NEW MEXICO HORSES
RIDES
TRAINING
PEOPLE
PLACES
New Mexico
COWBOY UP!
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017
7
BAD HABITS AND HOW TO UNDO THEM
&
RIDE WITH THE CATTLE OF THE CAJA DEL RIO A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A WAGON MOUND RANCH THE MAKING OF THE CALIFORNIO BRIDLE HORSE TRAINERS' RALLY FOR RESCUES HAPPY STORIES RIDE THE WHITE MOUNTAIN WILDERNESS HOW TEETH FLOATING HELPS THE WHOLE HORSE
FREE! / RANCH & TRADITIONS ISSUE / FIVE HISTORIC TRAIL RIDES / TRY THIS TRAIL!
Rōni “I’ve owned and ridden horses most of my life. I know what is important to horse owners. Let me help you find your dream horse property.” CRS, ABR, Broker Associate
Are you looking to buy or sell a horse property? For the best results, consult a horse property specialist. Call Rōni today!
505.259.9704
ENCHANTED HOMES REAL ESTATE 505.944.2490
Lush, Northern New Mexico Style Mini Ranch
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Your Home on the Range
$255,500
Picture-perfect adobe home on two lots totaling almost 2 acres in the Rio Grande Valley. 3-bedroom, 2-bath with office/sitting area loft. Two bedrooms and brick floors throughout main level. Upstairs are the third bedroom, sitting room and office. Peaceful, screened-in back porch. Views of the property and the Manzano Mountains. Fenced horse corral with plenty of room for three horses. Shed row barn with hay storage and enclosed tack room. Ample room to drive in your trailer to unload your horses and hay. Endless ride out from property to the Bosque. Both lots have irrigation rights, plus there are domestic and irrigation wells. Could use one lot to grow your own hay! Property is lush, with majestic shade trees. Offered at $412,000.
3108 sf home on 5.6 acres. Beautiful house has massive windows for Manzano Mountain viewing. Soaring ceilings and aspen-covered walls lend beauty to the great room. There is a separate guest suite with private entrance. Three stall barn with Priefert stalls and roomy, enclosed hay storage area. Separate grain/storage shed. Approx. 2.5 acres fenced for horses with access to thousands more acres to enjoy.
RANCH & TRADITIONS ISSUE
HISTORIC RIDES / CATTLE & HORSES / THE CALIFORNIO BRIDLE HORSE
FEATURES
15
24
15 Historic Rides
Five riding destinations that provide glimpses into New Mexico's past
18 Ride The Historic NAN Ranch
Nestled in the Mimbres Valley, this Spanish-style ranch offers remote trails and old-fashioned hospitality
20 Horses And Cattle On The Caja Del Rio
Ride with cowboys through classic New Mexico landscape
24 Wagon Mound Roundup
Experience a cattle roundup via up-close photos
28 The Making Of The Californio Bridle Horse This traditional and rare way of training produces a light-as-a-feather horse
32 7 Bad Habits You May Be Teaching Your Horse
Correcting these will make for a more pleasant mount
PLUS
37
31 Horse Services Directory
34 Time For A "Float"
37 Try This Trail: Skull Springs
36 The Happiest Endings
39 Vacation / Travel Directory
The more you understand what teeth floating does, the sooner you will schedule your horse's next float Stories from this year's Trainers Rally for Rescues event
38 August / September Events
Horse Around New Mexico is printed six times per year: Feb/Mar, Apr/May, Jun/Jul, Aug/Sep, Oct/Nov, & Dec/Jan. Submissions of articles and photos from all around NM are welcome! See our website or email/call for submission standards/deadlines: www.horsearoundnm.com, HorseNewMexico@gmail.com, 505-570-7377. Horse Around New MexicoŠ2017. All rights reserved. Horse Around New Mexico and Horsearoundnm.com are copyrighted, trademarked, and the sole property of Cecilia Kayano. Individual content copyright belongs to the author. All the opinions expressed herein are the sole opinions of the writer and do not necessarily reflect bias or belief on the part of the editor, publisher, distributors, printer, advertisers, or other contributors.
This issue features trails and information about the Valle Vidal and Fort Stanton, among others. If you are enticed to ride there, you might want to know a little about their back stories: Where did that water trough come from? Why is the grass the perfect length? Why is there very little erosion, despite cattle, elk and deer drinking from the creeks and ponds? Let's start with the Valle Vidal. Its back story involves a Santa Fe based nonprofit called the Quivira Coalition which brings cattlemen and conservationists together. Up until 1997, there was no such coalition and very little unity. In fact, there was a slogan floating around up at the Valle, "Cattle Free by 93." Trail riders should have been alerted by this effort to remove cattle from public lands because, as Valle Vidal Grazing Association President Mark Torres says, "When the cattle and ranchers are prohibited, who is next?" So it is in trail riders' best interest to recognize and support efforts of cattle ranchers on our public lands. Not only do they help preserve the tradition of cattle ranching and horseback riding on these lands, they also keep windmills, water troughs and corrals in good repair. Trail riders have places to water our mounts and enclosures to safely keep our horses while we have lunch or camp overnight. Ranchers in unison with conservation groups like the Quivira Coalition are invested in keeping water systems healthy, thus preventing erosion. Ranchers work with conservationists and the BLM and forest service to move cattle according to grazing plans that keep grasses at healthy lengths, avoiding erosion and lessening fire danger. It is also in our best interest to work with other user groups such as bicyclists and hikers. The La Tierra multi-use trail system (featured in the June/July 2017 issue) now has improved parking areas and trails because cyclists, hikers, and horseback riders have worked side-by-side, moving gravel and railroad ties, and building trails that are safer for all. If you ride at Fort Stanton, know that several groups and many volunteers are the reason the camping and trail riding is so pleasant. Beginning in 2002, the American Endurance Association Conference (AERC) provided funding and volunteers and the BLM provided staff to lengthen the trail system from 7 miles to 93 miles. They put in a horse-friendly campsite with electricity, restrooms and an RV dump. Trail riders can support the efforts of ranchers, conservationists, bicyclists, the BLM, forest service, and groups like the AERC, in a number of ways. Find out about and join work parties. Julia Belt, Vice President of the Santa Fe Horse Coalition, says bicyclists and hikers outnumber trail riders at trail improvement days. "Just show up to build trails. The bikers have the equipment, they just want our bodies to help. You will be done in a matter of hours, and take away a great feeling of unity." Mark Torres says trail riders can help out by supporting the efforts of the Quivira Coalition. We can also be mindful of gates (leave them as you found them), cattle (go quietly around them), and gathering operations (don't park near corrals nor use corrals during cattle gathers.) Trail riders can further help out by not riding when the trails are muddy, thus not causing damage, removing our horses' manure from parking lots, and tipping our hats when we come across hikers, bikers and cattlemen.
Cecilia Kayano
4
Mark Torres, President of the Valle Vidal Grazing Association, on a cattle gather in the Valle Vidal.
New Mexico Editor/Publisher CECILIA KAYANO Associate Editor PEGGY CONGER Facebook/Events SUSIE SPICER Manager Contributing Writers NANCY AMBROSIANO & Photographers STACIE G. BOSWELL JACKIE GARCIA THOMAS GARCIA RĹŒNI MERBLER DEIRDRE C. MONROE NAOMI SAIZ Staff Writers & EVALYN BEMIS Photographers Graphic Design/Layout MARIE ANTHONY Advertising & Sales FREE Events Listing
HORSENEWMEXICO@GMAIL.COM EVENTSHORSEAROUND@GMAIL.COM
Subscriptions $30/YR MAIL CHECK TO:
HANM * PO BOX 367* PECOS * NM 87552 OR PURCHASE ONLINE AT:
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Next Issue: Health & Wellness Well-written, informative articles and high-resolution photos are welcome. Submissions will be considered and are subject to editing. The next issue, the Health & Wellness Issue, will appear at New Mexico outlets on October 1, 2017. The deadline for submissions is August 20, 2017. The deadline for ads is September 5, 2017. For information contact Cecilia Kayano, HANM Editor, 505-570-7377, HorseNewMexico@gmail.com, www.horsearoundnm.com
Need more trail riding details, horsey events and equine inspiration? Check out our expanded Facebook page. Make sure to like us! COVER: Jeannie Morrow moves cattle in the Valle Vidal. Jeannie is one of many helpers who come out for the cattle gathers that take place in the Valle in the summer and fall. Photo by Cecilia Kayano.
YOUR HORSE IS READY TO GO! IS YOUR TRUCK READY TO GO?
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keep them healthy keep them happy Western Trails Veterinary Hospital is the best choice for excellent horse, cattle and pet care in the East Mountains. CALL NOW TO SCHEDULE FALL VACCINATIONS:
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HORSE AROUND | Aug/Sep 2017 | www.horsearoundnm.com
U-Trail's Pecos Wilderness Pack Trips
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“
I am an avid horsewoman. Jennifer’s massage technique makes it easier for me to ride. My horse appreciates the changes in my body as much as I do! -- Nancy Freshour, Equestrian
Medicine Massage, Jennifer Black
LMT #7103 Albuquerque, NM Call Jennifer Black to schedule a massage. Jennifer owns two horses, rides regularly, and specializes in massage for equestrians.
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Open Mon-Sat 9-6 • Sun 11-4 www.horsearoundnm.com | Aug/Sep 2017 | HORSE AROUND
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Custom Saddles by County of England
Custom Saddles by McCall
Four Corners Equine Rescue “Rescuing horses from perilous situations.”
Four Corners Equine Rescue, located in Aztec, NM, has been giving horses second chances for over 12 years. Please come visit us to see our herd of adoptable horses. Check out our website to find out how you can make life better for horses by adopting, volunteering, sponsoring, or making a tax-deductible donation.
www.FourCornersEquineRescue.org
505-334-7220
8
HORSE AROUND | Aug/Sep 2017 | www.horsearoundnm.com
VETERINARY SUPPLY Paul’s
You’ll Be Ready Because You Went To
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ARE YOU READY FOR THE FALL -CATTLE SHIPPING AND SHOWING? We have grooming and tack to make you shine at the state and county fairs and cattle vaccines for shipping! Krissy and Hunter have plenty of suggestions for horse and cattle care!
Be ready for fall cattle shipping! 2 Stores in New Mexico!
Paul’s Veterinary Supply is known for our friendly, knowledgeable customer service! Have a horse care question? Stop by and ask!
3825 Osuna NE, Albuquerque
505-341-9401
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HAL BURNS
Hal Burns is the premier truck, RV and trailer specialist in Santa Fe and Northern New Mexico. • Diesel and gas engines
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www.horsearoundnm.com | Aug/Sep 2017 | HORSE AROUND
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Annette Wood
Buying or selling horse property? Let Annette Wood, a horse owner and avid trail rider, help you.
575-808-9000 “I am a buyer and seller’s realtor.”
ASSOCIATE BROKER
annettewood54@gmail.com
www.joinreal.com/annette/wood
Real Broker, LLC
855-450-0442
Rio Ruidoso horse property on 38 acres for your western lifestyle. Beautiful custom 3-bedroom 2-bath home with hickory cabinets, granite, hand-hewn floors, top of the line appliances, fireplace, surround sound & beautiful wood accent beams. Property includes a remodeled guest house with 1 bedroom and 2 baths, 63x28 metal shop, 52x52 barn and 140x300 roping arena. Numerous pens with loafing sheds, traps & pastures. Two wells and 4 RV hook-ups. $985,000
Beautiful custom 3-bedroom, 2-bath home on over 4 1/2 acres is the perfect mini ranch, with views of White Sands National Monument and the Organ Mountains. Sunsets galore and plenty of room to entertain off the spacious deck overlooking the ranch and the gorgeous LaBorcita canyon. This property is pristine and the home is turn-key ready. Nice horse facilities includes a horse barn, turnouts, storage sheds and an indoor swimming pool! Off the home is a very nice, grassy, fully-fenced back yard for your smaller pets. $399,000
l San Pedro Parks Wilderness Women’s Trail Ride & Horse Camp: August 18, 19, 20
l Bring your best horse friend or
family member. Ride your own horse, or we will supply a calm, trail-worthy mount.
l We set up your camp, furnish
the kitchen, and provide you with comfy, secure tents to sleep in.
l You supply your own food,
beverages, sleeping bags, cots.
l We bring feed for your horses, and set up secure highlines.
guide you six miles into l We the wilderness and pick you up to lead you out.
is six people. Reserve l Limit today! Contact us for cost, special requests and more information.
10 HORSE AROUND | Aug/Sep 2017 | www.horsearoundnm.com
A
Pet cremation keeps them close to the heart ...so the memories never fade. When your beloved horse or pet dies, it is a traumatic time. Let Albuquerque Pet Memorial Service be there for you and your pet. We are the only family owned and operated animal cremation service in New Mexico. We are animal lovers, and promise to treat your pet with the dignity and respect it deserves. THIS MEANS:
We empathize
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We are respectful We understand
your need to keep your pet’s remains close by, or scatter them at a meaningful place. We offer a wide selection of urns, and can engrave them with words of comfort. Albuquerque Pet Memorial Service is owned by Kelly and Dave Gifford. Pictured here is Kelly with the couple’s Iceland Horse Ani and pet Sophie.
ALBUQUERQUE PET MEMORIAL SERVICE 132 Mountain Park Place NW Suite A, Albuquerque, New Mexico
fall retreats n
PHONE:
505-550-4793 / PAGER: 505-790-5596 www.AlbuquerquePetMemorial.com
@ the starrynight ranch
Pottery and Horses, Sept. 9-10:
Create beautiful pottery, learn how to connect with your horse, and experience the stunning, remote trails on the Llaves badlands.
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Beyond Massage, Sept. 23-24:
Learn the Masterson Method® of horse massage. Learn how to use light touch to help your horse release tension.
Call to Reserve: 575-638-5661 505-554-0577, www.starrynightranch.com www.horsearoundnm.com | Aug/Sep 2017 | HORSE AROUND
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LIFE AND VITALITY, LLC MASSAGE FOR HORSE AND RIDER
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505-688-2605 Danielle Sears 0843_Morton_112.qxp_Layout 1 3/2/17 9:37 AM Page 1
505- 903-0722
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7621 Canyon Dr. • Amarillo, TX J. Craig Shanks – 806-922-4449 Sean Orr – 806-220-3721
To learn more and to get started on your project, contact Morton Buildings today. ©2017 Morton Buildings, Inc. A listing of GC licenses available at mortonbuildings.com/licenses. NM License #016516 Reference Code 043
12 HORSE AROUND | Aug/Sep 2017 | www.horsearoundnm.com
mortonbuildings.com
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4 Winds Equestrian Center 9031 Hwy 337 Estancia, NM 87016 9 505-384-1831 4windsec@qwestoffice.net www.4windsequestriancenter.com w
DESENSITIZE YOUR HORSE TO BICYCLES MONDAY, AUGUST 21, 6 PM Northern New Mexico Horsemen’s Association Grounds 3233 Rodeo Road, Santa Fe
Does your horse panic or worry when you meet a bike on the trail? Here’s your chance to accustom your horse to bikes in a safe setting! TO SIGN UP, CONTACT: Joyce Davis, carlotta_burra101@icloud.com
1359668-01
www.horsearoundnm.com | Aug/Sep 2017 | HORSE AROUND
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LISTENING WITH MY EYES
nding l communication a horse.
.D., Santa Fe, New Mexico
heimerʼs A to Z, Secrets to Successful erʼs A to Z, A Quick Reference Guide; tivity Project; and Relationships and eimerʼs and Dementia, a Handbook Photo by Jytte Lokvig
PATRICIA J. CONOWAY
has created a breakthrough givers connect with their g from Alzheimer’s disease ntias. She takes us on her mother Kay who’s in the eimer’s, dependent on others needs, and no longer able erbally, when her horse, ricia’s life. Dream had been a previous owner, and d have given up, Patricia heal her. In this book, her dual struggles with her cline and persistent issues while she’s going through learning her horse’s body ally Dream teaches Patricia “watching and listenes, which she translates to rsations” with her mother. orward account of her own nd eventual success should eading for anyone who o a person who has lost ation.
HORSE PROPERTY FOR SALE $239,900
3 bedroom, 2 bath on 1 plus acres 20 minutes from Santa Fe. Home has fireplace, Saltillo tile, carpet and deck. The land has large corrals, custom pipe, 5 covered stalls with runs, large turn out/arena, large hay storage, insulated tack room.
Call 505-350-8333 or email: wendyw@loaltucker.com
16 IST 20 A FINAL O–ARIZON IC X S ME D R W A E W N A BOOK
Listening With My Eyes
SHARE THE TRAILS EVENT SEPTEMBER 23
An abused horse. A mother with Alzheimer’s. The journey to help them both.
Hosted by Santa Fe Horse Coalition and Fat Tire Society
9:45 Horses and bikes will leave the Frijoles Trail Head in the La Tierra Trails multi-use area west of Santa Fe Noon: Barbecue lunch and unity
A true story by
Patricia J. Conoway
PATRICIA J. CONOWAY
Contact: Julia Belt, KEYNOTE SPEAKER juliabelt@gmail.com NEW MEXICO CONFERENCE ON AGING ISLETA RESORT AND CASINO LOAL TUCKER HORSEMANSHIP All horseback riders and AUGUST 16, 2017 • 9:45 am bicyclists are welcome!
Audio version Available.
HORSE BOARDING LAMY, NM
BOARDING Located in Lamy, Main Barn $550.00 15 minutes from Santa Fe Outdoor 5 Stall Barn $500.00
Pasture Board $425.00 Large facility just minutes from Eldorado and the Galisteo
Basin Preserve. Beautiful rural, quiet setting. Safe and Whether you board in the main barn or outdoor barn, you have access to the large secure for horses and owners. Facilities include: indoor arena and outdoor riding arena, round pen, indoor hot/cold wash rack, large individual locking tack lockers, ample horse trailer parking and boarder's Colorado grass hay Indoor arena lounge with restroom. The property is on 40 acres and has trail riding on property. On and off property trails Outdoor arena We feed top quality Colorado grass hay or a mix hay and 3 feedings per day. Our Indoor wash rack Round pen main barn has automatic Nelson waterers and our 5 stall has fresh water troughs. Tack lockers Stalls inside barn Our stalls & runs are cleaned daily. Only 5 minutes away from the Galisteo Basin. Large runs Boarders’ lounge Call 505-466-3961 or e-mail loal@loaltucker.com Ample trailer parking Daily pen cleaning CALL US TODAY FOR A TOUR!
505-466-3961
LOAL@LOALTUCKER.COM 14 HORSE AROUND | Aug/Sep 2017 | www.horsearoundnm.com
HISTORIC RIDES One of the most delightful things about horseback riding in New Mexico is coming upon an unexpected ruin, sun-drenched ranch house, or elaborate, centuries-old church. Here are some easy-to-getto historic places. Ride your favorite horse, don some chaps, put on a sweat-stained hat, and you will feel like you are riding in “back in the day.”
Julie Phillips pauses her mount, a draft cross, in front of Saint Joseph's Church in the turquoise mining town of Cerrillos.
ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY CECILIA KAYANO
www.horsearoundnm.com | Aug/Sep 2017 | HORSE AROUND
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PHOTO TOP: Daniel Torres moves cattle behind the historic Ring Ranch in the Valle Vidal. BELOW: Gil John Tafoya talks with a caretaker/ teacher dressed in historical clothing at the Rich Cabins, a 10-mile ride from Cimarron Campground in the Valle Vidal.
Valle Vidal’s Ring Ranch and Rich Cabins
The Valle Vidal (Valley of Life) is located north of Taos near the Colorado border, and is one of the premier horseback riding destinations in New Mexico. It is public land despite having been a privately-owned hunting and fishing preserve for the wealthy, then being threatened for coal-bed methane production by its former owner, the Penzoil Company. This pristine area dodged the development bullet by thankfully being donated to the public by Penzoil, making it a part of the Carson National Forest. You don’t have to ride far to be in awe of the land's natural beauty. Coming upon an ages-old structure adds to the delight.
There are two places to horse camp in the Valle: Cimmaron and McCrystal Springs. Both have corrals, water, pit toilets and campground hosts. If you camp at McCrystal, ride south across FR 1950 and you will quickly come upon the Ring Ranch with its many cabins, outbuildings and corrals. The main attraction is a 2-story, multiple room cabin once owned by Timothy Ring who came to the US from Ireland just before the Civil War. He bought the 320acre ranch in 1890 for $960. With his wife Catherine Byrnes, he raised seven daughters. Timothy died in 1902, and Catherine sold the ranch in 1906 but the property remained a working cattle ranch. Now, the ranch is a staging area for the cattle gathers of about a dozen permittees who move cattle from the east to west part of the Valle every summer.
Camping at Cimarron Campground will set you up to ride a rather long but lovely trail to Rich Cabins. These structures are used by the Philmont Boy Scout 16 HORSE AROUND | Aug/Sep 2017 | www.horsearoundnm.com
Ranch for “living history” learning: Staff dressed in late 1800s garb maintain a vegetable garden and tend to livestock. The cabins were built around 1893 and were home to four Australian ranchers until 1916. The trail to get there starts east of the Cimarron Campground, and south of Shuree Ponds. It follows Ponil Creek as it winds through a verdant, narrow valley for 10.4 miles until it comes upon the cabins (near FR 204). Staff are friendly and, dressed in gingham dresses with aprons, will make you wonder if the trail along Ponil Creek is actually a portal to New Mexico’s past.
Mining Towns of Cerrillos and Madrid
To enjoy riding through the historic towns of Cerrillos and Madrid located along the Turquoise Trail, you need two things: A rock-steady mount and the absence of a watch. Truly, time slows down in the mining towns founded in the 1800s. Minerals were mined in Cerrillos as early as 900 AD. In 1880 Cerrillos was a thriving center of some 2,000 territorial mines which produced gold, copper, silver and turquoise. In its heyday, Cerrillos boasted 26 saloons (most housed in small canvas tents and serving a selection of warm whiskey or warm whiskey), a 2-story masonry hotel called The Palace, the Cerrillos House Hotel with 18 rooms, an opera house and numerous mercantiles. Highlight locations for photos are St.
Joseph’s Catholic Church, built in the 1880s and Mary’s Bar with its colorful customers and a porch full of camerasnapping tourists. To take a fun and history-filled ride, park on the north side of the Cerrillos Hills State Park Visitor’s Center. You will be next to the railroad tracks, which are frequented by several trains a day. Keep an eye on your horse when you hear a train coming and dismount or ride accordingly to see how your horse reacts to the commotion. If you ride due west, you will pass the opera house on the left. Head south, and visit the Mining Museum and Petting Zoo, then do a counter-clockwise loop to ride in front of St. Joseph’s Church, the Hanging Tree (from the movie Young Guns) and back to Mary’s Bar. Try out the new sandwich/ beer lunch stop,the Black Bird Saloon, and check out the art and antiques at the new Cerrillos Station. Now load up and go to the big town of Madrid! Drive about three miles south of Cerrillos, and park at the pull out or ball field parking lot on the west side of Highway 14. There may be a lot of traffic in this tourist town, but everyone drives slowly, so if your horse is used to vehicles, it will most likely have no issue with endless streams of cars and tourists going in and out of artsy shops. Ride south to the Mine Shaft Tavern where there is a hitching post out front. Make sure your horse is used to the sounds of revving Harleys. As you wave at the tourists, take a glance around at what once was the center of the oldest coal mining region in New Mexico. Primitive mining started here in the 1850s. The miners needed housing, so wood-framed cabins in Kansas were dismantled and reassembled in the town, many of which now house art galleries and souvenir shops. If you have lived in New Mexico for any length of time, you are aware that Madrid had a rebirth with the making of the motorcycle movie Wild Hogs. It’s fun to ride your calm and cool mount down the main street of this colorful town, and show tourists what real horse power is all about.
Fort Stanton
A report on historic riding destinations would not be complete without a mention
Kelly Gifford rides her calm, traffic-worthy Icelandic by the Old Boarding House Mercantile in the coal-mining-turned-tourist-town of Madrid. south of highway 380.There are nice of Fort Stanton near Ruidoso. Some camping spots, covered picnic areas, riders stay at the horse campground and electricity, water, toilets and a camp host. ride the well-watered trails located to the There are no corrals but highlining to north of the Fort. But your ride would juniper shrubs is possible if you are not be complete without continuing on to creative and determined. The trails are the grounds next to the Fort, then riding well marked and include frequent water through the center of the Fort. troughs. The Fort was established in 1855 and Cecilia Kayano is editor of Horse Around New used as a military station through 1896. Mexico, HorseNewMexico@gmail.com It housed the first tuberculosis hospital You can ride your horse into the heart of Fort in the state and was an internment camp Stanton and pass the Amusement Building, for German seaman during World War circa 1920. II. Many of these buildings still stand along with about 50 others built along the Rio Bonito. An annual summer event called Fort Stanton Live features people dressed in Civil War garb putting on demonstrations of how things were done in the 1800s, including how horses were tacked up and ridden during this time period.
n
Now there are about 100 miles of trails around and through the Fort, which are managed by the BLM. Camp at the equestrian trail head campground, just www.horsearoundnm.com | Aug/Sep 2017 | HORSE AROUND
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The NAN
Ranch
T
RIDE THIS HISTORIC, PEACEFUL MIMBRES VALLEY RANCH ō BY R NI MERBLER
The entrance sign off the Faywood Highway reads “El Rancho NAN.” We trailered our horses just a short and shallow way over the Mimbres River, and then slowly drove up the shaded tamarack-lined lane. What we encountered at the end of that lane was a 45,000-acre ranch that offered endless opportunities to ride, luxurious accommodations including a pool, a courtyard, and a 14-building compound -along with an intriguing history, over 100 years that encompass a beautiful escaped Mexican slave, Apache raids, ancient pottery and one indulgent husband anxious to keep his young wife happy in rural New Mexico. NAN Ranch is on the National Register of Historic Places. The present owners of NAN Ranch are Betty and John Lang, as well as Betty’s cousins. Betty and John were quick to welcome us and let us know that mi rancho es su rancho and that we could ride wherever we wanted on ranch land, which teemed with livestock and wildlife. On one ride, we spotted a squadron of javalinas and huge flocks of wild turkeys. Visiting for just a few days
only whet my whistle and enticed me to delve further into the rich history of the ranch. Why, for example, does this remote place have gorgeous California hacienda architecture and luxuries that suggest all the glamour of the 1940s movie star ranchero lifestyle? Really, right here in southwestern New Mexico! I had to know more! Here’s the story: The ranch got its start in the 1800s when John Brochman and his beautiful wife Dona Eusebia, an escaped Mexican slave, moved onto 6000 acres in the Mimbres River Valley that would become the NAN Ranch. Both of the Brochmans were intelligent and enterprising people, and were known for their lively entertaining. Their ranch provided something of a sanctuary in the Mimbres Valley: Geronimo’s nephew Nana (Na-nay) led raiding parties in the area in the 1870s, and set a great ambush against the citizens of Hillsboro and Lake Valley. The defeated neighbors found shelter on the NAN. Those Apaches’ ancestors of course were the first residents of the Mimbres Valley.
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The ancient Apache called themselves the Chihene, the Red Paint People, and were also known as the Warm Springs, Coppermine, Mogollon and Mimbres Apache. They camped along the rivers and creeks, and traded in the Mimbres Valley. In fact, NAN Ranch was the site of a 20-year-long Mimbres pottery excavation led by the University of El Paso. The excavated pottery is housed at the Western NM University Museum in Silver City and is the world’s largest compilation of Mimbres pottery and artifacts. The ranch was sold around 1896 and saw several new owners over time. In the 1920s, JT McElroy, a wealthy oil man from West Texas purchased the property. In West Texas, McElroy had befriended a local family and offered financial assistance if they would allow their young daughter Mamie to marry him. He provided a European education for his soon-to-be wife and honored his agreement to care for her family. After their marriage, the McElroys moved to the NAN. The remote ranch life was difficult for Mamie, being far removed from her family and friends so McElroy
indulged his bride with any extravagance she wished. (You can still see the primate house that enclosed her pet on the ranch today!) The McElroys hired architect Guy Frazier to design their main ranch house with gracious living in mind. The style is technically called Spanish colonial revival, something you may see tucked in the rolling hills of California, but rarely in New Mexico. Headquarters at the ranch now consist of about five acres of manicured grounds on the east bank of the Mimbres River. There are 13 outbuildings (the main house can sleep over 20 people) with a luxurious pool and hot tub area and pampered imported Italian Cypress trees. In back of the pool area is the bunk house where we stayed. After riding during the day, we soaked in the hot tub. Then we went back to the bunk house and read Louis L’Amour books that the owners have placed in the rooms. We drifted off to sleep with visions of the Old West guiding our dreams. The ranch is located 35 miles north of Deming and 50 miles south of Silver
City. Take highway 61 at Faywood. Go Past the City of Rocks State Park. Up the road toward the NAN from the City of Rocks is Faywood Hot Springs. There are several large hot spring tubs with privacy walls nestled close to one another with walk-ways leading from the main building entrance and gift shop. Both the City of Rock State Park and Faywood Hot Springs are less than 15 minutes from the NAN. The ranch also caters to hunters and offers hunting tags for elk, deer, turkey etc. All accommodations have full kitchens; You will do your own cooking. There are corrals for horses or you can bring panels or highline in a field by the Mimbres River. Riding is varied, including dirt roads that follow the Mimbres River and its majestic, turkeyfilled cottonwoods, paths to petroglyphs, and a seven-mile road ride to a cabin on a border of the Gila National Forest. Visit NanRanch.com. Rōni Merbler is a real estate broker who enjoys trail riding and horse camping with her two gaited horses, Halley Cat and Smooth. She has incorporated her knowledge of horses and real estate into her long-time residential real estate practice. Contact Rōni at 505-259-9704.
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PHOTOS FROM LEFT: John and Betty Lang pose with their rescued dogs. Even though the accommodations are gorgeous, Betty says the land and wildlife are what make this place special. On the ranch's brochure is a quote from Betty, "In our century, what we need most from the land is its embrace." She goes on to say, "It feels like this valley has shoulders and arms." Her hope is that people will come here and, despite the plush accommodations, spend most of their time on walks or horseback rides. "We think of the ranch as an anti-resort. We want people who love the outdoors to come here." Author Rōni Merbler, her Kentucky Mountain mare Halley Cat, and Laurie Boultinghouse stand in front of the main buildings of the ranch. These were built in the Spanish colonial revival style. Inside, they are bedecked with custom-made furniture, window dressings, and charming knickknacks. Betty and John will give you a tour, but try not to be overwhelmed as you take in the magnificent period furnishings and imagine families living and ranching here. Laurie saddles up Diamonte, her Andalusian gelding, next to a large ranch barn. The corrals were built for cattle and have self-replenishing water troughs. Riding is either cross-country, or along remote dirt roads.
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ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY PAM MACARTHUR
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The Caja Del Rio Cattle, cowboys, volcanic cones and cliffs make this riding destination a New Mexico classic. ARTICLE BY DEIRDRE C. MONROE, PHOTOS BY NANCY AMBROSIANO The gray mare Sidney, who usually does fox hunting and dressage, looks on as a cattleman plans for the doctoring and branding of the young calves. Ranchers and helpers (some from the Caza Ladron Hunt Club) gathered and moved the herd a few miles through Caja grazing land to the main corral. This calm procedure helped the new horses get accustomed to cattle, and practice their slow trail walk.
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here’s a place, rich with geological diversity and ranching history, and easily accessed from Santa Fe, that is one of my favorite horseback riding destinations. It is the 67,000-acre Caja del Rio plateau. The Caja is a volcanic field and has about 60 cinder cones and basalt outflows. Several of the cones rise up to 800 feet above the plateau. Almost the entire perimeter of the plateau is ringed by cliffs. On the northwestern edge of the plateau is White Rock Canyon, through which the Rio Grande flows. The more you know about this land and its history, the more you will appreciate it as you meander through its classic New Mexico landscape.
A history of grazing Grazing in the Caja started in about the middle 1600s when Santa Fe was being settled. In the mid 1700s the Caja del Rio land grant was given to Captain Nicolas Ortiz, who continued ranching. When the US government purchased the land, it continued to manage it as a community grazing allotment, permitting about a dozen cattlemen to graze a few hundred cowcalf pairs and bulls on ten pastures. Because of its ranching history, the Caja allotment includes numerous earth tanks, several wells and about 14 drinking troughs. These “watering holes” benefit not only the cattle and ranchers, but also the horseback riders. You don’t have to ride far to find cool water for your mount. 21 www.horsearoundnm.com | Aug/Sep 2017 | HORSE AROUND
Amy Engle on her mare Sidney (foreground) and a rancher work together.
The trails There’s a wide network of dirt roads, trails and cross-country paths crisscrossing the Caja. These are multiuse, open to hiking, biking and horseback riding. At the Headquarters Well trail head there is a vaulted toilet, map kiosk and metal gates to access the trails. New trails are being constructed, including the El Camino trail, which will extend the existing Caja trail to Diablo Canyon. There is even talk of connecting the Caja trail system to the Rio Grande trail system. Of course, you can always travel cross country. Just bring a GPS, compass and map.
Marty Sanchez Golf Course on Caja del Rio Road. There is also access from Old Buckman Road to the Dead Dog trail, to parking at Diablo Canyon and to trails at the Rio Grande. Before you go, get a Caja del Rio trails map from the Feed Bin or Rob and Charlie’s Bike Shop in Santa Fe. It provides detailed trail information including stock water tank locations.
A regional trail network
Years ago, the Caja was a little-known area, prone to the misuses of vandalism Good gravel roads leading to the trail and illegal dumping. Good news: Over the heads provide safe access for horse past ten years, money has been allocated trailers. The Caja’s southern trails—with to turn this area into a cornerstone for great winter riding—are accessed just a northern New Mexico trail network. south of the HIPICO equestrian center In 2007, a grant totaling $100,000 was via County Road 56C. You can even park awarded by the New Mexico State Parks and ride directly onto the BLM lands of through the Recreational Trails Program. the Caja from HIPCO. This grant was used by the USFS to build a trail head at Headquarters Well that For the northern trails, access is via now includes an all-season gravel road, a County Road 62, which is just past the convenient vaulted toilet, a shade ramada, map kiosk and metal gates. 22 HORSE AROUND | Aug/Sep 2017 | www.horsearoundnm.com
In 2016, the National Park Service began first steps to construct the El Camino Real Trail de Tierra Adentro National Historical Trail along the Caja’s eastern escarpment. The new El Camino trail is on a fast track for completion: It has already been flagged on the ground and will soon extend the Caja trail network from the Headquarters Well to Diablo Canyon. What’s next? Perhaps the Caja will become part of New Mexico’s Rio Grande trail system—it’s already been proposed to the New Mexico Environment Department’s Rio Grande Trail Commission. Whatever the future holds, the Caja has grown from a forgotten gem of nature scarred by misuse, to one that beckons horseback riders, hikers and bicyclists. It is a place that cattlemen and horse enthusiasts may ride side-by side to enjoy the beauty of Northern New Mexico geography along with interesting history.
Ranchers and helpers move a group of cows and calves slowly toward a central corral for branding and doctoring.
Cattle ranchers and horseback riders: A match made in tradition When you ride the Caja, you will most likely meet the curious gaze of cattle, and if you are lucky, see cowboys checking on their cow/calves, or gently pushing them to better graze. These cowboys are members of the Caja del Rio la Majada Grazing Association. Cattle ranchers are common on New Mexico public lands. Ranchers come from different areas, bringing a limited number of cattle to the public lands to graze, usually in the early summer, either removing them in the fall, or wintering them there. They maintain fences and watering stations. They are invested in taking care of the land, preventing overgrazing, hindering destruction of creeks/ponds, and keeping springs, creeks and rivers healthy. Cattle ranchers and horseback riders not only are able to get along, but we help each other. Because of ranching and ranchers, there are stock tanks which make riding 10-20 miles possible. The relationship has additional mutual benefits. Horseback riders periodically help move cattle and may even alert the association to the location of errant cows and empty water tanks. Recreational users provide a presence that helps keep out destructive individuals, a priority for all users. Ultimately, the real mutual benefit is that together we form a larger group of people, a more powerful advocate group, one that is personally invested in preserving the Caja, its rich history and unique landscape.
Get to know the Caja: Join this fun endurance ride
The thirteenth annual Caja del Rio Endurance Ride is Saturday and Sunday, September 30 – October 1, 2017. Each day the ride will have a 7-10 mile fun (introductory) ride, a 25-30-mile limited distance competition, and a 50-55 mile endurance ride. Base camp will be at the Headquarters Well trail head. Water will be provided for horses at base camp and on the trail every 5-7 miles. New endurance riders are encouraged to participate. Fun (introductory) riders are encouraged to come out and ride marked trails at their own speed. Contact the Caja del Rio endurance ride manager, Maryanne Reynolds, 240-394-0643, trotmoretika@gmail.com for more information.
Deirdre Monroe lives in the Santa Fe area, is a distance rider and fan of the Caja del Rio. She is the AERC New Mexico State Trails Advocate.
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RANCH LIFE UP CLOSE Wagon Mound ranchers cross Carizzo Creek on their way to find and move cattle for doctoring and branding.
WAGON MOUND ROUNDUP ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY EVALYN BEMIS
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I was invited to the Wagon Mound Ranch originally to view land-restoration techniques using fire, invasive plant removal, and protection of riparian areas. As I got to know the ranch owners, I appreciated their care for the land, its history, and for preserving ranching traditions while integrating conservation easements and wildlife protection. The ranch was originally owned by current owner Greg Moore’s father, who ran over 3000 head back in the day. Now, with conservation easements placed on the whole ranch, Greg manages it sustainabily to benefit a small herd of 300 cows and their calves. There are abundant elk, antelope, turkey and quail, along with beaver, coyote and even prairie dogs. When I was invited to my first branding, I hesitated to go, knowing it might be difficult to watch the stress and pain of the animals. In the end I decided that it would be good to know how a conscientious rancher could do this necessary aspect of ranch work. (Note: New Mexico state law requires that calves are branded.) A small crew consisting of the owner, three young but experienced boys, and two very experienced “old hands” managed to bring in the cows and calves, separate them, one by one vaccinate, brand, tag, and castrate the calves, and put them back with their moms with a minimum of fuss and handling. I think they did over 300 calves in two days. My thanks to Greg and Kyle Moore for being such gracious hosts and letting me explore their ranch over the course of a year. BY PEGGY CONGER
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Conserving tradition, land and wildlife
Wagon Mound Ranch encompasses 23,000 acres in Mora County, east of the town of Wagon Mound. It includes a broad valley of the Canadian River. Carrizo Creek runs through the ranch hosting cottonwood and willow. Other areas of the ranch have grama grassland, and mesa tops of ponderosa. The owners of the ranch worked with the New Mexico Land Conservancy and the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service to take steps to place conservation easements over much of the acreage. By doing this, the Wagon Mound Ranch remains a wildlife migration corridor and can sustain grazing operations.
Evalyn Bemis is a professional photographer and lifelong equestrian. See her photos by searching Evalyn Bemis Photography.
PHOTO TOP: Sharing some words of wisdom during the gather. PHOTO BOTTOM: Bringing in the mommas and babies at a stress-free walk. 26 HORSE AROUND | Aug/Sep 2017 | www.horsearoundnm.com
PHOTO TOP: Holding the as-yet unbranded calves. PHOTO BOTTOM: Greg Moore applies the hot branding iron to a calf after she has been vaccinated and tagged. www.horsearoundnm.com | Aug/Sep 2017 | HORSE AROUND
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JAQUIMA TO FRENO
HACKAMORE TO BRIDLE
IT'S THE GENTLE ART OF MAKING THE CALIFORNIO BRIDLE HORSE BY THOMAS GARCIA
"J
aquima to freno, he’s an old Vaquero, from another time, hands as fine as the dealers of Reno." This line from singer/ songwriter Ian Tyson couldn’t be more true. It is said that when the cowboys of Texas met up with the vaqueros of California, they were in awe of the hair-triggered Californio bridle horses who spun, slid and worked a cow with the slightest signal from the rider while carrying
ornate silver spade bits guided by rawhide reins with iron chains and attached romal. It is also said that, “The hands that handle the spade must be as fine and soft as the dealers of Reno.” But what exactly is a bridle horse, and how is one made? The term bridle horse does not mean just a horse that is ridden in a ported curb bit, but one that has been nurtured and taken through the steps and stages in the traditional Californio style
of horsemanship: One that, when straight up in the bridle, understands the featherlight cues or signals that tell him what is expected of him.
Origins and tools of training
The tradition and equipment used to train the Californio style bridle horse came from the Moors of North Africa to Spain, then to Mexico, and in the late 1700s to
The tools used in the training of the bridle horse include the snaffle, the various bosals (jaquimas), and the bridleheadstall, bit and reins. A bosal is the rawhide noseband. The rawhide noseband together with the headstall and horsehair mecate reins is called a jaquima. Other elements of training include the spade, halfbreeds, and the many other mouthpieces, which are the most misunderstood bits. I am often asked why would anyone put such a “harsh” bit in a horse’s mouth. The reason is that these bits are signal bits, not leverage bits. They are designed for use in only a horse that has been taken through the process and understands what is asked of him by slight signals. Bridle horses are guided not only by the bit in their mouth, but by the subtle shift in the riders weight, the pressure of the knee and leg and the touch of the spur, aids or ayudas in Spanish.
Truly Be Downtown, a 10-year-old stallion, is a finished bridle horse. Here he is being ridden by owner Thomas Garcia in a two rein. "The purpose of the two rein is to give you an option to use the bosal and mecated reins when you need to be firmer and give more direction. This way, you don't touch the bridle reins nor the spade bit, and preserve your horse's, light, soft mouth."
California. Techniques and equipment were refined along the way. Maneuvers originating in war evolved into dressage and then to stock work. The end result is a horse that carries himself in confidence and balance, with a working arch in his neck, head vertical--one that is collected and responsive to the slightest touch and signal.
The ornate silver bits evolved from the fact that many vaqueros only owned the clothes on their backs, a bedroll and their tack. High quality, ornate, silver-mounted bits and spurs were a source of pride to the vaquero. The tradition of the Californios was to train most bridle horses on gathering and moving cattle, with much patience. This gave the horse a clear purpose and helped it learn the ayudas and perform the maneuvers. There are undoubtedly other methods that yield similar results and good handling stock horses, many in a shorter time span. There are also other ways to train the Californio bridle horse but this is the way I have learned and the way that has worked for me.
Starting the horse, snaffles and jaquimas
I start most of my colts in a snaffle, a good fitting, smooth ring snaffle to be exact. Contrary to popular belief, many horses were started in the snaffle then introduced to the jaquima. In the writings of Ed Connell and Arnold Rojas, two of the best known writers on the Californio bridle horse, horses were started in snaffles as much as they were started in the jaquima. I personally have used both methods, but feel I get a better feel and ultimately a softer, more supple horse if I start him in a snaffle.
I like a ring snaffle due to the action inherent in it. Many people have heard the term “carrying the bit,” yet very few understand what it means. Carrying the bit refers to the horse actually holding onto the bit and carrying it around. A ring snaffle slides up and down along the radius of the rings. A horse learns to pick up and actually hold onto the bit with his mouth. This allows him to better feel the signal from the reins and also prepares him for the eventual carrying of the spade or other mouthpiece when straight up in the bridle. Snaffles should be of excellent quality, smooth in their action and not pinch the corners of a horse’s mouth. I will ride a horse in the snaffle usually for about 90 days. At that stage, the horse is usually coming along nicely and is soft in the face. He should be stopping, backing, giving laterally and vertically, and starting to yield to your legs. Between the ages of 2 ½ and 5, a horse is shedding his baby teeth and replacing them with permanent teeth. When a horse is teething, his mouth is sore. When pressure is put on his mouth it hurts and his head goes up in response. In the Californio style of training, a jaquima is used during the years a horse is teething. A jaquima used during this time allows continued training while preserving the mouth and keeping it soft and fresh for the bit.
Progressing to the jaquima
When my colt is handling well, stopping, turning, giving his head vertically and laterally, backing and soft in the face, I will double-rein him into the jaquima. I use a 3/8 inch bosalito under the snaffle using both the snaffle and jaquima reins jointly. The colt will start to feel and respond to the jaquima reins. When he is responding to the jaquima reins, I will take the snaffle off completely and put him in a larger diameter bosal. I own five jaquimas with bosals, starting with a 5/8” cheek 1” nose heavy bosal down to a 3/8” two-rein bosal. Depending on the softness of and needs of the horse, I will determine which of the heavy bosals I start with.
These three photos show the progression from snaffle to bosal to the spade bit/bridle. Popular belief is that old timers started their horses in the spade, but in reality, they started in snaffle bits. A young horse without erupting teeth can be comfortable started in a snaffle. In this photo, Tanisha Taylor supples her mare Mexical Sansa on her 7th ride in a snaffle. (Photo by Thomas Garcia.) Starting with a heavy bosal teaches the horse to search for relief of weight on his nose and teaches him to keep his head in the proper position. A jaquima is a twohanded tool. It is used with a give and take, never an even pull on the reins. An even pull allows a horse to brace and pull through the bosal instead of giving his head. A jaquima is used one rein at a time with a bumping action of short pulls of the direct rein alternating with a release. Along with the bumping action of the reins, the incorporating of aids such as shift in weight, the touch of the heel, the touch of the indirect rein and leg pressure is used. There will be times when one must grab a hold of the horse. With a bosal, that can be done without hurting the mouth as could happen with a bit. As the horse advances in his training, the objective is to use lighter and lighter cues. That includes going from a thicker, heavier bosal to a smaller diameter and lighter bosal. When the horse has advanced in his training to where he performs all that is asked on a light rein with a willing attitude--neck reins, stops, turns and rolls back, backs with poise and balance, and
When a horse starts shedding its baby teeth, I switch to a bosal. It allows me to be firm with the horse, yet not bother its mouth. Here I am riding a 9-year-old mare, SC Spanish Roxx. You can see that I am using aids such as a shift of weight to the left, along with some direct and indirect rein. My mare is getting ready to cross her legs over to catch up with my shifted weight. (Photo by Jackie Garcia.)
he is done shedding baby teeth and has a mature mouth--he is ready to advance to the two rein.
The two rein, jaquima and bridle
As the name implies, a horse in the two rein is ridden in both the jaquima and bridle with two sets of reins. Not every bridle horse is a spade bit horse, nor have all bridle horses of the past been spade bit horses. When it comes to mouthpieces, there are spades, half breeds, alinas and Mona Lisas, segundos and san joaquins. What they have in common is little or no tongue relief which actually makes them a bit gentler. A bit with tongue relief allows the tongue to go up into the bit which means the bit rests on the bars of the mouth alone. A Californio style bit with little or no tongue relief means the bit is supported by the bars and the tongue as well, distributing the pressure over a greater area. The shape and size of the horse’s mouth determines what mouthpiece is used, along with trial and error to determine what the horse feels comfortable in.
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At the beginning, a horse is allowed to just carry the bit with no pressure put on the reins. The horse is guided by the jaquima as usual. The horse will learn to hold and carry the bit, roll the cricket and get comfortable with it before any signal is given with the reins. The weight of the bit along with the shape of the mouthpiece (especially the spade) encourages a horse to carry his head in the proper position. As the horse gets comfortable, signals are slowly transferred from the jaquima to the bridle reins (just as it was from snaffle to the jaquima) by using both sets of reins. Eventually the bridle rein become the principal rein used. The horse is ridden for a time with both the bridle and jaquima in place. This allows any needed correction to be done with the jaquima instead of the bridle, once again preserving the mouth.
Straight up in the bridle
When the horse has perfected the understanding of the bridle and is
confidently guided by just the bridle reins, the jaquima is taken off and a bosalito is put in place under the bridle. This bosalito is always worn under the bridle. When leading and tying a horse, an 1820’ get down rope is used with a bowline tied around the horse’s neck and the rope is run through the bosalito. A bridle horse is never led nor tied by the reins. His mouth is fresh, soft and responsive and sensitive to the slightest movement of the reins.
Here Truly Be Downtown shows what a finished bridle horse would wear: A Santa Barbara spade bit, a bosalito and get down rope. A bosalito is always used under the bridle and the get down rope is tied around the neck with either a bowline or an alamar knot. The tail end is run through the bosalito and used as a lead rope. A bridle horse is never led nor tied by the reins which preserves the soft mouth. (Photo by Jackie Garcia.)
Many Californio/Spanish style bits are loose jawed, meaning there is movement between the shanks, bars and mouthpiece. The rawhide romal reins are traditionally attached to the bit with chains which serve several functions: one is to balance the bit and reins and provide for an instant release of pressure. The buttons on the reins protect the reins and also provide feel and thus a stronger signal to the horse. A horse is sensitive enough to feel a mosquito land on him, so is sensitive enough that, when the reins are picked up and the bit twitches, he feels it and knows something is being asked of him.
is a joy to ride. Soft and responsive, alert with a spring in his step and a working arch in his neck, he responds to the slightest signal, the shift of the rider’s weight, the touch of the heel. He is the picture of balance and collection. The Spanish bits, be they spades, san joaquins, or Mona Lisas, with gorgeous silver cheeks with names like Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, fresno or las cruces are not only functional but a source of pride to the horsemen who wield them with hands as fine as the dealers of Reno. It is the epitome of communication between horse and rider. This is but a brief overview of the process of making a true bridle horse. The complete process would take a complete book with many illustrations. Hopefully this will spark an interest in this dying art of the making of the true Californio bridle horse.
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Thomas Garcia owns Spanish Creek Performance Horses and Taos Tack & Pet Supply. He can be reached at 575-737-9798.
A true bridle horse that has been taken through the steps, painstakingly and patiently taught what is expected of him,
HORSE SERVICES DIRECTORY
Listed here are horse-related services provided by the August / September 2017 issue advertisers. They are experts in their fields. Many of the business owners are also horse owners and enthusiasts. They are the reason Horse Around New Mexico magazine exists and why the magazine is growing. If you enjoy this free publication, please show your support by supporting our advertisers. ART L. Thayer Hutchinson, page 6 Sugar Moon Studios, page 12 BARNS/BUILDINGS Ironhorse Pipe & Steel, page 8 Morton Buildings, page 12 BOARDING 4 Winds Equestrian Center, page 13 Loal Tucker Horsemanship Horse Boarding, page 14 EVENTS Bicycle Desensitization Free Workshop, page 13 Listening With My Eyes Keynote Speech, page 14
Pottery And Horse Massage Retreats, page 11 Women’s Trail Ride and Camp, page 7
REAL ESTATE Annette Wood, page 10 Horse Property for Sale, page 14 Rōni Merbler, page 2
Taos Tack and Pet Supply, page 8 Village Mercantile, page 13
GUEST RANCHES Starrynight Ranch, page 11
SADDLES Mortenson Silver & Saddles, page 9
VEHICLE/TRAILERS American Diesel Service, page 5 Hal Burns Truck & Equipment, page 9 Sandia Trailer Sales and Service, page 40
HORSE RESCUE/ADOPTION Four Corners Equine Rescue, page 8 MASSAGE Life and Vitality, LLC, page 12 Medicine Massage, page 7 OUTFITTERS U-Trail’s Horseback Adventures, page 7 Arroyo Outfitters, page 10
SPECIALTY SERVICES Albuquerque Pet Memorial Service, page 11 TACK AND FEED STORES Horsemen’s, page 5 Miller’s Feed, page 6 Paul’s Veterinary Supply, page 9
VETERINARIAN Santa Sophia Equine, page 5 Western Trails, page 6 WESTERN WEAR & MORE Dan’s Boots & Saddles, page 7
HORSEMANSHIP
7 Bad Habits You May Be Teaching Your Horse BY PEGGY CONGER
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As horse people, our habits and customs are all over the place. Trail riders gasp at the tight reins dressage riders keep on their horses, arena riders are aghast that trail folks often let their horses take a bite of some luscious grass on the side of the trail, people with performance horses sometimes simply can’t relate to the laissez faire attitude other disciplines take toward training, i.e. we had some, I don’t know, a few years ago, I think. But there are some bad habits that you don’t want your horse to have, no matter what your riding interest is. In fact, if your horse does these things, people are talking about you. Yes, those folks right over there, who just waved and smiled, are quietly marveling that you never figured out that you shouldn’t let your horse get away with that. There are probably more than seven bad habits that will get tongues wagging over your horsemanship, or lack thereof, but this is a start.
When your horse is being difficult, it is usually a sign he does not respect nor trust you. Go back to basics and back to ground work. Tell your horse where to go, how fast, and when to stop. It is especially effective to make your horse change direction and move his hind quarters away from you. When your horse is paying attention to you, is relaxed yet responsive, go back to the task at hand.
1. Won’t load.
Oh, Dobbin just doesn’t like to get in that trailer. He fights and dodges and rears for an hour or two hours or three, and it’s always been like that. Well, you and Dobbin need to get this figured out. It may be the horse is recalling past bad trailer experiences. Or it may be he is reflecting your own nerves or lack of expertise about loading. Maybe you just haven’t convinced him that loading into a dark enclosed space at your command is a good idea. Maybe you drive like a bat out of hell and scare the crap out of him every time he gets in the trailer. Or it simply may be you don’t load often enough.
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The reasons are immaterial, because here’s the thing: New Mexico is a state prone to wildfire. Your horse, for his very safety, must be able to load into a trailer, fast and willingly. His life may actually depend on it. If you don’t have a trailer, borrow one to practice with. If you need a trainer’s help, hire one. Don’t be the knucklehead who needs an army of helpers, two ropes and a winch to get your horse in a trailer. If you care about your horse, get him loading well and easily.
2. Can’t stand quietly.
Once that lead rope goes on your horse, her attention should be on you. But many riders let their horses scream for their
companions, prance, pull, act up and otherwise spell out in big capital letters that you are not in charge here. Some riders shrug it off, but being herdsour is a big negative. It means your horse is not accepting your leadership, doesn’t feel safe with you and has her focus solely on her herd, even as you plan to saddle up and head out for a ride. In a terrific article in Horse and Rider magazine (Help for Your Horse To Trail Ride Alone, April 2010), trainer Julie Goodnight prescribed lots of groundwork -- 20 minutes a day, four to six days a week over several weeks, to re-focus the herdsour horse. Make a horse work, and you will have its attention. Demand respect, and you will cut down on the shenanigans under saddle, at the trailer and under lead. Sometimes the fix can be as simple as correcting a horse when it calls to a companion, or making an antsy horse work in a circle until it can return to stand quietly. But letting it go? That just raises the ante that this disobedience will blossom into bigger problems.
3. Bumping or otherwise interfering with you
Years ago, a trainer I was working with returned in shock from a clinic with a famous trainer. The reason? The famous trainer’s horse bumped her continuously during her talk. And she laughed about it. I was new to horses then, and didn’t really know why that would be a big deal. But since then, I have experienced the many subtle ways a horse can express dominance. Passing his or her head over yours with a look like, “Oh, I’m sorry did I hit you just then?” Leaning into you when you try to lift a foot or crowding you against the trailer. Bumping your back as you put them up at the gate. Remember, horses’ primary language is movement and their social structure is a hierarchy, based on who touches who how, and how the touchee responds. They know exactly where nose and head and feet are at all times, and if you are getting bumped or nudged or pushed or stepped on, you are being disrespected. Women especially tend to mistake nudges and bumps as affection, but spend some time observing horses with other horses, and you will readily be able to tell the
difference between an affectionate nuzzle and a bump. Don’t be a chump in your horse’s eyes. Correct dominant behavior and maintain a personal space that the horse needs to be invited into.
4. Stepping off/ fidgeting at mounting Flash takes a few steps off every time you are getting on, but so what? You’ve got a good grip on him, right? And your leg was almost over the saddle. People who chase their horse all over the yard with a mounting block may be getting their exercise, but they are also setting themselves and their horses up for trouble. Mounting accidents can be serious. And it’s a self-perpetuating problem. If your habit is to just get on and ride, you are very unlikely to work on this problem when everybody’s mounting up. So avoid the get on and go pressure that comes with the crowd, and work on your stepping-off horse solo. Your horse should and will stand quietly for you to mount and can even be trained to swing his hindquarters toward you to make the job easier. Like most things, it’s about respect. Time to get some, instead of making everybody hold their breath, wondering if you’re actually going to get in the saddle this time.
5. Not riding straight
I was riding with my trainer, showing off what I thought were my great trail skills, when he cut through my ego trip with one question, "Why are you letting that horse push on you?" Push on me... what? Joe was just riding a little bit on the diagonal. But that comment opened my eyes to a bad habit I was letting my horse develop. If Joe was going generally in the direction I wanted, what was the big deal about a little zig or zag? Well, like a lot of bad habits in the saddle, it just showed who was really in charge. And it wasn’t me. I pride myself on riding with a loose rein and a relaxed attitude, but my horse wandering all over the map was no demonstration of good riding. And the cues I started applying to correct the wander actually increased my communication with my horse on every trail ride. Don’t be that person saying, “Oh excuse me, sorry, can we just get by? I just don’t know what he’s doing right now.” Ride straight!
6. Running uphill
Yes, it is easier for a horse to trot or run uphill. But you have to be the one making that decision. Otherwise, you may be crowding and creating problems for the horse and rider in front of you, or forcing an unexpected gait change on the riders behind you. Saying, “Yeah, Blackie always has to run uphill,” is not really an excuse, and it’s especially lame if someone gets unseated or hurt because you have indulged a bad habit.
7. Running through gates Oh, your horses look so great when they charge through the gate you just opened, tails in the air, hooves thundering. It’s your own little mustang movie. Except that letting your horses charge through gates may set you up for disaster one day. The day there is a car or a kid or a dog on the other side of that gate. Or the day when the open gate is not the nice safe one at home, but one left open by mistake, with a busy road on the other side. Horse should respect gates, and you should be in charge of how they go through them. Don’t set them up for mistakes. Horses can’t necessarily distinguish between this open gate and that open gate. If you teach them to run gates, you could be asking for trouble. Of course, stemming bad habits isn’t all about keeping people from looking down on you as a horse person. In fact, it’s not at all about that. Well-mannered, welltrained horses are reward enough for their proud owners who took the time to make that happen. But there is a benefit to never worrying about what those two gals over there by the F-250 are staring at. Can’t be you and your perfectly behaved horse, who just hopped on the trailer after snoozing quietly through a half an hour of being tied, following a perfectly smooth, straight and fun ride.
n Horse Around NM Associate Editor Peggy Conger is a writer, editor, blogger and trail rider. She rides an adopted mustang and a quarter horse. She can be reached at p_conger@ yahoo.com
Inside a horse’s mouth
All horses have incisors. These are smaller teeth in the front of the horse’s mouth that are used for plucking grass. Horses also have premolars and molars. Together, these are commonly referred to as “cheek teeth” and are aligned together in a dental arcade. Their function is to grind forage. Between the incisors and the cheek teeth is the interdental space, more commonly known as the bars, which is where a bit should rest.
Dr. Boswell with assistant Sean Welmorts floats the teeth of a miniature donkey. The mouth speculum keeps the mouth open for access to all teeth, and Sean helps support the sedated animal’s head. A mechanized float is used. (Photo by Naomi Saiz.)
HEALTH Time for a "Float"
Why annual dental care is essential to your horse's health BY STACIE G. BOSWELL, DVM, DACVS Horses that have excellent health maintenance can live well into their 30s. Routine annual health care for horses should include an oral exam and, when abnormalities are identified, a dental “float.” But what is a “float?” How is it determined that a float is necessary? Is it something that only older horses need if they aren’t chewing properly? Why do horses need floating?
Dental care isn’t just for older horses
In younger horses, an examination is important to ensure that all the teeth are aligned properly, that there are no extra teeth present, and that the adult teeth are replacing the baby teeth normally.
The teeth in a horse change significantly between birth and age five. Problems during this time frame are uncommon, but they do occur. Adult teeth replace the deciduous (baby) teeth. The small portion of the deciduous tooth covers and protects the adult tooth as it erupts. This is called a cap. If caps do not fall out properly, they may need to be removed. If caps are removed too soon, the underlying developing adult tooth may sustain serious damage. Correcting possible abnormalities in the young and growing horse will help ensure a lifetime of good teeth and good health. It also will help ensure that the bitting and training process is successful.
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Specialized teeth that are observed in some, but not all, horses include the wolf tooth and the canine tooth. Both of these are also located in the interdental space between the incisors and the cheek teeth. The canines are more commonly known as “fighting teeth” and are found in most males (stallions and geldings) and few mares. They are variable in size. Wolf teeth are technically the first premolar, although they are very different in appearance from the other premolar cheek teeth. Wolf teeth are only sometimes present because they often fall out on their own. Some horsemen will have the wolf teeth purposefully removed, but they are often observed in riding horses and usually do not cause problems.
How abnormal wear occurs
Because horses are meant to grind rough forage, their cheek teeth are hypsodont. A hypsodont tooth has a very long crown and continues to erupt throughout the horse’s lifetime. Reserve crown is the part of the tooth that is as yet unerupted, and in a young horse, these fill most of the sinus cavity. A very old horse will have no reserve crown, and is said to be “smooth mouthed.” When hypsodont teeth line up perfectly, the opposing teeth wear each other off perfectly as the horse eats. However, slight misalignments commonly occur. These misalignments result in uneven wear. Another reason abnormal wear may occur is the type of food that a horse consumes. Horses’ teeth are meant to wear each other down through sideways grinding action on long-stemmed forage. Grains and pelleted feeds are chewed with a different, more up-and-down motion, and can change the wear on the horse’s teeth. Acquired abnormalities can also occur. These are the most difficult problems
to correct and they include fractures of the jaw, fractures of the cheek teeth, excessive wear of upper incisors from cribbing, and damage from metal slow feeders or other objects. While some dental problems can be detected by simply pulling down the tongue and looking in the mouth (in a cooperative horse), an annual sedated exam with a mouth speculum in place is a more thorough and safer approach.
Good oral health is critical to the longevity of the horse. Young horses can have problems as their teeth erupt. An annual, sedated oral examination is recommended for all horses. Floating removes commonly identified dental abnormalities and restores function of the teeth and comfort to the horse.
Stacie G. Boswell, DVM, DACVS is an equine veterinarian. She writes for Horse Around New Mexico because she wants to make lives better for horses and their owners. Contact stacieboswell@ gmail.com
A wolf tooth (first premolar) on the right maxillary (upper) dental arcade. The second premolar behind it had a hook that has been removed by floating.
A large hook has developed on this left maxillary cheek tooth.
n
The float
A “float� is simply rasping the teeth to remove sharp points that occur due to misalignments and other abnormalities. The points may cause ulcerations and pain to the horse, especially while ridden with a bit. The float removes these points, restoring function and comfort. There are hand floats and mechanized floats, both of which have pros and cons. A mechanized float can remove portions of teeth very quickly; however, this makes it easier to remove too much. Friction from the hand float can cause heat, which may damage the tooth. Some horsemen are under the impression that floating is only for when a horse is aging or losing weight. This is absolutely false. As with most things in life, maintenance is critical. If the teeth are allowed to become severely misaligned, it is impossible to restore normality. However, small corrections over the life of the horse prevent any problems from becoming severe. Routine points include maxillary (upper) sharp edges near the cheek and mandibular (lower) sharp edges near the tongue. Misalignment from front to back is very common and results in maxillary hooks and corresponding mandibular ramps. The hooks and ramps are simply where a portion of one tooth is not worn off because there is no corresponding tooth area opposing it. The float removes ramps, hooks and sharp points. The majority of floating is directed at the cheek teeth, which are doing the most work chewing forage. Left uncorrected, hooks, ramps and other abnormalities can result in oral ulcerations, bitting problems, pain, inability to chew food properly, and potentially a shortened lifespan.
This young horse had an abnormality in alignment as his deciduous (baby) teeth are shed and the adult teeth erupting.
The same horse as pictured above after floating. There is a small, red ulceration visible just below this tooth where the point was contacting the cheek. This horse’s attitude about training has improved since this was corrected.
HAPPY ENDINGS - STORIES FROM THE TRAINERS' RALLY FOR RESCUES EVENT Chinle's sides. Who needs a horse that can herd a buffalo and lets you stand up in the saddle while you crack a whip? (Read further.) Alexis Fastle was last year's winner. This year she was paired with Zuni, a 3-yearold chestnut mare. Alexis' outfit was just as glorious as last year's flowing gown: She was bedecked in black shorts and glimmering gold chaps. The duo's theme was gold: Matching the chaps were gold braids in Zuni's mane. Alexis carried a bag of fake gold coins and tossed them to spectators. What outshone the accouterments was that she rode Zuni without a bridle, gently steering her with seat and legs, and slowing her with a mere suggestion. It was a gorgeous show of teamwork.
BY CECILIA KAYANO
T
The Horse Shelter's Trainers' Rally for Rescues event, in which a dozen horse trainers have 100 days to train rescued horses, never fails to be a bait and switch. They get you to the Santa Fe Rodeo Grounds every summer, thinking you will be impressed and entertained by some finely-trained horse, but instead you are moved to tears. Happens every time.
Here is a summary of the tear-jerkiest moments of the July 2017 event: Wyatt Mortenson, the youngest trainer at 16 years of age, had only 56, not 100, days to work with Chinle, a 4-year-old dun mare. The youngsters entered the arena calmly, then Wyatt's genetics took over. (His father is showman/horse trainer/silversmith Clint Mortenson.) Wyatt did several trick dismounts while Chinle cantered along the rail. The crowd wanted more and Wyatt provided by bringing in Clyde, a young pet buffalo, into the arena, moving him down to the arena's far end, and easily roping him. All three remained cool and calm. But that wasn't all. The duo finished their freestyle with Wyatt standing in the saddle and cracking a bull whip along
Ten other trainers/horses showed what can be accomplished in only 100 or fewer days of training. The announcer said what we were all thinking, "One hundred days ago, they would not even get into a trailer and had hardly been handled." Unbelievable. It became time for the auction and bidding. When it was Wyatt's and Chinle's turn, Wyatt kept showcasing Chinle's assets. First he laid her down, and sat on her. Then spectator and horseman Bill Manns entered the show, and instructed his dog Trey to lie down atop an unworried Chinle. Wait, that's not all! As the bidding heated up, Wyatt rode Chinle from a supine position to standing, then stood up tall in the saddle and started cracking the whip. The bidders were in a frenzy! Chinle sold for $2,150 to a family with two girls, ages 10 and 12. (There's more.) Chinle was not the only horse the Ortiz family bought that day. When trainer Julie Phillip's horse Truman came up for bid, there were several bidders who
wanted this gentle, kid-friendly gelding. Again the Ortiz family won out. Father Rick said he and his wife Tammy bought Chinle for Emma (12) and Truman for Elie (10). "We had been looking for horses for our girls for over a year. We came here to see good trainers and weren't planning on buying. But when we saw how well trained Chinle and Truman were, we felt confident." Plus, it was too late, the girls had fallen in love. "If we didn't buy the horses, we could not have gotten the girls in the car to go home," said Rick. Dana Bigler got the top bid of $3,000 for Ysidro, the winning horse trained by Sam Grogan. Dana had been captivated by the pair's free-style. Ysidro was bridle-less, only a string around his neck. Sam rode him effortlessly in perfect circles, trotting, cantering, trotting, guided only by a palm gently set on the horse's neck. That palm/neck thing gets them every time! Dana says she was brought to tears watching Sam and Ysidro. "I was impressed with the light touch. Ysidro was so quiet minded and calm." When Dana won the bid, she sat in the bleachers like she was in shock, her hands trembling. She plans to trail ride with her new partner. PHOTOS CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Sam Grogan on Ysidro. Dana Bigler with her new partner, Ysidro. Chinle, Emma Ortiz, Wyatt Mortenson, Truman, Elie Ortiz and Julie Phillips.
Try This Trail In THE WHITE MOUNTAIN WILDERNESS
BY MARIE ANTHONY
Skull Springs: Go gently to the top of the world There are so many rides, loops, canyons, grassy, steep hillsides, clusters of oak trees, darting elk in the White Mountain Wilderness near Ruidoso. I had ridden several of the loops, up Turkey Canyon, down Argentina Canyon. One spectacular ride took me up Aspen Canyon and looped back below White Horse Peak. But, I had never ridden the kinder, gentler trail of Skull Springs Canyon until recently. This is a perfect introductory ride to this spectacular New Mexico Wilderness. Many of the trails in the White Mountain Wilderness put you on some heartrevving slopes. But Skull Springs trail is not one of them. It is a lesser-traveled trail, maybe because it does
not leave from the main trail head of Argentina Canyon. But with a little road riding, you can easily access this trail which takes you gently to the Crest. From the Argentina trail head, go back east along FR 107 for about 1/2 mile, and turn left onto FR 108. This follows a valley. Keep an eye out to the right and you will see the ruins of a hotel/restaurant that served the thriving mining community that used to inhabit this area. After about one mile, you will see a mini ranch on your left. Go just past the ranch, and take the trail on the left, keeping the ranch's fence on your left. Shortly you will come to a trail head sign of trail #41, and a warning about
a wild hog trap. (Don't enter the trap!)
This trail follows (seasonal) Skull Springs Creek, climbing gently through scrub oaks. After two miles you will reach the Crest Trail. You can continue north along the Crest Trail to trail #54 which goes just below Nogal Peak. This hillside can get steep at times, as it meanders through low-hanging scrub oak. If you choose this trail, either find a nice spot to turn around and go back, or drop down Nogal Canyon #48 and follow FR 108 back, which is rather lengthy. Or you can head south along the Crest, then descend trail #40 down Turkey Canyon. There is a nice spring
protected by a rail fence at the top of Turkey Canyon with a concrete tub easy for horses to access.
Even if you come down Turkey Canyon, the trail is not difficult. And, before you descend, you will get plenty of breathtaking views of the Tularosa Valley, including the 45-mile long stretch of black basalt lava, The Valley of Fires, which originated from several volcanoes once active in the valley. The Skull Springs/ Turkey Canyon loop is 7.5 miles. TO GET THERE: From Carrizozo, go east on 380 for 8 miles, turn right on 37, after 12 miles, turn right on Bonita Lake Road which turns into FR 107. Go 7.5 miles to end of road. Find corrals with mats, but bring your own water, as the seasonal creek is often dry.
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EVENTS: Aug - Sep
~AUGUST~ 2-6 Santa Fe Fiesta Week at HIPICO www.hipicosantafe.com Santa Fe
20 Eventing X-Games Series Jeffray: mjratgdf@aol.com Goose Downs Farm Galisteo
4-6 Roadrunner Classic~All Breed NM Appaloosa Horse Club www.nmaphc.info Albuquerque
26 Open FUN Horse Show Series Loal Tucker Horsemanship, Inc. Facebook Lamy....See ad page 14
5 Point Show All Breed Horse Show Assoc. Facebook: ABHSA Clovis
26 Rails to Trails Northern NM Horsemen’s Assoc. www.nnmha.weebly.com Santa Fe
5-6 Summer Buckle Series Southwest Barrel Racers www.swbranm1.org Farmington 9-13 Grand Prix de Santa Fe at HIPICO www.hipicosantafe.com Santa Fe 11-13 Zia Regional Rodeo NM Gay Rodeo Assoc. www.nmgra.org Santa Fe 12 Fall FUN Open Horse Show Walkin N Circles Ranch www.wncr.org Edgewood 12-13 Fall Series Barrel Racing Rockin Horse Ranch www.rockinhorseranch.net Moriarty 13 Dressage Schooling Show NM Dressage Assoc. www.nmdressage.net Roy-El Morgans Española 19-20 Red Chile Classic NM Paint Horse Club www.nmpainthorse.org Stanley 19-20 Point Show NM Buckskin Horse Assoc. www.nmbha.com Bosque Farms
~SEPTEMBER~ 1-3 New Mexico State Fair NM Hunter Jumper Assoc. www.nmhja.org Albuquerque 1-4 Fall Futurity SW Quarter Horse Assoc. www.swqha.com Las Cruces 2-3 Summer Buckle Series Southwest Barrel Racers www.swbranm1.org Farmington 3 Dressage Schooling Show NM Dressage Assoc. www.nmdressage.net Los Alamos Pony Club Los Alamos 10 Point Show~All Breed Pecos Valley Horsemen Facebook Roswell 15-16 New Mexico State Fair NM Paint Horse Assoc. www.nmpainthorse.org Albuquerque 15-17 Race for the Trailer Barrel Racing Rockin Horse Ranch www.rockinhorseranch.net Moriarty 17 Hunter/Jumper Show Las Cruces Horseman’s Assoc. www.lchanm.us Las Cruces
22-24 Cutting NM Cutting Horse Assoc. www.cuttingnews.com Rockin Horse Ranch Moriarty 22-24 Chokecherry Canyon CTR San Juan Valley Trail Riders Facebook Farmington 23 Open FUN Horse Show Series Loal Tucker Horsemanship, Inc. Facebook Lamy....See ad page 14 29-30 Fall Series Barrel Racing Rockin Horse Ranch www.rockinhorseranch.net Moriarty 30 English Show Carlsbad Horsemans Assoc. Facebook Carlsbad 30 Rails to Trails Northern NM Horsemen’s Assoc. www.nnmha.weebly.com Santa Fe 30-Oct. 1 Caja del Rio Endurance Ride American Endurance Ride Conf. www.cajadelrio2017.weebly.com Santa Fe
~HORSE ✽ RIDER~ August 16 Listening With My Eyes Patricia J. Conoway NM Conference on Aging Albuquerque....See ad page 14 August 18-20 Women's Trail Ride/Horse Camp Arroyo Outfitters www.huntnewmexico.us San Pedro Parks Wilderness ....See ad page 10 August 21 Desensitize Your Horse to Bicycles FREE Clinic Northern NM Horsemen’s Carlotta_burra101@icloud.com Santa Fe....See ad page 13
38 HORSE AROUND | Aug/Sep 2017 | www.horsearoundnm.com
August 26 & September 23 Open Barn Tours Four Corners Equine Rescue Aztec....See ad page 8 September 1 NATRC Trail Ride Clinic BCHNM ~ Gila Chapter Facebook Fort Bayard Preserve Silver City September 9-10 Pottery & Horses Retreat Julie Phillips 505-554-0577 Starrynight Ranch Llaves....See ad page 11 September 16 1st Annual Mustang Rally Jicarilla Mustang Heritage Alliance www.jicarillamustangs.org Bloomfield September 16 - 17 Kinesiology for Horses Clinic with Larry Green www.lynnclifford.com/events maryann@primomotion.com Arrowhead Ranch Santa Fe September 23 SHARE THE TRAILS Horse & Bike Ride Santa Fe Horse Coalition Fat Tire Society juliabelt@gmail.com Santa Fe....See ad page 14 September 23-24 Beyond Horse Massage Seminar The Masterson Method www.mastersonmethod.com Julie Phillips 505-554-0577 Starrynight Ranch Llaves....See ad page 11 September 30-October 1 Horsemanship Fundamentals with Carson James www.4windsequestriancenter.com Estancia....See ad page 13
HORSE VACATION/TRAVEL DIRECTORY
Listed here are places to have fun with horses and places to stop while traveling with horses. Horse Around New Mexico magazine dedicated the time and space to make this the most complete list possible. We may, however, have overlooked a business. Please let us know if you would like to be added to this free listing: HorseNewMexico@gmail.com, 505-570-7377.
Guest Ranches/Outfitting/
Riding Vacations Bluewater Lake Lodge, Prewitt: trails, full hookups, small cabins, 505-290-2699, bluewaterlake-lodge.com Burnt Well Guest Ranch, Roswell: working cattle ranch, large ranch house, cattle round ups, 575-347-2668, burntwellguestranch.com Chaco Lodge Hacienda, Cuba: bed and breakfast, lodge and suite, horse corrals and trails, 505-252-7488, chacolodgehacienda.com
Double Y Ranch, Santa Fe: hot Quinlan Ranch, Chama: RV hookups, guided rides, lodge and meals, 575-209- walker, RV hookup, 602-320-7136, amazcowboy@cox.net 1618, www,quinlanranch.com Starrynight Ranch, Llaves: all-inclusive, children’s camps, guided rides, guest cottage and rooms, BYOH or ours, 575-554-0577, 575-638-5661, starrynightranch.com Taos Horse Getaways, Tres Piedras: BYOH; houses, cabins, RV space; 575-758-3628, taoshorsegetaways.com
D S Horse Motel, Grants: next to an RV park with full hookups, 505-240-2544, darinsimpson2003@yahoo.com
Trail Riding Operations Acacia Riding Adventures, San Acacia: 575-517-0477, acaciaridingadventures.com
J Bar C Horse Motel, Roswell: arena, 2 RV hookups, 575-347-2742, 575-626-5296, 575-626-5294, jbarchorsemotel.com
Bishop’s Lodge Stables, Santa Fe: bishopslodge.com
Cow Creek Ranch, Pecos: fly fishing,horseback riding in the Sangre de Cristos, 505-757-2107, cowcreekranch.com
J.P.'s Horse Motel, Mentmore (Gallup): Twin Willows Guest Ranch, Ocate, near arena, 505-979-1192 Angel Fire: log house for 8 for rent, Kiss the Moon Equestrian Center, BYOH, 575-666-2028 Moriarty: easy I-40 access, indoor arena, easy access for bigger rigs/ Two Ponyz Ranch, Mountainair: haulers, 505-975-3567 guest house, BYOH, 505-847-0245, twoponyzranch.com Kiva RV Park and Horse Motel, Bernardo: 14 stalls, large pens, U-Trail’s Horseback Adventures, round pen, trails, 505-861-0693, Glenwood: guided pack trips to cliff kivarvparkandhorsemotel.com dwellings, day rides, lodge, gourmet meals, 575-519-8569, utrail.com Las Cruces Horse Motel, Las Cruces: 5 minute trail ride to Rio Grande, RV Vermejo Park Ranch, Raton: Ted Turner-owned luxury resort offers guided hookups, roping arena with cattle, 575horseback rides, vermejoparkranch.com 644-3518, www.lascruceshorsemotel.com
Creek Ranch, Santa Rosa: all-inclusive horseback vacations on 82,000 acres, genuine working cattle and guest ranch, creek-ranch.com
Wolfhorse Outfitters, Gila/Aldo Leopold Wilderness: Native American guide service, 575-534-1379, wolfhorseoutfitters.com
Copper Penny Ranch, Alamagordo: RV hookups, arena, round pen, ride out, 575-439-0276, copperpennyranch.com Concho Hills Guest Ranch, Magdalena: trail riding, ranch activities, cowboy shooting, historical tours, award-winning accommodations, 575-772-5757, conchohillsranch.com
Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch, Winston: all-inclusive guest ranch in the Gila National Forest, ride through spectacular canyons, 575-772-5157, geronimoranch. com Gillespie Ranch, Mayhill: large pens, gift shop, cozy cottage, RV hookups, 575687-3732, gillespieranchulazy2.com Justyn Brynn Enchantment Equitreks, Edgewood: all-inclusive horseback riding adventures offering day rides, weekend, 5-day, 7-day and 8-day packages, 575430-7514; enchantmentequitreks.com Los Pinos Guest Ranch, Cowles: lodge and gourmet meals, 505-757-6213, lospinosranch.com N Bar Ranch, Reserve: surrounded by Gila National Forest, BYOH or ours, rent entire ranch, cabins, corrals, trails, 575-533-6253, nbarranch@hughes.net NAN Ranch, Faywood; rent rooms/ cabins in the HQ of national registered historic 1870s ranch in the Mimbres River Valley, corrals, BYOH, campers welcome, 575-288-5368, elranchonan.com Nancy Burch’s Roadrunner Tours, Angel Fire: overnight camping/packing excursions, trail riding, 575-377-6416, nancyburch.com
LazyKo Ranch. Deming: horse motel, hookups with open range for riding, 575-202-2876, www.chickentracks.biz
Loal Tucker Horsemanship, Inc. Stables, Overnight Stabling Santa Fe/Eldorado, huge indoor arena, 4 Winds Equestrian Center, Estancia: RV/trailer sites with electrical hookups, outdoor arena, ride out, 505-466-3961, small travel trailer, arenas, nearby riding loal@loaltucker.com in the Manzanos & Sandias, 505-384-1831 MacArthur Quarter Horses Boarding Stables, Taos: 1 covered and 2 outdoor Arrowhead Ranch, Santa Fe: multiple arenas and trail access, 505-424-8888, arenas, close to Taos, 575-758-8366 or 575-613-5347, jmac@laplaza.org arrowheadsantafe@aol.com Broken M Ranch, Albuquerque: large arena w/lights, barrels, round pen, wash rack, dry camping, 505-877-9433, broken-m-ranch.com
Open Heart G Farms, Anthony: located on 25-acre pecan orchard, indoor box stalls, hookups, bunkhouse, 915-9205169, openheartgfarms@gmail.com
Caballo Lake State Park, Caballo: four large pipe corrals with cover, tack room, water, trails, 575-743-3942
Rancho de la Angostura, Algodones: easy trail access, power available, arena and round pen, 505-280-4849, katylindberg.com
Carter’s Stables, Farmington: guest house, one full hookup, 505-330-3066, cartersstablesfarmington.com Cassetta Critter Care, Tucumcari: horse motel, roping arena, trailer hook up, 575-403-6227, 603-798-5033, cassettacrittercare.com Crossroads Ranch, Anthony: 60-acre race horse training facility with track, round pen, stalls, turnout, RV parks nearby, dry camping OK, 575-882-5533 Diamond Arrow Ranch, Deming: 5 RV hookups, ride out on BLM land, big rig friendly, 575-546-1115, 480-332-8265, gregsandy03@hotmail.com
Western Drive Stables, Tucumcari: 575461-0274, 575-403-8824, hallerstable@plateautel.net
Broken Saddle Riding Company, Cerrillos: gaited horses, 505-424-772, brokensaddle.com Cedar Crest Stables & Country Cottage, Cedar Crest: mountain riding, cottage for rent, 505-281-5197, cedarcreststables.com Cieneguilla Stables, near Taos: trail rides and “saddle and paddle” combo trips, 575-751-2815 Corralitos Trail Rides, near Las Cruces: working ranch riding, 575-640-8184, corraltostrailrides.com Enchanted Gaits, Tijeras: smooth, gaited horses, 505-281-2226 Ghost Ranch, Abiquiu: 505-685-1000 Grindstone Stables, Ruidoso: guided trail rides, sleigh and carriage rides, 575-257-2241, grindstonestables.com Inn of the Mountain Gods Riding Stable, Mescalero: 575-464-7424 New Mexico Horse Adventures, Albuquerque: BYOH or rent, 505-3010917, newmexicohorseadventures.com Red River Stables, Red River: ride, fish, view wildlife, 575-747-1700, redriverstables. com Rio Grande Stables, Taos & Questa: hourly plus multi-day rides, 888-259-8267, 575-776-5913, lajitasstables.com Runnels Bonita Stables, Nogal: Ride near Bonito Lake, no reservations needed, 575-354-2778
Rancho Siesta, Edgewood:dry camping, spacious corrals, 505-450-3165
Santa Fe Western Adventures, Santa Fe: ride on private ranch and Lone Butte Mountain, 505-473-9384, santafewest.com
Rocking Horse Ranch, Moriarty: huge indoor arena, 505-832-6619, 505-301-3772; rockinghorseranch.net
Stables at Tamaya Resort, Bernalillo: 505-771-6060
Roy-El Horse Hotel , Espanola: 505-603-6016, www.roy-elmorgans.com Slash M Slash Ranch, Grants: horse motel, indoor riding arena, roping arena, bunkhouse, 505-290-7836, 505-2902645; jodiepalmermirabal@hotmail.com Tuli Horse Hotel, Tularosa: 3 RV hookups, 25 stalls, round pen, arena, 16 acres to ride, 575-921-1105
Vision Quest, Las Vegas: private, catered rides, family activities, 505-469-8130, visionquesthorsebackride.com
CONVENIENT LOCATION - EASY ON/OFF I-40 20 minutes from Alb., 1 hour from Santa Fe 75 minutes from Santa Rosa
NEW MEXICO’S LARGEST SELECTION OF NEW AND USED HORSE, FLATBED, AND CARGO TRAILERS
1435 Route 66, Edgewood, NM 87015 (505) 281-9860 (800) 832-0603 Open Tues-Sat 8:30am-5pm Closed Sunday and Monday
NOW IN STOCK!
Lots of
2-Horse Bumper Pull
Aluminum Logan Crossfire, Drop Down Windows, Dressing Room
$9,554
4-Horse Gooseneck
SOLD!
2017 Logan Crossfire, Aluminum
$15,784
TRAILER UPGRADES
12-Foot Dump Trailer
Big Tex 14LX, 83” Wide, Tarp, Ramps, 14,000 lbs GVWR
$7,480
2-Horse Bumper Pull
2017 Featherlite, All-Aluminum, Dressing Room Plus Rear Tack
$14,999
16-Foot Dump
Big Tex
dump trailers in stock!
Big Tex, Gooseneck , 83” Wide, Tarp, Ramps, 110-Volt Charger
$9,519
12-ft. Motorcycle Trailer
TAKE IT TO STURGIS!
SAFETY CHECKS AND REPAIRS
Haulmark Low Hauler V-Nose
$9,495
RETROFITTING CALL US FOR ESTIMATES!
CM ALL-ALUMINUM TRUCK BED INSTALLATION, CORRAL PANEL RACKS, WATER TANKS, COMPLETE TRAILER SAFETY CHECKS
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ASK US ABOUT FINANCING, O.A.C!
HEADACHE RACKS W/ OUTSIDE TIE RAILS, CUSTOM GATES FOR YOUR HOME OR RANCH
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Need to upgrade or fix a trailer? We have expert fabricators and mechanics on staff to: check safety, create custom portable corral racks, install extra fuel or water tanks, refurbish living quarters. CALL US TODAY!
50 new & used horse trailers: www.sandiatrailer.com 505.281.9860
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