NEW MEXICO HORSES
RIDES
TRAINING
PEOPLE
PLACES
New Mexico OCT/NOV 2016
FEED AS FUEL
&
On the Hunt... On the Trail... And in the Arena
4 GENTLE EXERCISES
TO GET YOUR HORSE FEELING GREAT
HERE'S THE RUB--
HORSE MASSAGE HOW TO
GOING BITLESS? READ THIS FIRST
HORSE FEELINGS
KIDS & HORSES
MUCH MORE THAN JUST CUTE
HOW REAL ARE THEY?
WORMING YOUR HORSE HOW AND WHY
www.horsearoundnm.com | Oct/Nov 2016 | HORSE AROUND
1
FREE! / HEALTH & WELLNESS ISSUE / VACATION & TRAVEL DIRECTORY / KEEP ALL YEAR
Helping you find the
Roni Merbler
Horse Property of your dreams
ENCHANTED HOMES
505.259.9704 CRS, ABR, Broker Associate
REAL ESTATE 505.249.5102
Executive Horse Property
$749,000
Charming Country Home with Acreage
$259,000
Your Home on the Range
$255,500
At 27.5 acres, the Whispering Spurs Ranch is the largest lot in Deer Canyon Preserve, Mountainaire, NM. The quality Talon built home is ideal to take advantage of all of the spectacular views surrounding this home. Radiant floor, loads of windows for great natural light, kiva-style fireplace. The covered back porch is 25X15, affording comfort and endless views. The $70K 5-horse barn is insulated and heated, has a horse wash rack with hot and cold water, private huge tack room with 1/2 bath and heater, covered hay storage, attached dog run, covered tractor and tool area. Each individual turn out leads to combined horse pasture. Wonderful enclosed riding arena. Home ownership offers membership for the community club house and a horse facility. Deer Canyon Preserve is 18,000 acres of wildlife preserve for the residents use.
This lovingly maintained Edgewood home sits on 2 acres of usable land, with miles of views. Current owner raises pack goats who are pampered with their own shelter and separated turn outs. The property would be conducive to other livestock. The 1850 sq. ft. home includes three bedrooms and two full baths with spacious living areas. Third bedroom has ample space and is currently being used as an office and work out room. The home is light filled and bright with well-placed windows. Features include a circular driveway with plentiful parking, kiva-style fireplace, walled private yard with enclosed garden, low maintenance xeric shrubs, trees, and flowers. The second patio has a water feature, hot tub and 10X12 storage shed. This beautiful home offers both farm-life sweetness and tasteful amenities for your rural lifestyle dream.
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 2the great HORSE | Oct/Nov | www.horsearoundnm.com room.AROUND There is a separate guest2016 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.
HEALTH & WELLNESS ISSUE - FOR HORSES AND HUMANS
14
10
©️Photo by Patti Bose
FEATURES
10 Feed This, Not That
Learn what to feed based on your horse's unique needs
14 What's LOVE Got to Do With It? The mystery: How much emotion do horses really feel?
18 4 Try-at-Home Release Exercises
They'll get your horse licking, chewing, and kicking up his heels
20 Hands Down
How massage can help your horse prevent and recover from injury
22 Is Bitless Better?
What bitless bridles may--and may not--do for your horse
28 Straight From the Children's Mouths
What horses, close family, and mother nature are teaching five precocious children
31 That was THEN,This is NOW Learn today's method of parasite management
PLUS
18
36 October / November Events 37 Horse Vacation & Travel Directory 38 Horse Services Directory Horse Around New Mexico is printed six times per year: Feb/Mar, Apr/May, Jun/Jul, Aug/Sept, Oct/Nov, & Dec/ Jan. Submissions of articles 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 Mexico©2016. 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.
My Kentucky Mountain gelding, Lance, was having a very bad day. When we took the final turn to go back to his pasture, he had a meltdown: evading the bit, rearing and bolting, whipping his head and neck back and forth. I call this maneuver the “Twist and Shout.” I flexed him. Disengaged him. Talked to him. Petted his neck. Let him rest. To no avail. I breathed deeply and placed one hand near the horn. Lance hadn’t had such a “fit” for many, many months. So, a few days later, when I was packing my trailer to gather cattle in the Valle Vidal, I had my doubts about him. If he was behaving like this with just one other horse/rider, and on a familiar trail, how would he act with 20 other horses/riders, plus over a thousand cattle, some in trees, some running through boggy meadows, some (bulls) “on the fight?" I was scared. What if Lance acts up again? What if he throws me? Or worse yet, what if he embarrasses me? Then a friend of mine, Joseph Talley, posts this Eleanor Roosevelt quote on Facebook: “Do one thing every day that scares you.” I loaded Lance right up. In a nutshell, here is Lance’s problem. He is competitive and wants to go. He has a big ego and can be a jerk. That is what I was thinking when I saddled him up at 6:00 AM that August morning. Lance and I were planning to “help” Mark Torres (Valle Vidal Grazing Association President), his brother Justin Torres, Robert Garcia (association header/rider), and the permittees gather 843 “units” (pairs of cow/calf or bull) from the eastern part of the Valle, and move them to the western part.
New Mexico Editor/Publisher CECILIA KAYANO Associate Editor PEGGY CONGER Media/Events Manager SUSIE SPICER Contributing Writers PATTI BOSE & Photographers STACIE G. BOSWELL SHANNON COBB THOMAS GARCIA MARGRET HENKELS JAY REDLIN Staff Writers & EVALYN BEMIS Photographers KAREN LEHMANN Graphic Design/Layout MARIE ANTHONY Advertising & Sales Events Listing
But, he made me proud. Lance is one dang athletic animal. At the end of the gather, one permittee approached me and said, “Your horse is amazing!” So thank you, Joseph Talley and Eleanor Roosevelt, for reminding me that doing something scary is the way we grow and learn. It is how we expand our bubble. And thank you Lance, for showing me that you can be trusted most of the time, and that your powerhouse of a body will carry me all day long, and even earn you an occasional compliment.
Cecilia Kayano
EVENTSHORSEAROUND@GMAIL.COM
Subscriptions $30/YR MAIL CHECK TO: HANM * PO BOX 367* PECOS * NM 87552
We rode out of the camp at 7:00 AM with the Torres brothers, other permittees, and some helpers. Lance was wired. I rode him on big loops away from the group. I let him go at his pace, which was a fast gait, a canter, and a gallop. I kept an eye out for varmint holes and tangles of barbed wire. Then, something changed in him. He slowed to a brisk walk. I checked my watch: It was 9:30 AM. Over the next five days, we rode an average of 20 miles each day, about 6-7 hours. There was no miraculous change in Lance. He always wanted to go, and if I just thought about it, he increased speed. He did this even when I wasn't thinking about it. Once he took off down a hill, then did the twist and shout at the bottom. Thanks to a firm flex and my beloved horn, I stayed on.
HORSENEWMEXICO@GMAIL.COM
www.horsearoundnm.com OR PURCHASE ONLINE AT:
Next Issue: HOLIDAY Well-written, informative, inspirational articles are welcome. Submissions will be considered and are subject to editing. The next issue, the holiday issue, will appear at New Mexico outlets on December1, 2016. The deadline for submissions is October 20, 2016. The deadline for ads is November 5, 2016. 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!
ON THE COVER:
Deidra Ewers rides Rohan, an Icelandic gelding, in the Gila National Forest during a bow hunt. Long, steady days of riding require special feeding. (See story, page 10.) Photo by Cecilia Kayano
Dealerships Available!
American Diesel Service 1\4 V (4.9 x 6.6)
AMERICAN DIESEL SERVICE Over 50 Years of Experience
Your horse is ready to go . . . Does your horse need tender, loving, care? We carry Silver Lining herbs and products: Equine Oil for calming and massage, Equisalve with ostrich oil for healing, and Kinesio Equine Tape for muscles in motion!
Is your truck ready to tow? Cummins / Powerstroke / Duramax Complete Light Duty Diesel Truck Maintenance and Diagnostics Preventative Maintenance Pre-purchase Inspections
505.299.0591
Krissy and Hunter recommend Silver Lining products! Paul’s Veterinarian Supply is known for our small town customer service! Stop by and see Krissy, Hunter, and our friendly staff!
3700 Morris St. NE • Albuquerque, NM 87111 located on the NE corner of Morris & Comanche
Hours: M-F 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Next Issue: HOLIDAY
3825 Osuna NE Albuquerque, NM 87109
505-341-9401 2005 SE Main Roswell, NM 88203
575-624-2123 6
HORSE AROUND | Oct/Nov 2016 | www.horsearoundnm.com
Stall Barn | Riding Arena | Equine Facility | Pasture Shelter | Hay Storage
Join Generations of Horse Enthusiasts For over a century Morton Buildings has provided exceptional quality and service to our customers. From stall barns and riding arenas to storage buildings and shelters, Morton Buildings are constructed to keep both you and your horses safe and comfortable.
806-358-9756
7621 Canyon Dr. • Amarillo, TX J. Craig Shanks 806-922-4449
To learn more and to get started on your project, contact Morton Buildings today. ©2016 Morton Buildings, Inc. A listing of GC licenses available at mortonbuildings.com/licenses. NM License #016516 Reference Code 043
mortonbuildings.com
SayWhoa! at Monty Roberts’ Flag Is Up Farms Copper Penny Ranch & Feed
Alamogordo
Dan's Boots & Saddles
Albuquerque
Double D Feed
Artesia
Old Mill Farm & Ranch
Belen
Lincoln County Mercantile
Capitan
Circle S Feed Store
Carlsbad
Mimbres Valley Feeds
Deming
Cowtown Feed and Livestock Store
Gallup
Hungry Critters Feed and Supply
Hobbs
Horse N Hound Feed and Supply
Las Cruces
Millers Feed & Supply
Los Ranchos
Cowboy's Corner Feed and Supply
Lovington
Creighton's Town & Country
Portales
Roswell Livestock & Farm Supply
Roswell
Ruidoso True Value
Ruidoso
Harvey's Feed and Supply
Ruidoso Downs
Oldham's Feed and Supply
Silver City
Dickinson Implement Co.
Tucumcari
Well known as the “Horse Whisperer.” In our experience here at Monty Robert's Flag Is Up Farms we had 100% success with using SayWhoa!. We had several wild mustangs that we adopted from the BLM and three of them had colic in the span of two weeks. We used your product and saved all three including one that was severe and thought to not survive. I highly recommend this product and would always keep a few bottles around for safeties sake. Kind regards, Laurel Roberts (Monty Roberts’ Daughter)
www.horsearoundnm.com | Oct/Nov 2016 | HORSE AROUND
7
LIFE AND VITALITY, LLC Bringing Vigor and Sparkle to Your Equine
Equine Massage Therapist SUSAN ROBERTS
Attended the Rocky Mountain School of Animal Acupressure and Massage, Elizabeth, CO
Custom, Intimate Portraits of Your Pet
CERTIFIED IN • Therapeutic Massage • Sports • Geriatric • Master Program BENEFITS TO HORSE INCLUDE IMPROVED: circulation / flexibility / muscle efficiency / injury prevention / pain relief / endorphin release / mood elevation
Drawn or Painted by
L. Thayer Hutchinson
Edgewood, NM jbsk0429@gmail.com
908-235-1037 thayerboo2@gmail.com Visit my Facebook www.facebook.com/ thayerhutchinson
505-688-2605 Brown Copper Bay
Standard Bay
Blood Bay
Pinto
Sun bleached Bay
What color is your` mustang? Sooty Buckskin
Bay Roan
Liver Chestnut
Shop for your next mustang at
`
www.MustangCamp.org
Dun Sorrel & Chestnut are interchangeable terms
Gray
Buckskin
Sorrel
Chestnut Flaxen mane Sorrel
Cremello That ain’t no Mustang! 8
Black
Palomino
HORSE AROUND | Oct/Nov 2016 | www.horsearoundnm.com
WESTERN TRAILS VETERINARY HOSPITAL
ONLY THE BEST FOR YOUR HORSE:
2126 OLD ROUTE 66 EDGEWOOD, NM 87015 Stacey Thornton, DVM Krysle Hutsel, DVM Stacie G. Boswell, DVM, DACVS Board Certified Large Animal Surgeon Crystal Clark, DVM
• Caring staff • House calls • 24/7 emergency care
(505)286-4604
• Full in-house lab digital X-ray
On Call for 24-Hour Emergency, Now Treating Cattle
CALL NOW to schedule fall vaccinations for your horse:
Fax: (505)286-4692 WWW.WESTERNTRAILSVET.COM
505-286-4604
*NOW CASTING FEATURE FILM* “CLIFFS OF FREEDOM”
Experienced Horseback Riders Needed WHO: Any ethnicity - Male Extras 18+ WHEN: Filming will be from early October until mid December Where: In/around Santa Fe Area Compensation: $10.91/Hr. plus overtime *Pay bumps depending on horse riding experience*
IF INTERESTED and AVAILABLE – PLEASE EMAIL US ASAP to: CoFbackground@gmail.com Please include your full name, phone number, location, height, weight, age and a clear photo. Please use the subject line: Horseback Riders FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CALL (505) 203-8903
www.horsearoundnm.com | Oct/Nov 2016 | HORSE AROUND
9
Rohan is a 22-year-old Icelandic Horse. He is used for trail riding, and is a beloved family member. Owners Kelli and Dave Gifford feed him high-quality grass hay, regular pellets, senior pellets, probiotics, and nutrition packets. "He has had experiences with colic and has special nutritional needs as a senior. We want him to maintain his weight, and live a long, long time," says Kelli.
10 HORSE AROUND | Oct/Nov 2016 | www.horsearoundnm.com
H
FEED THIS, NOT THAT
LEARN WHAT TO FEED BASED ON YOUR HORSE'S UNIQUE NEEDS
"Horses need nutrients, not oats not alfalfa….The total digestible nutrients for the work they are performing." I’ll never forget those words uttered by Dr. Herman Keisling on the first day of Feeds and Feeding class at New Mexico State University. Entire volumes have been written on nutrition in general as well as equine nutrition; I will provide the basics. Nutritional requirements of horses vary depending on the condition of the horse, the time of year, and how the horse will be used. Nutritional requirements also are different for growing horses, breeding and lactating mares, and breeding stallions. We will touch on all of these scenarios, but since most people are not in the breeding business I’ll focus on more common horse circumstances. Maintenance: Maintenance is the lowest energy, protein and vitamin/mineral usage state. Inactive horses – think pasture ornaments - have very few nutritional requirements beyond maintaining their basic metabolic functions. A high-quality pasture or good quality hay and a mineral block and trace mineral salt block are usually all they need to remain in good stead. Growth: During the period of maximum growth, say newborn to seven years (depending on breed and individual horses) optimal nutrition is required if a horse is to achieve its maximum growth and performance as dictated by its heredity. Protein and energy requirements are greater during growth than in maintenance. The horse’s body is
BY THOMAS GARCIA
maintaining plus growing in muscle and tissue. Therefore, growing horses need a maintenance diet plus minerals, amino acids, trace minerals, and vitamins. Reproduction: As in the growth period, requirements for protein, energy, minerals, trace minerals, and vitamins are greater during reproduction and lactation than during maintenance. Not only must the breeding mare and stallion meet the maintenance requirements, they must also meet the added demands of reproduction and in the case of mares, lactation. In mature horses that are reproducing, a balanced diet higher in energy is often optimal. In my experience with breeding stallions during the breeding season, when their minds are on reproduction and not on eating, they require the most nutrient dense feed available. A quality feed high in fats and energy and balanced for minerals, vitamins, and protein is the best choice. Performance: Here are the guts of this article. Many times I get asked for that magical feed that will make a horse’s coat shine, his muscles bulge, put a twinkle in his eye, but not make him “hot." Feeds blamed for horses being hot are oats, corn, alfalfa, and molasses. The fact of the matter is conditions are as much to blame as the feed when determining why a horse is hot. Horses evolved to process large quantities of poor quality feed consumed over 1618 hours while grazing. Not only did this spread the feeding out over a long period of time, but the act of roaming around grazing provided needed exercise and release of energy. Today’s performance horses are routinely kept penned, and fed a concentrated ration
of cereal grains and small amounts of fiber in the form of hay. This shortens the eating period and also provides little chance of exercise to burn off the excess energy. Also, cereal grains are high in sugars and starch and, when digested in the small intestine, produce the end product of glucose. High blood sugar levels in horses along with restrictions in exercise contribute to making a horse hot. Another consideration is the type of performance horse event. Not all feeding programs are ideal for all performance horses in all events. Horses need to have the right amount of energy to perform the task at hand. Racehorses, barrel racers, cutting and reining horses have different metabolic requirements than a big circle ranch horse or an endurance horse. A short duration, high-speed event horse that uses fast twitch muscle fibers utilizes free glucose and glycogen stores in muscles and the liver as fuel. They also perform under an oxygen deficit. Endurance type exercise and other long duration, low intensity activities utilize oxygen and use fat as fuel. Therefore, the feeding requirements are different. Horses used in short duration, high intensity events benefit from a higher starch diet with cereal grains and less fiber, whereas horses in low intensity endurance events will benefit with a lower starch, higher fiber diet. This not only provides the fuel for the required performance, but also the fuel for recuperation after the event. What to Feed: I will not name feed brands as there are many. Always remember, horses need nutrients, not oats, not alfalfa.
www.horsearoundnm.com | Oct/Nov 2016 | HORSE AROUND
11
Fixed Feeds: I advise feeding a good quality, clean, locked formula, open label, fortified feed. A fixed formula feed is always made the same way with the same ingredients. An fixed feed label lists in a clear, understandable fashion what is in that feed. (See page 13.) Variable Formula Feeds: Other feeds are often made of the cheapest ingredients during the time of manufacture, but are still balanced for the same levels of protein, fat fiber, and micronutrients. For example, the feed can be balanced for protein, fat and fiber using ingredients such as feathers and chicken litter. But are these palatable? When you are able, choose feed with a label that lists specific ingredients. I much prefer a label that reads steam rolled oats, alfalfa meal, and corn chop, rather than a label that reads grain products, processed grain by-products, or plant forage products. Fortified vs. Single Grain: Fortified feeds, feeds that are balanced for protein, fiber, fat, vitamins, and minerals are desired over plain singlegrain feeds such as oats or simple grain mixes such as COB. These are not balanced for the nutritional requirements of equines. There are several common cereal grains used in equine feeds. Oats and barley are usually between 10-11% protein, higher in fiber and lower in fat than corn. Corn is usually around 9% protein and higher in fat than both oats and barley. Wheat is similar in value to corn. Alfalfa: Alfalfa is higher in protein, and higher in calcium with phosphorus levels about the same as grass. Alfalfa is also higher in energy than grass; protein levels can be in the high teens. Alfalfa is usually higher in all levels of nutrition than grass, which means that smaller quantities of alfalfa will provide the same nutrition to a horse as larger quantities of grass. Grass Hay: Grass hay, with its lower nutritional content, is ideal for feeding large quantities all day long, meeting maintenance nutritional requirements, giving a horse a full feeling and more closely mimicking the natural grazing patterns of horses. Beet Pulp: Beet pulp is one of the most misunderstood feeds out there. It is an easily digested source of fiber, but low in protein and low in fat. While not the ideal feed to bulk up a horse, beet pulp is suited to older horses with digestion issues. The Basic Menu: There is a saying that, "The master’s eye fattens the calf," and that is certainly true when it comes to horses. Evaluate what your horse’s nutrient requirements are according to its condition and work requirements. Feed a good quality hay, free choice to salt and minerals, and if the workload warrants it, supplement with a good quality horse feed balanced and geared to the nutritional requirements for that horse. Always have a source of clean, fresh water available.
How your horse is used determines its nutritional needs. Companion horses, trail horses, and horses used in highspeed events all need different feeding regimens. FROM TOP: A companion pony; Karen Gerhardt Ruiz rides Trigo on a trail near Socorro; Ta-Willow Romero rides Dually (The Super Horse) during a mounted shooting demo. (Photo by Jay Redlin.)
Keep in mind there are special cases of horses that fall outside the parameters of normal. There are horses that do not metabolize alfalfa well or need low starch levels of feed. Their diets should be adjusted to fit their needs. To keep it simple, remember, “Horses need nutrients, not alfalfa, not oats.” _______________________________________________________ Thomas Garcia holds a BS in animal science from New Mexico State University. He owns Spanish Creek Performance Horses and Taos Tack & Pet Supply. He can be reached at 575-737-9798.
12 HORSE AROUND | Oct/Nov 2016 | www.horsearoundnm.com
How to Read a Feed Tag BY SHANNON COB
animal group. For instance, growing Forget the marketing on that sack of feed: horses, lactating mares, adult or Those little tags attached tell the real story! performance horses. Feeding amounts We’ve all been there: Walking into the are based on the weight of the animal feed store after deciding you have a horse and level of activity. in need of a complete feed or supplement and being overwhelmed by the choices in Basically, what do the nutrient numbers front of you. From equine feeds in shiny mean? bags with pictures of magnificent steeds to • “Crude” protein isn’t being rude but plain paper bags, the one thing that they all rather describes the method used to measure protein. More protein does have in common is a feed tag. The feed tag not mean better because it depends on is essentially a legal document of contents what your horse needs. Geriatric horses without the marketing. The New Mexico would have very different needs from Department of Agriculture (NMDA) growing horses. Crude protein also says requires these tags and is very specific on nothing about the quality of the protein. what information is required and allowed on Quality of protein generally comes down the feed tag. Let’s look at the details. to the amino acid content of the protein sources. For example, lysine is the Tag requirements/allowances: amino acid most often lacking in horses. • Quantity statement (weight in pounds Soybean meal is an excellent source of and kilograms). This is necessary when lysine, so look for this in the ingredient comparing prices because one product list. may be in a bag weighing 45 pounds and another 50 pounds. Compute the price per pound if necessary for comparison.
• Product name and brand name. We all have brand favorites. • Guaranteed nutrient analysis determinable by approved laboratory methods. These will always include crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, calcium, phosphorus, copper, selenium, zinc and vitamin A for horse feeds. Other nutrients or ingredients that the manufacturer deems important such as certain amino acids, additional vitamins or minerals and/or probiotics may also be included on the guaranteed analysis. • Ingredients by a common name or a group of ingredients that perform a similar function. A fixed-formula is where a common name is listed and will tell you exactly what ingredients are included in the feed. On the other hand, variable-formulas will be more vague and show a group such as “processed grain by-products.” Generally this means a formulation will change to meet the nutrients requirements on a least-cost basis. • Name and mailing address of the manufacturer or distributor. • Directions for use and any precautionary statements. This will tell you how the feed was formulated for optimum benefit and for the specific
• Crude fat is also required on the feed tag. Fats and oils are energy-dense and provide about 2 1/2 times as much energy as carbohydrates or grains. We all know there is a limit to the amount of grain that we can safely feed, so high performance horses or horses needing to gain weight may benefit from this form of extra energy. Again, this “crude” number does not tell us anything about the quality or makeup of the fatty acids. For instance certain omega fatty acids have specific benefits for breeding mares and senior horses. The feed tag will specify their content when appropriate. • Crude fiber is another slightly vague number but is important as it relates to energy content of the feed. Generally the higher the fiber, the lower the energy. There are times when an older horse has difficulty chewing and needs to consume a pelleted feed with higher fiber content. Also, higher fiber, lower energy feeds are a good choice for horses not at work. Often these will be considered “senior” feeds. • Vitamins come in many forms but vitamin A is the only vitamin required on the guaranteed analysis. Vitamin A is needed by horses for many bodily functions and its pre-cursor, betacarotene, is high in fresh forages but low in grain. As hay cures with time
the beta-carotene content will decrease dramatically. Vitamin A should be added to horse feeds and the amount you want will depend on what forage is also being fed. Horses on pasture require less additional vitamin A while horses on hay or pelleted forage require more. The B vitamins, as well as, vitamins D, E and C may also be added to formulated horse feeds. If added at significant levels they will be listed on the guaranteed analysis. • Calcium and phosphorous are the two most critical mineral levels to check on a feed tag. They are critical to many growth and maintenance functions in the body and are therefore a tag requirement. As you would expect, higher levels would be needed in a young growing horse, and less for a mature horse. • Selenium, copper, and zinc are considered to be micro-minerals since they are fed at much lower levels than calcium and phosphorous, but play a crucial role in overall health of the horse. Selenium is interesting in that some areas of the United States it is clearly deficient in the soil and in other areas high to the point of potential toxicity. For this reason selenium is regulated more closely but is clearly needed for optimal immune and reproductive health. Copper and zinc are needed in many bodily functions, as well as for growth and immunity. The decision is yours. There is a great deal of information available to you on that tag but knowing your goals for feeding is the best place to start. Be realistic about your horse’s level of activity and question your veterinarian, feed professional and/or trainer for their thoughts. Also, know that agents with the NMDA routinely sample feed and ensure that the product meets the guaranteed analysis in the state of New Mexico. Less than 10% of samples tested do not meet the guarantee and you can feel good about that. _________________________________ Shannon Cobb holds a Master of Science degree in Animal Science from Washington State University. She is a dairy cattle nutritionist in southeastern New Mexico. She owns two quarter horses. Anthony J. Parra of the NMDA contributed to this article.
What's
LOVE
Got to Do With It? We like to think our horses love us, but how much emotion they really feel is a mystery...
I
BY PEGGY CONGER
If you are in the horse world long enough, you will hear everything. I rode with a woman once who swore her horse was afraid of rain, not storms, mind you, just rainfall in general. Another riding companion told me her horse hated to trot. During a clinic with a very famous trainer, I heard a woman say her horse was autistic and one of his many symptoms was that he rolled with his saddle on. A good friend and I still chuckle (actually, it’s closer to cackling) about the rider we overheard explaining that her horse wouldn’t load into the horse trailer because he was afraid -he knew the trailer needed some mechanical work. But in truth, most of us as horse people attribute human conditions, motives, thinking and feelings to our equines, at least some of the time. We see our horses as angry, happy, loving, sneaky, afraid, resentful, vain, jealous etc. “Drover hates men,” we’ll say, or “Daisy loves Buddy” or “Beau’s handsome and he knows it.” Or, noting our horse’s pinny ears and cold shoulder, we’ll explain, “He wants to be back in his pasture.”
Trainer Pat Parelli encouraged us to look at our horse’s behaviors in an emotional context with his horsenality chart, which declared, for example, that left brain introvert horses resent repetition and right brain extroverts love to learn.
that treat? Is your horse pining for his absent stablemate or just experiencing an instinctual reaction to the very real danger that a horse can face when solo? Is your horse trying to hurt you when he bucks or is he just seeking a release from pressure?
But how much do horses really think and feel? Is your horse saying “I love you” when he comes away from the herd and greets you? Or is he just looking for
Science indicates that the horse probably doesn’t have the mental capacity for the complex emotions we as humans experience: That is, the emotion itself and
14 HORSE AROUND | Oct/Nov 2016 | www.horsearoundnm.com
Charles Darwin was a believer that all animals have feelings, behaviorist B.F. Skinner was not. While things have progressed since Skinner, modern-day behavioral science still requires proof of any studied phenomena, so without proof of emotions, animal behaviors tend to be pigeon-holed into two basic drives: survival and procreation. Under this theory, your horse nickering and coming to the gate to see you may be all about how those horse cookies in your pocket are going to contribute to his survival, while kicking another horse on a ride could be about competition for a mate, rather than just a bad attitude. Scientific papers published as recently as a few years ago debate horses’ emotionality, but the University of Sussex in England reported this year that horses can recognize happy or angry human expressions from photographs, which easily lends to the conclusion that it takes an emotional being to recognize emotion. The same team last year identified 17 facial expressions unique to the horse, one more than chimpanzees and three more than dogs, another finding that might lead us to link those expressions to feelings going on inside. Local horse professionals we reached out to for this story were unanimous in their belief that horses are emotional beings.
then the layers of thoughts, memories and associations we may tie to it. We may be afraid of snakes when walking in tall grass but immediately coupled with that fear may be the memory of stepping on a snake as a little kid, stories we’ve heard about people being bitten by snakes, our instant calculation of whether there could be a poisonous snake in our vicinity, with maybe a few scenes from Snakes on a Plane thrown in. That’s because our brains have a large cerebral cortex and lots of folds, making us capable of (or victim to) complex associations. Our horses’ brains on the other hand, are smaller with not many folds at all. So, the theory goes, what they are feeling would most likely be straightforward without a lot of subcontext. (Read more at HolisticHorse. com, “Do Horses Have Emotions?”)
“I’d be out of a job if I didn’t believe that,” said Erica Hess, a liberty trainer and owner of For the Heart of the Horse training facility in Santa Fe. “We have a bond with our horses and that bond informs how we work with them.” Hess says that communication is intense and wouldn’t be possible without a thinking, feeling creature on the receiving end. “It’s as simple as using a breath to lift a foot,” she says. Hess also questions the notion that horses’ emotions may be limited by their brain size. She cites the research of the HeartMath Association, which says human hearts have a real, not symbolic, role in our emotions and even possibly a “brain” of their own. Hess theorizes that research could mean horses, with their much larger hearts, may have a capacity for emotion even greater than our own.
But she acknowledges that it is all up to your perspective and openness to a horse’s feelings.” If I treat a horse like a motorcycle, then the relationship won’t be available to me.” Artist L. Thayer Hutchinson says science just hasn’t caught up to understanding “energetic connections between sentient beings.” “I see people who are defined by science as cavemen,” she says. “It’s like trying to define your life through the language of math.” “You’ll get some people who can’t talk to animals because they’re just not wired that way,” Hutchinson says. But those who are open to the connection understand intuitively that animals, horses included, are emotional beings. Without a capacity for forgiveness, she asks, how could a horse who was abused by one human be healed by another? “The horse is always communicating with us, and it’s all intuitive,” she says. “We’re sharing an energetic connection which at this point is not in the scientific language.” Trainer Mariah Wilson, of Platinum Performance Horses, thinks horses’ emotions are undeniable to anyone who works with them. She tells the story of one horse at her stable who had an attachment to a certain rider. When the girl had to be away for five months, the horse’s exercise regimen was continued by others but the horse was not the same. “He lost weight, he had all these stall behaviors, he was depressed,” Wilson says. “Everything was the same in terms of his care, but his person wasn’t doing what she normally did.” That said, Wilson sees horses’ emotions as much more straightforward than our own. “They’re reactive and they’re honest,” she says, “but they don’t think deeply enough or far enough ahead for things like retribution or payback.” In other words, horses -- and their feelings -- are in the moment, and most riders who believe in their horses’ capacity for emotion would echo that. This works
www.horsearoundnm.com | Oct/Nov 2016 | HORSE AROUND
15
in reverse, as well. We can transmit our emotions to the horse the moment we climb on their backs: “We all know a nervous rider creates a nervous horse,” Mariah Wilson points out. But we should watch our tendency to want to attribute our emotions to our horses. To go back to our earlier examples, who’s most likely to fear riding in the rain: the horse...or the rider? And who hated the trot? In a nutshell, horses probably do feel simple emotions -- fear, anger, confusion, sadness, contentment -- but probably don’t go to complex emotional places like vanity, revenge, resentment or hatred.
Will we ever know for sure? Probably not, at least not until the day old Buddy can recline on a couch and tell his therapist, “Sheila really pissed me off the other day when she just came out to the pen while I was napping and expected me to get up and do 45 minutes of patterns. I mean, we’ve got a show coming up but she is just so demanding. It reminds me of the way my dam used to just....” Hmmmm, let’s hope that day doesn’t come too soon. _________________________________ 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
TOP: Christine Tesar tries to get an emotional read from Figaro, a horse at The Horse Shelter in Cerrillos. "We're taught to watch the horse's body language to interpret their emotions, and as intuitive as I consider myself, my belief is that the horses are probably better at reading humans than we are at reading them. They're certainly really good at reading me," says Christine. LEFT: Chris Schaefer from Albuquerque Horse Breaking and Training gives a hug and kiss to Joey, a mustang, during a horse event at 4 Winds Equestrian Center in Estancia. "No one horse is like another," says Chris. "Each has his or her own spirit, beauty, personality and, yes, emotions too."
Trust Us To Meet Your Horse’s Needs Horses, Horse Care & Horsemanship aren’t just our job
they are our passion!
We are horse owners & riders just like you. Hours: Mon-Sat 8:30-6:30 & Sun 10-5
Connecting Horses and Humans through the Arts of Liberty Training, Horsemanship and Dressage Erica Hess teaches Liberty Training for the Heart of your Horse Your horse deserves THIS! n Give yourselves this opportunity to understand each other n Become an authentic and empowered leader perfectly matched to your horse n Build an intimate partnership with your horse based on mutual trust n Create a well mannered, confident and expressive horse n Ride with confidence and connection instead of fear Training at your place or mine Private and group instruction Classes and clinics
Please contact me for more information! 505.660.8933 / erica@fortheheartofthehorse.com www.fortheheartofthehorse.com
9.13.16.1/4 pg FTHOTH lib-1.indd 1
9/13/16 9:06 PM
4
©️Photo by Patti Bose
"Try-at-Home" Release Exercises
I
They'll get your horse licking, chewing, and kicking up his heels
ARTICLE BY MARGRET HENKELS, PHOTOS BY PATTI BOSE
In a horse’s life, as in ours, wear and tear happens. Injuries and even regular work often lead to stuck, tight fascia, or connective tissue. In horses, this fascia system works quickly to disguise injuries. When an injury occurs, the horse’s body immediately “compensates” for the injury and the fascia creates a support system throughout the entire body to hide the injury. The fascia compensation “network” makes sure that the injured horse isn’t spotted by a predator. This fascia network sometimes even fools the horse himself into believing he is completely fit, which saves him anxiety and fear. Over time, the thick fascia often hardens and eventually becomes very stuck and wooden. This is much like the “frozen shoulder” that people experience. Fascia, or connective tissue, is the white filmy tissue that connects all the parts of the body together. We see it surrounding muscle tissue that we eat as meat. While it looks fragile and thin, we know that it takes a sharp knife to cut it. Fascia has
tensile strength of 2,500 pounds per inch. It is made of up of elastin, collagen and a gel complex. Fascia is randomly organized which allows it to flow and immediately stabilize any strain or injury. Fascia also wraps all the internal organs so strained fascia will also tighten connections deep inside the horse or human. Fascia holds the meridians, lymphatic system, circulatory system and bones in place. As we see, it’s impossible to over-estimate the importance of fascia tissue for the horse or human body. The miracle of fascia is that our hands can help the horse easily in short sessions whenever we make time for it. Due to its unique structure, fascia responds to a matching temperature, like the temperature of our hands, to move and change. Cold laser lights and heat lamps have a modest effect; icing a strain actually
18 HORSE AROUND | Oct/Nov 2016 | www.horsearoundnm.com
slows down fascia’s ability to balance itself after a strain. The heat in a strained area is actually helping the fascia to move more easily. Icing or cooling will retard the fascia’s ability to heal the strain. Here are four Conformation Balance releases anyone can easily practice to help keep a horse fit: 1. Tail Release: The tail, or coccyx, is an essential part of the horse. Practice holding the horse’s tail in the meaty part, where the bones are. Hold a section with warm hands, until the fascia begins to change. With practice, we can feel the tissue spread and move. Patience helps here. Always be sure the horse agrees with the contact. Stand at the side, not directly behind him, for safety. A few minutes of this will begin to soften and melt the fascia, depending on our hand temperature. It’s a good
2. Poll Balancing: The poll is often strained for horses, due to knocks or other events. We can help our horse’s poll to balance by putting our hand softly on the space between the ears on top of his head. Notice what kind of structure the poll has. One pointed bump is common. So are two occipitals. Perhaps the poll is flat and straight across. Each horse is unique. If we let our hand rest there, without pushing, we find that it may shift and move as our hand’s heat lets the fascia spread. This balances the poll. The tissue only moves as it chooses, so we don’t need to fear that we can hurt our horse. In fact, if he doesn’t need the contact or want it, the horse will flick our hand off. We can offer this whenever we want. It always benefits the horse when he accepts the contact. This balancing helps horses with anxiety, panic attacks or old trauma. 3. Withers Release: The withers on most horses are very tight. We often see horses with a dip or nick in their withers, just before the shoulders. This dip can often be changed with patient hand contact on the withers. To relieve tight withers, we drape our hands across the top and wait patiently. It takes repeated sessions to make these changes easily visible, but the horse will immediately notice more ease in his shoulder and neck movement. This area benefits the entire shoulder area and helps the withers rise. Nicks in the neck will often fill in and crests will improve with steady practice of this balancing change. This is part of Conformation Balancing on a horse. 4. Sacral Juncture Balancing: A simple yet effective place to put our hands on our horse is on his sacral juncture. This is the area between the croup and the spine. It’s in the same area as our lower back. This area is a high “wear and tear” area due to daily life and work, for both humans and horses.
When we put our warm palms on the horse’s sacral area, we help the fascia to spread and become soft so that hard, frozen tissue can release and become functional again. This area is often almost wooden on horses due to fast stops, collection, tight circles and other work related tasks. Even horses with deep dips in the sacral area change with repeated attention here. This is another Conformation Balance for the horse since it advances his visual conformation along with truly progressing his ability to move his hindquarters. Any horse owner or rider can practice these simple hands-on methods to advance their horse’s conditioning and balance. Weekly, short sessions bring visible
changes over time. Most of all, the horse realizes we care enough to help him feel better emotionally as well, since fascia progress brings great relief for the anxiety and trauma that is locked in fascia cells. As long as the horse agrees, we do no harm. Next time you’re with your horse and want to spend some quality time without riding, give a few of these release exercises a try. Be patient, gentle and watch the horse for licking and chewing cues. He will thank you! _________________________________ Margret Henkle's book on Conformation Balancing, published by Trafalgar Square Books, will be available in 2017. Visit www.conformationalbalalncing.com or call 505-501-2290.
Molly’s ear change brings her peace and makes tacking up much easier! Molly, a Welsh/Arabian mare, had apparently been ear twitched as a young filly. Although ear twitching isn’t so common anymore, tight brow bands and single ear headstalls can also create constriction at the base of the horse’s ears. This can cause head imbalance which results in horses being head-shy and not wanting to wear halters and headstalls. It also causes lasting anxiety for the horse. Molly was sweet-tempered until her owner tried to put a halter on her. In a lengthy session with Molly, I draped my hand gently at the base of her right ear and held it still there, without pushing down or moving my fingers. Her eyes grew wide as she felt the change. My hand was soft and sank into her tissue, not pushing or pinching. Then she licked and chewed. I left the web of my thumb and index finger wrapping her ear for many minutes. After staying at the base of the ear, I let my hand slide up further and held the ear, including the edge, very gently, as if it was a baby bird. I gently slid a little further up the ear and held the tip between my fingers. It took about 45 minutes for Molly to finish with this ear change! We waited as she had many licks and chews as the stuck tissue that held her old trauma memories softened. This is very common with poll and head balancing. It’s important to do as much as the horse approves. After all the change, it was easy to put halters and headstalls on Molly and she lost much of her anxiety in one ear session, ending much frustration for her owner.
©️Photo by Patti Bose
way to spend time with our horse companionably when we don’t have the time or energy to ride. A stiff broomstick tail usually means the horse’s entire loin and pelvis has lost freedom of movement. The tail can also be lifted gently in a vertical lift and circled in both directions, as the horse permits. These are good pre-ride exercises.
www.horsearoundnm.com | Oct/Nov 2016 | HORSE AROUND
19
Hands Down
How Massage Can Help Your Horse Prevent and Recover From Injury
T
There was a collective intake of breath as the people gathered around a horse named Tessa saw spasms running down her back as Ed Lamb gently probed along her spine with his fingers. Tessa had trigger points that needed to be released. Ed, a long-time professional massage therapist, was volunteering his time for this clinic for staff and volunteers at The Horse Shelter. The idea was to give people tools to help the horses become more comfortable and successful in transitioning to adoption-ready. The clinic was an eye-opener for most of us in attendance, as we came to understand that a horse doesn’t have to show lameness or appear to be in pain to have problems that might cause issues with handling or
20 HORSE AROUND | Oct/Nov 2016 | www.horsearoundnm.com
movement. Can you imagine Tessa being saddled and asked to go on a trail ride with the kind of tension she had in her back muscles? During the clinic, Ed invited the participants to feel what he was feeling and to practice the different kinds of touch he was using to relieve Tessa’s sore places. “Before you approach a horse,” he advised the group, “you need to get yourself together, really calm down, because horses
Not every horse needs massage, Ed said. “If you go on an easy trail ride twice a week, your horse may be content with a roll in its paddock. If you are a dressage rider working six days a week, you better get your horse worked on or he will probably break down. People at the track say, oh, the horse pulled a tendon due to his workout yesterday. No, it wasn’t what he did yesterday. It was all the days before.” Massage is used best as a preventative modality, Ed noted. With maintenance work, you are discovering the sore places and working to release them. It can also be used as a pre-competition treatment to loosen a horse in a gentle fashion, or postevent to speed the release of toxins. “I look at the topline of the horse and if I can keep the topline clean, chances are what’s underneath will stay healthy,” he said. “A horse is like a bicycle chain. What happens with one link of the chain will affect all the rest of it.” Equine Massage Techniques
ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY EVALYN BEMIS
in a sense are perfect, they are always in the moment, they never go out of the moment, they don’t know anything about the other moments.”
Stripping is one of several techniques that can release tensions and toxins that may build up in the horse’s muscles. Stripping involves gently squeezing or pushing along a large muscle. This helps increase circulation and tends to get toxins following the hands, loosening up the muscle. Another specific technique is working across the fibers of the muscle. You work at a 90-degree angle to the direction of the muscle. This stroke increases blood flow to any tight or constricted area. For
example, there’s a hamstring muscle that runs from about a hand’s width above the base of tail to the hock. This muscle can feel like a chord when it is tight. Work your fingers across it somewhat like rowing a boat. After doing this, add some long downwards strokes to help move out toxins. Important note: always stand at a 90-degree angle from the rear end of the horse when working here, to avoid being kicked. It is not that the horse intends to kick you but may react to pain. Trigger points are areas that feel like a knot in the muscle. Treat them by holding steady pressure with two fingers on the spot until you can feel a little softening. Have someone do this to you so you know what it feels like. It is possible you hold tension somewhere in your body. Chances are good your horse will be tender in the same place! Always be sure to work both sides of the horse and notice symmetries and asymmetries. When feeling for areas that need work, know that good tissue pushes back, contracted tissue does not. Contracted tissue can feel like a wire or a rope under the skin. If you see fasciculation (shaking) along a muscle it is an indication of pain and restriction. Evalyn Bemis is a lifelong equestrian who continues to learn from every horse she meets and is grateful for every opportunity to engage with them and the people who love them. View Evalyn's photography online by searching Evalyn Bemis Photography. Ed Lamb can by reached at edward41lamb@yahoo.com or 505-9777760.
A certified massage therapist for humans, Ed was trained in sports medicine. He was encouraged by one of the first-ever practitioners of equine massage, Jack Meagher, to learn about horses and used his skills at the racetracks and barns around New England. In his practice, he evolved from thinking he was there to “fix” a horse to understanding that he was there to work with them. “If the horse sighs, I sigh. If the horse relaxes, I relax,” Ed told the group. “If they are nervous, I go out of my way to be calm before I ever touch them. In this way I can communicate with them more effectively.”
www.horsearoundnm.com | Oct/Nov 2016 | HORSE AROUND
21
Is Bitless Better? What bitless bridles may -and may not -do for your horse
Y
BY KAREN LEHMANN
You’ve seen the videos, or watched a demonstration in person. A human mounts a horse and rides a breathtakingly fast and accurate reining pattern, a brilliant and animated dressage freestyle, or an eventing course with jumps so high and speeds so fast that your heart beats faster than is really good for you. Then you notice one small detail of the tack: there’s no bit on that bridle!
22 HORSE AROUND | Oct/Nov 2016 | www.horsearoundnm.com
OPPOSITE PAGE: Modern bitless bridle. LEFT: Jaquima. RIGHT: Riding with a halter. Riding without a bit is a practice that began long, long ago. But if you’re looking for a quick and easy fix to a stubborn training issue, you won’t find it by simply fitting your horse with a bitless bridle. It can be argued that this type of bridle is not, simply by virtue of being bitless, kinder to horses. (It’s also commonly argued that they are.) Their use is not foolproof. Relationship, balance, communication, independence of seat, leg and hand are the ingredients of humane and effective riding – with or without a bit. Still, there seems to be a lot of folks who swear that many behaviors simply disappear once your horse is no longer carrying a bit in his or her sensitive mouth. How often have you seen horses that toss their heads in response to even the slightest pressure on reins? Or that travel “behind” the bit, or “above” the bit - or simply raise their heads up too high to get a bit in their mouth at all? Perhaps your young horse is ready to move up a level in training, but can’t carry a bit comfortably because of erupting teeth. Maybe your mount tosses his head because of a previous experience with heavy hands, or maybe you’d like to let a novice rider ride your well-trained horse. You might have a new horse that you just don’t know all that well, and haven’t yet decided which type of bit/bridle gear will work best. You might even feel that the use of a bit – any bit – is an outdated practice which is at best ineffective and, at worst, cruel. If any of these scenarios sounds familiar, you might consider using a “bitless bridle.”
Common types of bitless bridles
Other hackamore types
The jaquima, or hackamore. A typical hackamore consists of: the bosal (noseband), which fits over the horse’s nose and ends under the chin with a heel knot (or “handle”); the fiador, which serves as a throatlatch and ties off to the heel knot; and the long one-piece reins known as mecate. When the reins are pulled, the fiador knot exerts pressure under the horse’s chin and the bosal exerts pressure on the nose. The action of the jaquima can be milder or more severe depending on the materials used to make it, as well by adjustments that change the location of pressure on the nose. In addition, the mecate can be used as a pressure aid against the horse’s neck. Subtlety is key to success with a hackamore.
There are too many of these to list! The basic ingredients include a noseband (and chinstrap) with shanks attached on either side to create a leverage effect. There are many variations: “English” hackamores are quite mild, “Jumping” hackamores are not actually used for jumping; “S” hackamores are often used in endurance, and “Flower” hackamores allow one to easily adjust the degree of leverage, without shanks. The most important thing to remember is to adjust the noseband carefully – it mustn’t sit too low - otherwise you risk serious injury to your horse.
It’s often said that what you can make a horse do in a snaffle bit, you must teach the horse to do in a hackamore. They’re often used to educate a young horse before the introduction of a mild bit, because the young horse can be taught to respond to the rider’s hands without involving their tender mouth at all. The move away from neck pressure upon which neck reining depends is often effectively taught using mecate made of horsehair, because of its slight prickle. The weight and thickness of the mecate are of the utmost importance, as is the proper fitting of the hackamore. Because of the subtlety of the hackamore’s cues, the rider must be in proper balance and position in order to reinforce those cues with leg and seat aids. Otherwise, it’s all too easy for a horse to become confused and learn that it can simply “run through” this type of bitless bridle.
“Mechanical hackamores” are best left to the pros. They have a reputation as harsh devices because their construction makes it easy to physically damage a horse. The “sidepull” is a more accessible type of bitless bridle. It works by exerting pressure on the horse’s poll, nose and chin groove. Sidepull bridles are used with direct rein action, as opposed to the indirect rein possible with a hackamore. They’re great for teaching a young horse to turn, or for re-schooling the stiffer, older horse that may be reluctant to turn. What a sidepull will not help with is the “headstrong” horse who doesn’t stop well. Sidepulls are also ineffective for “stargazers,” or the horse that flips his nose up to evade a rider’s cues. (A bit really isn’t effective for re-training these behaviors, either.) Some modern bitless bridles incorporate a kind of “whole-head-hug” action, by way of two straps crisscrossing around and under the horse’s cheeks, then attaching to the reins. Known as “crossunder” bitless
www.horsearoundnm.com | Oct/Nov 2016 | HORSE AROUND
23
bridles, Dr. Cook’s Bitless Bridle and the Spirit Bridle are good examples of this style. These types of bridles are used in the same way as a simple snaffle bit/bridle combo; with a direct rein.
Sidepulls and other bitless bridles are best used on horses that are not headstrong and will stop when asked.
Though not actually a bridle, another method of bitless riding involves a stiff ring that goes around the horse’s neck (Linda Tellington Jones: Liberty Neck Ring). This is a great way to encourage the horse to lift its shoulders and move off the hind end. It does require a balanced rider and a fairly trustworthy horse.
Other “bitless bridles” might include the halter and lead rope hanging on your wall, or various forms of knotted rope halters in combination with various reins. These work by exerting pressure by way of the knots – the exact placement of which on your horse’s face depends on how tight you tie the halter. If you decide to give bitless riding a try, be careful, start slowly and don’t hesitate to ask questions of your tack dealer and/ or trainer. Remember, it doesn’t have to be an irrevocable decision: you could go bitless on a relaxed, familiar trail and still school dressage with your bit of choice at home in the arena. Train in a sidepull and compete with a bit; or go bitless for a while and then transition back to the bit when your horse seems ready. Have fun and good luck! Karen Lehmann writes from home in the small NM mountain town of Sandia Park. When she’s not working on something for Horse Around, or over at the barn with her three horses, you’ll find her at karen@ phrasesincorporated.com.
M ou nted Body Balance™ f or you and your horse
Sessions, lessons and classes available Susan Smith is founder of Equine Body Balance™, non-force, sustainable bodywork * associate instructor * advanced practitioner Ortho-Bionomy, Equine Positional Release * Reflex Balancing. Founder Horses at Liberty Foundation Training™ – Open Bond - Online – OnBoard™ lifelong partnership between you and your horse. www.susansmithsantafe.com, info@susansmithsantafe.com 505-501-2478 24 HORSE AROUND | Oct/Nov 2016 | www.horsearoundnm.com
Albuquerque Pet Memorial Service
When a beloved companion dies, treat them with the dignity and respect they deserve.
Phone: 505-550-4793 Pager: 505-790-5596
132 Mountain Park Place NW Suite A, Albuquerque, NM
APMS is owned by David and Kelly Gifford. David has over 35 years of experience in the cremation industry. He is certified as a federally recognized instructor in the process of cremation. Kelly Gifford is a registered nurse, manages the APMS office and, along with David, is an avid animal lover. She is pictured below with her Icelandic horse, Rohan. Albuquerque Pet Memorial Service is the largest cremation service provider in the state of New Mexico, in operation since 1999.
Albuquerque Pet Memorial Service provides a sensitive alternative for animal owners. We promise to treat your animal companion with the dignity and respect they deserve. We offer: •
Convenient and coordinated response when your horse or pet dies.
•
Respectful pick up at veterinarian offices, boarding facilities, or your residence.
•
Dignified horse/pet cremation services.
•
A large selection of urns.
•
Private cremation services, with cremated remains returned for burial or scattering.
In your time of need, let Albuquerque Pet Memorial Service help.
www.AlbuquerquePetMemorial.com
Jicarilla Mustang Heritage Alliance Adopt a gentled Mustang, and awaken your soul to the horse!
Mustangs have heart and trust those who earn their
trust. They are intelligent, loyal, versatile, & willing.
We offer training and will match you with the perfect Mustang.
Come see our Mustangs, perfect for all endeavors: riding, cart, therapy, companionship, kid’s horse.
Help them get out of holding pens and into your heart!
505-360-5996
kiipb97@gmail.com
jicarillamustangs.org
You Will Ride Better With Massage:
• Relieve tight muscles so • Reduce ride recovery time. you can move easily with • Improve your posture while your horse's motion. you are on & off your horse. • Decrease muscle soreness • Improve range of motion for & pain in hips, knees, etc. more stability & balance.
“
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
”
Help Project Gelding of the New Mexico Horse Council!
Schedule your first massage with Jennifer, and she will donate 50% of net proceeds to the effort to geld horses. Medicine Massage, Jennifer Black LMT #7103 Alb., NM
4 Winds Equest"an Center Equine Educational Center of New Mexico Patty Wilber is well known in New Mexico as an avid and very talented horsewoman. Her expertise ranges from cattle work, horse training and horse shows to back country packing.
New Training and Learning Options At 4 Winds Equestrian Center!! Two Very Talented Training & Riding Conformation Balancing, End old painful tightness and athletic blocks with progressive change for the horse. WWW.EquineNM.com for added info - Margret Henkels Shooter 4 Winds Equestrian Lease N LearnCenter Horse
505-384-1831 www.4windsequestriancenter.com 4windsec@qwestoffice.net Fall Fun Day info on Website
Instructors joining our team, Patty Wilber & John Baird Margret Henkels visiting 4 Winds on a bimonthly basis with Conformational Balancing Lease N Learn: All the fun of owning a horse at a fraction of the investment
Discover the Difference with John Baird Rudy Lara Jr. Horsemanship Our Trainer/Instructor www.RockingBRanch.org
Monthly Clinics and events Full time experienced professional boarding also available: Stalls, pens or pasture
! n o s d n a h Get your
@
Starrynight Ranch Historic Guest Ranch near Llaves, NM Learn “Hands On Horsemanship” from trainer and guest ranch owner Julie Phillips.
l
l
Learn Julie’s “Hands On Horsemanship” method of bonding with your horse. Create a relationship of trust and respect to make your horse a willing partner.
l
l
Be confident and calm on the ground and while riding your horse. All-inclusive guest ranch packages - private rooms, meals, our horse or BYOH.
John Baird uses proven, gentle methods that will help you teach your horse to be the willing and respectful partner you deserve and you have always dreamed of.
l
l
photo by Jay Ritter
Join us Oct 15, 2016 for our Fall Fun Day with Patty, Margret & John Free lunch - Bring your Horse Limited number of attendees RSVP 384-1831 The
Family and women’s retreats-bring your family & friends -overnight or longer. Children’s summer horse camps, horses and instruction provided -- safe and fun!
www. starrynightranch.com, 575-638-5661, 505-554-0577
Straight From the Children's Mouths
What Horses, Close Family, and Mother Nature are Teaching Five Precocious Youth
28 HORSE AROUND | Oct/Nov 2016 | www.horsearoundnm.com
ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY CECILIA KAYANO
J
Jack’s Creek Campground was all abuzz. There was a group of five adults and five children taking off to do a 12-mile round trip horseback ride to Pecos Baldy Lake. One boy was on his first horseback ride. The other children had a variety of experience in the saddle, but none of the children had ever ridden so far. There would be steep sections, backpackers on the trail, and horse-eating bogs. Would they all make it, safe and sound? What would they learn on the trail? Would they be smiling when they emerged in camp?
...
Fast forward six hours, and from the trail dropping into the campground wafts the sounds of whooping and hollering. People in camp could get glimpses of the ten riders – they were waving, thumbs up, sitting tall in their saddles. There was not a sour attitude in the bunch, only the elation that comes from great accomplishment. Here is what the children said about their ride, their horses, and their family...
Araya Vigil, age 10:
Jacob Vigil, age 9:
On family… “It’s important to spend time with my family because they teach me life lessons.”
On being on his first horseback ride…“When I first got on, I felt sad because I was scared. Being scared gives me butterflies and I hate butterflies. I don’t want to be scared.”
On courage… “My mom gave me bravery. She said. ‘He (the horse) will protect you.’” On protecting your horse… “I’m supposed to not make him step on anything that will hurt him, and make sure he doesn’t get stung by bees.” On being outside with horses… “If I hadn’t come here, I would be bored and watching TV. It’s better to ride because you get to see nature and it’s more healthy for you.” Anastasija Walsh, age 10: On the best way to spend your birthday…“This is what I wanted to do for my 10th birthday.” On why she rides…“Riding horses makes me feel happy and strong.” On responsibility…“I’m supposed to be the boss of the horse and take care of him. I give him water and food.” On overcoming fear…“Going up the hill at the beginning was the hardest. It was scary, but I calmed myself down.” Everett, age 7: On the best thing about horseback riding…“I like riding with my daddy, going through puddles, and going fast.” On the scariest part of the ride…“The mud bog was the hardest. My mom’s horse jumped over it and I got scared. I was afraid that she was going to fall off, but she didn’t. I learned that my mom is brave.” On how to overcome fear…“I was a little scared, but I sucked it up. My daddy taught me that.” LEFT: Jacob Vigil (age 9) and his cousin Everett Vigil (age 7). RIGHT: Araya Vigil (age 10).
On the horse-eating mud bog…“My horse slipped in the bog, and then stopped. My dad said, ‘Just go! Kick him!’ Then my dad said, ‘You’re doing good.'" On getting rid of butterflies: “At the end, I felt good. I felt confidence.”
Jasmine Vigil, age 12: On being a good sister…“On the way down, my brother’s horse was going crazy, he was trying to run. My brother was getting scared, so I l traded horses with him. I got the horse under control.” On no cell coverage at Jack’s Creek…“If I was at home, I would be on my phone. I don’t miss it.” The reasons why the parents brought the children up to the Pecos to ride were varied, but all touched on teaching them responsibility. One father, J.R. Vigil, brought his children to prepare them for a fall deer and elk hunt. Jacob drew a deer tag, and Jasmine drew an elk tag. Both the children have taken and passed hunter safety education courses. Randy Vigil (an ex Marine) and his wife Feliz Vigil like that horsemanship teaches Araya and Everett to be responsible, and to be leaders. Plus, it requires good horsemanship skills from the parents. “When we grew up, our parents just put us on the horses and said, ‘Go!’ Now Feliz and I train the horses, ride them often, and get them ready so our kids can ride them.” Angelo Walsh was the instigator of the outing. He gathered family around to fulfill his daughter Anastasija’s birthday wish. His family goes on regular outings to keep a close bond between the children, the cousins, and extended family. He also likes that learning to handle a horse is helping Anastasija mature. “Horsemanship teaches her to be responsible, to do her chores, and take care of her horse. It’s pretty amazing to see my 10-year-old girl leading around a 1,000 pound animal!” All parents commented on the special place: The Pecos Wilderness. They live on the other side of the mountains, in the Nambe Pueblo, and want their children to know the land, so, as they keep returning over the years, they will have a history with it. “When they are adults, they will have a sense of understanding, a sense of pride because they know the land,” said J.R. ______________________________________________________________________ Cecilia Kayano is the editor of Horse Around New Mexico magazine. She thanks the children in this story for sharing their adventure and expressing their feelings so sincerely. TOP: Jasmine Vigil (age 12). LEFT: Anastasija Walsh (age 10 ). BOTTOM: Front row -- Anastasija Walsh, Jacob Vigil, Everett Vigil. Back row -- J. R. Vigil, Jasmine Vigil, Angelo Walsh, Araya Vigil, Feliz Vigil, Randy Vigil, Jason Armetta, Gabriel Gallegos.
30 HORSE AROUND | Oct/Nov 2016 | www.horsearoundnm.com
PARASITE MANAGEMENT
that was
THEN, NOW this is
BY STACIE G. BOSWELL, DVM, DACVS-LA
U
Up until relatively recently, veterinary medicine had very few tools. If you are familiar with All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot, you know that he began his veterinary medical career without three of the major medication mainstays that we have now: steroids, antibiotics, and anthelmintics. Anthelmintics are more commonly known as dewormers or parasiticides. The word is from Latin, “ant” meaning against, and “helminth”, referring to a parasitic worm. The only tool Dr. Herriot had available was to manage manure to reduce exposure to parasite eggs.
One of the earliest dewormers was levamisole. Ivermectin came on the market in 1971. These dewormers seemed a miracle cure for killing parasites. However, the worms quickly outsmarted the drugs, and it became clear to scientists, veterinarians, and stockmen that they did not kill 100% of the parasites. Worms that were resistant were able to survive longer, and reproduce better.
Many horsemen then tried “rotational deworming” schedules that were intended to prevent parasite resistance. The thought was that if some worms were not killed by Dewormer A, they could be killed using
Dewormer B, or Dewormer C. Again, parasites developed resistance to multiple dewormer strategies. Daily deworming came into practice, but it turns out that the absolute worstcase scenario of parasite resistance to dewormers is administration of daily dewormer pellets. This type of program quickly selects for worms that survive despite administration of these chemicals. Inappropriate dosing also contributes to parasite resistance. Another method is the “Panacur
PowerPac”, which is a double-dose of fenbendazole administered once daily for five days. It kills some stages of parasites that other dewormers do not. The PowerPac should be used only after fecal evaluation and consultation with your veterinarian. In light of the history of parasite resistance, scientifically, we have come full circle: Now veterinary medicine recommends manure and pasture management as an important part of appropriate parasite control. These strategies are meant to reduce exposure an animal has to parasite eggs. This is critical
www.horsearoundnm.com | Oct/Nov 2016 | HORSE AROUND
31
1
2
3
for ensuring that internal worm numbers (a horse’s parasite burden) are minimized.
parasites that are resistant to certain dewormers.
The bottom line Deworming horses on a rotational basis four or six times a year is not supported by current science, and is harmful to the environment. Parasite resistance to dewormers is a common problem. Manure and pasture or paddock management is critical for modern parasite control. Fecal egg counts and veterinary consultation should be used to develop an appropriate deworming strategy. It will take into consideration the horse’s age, climate, possible parasite exposure, and any special circumstances. Directions and dosage on the dewormer label should be followed precisely because inappropriate dosing is less effective for parasite control, and may contribute to resistance.
However, no tool is perfect. Some parasites shed eggs only intermittently. The bot lifecycle involves the fly laying its eggs directly on the horse, so those eggs will not show up in a fecal evaluation. The McMaster’s does not reliably detect pinworms (photo 7), tapeworms, or bots; however, other tests for these parasites are available.
So why did everything change? In addition to the problem of resistance, dewormers pose two significant concerns for the environment. One is that farm dogs that eat horse feces will ingest the parasiticide that is excreted. Ivermectin is passed out of the body, virtually unchanged in chemical structure, in about 24 hours. Breeds that are highly sensitive to ivermectin (collies, shepherds, and sheepdogs) can ingest a toxic dose of the dewormer by eating the horse’s feces. Dewormers also can affect natural, beneficial insect populations and waterdwelling animals. Experiments have shown suppression of insects in and delayed degradation of cattle feces after treatment with parasiticides. Run-off from pastures or paddocks containing feces from recently-dewormed horses can be lethal to a pond or stream’s fish population and other water-dwelling creatures.
Habronema (photo 8) is prevalent throughout the southwestern United States and is more commonly known as the stomach worm. Aberrant migrating larvae or abnormal egg deposition can cause skin lesions, conjunctivitis (inflammation around the eye), or other problems that can be very painful to the horse. While the larvae of Habronema have been identified in fecals, it often is only noted as “summer sores.” These sores or eye problems need more than just a dewormer dose, and examination by your veterinarian is advised.
Testing to worm strategically The McMaster’s fecal egg count method effectively measures the parasite eggs per gram of feces (epg) [see inset]. In horses, The McMaster’s fecal egg count consistently detects large and small strongyles and most other intestinal parasites. It is useful for determining which horses actually should be dewormed, and it is an excellent tool for identifying individual horses with heavy infestations. Using the McMaster’s test before and after strategic deworming can show the effectiveness of the dewormer and identify farms or horses that harbor
4
Special cases and considerations Some age groups are more prone to parasite problems. Horses less than three years old need a more intense parasitecontrol program. Younger individuals are more prone to heavy, life-threatening infestations. Older horses are also at greater risk, possibly due to lower immunity.
Good news for New Mexico New Mexico does catch one break when it comes to parasite control. Ultraviolet light and dry conditions destroy parasite eggs. New Mexico’s dry high-plains, mountainous, and desert environment is very hostile to equine parasites. The good news is that it is possible to virtually eliminate certain parasites by keeping paddocks and stalls manure-free. Manure management is probably the single most important factor in effectively reducing parasite populations. ________________________________ Stacie G. Boswell, DVM, DACVS-LA is an equine veterinarian at Western Trails Veterinary Hospital in Edgewood, New Mexico. She may be reached at stacieboswell@gmail.com.
Worming Myths
As a veterinarian, I have been privy to all kinds of lore and “secrets” about how to reduce intestinal parasite worm burdens in horses. Here are three of the most common: Myth (especially popular in the southeast United States): Feeding your horse a cigarette once a month will kill the parasites. Fact: While tobacco is toxic to parasites, in order for it to be a high enough concentration to have an effect, you would also have to toxify your horse. Myth: Diatomaceous earth is like “glass shards” and will destroy internal parasites. Fact: The truth is, this has NEVER been validated in any scientific study. The main component of diatomaceous earth is silica, which is also the main component of glass. Think about that logic: would “glass shards” be healthy for the intestinal lining? Absolutely not! And in fact, there is evidence that it can be abrasive to the delicate intestines of your horse.
5
Myth: “I use an herbal dewormer, and look at how healthy my horse is!” Fact: You cannot tell parasitism for sure by looking at the outside of a horse. If you decide that an herbal or natural deworming remedy or supplement is the right choice for your horse, it is prudent to have your veterinarian perform a fecal egg count before and after administration. This will help determine if the purported deworming product is providing the protection your horse needs. Since herbs and supplements are not regulated by the FDA, they are not held to regulatory restrictions regarding label claims.
PHOTOS OF MCMASTER'S PROCEDURE 1: Supplies necessary for the McMaster’s fecal egg count are shown in Figure 1 and include feces, fecal flotation solution, measuring vial, calibrated McMaster’s slide, and a syringe. 2: The proper amount of flotation solution is added to the vial. 3: One gram of feces, as measured by volume in the vial, is then added. 4 and 5: The mixture is then carefully syringed into the calibrated chamber of the McMaster’s slide with the mixture. 6: A microscope is used to observe the number of parasite eggs within the grid on the McMaster’s slide. This number is used to calculate the eggs per gram (epg) result.
6
PHOTO 7: A pinworm on a horse. These parasites lay their eggs on the skin outside the rectum, which can lead to tail rubbing. Pinworms are one of the few intestinal parasites that are not reliably detected on fecal evaluation. PHOTO 8: A granuloma in the conjunctiva (soft tissue of the eye) that was caused by migrating Habronema larvae. This parasite is susceptible to ivermectin, but additional treatment is warranted and consultation with a veterinarian is advised.
7
8
ADVERTISEMENT
Every Horse Needs A Different Lead Rope PHOTO AND STORY BY EVALYN BEMIS
R
Rudy Lara Jr is the sort of person that a horse wants at the other end of his leadrope. After only 40 days in Rudy’s care, Horse Shelter trainee Jesse gave such an outstanding performance at the July 2016 Gimme Shelter event that he and Rudy won the People’s Choice award, competing against 7 other young horses that had 100 days of training. And the funny thing is, Rudy had never practiced his freestyle in the saddle with Jesse because he thought it was supposed to be performed in hand. Standing on a bridge, jumping barrels, and walking into the hanging tarp strips was something new to Jesse with Rudy in the saddle, let alone doing it in front of a 1000+ people. Rudy grew up in Las Cruces, riding from the age of 5. By the age of 10 he had begun competing in Charros, reining and ranch roping. He studied with Dennis Reis, Buck Brannaman, Jack Brainard, and Eitan Beth-Lalachmy, the originator of “Cowboy Dressage”. All of these clinicians focus on a method of training known as Natural Horsemanship. In 2009 when Rudy was just 18, he and his father began accepting horses for training as word got around of their abilities, especially starting young ones or fixing horses with issues. Jesse arrived at The Horse Shelter (THS) in October 2014 as a 2-year old stallion. The NM Livestock Board had confiscated him from a bad situation. His past is largely unknown but after he had been gelded and gained enough weight, he became eligible to participate in the Trainers Challenge. This is the rescue organization’s annual effort to showcase the quality of their horses and the talents of local trainers. Rudy found out about the competition a little too late to sign on at the start of the 100-day training period. When Jesse’s trainer returned him to the shelter due to some handling issues, THS volunteer Jarratt Applewhite thought Rudy might be just what Jesse needed. Rudy took a chance on seeing what he could do with the 5-year old in the remaining 40 days. Rudy’s goal was to restore the horse’s
confidence and build a relationship with him. After only two days together, Rudy was in the saddle, Jesse being willing and cooperative, and within two weeks Rudy realized that he liked the young horse very much. Initially Rudy had no plans other than to give Jesse a restart. By the time the competition rolled around, he’d made up his mind both to compete and to bid on Jesse. When asked what happened, he responded, “I can’t explain it but I felt a connection with Jesse and I think he felt it with me too. I just hoped someone wouldn’t outbid me. I see my personal horses as my companions and partners, and I like for them to have a job and for me that is working with cattle on the ranch, and it is something Jesse likes to do. My dad and I also do expos, demos and state fairs, and I hope to take Jesse with me to the Buck Brannaman Pro-Am Ranch Roping in Santa Inez, California in October.” Rudy’s business consists largely of training horses that have been abused or had a rough beginning. “I love working with these horses and seeing them change and start to trust me. I’ll put them in the round pen, having them make many changes of direction and pushing them like they would experience in a herd in the wild. They start to look to me as a leader, and think about what is happening and building confidence.” In Rudy’s experience, although some horses may be aggressive in their behavior towards humans as a result of bad handling or fearful situations, such as one horse that was rescued from a slaughterhouse yard, he is usually able to change these tendencies by his consistent work with the horse. Jesse clearly is one who benefited from Rudy’s training methods and Rudy’s ability to see the willingness and courage in the horse. “Jesse was timid at first and seemed to have lost his selfconfidence. I wanted to make things fun and easy for him. Pretty soon he was trying all kinds of stuff. He surprised me when we got to the competition because I thought we were supposed to do the trail obstacles in hand, and I hadn’t ridden him through the hanging tarps or any of that stuff we did that day,” Rudy said with a laugh. Rudy is married to Aubriana and they have two sons, Joaquin (5) and Santiago (2). He is proud of the fact that Joaquin is already showing an aptitude with horses, helping with chores at the barn and catching the shy ones. The Laras are four generations strong in the horse world and the Lara name is bound to become synonymous with respect and affection for the horses they handle.
To learn more, visit www.NSAHorsemanship.com. NSA stands for No Strings Attached, the name taken from Rudy Lara Jr.'s demonstration of riding without a bridle. The website contains information on clinics, expos, and training opportunities.
EVENTS: .............October - November OCTOBER
HORSE ✽ RIDER
1 Points Show Desert Sun Equestrians Laurel 575-749-0910; Facebook Portales
23 All Breed Horse Show Horseman's Assoc. Southern NM huffs@zianet.com Alamogordo
October 1 6th Annual Yard Sale Fundraiser! Listening Horse Therapeutic Riding; upper arena at NNMHA Santa Fe
1 Ranch Sorting www.bosquefarmsrodeo.org Bosque Farms
23 The 5th Eventing X Games www.Goosedownsfarm.com 505-690-9948 Galisteo
October 1-2 Buckaroo Balance Weekend Yoga, mounted bodywork, riding Christina 505-280-8171 4windsequestriancenter.com Estancia....See ad page 27
1-2 Chili Roast Show Series Arabian Horse Assoc. www.nmarabs.org Albuquerque 7-8 Mesalands College Rodeo www.honeycuttrodeo.info Tucumcari 7-9 Fall Festival Show NM Hunter Jumper Assoc. Rush Management Albuquerque 8-9 Horse Trials - Area X USEA Las Cruces Horseman’s Assoc. www.lchanm.us Las Cruces 15-16 Gymkhana & Hunter/Jumper Las Cruces Horseman’s Assoc. www.lchanm.us Las Cruces 16 Schooling Show NM Dressage Assoc. www.nmdressage.net Albuquerque 23 26th Annual Equestrian Cup Hunter Jumper Competition www.abqec.org Albuquerque
29-30 Harvest Fling NM Dressage Society Don 505-550-6735 Santa Fe 29-30 Ranch Horse Championships www.USRHC.com Las Cruces 29-30 Barefoot in New Mexico AERC Endurance Ride
barefootinnewmexico2016.weebly.com
Alamogordo
30 Desert Sun Equestrians Fun Day Costume Show Laurel 575-749-0910; Facebook Portales
NOVEMBER
12 NMBTRA Team Roping www.ustrc.com Las Cruces
13 Hunter/Jumper Show Las Cruces Horseman’s Assoc. www.lchanm.us Las Cruces 25-27 USTRC Duke City Classic www.ustrc.com Albuquerque
October 5, 12, 19, 26 Wednesdays in Pojoaque! Meet John from Mustang Camp -- he will have some V.I.P.’s (Very Important Ponies) with him at Farmer’s Market Poeh Center Plaza....See ad page 8 October 7-8 Jennifer Marchand Dressage Clinic NM Dressage Assoc. Adrienne 505-228-2197 Albuquerque October 8-10 Beth Beymer Clinic 4windsequestriancenter.com Estancia....See ad page 27 October 14-15 Celebration of the Horse 2016 Corrales Harvest Festival www.corralesharvestfestival.com Corrales October 15 Ridge Riders/Northern New Mexico Horsemen's Assoc. www.nnmha.net Las Tetillitas Loop-Caja del Rio October 15 Fall FUN Day with Patty Wilber, Margaret Henkels & John Baird 4 Winds Equestrian Center R.S.V.P. 505-384-1831 A.S.A.P. Estancia....See ad page 27
October 16; November 20 BCHNM-Zuni Chapter Trail Rides Cibola National Forest Mount Taylor Ranger District Facebook: ZMCBCHNM October 20-23 Wild Horse Tour - On Horseback NM Horse Adventures 505-301-0917 South Central NM October 28-30 Dressage & Yoga for Trail Riders NM Horse Adventures 505-301-0917 Corrales November 13 Ridge Riders/Northern New Mexico Horsemen's Assoc. East Mountain Open Space www.nnmha.net Cedar Crest Do YOU skijor? Save the Date: January 14-15 www.redriverskijoring.com Red River....See ad page 39
⤵︎⤵︎⤵︎⤵︎⤵︎⤵︎⤵︎⤵︎⤵︎
Want to see your event here? We’d love to hear from you. It’s FREE to list!
EventsHorseAround@gmail.com
Horse Around New Mexico DEADLINES December/January Issue Articles & Events: Oct. 20th editor@HorseAroundNM.com EventsHorseAround@gmail.com
Ads: Nov. 5th ads@HorseAroundNM.com www.horsearoundnm.com
New Mexico Native Wins Race in Mongolia
Congratulations to Marcia Hefker-Miles, 45, a New Mexico native who lives in Raton. On August 11, Marcia came in first, along with two others (a triple dead heat) in the 2016 Mongol Derby held in Mongolia. At 1,000 kilometers, the Mongol Derby is known as the longest endurance race in the world with some of the most rugged, isolated terrain on the planet. Marcia said her most memorable moment was, “Riding through a high mountain pass, past a boy and a girl both herding goats; making eye contact with them and waving. I saw myself in that little girl…” See www.krtnradio.com for the story.
.................
To submit your event for listing consideration, send information to: 36 HORSE AROUND | Oct/Nov 2016 | www.horsearoundnm.com EventsHorseAround@gmail.com. Listings are at no charge.
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 listing: HorseNewMexico@gmail.com, 505-570-7377.
Guest Ranches/Outfitting/ Riding Vacations Bluewater Lake Lodge, Prewitt; trails, full
hookups, small cabins, overnight stabling: 505-290-2699; www.bluewaterlake-lodge. com Burnt Well Guest Ranch, Roswell; working cattle ranch, large ranch house, cattle round ups; 575-347-2668; www. burntwellguestranch.com Circle A Guest Ranch, Cuba: trail riding, historic lodge, BYOH, corrals, near San Pedro Parks Wilderness; 575-289-3350; www.circlearanchnm.com Concho Hills Guest Ranch, Magdalena; trail riding, ranch activities, cowboy shooting, historical tours, award-winning accommodations. (575) 772-5757 Cow Creek Ranch, Pecos; fly fishing,horseback riding in the Sangre de Cristos. (505) 757-2107 Creek Ranch, Santa Rosa; All inclusive horseback vacations on 82,000 acres, genuine working cattle and guest ranch; www.creek-ranch.com
Twin Willows Guest Ranch, Ocate, near J Bar C Horse Motel, Roswell; arena, 2 RV Angel Fire; Log house with log house for 8 hookups; 575-347-2742 / 575-626-5296 / for rent, BYOH.575-666-2028 575-626-5294; www.jbarchorsemotel.com TwoPonyz Ranch, Mountainair; guest house; BYOH; 505-847-0245; www. twoponyzranch.com
J.P.'s Horse Motel, Mentmore (Gallup); arena; 505-979-1192
Kiva RV Park and Horse Motel, Bernardo; U-Trail’s, Glenwood; guided pack trips, day 14 stalls, large pens, obstacle course, rides; lodge, gourmet meals; 575-519round pen; 8569; www.utrail.com Tel: 505-861-0693; www. kivarvparkandhorsemotel.com Vermejo Park Ranch, Raton; Ted Turner-owned luxury resort offers guided Kiss the Moon Equestrian Center, Moriarty; horseback rides; vermejoparkranch.com Easy I-40 access, indoor arena, easy access for bigger rigs/haulers; 505-975Wolfhorse Outfitters, Gila/Aldo 3567 Leopold Wilderness; Native American Guide Service; 575-534-1379; www. Las Cruces Horse Motel, Las Cruces; WolfHorseOutfitters.com 5 minute trail ride to Rio Grande, RV hookups, roping arena with cattle; 575-644Overnight Stabling 3518; www.lascruceshorsemotel.com 4 Winds Equestrian Center, Estancia; RV/ trailer sites with electrical hookups, small LazyKo Ranch. Deming;horse motel, travel trailer, arenas, nearby riding in the hookups with open range for riding; 575Manzanos & Sandias; 505-384-1831 202-2876; www.chickentracks.biz
Justyn Brynn Enchantment Equitreks, Edgewood; All-inclusive horseback riding adventures offering day rides, weekend, 5-day, 7-day and 8-day packages; 575-4307514; www.enchantmentequitreks.com
The Albatross, Santa Fe; horse motel, long Mac’s Overnight Stables, near Santa Fe and short-term, outdoor arena and round on 1-25: round pen and trails, RV hookup; pen; 505-231-8570; john@mineralogica.org 505-466-2815; www.macsovernightstables. com Arrowhead Ranch, Santa Fe; multiple arenas and trail access; 505-424-8888; Open Heart G Farms, Anthony; located on Arrowheadsantafe@aol.com 25-acre pecan orchard, indoor box stalls, hookups, bunkhouse; 915-920-5169; Branco's Boarding Stables, Las Cruces; openheartgfarms@gmail.com full hookups, daily/weekly/monthly rates, access to BLM land trails; 575-636-8809; Rancho de la Angostura, Algodones: www.brancosboardingstables.com easy trail access, power available, arena and round pen; 505-280-4849; www. Broken M Ranch, Albuquerque; large arena katylindberg.com w/lights; barrels; round pen; wash rack; dry camping; 505-877-9433; Rancho Siesta, Edgewood; dry camping, www.broken-m-ranch.com spacious corrals; 505-450-3165
Los Pinos Guest Ranch, Cowles; lodge and gourmet meals; 505-757-6213; www. lospinosranch.com
Bruton Stables Raton; outdoor arena and Red Rock Park, Gallup; enclosed and round pen; 575-447-8777; brutonstables@ covered stalls, arena, primitive/water/ gmail.com electric; 505-726-1277; www.gallupnm.gov
NAN Ranch, Faywood; rent the HQ of national registered historic 1870s ranch in the Mimbres River Valley, BYOH; 575-288-5368
Carter's Stables, Farmington; guest house, Rocking Horse Ranch, Moriarty; huge one full hookup; 505-330-3066; www. indoor arena; 505-832-6619 / 505-301cartersstablesfarmington.com 3772; www.rockinghorseranch.net
Nancy Burch’s Roadrunner Tours, Red River; overnight excursions and trail riding; 575-377-6416; www.nancyburch.com
Caballo Lake State Park, Caballo; four Roy-El Horse Hotel , Espanola; 505-603large pipe corrals with cover, tack room, 6016; www.roy-elmorgans.com water, trails, easy on/off I-25; 575-743-3942 Slash M Slash Ranch, Grants; horse Cassetta Critter Care, Tucumcari; horse motel, indoor riding arena, roping arena, motel, roping arena, trailer hook up; bunkhouse; 505-290-7836 / 505-290-2645; 575-403-6227 / 603-798-5033; www. jodiepalmermirabal@hotmail.com cassettacrittercare.com; Facebook.com/ cassettacrittercarehorsemotel Ride To Pride at “The Barn,” Las Vegas; easy access off 1-25; 505-429-9935 / 429Crossroads Ranch, Anthony; 575-882-5533 3905; www.ridetopride.com
Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch; remote dude ranch; 575-772-5157; www.geronimoranch. com Gillespie Ranch, Mayhill; large pens, gift shop, cozy cottage, RV hookups; 575-6873732; www.gillespieranchulazy2.com
N Bar Ranch, Reserve; in Gila National Forest, BYOH or ours, rent entire ranch; 575-533-6253; nbarranch@hughes.net Quinlan Ranch, Chama; RV hookups, guided rides, lodge and meals; 575-2091618; www,quinlanranch.com Starrynight Ranch, Llaves; All-inclusive, children’s camps, guided rides through private and BLM land, guest cottage and rooms, BYOH or ours; 575-554-0577/ 575638-5661; www.starrynightranch.com Taos Horse Getaways, Tres Piedras; BYOH; houses, cabins, RV space; 575-7583628; www.taoshorsegetaways.com
Diamond Arrow Ranch, Deming, 5 RV hookups, ride out on BLM land, big rig friendly; 575-546-1115 /480-332-8265; gregsandy03@hotmail.com
Spur Stables LLC, equine hotel, south valley Albuquerque; new owners since 2015; four full hookups includes 30 & 50 amp, dump; 505-382-2370;paulsilva46@ comcast.net
Trail Riding Operations A.A. Taos Ski Valley Wilderness Adventures, LLC, Taos; Ride peaks and ridges of Rocky Mountains; 575-751-6051
Acacia Riding Adventures, San Acacia; 575517-0477; www.acaciaridingadventures.com Broken Saddle Riding Company, Cerrillos; gaited horses; 505-424-772; www. brokensaddle.com Bishop’s Lodge Stables, Santa Fe; www. bishopslodge.com Cedar Crest Stables & Country Cottage, Cedar Crest; mountain riding, cottage for rent; 505281-5197; www.cedarcreststables.com Cieneguilla Stables, near Taos; trail rides and “saddle and paddle” combo trips; 575-7512815 Circle S Riding Stable and Outfitting, Tererro; trail rides in Pecos Wilderness June-July, elk hunt outfitting Sept.-Oct. 575-288-5055, 505-757-8440; www. circlesridingstable.com Corralitos Trail Rides, near Las Cruces; working ranch riding; 575-640-8184; www. corraltostrailrides.com Enchanted Gaits, Tijeras; smooth, gaited horses; 505-281-2226 Gila Hot Springs Ranch, Gila Hot Springs: half and full-day rides; lodging/rv/camping; natural hot springs; 575-536-9551; www. gilahotsprings.com Ghost Ranch, Abiquiu; 505-685-1000 Grindstone Stables, Ruidoso; guided trail rides, sleigh and carriage rides; 575-257-2241; www. grindstonestables.com Inn of the Mountain Gods Riding Stable, Mescalero; 575-464-7424 New Mexico Horse Adventures, Albuquerque; BYOH or rent; 505-301-0917; www. newmexicohorseadventures.com Red River Stables, Red River; ride, fish, view wildlife; 575-747-1700; www.RedRiverStables. com Rio Grande Stables, Taos & Questa; hourly plus multi-day rides; 888-259-8267 / 575-7765913; wwwlajitasstables.com Runnels Bonita Stables, Nogal: Ride near Bonito Lake, no reservations needed; 575354-2778 Santa Fe Western Adventures, Santa Fe; ride on private ranch and Lone Butte Mountain; 505-473-9384; www.SantaFeWest.com
Double Y Ranch, Santa Fe; hot walker, RV Stables at Tamaya Resort, Bernalillo, 505-771hookup; 602-320-7136; amazcowboy@ Western Drive Stables, Tucumcari; 5756060 cox.net 461-0274 / 575-403-8824; hallerstable@ plateautel.net 37 | Oct/Nov 2016 | HORSE Vision Quest, LasAROUND Vegas; private, catered D S Horse Motel, Grants; next towww.horsearoundnm.com an RV rides, family activities;505-469-8130; www. park with full hookups; 505-240-2544; VisionQuestHorseBackRide.com darinsimpson2003@yahoo.com
HORSE SERVICES DIRECTORY
Listed here are horse-related services provided by the October/November 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/HORSE PORTRAITS L. Thayer Hutchinson, page 8
EVENTS Red River Skijoring, page 39
BARNS/BUILDINGS Ironhorse Pipe & Steel, page 17 Morton Buildings, page 7 Sweetwater Barn Co., page 5
FEED/SUPPLEMENTS Horse Sense Solutions, page 7
BOARDING Mac’s Overnight Stables, page 38
HORSE RESCUE/ ADOPTION Jicarilla Mustang Heritage Alliance, page 26 Mustang Camp, page 8
EQUESTRIAN CENTERS 4 Winds Equestrian Center, page 27 EQUINE JOBS On Location Casting, page 9
GUEST RANCHES Starrynight Ranch, page 27
MASSAGE Medicine Massage, page 26 Life and Vitality, LLC, page 8
REAL ESTATE Roni Merbler, page 2 SPECIALTY SERVICES Albuquerque Pet Memorial Service, page 25 TACK AND FEED STORES Hitch’n Post Feed, page 17 Horsemen’s, page 26 Miller’s Feed, page 9 Paul’s Veterinarian Supply, page 6 Taos Tack and Pet Supply, page 25 Village Mercantile, page 16 TRAILERS Sandia Trailer Sales and Service, page 40
38 HORSE AROUND | Oct/Nov 2016 | www.horsearoundnm.com
TRAINING For The Heart of The Horse, page 17 Rudy Lara Jr. NSA Horsemanship, page 34 Susan Smith, page 24 VEHICLE American Diesel Service, page 6 VETERINARIAN Santa Sophia Equine, page 26 Western Trails, page 9
HORSE * RIDER * SKIER Red River Skijoring
*
January 14 & 15, 2017
Round up your posse and join the fun of this fast-paced, action-packed, extreme competitive sporting event! It doesn’t get much more western than this winter rodeo! Enter up as a competitor or join in the excitement as a spectator. Either way pardner, you’re sure to enjoy the competition and many other shindigs scheduled around this event!
www.RedRiverSkijoring.com For Lodging and Visitor Information Call 877-754-1708 or log on to www.RedRiver.org
CONVENIENT LOCATION - EASY ON/OFF I-40 20 minutes from Alb., 1 hour from Santa Fe 75 minutes from Santa Rosa
1435 Route 66, Edgewood, NM 87015 (505) 281-9860 (800) 832-0603 Open Tues-Sat 8:30am-5pm Closed Sunday and Monday
NEW MEXICO’S LARGEST SELECTION OF NEW AND USED HORSE, FLATBED, AND CARGO TRAILERS
Lots of
Big Tex
dump trailers in stock!
S & H Drifter All Aluminum 2-Horse Bumper Slant Load *Clearance Price $11,675*
New 2014 Hoosier, “Sandia Mountain Special Edition” 3-Horse LQ SALE $35,965 NO REASONABLE OFFER REFUSED!
Big Tex Gooseneck Dump Trailer, Power Up & Down, Roll-up Tarp Our Price: $8,547
COMING SOON!
Big Tex Manure Hauler Dump Trailer, 20” Sides w/ Double Doors, Nev-R-Adjust Electric Brakes, Hauls 5270 lbs. $3883
New 2015 Logan Rampage 2-Horse Bumper Slant Load Retail $17,750 Our Price: $16,332
New 2015 S&H Contender 6'8" x 14' 2-Horse Bumper $9,230
20’ Haulmark Passport Trailer 8’ Wide, 79 1/2” Tall, Ramp, Side Doors, Lighting $7,279
New 2015 Logan Warmblood 2-Horse Straight Load Gooseneck Retail $24,700 Our Price: $23,209
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
Check out our inventory of over