what he needed done, and the horse did it. Everyone on the set was absolutely amazed.”

Beyond the work Pie did with Stewart, on film, he was also ridden by Kirk Douglas, Audie Murphy, and more than likely a number of other actors. There is no exact count of the number of films in which the horse appeared.

Hudkins Stables in Hollywood supplied horses to Golden Age film studios. In 1937, they purchased a fiveyear-old Palomino born on a ranch near San Diego named Golden Cloud.

Hudkins rented the horse to Republic Pictures for a low-budget movie “Under Western Stars.” The lead star in the film was the up-and-coming singing cowboy Roy Rogers, (originally Leonard Slye) and he bonded with Golden Cloud.

Like Jimmy Stewart with Pie, Rogers wanted to buy the horse, and Hudkins Stables was happy to comply.

But the stables drove a hard bargain. They charged the actor a then-steep $2,500 which would be $53,818.84 today for ownership of the Palomino that Roy Rogers renamed Trigger.

All told, Trigger had an entertainment career that spanned 20-plus years,

encompassing 88 feature films and 104 TV episodes. There were also numerous personal appearances.

When the horse died in 1965, his earthly remains were mounted and put on display at the Roy Rogers Museum in Apple Valley, California, remaining there 45 years.

After the death of Roy Rogers, the museum was moved to Branson, Missouri. The museum closed in 2010, and Trigger sold for $266,500 to RFDTV. He is now displayed at the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame in the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District.

Jimmy Stewart and “Pie”

Roy Rodgers riding “Trigger”

HOW TO BRING OUT DAPPLES IN YOUR HORSES COAT

WRITTEN BY BETTER HORSES STAFF

It’s hard not to take a second look when you see a horse with a striking dappled coat. Those gleaming dapples stand out in the barn and are sure to catch the judge’s eye in the show ring. Some people say dapples are a sign of good health, and there may be some truth to this.

Dapples are rounded areas of hair that are a deeper or lighter shade in color compared to the rest of the horse’s coat. They are about an inch in size and typically appear on a horse’s hindquarters, barrel, shoulders, or all over the body.

While they may be beautiful, it’s important to understand that not all horses can have them, and some horses may not have them all the time. We’ll discuss what causes some horses to develop dapples and provide tips on how to bring them out in your horse’s coat.

WHAT CAUSES DAPPLES ON HORSES?

Variations in the red and black pigments in a horse’s individual coat hairs can result in dapples. So, while generally there are lots of grey horses with dapples, they can also occur in other coat colors like palomino or bay!

Even if your horse is genetically predisposed to dapples, it’s not always a guarantee that he will develop them. Bringing them out depends on a

combination of your horse’s genetic predisposition to dapples, feeding a diet with proper nutrition, and maintaining optimal health.

Genetics play an important role in determining a horse’s likelihood of developing dapples. Certain breeds, such as Hanoverians, Dutch Warmbloods, Andalusians, and Thoroughbreds more commonly have dappled coats. Although not all horses of these breeds or with the same bloodlines will have them. For example, you could have brothers with the same sire and dam and one of the boys has dapples but the other’s coat

does not. So, while many of us would love to see our horse covered in dapples, without the right genetic makeup, there is nothing we can do!

Coat color also impacts the development of dapples. Grey, bay, palomino, and buckskin horses are more likely to have them. While, theoretically, horses of any coat color can have the gene for dapples, it is rare to see them in chestnuts.

Like spring flowers blooming, many horses’ coats will dapple seasonally. When your horse is shedding out his winter coat in the spring, his dapples

A grey horse displays what a dappled coat looks like during the summer months.

might begin to show. They may last from a few weeks to a couple of months and then fade away. Other horses might be prone to dappling in the summer, fall, or even year-round. Your horse’s coat and when it dapples is just as unique as he is.

GIVE YOUR HORSE HIS BEST CHANCE FOR DAPPLING

If your horse has the gene and you occasionally see a dapple here or there on his coat, there are things you can do to increase his chances of dappling.

MAKE PROPER NUTRITION A PRIORITY

Feeding a high-quality diet that meets all your horse’s daily nutritional requirements is key to his dappling potential. You should feed him a balanced diet of protein, vitamins, and minerals to promote healthy skin and a shiny coat. First, focus on forage – whether hay or pasture - as the foundation of your horse’s diet which fulfills the bulk of his daily required nutrition. It may be valuable to work with an equine nutritionist to address any shortcomings in his diet and fill those gaps with the right nutrients as needed.

Some essential vitamins and minerals that contribute to healthy coat growth include vitamins A and E, biotin, collagen, zinc, and copper. Omega-3 fatty acids fed through pellet or oil supplements help to support healthy skin, which is necessary for quality hair growth.

DAILY CARE AND GROOMING

Exercise and grooming can also help improve your horse’s overall health and appearance. Both activities increase blood flow, stimulating muscle and hair growth.

Daily grooming with a curry comb and body brush is essential for maintaining a healthy coat by removing dirt and bringing out the natural oils in his coat. Spending a few extra minutes thoroughly currying the body will produce a beautiful shine—and hopefully some dapples. Remember to clean your brushes frequently so you’re not putting dirt back onto his coat.

Regular bathing will also help keep your horse’s coat healthy and clean; however, overbathing or excessive use of shampoo will strip the hair’s natural oils, resulting in a dull, dry coat devoid of dapples. So, be careful to not do too much.

WELLNESS CARE

Taking a comprehensive approach to your horse’s health in partnership with your veterinarian is your best bet at ensuring he’s in the best of health. Medical conditions, such as gastric ulcers, can affect your horse’s skin and coat health, and need to be addressed first. Consider other aspects of care such as dental exams and floating to ensure your horse can properly eat and digest the high-quality, balanced diet you’re feeding him.

A parasite control program is also very important, as internal parasites can consume essential nutrients and deprive your horse regardless of how much high-quality food he ingests. One of the most common side effects of parasite infestations is a dull coat, which makes it difficult—if not impossible— to bring out those stunning dapples. Fecal testing and appropriate deworming practices with your veterinarian’s recommendations are vital for any horse, regardless of dapples.

quarter horses

FUNDAMENTAL TRAINING WITH GROUND POLES

WRITTEN BY BETTER HORSES STAFF

Afundamental part of training for many different disciplines, ground pole exercises, can be of benefit to both horse and rider for so many reasons. Typically, trot poles are simple to set up, offer many different options, and engage your horse physically and mentally. Plus, they are a fun way to switch up your training routine. We will cover some types of pole work, how to set them up, and some of the benefits these exercises can provide for you and your horse.

BENEFITS OF POLE WORK FOR HORSE AND RIDER

There are lots of reasons why horses and riders of all disciplines should try adding ground poles into their training routine. Whether you are a beginner or expert, have a young or older horse, compete or just ride for fun, you can absolutely benefit from some fun ground pole exercises. Here are some advantages of incorporating trotting poles, raised pole exercises, patterns, bending poles, and gymnastics into your horse’s training.

BENEFITS FOR DIFFERENT RIDING DISCIPLINES

Pole work provides many muscular benefits for your horse. Considering that all the disciplines require fitness and engagement, doing this type of work on a regular basis will contribute to success in western performance, jumping, dressage, endurance riding,

and anywhere in between. Key benefits may include:

• Building topline

• Engaging the hindquarters

• Increasing suppleness

• Helping maintain balance

HELPFUL AT ANY AGE

Young or “seasoned,” horses and riders of any age can participate and benefit from ground pole patterns. When horses are young, it’s crucial to work their brain just as much as their body. Teaching patience, concentration, focus, and listening to the rider are key. Incorporating poles into your training schedule is a way to hone these qualities without overwhelming your horse.

Based on where your horse is in its training program, starting with some of the simpler exercises and then working up to the more difficult ones will gradually work their mind and body and be a good tool to gauge their maturity level. This will also build their topline muscles and encourage them to engage their hindquarters in a new way. For older or schoolmaster horses, these activities are often a way to “spice up” their regular routine. Setting up different pole exercises will engage them mentally while working some of their muscles that might not get used as often. Further, middle-aged and senior horses may not be as supple as the

younger ones, and using these to help with suppleness, flexibility, and balance on a regular basis may be helpful.

ADJUSTABLE FOR ALL SKILL LEVELS

As far as rider ability, you can change the pole pattern’s difficulty and distances to be suitable for beginners through advanced riders. For beginners, walking over some simple poles will help to teach steering, straightness, and balance. Ground poles can also help to build trust between horse and rider. For advanced riders, trickier gridwork, gymnastics, and canter poles can assist with fitness and mental challenges. You can also raise your ground pole skills to the next level by incorporating cavelettis.

SETTING THE RIGHT GROUND POLE DISTANCES

When setting up your ground poles, start by placing 2-4 poles approximately 2.5 ft apart for walking, 4 ft apart for trotting, and 9-11 ft apart for cantering. Put your poles down on a long side of the arena to start so horse and rider can approach straight with enough time and space to prepare.

Gaited horses will need about 8 ft between to allow for lateral gaits. These guidelines are based on an average (15.2 hand) horse, so if your horse is larger or smaller you may need to add or subtract in distance.

HOW OFTEN TO DO POLE WORK WITH YOUR HORSE

How often you incorporate ground poles into your horse’s training will vary based on your horse’s condition, age, and level of fitness. It is generally recommended to introduce one easy pole exercise at a time for about five minutes then build up to 15 minutes in the next two to three training sessions. Simply walking over poles is typically okay to do every day, but trotting or cantering ground poles is only advised about twice a week to allow your horse time to recover from the intensity of the workout.

RIDING TYPES OF GROUND POLE EXERCISES

Begin by warming up your horse at the walk, trot, and canter in both

directions, making sure you both feel relaxed and focused. You can also do some ground poles in hand first if you prefer, at the walk or trot.

SIMPLE POLE EXERCISES

Introduce a few poles at the walk, emphasizing obedience, straightness, and forward energy. Add some trot poles next, starting with three poles set at two strides with the same focus as well as rhythm and impulsion, applying the “gas” or “brakes” as needed. Once you’re comfortable with this starter exercise, you can slowly introduce different types of pole arrangements, including straight poles, curved poles, skinny poles, elevated poles, and offset poles.

PUTTING TOGETHER POLE PATTERNS

After you’ve mastered a few of the

more advanced arrangements, you can start to put together combinations that will challenge you to plan ahead and your horse to settle, listen, and focus. For example, you can set up four poles on the diagonal followed by a threestride space (the “get-it-together” space) then four more poles.

Another example could be a 45 degree turn from a set of poles on the centerline to a set of poles on a diagonal. Even more difficult is a 90 degree turn from poles on one diagonal to poles on the other diagonal.

GROUND POLE COURSES

Once you are confidently and consistently going through each combination, you can put them all together, adding many poles and creating a more comprehensive exercise. Because there is a lot to think

A more advanced pole variation

A trot pole variation set-up

about while “on course,” have a clear image in your mind from pole set to pole set, thinking about your turns with clear descriptions like “centerline rainbow then left to purple.”

TROT POLES WITH A TWIST

Looking to add more variety than the classic trot poles? This exercise is fairly simple to set up, and only requires jump blocks and poles. Place the poles in the center of the ring at 90-degree angles, meeting in the middle. Then raise up the outside ends on the jump blocks. Tack up your horse and you’re ready to ride!

The first time you try this exercise, it is suggested that you walk your horse through the poles. This way your horse can figure out where the poles are and where they need to put their feet. Praise your horse when they do it correctly, so they begin to understand what you’re looking for and how to navigate the exercise.

Once your horse is walking over the poles in a relaxed manner, try it at the trot. If this exercise is new to your horse, he may need a few times to understand what you’re asking as he may want to jump it at first! Trotting him up to it and walking a few strides out to help him understand may be a good start and sitting the trot may help, too.

Once you and your horse are confident over the exercise at the trot, you can try it at the canter! Your horse may enjoy doing this from the canter since he can simply step over the poles right out of stride, rather than potentially trying to jump them from

the trot. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can continue down the long side and pop over either of the poles with one end propped up.

When you’re ready to advance past this, you can swap where the jump blocks are. Take the blocks from under the outside edges of the poles and put one block in the middle. The block will

hold up all four ends of the poles in the center.

Whether you start with the basics or try out some of the more challenging pole exercises we’ve outlined, most importantly, we hope that you and your horse have fun and learn together!

Farmers and Ranchers Livestock Commission

Fall Classic Catalog Horse Sale

Saturday, October 14, 2023 • 10 a.m. • Salina, KS

Friday, October 13, 2023:

15th Annual F&R Futurity - 10 a.m. • $16,000 Added Money | Rope Horse Preview - 6 p.m.

Sunday, October 15, 2023: 26th Annual Fall Colt & Yearling Catalog Sale - 10 a.m.

• 20 palomino gelding out of daughter of Genuine Jack Flash- ranch, hot heels

• 03 sorrel mare by Young Gun-NCHA producer sells open

• 20 red roan gelding grandson of Cat Ichi-16.1 broke, barrel prospect

• 20 sorrel gelding grandson of CD Lights- ranch broke

• 19 gray gelding grandson of Paddy Irish Whiskey-14.3 thick & heavy

• 21 sorrel gelding by First Money Medley-big gentle, Future Fortunes Eligible

• 21 buckskin gelding Jessie Tivio X Docs Oak- pretty started good

• 11 chestnut stallion by Zans Gold Digger

• 20 palomino gelding by Valiant Leader- gentle, ranch broke

• 20 bay mare by Ranger Cookie

• 21 blue roan gelding grandson of Cant Kick This Cat- futurity eligible

• 21 palomino gelding grandson of Cant Kick This Cat- futurity eligible

• 11 bay roan broodmare granddaughter Peptos Stylish Oak

• 20 buckskin gelding Smart Little Lena X Smart Chick Olena- ranch broke

• 20 black gelding grandson Texas Wade- ranch broke $ earner ranch rodeos broke

• 14 sorrel gelding grandson Bully Bullion- home raised, gentle, team rope, ranch

• 20 sorrel gelding by Shooter Cat- futurity entry

14 blue roan gelding by Funnys Boys Blue- ranch, team rope

• 17 gray gelding grandson Mr Baron Red- ranch, gentle, team rope

• 20 sorrel stallion by Don’t Stop Believin ($436K) futurity entry

• 18 bay gelding by grandson Tanquery Gin-ranch flagging, started heeling

• 18 red roan gelding grandson Kings Bar Hancock- ranch, team rope

• 19 bay mare High Brow Cat X Joe Jack Red in foal to son of Docs Stylish Oak

• 17 sorrel gelding by Yellow Smoke Of Texas- ranch, head horse

• 16 bay gelding by son of Colonel Hotrodder- fancy broke, good looking, ranch horse, gentle

• 18 sorrel mare by Cactus Rondo- good broke, Frank Higgs breeding program

• 20 grullo gelding- used at sale barn, trails, horse show, etc

• 18 sorrel gelding by Streaking Ta Fame out of daughter of Three Jay Colonel- fancy bred ranch horse

• 16 sorrel gelding Playgun X Two Eyed Red Buck- head horse

• 07 dun broodmare by Real Gun- 2 in 1 package

• 19 red roan gelding grandson Paddys Irish Whiskey- team rope, ranch, nice

• 07 sorrel broodmare by Meradas Money Talks- broke & sells open

• 10 sorrel mare granddaughter of Peptoboonsmal- good broke

• 12 sorrel gelding grandson of Boonlight Dancer- big stout ranch gelding

• 14 sorrel brood mare by Travelin Jonez (200K-NCHA)- daughter of Bob Acre Doc

• 2 paint pony mares ridden on the ranch by the kids

• 13 sorrel gelding by grandson of Peptoboonsmal- rope, ranch 16.2 hands

• 20 bay gelding by grandson of Zans Diamond Dun It- 60 days ridding

• 19 sorrel mare granddaughter High Brow Cat- ranch broke

These colts and yearlings will be paid up in the 2025 and 2026 F&R Cow Horse Futurity:

18 brown gelding by Smart Like Highbrow- started heading, heeling, breakaway, ranch

17 bay gelding grandson Downtown Cat- big time horse, team rope & breakaway

22 sorrel filly daughter Dual Reyish

22 black colt son of A Vintage Smoke

For More Information Contact: Farmers & Ranchers: 785-825-0211

17 gray gelding by Guns Loaded X Playgun- team rope, ranching heritage eligible

Mike Samples, Manager: 785-826-7884 • Kyle Elwood: 785-493-2901 • F&R Fax: 785-826-1590 Or visit our website at www.fandrlive.com

Cowboy Church WITH STEVE STAFFORD

Hey folks, as always, it is so good to be together again. Grab a cup of coffee, get settled in your favorite place, and let’s visit for a moment. Well, the summer is coming to an end, which by the way is okay with me. I really don’t care too much about modern day technology, except for one thing – AIR CONDITIONING! Oh yeah, I like that cool air on a 100 degree day, but it won’t be very long before we are complaining about the cold temps. It’s then that I like to sit by the fire, have a good hot cup of coffee, with Miss Debbie, a good book and my dogs. And then just visit, with Miss Debbie that is, the dogs just look at me funny. Miss Debbie likes it when we visit. She likes it when I listen to her, which she says that I don’t do very well. You know God likes it when we sit down with

a cup of coffee and visit with Him as well. Many people say they feel unsure about how to talk to God. Or they are hesitant because of something in their past, maybe their past as recent as last night. Many people wonder if He is even listening, or if He even cares.

Psalm 17:6 I am crying aloud to you O True God, for I long to know Your answer. Hear me, O ’Lord, hear my plea, hear my prayer for help.

Father God is always ready to listen because He always cares. Not sometimes, or just when we do something right, but always, anytime, anywhere. He hears our prayer whether it’s from the cab of our truck or from a jail cell, or during the joys of life or when we are going through the struggles of life. He hears when we don’t even know what to say. He is not

as concerned with the right words as He is with the right heart.

Psalm 145:18 The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth. Here’s the thing folks, God loves us, He wants to have a relationship with us, He wants to have a conversation with us. He wants to hear from you, and He wants to respond to you. Just ask and then just listen. He’s listening – He’s ready to hear and to respond. Just cry out to Him, a Loving Most Holy Father.

I’m Steve Stafford, the Pastor at Risen Ranch Cowboy Church, outside of Carthage, Missouri, and a very proud member of the Better Horses Family.

COLOR BREED CONGRESS / NOVEMBER 3-11 2023

PRESENTED BY THE PINTO HORSE ASSOCIATION

BUILT FORD TOUGH LIVESTOCK COMPLEX - TULSA, OK

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1

Noon: Horses move in (24 hours)

Noon - 6 pm: Show office & ID Station open

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2

8 am - 6 pm: Show office open

8 am - 6 pm: ID Station open

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3 - SATURDAY, 11

7 am - 6 pm: Show office open

7 am - 6 pm: ID Station open

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3

FORD TRUCK ARENA: 7:30 AM

1 PtHA-AM Jr Western Showmanship, ST/HN

2 PtHA-AM Sr Western Showmanship, ST/HN

3 PtHA-AM Elite Western Showmanship, ST/HN

4 PtHA-AM Novice Western Showmanship, ST/HN

5 PtHA-AM Jr W/T Western Showmanship, ST/HN

6 PtHA-AM Sr W/T Western Showmanship, ST/HN

7 PtHA-AM El W/T Western Showmanship, ST/HN

8 PtHA-AM Bareback Western Horsemanship, ST/HN

9 PtHA-AM Novice Western Horsemanship, ST/HN

10 Cash for Color Non Pro Western Pleasure, W/T (NSBA Color)

11 PtHA-AM Jr Western Horsemanship, ST/HN

12 PtHA-AM Sr Western Horsemanship, ST/HN

13 PtHA-AM Elite Western Horsemanship, ST/HN

14 PtHA-AM Sr W/T Western Horsemanship, ST/HN

15 PtHA-AM El W/T Western Horsemanship, ST/HN

MUSTANG ARENA: 7:30 AM

16 PtHA-YA Novice Western Showmanship, ST/HN

17 PtHA-YA Jr Western Showmanship, ST/HN

18 PtHA-YA Sr Western Showmanship, ST/HN

19 PtHA-YA W/T, 10&U Western Showmanship, ST/HN

20 PtHA-YA W/T, 11-18 Western Showmanship, ST/HN

21 PtHA-YA Jr Bareback Western Horsemanship, ST/HN

22 PtHA-YA Sr Bareback Western Horsemanship, ST/HN

23 PtHA-YA Novice Western Horsemanship, ST/HN

24 PtHA-YA Jr Western Horsemanship, ST/HN

25 PtHA-YA Sr Western Horsemanship, ST/HN

26 PtHA-YA Western Horsemanship, ST/HN, Solid 27 PtHA-YA Western Riding, ST/HN

34 PtHA-YA W/T, 11-18 Western Showmanship, ST/HN, Solid

35 PtHA-AM Bareback Western Horsemanship, ST/HN, Solid

36 PtHA-YA W/T, 10&U Western Horsemanship, ST/HN

37 PtHA-YA W/T 10 & u Western Horsemanship, ST/HN, Solid

38 PtHA-YA W/T, 11-18 Western Horsemanship, ST/HN

39 PtHA- YA W/T, 11-18 Western Horsemanship, ST/HN, Solid

40 PtHA-AM Western Horsemanship, ST/HN, Solid

41 PtHA-AM W/T Western Horsemanship, ST/HN, Solid

42 PtHA-AM Jr W/T Western Horsemanship, ST/HN

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4

FORD TRUCK ARENA: 7:30 AM

43 PtHA-AM Novice Western Pleasure, ST/HN

44 PtHA-AM Western Pleasure, ST/HN, Solid (NSBA)

45 PtHA-OP West Pl, ST/HN , 5 & U (NSBA)

46 PtHA-AM Jr Western Pleasure, ST/HN (NSBA)

47 PtHA-AM Sr Western Pleasure, ST/HN (NSBA)

48 PtHA-AM Elite Western Pleasure, ST/HN (NSBA)

49 PtHA-OP Western Pleasure, ST/HN, Solid (NSBA)

50 Cash for Color Open Western Pleasure, 3 yr olds (NSBA Color)

51 Cash for Color Open Western Pleasure, 2 yr olds (NSBA Color)

52 Cash Challenge West Pleasure, all ages, all divisions

53 PtHA-AM Jr Disciplined Rail Western, ST/HN

54 PtHA-AM Sr Disciplined Rail Western, ST/HN

55 PtHA-AM Elite Disciplined Rail Western, ST/HN

56 PtHA-AM Jr W/T Ideal Pinto Western, ST/HN

57 PtHA-AM Sr W/T Ideal Pinto Western, ST/HN

58 PtHA-AM El W/T Ideal Pinto Western, ST/HN

59 PtHA-AM Jr Ideal Pinto Western, ST/HN

60 PtHA-AM Sr Ideal Pinto Western, ST/HN

61 PtHA-AM Elite Ideal Pinto Western, ST/HNA

*after last class - YAHalter/Longe Line practice

MUSTANG ARENA: 7:30 AM

62 PtHA-OP Western Pleasure, 2 yo Sn Bit, ST/HN, Solid (NSBA)

63 PtHA-AM Jr W/T Western Pleasure, ST/HN

64 PtHA-AM Sr W/T Western Pleasure, ST/HN

65 PtHA-AM El W/T Western Pleasure, ST/HN

66 PtHA-AM W/T Western Pleasure, ST/HN, Solid

71 PtHA-YA Leadline, 8 & u, Western Pleasure

72 PtHA-YA Jr Disciplined Rail Western, ST/HN

73 PtHA-YA Sr Disciplined Rail Western, ST/HN

74 PtHA-YA Discipline Rail Western, ST/HN, Solid

75 PtHA-AM Discipline Rail Western, ST/HN, Solid

76 PtHA-YA Jr Ideal Pinto Western, ST/HN

77 PtHA-YA Sr Ideal Pinto Western, ST/HN

78 PtHA-AM Ideal Pinto Western, ST/HN, Solid

79 PtHA-YA Ideal Pinto Western, ST/HN, Solid

80 PtHA-OP Ideal Pinto Western, ST/HN, Solid

RANGER ARENA

YEDA Show

EXPLORER ARENA

9 am - all night - Ranch Trail practice

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5

FORD TRUCK

30 PtHA-AM W/T Western Showmanship, ST/HN, Solid

33 PtHA-YA W/T, 10&U Western Showmanship, ST/HN, Solid

67 PtHA-YA Western Pleasure, ST/HN, Solid (NSBA)

68 PtHA-YA Jr Western Pleasure, ST/HN (NSBA)

69 PtHA-YA Sr Western Pleasure, ST/HN (NSBA)

70 PtHA-YA Leadline 8&U, Western Pleasure, Solid

BETTER HORSES

109 PHBA-YA Ranch Trail (NSBA)

110 ABRA-YA Ranch Trail (NSBA)

111 All Breed-AM Ranch Trail

112 PtHA-AM Ranch Trail, ST/HN/PL (NSBA)

113 PtHA-AM Ranch Trail, ST/HN/PL, Solid (NSBA)

114 PHBA-AM Ranch Trail (NSBA)

115 ABRA-AM Ranch Trail (NSBA)

116 All Breed-OP Ranch Trail

117 PtHA-OP Ranch Trail, ST/HN/PL (NSBA)

118 PtHA-OP Ranch Trail, ST/HN/PL, Solid (NSBA)

119 PtHA-OP Ranch Trail, Mule

120 PHBA-OP Ranch Trail (NSBA)

121 ABRA-OP Ranch Trail (NSBA)

RANGER ARENA

YEDA Show

*after awards - AM/OP Halter/Longe Line practice

EXPLORER ARENA

9 am - night - Trail practice

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 6

FORD TRUCK ARENA: 7:30 AM

122 PtHA - OP Green Western Pleasure, ST/HN

123 Cash for Color Non Pro Western Pleasure, 6 & over (NSBA Color)

124 Cash Challenge West Pleasure, Snaffle Bit, 2 yo, Horse

125 Cash Challenge Western Pleasure Snaf Bit, 3&4 yo Horse

126 PtHA-OP Ideal Pinto Western, ST/HN

127 Cash for Color Non Pro Western Pleasure, 3 yr olds (NSBA Color)

128 PtHA-OP Disciplined Rail Western, ST/HN

129 PtHA-OP Discipline Rail Western, ST/HN, Solid

130 PtHA-OP Halter Stall/Geld, ST/HN,Solid, Weanlings 131 PtHA-OP Halter Stall/Geld, ST/HN, Solid, Yearlings

132 PtHA-OP Halter Stall/Geld, ST/HN, Solid, 2 & 3 Yr Old

133 PtHA-OP Halter Stall/Geld, ST/HN, Solid, 4 & Older

134 PtHA-OP Performance Halter Stall/Geldings, ST/HN, Solid

135 PtHA-OP Grand & Reserve Stallions/Geldings, ST/HN, Solid

136 PtHA-AM Halter Mares, ST/HN, 2 & under

137 PtHA-AM Halter Mares, ST/HN, 3 & over

138 PtHA-AM Performance Halter Mares, ST/HN

139 PtHA-AM Yearling Longe Line, Hunter Type (NSBA)

140 PtHA-AM Two Year Old Longe Line, ST/HN Type, (NSBA)

141 PtHA-AM Halter Geldings, ST/HN, 2 & under

142 PtHA-AM Halter Geldings, ST/HN, 3 & over

143 PtHA-AM Halter Stallions, ST/HN, 2 & under

144 PtHA-AM Halter Stallions, ST/HN, 3 & over

145 PtHA-AM Performance Halter Stallion and Geldings, ST/HN

146 PtHA-AM Yearling Longe Line, Stock Type (NSBA)

147 Cash for Color Non Pro Yearling Longe LineWestern (NSBA Color)

148 Cash for Color Non Pro Yearling Longe LineHunter (NSBA Color)

*after last class - Halter/Longe Line practice

MUSTANG ARENA: 7:30 AM

149 Cash Challenge Ranch Riding, all ages

150 All Breed-YA W/T Ranch Riding

151 All Breed-YA Ranch Riding

152 PtHA-YA Ranch Riding, ST/HN/PL (NSBA)

153 PtHA-YA Ranch Riding, ST/HN/PL, Solid (NSBA)

154 PHBA-YA Ranch Riding (NSBA)

155 ABRA-YA Ranch Riding (NSBA)

156 All Breed-AM W/T Ranch Riding

157 All Breed-AM Ranch Riding

158 PtHA-AM Ranch Riding, ST/HN/PL (NSBA)

159 PtHA-AM Ranch Riding, ST/HN/PL, Solid (NSBA)

160 PHBA-AM Ranch Riding (NSBA)

161 ABRA-AM Ranch Riding (NSBA)

162 PtHA-OP Ranch Riding, Mule

163 PHBA-OP Ranch Riding (NSBA)

164 ABRA-OP Ranch Riding (NSBA)

165 PtHA-OP Ranch Riding, ST/HN/PL (NSBA)

166 PtHA-OP Ranch Riding, ST/HN/PL, Solid (NSBA)

167 All Breed-OP Ranch Riding

*after last class - Ranch Reining practice for 1 hour

RANGER ARENA: 7:30 AM

169

170

171

172 PtHA-YA Novice Trail, ST/HN

173 PtHA-YA Jr Trail, ST/HN (NSBA)

174 PtHA-YA Sr Trail, ST/HN (NSBA)

175 PtHA-YA Trail, ST/HN, Solid (NSBA)

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7

FORD TRUCK ARENA: 7:30 AM

189 PtHA-AM Tobiano Color, ST/HN

190 PtHA-AM Overo Color, ST/HN

191 PtHA-OP Yearling Longe Line, Stock Type, Solid (NSBA)

140 PtHA - AM Two Year Old Longe Line, ST/HN Type, (NSBA)

141 PtHA - AM Halter Geldings, ST/HN, 2 & under

142 PtHA - AM Halter Geldings, ST/HN, 3 & over

143 PtHA - AM Halter Stallions, ST/HN, 2 & under

144 PtHA - AM Halter Stallions, ST/HN, 3 & over

145 PtHA - AM Performance Halter Stallion/Geldings, ST/HN

146 PtHA - AM Yearling Longe Line, Stock Type (NSBA)

147 Cash for Color Non Pro Yearling Longe LineWestern (NSBA Color)

148 Cash for Color Non Pro Yearling Longe LineHunter (NSBA Color)

*after last class - Halter/Longe Line practice

MUSTANG ARENA: 7:30 AM

149 Cash Challenge Ranch Riding, all ages

150 All Breed-YA W/T Ranch Riding

151 All Breed-YA Ranch Riding

152 PtHA-YA Ranch Riding, ST/HN/PL (NSBA)

153 PtHA-YA Ranch Riding, ST/HN/PL, Solid (NSBA)

154 PHBA-YA Ranch Riding (NSBA)

155 ABRA-YA Ranch Riding (NSBA)

156 All Breed-AM W/T Ranch Riding

157 All Breed-AM Ranch Riding

158 PtHA-AM Ranch Riding, ST/HN/PL (NSBA)

Solid

176 PtHA-AM Halter Mares, ST/HN, Solid

177 PtHA-AM Performance Halter Mares, ST/HN, Solid

178 PtHA-AM Yearling Longe Line, Hunter Type, Solid (NSBA)

179 PtHA-AM Two Year Old Longe Line, ST/HN Type, Solid (NSBA)

180 PtHA AM Halter Stallion/Geldings, ST/HN, Solid

181 PtHA-AM Performance Halter Stallion/Geldings, ST/HN, Solid

182 PtHA - AM Yearling Longe Line, Stock Type, Solid (NSBA)

183 PtHA-OP Halter Mares, ST/HN, Solid, Weanlings

184 PtHA-OP Halter Mares, ST/HN, Solid, Yearlings

185 PtHA-OP Halter Mares, ST/HN, Solid, 2 & 3 Yr Old

186 PtHA-OP Halter Mares, ST/HN, Solid, 4 & Older

187 PtHA-OP Performance Halter Mares, ST/HN, Solid

188 PtHA-OP Grand & Reserve Mares, ST/HN, Solid

EXPLORER BARN

Two

159 PtHA-AM Ranch Riding, ST/HN/PL, Solid (NSBA)

160 PHBA-AM Ranch Riding (NSBA)

161 ABRA-AM Ranch Riding (NSBA)

162 PtHA-OP Ranch Riding, Mule

163 PHBA-OP Ranch Riding (NSBA)

164 ABRA-OP Ranch Riding (NSBA)

165 PtHA-OP Ranch Riding, ST/HN/PL (NSBA)

166 PtHA-OP Ranch Riding, ST/HN/PL, Solid (NSBA)

167 All Breed - OP Ranch Riding

after last class - Ranch Reining practice for 1 hour

RANGER ARENA: 7:30 AM

168 PtHA-YA W/T, 10 & u Trail, ST/HN

169 PtHA-YA W/T, 10 & u Trail, ST/HN, Solid

170 PtHA-YA W/T, 11-18 Trail, ST/HN

171 PtHA-YA W/T, 11 -18 Trail, ST/HN, Solid

172 PtHA-YA Novice Trail, ST/HN

173 PtHA-YA Jr Trail, ST/HN (NSBA)

174 PtHA-YA Sr Trail, ST/HN (NSBA)

175 PtHA-YA Trail, ST/HN, Solid (NSBA)

176 PtHA-AM Halter Mares, ST/HN, Solid

177 PtHA-AM Performance Halter Mares, ST/HN, Solid

178 PtHA-AM Yearling Longe Line, Hunter Type, Solid (NSBA)

179 PtHA-AM Two Year Old Longe Line, ST/HN Type, Solid (NSBA)

180 PtHA-AM Halter Stallion/Geldings, ST/HN, Solid

181 PtHA-AM Performance Halter Stallion/Geldings, ST/HN, Solid

182 PtHA-AM Yearling Longe Line, Stock Type, Solid (NSBA)

183 PtHA-OP Halter Mares, ST/HN, Solid, Weanlings

184 PtHA-OP Halter Mares, ST/HN, Solid, Yearlings

185 PtHA-OP Halter Mares, ST/HN, Solid, 2 & 3 Yr Old

186 PtHA-OP Halter Mares, ST/HN, Solid, 4 & Older

187 PtHA-OP Performance Halter Mares, ST/HN, Solid

188 PtHA - OP Grand & Reserve Mares, ST/HN, Solid

EXPLORER BARN

Two YO In Hand, OP & AM Trail practice: 9 am - night

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7

FORD TRUCK ARENA: 7:30 AM

189 PtHA-AM Tobiano Color, ST/HN

190 PtHA-AM Overo Color, ST/HN

191 PtHA-OP Yearling Longe Line, Stock Type, Solid (NSBA)

255 PtHA-OP Ranch Rail Pleasure, ST/HN/PL, Solid (NSBA)

256 PtHA-OP Ranch Rail Pleasure, Mule

257 PHBA-OP Ranch Rail Pleasure (NSBA)

258 ABRA-OP Ranch Rail Pleasure (NSBA)

259 Cash for Color Non Pro Ranch Rail, 6 & over (NSBA Color)

260 Cash Challenge Ranch Rail Pleasure, all ages

RANGER ARENA: 7:30 AM

Yr Old In Hand Trail, ST/HN, Solid 265 PtHA-AM Jr W/T Trail, ST/HN 266 PtHA-AM Sr W/T Trail, ST/HN

PtHA-AM El W/T Trail, ST/HN

PtHA-AM W/T Trail, ST/HN, Solid

PtHA-OP Green Trail, ST/HN 270 PtHA-AM Novice Trail, ST/HN

271 PtHA-AM Jr Trail, ST/HN (NSBA)

272 PtHA-AM Sr Trail, ST/HN (NSBA)

273 PtHA-AM Elite Trail, ST/HN (NSBA)

274 PtHA-AM Trail, ST/HN, Solid (NSBA)

275 PtHA-OP Trail, 5 & Under, ST/HN (NSBA)

276 PtHA-OP Trail, ST/HN, Solid (NSBA)

277 PtHA-OP Trail, 6 & Older, ST/HN (NSBA)

Obstacle Driving practice after last class - 1 hour

EXPLORER ARENA: 9 AM - ALL NIGHT

Yearling In Hand, PHBA, ABRA, Long Ear Trail practice

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8

FORD TRUCK ARENA: 7:30 AM

278 Cash Challenge Yearling Longe Line, Stock Type Horse

279 PtHA-OP Tobiano Color, ST/HN

280 PtHA-OP Overo Color, ST/HN

281 Cash Challenge Yearling Longe Line, Hunter Type Horse

282 PtHA - OP Two Year Old Longe Line, ST/HN Type (NSBA)

283 PtHA-YA W/T, 10 & u Hunt Seat Equitation, ST/HN

284 PtHA-YA W/T, 11-18 Hunt Seat Equitation, ST/HN

285 PtHA-YA W/T, 10 & u Hunt Seat Equitation, ST/HN, Solid

286 PtHA-YA W/T, 11-18 Hunt Seat Equitation, ST/HN, Solid

287 Cash for Color Open Hunter Under Saddle, 2 yr olds (NSBA Color)

288 PtHA-YA Jr Bareback Hunt Seat Equitation, ST/HN

289 PtHA-YA Sr Bareback Hunt Seat Equitation, ST/HN

290 PtHA-YA Hunt Seat Equitation, ST/HN, Solid

291 PtHA-YA Jr Hunt Seat Equitation, ST/HN

292 PtHA-YA Sr Hunt Seat Equitation, ST/HN

293 PtHA-YA Novice Hunt Seat Equitation, ST/HN

294 Cash for Color Open Hunter Under Saddle, 3 yr olds (NSBA Color)

After last class - YA W/T 10 & U, YA W/T 10 & U Solid, YA W/T 11 - 18, YA W/T 11 - 18 Solid High Points

MUSTANG ARENA: 7:30 AM 295 PtHA-YA Ranch Horsemanship, ST/HN/PL

322 ABRA-AM Ranch Conformation

323 PtHA-AM Ranch Conformation, ST/HN/PL

324 PtHA-AM Ranch Conformation, ST/HN/PL, Solid

325 All Breed-OP Ranch Conformation

326 PHBA-OP Ranch Conformation

327 ABRA-OP Ranch Conformation

328 PtHA-OP Ranch Conformation, ST/HN/PL

329 PtHA-OP Ranch Conformation, ST/HN/PL, Solid

330 PtHA-OP Ranch Conformation, Mule

*After last class - Ranch High Points

RANGER ARENA: 7:30 AM

331 ABRA-YA W/T, 18 & U Trail

332 PHBA-AM W/T Trail

333 PHBA-YA Trail (NSBA)

334 ABRA-YA Trail 18 & under (NSBA)

335 ABRA-OP Trail (NSBA)

336 PHBA-OP Trail (NSBA)

337 PHBA-AM Trail (NSBA)

338 ABRA AM Trail (NSBA)

339 Cash Challenge Trail-all ages, all divisions

340 PtHA-OP Yearling In Hand Trail, ST/HN, Solid

341 PtHA-OP Yearling In Hand Trail, ST/HN

342 PtHA-AM Yearling In Hand Trail, ST/HN, Solid

343 PtHA-AM Yearling In Hand Trail, ST/HN

344 Cash for Color Non Pro Yearling In Hand Trail (NSBA Color)

345 PtHA-OP Mini Donkey Western Trail In-Hand

346 PtHA-OP Mini Mule Western Trail In-Hand

347 PtHA-OP Donkey Training Level W/T Trail

348 PtHA-YA Mule Western Trail

349 PtHA-OP Mule Western Trail

350 PtHA-OP Donkey Western Trail

351 PtHA-AM Mule Western Trail

352 PtHA-OP Western Trail, Utility

353 PtHA-OP Mini Donkey Obstacle Driving

354 PtHA-OP Mini Mule Obstacle Driving

355 PtHA-OP Mule Obstacle Driving

356 PtHA-OP Donkey Obstacle Driving

After last class-PHBA, ABRA Halter & Longe Line for 1 hour

Long Ear Driving practice after Halter practice

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9

FORD TRUCK ARENA: 7:30 AM

357 PtHA-YA Jr English Showmanship, ST/HN

358 PtHA-YA Sr English Showmanship, ST/HN

359 PtHA-YA English Showmanship, ST/HN, Solid

360 PtHA-YA Jr Disciplined Rail English, ST/HN

361 PtHA-YA Sr Disciplined Rail English, ST/HN

362 PtHA-YA Discipline Rail English, ST/HN, Solid

363 Cash for Color Non Pro Hunter Under Saddle, 3 yo (NSBA Color)

364 PtHA-AM Discipline Rail English, ST/HN, Solid

365 PtHA-OP Discipline Rail English, ST/HN, Solid

366 PtHA-AM W/T Hunter Under Saddle, ST/HN, Solid

367 Cash for Color Non Pro Hunter Under Saddle, W/T (NSBA Color)

BETTER HORSES

368 PtHA-YA Novice Hunter Under Saddle, ST/HN

369 PtHA-YA W/T, 10&U Hunter Under Saddle, ST/HN, Solid

370 PtHA-YA W/T, 11-18 Hunter Under Saddle, ST/HN, Solid

371 PtHA-YA W/T, 10&U Hunter Under Saddle, ST/HN

372 PtHA-YA W/T, 11-18 Hunter Under Saddle, ST/HN

373 PtHA-YA Jr Hunter Under Saddle, ST/HN (NSBA)

374 PtHA-YA Sr Hunter Under Saddle, ST/HN (NSBA)

375 PtHA-YA Hunter Under Saddle, ST/HN, Solid (NSBA)

376 PtHA-YA Jr Ideal Pinto English, ST/HN

377 PtHA-YA Sr Ideal Pinto English, ST/HN

378 PtHA-YA Ideal Pinto English, ST/HN, Solid

*After last class - PtHA Youth High Points

MUSTANG ARENA: 7:30 AM

379 PtHA-AM Jr English Showmanship, ST/HN

380 PtHA-AM Sr English Showmanship, ST/HN

381 PtHA-AM Elite - English Showmanship, ST/HN

382 PtHA-AM English Showmanship, ST/HN, Solid

383 PtHA-AM Jr W/T English Showmanship, ST/HN

384 PtHA-AM Sr W/T English Showmanship, ST/HN

385 PtHA-AM El W/T English Showmanship, ST/HN

386 PtHA-AM W/T English Showmanship, ST/HN, Solid

387 PtHA-OP Hunt U Saddle, 6 & O, ST/HN (NSBA)

388 PtHA-AM Novice Hunter Under Saddle, ST/HN

389 PtHA-OP Hunt U Saddle, 5 & U, ST/HN (NSBA)

390 PtHA-AM Jr W/T Ideal Pinto English, ST/HN

391 PtHA-AM Sr W/T Ideal Pinto English, ST/HN

392 PtHA-AM El W/T Ideal Pinto English, ST/HN

PtHA-OP Donkey Training Level W/T Barrels

FRIDAY,

FORD

Bareback Hunt Seat Equitation, ST/HN, Solid

479 Cash Challenge Hunter Under Saddle Snaffle Bit, 2 yo, Horse

480 PtHA-OP Hunter Under Saddle, ST/HN, Solid (NSBA)

481 PtHA-AM Hunter Under Saddle, ST/HN, Solid (NSBA)

482 PtHA-AM W/T Hunt Seat Equitation, ST/HN, Solid

483 PtHA-AM Hunt Seat Equitation, ST/HN, Solid

484 PtHA-OP Green Hunt U Saddle, ST/HN

485 Cash Challenge Hunter Under Saddle, all ages, all divisions

486 PtHA-AM Jr Hunter Under Saddle, ST/HN (NSBA)

487 PtHA-AM Sr Hunter Under Saddle , ST/HN (NSBA)

488 PtHA-AM Elite Hunter Under Saddle, ST/HN (NSBA)

489 PtHA-OP Hunt U Saddle, 2 YO Snaf Bit, ST/HN Solid, (NSBA)

490 PtHA-AM Jr W/T Disciplined Rail English, ST/HN 491 PtHA-AM Sr W/T Disciplined Rail English, ST/HN

PtHA-AM El W/T Disciplined Rail English, ST/HN

PtHA-OP Ideal English, HN Seat, ST/HN, Solid

PtHA-AM Ideal Pinto English, ST/HN Solid

*After last class - PtHA AM W/T, AM W/T Solid, AM Novice, AM Solid High Points

MUSTANG ARENA: 7:30 AM

495 PtHA-AM Bareback Hunt Seat Equitation, ST/HN

PtHA-AM Jr W/T Hunter Under Saddle, ST/HN 497 PtHA-AM Sr W/T Hunter Under Saddle, ST/HN 498 PtHA-AM El W/T Hunter Under Saddle, ST/HN

499 PtHA-OP Hunt U Saddle, 2 YO Snaf Bit, ST/HN, (NSBA)

500 PtHA-AM Novice Hunt Seat Equitation, ST/HN

501 PtHA-AM Jr W/T Hunt Seat Equitation, ST/HN

502 PtHA-AM Sr W/T Hunt Seat Equitation, ST/HN

503 PtHA-AM El W/T Hunt Seat Equitation, ST/HN

504 Cash for Color Non Pro Hunter Under Saddle, 6&O (NSBA Color)

505 Cash for Color Non Pro Hunter Under Saddle, 5&U (NSBA Color)

506 PtHA-AM Jr Hunt Seat Equitation, ST/HN

507 PtHA-AM Sr Hunt Seat Equitation, ST/HN

508 PtHA-AM Elite Hunt Seat Equitation, ST/HN

509 PtHA-OP Western Pleasure, Utility

510 PtHA-OP Mule Western Pleasure

511 PtHA-AM Mule Western Pleasure

512 PtHA-YA Mule Western Pleasure

513 PtHA-OP Donkey Training Level W/T

Western Pleasure

514 PtHA-YA Leadline Walk Only Western Pleas, Donkey/Mules, 8&U

515 PtHA-OP Donkey Western Pleasure

516 PtHA-OP Mini Donkey Disciplined Rail Driving

517 PtHA-OP Mini Mule Disciplined Rail Driving

518 PtHA-AM Mulemanship

519 PtHA-YA Mulemanship

RANGER ARENA: 7:30 AM

520 PtHA-OP Mule Halter, Johns

521 PtHA-OP Mule Halter, Mollies

522 PtHA-OP Donkey Halter, Jennets

523 PtHA-OP Donkey Halter, Geldings/Jacks

524 PtHA-OP Mini Jacks & Geldings Halter

525 PtHA-OP Mini Jennets Halter

526 PtHA-OP Mini Mule John Halter

527 PtHA-OP Mini Mule Molly Halter

528 Mule Weanling/Yearling Halter Futurity NON-ROM

529 Donkey Weanling/Yearling Halter Futurity

NON-ROM

530 Mule 2 Year Old Halter Futurity NON-ROM

531 Donkey 2 year Old Halter Futurity NON-ROM

532 PtHA-OP Halter, Utility

533 PtHA-OP Color, Utility

534 PtHA-YA Mule Western Showmanship

535 PtHA-AM Mule Western Showmanship

536 PHBA-OP Hunter In Hand

537 ABRA-OP Hunter In Hand

538 PHBA-YA Hunter In Hand

539 PHBA-AM Hunter In Hand

LEGEND

540 PHBA-YA Showmanship

541 PHBA-AM W/T Showmanship

542 PHBA-AM Showmanship

543 ABRA-YA Western Showmanship 18 & u

544 ABRA-YA W/T Western Showmanship 18 & u

545 ABRA-AM Western Showmanship

546 PHBA-YA Western Horsemanship

547 PHBA-AM W/T Western Horsemanship

548 PHBA-AM Western Horsemanship

549 ABRA-YA Western Horsemanship 18 & u

550 ABRA-YA W/T Western Horsemanship 18 & u

551 ABRA-AM Western Horsemanship

552 PHBA-OP 2 Yr Old Snaffle Bit Western Pleasure (NSBA)

553 PHBA-OP Western Pleasure (NSBA)

554 ABRA-OP Western Pleasure (NSBA)

555 ABRA-BBP OP Western Pleasure

556 PHBA-YA Western Pleasure (NSBA)

557 PHBA-AM W/T Western Pleasure

558 PHBA-AM Western Pleasure (NSBA)

559 PHBA-YA Leadline

560 ABRA-YA Western Pleasure 18 & under (NSBA)

561 ABRA-YA W/T Western Pleasure 18 & under

562 ABRA-AM Western Pleasure (NSBA)

*After last class - Long Ear and Utility High Points

SATURDAY,

NOVEMBER

11

FORD TRUCK ARENA: 7:30 AM

563 PtHA-OP Discipl Rail English, HN Seat, ST/HN

564 PtHA-AM Jr Disciplined Rail English, ST/HN

565 PtHA-AM Sr Disciplined Rail English, ST/HN

566 PtHA-AM Elite Disciplined Rail English, ST/HN

567 Cash Challenge Hunter Under Saddle Snaf Bit, 3 & 4 yo, Horse

568 PtHA-OP Ideal English, HN Seat, ST/HN

569 PtHA-AM Jr Ideal Pinto English, ST/HN

570 PtHA-AM Sr Ideal Pinto English, ST/HN

571 PtH -AM Elite Ideal Pinto English, ST/HN

*After last class-PtHA OP/AM High Points

MUSTANG ARENA: 7:30 AM

572 PHBA-AM W/T Hunt Seat Equitation

573 PHBA-AM Hunt Seat Equitation

574 ABRA-AM Hunt Seat Equitation

575 PHBA-YA Hunt Seat Equitation

576 ABRA-YA Hunt Seat Eq 18 & under

577 ABRA-YA W/T Hunt Seat Eq 18 & under

578 PHBA-OP Hunter Under Saddle (NSBA)

579 ABRA-OP Hunter Under Saddle (NSBA)

580 ABRA-BBP OP Hunter Under Saddle

581 PHBA-AM W/T Hunter Under Saddle

582 PHBA-AM Hunter Under Saddle (NSBA)

583 ABRA-AM Hunter Under Saddle (NSBA)

584 PHBA-YA Hunter Under Saddle (NSBA)

585 ABRA-YA Hunter Under Saddle 18 & u (NSBA)

586 ABRA-YA W/T Hunter Under Saddle 18 & u

After last class - PHBA/ABRA High Points

PtHA: Pinto Horse Association

PtHA: Mule/Donkey Long

Ear Registry

PHBA: Palomino Horse

Breeders Assoc.

ABRA: American Buckskin Registry Assoc.

NSBA: National Snaffle Bit Assoc.

ST: Stock Type

HN: Hunter Type

PL: Pleasure Type

OP: Open AM: Amateur

YA: Youth

W/T: Walk/Trot

RIDING THE TRAILS BEYOND

WRITTEN BY DEL SHIELDS, HOST AND PRODUCER OF BEST OF AMERICA BY HORSEBACK

Oh the things we’ve seen. This year has been an amazing journey so far, and we’re not finished yet. Our schedule of rides have crisscrossed the map and we have had a lot of fun riding in new places, meeting new people with amazing life stories and seeing some beautiful country. We began in early March riding in the Davy Crockett National Forest in Texas. We hosted out-of-state visitors at the High Trail Ranch in April for rides and moving cattle. May found us in the beautiful Flint Hills of the Junction City, Kansas, area riding at the amazing Broken Wing Ranch. The warmer weather of June caught us once again at the High Trail Ranch, hosting our annual Ride and Cowboy Concert event. As soon as everyone was gone, we loaded up and headed out for Montana. There, we rode on the hallowed ground of the Crow Nation, on top of the Custer Battlefield, and swam our horses across the famous Little Bighorn River. After a short stent at home trying to catch up on editing, we headed out west once more to ride the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota. Our visit to the

Hell Canyon Horse Camp certainly fulfilled all of our expectations and more. Heat? No sweat. July temps were not a problem as we visited the Von Holten Ranch in Missouri. Our time there at that incredible facility made for some pretty happy campers and trail riders. There’s a lot of great things that happen there.

August is a great time to go north. Our hearts were blessed to get to visit the Angel Reins Stables near St. Augusta, Minnesota. This is a program that offers equine therapy to military veterans and those rescued from human trafficking. We can never be the same after interacting with those individuals and hearing their stories. During our stay we rode the trails at Went North Cabins and Horse Hotel. Visiting northern Minnesota wouldn’t be complete if you didn’t visit the head waters of the Mississippi at Itasca Lake. On that trip we also visited the original Paul Bunyun and Babe the Big Blue Ox at Bemidji. I also sat in a chair that President Dwight D. Eisenhower sat in at the Centennial Plaza on October 16, 1956. Shevawn was seated in the

matching chair next to me in which the First Lady sat next to her husband.

What’s next? Awe Kansas. Yes, we are scheduled to ride the wonderful trails of Hillsdale Lake soon. The staff there has been busy as bees making some amazing improvements to the campground and trails. I am excited to see all of the upgrades that are being implemented. We will have some special guest speakers and presenters with us there.

Following that, you will find us at the Eisenhower State Park for a return ride with an enthusiastic group of folks who love trail riding and doing good deeds. Rumor has it, there just might be some home-made ice cream, along with Dutch oven desserts. And of course, there is a beautiful lake with very nice trails to ride.

Please join us for one of our future rides. Check out our website at Bestofamericabyhorseback.com or call me at 620-433-1819 so we may visit about any of the things we are doing. Until then, always ride the high trail.

TALL FESCUE GRASS AND HORSES

WRITTEN BY FRED GARDNER, DVM

Tall fescue was introduced into the United States in the early to mid-1800s. It is a hardy grass that is very invasive in our native pastures and hay fields. The diet of our Midwest horses contains an ever-increasing amount of fescue. Fescue contains a fungus (endophyte) that grows in the plant. This endophyte produces a toxic substance (alkaloid) that can be harmful to horses. The alkaloid is found in varying amounts in live fescue, dormant fescue plants and hay containing fescue.

Fortunately for our horses, this alkaloid found in pastures and hay does not cause any observable effects or loss of performance, EXCEPT in pregnant mares. Fescue consumed in the last

three months of pregnancy often causes a longer gestational period, large, oversized foals, difficult delivery of the foal, the placenta, foal suffocation, lack of milk production, and other complications at delivery of the foal. The solution to all these problems is to be very careful not to allow fescues to be consumed by late gestation mares. This past summer has been very dry, so pasture grass is in short supply. The hay crops this year were very small and good hay will be hard to find this winter. Mare owners need to secure an ample and safe hay supply now so that all pregnant mares will have good quality and fescue-free hay starting in January.

Nearly all native grass hay fields and brome hayfields have some amount of fescue invading them. Fortunately, we now have a reliable test to determine the alkaloid content of hay or pasture samples. The Kansas State Diagnostic Laboratory runs a quantitative analysis on hay and grasses to determine how much alkaloid is present. Hay that the owner plans to feed after January 1 should be tested now to make sure it is safe for pregnant mares. Your veterinarian or extension specialist can assist with getting an appropriate hay sample to test and sent off to Kansas State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. Plan now for a safe delivery of next year’s foals.

FUTURE GROWTH PLANS FOR THE AMERICAN ROYAL

AMERICAN ROYAL ASSOCIATION

The agriculture and food industries are being challenged on numerous fronts, yet never have consumers had such an interest in their food while being more disconnected to agriculture. Ensuring food security for a world population of 7.8 billion today and safeguarding our ability to develop and use future innovation and technology to feed a world population of 9.8 billion by 2050 will be mandatory.

The American Royal Board of Directors has identified this as a pivotal moment, and a tremendous opportunity exists, to build a state-of-the-art food and agriculture showcase, engagement center, and learning environment unmatched in the United States.

After implementing an 18-month strategic plan, the American Royal, a national, 124-year-old agricultural institution, is prepared to become the Epicenter of Food and Agriculture. Serving as the premier food and agricultural education, engagement

and events center, the American Royal’s identity will transform from a 14-week season of events to a 365-day agriculture and food industry hub. The future home, located in Wyandotte County, KS, will bring people of all ages and backgrounds from around the world, driving significant economic impact to the state of Kansas and the entire multi-state region.

The community needs educational opportunities for urban, suburban, and rural people to learn about and engage in agricultural related activities, career opportunities to produce talent to meet the immense needs in food and agriculture and a trusted voice to connect with consumers who seek to understand and influence how food is produced. The American Royal will provide integrated agricultural learning through discovery, programming and events for all ages, that will instill a heightened level of understanding and trust in agriculture.

The new American Royal will be a 1,000,000 sq. ft. food and agriculture educational campus located on 127 acres at the intersection of State Avenue and 118th street in Kansas City, KS, just northwest of the Kansas Speedway. The highly flexible facility features over 850,000 sq. ft. of indoor, climate-controlled, programmable event space including significant barn and exhibition areas, three performance arenas, and a large learning and engagement center with educational programming integrated throughout the entire campus. Each of the arenas are 145’x270’.

Specific components include:

• Main Arena – 5,000 seats plus 3,000 on the floor

• Multipurpose Arena –3,500 seats plus floor

• Outdoor Arena – 3,500 seats plus floor

• Barn/Exhibition Hall Expo Space –

A computer generated view of the final American Royal facilities

approximately 1,500 horse stalls or 3,800 cattle ties

• Learning and Engagement Center (includes 750 seat auditorium, demonstration kitchen and laboratory, classrooms, meeting space, banquet space)

• Outdoor Learning Space

• Maintenance and Storage Buildings

• Association Offices

• Commercial Kitchen

A second phase is anticipated for outdoor festival grounds.

The project is expected to be completed in late 2025. American Royal events will be held in the new home by 2026. The $350 million project is funded through a combination of public support (through STAR Bonds) and private contributions

Notable design elements include: virtual simulations and augmented reality with highly immersive and interactive learning; outdoor “Voice of the Farmer” garden; archives, art, historical, and hall of fame exhibits; high-tech classrooms and meeting rooms; live animal learning spaces including a birthing center, milking demonstrations, etc.; catwalks and viewing areas into arenas; and integrated education experiences throughout barns and arenas.

In 2022 people traveled to the American Royal from 46 states and 14 countries. Attendee days were 390,910, representing a 4.7% growth from 2019 and indicated a full recovery from

the COVID event experience. With a long-standing history in Kansas City, MO, and brand prominence around the world, the new American Royal will be the home of an education, engagement and events epicenter, generating more than 1.7 million attendee days by 2030 (operational by year five).

The cumulative attendee days are estimated to be 1,188,774 in 2026 (operational year one) and 2,298,213 in 2045 (operational year 20), resulting in average attendee days of 1,904,581 over the first 20 years of operations through a total of 221 events and 877 event days. Through the events, educational programs, and experiences the American Royal is expected to attract over 1.9 million visitors on an average annual basis.

These activities will bring significant economic impact to a multi-state region. An estimated 2,900 jobs will be created annually through direct, indirect and induced impacts. The American Royal education and event center is expected to generate annually a direct economic output of $274 million and a total economic impact of $326 million on an average basis over the first 20 years of operations.

The campus also allows access to and engagement with farmers and ranchers producing more than 50% of the U.S. agricultural production and 22 landgrant universities who are less than 500 miles from our doorstep.

Our vision is a world where food and agriculture are celebrated, and all generations are committed to its future.

As a catalyst for innovation, our campus will highlight the incredible progress our producers have made toward producing a sustainable, safe, and abundant food supply, while educating consumers on the new innovations and technologies needed to allow us to feed the world for generations to come.

The American Royal hosts several livestock and equine events throughout the year.

BATHING HORSES IN THE COLD WINTER WEATHER

WRITTEN BY BETTER HORSES STAFF

Bathing is a regular and essential aspect of your horse-care routine. Throughout the warmer months, most of us rely on bathing to keep our horses’ coats clean and healthy—and to obtain that pristine show-day shine for competition. If, however, you happen to live in an area plagued by harsh winters and compete during the off season, or the calendar indicates spring but there’s still a nip in the air, you might be questioning whether it’s too cold to bathe your horse.

No matter the reason you need a clean horse during the colder months, it’s important to know when it’s too cold to bathe and how to safely and effectively do so when the temperatures are less than ideal. In this article, we’ll explain the factors and precautions you should consider when determining if you should to bathe your horse. Plus, we’ll provide you with step-bystep instructions on how to bathe him during the chillier months and offer “dry” bathing/grooming options.

WHEN IS IT TOO COLD TO BATHE A HORSE?

Horses are more tolerant of cold weather than humans. Even when it’s moderately chilly outside, you can hose most horses off from their elbows down without causing them discomfort. A horse who is completely wet to the skin, however,

can get chilled very quickly when the temperatures drop.

In general, a healthy horse should be able to handle a bath without special treatment in temperatures as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit. If you have a heated grooming area that provides protection from the elements, access to constant warm water, and/or heating lamps, you likely can give a horse with a short or long hair coat a full bath even when it’s between freezing and 50° F.

If you only have access to cold water and your horse has a thick winter coat, a full bath is not a good idea during the colder months, especially if he’s turned out most of the time or you don’t have access to an enclosed wash area.

FACTORS TO CONSIDER BEFORE BATHING IN THE COLD

Determining whether it’s too cold to bathe is also relative to your horse’s age and general health. There are several factors to consider in making this determination:

• If his health is compromised in any way or he’s advanced in age, determine whether it’s absolutely necessary to bathe him or if a thorough grooming session would suffice. The combination of chilly weather and a declining body temperature can further exacerbate existing health issues or create new ones.

• Is your horse clipped, or does he have a full winter coat?

• Do you have an enclosed wash area with warm water? Or do you only have access to cold water?

• Do you have sufficient time to ensure your horse’s coat is fully dry before turning him out or stalling him? And/ or do you have coolers to help him dry faster?

It is not safe to bathe your horse outside in cold temperatures. Even if the weather is milder one day, you might not be able to get a horse with a thick coat fully dry before the temperatures drop again; with a wet, heavy coat, your horse could very easily get chilled. In this situation, spot cleaning would be the safer option. If temperatures are warmer for several consecutive days during the winter, you might be able to safely bathe him, but do so with caution.

HOW TO BATHE A HORSE IN WINTER

The key to bathing your horse in cold weather is to ensure he stays as warm as possible throughout the process and is completely dry before turning him out or stalling him. If your horse is clipped, the drying process may be relatively fast; if he has a full winter coat, it can take several hours for him to fully dry.

During the winter, it’s best to bathe your horse in an indoor, draft-free wash area with hot water, preferably during the warmest part of the day.

Hose him down with warm to hot water (that you can comfortably touch). Hot water accelerates the cleaning and drying processes.

Work a small amount of shampoo through his coat as quickly and thorough as possible. It’s often not possible to bathe your horse as meticulously during the winter, so use a shampoo that safely biodegrades without leaving a residue if not completely removed.

Once you’ve rinsed off the shampoo, use a sweat scraper to quickly remove excess water on your horse’s coat. Preferably, opt for a rubber-edged scraper, as the rubber easily conforms to the contours of your horse’s body to remove water more effectively.

Rub his entire body down with thick towels to soak up additional moisture

residue that might have been left on longer hair. Toweling him dry will also elevate the individual hairs of his coat, which allows them to dry more quickly; plus, it increases blood circulation to help keep him warm.

Outfit your horse in a wool or fleece cooler to accelerate the final drying process. You can put dry towels on his body underneath the cooler or use an Irish knit cooler with the wool fleece over top. Key to preventing your horse from getting chilled, coolers are designed to wick moisture away from the skin and coat, while simultaneously keeping him warm and cozy.

If possible, hand-walk your horse in the sun or a heated arena until he’s completely dry. If this is not an option, allow him to fully dry in an enclosed area that’s protected from the elements.

BATHING STRATEGY #2

In an indoor wash area, fill a fivegallon bucket with warm to hot water. If

you don’t have a hot water tank in your barn, you might consider trying to bring hot water from home if you live nearby.

Use a large sponge and a minimal amount of shampoo to wash the most crucial areas of your horse. The spongeand-bucket method allows you to be more precise with your water and shampoo placement, especially when you’re concerned about your horse getting chilled in harsh winter temps.

If you need to wash his entire body, you might consider washing one side of your horse at a time, making sure to sweat scrape and towel his clean side before tackling the other. By washing small areas at a time or only areas that really need to be cleaned, you can limit the drop in your horse’s temperature.

Once you’ve completed the sponge bath, follow the same drying protocol outlined in Strategy #1 to ensure your horse is completely dry before turning him out or stalling him.

An indoor washrack is recommended.

A fully groomed horse completed with tack during the winter months.

If you have enclosed wash area, but only have access to cold water you might be able to at least wash his legs. This will limit the amount of his body that’s exposed to the cold water and allow you to more easily remove dirt or mud from his legs.

HOW TO DRY A HORSE AFTER A BATH

No matter which bathing strategy you opt for, ensuring your horse is completely dry before turning him out or stalling him is crucial to prevent him from getting chilled.

• In very cold temperatures, offer your horse extra hay while he’s drying to utilize the natural warming process of digestion.

• Once outfitted in a cooler, walk your horse in the warmest area you have access to—an indoor arena, up and down a barn aisle, or even outdoors if it’s sunny outside.

• If your horse has a super long winter coat, you can also use a heat lamp to promote faster drying or even a hair dryer, as long as the noise doesn’t startle him.

• After he’s dried a fair amount, you can put him in a clean, dry stall, but keep a careful eye on him until his coat is completely dry. To best gauge this, ruffle different areas of his coat with your hand; the hair closest to his skin should be dry to the touch.

• If you plan to turn your horse out after he’s dry, watch for any signs shivering. Do not put his winter blanket on until you are certain

his coat is completely dry. Blankets provide protection from rain, snow, and wind, but they do not vent moisture away from his coat.

THREE ALTERNATIVES TO BATHING

If you deem that it’s just not safe to give your horse a full bath, there are a number of effective non-bathing options to get him looking his best for that big winter show. Use your best judgment to determine which method would be the safest and most comfortable for him, based on access to warm water and what type of wash area you’ll be using.

Towel Treatment

Fully groom your horse with a rubber curry and body brush to remove any caked-on mud, dirt, manure, or shavings. Mix the waterless shampoo with the water in your bucket.

Dunk the medium-sized towels into the cleaning solution and thoroughly wring the towels out. (They should not be dripping.)

Use the wrung-out towels to scrub your horse’s coat, rubbing the hair as briskly as possible. You can apply the towels to his entire body one section at a time for an overall surface clean while keeping his skin mostly dry.

Once you finish an area, grab one of your large, dry towels; rub the towel in the direction of his coat for several strokes, and then rub against the direction of his coat to lift individual hairs and accelerate the drying process.

Pay extra attention to any areas that are particularly dirty to determine if they need a deeper cleaning. If necessary, rinse the towels in the cleaning solution and repeat the process.

Once you’ve completed his entire body, outfit him in a cooler until he is completely dry. Even though his skin shouldn’t be excessively wet with the towel treatment, he will still benefit from the cooler.

When your horse is dry, spray him with a coat conditioner to moisturize hair and help repel dust and shavings. Use a soft body brush to work the conditioner into his coat.

Once you’ve completed the entire process, outfit him in whatever weight blanket is appropriate for his living situation and the current temperature to keep him—and your hard work—as clean as possible until it’s show time.

Spot Cleaning

Utilize the same steps outlined in the towel method, using a large, coarse sponge. Be sure to wring the sponge out as much as possible to prevent his skin from getting overly wet. Only address areas that absolutely need to be cleaned if the temperature is below 50 F.

If your horse has a decent sweat after a workout, the sweaty areas will likely foam more as you rub them. In this case, you’ll need to frequently rinse the sponge, wring it out, and then continue scrubbing the area until foam and any shampoo residue has been removed.

Use a thick, dry towel over each area as you work to rub the hair in both

directions for faster drying, and then follow the cooler, conditioner spray, and blanketing protocol listed is the towel method to prevent him from getting chilled and to keep him show-day ready.

True Waterless Bath

If it’s just too cold to incorporate water into your cleaning regimen, a thorough grooming session may be enough.

Using a rubber curry comb, vigorously curry your horse’s coat in small, circular motions to loosen any dirt, caked-on mud, manure, and loose hair.

Brush away any debris with a stiff body brush. For sensitive area like his face and legs, use a soft body brush or a grooming towel. (A meticulous grooming session also provides the opportunity to check for any heat, swelling, bumps, or cuts on your horse’s legs, which can often be overlooked during the winter.)

Apply a generous amount of a waterless, spray-on shampoo to his coat and work it into individual hairs with a soft body brush. This will help remove any further dirt or dust, as well as stimulate his coat’s natural oil production for enhanced shine. Sprayon shampoos are excellent for cleaning urine, manure, or sweat stains, and they don’t require rinsing.

Spray him with a leave-in conditioner coat conditioner to moisturize hair and help repel dust and shavings. Use a soft body brush to work the conditioner into his coat.

The True Colors of Vaccine Performance

NEW RESEARCH COULD HELP BREED FOR LESS “SPOOKY” HORSES

WRITTEN BY FRANK BUCHMAN

In the wild, horses must be alert for predators that might attack them. This means that even domesticated horses are hardwired to be aware of danger and can scare easily.

Unfortunately, this so-called “startle response” or “spooking” is reflexive, and horses often cannot distinguish between the danger a panther might present versus a plastic bag floating by a riding arena.

Some horses react to these perceived threats by rearing, bolting, or bucking, which can create dangerous situations for owners and riders.

University of Florida researchers are working to identify genes that influence horses’ tendency to react to these “spooky” plastic bags.

Identifying these genetic traits would be a first step toward one day selecting or breeding horses for the temperament types preferred by most horse people. These research results might be a decade away.

Samantha Brooks, University of Florida professor of equine genetics, has run an experiment on several groups of young horses to better understand startle responses.

The horses wear wireless heart-rate monitors and are loose in a round pen. At set intervals, an umbrella is opened quickly within the animals’ line of sight.

Research analyzed the animals’ behavior and change in heart rate throughout and after the initial startle reaction.

“We can’t read their minds,” Brooks said. “Their heart rate tells us what is going on inside that we cannot see from reading their body language alone. It was interesting to see the stories their heart rates told us.”

Two clear groups of horses emerged from the data. The first group was startled by the umbrella opening, had a spike in heart rate, maintained a reactive or hyper-alert state including more time spent looking and moving away from the umbrella.

The second group startled much like the first group to the umbrella opening, but with a different outcome. The horses experienced a spike in heart rate

but then calmed quickly and carried on with their day.

These animals perceived the stimulus and found it startling but did not go through the behavioral patterns of avoidance, fear, etc. like the first group.

“Horses have adapted over thousands of years to live with people,” Brooks said. “Some of those changes include a reduction in startle response and are really helpful to better understand the horses we work with today.”

Now that two clear groups have emerged, the team will take this information and develop a study to differentiate the genetic components that make up how horses react to fear. Blood and hair samples were taken from each horse in the study for future analysis.

Researchers at the University of Florida are understanding how genetics weigh into behaviorial traits.

Knowing how genetics weigh into behavior can help horses and owners find their right fit. Perhaps the spooky horse is not the best option for a 10-year-old 4-H’er. But a spookier, highstrung horse might be a better fit for a high-energy “job” like show jumping.

“Understanding each horse’s genetic makeup can help to understand the type of horse wanted,” Brooks said.

“If we learn early on what this animal’s natural tendencies are most likely to be, we can make educated decisions on training and future careers to give the horse the best shot to grow into their potential, rather than becoming a problem or danger.”

Additionally, understanding a horse’s reaction to uncomfortable situations can make a difference in how they are handled for medical procedures, transported, and more.

“It’s important to know these traits because it can impact how we care for horses overall,” said Barclay Powell, graduate student, working on the project. “This will be hugely important to the veterinary field as well. It’s not only helpful for the people handling the animals, but also for the horses’ welfare.”

“It doesn’t matter if the horse is a racehorse, therapy animal, or pulling a carriage, an unplanned startle response is generally a problem,” Brooks said.

“We are just beginning to scratch the surface of this. It might take us 10 years or more to really have a clear understanding, but it is worth the effort.”

Building or remodeling your horse farm or facilities is a huge financial investment. I am often asked if doing XYZ will improve a property’s value, or will they get their money back when they sell. The answer depends on how long you plan to live there. If you plan to live there a long time, my advice is to do what makes you happy and enjoy it! If you plan to sell in the next five years, then you might think twice about higher priced improvements or amenities.

But there are several ways to improve the quality of your horse experience and make enhancements to your property for the short and long term! I have enhanced a 50+ stall facility and built two facilities of 12 stalls and six stalls. From my own barn ownership and what I have seen as a realtor, here are a few considerations that will also improve your resale.

Wider Aisles – Aisleways need to be at least 12’ and preferable up to 16’ wide. This allows for equipment, horses

DESIGNING OR REMODELING YOUR BARN?

Tips to enhance your barn and also improve resale

WRITTEN BY MAGGIE STONECIPHER

and people to move freely and reduces accidents from trying to squeeze through a narrow aisle. It also improves airflow and ventilation.

Overhangs – Adding overhangs above exterior door openings helps to keep the elements out of the barn, provides shade and keeps areas near the barn dry. They are wonderful off stalls with runs or paddock access.

Stall Size – For resale the minimum stall size most buyers want is 12x12. While you may have smaller horses or ponies, a buyer may not. I have seen properties eliminated from consideration due to stall size alone. Fewer large stalls are better than more small stalls.

Ventilation – The more ways to increase and improve ventilation the better. Your horse will thank you for adding windows and doors to capture the fresh air.

Storage area – You can never have too many dry, clean storage areas in

a barn! Creating space for tack, grain, hay, equipment, off season storage for blankets/fly sheets, etc. helps to keep a barn organized.

Electrical - Double what you think you need. We all worry about fire safety, and this is not an area to skimp when building or remodeling. Doubling the size of the breaker box and number of outlets ensures that you are not overloading when you run fans or other equipment.

Water – Place water sources as conveniently as possible to where you need it. Two spigots at each end of the barn is better than having to use a 100’ hose.

Access – Consider how much turnaround space you need for large vehicle for deliveries, trailers and visitors, then make it bigger! You want to have plenty of room for hay delivery, vets, farriers and to park your own trailers and equipment.

Offering for Your Consideration

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