Rocky Springs Ranch, LLC
HORSE NEWS FREE
Fall/Winter 2017 - Vol. 4, No. 2
2/HORSE NEWS Contents
Rocky Springs HORSE NEWS
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Fall/Winter 2017
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Cover photo: Taylor Swisher enjoys the company of Papi, an offtrack Thoroughbred new to the Save-A-Horse Program. Photo by Joan Kibler Rich Emery: Driven to help others
6 When Should You Call the Vet 8
Saving Horses, One at a Time
10 Equine Massage: an interview with Amanda Bowers
12 For a great ride, call Shenandoah Carriage company 15
Directory Listings
16
Calendar
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Vol. 4, No. 2
Publisher/Designer … Claudia Swisher Editor ………………... Joan Kibler Rocky Springs HORSE NEWS is distributed on Issuu, Facebook and Twitter. Copies are free to the public. Contact the Publisher to have copies available at your place of business. Views and opinions of contributors or advertisers are not necessary those of HORSE NEWS or the Rocky Springs Ranch, LLC. The Publisher reserves the right to edit submitted stories in accordance with acceptable journalistic practices and the publication policies of HORSE NEWS. Copyright© by Rocky Springs Ranch, LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this newsletter may be reproduced or copied without written permission of the Editor. HORSE NEWS assumes no financial responsibility for errors in or the omission of copy. HORSE NEWS Rocky Springs Ranch, LLC, 116 Pinetop Road Gore, Va. 22637 540-858-3090 rsr.cswisher@gmail.com Contact the Editor: jfkibler150@gmail.com 540-722-2581 Excellent Horse hay – Timothy – For Sale Square bales: $4.00/bale, at the barn $4.50/bale, delivered locally Ear corn now available by bushel bag or truck load Call Jim Michael: 304-258-5277 for details
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NEX-HAUL
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Rich Emery: driven to help others through horses By Joan Kibler, Editor Among many horse people in the Shenandoah Valley, Rich Emery is a fixture at equine events focused on helping people. He volunteers with Blue Ridge Center for Therapeutic Horsemanship in Berryville, Bridal Paths in Leesburg, Rocky Springs Ranch LLC in Gore, Save-A-Horse Program in Gore, and the Shenandoah Valley Equine Rescue Network in Winchester. Emery hasn’t been a lifelong equestrian, however. Only in recent years has he discovered that events in his life have led him to a purpose that horses help fulfill. “There was a point where I didn’t feel like I did much more than work, walk the dog, and do the chores that had to be done,” Emery said. “I wasn’t clinically depressed but knew I needed a greater purpose. I prayed. And the answer came in the way of horses and their healing impact.” That Emery was attracted to horses in the healing process might not surprise many who know him. He joined the U.S. Army Reserves while still in high school and trained as a medic. He became a licensed practical nurse and later a massage therapist. These experiences help him recognize when people need healing – not just physically but emotionally as well. “I’ve come to recognize that I’m a healer,” Emery said, “but not through medicine. I’m a conduit for people, mostly veterans, who are in a ‘place’ where they help. I find the resources or the tools to help them get where they want or need to be. I reach out to them, where they are, and offer suggestions without pressuring them.”
Rich and Papi, an 11-year-old Thoroughbred in the Save-A-Horse program.
With a 20-year career in the U.S. Army, which he retired from in 2009, Emery has a keen awareness of the challenges faced by U.S. military men and women.
He discovered War Horses for Veterans, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Stilwell, Kans., while surfing the internet. War Horses provides an equine-based networking experience for men and women who served in combat. Sessions last three days and provide a network of people willing to help veterans after they attend a War Horses session. Emery has attended twice, along with friends who have experienced trauma.
“We lose 22 Veterans a day as a result of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD,” Emery said. “More needs to be done to help veterans in need. And the disorder doesn’t affect only military members and their friends and families. Many first responders also deal with PTSD.”
In addition, Emery volunteers with Bridal Paths, which has an equine-assisted trauma therapy program. He attended an Equine Assisted Trauma Therapy Workshop, and he’s a peer mentor with Hope for Heroes, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports military and first responders.
HORSE NEWS/5 “I’m not just volunteering to help veterans, though,” Emery said. “The area therapeutic riding centers reach out to students with a wide range of physical, behavioral or emotional needs. I observe how horses – and the instructors – are helping each of these students to better manage themselves or become stronger physically. And in some instances, I’ve been asked to help with specific students because of my medical background. “It’s so rewarding to see this kind of progress in peoples’ lives.” Emery speaks fondly of his first therapeutic riding volunteer experience with the Blue Ridge Center. “I knew nothing about horses or riding when I showed up in Berryville, and Margie (Youngs) patiently taught me how to care for the horses and look after the students. After that, I couldn’t get enough of this experience.” Emery continues to expand his knowledge of horses through hands-on experience – learning to ride at Rocky Springs Ranch LLC, helping with chores for the Save-AHorse program, and feeding the rescue horses at the Shenandoah Valley Equine Rescue Network.
“There’s so much to learn,” he said. “Throughout my life, whenever I wanted to make a career change or expand my base of knowledge, I took courses, or I studied, or I went to training, or I had on-the-job training. This is a completely new area, one that I can master only by being hands on.”
There are always plenty of chores at Rocky Springs Ranch, LLC.
Emery also takes advantage of clinics in the area, such as the Wendy Murdoch Sure Foot Clinic sponsored by BRCTH in September. While in the U.S. Army, Emery served as a combat medical specialist with the U.S. Army Reserve and later joined the Army National Guard, serving with the 3rd Battalion, 116th Infantry, Woodstock, Va.; and Company C, 429th Brigade Support Battalion, Charlottesville, Va. As a safety and occupational health specialist, he had the opportunity to travel with a team to Tajikistan. During Operation Desert Storm in 1990, he served at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Md., responsible for 15 subordinate soldiers in the emergency clinic. During Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2007, he served as liaison to a company-sized element of Georgians (a coalition partner) in the International Zone, Baghdad. Now he works as a licensed practical nurse at the Winchester Regional Jail, providing basic and advanced medical services to inmates. He and his wife Terry live in Winchester. Asked to summarize what horses do for him, Emery replied, “They remind me to breathe. Typically, I’m tense, somber, serious. Being around horses, I’m more ‘chilled,’ more laid back. People notice that I’m different.
Rich with Woody, a yearling at SVERN.
“That’s because of the peace that horses bring me.”
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When Should You Call the Vet? By Cheryl L. Detamore, DVM Knowing when to call your veterinarian is one of the greatest challenges of horse ownership. What one horse owner considers an emergency might seem minor to another. And no one wants to gain a reputation for “crying wolf” when no medical crisis exists. To prepare yourself for unexpected emergencies, use this step-bystep guide to safely manage wounds. Preparation Because preparation is often the best medicine, it’s critical that every horse owner becomes familiar with basic equine anatomy. It’s also important to have an emergency first-aid kit convenient at all times. Keep one centrally located in your barn, another in your trailer and a portable kit for trail rides. Keep kits stocked with items to stabilize and treat wounds, including a tourniquet, hemostat (clamp-like instrument used to stop bleeding), bandage scissors, antimicrobial solution, gauze pads and rolls, adhesive wrap, cotton rolls and antibacterial ointment. Also, keep an extra tetanus-toxoid shot in the refrigerator in case of an emergency. Treatment The first step in treating a laceration is to control the bleeding. The amount of bleeding depends on the duration, severity and location of the injury. Simple lacerations involving skin capillaries usually seep slowly and clot with compression. Severed veins, however, bleed moderately to severely. Arterial bleeding pulsates and squirts in rhythm with the pumping heart.
1. Apply pressure to bleeding areas immediately. If you suspect that a major vessel has been damaged, notify your veterinarian immediately. In the meantime, hold gauze or some type of bandaging material with your hand on affected areas of the body, or apply pressure wraps to the legs. When applying pressure, wait at least 20 minutes to evaluate your clotting progress. Doing so prematurely disrupts clotting and might necessitate starting over. 2. Inspect the wound. Once the bleeding has subsided, remove your compression and thoroughly inspect the wound. If you’re unsure whether the wound requires sutures, avoid the wait-and-see approach. All wounds have a “golden time of healing.” During this period of time, usually the first three hours after injury, treatment is most effective. 3. Clip around the wound. If you’re confident that you can handle the injury yourself, begin by clipping the hair along the wound margins. Take care to protect the wound, and sweep away loose hair; clipped hair sticks to exposed tissue and is difficult to remove later. 4. Clean the wound. The wound is already contaminated, so tap water, as opposed to sterile water and liquids, is acceptable. Rinse well with moderate pressure, resisting the urge to scrub. Abrasive treatment disrupts clots and inflicts trauma. 5. Flush with antimicrobial solution. Once visible contamination and debris are washed away, gently clean the wound with antimicrobial solution. Avoid peroxide, as it can increase bleeding and damage delicate tissues.
HORSE NEWS/7 6. Apply antibacterial ointment. Minor cuts don’t require extensive aftercare. In fact, over doctoring can impair natural healing. Apply an antibacterial salve, such as MeliHeal, twice daily for several days. 7. Apply insect repellent. During warm months, apply insect repellent to surrounding areas, but avoid spraying directly on the wound. 8. Monitor the wound. Keep the horse in a clean area, such as a stall or small pen, where you can observe the animal until the risk has passed. Check the affected area daily for delayed healing and signs of infection, such as oozing, swelling and warmth.
9. Administer tetanus-toxoid booster. Last, but certainly not least, give the injured horse a tetanus-toxoid booster if more than three months have lapsed since his last immunization. If the horse wasn’t previously vaccinated for the disease, or the status is unknown, administer both the toxoid and antitoxin (the antitoxin offers temporary protection until the toxoid booster takes full effect), along with a toxoid booster in two weeks. Early signs of tetanus include difficulty swallowing, prolapsed third eyelid, and overall stiffness. Additionally, affected horses are often sensitive to light and sound.
If you only take one thing away from this discussion, please stop using peroxide. It’s my mission to inform the horse public that peroxide is the devil (smile).
_______________________________________________________________________________________ Dr. Cheryl L. Detamore specializes in Equine Integrative Medicine, practicing nearly two decades in Kentucky, Virginia, and West Virginia. She now resides in Kansas, where she produces her all-natural, honey-based healing salve, MeliHeal. She is available for phone consultations at (888) IX RANCH.
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Saving Horses, One at a Time By Beverly Ashcraft The Save-A-Horse Program (SAHP) is well underway. This program was developed to provide horse owners an option for rehoming if their horse doesn’t work out for the discipline it was chosen. We are a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that operates strictly on donations to provide a place to rehome at-risk horses and provide them with proper rehabilitation and training. Our goal is to be able to place these horses in homes suitable to their abilities and skills. Since our inception in April 2017, we have taken in 10 horses. The initial four taken in were Doc, Traveler, Raven, and Rios. Rios (27 years old) has been placed in a permanent foster home where her only job is to be loved and to be a companion horse. Raven has been taken in by Rocky Springs Ranch and is being used in the lesson program as part of her rehab. She has had a lot of schooling and just needed a little work to get her going well again. She has been out on trails, does arena work, and is very willing. She will make a lovely child’s horse. Doc and Traveler have been taken in by two individuals for care leases. Doc will eventually be adopted by his person, and Traveler will remain in training and is still available for adoption. These two boys are doing fabulous!
Taylor Swisher working on Scarlet’s mane. trained, but in need of a training tuneup. Chester (19 years old) is a Quarter Horse that was used as a 4-H show horse. He is well trained, and like Papi and Willow, just rusty with his cues. The newest horse is Opita, a warmblood who had disagreements with his previous owner and bucked her off. Once in the program, we had his teeth floated so now he can carry a bit comfortably. We also are addressing his hoof care, and his sore back issues are being treated with proper ground schooling to build muscle and with massage therapy, which he is Opita arrives at SAHP. responding to nicely.
The most recent additions to the program are Scarlet, Willow, Jester, Papi, Chester, and Opita. Scarlet (2 years old) and Jester (3 years old) are both Thoroughbreds that have been trained for the track but were not fast enough. Willow (19 years old) is a Thoroughbred that was a hunter/jumper show horse. There is a time commitment for us to keep these three horses, so they will be getting all their basics down with training so they will be tuned up and solid in their education. They are all very nice horses, very kind and willing, and will make outstanding mounts. Papi (12 years old) is a retired OTTB (off-the-track Thoroughbred). He is extremely kind and willing, well
Papi the dark bay and Chester the sorrel love to be worked with.
HORSE NEWS/9 All the horses we have available are sound for riding, and any issues we may find will be forthcoming. These horses have been brought up to date on vaccines, dental floats, farrier services, deworming, and have negative Coggins.
Papi and Willow hanging out in the shed.
Jester getting some loving from one of our volunteers.
Because we are a nonprofit organization, we operate on donations, which are tax deductible. We have had a few fundraising events so far: concessions stands at Southern States on Amherst, and at the Rocky Springs Ranch Miniature Horse Show. We also had our first annual event, the Save-A-Horse Dance with a Cowboy Ball. These were all a success, and a lot of fun, which couldn’t have happened without the fantastic hardworking volunteers we have, and the kindness and generosity of the donors to our cause. Keep up to date with everything going on with the program by visiting our Facebook page and/or our website which is www.saveahorseprogram.org. You can also donate via our donate button on the two sites, as well as mailing checks to SAHP, 116 Pinetop Road, Gore, Va. 22637. In addition to monetary donations, we are also in need of foster homes and more volunteers. Please contact us for further information. Thank you so much!
Beverly Ashcraft has completed her Level I training in Balanced Awareness and is now a qualified trainer/instructor at the beginner level. She is a critical care nurse and is also working at the Marion DuPont Scott Equine Medical Center in Leesburg as an equine veterinary nurse. She has four dogs, two cats, and three horses of her own. She is also on the Board of Directors and works in the Save-A-Horse Program.
Traveler ready for adoption.
Sweet Willow.
Fundraising helps take care of the needs of saved horses.
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Equine Massage: An Interview with Amanda Bowers Are there typical conditions that you treat?
Describe equine massage therapy – for example, what is it intended to do? How does it work physiologically for the horse? How do you go about it? Equine massage is a complimentary modality (therapy) and is never a substitute for veterinary medicine. It’s a deliberate, focused touch that’s specific in pressure, direction, and intention. Its purposes are to restore damaged tissue, enhance and support the animal’s overall wellness, and increase the animal’s comfort and quality of life. Therapists use their hands to sense for tenderness and tension as well as changes in the soft tissues’ temperature and texture. How does it benefit the horse’s condition, short-term and/or long term?
In most horses, I find sensitivity in the poll, chest, saddle, and girth area, as well as in the pelvis and stifle. How do you evaluate the horse?
Amanda Bowers massages Doc at Save-A-Horse Program.
Massage increases blood and lymph circulation, improves emotional health, alleviates muscular pain and discomfort, and keeps joints lubricated and flexible. It increases and helps maintain muscle tone, range of motion, and flexibility. When on a regular program, massage improves performance, shortens recuperation time, prevents injury, and speeds up recovery. It takes regular visits to get your horse’s muscles in good condition and keep them that way to receive all the benefits of massage. One or even two massages is not going to completely solve all muscular issues your horse has. What sort of clients do you have (both human and equine)? I am only an equine practitioner and do not currently have plans to venture into human or canine massage. What geographic area do you serve? I travel within a two-hour radius of Woodstock, Va. I will venture out of it at times if there isn’t another therapist that frequents the area but only for a full day of horses. Most of the time, there is another therapist that I am happy to recommend to those outside the area I’ve designated myself to serve.
Before I begin the session, I get as much information about the horse’s present life as well as his physical and emotional history (if the owner or trainer knows). I like to see the horse in action if possible, especially if the owner or trainer has mentioned a concern, so I have an idea of what’s happening and what I’m feeling for. I then palpate the horse using a fair amount of pressure to assess what areas are more uncomfortable for him.
How does a horse owner know when he/she should call on the services of an equine massage therapist? Discomfort while being touched, groomed, or tacked up; knocking rails, not tracking up, trouble picking up canter leads, or executing movements; plateaued or decreased performance; compensation due to injury or condition; issues flexing neck, and jerky movements. Massage is also great for horses with depression, fear, anxiety, trauma, grieving, shyness, and aggression. How did you get interested in doing equine massage? I think I was meant to be on this path. When I was very young, my siblings and I would take turns massaging my dad’s back and feet when he came home from work. It quickly became part of the nightly routine (if my dad was home before us kids went to bed). After that, I started massaging our dogs; they obviously enjoyed it because I’d stop and they’d paw for me to continue. I have always LOVED horses and had a couple of senior horses as a teenager that I had looked for ways to make them more comfortable. I came across the Rocky Mountain School of Animal Acupressure and Massage (RMSAAM) when I was 16. I hadn’t the money to attend until a couple of years out of high school, but it was one of the best decisions I ever made. Everything about the equine body is fascinating to me!
HORSE NEWS/11 What training is required to practice equine massage? As far as I know, the U.S. does not offer a licensed program, but you do need to attend a recognized school to become legally certified to practice. I recommend the Rocky Mountain School of Animal Acupressure and Massage, located at Acadia Equine Rehabilitation in Elizabeth, Colo., but there are many other good schools to choose from. Are you an equine enthusiast? Do you have other equine interests? If so, what are they? Absolutely! I’ve had a passion for horses since I could walk! I have three horses and a pony that I participate in English and western activities with. I recently founded the Shenandoah Valley Gymkhana Club, which is a family friendly group for speed events. I also really enjoy volunteering at Save-A-Horse Program, Shenandoah Valley Equine Rescue Network, Blue Ridge Center for Therapeutic Horsemanship, and Hoofbeats Therapeutic Riding Center. If you’ve got some free time and would like to get involved in the equestrian community, I recommend checking them out! Any other advice? You should absolutely ask your veterinarian if massage is safe to be added to your horse’s care before making an appointment. We are just one part of the team of professionals that keep your horse in top condition, and it’s important that we can all work together. Contact Amanda Bowers, Hands 4 Hooves Equine Massage, LLC., at hands4hooves@gmail.com or 303-475-3457.
540-974-3642
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For a great ride, call Shenandoah Carriage
Shenandoah Carriage for their corporate functions and grand openings.
By Joan Kibler, Editor Photos courtesy of Shenandoah Carriage
“There’s a great variety of events that we can support,” she said. “We’ve even served as a theater prop for a Cinderella play where patrons could have their pictures taken!” Smith said that Shenandoah Carriage Company is in its busy season now. Events include fall weddings, fall festivals, parades, tree lightings, and rides with Santa. The company supports events within driving distance of its home base in Front Royal, Va., where the horses reside on a farm leased from Anya Megeath, owner of Farmhouse Cakes. The service area includes Virginia, the District of Columbia, Maryland, West Virginia, and even into Pennsylvania. Events typically range from one to three hours.
Perhaps you want your daughter to have a birthday party unlike any other. Maybe you’re planning an annual family gathering in the fall and want to give it a special touch. Or perhaps you and your friends want to kick off the Christmas Season enjoying the outdoors. Shenandoah Carriage Company, LLC, can help you meet all those party-planning needs and more. You can engage them for the Cinderella Carriage that will carry your daughter and her friends on a fairytale ride. For that family gathering, Shenandoah Carriage will provide the horse-drawn wagon where you can load up 15 of your family members and go for a drive. Or you can attend any event that Shenandoah Carriage participates in, such as carriage rides on the Old Towne Mall in Winchester at Christmastime. “And of course, there are the weddings,” said owner Kelly Smith. “We have a beautiful white wedding carriage with two options in colors for the interior and seating – red or black. With a pair of our Percheron horses pulling the carriage, it’s a beautiful and classic touch to anyone’s wedding day.” Smith said that Shenandoah Carriage is available for most any special occasion. The company also participates in cultural events, such as the quinceañera party for Latino girls becoming 15 and traditional Indian wedding ceremonies. At times, companies have contracted
“Our business depends on our horses and our great team,” Smith said. “Event requests are evaluated based on several factors, and certainly one of the foremost considerations is the welfare of our horses.” When Smith became owner and operator this past July, she assumed responsibility for seven equines. Each horse is a presence at events and on Facebook where you can view them, along with often witty taglines. The Percheron horses are Colonel, Ozzie, Rovein, Lightning, and Thunder. The Halflinger team is Doc and Dan. “When the previous owner, Levi Hochstetler, wanted to retire, he invited me to take the reins of the company,” Smith said. “I was so blessed that the staff continued to work with the company. They are an incredible group of experienced horsemen and horsewomen.” Eight to 10 people work for the carriage company throughout the year.
HORSE NEWS/13 “Usually, we have two or three people per carriage going out,” Smith said. “The number depends on the type of event that that we are doing so that our staff, horses, and clients are safe. The drivers have been doing this for years; many have their own horses and carriages. I am so blessed to be able to do something I love with such wonderful people and horses.” If you’re interested in Shenandoah Carriage Company’s services, contact Linda Winder, the event coordinator. Winder was one of the original owners of the company, along with her husband Art. “Linda will walk you through the options that we offer,” Smith said. “Rates depend on several factors – your location, the carriage or wagon you choose, the number of hours for your event, the horses you want. For instance, if you want the gray Percherons, which look white to those unfamiliar with equine color, they will cost a bit more because of their grooming time. “Those factors go into giving you an accurate quote,” she said. “We have a signed contract and require equine liability releases which is standard for any activity involving horses. The company is insured for all events.
“We' happy to serve a wide range of customers! It’s always fun to meet new people and see their reactions to our horses.” To schedule an event, call 540-635-7745 or email info@shenandoahcarriage.net.
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Services and Supplies Directory Blanket Cleaning and Repairs • Rocky Springs Ranch, LLC. 540-858-3090. Boarding • Full-care boarding is available at Double J Stables LLC, 388 Vaucluse Road, Stephens City, Va. 22655. 540-869-7770. www.facebook.com/doublejstablesllc. • Full-care boarding is available at Rocky Springs Ranch LLC, 116 Pinetop Road, Gore, Va. 22637. 540-858-3090. www.facebook.com/RockySpringsRanch. Clubs and Nonprofit Organizations • Golden Horseshoe 4-H, Frederick County, Va. 540-877-4935. www.goldenhorseshoe4h.com. • Gore Spirits 4-H Club, Gore, Va. Call Aneta Swisher, 540-336-2561. • Shenandoah Valley Equine Rescue Network (SVERN), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that rescues abused, neglected or abandoned equines in the area. 540-877-8524. www.svern.org. • SAVE-A-HORSE Program, a newly developed nonprofit for rehoming equines. 540-858-3090. Dog Training and Boarding • Strategic Paws Training and Boarding. Contact Connie Moss, CPDT-KA, at 540-327-5376 or strategicpawstraining@hotmail.com. See www.startegicpawstraining.com. Equine Massage • Hands 4 Hooves, Amanda Bowers 303-475-3457 or hands4hooves@gmail.com , www.hands4hooves.com Farriers • Sparrows Farrier Service. Contact Collin Sparrow at 540-303-3306 or Sparrowsfarrierservice@gmail.com. • Sue's Farrier Service, a BWFA Certified Farrier, for correct shoeing and trimming for balance and performance. Contact Sue at 703-401-7683 or HappyHorses1@comcast.net. Feed and Supply Stores • Southern States-Winchester Cooperative, 447 Amherst Street, Winchester, Va. 22601. 540-662-0375. Hay Suppliers • Jim Michael, 304-258-5277. Timothy hay (delivery available); straw also available. Horse and Barn Sitter Services • Happy at Home Pet/Farm Sitting. Contact Jane Johnson at 540-335-1268 or deputyjanejohnson@hotmail.com.
Heating – Cooling – Water Services • Kangen Water Units, making your water better. 540-335-1919 or 540-325-9756. See www.wateriam.com Instruction/Riding Lessons/Academies • Rocky Springs Ranch, LLC, 116 Pinetop Road, Gore, Va. Lessons: Western, English, Dressage, Hunter; beginner/advanced (Balanced Awareness TM). Call 540-858-3090. www.facebook.com/RockySpringsRanch Legal Services Georgia Rossiter, Attorney at Law. Concentrating in family law, litigation, mediation, and equine law in Virginia. Call 540-535-2001 or http://georgiarossiterlaw.com. Photography • Focus on the Valley Photography. Contact Jon Bridgan at 540-771-9086 or Focusonthevalley@gmail.com. See www.FOVPhoto.com. Physicians, Chiropractors, and Physical Therapy • Cheff Chiropractic Care, 118 Fairground Road, Woodstock, Va. 22664. Call 540-459-3900. www.cheffchiro.com. Saddlery, Saddle Fitting and Repairs, Tack Shops • Rocky Springs Tack Shop, 116 Pinetop Road, Gore, Va. 22637. Repairs, fitting, sales; more than 20 years’ experience. Contact Claudia Swisher, 540-858-3090. www.facebook.com/RockySpringsRanch. Therapeutic Riding • Blue Ridge Center for Therapeutic Horsemanship. Therapeutic riding and equine-facilitated learning. Call Margie Youngs at 540-533-2777. www.brcth.org. Trailer Sales and Services • W. F. Artrip & Son Trailers, 1726 Front Royal Pike, Winchester, Va. 22602. Call 540-662-5028. See www.artriptrailers.com. Veterinary Services • Cheryl Detamore, DVM, for phone consultations. To set up phone consults, email cheryldetamoredvm@yahoo.com. MeliHeal creator, a healing salve for equines and canines. Call 785-9531149. See www.meliheal.com. • Schay Swope, DVM, mobile equine veterinary services. Call 304-283-7421 or schswope@gmail.com. See www.facebook.com/schswope. • Fred Minazzoli,DVM, Mountain State Equine & Large Animal, PL P.O. Box 72 Capon Bridge, WV 26711 304-856-3010 http://msequine.com/ If you are want a listing in this Directory, call 540-858-3090 or email rsr.cswisher@gmail.com
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Calendar for Community Horse Events November 19
Save-A-Horse Program Open House from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Rocky Springs Ranch, LLC. Come and meet all the horses in the program. Games, Cake Walks, Concessions, Horseback Rides and miniature horse cart rides. Call 540-858-3090
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SVERN Fundraiser: 10 p.m. Drag Show at Brewbakers. Call Georgia Rossiter, 540-409-6710
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Introduction to Yogazizing for horseman. 7 p.m. Rocky Springs Ranch, LLC. Call 540-858-3090
December 2
Workshop: The Mechanics of Saddle fitting, 1 – 3 p.m. Rocky Springs Ranch, LLC. meeting hall. Early sign up recommended as space is limited. Call 540-858-3090
January
10
SVERN Fundraiser, Paint night at Brewbakers 2 – 4 p.m. Call Georgia Rossiter, 540-409-6710
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Rocky Springs Ranch Christmas Party, come and join us 2 – 6 p.m. for dinner, covered dish.
6
TACK AND SADDLE AUCTION 10 a.m. at the Frederick County Fairground, Stephsonson, Va. Western tack, new and used, 20 saddles Circle Y, Billy Cook, Textans, Halters, leads, pads, more. Consignments will be accepted, please contact early, 15% fee for items, $10 fee on no sale saddles. For more information or to consign call Ronnie Heishman at 304-698-5583.
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Shenandoah Valley Equine Rescue Network Fundraiser – Alamo Draft House Movie 11 a.m. BACK TO THE FUTURE III For more information and tickets call Georgia Rossiter, 540-409-6710
13
Equine Massage workshop with Hands4Horses – benefit Save-a-Horse Program. Call 303-475-3457
To have your event listed, contact us at 540-858-3090 for the next calendar.
Shenandoah Valley Equine Rescue Network (SVERN) PO Box 527, Winchester, VA. 22604 Phone Number: 540-550-7476 svernfortheloveofhorses@gmail.com Visit the website for ways you can help and to see horses that are available for adoption. You can donate to their care, as well. Visit and like us on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/ShenandoahValleyEquine RescueNetwork/ (SVERN) is dedicated to providing care and rehabilitation for unwanted, abandoned, neglected, abused and malnourished horses while educating the public in equine rescue and all aspects of horse ownership and care. SVERN’s goal is to be a community resource community.