NEW MEXICO HORSES
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New Mexico AUG/SEP 2016
THE
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Fire!
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RODEO RIDERS SHARE SECRETS TO GOING FASTER THE QUARTER HORSE GETS BACK TO BASICS EVEN YOU CAN DRAW YOUR HORSE WELL USING THESE TIPS
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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 shrubs, trees, and flowers. The second patio has a water feature, hot tub and 10X12 storage shed. This beautiful home offers both 2 sweetness HORSExeric AROUND Aug/Sep | www.horsearoundnm.com farm-life and tasteful| amenities for2016 your rural lifestyle dream.
RANCH & RODEO ISSUE -NEW MEXICO RANCHES, RODEO RIDERS AND EVENTS
14 10
FEATURES
10 Daring Riders on Their Flying Machines
4 barrel racers share secrets about this blazing-fast sport
14 Fire!
Plan now to keep your horses safe during fire season
18 Ranching for the Freedom of It
The Alcon family in Ojo Feliz values tradition, water, land
20 All Horse, No Bling
Versatility is what the quarter horse is all about
24 Your Horse as Art as Your Horse Step-by-step guide on how to draw your horse
26 Can You Get That Gate?
Learn the side pass to open gates and wow your friends
29 Massage Therapy for the Horseback Rider
How getting rid of stiffness will help you ride better
30 Risky Business
Create a plan to reduce your horse business' risk
24
PLUS
35 August / September 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 MexicoŠ2016. 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.
On the Fourth of July weekend I rode Trailriders Wall in the Pecos Wilderness with four women of various high-country experience. Peggy Conger has ridden at 12,000 feet in Taos several times as well as many other advanced trails. Celia Cook is a backcountry hiker, and hiked the Wall before (dodging lightning strikes). Roni Merbler is an avid trail rider with experience gathering cattle in the Colorado high country. Karen Ruiz spent one year traveling the U.S. to join organized rides, and is well versed at camping (in a rig with two wide screen TVs). But despite their experience, this steep, high altitude, 8-hour excursion would test the mettle of each horse and rider. We had been planning the ride since mid May. The riders knew they needed to get their horses into top physical shape. Riding 20+ miles from Jack’s Creek Campground to the Wall and back is no easy feat. Plus, the ride starts at just below 9,000 feet and tops out at 11,000+. Our team had agreed that there would be few “stop and blow” opps for the horses on the way up. We needed to make good time to get off the Wall before the typical afternoon wind and rain. I was skeptical that all could complete the ride. I even pinpointed one as the “weak link.” We had a plan in place should riders decide they needed to turn around. All for naught. I WAS WRONG. The ride was glitch-less and the riders were adventurous and well-prepared. We rode at a steady walk to Pecos Baldy Lake, then began our ascent to the Wall. There, we were greeted by one sheep, probably guarding a baby. There was not a whiff of wind as we traversed the Wall. We dropped down Rito Azul Trail, then double backed alongside the bottom of the wall to a moss green lake, where everyone let their horses drink and splash in the water. The Wall loomed silently above us, as if watching us playing in the water. We chose Jack’s Creek Trail as the return route which brought us back to Pecos Baldy Lake where we rested the horses and let them eat. Any summer ride in New Mexico’s high country would not be complete without an afternoon rain storm. We got to experience one within three miles of camp. But everyone had rain gear, gloves, protective hats, and helmets. There is an elation when you achieve something that is physically, emotionally, and mentally demanding. (The not-so-weak-link described it as riding outside the box.) When you have helped your beloved horse achieve this as well, the feeling of satisfaction is even greater. We did it! For some of us, this could be the longest and most challenging ride of our lives. Maybe a few will never again attempt a steep ride of over 20 miles to high elevation. For others, this was just the beginning. For all of us, this was a ride of a lifetime. No matter if we ride the Wall again or not, doing this gave me, and I'm sure others, a type of lasting peace. We were made aware of the untapped strength of ourselves and our horses. Upon returning to our busy, often stressful lives at lower elevation, we carry the gifts of the Pecos Wilderness within us. It is comforting to know that the Wall will always be there, should we ever need it.
Cecilia Kayano 4
New Mexico Editor/Publisher CECILIA KAYANO Associate Editor PEGGY CONGER Media/Events Manager SUSIE SPICER Contributing Writers JENNIFER BLACK & Photographers MATT COLOUMBE THOMAS GARCIA L. THAYER HUTCHINSON KAYLA M. WELLS LAURA M. WHITE, PH.D. Staff Writers & EVALYN BEMIS Photographers MATT COLOUMBE KAREN LEHMANN Graphic Design/Layout MARIE ANTHONY Advertising & Sales Events Listing
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Next Issue: HEALTH AND WELLNESS Well-written, informative, inspirational articles are welcome. Submissions will be considered and are subject to editing. The next issue, the Health and Wellness issue, will appear at New Mexico outlets on October 1, 2016. The deadline for submissions is August 20, 2016. The deadline for ads is September 5, 2016. For information contact Cecilia Kayano, HANM Editor, 505-570-7377, HorseNewMexico@gmail.com, www.horsearoundnm.com
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ON THE COVER:
Gerald Alcon, his brother Roger Alcon, and his son Charles Alcon, on the family ranch in Ojo Feliz. Photo by Cecilia Kayano.
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www.horsearoundnm.com | Aug/Sep 2016 | HORSE AROUND
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Daring Riders on Their
Flying Machines
4
Barrel Racers Share Secrets About This Blazing-Fast Sport Article and Photos by Evalyn Bemis 10 HORSE AROUND | Aug/Sep 2016 | www.horsearoundnm.com
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I must begin with an admission: I know nothing about barrel racing except that it involves trying to ride the fastest pattern around three barrels in a triangular shape. I was curious to learn more after watching a Wednesday night practice and competition at the Rodeo de Santa Fe arena. I interviewed four of the riders to find out what draws them to the sport. Stormie Acuna, Santa Fe, 15, competes her paint gelding DJ and is about to start training a big batch of young horses --What kind of horse is best for barrel racing? SA: I look for a certain length of back and neck to enable the shortest possible turning distance around the barrels. John Acuna (father): I wanted Stormie to develop her own horses so she could understand how to fix a horse when issues come up. She has a natural talent. She has been involved with horses since she was itty-bitty. A livestock producer from Billings just gave Stormie 40 quality horses to start as prospects. How will you find the time to go to school, work so many horses, and compete? SA: I might do home schooling. We have a place off Highway 14 near Galisteo so we’ll keep all the horses there (in one place). We keep a lot of cattle on leased ranches around northern New Mexico so I can do different things with the horses to develop them. Ranch work has taught me a lot and strengthened me physically.
I love to ride to win, but sometimes you have to lose to learn from your mistakes. Can you earn a living as a barrel-racer? SA: Oh, yes! _________________________________ Rosalie Martinez, Española, 11, competes on Fuel, a quarterhorse, and her older sister Lindsey Martinez, Española, 14, rides 3-year old thoroughbred Jes, an exracehorse she is training herself, and also shares Fuel with Rosalie. How long have you been riding? RM: I’ve been riding since I was seven and my sister since she was nine. Why do you barrel race? LM: Barrel racing is really fun and a great way to get to know your horse. RM: Horses are great animals to be around. They are so friendly. Barrel racing is fun because I like riding fast. LM: I like that I can participate year-round in my sport, not just during school. I also like that I can take a horse like Jes and teach him something he can be good at. He wasn’t making it as a racehorse so we bought him. My dad helps me train him, and I ride 3-4 times a week after school and on weekends. What would you say to a friend who wants to try barrel racing? RM: They would have to be able to get on and handle a horse. My best tip is use your legs.
LM: Figure out whether your horse is better off on his right or left lead. You get to pick which direction you go around the barrels, to the left or right, and depending which way you go, you will either have two left-handed turns or two right-handed turns, so play to your horse’s strengths. RM and LM: We love this sport and hope to keep doing it for a long time. __________________________________ Dedra Warwick-Stambaugh, 49, lives in Santa Fe; her top horse is SCR Cat Bullits, aka Frankie --You have done a lot of different things in the horse world – what drew you to barrel racing? DS: I had a disappointing experience in a big class in California that showed me the bias that can exist in the horse show world. Then I happened to be spectating at the Galisteo Rodeo and saw girls barrel racing and thought that it might be something I could do and enjoy. There is no subjective judging, its just you against the clock. So at the relatively late age of 38 I gave it a try and got hooked. How do you pick a suitable horse? DS: I have four horses currently, with my oldest coming from the San Cristobal Ranch. I was invited to take a look at some of their herd, and there was a weanling filly that caught my eye. When we drove out with the cake truck and they ran the siren, one little horse would run out way past the truck, stop, and roll back and race to the herd, and then do it all over again. I said, wow, is that one for sale, and they said
It sounds like you were born with the horse gene. SA: My mom was a barrel racer, my grandfather showed horses, and my brother is a bull rider, so I guess I do have it. I feel very blessed to be around horses. Most Wednesday nights you can catch barrel racers practicing at the rodeo grounds in Santa Fe. Stormie Acuma rides DJ (left). Rosalie Martinez is aboard Fuel (right).
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yes! She has turned out to be an exceptional individual and is now 8. Her name is SCR Cats Bullits and I call her Frankie. I have gone back to the San Cristobal Ranch and have two more of their horses, a 2-year-old and a 3-year-old. Can anyone participate in barrel racing? DS: Yes, but it is getting to be an expensive sport. Parents who want their kids to be well-mounted for junior high school rodeo can spend $60,000 or more on a trained horse, and if the horse is good at multiple disciplines it can cost over $100K. But even though really good horses cost a lot of money, if a younger rider has the will and talent, they can train their own horses. I ride and train all my own horses. My husband, Clayton, and I also have a yearling cattle operation, taking steers and yearlings on the gain to some ranches we lease in the Springer area. This provides an opportunity to work my horses on cattle, an invaluable training tool. As an example, I rode Frankie in my first pro-rodeo at Santa Fe in June, took her to Raton the next day for another pro-rodeo where she had a better time than some of the top 20 horses in the country, and the next day we went and gathered 500 head of cows. Does the size of the horse matter? DS: As long as the horse has speed, I don’t care how big it is. When do you feel that a horse is right for the sport? DS: As the horse’s training progresses he starts looking for the barrels and he knows to turn when I quit urging him forward with my legs and voice. Any words of advice? DS: I am a firm believer that you should quit doing the same thing over and over if it isn’t working. When Frankie was five, I got very frustrated because we weren’t achieving the results I thought she was capable of and I almost sold her. Instead I gave her to Michaela Jacobs to ride for a bit. At the time Michaela was at the bottom of the standings for high school rodeo. After just three competitions with Frankie, Michaela rose to fourth in the standings! She was able to instill a more forward attitude in the mare and it really helped all of us. 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. Lindsey Martinez gallops Jes (left). Dedra Warwick-Stambaugh turns on a barrel with SCR Cat Bullits, aka Frankie (bottom).
12 HORSE AROUND | Aug/Sep 2016 | www.horsearoundnm.com
Fire!
Why You Need to Plan Now to Keep Your Horses Safe in Fire Season By Peggy Conger
W
Wildfire season is upon us, and horse owners across New Mexico should take the 18,000 acre Doghead Fire in the Manzanos in June as evidence that you need to be prepared, ready and able to get your horses, pets and livestock to safety when a fire or other disaster threatens.
Hundreds of animals were evacuated in the Doghead Fire, mostly by the efforts of their concerned owners. “The truth is very few resources (to evacuate animals) are available,” says Sharon Jonas, a program manager focusing on animal emergency preparedness for Animal Protection of New Mexico and a CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) volunteer. “Each family (or owner) needs to have their own evacuation plan.” What goes into a good evacuation plan? Arrange for two places to take your animals, at a good distance and in two different directions from your home, suggests Cheryl Nigg, who coordinated DART (Disaster Animal Relief Team) efforts for CERT during the Doghead Fire.
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“This is a place where you have agreed you don’t even have to call ahead, you can just show up with your animals,” she says. While shelters may be available once evacuations are under way, being able to take your animals out at the first sign of danger can reduce risk for them and you. Nigg suggests those evacuation points be as many as 20 miles from your home. Taking your animals to a neighbor a few miles away may mean evacuating everyone once again if that property becomes threatened.
The Doghead Fire near the Manzano Mountains ended up destroying dozens of homes and numerous structures. It threatened 4 Winds Equestrian Center, and its residents, horses, and pets. With the help of neighbors and friends, horses were evacuated. (Photos by Matt Coloumbe.)
home. Water is also a good idea because you may end up spending some time with horses tied to the trailer while a shelter is being readied. THE must-do on the to-do list All the evacuation planning in the world is useless if you cannot load your animals when it’s time to go. This is especially important if you never or rarely trailer your horse. Take the time it takes before an emergency to get your horse loading easily, under lots of different circumstances: in the dark, into different trailers, when they are being handled by strangers. Even well-traveled horses can pose unexpected problems. You don’t want to find out at evacuation time that a horse that loads fine by day is terrified of the trailer at night. To have to leave your beloved horse behind because it can’t be loaded would be tragic. The same goes for smaller pets, Nigg says. Make sure you have carriers for cats and small dogs; make sure large dogs will go into a vehicle. If you don’t own a horse trailer, look for people who can help and arrange that help in advance. Ask a friend or “talk to your neighbors and see how you can help each other out,” Jonas suggests. If, like many horse owners, you have more horses than trailer space, plan ahead. Evacuate some horses well before an evacuation is called if you are anywhere close to the threatened area, Nigg says.
Prepare a "go bag" or bucket for each person and critter. Nigg uses a big covered plastic paint bucket for each of her mules. She puts her vet’s business card, copies of hauling papers and medical records in ziplock bags, meds, first aid, extra halters and lead ropes and tools. (See a complete list of suggested items in the sidebar “What Goes in a ‘Go' Bucket".) Label the buckets or bags with your name, your animal’s name and your cell number. Have them at the ready to toss into your vehicle and let pet sitters and anyone who
helps care for your animals know where they are. Jonas and Nigg suggest you include 2-7 days of feed for each animal. Easy enough for cats and dogs, but if 7 days of feed for each horse is a tall order, Nigg says. Just try to throw a few bales in to cover the first 24 hours, if you are heading to a public shelter. “The first 24 hours of an evacuation can be chaotic. As things get organized, supplies become available,” she says. If you have an equine who is fussy about water, try to bring some water from
Nigg warns against any plan that includes opening a gate or cutting a fence and letting your horses run for it. “First of all, they are going to circle around eventually and head for home, because that’s where they feel safe,” she says. “And you’re creating problems for everyone, with horses running loose in the road in front of emergency vehicles or being caught up in fences.” If worse comes to worst, you might be able to walk your horses out to a safer place. “I’ve seen people bringing horses out holding a lead through the window of their pickup,” she says. But planning ahead and getting your horses loading well is the best plan. Don’t wait for evacuation notices to get moving. “When the evacuation notice comes, you may just have 5 minutes to get out,” Nigg says.
Nigg had unfortunate firsthand experience with the Doghead Fire. She evacuated her two mules and two cats well ahead of any evacuation orders for her neighborhood south of Chilili. Then she returned home briefly before heading over to Estancia to begin preparations for setting up the shelter at the fairgrounds. “I looked around before I jumped in the shower and everything looked okay,” she says. "But when I got out of the shower I could see the plume.” Nigg loaded her dog and their go bags and headed to Estancia. Her house burned to the ground that night.
Nigg adds that there are many different kinds of disasters, depending on where you live. You could have a flood risk in arroyos or low-lying areas, or hazmat hazards if you are near an interstate. Keep your go buckets packed and your evacuation plans readied all year round to keep your horses safe. 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
Don’t leave them behind Once evacuations start, don’t leave your animals behind thinking you can return for them, Jonas warns. “When a voluntary evacuation is called, you should be all ready to go,” she advises. “When the mandatory evacuation is called (if you are still on site), you should leave Cheryl Nigg, Disaster Animal Response Team coordinator for the immediately.” East Mountain CERT, fills a large Home Depot plastic paint bucket with a cover with these essentials for her mules: Be aware that first responders have a hierarchy when it comes to what they focus on, Jonas says: People • Spray bottle • First aid booklet first, property second, livestock third and companion • Rope • Extra halter and lead animals fourth. Be proactive and get your animals out • Insect wipes rope by having a well-practiced evacuation plan. • Trash bags • Gloves • All-in-one tool • Duct tape The Humane Society echoes Jonas’s emphasis on speed • Butt chalk • Bute and Banamine in their own materials on horse safety during disasters: • Batteries • Vet wrap “Don’t leave your horse behind. A situation that isn’t • Shop towels • Light sticks safe for you won’t be safe for your equine companion, • Water bottle • Note pad and pencil either. Evacuate immediately. If you wait until the last • Sterile gauze • Antiseptic minute to evacuate, emergency management officials • Baling twine • Vaseline may tell you that you must leave your horses behind. • Any special meds for the • Electrolytes In this case, your horses could be unattended for days animal • Instant cold pouch without care, food, or water.” • Wash cloths In a ziplock bag: • Utility scissors When should you put your plan together? “Wildfire is • Copies of her hauling • Bungee cord the most significant threat we have, so before wildfire papers and vaccination • Brush season,” Jonas advises, “or if it’s after the start of it, the records • Hoof pick sooner, the better.” • Picture of herself with the • Wet wipes animal
What Goes in a ‘Go’ Bucket
Friends can provide a temporary home for your critters: Matt Coloumbe, an East Mountain resident, provided shelter for these two and more than a dozen others during the Doghead Fire.
She tapes the top shut and attaches a caribiner with a small flashlight and a pocket knife to the handles. She labels the bucket with her name, cell number and the name of the animal.
16 HORSE AROUND | Aug/Sep 2016 | www.horsearoundnm.com
Ranching Freedom
R
Roger and Sandra Alcon and three of Roger's brothers operate a 600-acre cattle and horse ranch in Ojo Feliz, 20 miles from the town of Mora. Their family has owned the ranch since the mid 1800s. The original boundary markers were made of piled rocks and still remain. Roger knows where each one stands. He also knows where the single spring is located, and the dips in the landscape that fill up during the rains to become temporary lakes. “The spring is the only one around here,” says Roger. All water in the area comes from aquifers and this one spring. “There is no live water in this area, no lakes or rivers.” That's why, when a corporation wanted to start fracking (extracting natural gas and oil from the earth using water, sand, and chemicals) it was easy for the Alcons to join this rural county’s effort to ban fracking. Roger was quoted in the L.A. Times as saying, "I don't want to destroy our water. You can't drink oil." In 2013, Mora County became the first U.S. county to ban fracking.
Today Roger explains why he put so much time and effort into preserving the ground water of Mora County. “The corporation wanted to use the land for money making. We use the land to live. It’s our livelihood and it’s spiritual.” Many of Roger’s beliefs were instilled by his ancestors. He still quotes his grandmother: “Take care of the land. Never sell it. They are not making any more of it.”
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In late spring Roger, his brother Gerald and Gerald’s 22-year-old son, Charles, took a ride across the ranch. First they stopped at the horse corral where an impressive grulla gelding stood. Roger has been breeding and raising foundation quarter horses for 20 years. “My father taught me to train horses with a bosal, to be patient and have love,” he explained. Roger also knows the importance of good
for the
of it
LEFT: Roger Alcon, his brother Gerald Alcon, and Gerald's son Charles Alcon race on the family ranch near the village of Ojo Feliz. TOP: Charles aboard his horse stop at the only spring on the property.
Article and Photos by Cecilia Kayano nutrition and medicine. “The most important thing is what you put in the horse’s mouth.” He feeds local grass hay, some alfalfa, and supplements. The family vaccinates all their cattle and horses regularly to prevent outbreaks. They doctor their animals with home-made herbal washes. Sandra grew up with the teaching of medicas (herbalists). She was delivered at home by medicas, and says, "I come from a long line of them." On that spring ride, the men stopped at a water tank and let their horses drink until full. They rode to the ruins of an adobe house where Roger’s ancestor once lived. Pelon Baldy Mountain rose in the distance. A herd of several horses, a mule, and a donkey ran up to check out the group. On a flat expanse next to the ruin, the three men lined their horse up and raced. Charles won, but Roger was right on his heels. Later the three raced again. This time it was a tie, but there was no camera to document the finish line. It is apparent Roger loves to
RIGHT: Sandra Alcon with Roger at their ranch house. The house is surrounded by lush gardens that grow fruits, vegetables, and herbs.
run, but it is Sandra who can provide the reason: “Roger doesn’t talk much. But I see him looking at a photo that we have in our house of a horse running, and I know what he is thinking. When he runs, he feels like he can fly. Horses are his freedom.” When compared to other ranches in northern New Mexico, the Alcon Ranch is small. It is 600 acres, surrounded by 100,000 acres of huge private ranches. Much of it is a checkerboard of private and state land. Roger said that he is always aware that his land is connected to his neighbor's, and that everything is connected -- the water and land, his horses and freedom. He said that the health of the land starts with good water. It’s the reason he fought to ban fracking. “Mora County may not have a lot of income-producing business, but we are rich in land. Maybe our effort will help other small counties in the U.S. know that it's worth it to fight to save their water and land. La auga es la vida de todo. Water is the life of everything."
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All Horse, No Bling
I
Versatility Ranch Horse Competitions Let the Quarter Horse Shine
If you ever get to sit in the stands at the National Western Stock Show in Denver to watch the quarter horse show, you might find yourself feeling like you are watching several different breed shows: from the 16.3 hand, 1500-pound halter horse to the 13.2 quickas-a cat, and not much bigger cutting horse, to the rail thin thoroughbred lookalikes. How did that happen, and how can we get back to showing more of the original body types and abilities of this iconic breed? Versatility ranch horse competitions may be the answer! Versatility ranch horse competition is an exciting sport that combines multiple performance classes to showcase the many talents of ranch horses.
The beauty of these competitions is that all quarter horse types can compete in AQHA sanctioned events. Show horses, working ranch horses, and backyard pets all have a shot at this relatively new sport. A little background of the quarter horse There are as many differences within the quarter horse breed as there are between breeds. The American Quarter Horse was bred to be a versatile, do-everything horse – one that can work cattle all week, then on Sunday, pull a buggy and the family to church and maybe even run a match race down Main Street that afternoon. Today that versatile breed has been selectively bred into specialized strains that as are as different as Percherons and Arabs. More than 15 years ago a new competition emerged on the quarter horse scene. versatility ranch horse -- a six-class event showcasing what the American Quarter Horse is all about. Versatility ranch horse has been well received and continues to be one of the fastest growing competitions in AQHA. For non-registered horses or other breeds, there is the Ranch Horse Association of America, National Versatility Ranch Horse Association, Western States Versatility Ranch Horse Association and many, many others.
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By Thomas Garcia
Classes Versatility ranch horse competitions usually have six classes: ranch riding, trail, reigning, cow work, cutting, and conformation. Some feature five classes because they combine the reining and cow work. Competitors wear and outfit their horses with working ranch gear, as silver and bling are discouraged. They are allowed to enter one or all of the classes. To compete for the all-around versatility ranch horse award, competitors must enter at least one class in each of the two categories --cattle and riding--and all must enter the conformation class. The heart of this competition is versatility, meaning performance plus conformation. Here is a snapshot of what is entailed in each class: RANCH RIDING can be conducted inside or outside. Judges are looking for a soft, responsive horse moving in a relaxed manner with cadenced gaits, one that is soft in the bridle and able to make smooth transitions in a correct and timely manner. RANCH TRAIL features objects and obstacles that may be encountered during the course of everyday ranch work. Judges are looking for a well broke, well mannered, responsive horse that negotiates
obstacles in an efficient and correct manner. RANCH REINING originally was a class combined with ranch cow work. Now it may be combined or separate. If combined, they are still scored and placed separately. In ranch reining, judges are looking for a horse that is able to perform basic handling maneuvers. A well trained reining horse should be willingly guided and controlled with no apparent resistance and completely dedicated to its job. RANCH COW WORK is divided for two skill/experience levels: ranch cow work and limited ranch cow work for youth or amateur exhibitors. For the ranch cow work, the competitor has three minutes to demonstrate their mastery of the cow by boxing it in the end of the arena, going down the fence and either circling or roping the cow. For the limited division, the competitor must box the cow in the end of the arena, set it up, and drive it down the fence then box it on the other end of the arena. RANCH CUTTING requires the horse to quietly and efficiently separate or cut a cow from the herd and hold or keep it from rejoining the herd. Open, amateur, and cowboy divisions have two minutes to work two cows. The youth competitors have a minute and half to work one cow.
RANCH CONFORMATION is usually held at the end of the day. In order to show in ranch conformation, horses need to be shown in at least one performance class. Horses are shown in a plain rope, nylon or leather halters. Horses judged on ranch conformation should still be judged on the conformation breed standards of the AQHA: balance, muscle, and structural correctness should be at the forefront. (Some ranch conformation judgment standards are diverging from the AQHA breed standards.) Horses are exhibited at the walk and trot then lined up for inspection by the judge. Versatility ranch horse competitions are an excellent way to showcase the versatility of the American Quarter Horse, or any other breed. In this day of specialization, it is truly refreshing to see a horse that can do several things well. Competitors and judges both have to understand that each class is an individual class and should be placed on the merits of that class and not influenced by the placing in other classes. Getting started Before getting started in competing in versatility ranch horse, consider: -Your ability as a horseman. Think about what level of competition is right for you, and the classes that will challenge you, plus
allow for some success. You may want to start in a venue that allows you to compete in from one to all the classes. -Your horse. It should be a good, steady, quiet, good handling horse of good stock and conformation. It should be soft in the face and responsive, have cow sense, and be used to being around cows. Reined cow horses and cutting horses are ideal for this sport. -Your tack. Working ranch gear is preferred. Silver and bling are discouraged. Your tack should be clean, in good condition, and suited to the event: It is hard to make a run down the fence and turn a cow in an open trail or western pleasure saddle. The more an individual has ridden and knows their horse the more successful that person will be at this event. Above all, ride safe and have fun! ________________________________ Thomas Garcia has raised and bred quarter horses for 25 years. He has competed in halter and performance, including versatility ranch horse, and won over 200 ribbons, rosettes, and trophies. He owns Spanish Creek Performance Horses and Taos Tack & Pet supply.
www.horsearoundnm.com | Aug/Sep 2016 | HORSE AROUND
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Horses, Hats and Heritage
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The Davis Ranch in Stanley, which dates back to the Spanish Land Grants, decided over 30 years ago in conjunction with breeding and raising some of the most beautiful Andalusian horses in the country to also hand make and provide some of the finest hats in the United States. With a strong work ethic and long days, George and Maria Davis managed to raise a wonderful family and establish a thriving hat business. Now handing the reins of Davis Hats to their sons Basil and Charlie Davis, who are enthusiastically taking over to continue the family tradition of excellence in the custom hat business, it was the perfect fit. The Davis family believes in being hands on from raising their beautiful Andalusian horses to acquiring the finest pelts available for their hats. Each hat takes hours upon hours of intense skilled labor to make by hand, with superior workmanship in each step, right down to the personalized sweat band. The Davis family has always believed in providing the best product and customer service possible. Basil and Charlie know well the trade secrets of old world hat making, having grown up in the hat shop with their dad and mom. Their customer list is impressive from Rodeo Queens, to high fashion models and even Presidents. The hat shop is located at the ranch headquarters in Stanley. They welcome you to visit, get a new hat fitting or just bring your old hat in for renovation. It is truly worth the drive and Maria makes a great cup of coffee. Believe it when I say this is the “real deal” a one of a kind family keeping the ranching heritage alive. Serving all of your hatting needs, if you can dream it they can probably make it.
DAVIS & SONS HATTING CO. www.davishatting.com 505-264-0206 Stanley, New Mexico 22 HORSE AROUND | Aug/Sep 2016 | www.horsearoundnm.com ADVERTISEMENT
www.horsearoundnm.com | Aug/Sep 2016 | HORSE AROUND
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Your Horse as Art as Your Horse By L. Thayer Hutchinson Using photos that capture the personality of the horse is the first step to drawing. The artist used a close up of Jesse, a rescue at The Horse Shelter in Cerrillos. She captured his personality so much that many visitors to the shelter quickly recognized him as the horse in the drawing. (Side Note: Jesse was adopted after coming in second in the Gimme Shelter Trainers' Challenge held at the Santa Fe Rodeo Grounds in July.)
Drawing your loved pet can be a fun and rewarding experience, even if you are a beginner. It is a way to connect to yourself and your pet and have fun at the same time.
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I spent most of my adult years as a “plein air painter,” painting landscapes outside, directly observing nature. Painting outside as an adult brought me back to my happiest childhood days of horseback riding for hours in the New England woods after school. Nature, horses, dogs, and all animals have always been my best friends and a great comfort to me. That is why I focus on animals in much of my current work.
I would like to share some tips for drawing and painting horses. Even more than
creating art, this is a way of connecting to your horse, to really pay attention and observe the essence of its character so you can communicate it to your viewers. Taking and choosing photos As your horse can move around a lot, drawing directly from life can be very challenging. Photographs can help. 1. Take a series of photos that include full body, head shots, and a few close ups of your horse’s eyes. Eyes are the window into the soul and feeling of the horse. These can be valuable in transferring
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the essence of who your horse is into your drawing. Capturing the soulful eye can give an emotional focal point to your drawing. 2. Choose the right photo to work from - an image that will not be too complicated to work from, one that has clarity and that captures the energy and character of your horse. Sometimes following your gut as to what image captures your horse’s character is the best way. 3. Lay out your photos and begin taking away the ones that do not reflect your idea of the drawing. 4. Spend a few days thinking and looking for the right image to work from. It is worth spending time on this as you will be working with this image for days and even weeks.
Paper Once you choose a photo, think about the composition and format of the drawing to help you choose the best paper and size. I use 100% rag paper with a medium tooth. The dimensions of your paper will determine the impact of your image to your viewer. 1. Test your pencil on the surface texture of your paper to see if it give the line you want. A paper that is too smooth will smudge easily, one that is too textured will be difficult to build dark areas. Experiment with different kinds of paper if you are unsure. 2. Sketch out three different compositions on smaller paper to visually check which size works best. Take your time with this step as well. It is worth it to play around with these smaller sketches to decide what and how you want your drawing to look. 3. Block out with tape/paper the parts of the photo you do not want to include in the drawing. This way you will not get visually distracted while you are working. 4. Decide on the size of the drawing and, using the paper of your choice, cut the paper to the decided size leaving a 2 to 3-inch border to leave space for framing. The right medium Choosing your medium for drawing is as important as the image and size. There are many, different options from which to choose: graphite pencil, colored pencil, black pencil…the list can go on forever! Again if you are unsure, experiment!
1. Keep your sketch simple and focus on capturing the gesture of your horse instead of going for a photographic “correct” likeness. 2. Keep your focus on the whole image instead of working on individual details. If you get stuck, put the drawing away and look at it with fresh eyes the next day. Many times your drawing is much better than you think! 3. Unify the drawing by keeping the direction of your lines going in the same direction. Again keep your focus on the entire image instead of individual detail. 4. Know when to stop. Over drawing and including too much detail can crowd and distract from the overall feeling of the drawing. 5. If you are unsure of your drawing skill and nervous about being “good,” begin two drawings of the same image. This way if you make a mistake on one drawing you can correct it on the second one. It will also remove pressure of “getting it right “on your one drawing. By working on the same image with two drawings, your brain will learn the image and become familiar with it and thus make it easier to draw. 6. Refer to your close up photos of the eyes when drawing them. Remember do not include unnecessary detail.
Focus on the feeling and essence of your horse instead of thinking a “good” drawing is one that has lots of welldrawn detail. Unity of feeling and movement will communicate who your horse is to the viewer. Have fun while drawing your beloved pet or horse. __________________________________ L. Thayer Hutchinson learned drawing and painting at The Parsons School of Design in NYC. She spent many hours in the Metropolitan Museum studying and copying the drawings of the great Italian and European masters -- Raphael, Pontormo, and Michelangelo. Thayer moved to New Mexico four years ago, became a volunteer at The Horse Shelter in Cerrillos, and fell in love with the personalities and stories of all the rescued horses. She volunteered to photograph many of the horses for its website then began drawing from the photos of the horses. She has a Facebook page: Thayer Hutchinson or email Thayerboo2@gmail.com
Take multiple photos, then choose the one that best captures a feeling or moment of your horse. The artist chose the photo on the left because it shows more of the personality of the horse. This drawing is a work-in-progress and will take several additional hours to complete.
The choice of color and texture of the drawing medium is important to communicate the character and feeling of your drawing. It will be the line that will tell the story of your horse. In the end, choose a medium that you feel comfortable and confident using. Drawing Begin by sketching out the outline with light, hard leaded pencil first. Then add detail and build darks with softer pencil. There are many technical ways to transfer an image from one surface to another. Just go for it!
www.horsearoundnm.com | Aug/Sep 2016 | HORSE AROUND
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Can You Get That Gate? By Karen Lehmann
Molly Hanford and her 7-year-old rocky mountain gelding, Rico, encounter a gate near their home in Cañoncito.
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The side pass is a useful talent for horse and rider, but can be a tough one to learn...
The side pass is a lateral (sideways) movement. Unlike a leg yield, side passing involves virtually no forward movement at all – you are asking your horse to move its outside pair of legs across the supporting, or inside, legs. Useful for opening a gate while mounted, this move is also a common obstacle in trail competitions and working equitation. This is a fairly advanced movement for a horse/rider pair to master. A leg yield is easier, because there is forward movement involved, and because you are moving away from the direction of the horse’s bend. To master the side pass, your horse should know how to turn on the forehand and turn on the haunches. That means you have enough communication with your horse that you can ask for the hind end and front end to move to the side independently of one another. Can you produce separate movement of the front and back leg pairs, with soft aids and in relaxation? Then you’re ready to try side passing. It also helps when movement begins with lifted shoulders
(the horse’s shoulders, not yours!) as opposed to “diving” into the movement with lowered head and shoulders. Aim for your aids to have more of a lifting/leading feel, as opposed to pushing/pulling your horse around. Leverage your core muscles to initiate movement instead of relying on the bit or halter pulling or pushing on your horse’s face. This holds true whether you’re on the ground or in the saddle. It’s preferable to take the time to really “get the basics,” than to frustrate yourself or your horse by rushing into an unbalanced, tense side pass. If you’re not quite there yet, don’t worry – training is always ongoing! Just look for small improvements in each brief training session. Teaching side pass on the ground -Start at the halt. Your goal is to send your horse sideways, with minimal or no forward movement. The movement should begin with the hind legs. -Gently pick up on the halter or bit with one hand while
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using your whip, your other hand or the end of your lead rope to quietly ask the horse to move away from you. The goal here is to get your horse to lift up in the shoulders, allowing it to make room for the sideways movement that begins with the inside hind leg.
-Allow your inside (left) leg to apply pressure right at the girth, in order to ask your horse to lift the inside shoulder and cross the front inside leg over the outside leg, moving the front just one step (plus a re-balancing step), directly sideways to the right, without stepping forward or backward.
-When your horse takes one sideways step with the hind leg, release and reward. Ask again, focusing on the front pair of legs.
Repeat the steps, asking your horse to move hips and shoulders over sideways, alternating back and front. When this becomes easy, ask your horse to move directly sideways while staying straight.
Tips -Position your horse facing a fence or wall to help communicate that you are not interested in forward movement. -Try to get just one crossing step behind and then one step in front (with the probable addition of a balancing step) to start, instead of pushing for a whole series of sideways steps right away. -The inside “crossing” leg should always cross in front of the outside “standing” leg. -Think diagonally! When the inside hind leg is moving, the outside front shoulder is blocked – and vice versa, at least to start. Teaching side pass (to the right) from the saddle 1. Move the hindquarters first Pick up on the left rein to ask for that lift in the inside shoulder, while you:
Ta-Da! Side pass. Hints -Try not to bend your horse too much in either direction while schooling this move. The goal is to get a “simply sideways” movement. -Remember to leave your outside aids “open” – that is, seat, leg and rein – so that your horse has somewhere to go and feels the freedom to step sideways. This doesn’t mean that your outside rein is three feet away from your horse’s neck and your outside leg is hanging in space – keep your aids as subtle as you can, while communicating a feeling of invitation (on the outside) and firm suggestion (on the inside).
-Keep it fun and easy. If you and/or your horse make a mistake, just stop calmly, set yourself up and begin again. Reward yourselves for small victories and stop on a good note long before you get tired. Tomorrow is another day! Variations: Try the side pass away from the fence/ wall, out in the open. It can be interesting to visualize a steep drop-off or other nonnegotiable obstacle in front of your horse as you ask for the sideways movement. You’ll be surprised how much you don’t want to fall over that imaginary cliff ! Use the side pass to practice opening a gate while mounted. Try opening the gate away from you first; then toward you. Close the gate, too! Work toward keeping one hand on the gate during the entire movement. But please don’t let your horse nudge the gate open - that’s just impatience, and could lead to rushed, unsafe behavior (if your stirrup is stuck in the gate, you don’t want your horse shoving it open, do you?). 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.
-Allow the right rein to “block” the outside shoulder, and: -Weight your left seat bone, allowing your inside (left) leg to apply pressure at or just behind the girth, in order to: -Ask your horse to move the hindquarters, just one step (plus a rebalancing step), directly sideways to the right, without stepping forward or backward. -Release your aids and pause to reward. 2. Now move the shoulders Pick up on the left rein to ask for that lift in the inside shoulder, while you: -Allow the right rein to move away from the outside shoulder to create an opening or “leading” effect, and: www.horsearoundnm.com | Aug/Sep 2016 | HORSE AROUND
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Exquisite Horse Ranch $945,000
Mora County 56 Acres
A��������:
• 4,000 sq. ft. custom home • Insulated 2160 sq. ft. stable - 8 stalls plus 2 100 x 100 paddocks • Tack room, 1400 sq. ft. workshop and hay barn • Full size dressage arena • Fenced/cross fenced/grazing fields • Private and peaceful with views of meadows, forests, and mountains
Call Pam Sawyer:
505.690.9058
Email: rebeccarodriguez333@yahoo.com
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KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY 130 Lincoln Street Santa Fe, NM 87501 505-983-5151
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Massage Therapy for the Horseback Rider By Jennifer Black, LMT
Massage helps the horseback rider get rid of tightness and soreness, and "retrain" specific areas of the body used for riding thus increasing flexibility and range of motion.
Horseback riding is a total body workout. When you ride, you use your legs, thighs, hips, low back, abdomen, and shoulders. If you feel discomfort or soreness from riding, massage therapy can help. But more than helping you feel less sore, massage can release the tight muscles you use for riding, so you can move better with your horse’s action. Turns out, what feels good to you, the rider, will also feel good to your horse because you will ride more fluidly. General benefits Massage has many general benefits: reduced pain, stiffness, muscular tension, and emotional stress along with increased range of motion, flexibility, blood flow, and soft tissue healing. Regular massage will address and strengthen areas riders most use. Keeping the core strong Massage for the horse rider focuses on the muscles most used when riding. The muscles of the low back and abdomen control the movement of the trunk. Massage releases the low back and abdominal muscles to keep the pelvis and lumbar spine free to move with the horse’s motion. The gluteals (muscles deep inside the side of the hips and on the buttocks) and transverse abdominis (the deepest abdominal muscle) are used for stabilization of the core. Massage releases these for improved coordination, balance, and support. Knees and hips Massage also addresses issues found in the hamstrings, quadriceps, and abductors. Softness in these areas keeps the knee
free of pain. For hip flexibility, massage softens and stretches the muscles that rotate the hip. The hips open and suddenly the posture of your riding seat becomes impressive! Importance of muscle talking to fascia talking to brain Each of these benefits can be refined to address the needs of individuals. A skilled therapist can locate specific muscles and apply techniques to release tension and pain. The therapist will encourage communication between the muscle, fascia, and brain. This communication occurs through the nerves, as well as through the substances that make up fascia, and retrains muscle memory to hold the muscle/fascia structure in a different, improved way. Your posture-sitting on a horse, walking, and standing-will improve. Less stiffness, more range of motion Massage techniques also address muscular imbalances and release fascial restrictions that cause stiffness. Balanced muscular and fascial patterning increase joint range of motion, which lead to increased flexibility and better coordination. In addition, massage techniques reduce recovery time after riding because they improve the circulation of blood and lymphatic fluid thereby decreasing muscle soreness. If there is trauma, such as broken bone or pulled muscles, massage techniques facilitate the body’s healing response and will unwind stored trauma.
Observing you A skilled therapist will observe you from the moment you walk into the office. She will watch you as you stand or sit to fill out paperwork, how you get up from a seated position, walk through the short hallway to the treatment room, and how you sit down for the pre-massage interview. She will even be aware of the slight movements of your hands, the position of your legs, and what your feet are doing. She will notice if you are leaning forward or backward, if you are grounded in your seat, or are sitting like a rocket on a launch pad ready for takeoff. She will check if your shoulders are level, if your hips are even, or if your pelvis is twisted. Care for yourself, your horse A skilled therapist will observe you as carefully as you observe your horse. And, just like you caring for your horse, she will address and make better areas of your body you might not even know need attention! Remember, as a horseback rider, you are an athlete. Your body is important and its condition affects your horse. A flexible, pain-free, strong body will help both you and your horse. _________________________________ Jennifer Black, LMT, has been doing bodywork for ten years. She is a licensed massage therapist and has a private practice on the Westside in Albuquerque. She teaches at a local massage school and rides regularly. She can be reached at info@ medicinemassage.org or at 505-615-3487.
Risky Business How to Reduce Your Risk When Running a Private Horse Facility By Laura M. White, Ph.D. and Kayla M. Wells
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The horse business is one that is filled with passion, dreams, and hard work. Many enter the field because of a lifelong love of horses, others because they see a niche market opportunity. Regardless of the type of equine business you run, a successful and sound equine enterprise cannot overlook risk management. Risk management is crucial to any equine program because it protects not only the business owners and horses, but also clients, guests, and workers.
Risk management is exactly what it sounds like. It is the act of identifying risks associated with your business and creating a written plan in order to mitigate and manage those risks. Don’t fool yourself: Accidents can and will happen. One thing that sets successful business owners apart from others is their ability to manage uncertainties. Your risk management plan will serve to protect you and help your business in the event of an accident and ensure you are not held legally liable.
experience. They include: • Injury to a human • Injury to horse • Illness affecting a horse or human / disease outbreak • Financial loss due to non-payment, theft, etc. • Natural disasters that threaten the facility and/or animals Once your list is made, you can start addressing how to handle these situations.
Managing risk needs to be at the heart of your business. It is absolutely imperative that everyone associated with your program and those working for you have a thorough understanding of your risk management plan. To begin preparing your risk management plan, make a list or chart of the types of risk your business can
Injury to a human • Release forms. All clients should understand that horses can be unpredictable and injuries can occur. Contact a local attorney to acquire the most accurate forms for your program. Regardless of what type of liability form that you decide on, it must clearly state the activity being done, the risk involved
(possible falling off, being kicked or bitten, etc.) and that those participating agree not to hold the owner of the facility liable should an accident happen. • Post signs stating New Mexico’s equine professional protection law at your facility. These signs are available for purchase from a number of sources. Horses are inherently dangerous animals and generally, as a horse professional, you cannot be held liable for an accident that results from a horse’s natural behavior when you were not negligent. • Have it clearly written in your risk plan and on signage throughout your barn that in the event of serious injury, 911 should immediately be called. • Talk to your attorney about how to designate your business. A limited liability corporation (LLC) may be best because it limits your liability and
protects your personal assets in the event you are sued. • Commercial liability insurance protects against a wide variety of circumstances. It covers all forms of liability, including negligence. All boarding facilities should have this type of insurance. Trainers who train at various facilities should carry their own commercial liability insurance. Injury to horse There are many different types of insurance for horses and for the equine industry: • Full mortality protects against death and/or theft of the horse and reimburses the owner the pre-determined value of the horse. The best way to determine the value is to contact your veterinarian for a reference to an equine insurer. The insurance agent can advise you on acceptable methods to appraise your horse and establish an estimated value. • Limited mortality will reimburse the value of the horse should a catastrophic accident or event cause death. Typically, those that choose this type of insurance have horses that travel often. Most show horses are insured with this insurance. • Care, custody, and control insurance is absolutely crucial if you are boarding or training a large number of horses because it specifically protects you in the event of injury or death of boarded horses. Encouraging or requiring clients with high value horses to purchase their own mortality policy for their horse is highly recommended. Remember, if any injury occurs to either horse or human, fully document it as soon as possible and write a detailed accident report. Collect statements from the wrangler, owner, witnesses, and victim. Take photographs of the injury and surroundings, close ups and distance photos that show the environment. Illness / disease outbreak • If horses will be traveling in and out of your facility, require up-to-date vaccinations and health certificates. Core vaccines recommended by the American Association for Equine Practitioners are rabies, West Nile Virus, Eastern and Western encephalitis, and tetanus. A health certificate guarantees that a horse is healthy for that specific moment when a veterinarian evaluated him/her. Therefore, if you want a health certificate for horses entering your
facility, require a short window. (Fewer than 10 days is recommended.) • Decide on an area of your facility that can act as a quarantine, as isolated as possible from where other horses are housed. The intention of a quarantine location is to keep a sick animal by itself and isolate possible disease. • Although relatively rare, several zoonotic diseases can be carried by a horse and infect humans. The most serious zoonotic disease horses can carry is rabies, which is deadly. More commonly, horses can spread salmonellosis, ringworm, or brucellosis. Encouraging clients, visitors, and employees to wash their hands with soap and water after coming into contact with horses is highly recommended. Financial loss due to non-payment/theft • Thorough vetting of all clients is essential to ensure you are working with honest and responsible people. Asking for references is not uncommon for boarding and training facilities. The contract you employ as an agreement between you and your client should include a termination agreement for ‘cause,’ such as non-payment. • Horse and equipment theft can be deterred with careful planning around your facility. Cameras around the facility and at the entrance/ exit are essential. Maintaining a locked gate during nonbusiness hours is a helpful deterrent to thieves. Having a person around after hours or even living on the property can be a critical preventative step. Natural disasters • There are multiple types of insurance coverage options. Don’t overlook your building and equipment in your risk management plan. Contact your attorney and insurance providers for the best insight on insurance plans
that will meet your needs. • Evacuation plans for the horses on your property should be clearly written in your risk management plan and posted in your barn. (See article page 14.) Microchipping horses is recommended in the event that they have to be turned loose during a fire or other natural disaster. Halters should be hanging on stall doors and stalls should not be padlocked in order to facilitate quick evacuation. Effective plans and even drills at your facility will make everything run more smoothly during unexpected disasters. A risk management plan protects you, your horses, your clients, and your reputation as a business. Managing an equine business and its associated risks is not necessarily an easy task. But doing so allows you to create a place where childhood dreams can be reached and goals achieved, while you confidently take a step forward in the horse industry. Laura M. White, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor of Equine Science at New Mexico State University. Kayla M. Wells is a Graduate Assistant Horse Judging Coach at New Mexico State University.
Starrynight Ranch Historic Guest Ranch near Llaves, NM Learn “Hands On Horsemanship” from trainer and guest ranch owner Julie Phillips.
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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.
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Be confident and calm on the ground and while riding your horse. All-inclusive guest ranch packages - private rooms, meals, our horse or BYOH.
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photo by Jay Ritter
! n o s d n a h Get your
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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
We pride ourselves in customer service and pricing! Suggested Are you De-Worming and your Schedule for Horses
horse ready to hit the trails for the summer riding season? We have a large assortment of Easy Care boots to help your horse be comfortable and safe on the trails!
Jan/Feb 1 tube Pyrantel Pamoate Mar/April 1 tube Oxibendazole or Fenbendazole May/June 1 tube 1.87% Ivermectin July/Aug 1 tube Pyrantel Pamoate
Next Issue: Health & Wellness
Sept/Oct Hunter and Krissy or 1 tube Oxibendazole wish you good luck at the Fenbendazole county and state fairs! Nov/Dec 1 tube Praziquantel Pauls’ Combination Veterinarian Supply is known for our small town customer service! Stop by and see Hunter, Krissy, and our friendly staff!
3825 Osuna NE 3825 Osuna Albuquerque, NMNE 87109 Albuquerque, NM 87109 505-341-9401
505-341-9401
2005 SE Main Roswell, NM 88203 2005 SE Main 575-624-2123 Roswell, NM 88203
575-624-2123
EVENTS: .............August - September AUGUST
3-7 Summer Series Fiesta Week Hunter Jumper Competitions www.hipicosantafe.com Santa Fe 5-6 Sandoval County Fair & Rodeo New Mexico Rodeo Assoc. www.sandovalcounty.com Cuba 6 Meet a Mule Fun Day Rio Grande Mule & Donkey Assoc. Karen 505-469-2698 Santa Fe 10-13 Lea County Fair & PRCA Rodeo www.leacounty.net Lovington 10, 17, 24, 31 Wednesday Night Barrels www.rodeodesantafe.org Santa Fe 10-14 Grand Prix de Santa Fe Hunter Jumper Competitions www.hipicosantafe.com Santa Fe 11-14 Inter-tribal Indian Ceremonial Rodeo www.theceremonial.com Gallup 12-14 25th Annual Zia Regional Rodeo New Mexico Gay Rodeo Assoc. www.nmgra.org Santa Fe See ad page 13 12-14 Chama Days All Indian Rodeo Cowboys Assoc. www.chamavillage.com Chama 12-14 Road Runner Classic Appaloosa & All Breed Show www.NMApHC.info Albuquerque 13 2 Man Ranch Sorting FB: Time on Ten Productions Bosque Farms 14 Schooling Show NM Dressage Assoc. www.nmdressage.net Española
20 Point Show All-Breed Horse Show Assoc. Facebook: ABHSA Clovis 20-21 Red Chile Fiesta Paint/Palomino & All Breed www.nmpainthorse.org or www.nmpea.com Stanley
20-21 DWPQ Damn Summers Over Mounted Shooting www.nmmountedshooters.com Cloudcroft 24-28 Fall Fun Series Bienvenidos Week Hunter Jumper Competitions www.hipicosantafe.com Santa Fe 26-27 Otero County Fair & Rodeo New Mexico Rodeo Assoc. www.oterofair.com Alamogordo 27-28 Buckskin & All Breed Point Show NM Buckskin Horse Assoc. www.nmbha.com Bosque Farms 28 Hunter/Jumper Las Cruces Horseman’s Assoc. www.lchanm.us Las Cruces 31-Sep 4 Turquoise Trail Week Hunter Jumper Competitions www.hipicosantafe.com Santa Fe
SEPTEMBER 2-3 Socorro County Fair & Rodeo www.socorronm.org 575-835-1256 Socorro 2-5 Fall Futurity Southwest Quarter Horse Assoc. www.swqha.com Las Cruces 3 2 Man Ranch Sorting FB: Time on Ten Productions Bosque Farms 8-18 NM State Fair Horse Shows & Rodeo www.statefair.exponm.com Albuquerque
10 Lea County Horseman's Assoc. Show; Johnna 575-390-5786 Lovington 10-11 DWPQ Never Forget 9-11 Mounted Shooting www.nmmountedshooters.com Artesia
14-18 Fall Fun Series Chile Harvest Week Hunter Jumper Competitions www.hipicosantafe.com Santa Fe 18 Hunter/Jumper Las Cruces Horseman’s Assoc. www.lchanm.us Las Cruces 18 Horseman’s Assoc. of Southern New Mexico - All Breed Show Facebook: H.A.S.N.M. Alamogordo 18 Pecos Valley Horsemen Double Judged Show Facebook Roswell 18 Schooling Show NM Dressage Association www.nmdressage.net Los Alamos 21-25 Fall Fun Series Ristra Week Hunter Jumper Competitions www.hipicosantafe.com Santa Fe 24 Santa Fe Rails & Trails Facebook: Northern New Mexico Horseman’s Assoc. Santa Fe 24 Schooling Show NM Dressage Association www.nmdressage.net Bosque Farms 24-25 Linnie Davis Memorial Show Carlsbad Horsemen’s Assoc. www.cha-nm.com Carlsbad 24-25 Las Cruces Horseman's Assoc. Gymkhana www.lchanm.us Las Cruces
HORSE ✽ RIDER
August 6-7 John Baird Horsemanship Clinic Rocking B Ranch Enterprises Fran 575-973-0571 Taos August 6, 21; September 3, 18 BCHNM-Zuni Chapter Trail Rides Cibola National Forest Mount Taylor Ranger District Anna: dunappy9@gmail.com August 19-21 Carolien Reverdink/Dressage Clinic; Joost 505-603-7914 For the Heart of the Horse Ranch See ad page 9 August 20 HUGE Western/English Tack Swap @ HIPICO benefiting Center for Therapeutic Riding www.HipicoSantaFe.com See ad page 34 August 20-21 Buckaroo Balance Weekend Yoga, mounted bodywork, riding Christina 505-280-8171 4windsequestriancenter.com Estancia September 1 FREE Equine Body Balance 1hour webinar with Susan Smith See ad page 39 September 3-4 Strengthening the Bond Roeliff Annon Clinic www.laestanciaalegre.com Alcalde September 10-11 Equine Body Balance: The Three Rs: Rhythms, Responses & Reflexive Action with Susan Smith See ad page 39 September 23-25 San Juan Valley Trail Riders Chokecherry Ride Ed 505-486-3599 Farmington ⤵︎⤵︎⤵︎⤵︎⤵︎⤵︎⤵︎⤵︎⤵︎
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Horse Around New Mexico DEADLINES October/November Issue Articles & Events: August 20 editor@horsearoundnm.com eventshorsearound@gmail.com Ads: September 5 ads@horsearoundnm.com www.horsearoundnm.com
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To submit your event for listing consideration, send information to: EventsHorseAround@gmail.com. Listings are at no charge.
36 HORSE AROUND | Aug/Sep 2016 | www.horsearoundnm.com
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 www.horsearoundnm.com | Aug/Sep 2016 | HORSE Vision Quest, LasAROUND Vegas; private, catered D S Horse Motel, Grants; next to 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 August/September 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 13 BARNS/BUILDINGS Ironhorse Pipe & Steel, page 17 Morton Buildings, page 6 Sweetwater Barn Co., page 5 BOARDING Mac’s Overnight Stables, page 38 CLOTHING & GEAR Davis & Sons Hatting Co., page 22 EQUESTRIAN CENTERS 4 Winds Equestrian Center, page 32
EVENTS Hipico Tack Bazaar, page 34 Zia Regional Rodeo, page 13 FEED/SUPPLEMENTS Horse Sense Solutions, page 6 GUEST RANCHES Starrynight Ranch, page 32 MASSAGE Medicine Massage, page 9 Life and Vitality, LLC, page 23 REAL ESTATE Annette Wood, page 36 Corrales Horse Property, page 23 Mora County Horse Property, page 28 Roni Merbler, page 2
SPECIALTY SERVICES Albuquerque Pet Memorial Service, page 17 TACK AND FEED STORES Blue Sky Pet & Feed Supply, page 28 Hitch’n Post Feed, page 13 Horsemen’s, page 9 Miller’s Feed, page 17 Paul’s Veterinarian Supply, page 33 Taos Tack and Pet Supply, page 7 Village Mercantile, page 23 TRAILERS C & J Traders, page 8 Sandia Trailer Sales and Service, page 40
38 HORSE AROUND | Aug/Sep 2016 | www.horsearoundnm.com
TRAINING A Teacher of Horses, page 31 For The Heart of The Horse, page 9 Morgan Equine, page 8 Platinum Performance Horses, page 27 Susan Smith, page 39 VEHICLE American Diesel Service, page 33 VETERINARIAN Santa Sophia Equine, page 9 Western Trails, page 7
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
New 2016 Cimarron Norstar VP 2-Horse Gooseneck MSRP: $29,763 Our Price: $23,238
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
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