NEW MEXICO HORSES
RIDES
TRAINING
PEOPLE
PLACES
New Mexico
MAY/JUNE 2019
HOW TO
TRAILER LIKE A PRO UNLOAD YOUR HORSE WITH EASE RIDE SAFELY AFTER A LONG HAUL
TRY COWBOY DRESSAGE WHY SADDLE TREES MATTER HEALTH TIPS FOR BRINGING YOUR HORSE TO NEW MEXICO
VACATIONING
WITH YOUR HORSE IN LUXURY FREE! / VACATION & TRAVEL ISSUE / WHERE TO STAY & RIDE FOR FUN / 2019 DIRECTORY
Positive solutions. Positive motivation. Positive reinforcement. Curious about Positive Reinforcement Training for horses? Want to ride a truly “happy athlete” in competition?
EVALYN BEMIS PHOTOGRAPHY
Shawna Karrasch
Learn about the effectiveness of humane, science-based training skills to develop your horse’s motivation and trust. In our Weekend Clinics and Intensive Workshops at Terra Nova Equestrian Training Center, legendary trainer and equine behaviorist Shawna Karrasch will show you how to unlock the power of Positive Reinforcement with horses. Take home a new outlook and practical ways to truly address problems like trailer loading, spookiness, and far more. Your horse will love you for it! 2019 Weekend Clinic dates: May 3-5, September 13-15
2019 6-Day Intensive Workshop dates:
March 1-8, April 5-12, May 3-10, June 14-21, August 2-9, September 13-20, October 11-18 Web: www.terranovatrainingcenter.com/2019-workshops-faqs Email: clinics@terranovatrainingcenter.com EVALYN BEMIS PHOTOGRAPHY
terranovatrainingcenter.com info@terranovatrainingcenter.com 47 Ranch Road, Santa Fe, NM, USA Mailing Address: 7 Avenida Grande, #B7-504, Santa Fe, NM 87508 JANNEKE KOEKHOVEN
JOIN US AND DISCOVER NEW PLACES THIS SUMMER
ENJOY HORSE PACKING, $56 / FAMILY SAWING, RIDING & CAMPING SANTA FE CHAPTER OF ONLY $38 FOR A YEAR’S MEMBERSHIP
BACK COUNTRY HORSEMEN
IN SAN PEDRO PARKS, VALLE VIDAL, CAJA DEL RIO, RIO CHAMA & OTHER AREAS
We are a volunteer organization whose mission is to protect and preserve the back country by keeping trails open. We assist various government and private agencies in maintaining trails and horse camping areas in the Santa Fe and Carson National Forests. We teach common sense use and enjoyment of horses in the back country and wilderness. If you want to work to keep places open for horses and have some fun at the same time, please join us.
505.474.0494 FACEBOOK: BackCountryHorsemenOfSantaFeNM
In March I camped at Caballo Lake State Park along the Rio Grande, maybe for the last time. There’s an ideal spot just above the river looking east to a red rock cliff. I had camped there several times, but for some reason, I had an inkling that this was going to be my last. The state park no longer allows horse camping in this area, only in the primitive camping area to the north which has a beautiful set of corrals. The problem is, there is very limited riding there, and certainly no rides that cross the river and lead to endless BLM land. The rangers were very respectful when they told me I could no longer camp there. Their policy change was brought on by a fear of poo. This riverside campground was near a full-hookup area. Apparently, some people who use electricity don’t like horse manure. And I get that! Horse owners are a little weird about our affinity for the smell of a horse. Dog poo on my boot is disgusting. But horse manure? It is so organic, very natural, not offensive at all. The rangers told me that they remembered me from when I camped there before, and that I could stay for a few nights because I picked up my horse’s manure in the past. But that would be my last horse camping along that part of the Rio Grande. A few weeks later, I camped at Bottomless Lakes State Park. Right after I got my corral set up, the rangers came and told me my horse was welcome, but I would have to clean up after him . One said that a previous horse camper left and did not clean up at all. It took the ranger three hours to pick up and remove the manure. A story like this was also the reason why an RV park was hesitant to let me stay there. Previous horse campers did not clean up. The park owner finally allowed me to stay because he remembered I had stayed before and left a clean camp. It takes just one thoughtless horse camper to close doors to us. And when we can’t camp at places we enjoy, it not only limits us, but takes away a classic New Mexico scene from other campers – a smiling person wearing a cowboy hat, sitting atop a magnificent animal. Our horses are an asset to these campgrounds. The overwhelming response I get when I camp at state parks and RV parks is delight – as I am brushing and saddling my horse, adults and children often gather 'round and ask to pet him and pose for photos. It would be a shame if more doors were closed to us. So when you are camping at places that are not exclusively for horse people, be especially considerate. Treat that wonderfully-fragrant horse manure like something that came out of a bullmastiff and remove every bit. Bring large garbage bags, a trash can and a rake. And when you leave, take a last look at your camp site to make sure that you are leaving only hoofprints.
Cecilia Kayano Fond memories of crossing the Rio Grande from Caballo Lake State Park with Kelly and Dave Gifford in 2015.
New Mexico Editor/Publisher CECILIA KAYANO Associate Editor PEGGY CONGER Facebook/Events SUSIE SPICER Manager Contributing Writers KATE AUSTIN & Photographers DR. ANDY CAMERON SUZANNE DE LAURENTIS STACY DIVEN THOMAS GARCIA JOHN MCKENNA TA-WILLOW ROMERO Photojournalist EVALYN BEMIS Graphic Design/Layout MARIE ANTHONY Advertising & Sales
HORSENEWMEXICO@GMAIL.COM
Subscriptions $30/YR MAIL CHECK TO:
HANM * PO BOX 367* PECOS * NM 87552 OR PURCHASE ONLINE AT:
www.horsearoundnm.com
Well-written informative articles and highresolution photos are welcome. Submissions will be considered and are subject to editing. The next issue, the Trail Riding Issue, appears at New Mexico outlets on July 1, 2019. The deadline for submissions is May 15, 2019. The deadline for ads is June 1, 2019. For information contact Cecilia Kayano, HANM Editor, 505570-7377, HorseNewMexico@gmail.com, www.horsearoundnm.com
Need more trail riding details, horsey events and equine inspiration? Check out our expanded Facebook page. Make sure to like us! COVER PHOTO: Chery Roth and Linda Brewer return from a ride out of Bear Mountain Lodge, Silver City. Photo by Cecilia Kayano.
VACATION/TRAVEL ISSUE
THREE PLACES TO STAY & RIDE / COWBOY DRESSAGE / TRAILERING
18
8
FEATURES 8 Dream Vacations
Want some ideas for fun and luxurious getaways with your horse? Learn about three New Mexico destinations
14 Nervous About Trailering? Here are some tips to get you rolling
18 Unloading Without Fear, Anxiety Or Stress
Teach your horse to step up, stand and back using a pedestal and ground work
24 Riding After The Long Haul
Mounting up after trailering to a new place takes some know-how
28 New To New Mexico?
How to keep your horse healthy when bringing him to our state
32 A Perfect Combination: Cowboy & Dressage
This riding discipline is for anyone wanting to ride in a classical, elegant, refined western style
36 Why The Saddle Tree Is The Heart of Saddle Fit
Does your saddle really fit or is your horse just toughing it out?
32
PLUS
31 Horse Services Directory 35 Upcoming Horse Events 38 Vacation/Travel Directory
Horse Around New Mexico is printed five times per year: Mar/Apr, May/Jun, Jul/Aug, Sep/Oct, Nov/Dec. Submissions of articles and photos from all around NM are welcome! See our website or email/ call for submission standards/deadlines: www.horsearoundnm.com, HorseNewMexico@gmail.com, 505-570-7377.
Horse Around New MexicoŠ2019. 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.
Goose Downs Farm
6 HORSE AROUND | May/June 2019 | www.horsearoundnm.com Christy Parent https://4birdsphotography.com
Goose Downs Farm 64 Goose Downs Road Galisteo, NM 87540 (505) 690-9948 MJRatGDF@aol.com www.goosedownsfarm.com
Keep them happy. Keep them healthy. Western Trails Veterinary Hospital is the best choice for excellent companion animal and livestock care in the East Mountains.
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505-286-4604
OUR TEAM
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Western Trails Veterinary Hospital 2126 Old Route 66 Edgewood, New Mexico www.WesternTrailsVet.com
large & small animals 24/7 emergency care
505-286-4604
Masterson Method Integrated Equine Performance Bodywork • Release Tension • Reduce Restriction • Restore Range of Motion
Release Accumulated Tension in Key Junctions of the Horse's Body that Most Affect Performance, Health, and Well-Being
Karen Evans, Certified Practitioner
Buy 2 Sessions, Get 1 FREE* horseplaynm@gmail.com (505) 501-3633 *Introductory Offer
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DREAM VACATIONS Here are some luxurious ideas
L
onging to wake up in a plush room, look out your window and see your horse standing in a secure corral? We get it! There are times to rough it, and times to luxuriate while vacationing with your horse. If you and your horse are in need of some pampering, here are three places to go for luxury digs and great rides. Bear Mountain Lodge, Silver City
This historic lodge, built in 1928, is located just north of Silver City, yet has a “middle of nowhere” feel. Its 180 acres border the Gila National Forest, so you can saddle up, ride off the property and be on a meandering trail in the woods. You can stay in one of eleven guest rooms, and when you do, your horse stays free in a large pipe-rail corral. Ask for the Roadrunner room, which is near the corrals allowing you to peek at your horse first thing in the morning and as the sun sets. Rates are $170 -$185 and include a huge breakfast spread – French toast topped with pecans and pears, thick sliced bacon and fresh fruit yogurt. Peruse the display of local art, buy a souvenir, take a nap, saddle up and ride, take another nap then drive a few miles to Silver City to the Little Toad Creek Brewery and art galleries.
A beautiful place to ride is the Fort Bayard Preserve, a day trip from Bear Mountain Lodge. Miles of single track trails meander through the preserve, cross Twin Sisters Peak Creek and give you views of the distant mountain.
BY CECILIA KAYANO www.horsearoundnm.com | May/June 2019 | HORSE AROUND
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ABOVE: Cecilia Kayano on Consuelo and Joan Lattner on Lance at the Emory Pass overlook east of Silver City. LEFT: The Big Tree is the country's second-largest juniper. To get to it, ride out of Fort Bayard. LEFT BOTTOM: This horse-sized cat is a main art attraction along a trail at the Bear Mountain Lodge, Silver City.
Ride from the property
There’s a 6 1/2-mile loop trail that takes you through the lodge’s property and onto Gila National Forest land. The highlight is riding through the meadow of man-made bones, which are part of the One Million Bones Project, an international installation whose primary purpose is to bring awareness of worldwide genocides. (See box.) The loop trail continues and passes by a larger-than-life painted cat, where it is impossible to not stop and photograph
your horse posing with a like-sized feline. When the trail loops back to the lodge, you pass through grassy meadows made picturesque because lodge staff removed much of the cholla and snake grass.
Silver City vicinity rides
Hillsboro Peak Trail 79 This challenging trail gives you sweeping vistas of the Rio Grande Basin to the east, but you gotta want it. From I-25 at Truth or Consequences, go west on Hwy. 152 for 16 miles to Emory Pass. The last eight miles to the pass are steep
About the bones To call attention to past and ongoing genocide, one million bones were made from clay by people from the U.S.A. and around the world. In 2013 they were displayed in Washington DC in the National Mall for three days and are now permanently housed at Bear Mountain Lodge, Silver City. With the help of the Gila Chapter of Back Country Horsemen and other volunteers, many of the bones have been laid out in a meadow along the 10 HORSE AROUND | May/June 2019 | www.horsearoundnm.com
Old Windmill Trail. Others are still waiting and are available for horseback riders and hikers to carry to the meadow and set out.
Donna Tillman on her gaited mule Gracie pause at Fort Cummings with Cookes Peak in the background. The fort is a five mile ride along a road near Deming. There are interesting ruins and signs, and a feeling of how it was back in the day. and curved. At the pass you will find a parking area and pit toilet on the north side of the road. Trailers are not allowed here, so park in the pull-out area to the south. The trail northbound leaves from behind the toilet. It steadily climbs giving you views to the east of the Rio Grande Basin and to the west of the Santa Rita mine near Silver City. At times the trail becomes narrow and a bit exposed, then gives way to grassy saddles, perfect lunch spots for you and your horse. Some of the trail is a burn scar from the Silver Fire of 2013. There is a fire tower about five miles in, but while researching for this article in the late fall it could not be safely reached due to icy, steep trails and downfall. The views from there are said to be magnificent. Fort Bayard Just east of Silver City, this is a peaceful, horse-friendly, expansive place to ride. Going west on Hwy. 180 towards Silver City, look for the Dragonfly Trailhead sign about 1.5 miles west of the Fort Bayard turnoff. Take Arenas Valley Road north for one mile to the trailerfriendly parking lot. There are signs that will direct you to different areas of this preserve. The many trails will take you through huge, grassy meadows, catching glimpses
of Twin Sisters Peak to the north. There are creek crossings, sections of rock, and a lot of dirt single track. You may come upon a large corral used to contain horses and mules that belong to the US Forest Service. We rode through there when the herd of about 35 was out on pasture. The stock made for some interesting riding as they chased our mare and gelding until we were able to pass through and securely latch a gate. It is worth a longer ride to visit the country’s second largest juniper tree. The “Big Tree” location is indicated on the sign posts. There’s a picnic table under the magical monster tree. You will never think of junipers in the same way. Fort Cummings From Deming go towards Hatch on Hwy. 26 for about 11 miles to Cookes Canyon Road, County Rd. A020 and turn north. Go about a half mile, pass a cattle guard, and park on the left. You can saddle up here, then follow the fence line on the south and head west. You will pass two cattle guards with gates, and in five miles arrive at the remains of Fort Cummings. There is a cemetery, building ruins and signage. Don’t miss the well house, a cylindrical shaped building that has stairs descending
to where the water is pumped. There is no access to water for humans or horses, but this is a shaded place for lunch. Don’t be tempted to drive to the fort with a trailer, as the washboard will drive you and your horse nuts.
Wind Horse Rancho, Taos
The newly-opened Wind Horse Rancho, located 12 miles north of Taos, offers two vacationing options, western-themed rooms or full hook-up camping in your own rig. The rooms are spacious with kitchenettes, sitting areas and large porches. If you stay in your own rig, there is ample area to turn around and set up. Rooms cost $150 per night, and full hook-up camping is $30 per night with access to a bathroom and shower. Your horse stays in 12’ by 12’ stalls with cover attached to large runs. Or it can stay in a large outdoor area. Costs range from $10 - $20 per horse per night. Within easy driving distances are sightseeing destinations of Taos, Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa, the John Dunn Bridge and natural hot springs along the Rio Grande. Your enthusiastic hosts, Stacy and Lisa, are avid horseback riders and very knowledgeable about riding and vacationing in the Taos area.
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Horse Thief Mesa Trail This trail is five miles north from the ranch on Hwy. 522. Turn left onto County Rd. B001, go to the power station at the end of the road and park there to access the trailhead. The trail is part of the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument. There are miles of singletrack trails that are perfect for horses and take you past deep gorges. Little Arsenic Springs Trail This dramatic trail is 15 miles north of the ranch. Go north of Questa for 2.5 miles and turn west on NM 378. Go 11 miles and bear left at the visitor’s center, then right to the trailhead. The trail starts with technical, rocky, steep switchbacks, then joins a trail along the Rio Grande. Turn left there, follow the trail past picnic shelters, keeping an eye out for an amazing petroglyph. The trail will lead you to the confluence of the Red River, a great place to have lunch, be amazed, then turn around to complete a 4-mile out and back.
Chaco Lodge Hacienda, Cuba
The hacienda is located just a few miles southeast of Cuba, on 160 acres in an area first settled by Spaniards in the late 1700s. It was built by Alfredo Montoyo, who ranched here in the early 1900s. It sits in a huge meadow amidst ancient cottonwood trees. There’s a lake next to the house which adds to the views of the Nacimiento Mountains.
TOP: Wind Horse Rancho north of Taos just opened. It provides comfortable lodging for horse and human, plus is a convenient launching point for day rides in the Taos area. BELOW: Liam Dudeck (foreground) is a working cowboy from Colorado who stayed at the Wind Horse Rancho with family members from Corrales. While there he practiced packing his pony on trails from the ranch.
Ride from the property
You can access the Rio Grande Rim Trail right from Wind Horse Rancho. It gives you endless views of the river and gorge, the Latir Peaks and northern Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Ride for up to four hours. On a normal day, you will spot eagles and maybe even bighorn sheep. The trail is sandy with some rock, but easily followed and flat. Stacy and Lisa will help you get on the trail or will take you on a guided trip.
Nearby rides
Many of the spectacular trails north of Taos do not allow camping at the trailheads, so staying at Wind Horse Rancho gives you convenient day-ride access. Stacy and Lisa are happy to give you more details and maps on the rides near their ranch. Some of these trails are perfect for beginners. Others are best for seasoned trail horses and riders. Plus, if you have already ridden these, your ranch hosts have a long list of other trail riding possibilities.
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This secluded bed and breakfast offers a two-bedroom main house with kitchen, living and dining rooms. There is also the Kiva Suite with a bedroom, kitchenette and private bathroom. When you stay here, you have a secure corral for your horse(s) which is included in the price. Owner Danny Herrera says he plans to offer dry camping for horse people in the fall of 2019. Room rates are $140$210 which include a breakfast of the hacienda’s famous huevos rancheros, papas fritas and a hot tortilla. For your equine pal there is a 30’ by 30’ corral behind the house. You may also bring your own corral and set it up within view of the front of the building. Imagine what you will see while enjoying
your beverage on the patio: your beloved horse, an old wooden barn, cottonwood trees. What year is this? Within driving distances from the hacienda is Chaco Canyon, and in the town of Jemez Springs, enjoy the Jemez Hot Springs, historic Jemez Springs Bath House, and the Los Ojos Restaurant and Saloon built in 1947.
Ride from the property
Ride out the back gate and in 1.5 miles you will be in the Santa Fe National Forest on an old, seldom-traveled logging road. As you ride towards the San Pedro Parks Wilderness boundary, the foliage changes from juniper and scrub oak to ponderosa pine and blue spruce. The crossroads are well marked and will take you on fun rides including one to Bluebird Mesa. The Wilderness boundary is 12 miles from the lodge. Ask Danny to point you in the right direction.
Nearby ride
Los Pinos Trail Just outside of Cuba is the Los Pinos Trail which will lead you into the San
The Chaco Lodge Hacienda outside of Cuba gives you access to rides off the property into the Santa Fe National Forest, plus a nearby day ride that takes you to the large meadows of the San Pedro Parks Wilderness. Pedro Parks Wilderness. Go a half mile past Cuba and turn right on Los Pinos Road. Stay on it when it turns to dirt and turn right at the sign for Los Pinos Trailhead. There are corrals at the trailhead and room to turn most trailers around. The trail is good but steep at times and follows the Rito de los Pinos.
intersects with several other trails. Turn left and stay on the Continental Divide Trail. At about 6.5 miles you will come to an enormous meadow. Continue on or turn back for a 13-mile round trip ride.
n
In two miles you will enter the San Pedro Parks Wilderness. At 3.5 miles the trail
Cecilia Kayano is the editor of Horse Around New Mexico magazine. Contact HorseNewMexico@gmail.com.
WIND HORSE RANCHO BED & BARN
just north of taos, nm, in the heart of riding trails
Photo Evalyn Bemis
505.471.6179 • 821 W San Mateo Rd A, Santa Fe
Peaceful, pristine accommodations for you and your horse give you access to world-class riding in the Latir, Columbine/Hondo and Pecos Wildernesses. Two beautifully-equipped rooms, covered stalls with runs and large turn-out pen. Or stay in your own rig with full hookups. Ride the Rio Grande Rim right from the property. Your friendly hosts will guide you on trips or point you in the right direction.
575.770.9898 / 575.776.3873
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NERVOUS ABOUT TRAILERING? Here are some tips to get you rolling
BY PEGGY CONGER www.horsearoundnm.com | May/June 2019 | HORSE AROUND
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Before you take off on your first long-distance trailer excursion, make sure you can back up with confidence. Have a friend teach you, then practice in empty parking lots. Progress to smaller spaces and finally try backing around a corner.
F
2.
1.
3.
or the trailering newbie or perhaps even an experienced horse hauler, pulling your much-loved horses can be stressful. Here are a few tips and we bet there’s one or two you’re not doing. If you’re new to hauling, drive empty. There is nothing more stressful than not knowing what you’re doing with a trailer AND having your beloved horse along for the ride. So when you are learning, just hook up your trailer and drive it. Everywhere. You’ll figure out how to use your mirrors, how to navigate parking lots and gas stations, how to brake as you approach an intersection (which is tricky with a thousand pounds of horse on board, but first things first on this learning curve), how much space you need to pass and re-enter a lane, how to navigate curves and narrow roads and a dozen other things.
Pay attention to any driving habits you have that can create problems. Do you unconsciously do jackrabbit starts or tend to stand on the brake? Do you speed or tailgate? Cut off other drivers? Lose your temper in traffic? All of these are even more dangerous with a trailer. So be mindful and consider this a chance to reform. One online source recommends filling a glass to the brim with water and setting it in your cup holder. The challenge is to haul your trailer without spilling a single drop. Learn from friends, not your significant other. Things can get tense quickly when your SO becomes driving instructor. Who needs it? Ask an experienced horse friend or two to help. The added bonus is their experience pulling horse trailers is much more relevant than your husband’s recollection of hauling a boat trailer in college. You’ll get good tips, cautionary tales and you will walk away from every session a little smarter and more confident, without creating any tension at home. (Of course, if you are married to a ranch hand by all
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means accept the help. But wouldn’t you already be a trailering expert?)
4.
Learn how to haul in all terrains and conditions. You may plan to just run around town to a trailhead on nice sunny days, but you are limiting yourself if you don’t know how to haul everywhere and in all weather. Learn how to downshift on steep grades and safely haul up them, how to choose a safe place to pull off the road, how to navigate narrow curving roads, how to haul safely in a downpour, in the fog, on slippery roads and in high winds. If you don’t, you’re limiting yourself and your horse experience. You never know what the weather is going to do or when you may have to drive somewhere unplanned.
5.
Learn how to back your trailer. This can be especially arduous with little bumper pulls. My painful personal advice is to practice by yourself, without a crowd offering commentary. But do take advice. The best I ever got is to back slowly using your driver side mirror as a guide. That, and having a great big private drive to practice in, was
my turning point. Yours could be something else. But do take the time to learn how to get your trailer where you need it to be on your own.
6.
Create a routine, or actually many routines. Whether they’re for hitching or loading or packing or maintaining your trailer, routines are your friends. Have a seasonal maintenance routine, a pre-departure checkout routine, a packing routine and an unloading routine. Have a plan to keep your mats and trailer interior clean and maintain your floor, your wheel bearings and trailer brake. Check the inside and outside of your trailer regularly and closely -- especially if trailering is a sometime thing for you. (Who hasn’t seen the scary pix of cracked bumper pull hitches on Facebook horse pages?) Look for the unexpected: You don’t want to lock your horse in with a wasp’s nest.
EQUINE
7.
Finally, just do it. Experience is the best way to become experienced. Your horse needs to load and you need to haul on a regular basis to become good at it. New Mexico offers thousands of reasons to get out there. Go ahead and do it. Checking your tires for wear a few weeks before you depart will give you time to get new tires if needed, and possibly prevent a blowout on the road.
Don’t leave home without them! Things you will want to have in your trailer at all times: • A drive-up jack
• Water for your horse
• Tire chocks
• First aid kits, human and equine
• Flares and reflective traffic triangles or cones
• Duct tape, waterproof tape, baling twine and wire
• Four-way universal lug wrench to fit the tires on your truck and trailer
To be not just ready, but Eagle Scout ready:
• Good flashlight and a battery-operated lantern
• Second spare
• Comprehensive tool kit
“At TWE, our horses always come first. The Pharm-Aloe Equine supplements provide them support in both body and mind, and have become an integral part of our training program.” Jessica Northington
• Small air compressor
• Horse trailer roadside service
Twin Warriors Equestrian,LLC Corrales, NM
n
pharmaloe.com
Peggy Conger is the Associate Editor of Horse Around New Mexico magazine. She enjoys trail riding and can be reached at P_Conger@yahoo.com www.horsearoundnm.com | May/June 2019 | HORSE AROUND
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ARTICLE BY SUZANNE DE LAURENTIS PHOTOS BY KATE AUSTIN
UNLOADING WITHOUT FEAR, ANXIETY OR STRESS We’ve all seen it: A horse that loads quietly and obediently and then turns into a nervous wreck when asked to back out of the trailer. Rushing out of the trailer is a dangerous situation for humans and for the horse.
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Backing out calmly is not a single movement but a series of steps that include first stepping up, then standing and stepping down.
W
e usually don’t know why a horse rushes backwards out of a trailer. It could be from one bad hauling experience, fear of the trailer, having bumped his head on an exit, or because he fears the drop off or step down. Despite the numerous possibilities that may have caused the problem, it can be fixed with time and patience. Solid re-education that instills confidence in the horse is the only real fix and going slower is almost always faster. You can fix this over time with a plan, patience and persistence.
The many moves of unloading
Unloading or backing out of a trailer is not a single, isolated move. It is a series of small and incremental steps that need to be taught one at a time. When a horse can predictably do all of the single behaviors that make up the exit from the trailer, you can begin to link them together in a varying sequence before asking for the entire exit.
What to teach prior to loading/unloading
Here are some building blocks that make for a better-educated and reliable horse. These will also slowly give you the tools to stop unloading problems. • Pedestal training helps to instill obedience and confidence that can be applied to unloading because a horse learns to move forward and step up, step back and also step down with all four feet. Using a pedestal as an aid to reteach backing out of a trailer can take the pressure off of both you and your horse because it takes place away from the trailer. • Precision ground work (on a working length line of about 20 feet) teaches you to cue your horse and get a walk, halt and step back. Start with a short line and gradually give the horse more line as he becomes reliable in his responses. We want slow, accurate, relaxed work at the walk, halt and step back. Vary the requests so they are not always in the same order. We’re looking for real and thoughtful compliance with no rise in his heart rate or adrenaline.
Teach your horse some building blocks such as pedestal training, ground driving and stepping down. These are the foundation of the movements a horse needs to know prior to learning how to back out of a trailer. Pictured here is ground driving which helps a horse learn to move forward and backward while keeping straight. • Ground driving will develop responsiveness to the walk, whoa and step back cues. Again vary the sequence. Later you will use this skill to drive him into the trailer and also ask him to step back out. • Stepping down will enable you to back your horse off anything and everything that’s safe in the barn yard. Give him the step down cue to help him understand when his feet are at the edge of a surface whether it is a rubber mat, a wash stand or the edge of the trailer step down. We don’t ever want him to have a surprise step down but to wait for us to tell him it’s safe to step down. The most important thing in unloading is to cue the horse where the step off is.
Putting it all together
Be certain your horse has mastered all the exercises and elements of the walk, halt and step back before you even go near the trailer. • Approach the trailer and ask the horse to step up with his front feet, pause a few seconds and then ask him to step back. Depending on the severity of the running backwards syndrome, it is OK to just ask for a step up and pause for several sessions. Lots of praise in the form of neck rubbing or scratching is in order with each successful and
individual step. Ask him to step back and even away from the trailer before he decides to try rushing out on his own. He will gain confidence more quickly if you release him rather than try to make him stay in the position he fears. Avoid a confrontation at all costs because it will set the process back and diminish or negate his confidence in your teaching. • If he’s calm and confident at the end of this first session, give him a walkabout so he can mentally process the lesson. This could be the entire lesson for the day. No need to hurry. • Next session, proceed and ask for a step up, halt and if he is still confident, a couple more steps forward and a halt. Wait a few seconds and ask him to step back. Another walkabout. • Each upcoming session will be a repeat of the last successful session with the addition of one more layer. Ask for a few more steps into the trailer, halt and ask him to step back, then forward. Always end the lesson before your horse has a chance to get frightened or lose confidence. Occasionally let your horse load and stand quietly or even eat a meal before using the same step back, step forward and halt cues. • Work in successive sessions to the point that he will step all four feet into the trailer, stand and halt for a few seconds. Keep the length of the halt to
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BE SAFER WHEN LOADING/ UNLOADING • It’s usually not a good idea to let a horse turn around to unload. Horses can get hung up on the dividers or even get their body stuck in the turnaround process not to mention that you may be injured even if you’re outside of the trailer. • When unloading, unclip or untie the horse (from outside of the trailer) before you even think of opening the door. Keep the lead attached to the horse. • Never try to stop a horse from running back out of the trailer by pulling on the lead. This will only cause him more fear or panic. If he gets frightened and starts running back, let him go and quietly start over. • Take a break if you or your horse become anxious. • Don’t get in a trailer with a horse that has any loading or unloading problems. It’s much safer to put a long lead on him through the window and encourage him to keep straight as you direct him to either go forward or ask him to step back.
As with any type of horse training, avoid any horse loading/unloading method that raises your horse's heart rate. Keep the training sessions short and reward your horse often. the amount of time he can emotionally tolerate. Cue him to step back one step, halt and walk a few steps forward. • Vary the sequence of forward and back steps and insist on precision. You don’t have to do this sequence every day, a few times a week will help keep it nonstressful. • When he is loading and stepping back calmly, have him stand in the trailer for several moments, then do a sequence of back, stop and forward steps, such as one forward, two back, three forward, halt, one back etc. If the two of you
have done the required preparation, his focus should be on responding to your cues, not on rushing out. If at any time he panics and rushes out, don’t punish him! Patiently begin the process again. The trailer can be a happy place for your horse if you take the time and effort to help him understand the process and then keep it non-stressful for him.
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Suzanne De Laurentis is as master trick trainer who uses training methods designed to increase the intelligence, adaptability and predictability of today’s companion horse. Contact imgineahorse.com or 512-736-3208.
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• Backing a horse as a punishment if he won’t load or rushes out of the trailer is a bad idea as it reinforces the behavior. Most horses will back miles rather than face what they fear. Fear can only be overcome in small and reasonable steps and not by punishment. • This is not about you winning a confrontation, it’s about retraining, and it may take longer than you expect! It’s better to do short sessions than do too much. • Avoid any method that will raise your horse’s heart rate…keep him calm. Most horses learn better/faster with just a couple of precision repetitions.
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Albuquerque Bob Powell 505.261.8059 Dr. Diana DeBlanc, DVM 505.804.1846 Horsemen’s 8812 2nd St NW 505.792.8225 Academy Pet Hospital 6000 Academy NE 505.822.0255 Dan’s Boots and Saddles 6903 4th St. NW 505.345.2220 Isleta Feed and Livestock 4607 Isleta Blvd SW 505 307 3859 Aztec/Durango Dennis Brazeal 505.508.8054 Aztec Feed and Supply 216 S Main Ave 505.334.8911
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Belen Old Mill Farm & Ranch 19763 NM-314 505.865.5432 Old Mill Farm & Ranch Riverside 2353 NM-47 505.864.4766 Corrales Meddleton Equine Clinic, Inc 6165 Corrales Rd 505.344.2680 Edgewood Jim Morris 505.350.5615 Old Mill Farm & Ranch 1912 Rte 66 505.286.4115 Los Lunas, NM Carol Newbill 505.565.2120 Santa Fe/Las Vegas Andrea Pabel-Deane 505.690.8426 Taos Nicole Trousdale 303.903.2721
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Pet cremation keeps them close to the heart ...so the memories never fade. When your beloved horse or pet dies, it is a traumatic time. Let Albuquerque Pet Memorial Service be there for you and your pet. We are a family-owned and operated animal cremation service located in Albuquerque. We promise to treat your pets with the dignity and respect they deserve. THIS MEANS:
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with you at this difficult time, and will explain options for cremation according to your budget and special wishes. when we pick up your horse or pet at your home, boarding facility or veterinary office.
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your need to keep your pet’s remains close by, or scatter them at a meaningful place. We offer a wide selection of urns, and can engrave them with words of comfort. Albuquerque Pet Memorial Service is owned by Kelly and Dave Gifford. Pictured here are Kelly and Dave on their beloved Icelandic Horses, Rohan and Ani.
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VETERINARY SUPPLY Paul’s
Be Prepared for Beauty
Time for a horse vacation? See us first!
Paul’s Veterinary Supply
Before you head out to see our beautiful state, come see us at Paul’s Vet Supply to stock your vet bag and horse trailer. As always, Krissy and Hunter will be happy to help, along with our friendly, knowledgeable staff. Two convenient locations, Albuquerque and Roswell. Come visit the Paul’s Vet mascots—Krissy and Hunter. Have a horse care question? Stop by and ask!
2 Stores in New Mexico!
3825 Osuna NE, Albuquerque
505-341-9401
2005 SE Main, Roswell
575-624-2123
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RIDING AFTER THE LONG HA Mounting up after trailering to a new place takes some know-how
BY TA-WILLOW ROMERO
A
great horse and rider relationship is a must, even for the most seasoned horse and rider combo. But if you are just trying out the horse camping lifestyle, it is imperative that you have a good working relationship with your horse, well-kept tack, and good saddling/riding skills. 24 HORSE AROUND | May/June 2019 | www.horsearoundnm.com
Jerry Kincaid saddles up Private Sprout, his Morgan/Quarter horse cross. Jerry says the trick to having a calm, predictable horse right out of the trailer is to have a routine. "I saddle him up, lead him away from the trailer then lunge him on a short circle."
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Then he tightens the cinch, gets in the saddle, flexes Sprout from side to side and rides him in circles. Jerry has been doing this routine with Sprout since he started trailering him many years ago. "That really makes a difference."
Since we are getting ready to hit the trails, think about your horse’s condition. What I mean is: You wouldn’t want someone to drive you four hours in a car, jump out at a trailhead and hike 10 miles after you spent the winter sitting at your desk. So we need to remember this and “leg up” our horses. Start with short rides and expand from there. Even arena work will help with their endurance.
Start on the ground
Doing groundwork in a round pen is a great start to build that respect and communication. This will serve you well when you hit the road, unload and get on the trails! Your equine should be able to follow your instructions without resistance and have a willingness to work with you. If he does not trust you as a leader, you will run into problems such as your horse not wanting to lead out on the trail, attempt obstacles or ride out alone.
Nothing really at home will replicate the sights and sounds of the trail, along with the climbing up and down mountains, so be conscious of that. Again start small and build up to the big all-day mountain rides. Remember to allow rest periods during your beginning rides to let your horse catch his breath.
Do a tack check
Next make sure you have the correct tack in good working condition: This includes saddles, pads, bridles, etc. Your saddle needs to fit you and your horse. Any illfitting tack will not only sore your horse but will cause behavior problems. Seek a professional to help with tack fitting. I prefer leather tack, especially in a saddle as it distributes weight best. I ride on
the trails with a saddle that has a front and back cinch and breast collar. If I am riding a mule/donkey, a britching and/or crouper is a must. Riding with leather split reins is my preference due to safety reasons, as leather will break and allow a hung-up horse to get free without major panic. Many times I have seen bad wrecks with a horse who got a leg through a “roping” rein. If a rein is made of nylon, the chance of it breaking is slim which can cause the horse to panic, becoming extremely dangerous for both of you! Make sure you use the same tack at home, on the trail and in the arena to avoid reactions to unfamiliar equipment.
What to expect after trailering
Trailering can cause your horse to have some exhaustion. When you arrive, walk your horse around, especially if you’ve been driving awhile. This allows him to stretch his legs and check out the new surroundings, while you, most importantly, make sure he isn’t sore. Be sure to give him some water, a bite to eat and some rest, while you groom him well. Pick out all four feet and check for any
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In the saddle, flex your horse to both sides before walking off. I like to do a few small circles each direction, then stop and back up. If everything is “happy,” then let’s go. As a rider, be prepared to practice a good seat with proper balance. Learn to handle your reins, making sure they are not too short or too long. Ride with a stirrup length that is comfortable for you and your horse. A short “performance” stirrup is good in the arena but can be hard on the knees for long trail rides. I lengthen mine a notch but leave a bend in my knee, which allows me to move in my saddle.
Pay attention to how your horse reacts to his new environment. Give him time to look around at the new sights and get used to the new smells. cuts or swelling. After you have done this, take a few minutes to do a little ground work with a lead rope. Know that in a new location, your horse could act in an unexpected way. Being in the trailer for hours, then unloading into new sounds and smells may be unnerving. Give your horse some undemanding time to acclimate himself to the situation.
Let’s saddle
Brush him well and spend time saddling. You are planning to be in your saddle awhile and really want your horse to be happy. Make sure everything fits and is on correctly. Remember the fly spray and maybe take some with you along with a small emergency kit in a saddle bag. Speaking of saddlebags, make sure your horse is accustomed to them, so flopping around on his back doesn’t cause a freakout moment on the trail. Now as a horse person, there are a few responsibilities that you should always practice: • Know how to properly tie your horse. Knowing this can save your life and his, not to mention preventing you from a long walk home when a bad knot comes untied! • When tacking your horse, be sure everything fits correctly. There are ways to compensate small saddle fitting issues by having a good saddle pad, and
I advocate buying a good saddle pad no matter what. It will save you and your horse in the long run! • Before mounting make sure the front cinch is tight. If you have a back cinch, I highly recommend that you keep it snug to your horse’s belly. I have witnessed some horrible wrecks caused by a hind foot or a tree limb getting stuck under a loose back cinch. • Use a breast collar to keep your saddle in place. Make sure it is properly fitted: too loose can be ineffective or dangerous, while too tight will restrict movement and could affect breathing.
Let’s go
Once you are saddled and bridled, do a “preflight” check. Move the horse off at a walk and a jog, switch directions and back up. With this little bit of work, you can get a good “read” on how your horse is feeling. Does everything sit balanced as your horse moves? Did you get resistance when giving directions? Was he moving out freely, or was there a bit of lameness? Or is he fresh and maybe needs some extra time jogging circles? This helps both of you be more prepared and in-tune to each other, which can alleviate major issues when you mount up.
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I want to be able to lift myself off my horse’s back or shift my weight going up and down hills, to help him balance and travel well. If I just sit on him like a Raggedy Anne doll, my horse will have to work twice as hard and will become sore.
On the trail
There are some rules of mounting/riding that I like to set for my horses and would strongly recommend you implement. Insist that your horse: • Stand still for mounting and can be mounted from either side • Not graze while walking. (I don’t like mine to graze at all while they are bridled) • Not run up and down hills or run up on other horses • Be patient when following or leading, or waiting for other horses. Most of all, enjoy the time you have out with your horses and friends! Remember that there is no shame in asking for help: We have all been there at some point. Most horse people love to share their knowledge, so seek out a professional or maybe someone you respect who seems to know what they are doing. Always observe, ask questions and stay open to learning. Everyone can teach you, even if it is a tiny tidbit. Knowledge is power, especially in the saddle.
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Ta-Willow Romero grew up on horseback traveling through the mountains of the northwestern states. She participates in mounted shooting and raises and trains horses. Willow enjoys sharing her expertise through lessons and clinics. Check out her Facebook page, Ms Willow's Cowgirl Lipstick.
NORTH AMERICAN TRAIL RIDE CONFERENCE (NATRC)
FREE MEMBERSHIPS FOR FIRST-TIME MEMBERS
WHAT CTR IS: A distance competition over a measured trail and completed within a window of time. It is a family sport open to all equines. It promotes education by evaluation of both horse & rider by qualified judges. For ride details, visit natrc3.org or contact Donna Dandy at klubadandy@myedl.com EXPERIENCE: The Challenge - A Deepening Partnership with Your HorseCamaraderie - Confidence - Exhilaration - Awesome Scenery NEW LEISURE DIVISION: Mileage accrual approx. 10 miles. No need to overnight camp. One judge, horse/rider scored as a team. If you have never ridden with us, give this new division a try!
2019 RIDE DATES
May 11-12 Navajo Lake, Navajo Lake State Park, NM June 8-9, General Albert P. Clark Memorial, Colorado Spring, CO Air Force Academy July 20-21, Chicken Creek Region 3 Benefit Ride, Mancos, CO August 3-4, Bayou Gulch, Parker,CO August 17-18, Music Meadows, Westcliffe, CO September 7-8, Colorado Trail, Buffalo Creek, CO September 21-22, Chokecherry, Farmington, NM October 12-13, Rabbit Valley location TBD
TO JOIN OR FIND OUT MORE: www.natrc.org natrc@natrc.org 303-688-1677
EQUINE RESCUE RESCUING HORSES FROM PERILOUS SITUATIONS Four Corners Equine Rescue, located in Aztec, NM, has been giving horses second chances for over 13 years. Please come visit us to see our herd of adoptable horses. Check out our website to find out how you can make life better for horses by volunteering, adopting, sponsoring, or making a taxdeductible donation.
FourCornersEquineRescue.org
505-334-7220 KATRIN SILVA
CLASSICAL & WESTERN DRESSAGE TRAINING u LESSONS u CLINICS NOW BASED AT THAL EQUINE, 69 BONANZA CREEK ROAD, SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO
www.KatrinSilvaDressage.com
silvakatz@icloud.com / 505-429-7968 / Santa Fe www.horsearoundnm.com | May/June 2019 | HORSE AROUND
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NEW TO NEW MEXICO? How to keep your horse healthy when bringing him to our state BY ANDY CAMERON, DVM 28 HORSE AROUND | May/June 2019 | www.horsearoundnm.com
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P
urchasing a horse from out of state? Traveling through New Mexico with your horse? Moving here from afar? Here are some considerations that will make the change of scenery less stressful, safer and healthier for your horse.
Feed change
It is likely your horse’s food source is going to change with any new location. Make this change less stressful by bringing a supply of his current feed and making the transition gradually, over a week’s time. • Horses that have been fed hay should not be turned out on pasture suddenly, especially in the spring and summer when the grass is growing. Make this transition very gradually, slowly introducing them to increasing time feeding on the pasture over about a week’s time. • Horses that have been on pasture and are changed to hay may finish their ration quickly, leaving the feed bunk empty for most of the day. This makes them more prone to GI problems like stomach ulcers and colic. Slow feeders or feed nets can help slow down their intake and mimic grazing feeding. Multiple feedings throughout the day, if possible with your schedule, are always better than one big feeding once a day. • Horses transitioning from pasture to hay will also have an increased need for water. Make sure an ample clean water source is available and that your horses are familiar and comfortable with the water source. Some horses will not drink new water readily, just because it tastes different. Sometimes bringing
a supply of their home water will ease this transition. Horses that are used to water troughs may not be accustomed to automatic waterers and vice versa. Make sure that your horse knows where the water is and that he is comfortable drinking there.
Sand ingestion
All horses, especially those that were used to grazing all day and are now being fed twice daily, will eat their ration then sift through the dirt looking for crumbs of hay to eat. When doing this they can ingest sand, which will accumulate in their ventral colon and can cause a colic. Slow feeders may help alleviate this. Also consider adding a psyllium product to their ration to help clear the sand they may ingest.
Climate and weather changes
Depending on the time of year and the geographic distance of your move, your horse may be moving to a climate he is not used to. In the winter, you may consider blankets and water tank heaters if moving from a warmer climate. In the summer, if coming from cooler climes, ample water and some shade should be available while he adjusts. As trite as the saying, “Don’t like the weather in New Mexico? Just wait an hour and it will change,” sounds, it’s actually pretty accurate. Especially in the spring and fall, the weather in many parts of New Mexico can go from 60 degrees and sunny to 20 degrees and snowing in a matter of hours. Be ready to help your horse, especially if he has not developed a thick winter coat.
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Elevation change
Horses are said to be able to adjust to altitude changes better than people, due to a greater affinity of their red blood cells for oxygen, but it is still an adjustment that takes time. Do not expect your horse to be in top form on a trail ride at 10,000 feet if you’ve just recently moved them from 1000 feet above sea level. Go slow and give them time to breathe while they acclimate.
Foot care
Your horse’s foot care needs may change when coming from different footing to dry, sandy, sometimes rocky, sometimes muddy and snowy New Mexico. Plan ahead and have a farrier lined up well before you need one. Ask at the feed store, your fellow horsemen and the vet’s office for the names of good farriers. Remember, the good ones are busy, so make that appointment before you desperately need it.
Veterinary care
Find a veterinarian before you need one, just like the farrier. Make an appointment for a get-acquainted visit so your new veterinarian will know you and your horse under normal circumstances. That first colic, lameness or laceration is not the time you want to be shopping for a vet. If your horse has conditions that require medication, stock up before you move and make that first vet visit before you run out of meds. Get your horses’ medical records, X-rays, ultrasound exams, etc. and bring copies with you.
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Dr. Andy Cameron owns Cameron Vet Clinic in Santa Fe and treats all livestock and small animal species. He is a member of Mounted Search and Rescue and enjoys wilderness packing. Contact him at 505-466-1540.
SM
Inspire 9 Empower
Horses 9 Humans
Joost Lammers + Erica Hess 505.474.5480 www.heartofthehorses.com
Explore the world of horses with us! Offering training for all levels in liberty and riding. Intensive work available for you and your horse.
HORSE SERVICES DIRECTORY
Listed here are horse-related services provided by the May/June 2019 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. BARNS/CORRALS Ironhorse Pipe & Steel, page 23
MASSAGE & BODYWORK Masterson Method, Karen Evans, page 7
SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS Santa Fe Chapter of Back Country Horsemen, page 3
Katrin Silva, page 27 Lynn Clifford, The Ride of Your Life, page 37
BED AND BARNS Wind Horse Rancho, page 13
ORGANIZED RIDES Competitive Trail Rides, page 27
EVENTS The Horse Shelter Auction, page 13
REAL ESTATE Marie-Claire Turner, page 23 Mimbres Valley Horse Facility, page 21
SPECIALTY SERVICES Albuquerque Pet Memorial Service, page 22
TRAINING FACILITY/CLINICS Goose Downs Farms, page 6 Terra Nova Training Center, page 2
FOR LEASE Galisteo Horse Facility, Linda Vista Stables, page 21 NATURAL PRODUCTS Pharm-Aloe, Jessica Northington, page 17 Pharm-Aloe, distributors, page 21
RESCUE/ADOPTION Four Corners Equine Rescue, page 27
TACK AND FEED STORES Horsemen’s, page 27 Miller’s Feed, page 7 Paul’s Veterinary Supply, page 23 Taos Tack and Pet Supply, page 39
SADDLES John McKenna Saddlery, page 22
TRAINING Heart of the Horses Sanctuary, page 31
VEHICLE/TRAILERS Hal Burns Truck & Equipment, page 22 Sandia Trailer Sales and Service, page 40 VETERINARIAN Cameron Veterinary Clinic, page 37 Western Trails, page 7
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A Perfect Combination
Cowboy & Dressage This riding discipline is for anyone wanting to ride in a classical, elegant, refined western style
C
owboy dressage is a melding of western riding with classical dressage. It provides a way for riders of all walks of life to ride, train and compete with kindness and softness with the goal of developing a harmonious exchange of information and relationship with their horse. Cowboy dressage is different from western dressage, and the competitions are open to all breeds and levels of riders. Cowboy dressage is intended to be an American style of dressage that celebrates the lifestyle, traditions and horsemen of the American West.
How it all started
The idea for cowboy dressage started in 1993 when Eitan BethHalachmy won the world championship in Western pleasure aboard his Morgan stallion Holiday Compadre. Eitan’s unique style of training was to combine western riding and classical dressage, which was made evident in Compadre’s lightness. After Eitan won, he wanted to make this unique style of riding available to more people as cowboy dressage.
disciplines have evolved with marked differences. Cowboy dressage evolved towards more diversity of its community and to the lifestyle of the cowboy and western style horse, while western dressage headed more towards traditional, classical dressage. More simply put, western dressage uses a traditional dressage arena and tests for classical dressage and applied them to horses wearing western tack. Cowboy dressage uses a smaller arena and of course western tack but uses tests that assess the ability of the western horse.
Different from western dressage
Equipment to compete
Several years later, the Western Dressage Association was formed. Although similar to cowboy dressage, the two
The equipment for cowboy dressage is varied, however the saddle should be western with a horn. Most headstalls, bits
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ARTICLE BY THOMAS GARCIA PHOTOS BY EVALYN BEMIS Rudy Lara Sr. demonstrates cowboy dressage at a clinic. www.horsearoundnm.com | May/June 2019 | HORSE AROUND
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Here Rudy Lara Sr. illustrates the main goal of cowboy dressage -- to ride with kindness and softness and be in harmony with the horse.
and headstalls are allowed with the exception of slip, gag or polo-type bits or ones with a rigid donut-shaped centerpiece. Hackamores (bosals) are allowed. They must be rawhide or leather with a flexible core. Reins can be hair, rope or leather. In the Vaquero division, all traditional Vaquero equipment, including snaffle, bosal, two-rein and straight up in the bridle are acceptable. Chinks, chaps, reatas and hobbles, being part of Vaquero tack, are encouraged. Attire for the rider should be western: boots, hats/helmets and long-sleeve shirts. Neckties, bolos, neckerchiefs, vests and jackets are also allowed.
What makes a cowboy dressage horse?
Most horses will be able to do the maneuvers required of them in cowboy dressage. I would select a horse of acceptable conformation for his breed, with good feet and leg, one that is a good mover with a good disposition and a trainable mind.
Since the goal of cowboy dressage is to make the rider and horse better, a horse does not need to be ready-made. Because cowboy dressage is open to all breeds and levels of riders, there is no set standard for head carriage, overall look or action. A perfect jog will not be the same for a quarter horse as for an Arabian. Each horse is assessed on his own merits in keeping with his breed and type. Categories have also been created for gaited horses to accommodate their way of moving. A cowboy dressage horse should be forward moving, free in his gait with engagement and purpose, and be able to stop, turn and back in a soft, relaxed manner. He should be able to turn on the haunches, turn on the forehand and move his ribcage off your legs. His transitions should be engaged, smooth and fluid. The focus should be on the relationship between horse and rider, with kindness, patience and a soft feel.
The arena is smaller
The basic cowboy dressage arena is 20 34 HORSE AROUND | May/June 2019 | www.horsearoundnm.com
x 40 meters with markers every five meters. This size was scaled down from a standard dressage arena for a couple of different reasons. First, the smaller size allows more people to be able to have one at home to train in. Second, the smaller, shorter-strided western horse can perform the desired maneuvers in a smaller space. When the arena is set up as a challenge court, there are poles and cones set in strategic places allowing for the accurate completion of circles of certain sizes and easier training for both horse and rider. It has a gate as the first obstacle, followed by a series of obstacles designed to provide physical guides making maneuvering through them easier and more fun for both horse and rider. The course can be used either in training or competition and will help the horse build self-carriage.
The tests start with the walk
When competing, the first tests are on the fundamentals of cowboy dressage and horsemanship in general. Horses
are tested at the working walk and working jog, completing circles of both 10 and 20 meters along with changing directions and coming to a soft, square stop. As the horse advances, different challenge levels are added to the walk/ jog tests. From the walk/jog the horse advances to the walk/jog /lope division. As cowboy dressage evolves, more and more tests and divisions are being added including a partnership on the ground and freestyle which allows a competitor to use what they have learned to showcase their artistic expression. One of the newest additions is the Vaquero division. Vaquero horsemanship evolved from classical riding and as such is
especially suited to cowboy dressage. Horses are ridden in traditional gear and can be ridden in the bosal, two rein and straight up in the bridle.
Includes garrocha
Part of the Vaquero tradition is the use of the garrocha which is a pole about 13 feet long and about 2 ½ inches in diameter. It originated from the lances the knights carried, then adapted to a pole used to work the bulls in Spain. It was brought into Mexico and up through Sonora into California where it was used in conjunction with a half-moon shaped knife to capture wild cattle during the hide and tallow trade.
The garrocha is a very useful tool for classical riding, both for desensitizing colts to using it like a compass for the executing of perfect circles. Used in freestyle routines, it can be a beautiful expression of a dance on horseback and is an exciting part of cowboy dressage.
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To find out more visit cowboydressage. com
Thomas Garcia is the owner of Taos Tack and Pet Supply. Visit their page on Facebook. Evalyn Bemis is a photojournalist and lifelong equestrian. View her photos online by searching Evalyn Bemis Photography.
UPCOMING "DON'T MISS" HORSE EVENTS May 3-4 Tucumcari Rawhide Days www.tucumcarirawhidedays.com Tucumcari May 3-5 • September 13-15 Positive Reinforcement Training for Equines ~ Shawna Karrasch www.terranovatrainingcenter.com Terra Nova Training Center Santa Fe....See ad page 2 May 3-10 • June 14-21 Positive Reinforcement Intensive Workshop ~ Shawna Karrasch www.terranovatrainingcenter.com Terra Nova Training Center Santa Fe....See ad page 2 May 4 • June 8 Orientations & Tours The Horse Shelter www.thehorseshelter.org Los Cerrillos....See ad page 13
May 4 Starting Off On The Right Foot Erica Hess & Joost Lammers info@heartofthehorses.com Heart of the Horses Sanctuary Santa Fe....See ad page 31
May 18 NATRC Obstacle Course FUN Day cathycumberworth@yahoo.com www.NATRC3.org Farmington....See ad page 27
May 10-12 NATRC Navajo Lake-45th Annual cathycumberworth@yahoo.com www.NATRC3.org Near Aztec....See ad page 27
May 18 • June 22 Barn Tours/Volunteer Orientations Four Corners Equine Rescue www.fourcornersequinerescue.org Aztec....See ad page 27
May 10-12 Clinic: Moving the Heart, Not Just the Feet with Julie Phillips Starrynight Guest Ranch 575-638-5661; jubileejp@msn.com Near Llaves
May 24-25 The Inner Equestrian: Foundational Tools for the Ride of Your Life with Lynn Clifford lynn@lynnclifford.com Arrowhead Ranch Santa Fe....See ad page 37
May 14 • June 11 Monthly Meetings Back Country Horsemen of Santa Fe www.bchnm.org/santa-fe.html Santa Fe....See ad page 3
May 25 Conformation Balancing~ Get Started Workshop Margret Henkels 505-501-2290 ConformationBalancing.com Rancho Mariposa Lamy....See ad page 21
June 2 Fundraising Auction & Luncheon The Horse Shelter www.thehorseshelter.org Los Cerrillos....See ad page 13 June 8-9 NATRC General Albert P. Clark Memorial Ride NATRC Region 3 Facebook www.NATRC3.org
Colorado Springs....See ad page 27
June 15-16 Eventing X Games www.goosedownsfarm.com Goose Downs Farm Galisteo....See ad page 6 June 28-29 The Inner Equestrian: Overcoming Fear & Frustration with Lynn Clifford lynn@lynnclifford.com Arrowhead Ranch Santa Fe....See ad page 37
Keep updated on events by visiting our Facebook page: HORSE AROUND NEW MEXICO. The next issue is the Trail Riding Issue, on stands July 1. Find out more at HorseAroundNM.com, HorseNewMexico@gmail.com, 505-570-7377. www.horsearoundnm.com | May/June 2019 | HORSE AROUND
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When you compare the trees of a western verses an English saddle, you can easily see how a western tree has more surface area in the bars to better distribute the weight of the rider. English trees don't have as much surface area, but are made to precisely fit the wither and along the back. This is accomplished with a gullet that sits off the spine and is supported by properly flocked panels. Any time custom saddle makers like myself create a saddle we are always thinking about the horse it is being made for and the person who will ultimately be sitting in it. If possible, a good saddle maker will take tracing measurements of the horse’s back and then ask the tree maker to build the bars specific to that horse. A saddle maker will have a saddle tree maker adjust the angle of the bars as well as gullet width based on the tracings and adjust cantle and pommel height and shape according to the wishes of the customer.
English and western trees
Why The Saddle Tree is The Heart of Saddle Fit Does your saddle really fit... or is your horse just toughing it out? BY JOHN MCKENNA Saddles are mysterious things in some ways. We have a real intimacy with them in the sense that they support our weight where the contact is with…ahem, a rather private and sensitive area of the human body. Yet we don’t know what is actually inside our saddles! We climb onto saddles confident that the people who made them knew what they were doing and that it doesn’t matter that those folks never actually looked at our horses because all saddles, especially western saddles, are made to fit ANY horse…right? Well, not really. To discuss saddle fit, we have to drill down to the core of the saddle, namely, the saddle tree. The tree is the hard piece, usually made from wood, that consists of the pommel, bars and cantle.
The tree is the heart and soul of any saddle and the key to great fit.
The job of the tree
I see great horse people all the time riding in saddles that just don’t fit. Folks who could out-cowboy me any day of the week, and English riders who can clear fencing coops with ease as I ride off looking for a gate! Yet the saddle fit, even for these fabulous riders, is rather dismal. The thing about good saddle fit is that you are putting yourself and your horse in a position to really excel! How? Weight displacement. That’s right. And now you’re asking, “What the heck does that mean and how does that relate to the saddle tree?”
36 HORSE AROUND | May/June 2019 | www.horsearoundnm.com
In custom English saddles, gullet width is adjusted to fit the wither area well. Western saddles, on the other hand, have an advantage in that they have more bearing surface area in the bars and so can be adjusted better to distribute weight on and across the horse’s back. It used to be that western saddles were built to be used on many horses for the working cowboy. Now they are often purchased or made for one specific horse, just like English saddles have been made – to fit one horse for its lifetime.
When trees go wrong
Here’s an example that illustrates why proper weight distribution on the bearing surface of the bars is so important to proper saddle fit. I have a friend named Tommy who works as a hand on a cattle ranch near Las Vegas, NM. Tommy would step onto his big bay quarter horse every morning with all the cow hands, cooks, their children, and even the cattle dogs in attendance to watch as his horse pitched and crow-hopped until Tommy was thrown over the horse’s head. It happened every morning, so Tommy learned to land on his feet as if he were dismounting from an Olympic gymnastics exercise. He would wave his hat and take bows while all the cowhands cheered and
clapped. Then Tommy would remount and work that same horse until dusk. Now, you’re probably wondering why the horse would buck and then allow a rider on his back. Tommy would say, “That’s just how he is!” I mentioned to him that it might be saddle fit and Tommy, ever the student of all things equine, allowed me to watch this spectacle one morning. Interestingly, before breakfast, the horses were all tied off outside ready to be saddled. Tommy’s horse stood like a statue, head down, foot cocked, half asleep, but when Tommy approached with saddle and tack the horse took on an inverted posture and seemed to brace himself for the inevitability of a painful experience! I could tell by that behavior that fit was the issue. Also, his withers were white as snow on each side which indicated poor fit, due to possible bearing surface protrusions and maybe some bridging issues.
upon inspection I immediately saw the problem. Old-time saddle makers would drill holes in the saddle tree and attach the skirting by running the saddle strings through the skirting and then through the holes in the tree. The problem was that as the fleece from the sheepskin wore away the leather from the strings would cause a large bump on the bearing surface.
The reason Tommy could remount his horse and ride all day was because, well, horses are just so darn tough. Simply speaking, horses put up with us! It was proven in this case, because once we found a well-fitting saddle for Tommy’s horse, the fun was over, no more pre-work day rodeos with Tommy being ejected and landing on his feet!
If the horse was a little curved or swayed from his wither to his croup, the tree would “bridge,” meaning that tree bars would not lay down on the horses back leaving only contact at the tree points on the wither and at the ends of the bars behind the cantle.
Keep the fit
This was the case with Tommy’s horse. The gullet was too wide as well and even though while blanketing it appeared that there was decent clearance between gullet and wither, the bridging forced the gullet down, causing wither pressure and pain. Between the saddle string bumps at the front of the tree and the wide gullet, the horse was reacting to real pain and discomfort.
Tommy loved the saddle, which was handed down to him from his father, but
TLC FOR YOUR HORSE
Cameron Veterinary Clinic, in Eldorado, Santa Fe, offers two veterinarians and five clinic staff who are all devoted to providing the best care to your beloved horse or pet.
So remember, behavior issues can often be attributed to a poor saddle/tree fit, not because Buttercup hasn’t been ridden in awhile. If your horse is usually pretty good and suddenly starts acting up, have a professional fitter look at your horse and saddle. Fitters will sometimes suggest a vet look at a sore back and suggest an equine massage therapist, as well. Know that horses may like carrots and kisses, but more likely than not, they
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John McKenna, of McKennaSaddlery.com, makes western and English saddles and is a certified fitter/flocker. He and his blue healer, Red, split their time between their saddle shops in Nyack, New York and Santa Fe. Contact John at seanmckenna818@gmail.com
THE INNER EQUESTRIAN CLINIC SERIES May 24-25 Foundational Tools for The Ride of Your Life June 28-29 Overcoming Fear & Frustration July 26-27 Solidifying Your Skills
Andy Cameron, DVM, owns 3 horses for mounted search and rescue and wilderness packing.
Allison Otis, DVM, owns 2 horses for trail riding and ranch work.
505.466.1540uCAMERONVETERINARYCLINIC.COM
The Ride of Your Life ™
Lynn Clifford, MA, LMHC 505.231.5353 | lynn@lynnclifford.com/events Photo by Lynn Clifford
www.horsearoundnm.com | May/June 2019 | HORSE AROUND
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HORSE VACATION/TRAVEL DIRECTORY Guest Ranches/Outfitting/ Riding Vacations Bear Mountain Lodge, Silver City: Historic guest lodge with corral for your horse. Ride from property or day rides, bearmountainlodge.com Bluewater Lake Lodge, Prewitt: trails, full hookups, small cabins, 505-290-2699, bluewaterlake-lodge.com Burnt Well Guest Ranch, Roswell: working cattle ranch, large ranch house, cattle round ups, 575-347-2668, burntwellguestranch.com Chaco Lodge Hacienda, Cuba: bed and breakfast, lodge and suite, horse corrals and trails, 505-252-7488, chacolodgehacienda.com Copper Penny Ranch, Alamagordo: RV hookups, arena, round pen, ride out, 575-439-0276, copperpennyranch.com Concho Hills Guest Ranch, Magdalena: trail riding, ranch activities, cowboy shooting, historical tours, award-winning accommodations, 575-772-5757, conchohillsranch.com
Quinlan Ranch, Chama: RV hookups, guided rides, lodge and meals, 575-2091618, www,quinlanranch.com
Double Y Ranch, Santa Fe: hot walker, RV hookup, 602-320-7136, amazcowboy@cox.net
Starrynight Ranch, Llaves: all-inclusive, children’s camps, guided rides, guest cottage and rooms, BYOH or ours, 575-554-0577, 575-638-5661, starrynightranch.com
D S Horse Motel, Grants: next to an RV Tuli Horse Hotel, Tularosa: 3 RV hookups, 25 stalls, round pen, arena, park with full hookups, 505-240-2544, 16 acres to ride, 575-921-1105 darinsimpson2003@yahoo.com
Taos Horse Getaways, Tres Piedras: BYOH; houses, cabins, RV space; 575-758-3628, taoshorsegetaways.com Twin Willows Guest Ranch, Ocate, near Angel Fire: log house for 8 for rent, BYOH, 575-666-2028 Two Ponyz Ranch, Mountainair: guest house, BYOH, 505-847-0245, twoponyzranch.com U-Trail’s Horseback Adventures, Glenwood: guided pack trips to cliff dwellings, day rides, lodge, gourmet meals, 575-519-8569, utrail.com
El Tanque Viejo, Galisteo, paddocks with sheds, trails, round pen, water, electric, guest house, 505-490-3337
Western Drive Stables, Tucumcari: 575461-0274, 575-403-8824, hallerstable@plateautel.net
Hacienda De Caballo Ranch, Edgewood, bed & breakfast, full hookups, large pens w/2-acre turnouts, 15 amp power/water, large rigs OK, 505-204-9677
Wind Horse Rancho, Taos: Two guest rooms, covered stalls/runs, ride from property, 575-770-9898, 575-776-3873
J Bar C Horse Motel, Roswell: arena, 2 RV hookups, 575-347-2742, 575-626-5296, 575-626-5294, jbarchorsemotel.com J.P.'s Horse Motel, Mentmore (Gallup): arena, 505-979-1192
Kiss the Moon Equestrian Center, Vermejo Park Ranch, Raton: Ted Moriarty: easy I-40 access, indoor Turner-owned luxury resort offers guided arena, easy access for bigger rigs/ horseback rides, vermejoparkranch.com haulers, 505-975-3567
Cow Creek Ranch, Pecos: fly fishing,horseback riding in the Sangre de Cristos, 505-757-2107, cowcreekranch.com
Wolfhorse Outfitters, Gila/Aldo Leopold Wilderness: Native American guide service, 575-534-1379, wolfhorseoutfitters.com
Creek Ranch, Santa Rosa: all-inclusive horseback vacations on 82,000 acres, genuine working cattle and guest ranch, creek-ranch.com
Overnight Stabling/ B&B Arrowhead Ranch, Santa Fe: multiple arenas and trail access, 505-424-8888, arrowheadsantafe@aol.com
Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch, Winston: all-inclusive guest ranch in the Gila Nat. Forest, ride spectacular canyons, 575-772-5157, geronimoranch.com
Broken M Ranch, Albuquerque: large arena w/lights, barrels, round pen, wash rack, dry camping, 505-877-9433, broken-m-ranch.com
Gila Hot Springs Ranch, Gila Hot Springs, outfitting, rental horses, 3 apartments, hot springs, corrals, hookups,(575) 536-9314, gilahotspringsranch.com
Caballos de los Estrellas, Rodeo, 12 runs with cover, 12 stalls, two turn outs, arena, round pen, riding out on dirt roads, caballosdelasestrellas.com, 575-545-5426
Gillespie Ranch, Mayhill: large pens, gift shop, cozy cottage, RV hookups, 575687-3732, gillespieranchulazy2.com
Caballo Lake State Park, Caballo: four large pipe corrals with cover, tack room, water, trails, 575-743-3942
Justyn Brynn Enchantment Equitreks, Edgewood: all-inclusive horseback riding adventures offering day rides, weekend, 5-day, 7-day and 8-day packages, 575430-7514; enchantmentequitreks.com
Carter’s Stables, Farmington: guest house, one full hookup, 505-330-3066, cartersstablesfarmington.com
Socorro Rodeo & Sports Complex, Socorro, full hookups, 98 covered stalls, arenas, big rigsn OK, socorronm.gov, 575-835-8927
Trail Riding Operations Acacia Riding Adventures, San Acacia: 575-517-0477, acaciaridingadventures.com Bishop’s Lodge Stables, Santa Fe: bishopslodge.com Broken Saddle Riding Company, Cerrillos: gaited horses, 505-424-772, brokensaddle.com Cedar Crest Stables & Country Cottage, Cedar Crest: mountain riding, cottage for rent, 505-281-5197, cedarcreststables.com
Kiva RV Park and Horse Motel, Bernardo: 14 stalls, large pens, round pen, trails, 505-861-0693, kivarvparkandhorsemotel.com
Cieneguilla Stables, near Taos: trail rides and “saddle and paddle” combo trips, 575-751-2815
MacArthur Quarter Horses Boarding Stables, Taos: 1 covered and 2 outdoor arenas, close to Taos, 575-758-8366 or 575-613-5347, jmac@laplaza.org
Red River Stables, Red River: ride, fish, view wildlife, 575-747-1700, redriverstables. com
Corralitos Trail Rides, near Las Cruces: working ranch riding, 575-640-8184, Las Cruces Horse Motel, Las Cruces: corraltostrailrides.com 5 minute trail ride to Rio Grande, RV hookups, roping arena with cattle, 575644-3518, www.lascruceshorsemotel.com Enchanted Gaits, Tijeras: smooth, gaited horses, 505-281-2226 LazyKo Ranch. Deming: horse motel, Ghost Ranch, Abiquiu: 505-685-1000 hookups with open range for riding, 575-202-2876, www.chickentracks.biz Grindstone Stables, Ruidoso: guided trail rides, sleigh and carriage rides, Linda Vista Stables, Galisteo, easy 575-257-2241, grindstonestables.com access to Galisteo Preserve, Santa Fe and Madrid, nearby B&Bs. Covered Inn of the Mountain Gods Riding Stable, pens, secure facility. 505-466-8930 Mescalero: 575-464-7424 Loal Tucker Horsemanship, Inc. Stables, Santa Fe/Eldorado, huge indoor arena, New Mexico Horse Adventures, outdoor arena, ride out, 505-466-3961, Albuquerque: BYOH or rent, 505-3010917, newmexicohorseadventures.com loal@loaltucker.com
Rio Grande Stables, Taos & Questa: Open Heart G Farms, Anthony: located hourly plus multi-day rides, 888-259-8267, 575-776-5913, lajitasstables.com on 25-acre pecan orchard, indoor box Los Pinos Guest Ranch, Cowles: lodge stalls, hookups, bunkhouse, 915-920and gourmet meals, 505-757-6213, Runnels Bonita Stables, Nogal: Ride near 5169, openheartgfarms@gmail.com lospinosranch.com Bonito Lake, no reservations needed, Crossroads Ranch, Anthony: 60-acre 575-354-2778 Rancho de la Angostura, Algodones: N Bar Ranch, Reserve: surrounded by race horse training facility with track, easy trail access, power available, Gila National Forest, BYOH or ours, rent round pen, stalls, turnout, RV parks Santa Fe Western Adventures, Santa arena and round pen, 505-280-4849, entire ranch, cabins, corrals, trails, nearby, dry camping OK, 575-882-5533 katylindberg.com Fe: ride on private ranch and Lone Butte 575-533-6253, nbarranch@hughes.net Mountain, 505-473-9384, santafewest.com Dancing Bear Ranch, Arroyo Hondo: Rancho Siesta, Edgewood:dry camping, NAN Ranch, Faywood; rent rooms/ water & power, indoor stalls, large Stables at Tamaya Resort, Bernalillo: spacious corrals, 505-450-3165 cabins in the HQ of national registered turnout, arena, round pen, trails, big rig 505-771-6060 historic 1870s ranch in the Mimbres River friendly, easy access, 575-776-8226, Rocking Horse Ranch, Moriarty: huge Valley, corrals, BYOH, campers welcome, 575-779-4253, horseboardingtaos.com Vision Quest, Las Vegas: private, catered indoor arena, 505-832-6619, 575-288-5368, elranchonan.com and Facebook rides, family activities, 505-469-8130, 505-301-3772; rockinghorseranch.net visionquesthorsebackride.com Nancy Burch’s Roadrunner Tours, Diamond Arrow Ranch, Deming: 5 RV Slash M Slash Ranch, Grants: horse Angel Fire: overnight camping/packing hookups, ride out on BLM land, big rig motel, indoor riding arena, roping arena, excursions, trail riding, 575-377-6416, friendly, 575-546-1115, 480-332-8265, bunkhouse, 505-290-7836, 505-290nancyburch.com gregsandy03@hotmail.com 38 HORSE AROUND | May/June 2019 | www.horsearoundnm.com 2645; jodiepalmermirabal@hotmail.com Cassetta Critter Care, Tucumcari: horse motel, roping arena, trailer hook up, 575-403-6227, 603-798-5033, cassettacrittercare.com