R OCKY S PRINGS H ORSE NEWS Q UARTERLY
Special Free Oct. Issue 2014
October 1 2014 Volume 3, Number 1
www.issuu.com/claudiajswisher/docs/horse_news_quarterly_october_1 www.facebook.com/RSRHorseNewsQuarterly Rocky Springs Ranch, LLC
Hello, Neighbors! By Claudia J Swisher Welcome to the Horse News Quarterly. Our purpose is to provide specialized information to our equine-owning neighbors. In this and future issues we will attempt to give you interesting articles and the latest news and information from our local horse world. The publication will keep you posted on equine events and activities in the Shenandoah Valley region in Virginia, WV and the surrounding areas. In this edition you will find articles by equine professionals and horse owners who have interesting stories to tell. To the right you will find an Inside This Issue box to guide you through this issue. In subsequent issues, you will find more breaking news from our area, information about new products, seasonal advice, regular features like Kids Corner, 4-H News Report, Tips from the Professionals, and Professional Advise along with an Event Activities Calendar and the Dear Blue column. A new feature in this issue is the Free Classified Ads, a listing for individuals with horses or horse related items for sale or wanting to buy. The other new feature is our Directory listing, which will now be in every issue with business and service listings that may be of interest to our fellow horseman. If you are interested please call us at 540 858 3090 for more information on listing service. Your editor is Claudia J. Swisher, owner of Rocky Springs Ranch, LLC. And founder of Balanced Awareness Horsemanship. Claudia is a life-long resident of the Winchester/Frederick County area. Follow her on Facebook or visit her blog for more valuable information at http://ofhorsesandhumans.blogspot.com. Questions about horses or suggestions for future articles should be e-mailed to rsr.cswisher@gmail.com. Contributed news or articles may be e-mailed or snail mailed to Rocky Springs Ranch, 116 Pinetop Road, Gore, VA 22637. If you are interested in advertising a business, product or service, call us on 540 858 3090 for information. Look on page 18 of this issue for more details. Copy Rights are the property of Rocky Springs Ranch, LLC.
116 Pinetop Rd., Gore, VA 22637 540 858 3090
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Hello Neighbors -------------------------------------page 1 Dear Blue -------------------------------------------- page 2 To Buy or Not to Buy -------------------------------- page 3 Is Free Really Free ------------------------------------page 4 Shenandoah Valley Equine Rescue Network -- page 5 Business Directory Listing -------------------------- page 6 Free Classified ads ------------------------------------page 7 Therapeutic Riding News --------------------------- page 8 New Face In Town ------------------------------------ page 9 Community Calendar and News updates ------- page 10 4-H News Report ------------------------------------- page 11 Tips from the Professionals : West Nile--------- page 12 Ice is Not Water --------------------------------------- page 13 Is Your Horse Ready for Winter ------------------- page 14 Why Shop Local --------------------------------------- page 15 Why Back Pain Matters ----------------------------- page 16 Riding into Fall and Beyond ------------------------ page 17 How to advertise in the Quarterly ---------------- page 18 The views of the contributors and advertisers are not necessarily those of the Publisher or of Rocky Springs Ranch, LLC. The views and opinions of contributors or advertisements are not necessarily of those of the Quarterly.
“As we END our summer fun and turn TAIL to fall riding, don’t forget it will soon be winter. Remember to cover your BUTTS and have all loose ENDS taken care of for your horse. Have water, hay and health addressed and plans in affect for winter care. “ > Says Claudia
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Dear Blue With help from his owner Kim Meyers All you horses, ponies and owners, if you have a problem you want help with send me an email and I will try to give you good horse sense advice. talktothehorse2014@gmail.com
Dear Blue, My owner does not like me. I know he does not like me anymore because he forgets to feed me or give me water or even come to ride me anymore. What did I do to make him hate me so much? I’m really, really hungry. I don’t have any more grass or weeds or anything in this paddock anymore. There is nothing to eat or drink and I can’t get out to find anything. Winter is coming and I’m scared. Please tell me what I can do to make him like me again or to get away from this place? Yours hopefully, Dominic Dear Dominic, I am so very sorry to hear of your stressful situation. Please understand that YOU, Dominic, did nothing wrong. I have been in a situation similar to yours, and I was rescued by a very kind lady, who was looking for a horse for her student. She bought me and then sold me to this other nice lady who loved me a lot, but boarded me in a place where no one liked me. After a long winter, my owner moved me to a wonderful place where I still live. I can’t physically do anything to help you, but my owner knows the people that run the local horse rescue. I passed along your letter to her and she will contact them and they will get you out of there very soon. Hold on buddy, help is on its way. Your friend, Blue Dear Blue, You're all boy, a real Casanova; what's it like having not one, but 2 sisters? Their girlie personalities are completely different, but which is secretly your favorite and why? Your friend, Dr. Detamore Dear Dr. Detamore, Hey Girl-long time no see! My new vet is good-but I prefer your bedside manner! HA! Anyway, my sisters are ok. They are both very different. The good thing for me is they both feel it is their duty to take care of me. As far as I’m concerned that’s just fine. Tigger is the oldest and when she is around, I am happy to just hang out with her. Fancy, the youngest, is lead mare in training. She is harder to get along with because she has an attitude. I just determine each day, which one is in the most positive state of mind, and follow them. That way, I stay out of trouble. Secretly of course, I like Tigger the best. She is more tolerant of my cluelessness in the herd and is most likely to keep me out of trouble. Fancy is more likely to start trouble! Hope you are coming soon for a visit. Your Casanova, Blue
Your Casanova,
Dear Blue, I understand your little sister, Fancy, is getting a lot of attention as she is being trained. How do you feel about that? How do you think Fancy is doing? When do you think you will go on a trail ride together? What are you teaching her?? Must be nice to have a family and a little sister to root for. -Bird Dear Bird, Yes, Bird, she is getting a lot of attention. However, I LOVE it!! I am happy to not be the horse of choice for riding. I am closely watching her training, and I am very happy that Miss Claudia does it. She is helping Fancy turn into a lead mare that will understand fairness, and consequences. I have confidence that my sister will keep me safe. I think we will actually ride together a lot in the ring first before we go on a trail. I am looking forward to riding with heras long as my person is riding me. This may be a problem since my person is also Fancy’s person. I do like having a family; it is very comforting. I don’t really try to teach her much. However, if I could, I would teach her to mind her own business. She is a lot of drama! Your friend, Blue Dear Blue, I am very confused, and worried. A new pretty black mare came to live at the farm a few weeks ago, and she was done being separated from the rest of us so we were all supposed to meet her in the arena. I don't know what in the world came over me. I charged at her with my ears pinned back, was running around trying to keep the other horses away from her. Here I was blowing and snorting, tossing my head around like a snake. Then it was like I was trying to make her follow me, and when she didn't she got chased again. I am a gelding. What was going on? You didn't even hardly notice her. Am I a crazy horse? Please help!! Nessy Dear Nessy, All I can say is, Nessy-what were you thinking! I was surprised by your behavior myself. You frightened me! I have learned that when the new horses come in to the herd for the first time, the best thing to do is stand back and let Maggie handle it. Even she wasn’t herself on that day. She passed leadership to Fancy, and Fancy got things under control. The new horse wasn’t really new to me. She is Fancy’s mother and she was at the barn before you came. I try to mind my own business. No gelding ever has control of the herd so why waste all that energy trying to assert yourself into the situation. Just let the mares handle it. You are not crazy-just not used to being part of a herd. Your friend, Blue Dear Blue, You are my Nonnie’s horse and she thinks you are just the bee’s knees. When I ride you, you seem so stubborn. Are you stubborn, or are you saying you just don’t like me? Audrey Dear Audrey, Usually, I do not like children much. However, you are so cute! I like you a lot. I am stubborn because I think you have real talent and I want you to ride me correctly. We will make a great pair if you let Miss Claudia teach you and you and I will be awesome!! Your friend, Blue
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To Buy or Not to Buy a Four Legged Present, this Truly is the Question. By Claudia J Swisher, founder of Balanced Awareness With Christmas close advancing, some of you may be thinking about buying a horse or pony for someone as that special present. That could be a good idea, but it might not be. A few things to consider before you buy would be: * Does the person have the skills to own a horse and care for it?* Can they afford to take care of it? * Do they have a suitable place or can they afford to board and have a good place already picked out? * Are they really ready and will it last? * Can you find the right one for them? These are just a few things you need to REALLY THINK ABOUT! Most will need to have had some lessons so they can saddle and bridle well, have ground handling skills and can ride well first. If they have not had lessons, then a better present might be to give them a lesson package first or to lease a horse from a reliable stable that can offer those lessons on a well-schooled horse first. If you are going to buy, then you need to know and do a few things to make it successful. * Know what kind of horse/pony the person needs for their level and skill. * Have a professional (their instructor or trainer) help you find the right one. * After you think you found it, have a Vet check, this can find unseen issues the new own will need to know. * Think about where they will be keeping it at, their own place, a trainer’s or instructor’s or a boarding stable. * Another good suggestion is to have a backup plan. Make sure the person you purchased the horse from is willing to take it back or exchange it for a more suitable one if this one doesn't work out. For more information on how to buy a horse, finding a boarding facility, care for your horse and other good topics then visit my blog. http://ofhorsesandhumans.blogspot.com/ Want my personal help then give me a call to set up an appointment to discuss your needs at 540 858 3090. Rocky Springs Ranch, LLC. , Gore Va.
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Is Free Really Free ? By Susan Murch
“Free horse “is music to the ears of the novice, wann-a-bee horseperson. As an instructor/trainer, I run into these folks all too often well intentioned people with a romantic Black Beauty and Trigger concept of horse ownership.
This article is not meant to burst anybody’s bubble, but meant to help you go into, or not into, a “Free horse” relationship well informed. First realize that there are no free horses. Even with no money crossing palms, it will still cost you. Feed shelter, vet bills, farrier, fencing, equipment and other all costs money. On the frugal side, keeping your freebee at your home can save you money, if you have five acres of good pasture, but even then it will cost at the very least about $2000 or more a year barring any unforeseen incidents. Unexpected vet bills, rising feed prices, barn and fence repairs, or boarding can cost a lot more. Time is also an issue. Do you have at the least an hour or more a day to devote to FreeBee? This is every day, rain, shine, hot, cold, snow, etc… They must be fed, groomed, handled, exercised, barn/stall cleaned and more. Very much like each of the humans in your family they need attention and care. This is a true time, money, energy and emotional undertaking, not a hobby. You can’t put it in the closet or garage and forget about it anymore than you can lock a child up in their bedroom and forget about them. Speaking of children, I tell my clients that having a horse is much like having a one to three year old toddler. Whatever a child of that age can get hurt on or into, so will a horse. Take a good look at your barn, turnout and grounds. Are there things that can poke, stab, cut, be fallen on or into or get stuck in? Eyes get poked on racks and nails, legs get caught in buckets and hayracks hung to low, and under doors and walls, horses can get electrocuted licking electrical switches and sockets. What about handling FreeBee? Can they be caught easily? Can you work around them without getting kicked or bitten? Do you lead them or are they the boss? Is he or she full of hormones and obnoxious around other horses, etc… Can you handle these situations when they arise, because chances are FreeBee is not perfect? Usually there is a reason they are for free. It’s possible the past owner has trouble handling them or has been just or scared by FreeBee. FreeBee may not be as trained as you are told or maybe ill or unsound of body or mind. There is usually a catch somewhere, try to find out as much as possible about the really reason they are free. Take the time to learn as much as you can from a good instructor or horseperson who can guide you and don’t make the mistake of thinking a free horse is really free.
https://www.facebook.com/sara.hamman.18
FOR SALE: 16.1 hand, Registered Friesian 11 yr. gelding. Jelt has been trained in dressage, shown saddle seat, costume, driven, and ridden on trails. This is a fun, friendly and forward horse with nice confirmation and a beautiful head carriage. He has strong straight legs and is barefoot with healthy hard feet. He is UTD on vaccines, coggins, dental and farrier. He is now starting back with his dressage training at Classicus Farm with Lynda Bertschinger to get tuned back up and continue up the levels. Please contact Beverly with more questions at 616-690-9512 or by email at Grandpaws06@aol.com. Photo by Sarah Hazard Hamman @ http://www.manememories.com
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Shenandoah Valley Equine Rescue Network By Cheryl Sparrow The Shenandoah Valley Equine Rescue Network (SVERN) is a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to providing care and rehabilitation for unwanted, abandoned, neglected, and malnourished horses while educating the public in equine rescue and all aspects of horse ownership and care. SVERN was born out of a group of concerned citizens who began to realize horses were being left in deplorable situations because there were no funds available within counties to provide care for the horses, no facility to take them to, no one knowledgeable in how to care for the horses, and no funds for training needed to understand the complexities of proper seizure of horses. All of these resources are necessary to respond to equine abuse cases. SVERN believes no animal should be reduced to a life of suffering. Horse rescues are established for many different purposes. The primary purpose of SVERN is to provide to county animal control officers all resources that are needed to assure seizure can occur and proper care and facility are provided to the horses as prescribed by veterinarians, farriers, and equine specialists. SVERN also provided an Equine Abuse Investigative Training, free of charge, to all animal control officers throughout the Shenandoah Valley. We will continue to search for and provide these trainings to animal control as again, there is no money available to them for equine abuse classes. The most asked question is, “Why do people treat the horses is such a horrific manner?” My answer is that there is really no logical explanation but although we cannot control other people’s actions, we can certainly make a difference in our reaction to it. The second most asked question is, “Are there really that many horses in these types of situations?” The answer is yes. Even though our rescue is young and growing, we have received calls for 48 horses since the last week in October. Unfortunately, we can only take as many as we have funds, facility, and volunteers to properly care for these horses who are most often very near death. Growth of the organization has allowed us to move into a larger facility, bring in many volunteers, and we continue to work at ways to expand our funds.
This month meet Applejack he is READY FOR ADOPTION Beautiful, endearing and athletic. Jack is adored by all of our horse care volunteers! Jack came to SVERN in October of 2013. Severely riddled with parasites, no frogs on any of his four hooves, underweight, and fearful. He and his two herd mates were seized due to lack of proper veterinary care and farrier care, as well as, lameness and nutritional deficiencies. Jack is a 22 year old thoroughbred who resembles a quarter horse in looks, stature and personality. He is a calm sole who absolutely loves attention whether grooming or training. Don’t be concerned about his age as his is definitely young at heart and in body. He absolutely loves having a job. Currently in training, Jack is responsive and easy to handle. His training continues to give him new experiences and exposure to trail obstacles. Jack will bond with his new owner completely. SVERN upcoming event: This event will benefit SVERN and Golden Horseshoe 4H. Support both by purchasing a ticket or making a donation toward the event. 20 games, many great door prizes and great food.
Basket Bingo October 25th at 6:00 Gainesboro Firehall Tickets $20
Shenandoah Valley Equine Rescue Network 204 Indian Hollow Road Winchester, VA 22603 540-247-4747 info@svern.org www.svern.org Like us on Facebook!
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Directory Listing for Services and Business for the area. If you are interested in having your business or service listed please contact us at 540 858 3090 / rsr.cswisher@gmail.com One year (4 times a year) is only $70 for up to two places, $5 for each addition or $20 for a one issue listing in two categories. Blanket Cleaning & Repairs Rocky Springs Blanket repairs & cleaning 540 858 3090 Massage Therapy Hope O'Toole-Certified Equine/Canine Massage 304 897 7073 Boarding PO Box 40 Baker,WV 26801 donkeymomhope@gmail.com 540-878 8060 Double J Stables – Full care boarding 540 869 7770 388 Vaucluse Rd. www.facebook.com/doublejstablesllc Healing Hands for the Horse, L.L.C.- Nell Kushlak 540 931 3440 , Stephens City, VA 22655 Certified Equine Massage nell@healinghandsforthehorse.com EverGreen Farm, LLC – Full Board, Mare & Foal 540 955 0529 131 Allegheny Ridge Ln, Berryville, VA 22611 www.evergreen.com Rocky Springs Ranch, LLC. Full care boarding 540 858 3090 116 Pinetop Rd. Gore, VA www.facebook.com/RockySpringsRanch Breeding/ Stallion Services Evergreen Farm – Arabian Stallion KKoi
540 955 0529 www.evergreen.com
Clubs &Non Profit Organizations Golden Horseshoe 4-H Frederick County,VA 540-877-4935 www.goldenhorseshoe4h.com Stars and Spurs 4-H Club
Warren County, VA
540 622-0390
SVERN-Shenandoah Valley Equine Rescue Network 501-c3 Non- Profit assisting equines in the area
540 247 4747 www.svern.org
Farriers Sue's Farrier Service – BWFA Certified Farrier 703 401 7683 correct shoeing & trimming for balance HappyHorses1@comcast.net and performance. Feed & Supply Stores & Equine Nutrition Lauren Stockwell-Equine Nutritionalist
Physicians / Chiropractors /Physical Therapy Cheff Chiropratic Care 118 Fairground Rd Woodstock, VA 22664
540 459 3900 www.cheffchiro.com
Real Estate Kay Hallett- Realtor – ReMax khallett2@comcast.net
540 667 2400 EXT. 23 cell- 703 795 0740
Saddle Fitting and Repairs Rocky Springs Tack Shop - Claudia Swisher 116 Pinetop Rd. Gore, VA 22637 www.facebook.com/RockySpringsRanch
540 858 3090
Tack Shops & Saddlery Rocky Springs Tack Shop – Repairs/fitting/sales Supplements, tack, saddles and more. 116 Pinetop Rd. Gore, VA 22637 www.facebook.com/RockySpringsRanch
540 858 3090
Wild Bill’s Western & English Things 540 869 4430 Western and English tack and horse care, boots, accessories and clothing for the whole family. 4541 Valley Pike, Stephens City, Virginia.
703 395 9550
Southern States -Winchester Cooperative 447 Amherst Street, Winchester, VA 22601
540 662 0375
Tack Repairs Rocky Springs Tack Shop/ 20 years experience 116 Pinetop Rd. Gore, VA 22637
540 858 3090
Hay Suppliers Therapuetic Riding James Michaels - Timothy hay square bales 304 258 5277 Blue Ridge Center for Therapeutic Horsemanship Delivery available upon request / ear corn for sale as well. 540-533-2777 BRCTH Horse and Barn Sitter services Horsey Helpers- Cathy Schultz
703 314 4961 www.horseyhelpers.com
Heating * Cooling * Water Services Kangen Water Units – Making your water better www.wateriam.com The Gas Store - Your Hearth Connection 234 Weems Lane, Winchester, VA 22601
540 662 5028 www.artriptrailers.com
540 335 1919 540 325 9756
Training Team Barlow www.teambarlowperformancehorses.com 540 869 7271
540 665 1833 www.Gasstoreinc.com
Veterinary Services Cheryl Detamore, DVM - Equine dianostic consultations 785 846 7404 Meliheal creator-Healing Salve for Equines/Cannies www.meliheal.com
Instruction /Riding Lessons /Academies Rocky Springs Ranch, LLC Balanced Awareness TM 540 858 3090 Lessons- Western, English, Dressage, Hunter – beginners/advanced 116 Pinetop Rd. Gore, VA 22637 www.facebook.com/RockySpringsRanch Evergreen Farm, LLC. Lessons/dressage/indoor 540 955 0529 131 Allegheny Ridge LN. Berryville, VA 22611 www.evergreenfarm.com Susan Murch – Dressage / hunter / show prep
Trailer Sales and Services W. F. Artrip & Son Trailers 1726 Front Royal Pike, Winchester VA 22602
540-533-2777 www.brcth.org
304 856 2976
Hackwood Equine, Inc- Valerie L. Babcock, DVM 540 662 1662 Equine Veterinary Services Mobile www.hackwoodequine.com Mountain State Equine & Large Animal, PLLC Fred D. Minazzoli, MS, DVM
304-856-3010 www.msequine.com
Schay Swope DVM -Mobil Equine Vereniary Services 304 283-7421 schswope@gmail.com www.facebook.com/schswope
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Free Equine Classified
(25 words or less for individuals * Businesses Please use the Directory listing)
Horses & Ponies for Sale Friesian gelding – 11 years, 16.1 hands, schooled dressage Saddle seat, does trails, drives and pleasure. Call 616 690 9512 Angel 7 year old, white & brown paint, green broke, no time to finish. $500 good home only. 304-856-3131 540-336-8626 Saddles Barrel Racing Saddle/Saddle King 15 “. Wide tree Light oil $275 BO Used very little in good condition 540 550 1405 Western Saddle Roping/trail 16” good condition $375 BO 540 550 1405 Western Trail saddle 15” seat older in fair condition $75 540 550 1405 Stubben Jumping Saddle – 18” seat older, good condition $285 BO 540 550 1405 Tack For sale Balanced Awareness square saddle pad only used 3 times then got rid of my horse. Like New. $75 Phone or TEXT 540-336-6755 for pics or more information Wanted If you have something you want to buy or sell equine related then give us a call and leave a message for your free ad of 25 th words or less. You must have it to us by the 10 of the month prior to publication. You also must have phone # and complete description with price. We have the right to not print any and all ads. If you are a business selling please use the advertisement or directory column.
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Therapeutic Riding in the Northern Shenandoah Valley By Margie Youngs Our Fall Session is in full swing with 22 students and clients participating weekday afternoons and on Saturdays in both our Therapeutic Riding and Equine Assisted BRCTH student Shannyn negotiates an obstacle in Learning (EFL) programs. Therapeutic riding instruction includes grooming, handling the Trails Class at TRAV Horse Show in 2011 and knowledge as well as mounted activities. EFL emphasizes psycho-social learning through observation of and interaction with horses in mostly un-mounted ground activities. Our PATH-certified instructors, dedicated volunteers and remarkable equines work (and play) hard to make every lesson and activity fun as well as therapeutic. In July, BRCTH hosted 7 clients from NWWorks, Inc. in Winchester for a tour of the farm and introduction to therapeutic riding. Margie Youngs, Executive Director, was presented with a plaque, made by one of the clients, on which was stenciled “BELIEVE”. And that we do at BRCTH!!! And in early August, we held an Ice Cream Social for our volunteers, students and their families. So many of us don’t get to meet others involved in the program, so this was a fun, relaxed way to do so. Great water balloon fight at the end, too! st
The Benefit Trail Ride and Obstacle Play Day, which was originally scheduled for June 21 , has been rescheduled for Sunday, th October 12 at a wonderful scenic farm in Strasburg, VA. The event will run from 10:00 to 3:00 with 20+ unique and fun obstacles with which to play and practice. The $30 entry fee will go directly to supporting the work at BRCTH. To pre-register or for more information, contact Margie at 540-533-2777 or at brcthinc@hotmail.com. th
This year, six BRCTH students, 2 adults and 4 children, will be participating in the 26 th th Annual Therapeutic Riding Association of VA (TRAV) on October 4 and 5 at the VA Horse Center in Lexington, VA. We will be transporting our Belgian gelding, CJ’s Teddy, and our Halflinger mare, Honey, to the show, along with six volunteers who will be working hard both inside and outside the show arena. This show welcomes about 100 participants from a dozen or so therapeutic riding centers in VA and NC. It is a fun and uplifting family event, and we at BRCTH are anticipating a good time for all! BRCTH will once again be setting up an educational booth at Arbor Fest at Blandy th th Experimental Farm (state arboretum) on October 11 and 12 , and also at the st November 1 , Achieve With Us: Annual Conference of the Arc of Northern Shenandoah Valley. Look for information at our website, www.brcth.org, and on our facebook page re: th upcoming events: Trail Ride and Obstacle Play Day on October 12 , Holiday Bake Sale at st th Bank of Clarke County in Berryville on October 31 , fundraiser at Chipoltes restaurant in Winchester on Tuesday, January 13 , and Vera Bradley/Longaberger Basket Bingo in January or early February. Interested in finding more about our programs, volunteering or registering a student? Contact Margie Youngs, Executive Director, at 540-533-2777 or at brcthinc@hotmail.com. BRCTH is a 501(c)(3), non-profit organization that relies heavily on volunteers to help not only with lessons, but in many other roles. If you feel you have something to contribute, please contact us. Kathy and Abbie pose with CJ, instructor Babe Romine and volunteers Rachel, Ninah and Alina.
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A New Face in Town. Interview by Claudia Swisher I just met a very interesting young lady, her name is Lauren Stockwell and she is an equine Nutrition Consultant. She is also an equine sales specialist for the Purina Company. As I interviewed this young lady for the Quarterly I found out we had lots in common. She was originally from the Virginia area and loved horses. She grew up loving animals and that led her to join the 4-H and so began a deeper understanding of caring for animals, particularly horses. She “did it all from western, English, dressage, which she used to help her in training and riding her horse is speed events, some driving and even saddle seat.”
Lauren Stockwell Equine Sales Specialist * Feeding Trials * Body Condition Scoring * Group Presentations * Diet Recommendations * Hay Testing
Ask me how to receive 20 FREE Bags of Feed!
“From Virginia I went to University of Kentucky, by then I was into cutting and reining and I still love the performance riding”. She ran a feed and tack store in Kentucky and become more interested in the feed aspect of performance horses. She then managed the Darling 888 Ranch and cared for over 200 horses, mostly reining Servicing Northern VA, Central MD and parts of WV horses, helped with the lesson program, sales, foaling, and the stallions that stood there. She then started working for the Purina Companies and became involved with sales, performance feeding, problem keepers and older horse care. She has now returned to our area of Virginia to be close to family. Lauren is now a Purina Sales Specialist and an Equine Nutrition Consultant serving Northern VA, Central MD and parts of WV. Lauren has come back to us now to give back to a community and the 4-H. She is available to do demos for groups like the 4-H and clubs and loves to help improve care of equines. She will help owners read and understand their feed tags, do feed trials (of which Rocky Springs is now participating in), teach body scoring, weigh feeds to show you what each horse should be receiving for optimum health and also does hay analysis. With a great resource like this in our area everyone should be calling her for assistance to see if what you are doing for your horse is enough or can be improved upon.
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Shenandoah Community Calendar October 16 – Maple Hill Arena Barrel Racing – contact Alison DeHaven for information call 540 336 3170 18 – Rocky Springs potluck / planning for the Haunted farm 6:30 pm @ Rocky Springs Meeting Hall www.facebook.com/RockySpringsRanch
540 858 3090
18 – CVHR Fall Trail Ride @ Pocohantas State Park fee $35 Benefit the Central Virginia Horse Rescue call 410 596 2865 25 – Horsin’ Arouind Basket Bingo 5 pm @ Gainesboro Fire/Rescue -info or tickets -540 247 4747 or 540 877 4935 $20 pre ordered tickets $25 at the door Benefit the SVERN and the Golden Horseshoe 4-H club 25 – Dressage Schooling Show / Judge Sherry Meier - Entry must be in by Oct. 21 evergreendors@juno.com or 540 955 0529 131 Allegheny Ridge Lane Berryville, VA 22611 www.evergreenfarm.info 26 – Jefferson County Open Fall Horse Show Sunday starts at 9 am $8 per class- English and western. Call or text- 304 279 0844 Hosted by Jefferson County 4-H saddle club 1707 Old Leestown Pike, Kearneysville WV 25430 29 – Clinic with Wendy Murdock @ Evergreen Farms, LLC. You must call to reserve your spot 540 955 0529 131 Allegheny Ridge Lane Berryville, VA 22611 www.evergreenfarm.info 30 - Maple Hill Arena Barrel Racing – Contact Alison DeHaven for information , directions ,times
540 336 3170
November 1 – Rocky Springs Ranch Annual Halloween Haunted Farm Party Members, family friends, 4-H church open. call 540 858 3090 Children’s party 6pm – 8 pm Hay ride, haunted barn tour followed by snacks Costumes encouraged. Adult’s Party (after the kids leave) >>>8:30 - ? Music, food and fun. BOYB. @ Rocky Springs Ranch 116 Pinetop Rd,Gore,VA 22637 www.facebook.com/RockySpringsRanch 6 - Maple Hill Arena Barrel Racing – Contact Alison DeHaven for information and directions call
540 336 3170
7 – SAAA Boots and BBQ @ Clarke County Ruritans Building for tickets and information 540 635 7141 Benefit for the Shenandoan Area Agancy on Aging Come have fun, food and contry music WQ102 For more information on this you can go to www.shenandoahaaa.com 10 –DEADLINE for articles, news, events updates, advertisements for submission to the Quarterly
December 13-Rocky Springs Annual Open House Christmas Party Cover dish dinner 6 pm. @ 116 Pinetop Rd. Gore , VA 22637 in the Meeting Hall.
540 858 3090
17 - Clinic with Wendy Murdock @ Evergreen Farms, LLC. You must call to reserve your spot 540 955 0529 131 Allegheny Ridge Lane Berryville, VA 22611 www.evergreenfarm.info
January 2015 Rocky Springs Ranch Annual Members Meeting and Potluck Dinner. For Members and invited guests 2 pm @ Rocky Springs Meeting Hall (if you are interested in becoming a Member call 540 858 3090)
If you have an event you would like to have posted please contact us at rsr.cswisher@gmail.com. Visit us and like us on Facebook as well. You can also post on our page. https://www.facebook.com/RSRHorseNewsQuarterly
Horse News Quarterly
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4-H News Report This Quarter was submitted By Lois Mangene Phelps The Warren County 4-H Club the Starts N Spurs Stars N Spurs are a 4H club in Warren County, Va. We have approximately 20 to 25 members, ranging from 5 (The Cloverbuds) to 19. The group’s main focus is fun and education through real experiences. Half of the members have horses and half do not. We try to provide as many hands on events as we can to include everyone. Six of our members show and competed at the Virginia State Horse Show in September. They are Olivia Heflin, Cara Hedrick, Jake Cohen, Amelia Cohen, Rachel Wolf and Rachel Paulisch. Everyone exceeded their goals and had a great time competing and cementing friendships. There were many ribbons and Championships won but we try to focus on accomplishments not by the ribbon won but by the lesson learned, good or bad. The club also has members compete at the Warren County Fair with their livestock and in County contests such as Share The Fun and Presentation. We also try new things as a club, this year it was the Ropes Course at the Northern Va. 4H Educational Center. The club meets monthly at various locations...... we try to meet in a members barn as much as possible. This year we have learned about everything from minis to Clydesdales. Next month the club will visit Bay Haven Farm in Upperville and learn more about the Cleveland Bay.
In the News for Frederick County, VA 4 - H Golden Horseshoe 4-H club is a Frederick County Va club that is a horse specialty club. If you are interesting please contact Rose McDonald the Leader of Golden Horseshoe 4-H Club 540 - 877-4935, or horsemomrose@yahoo.com Visit our page and Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Golden-Horseshoe-4-H-Club
If you have a 4-H club or other Organization and would like to have your information or submit a story to the Quarterly Please send us your information to rsr.cswisher@gmail.com. Call 540 858 3090 We would love to include you.
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Tips from the Professionals West Nile Virus: To vaccinate or Not, that is the Question? By Cheryl Detamore, DVM
Horse News Quarterly Let’s begin with the history of West Nile Virus vaccine. While its safety and effectiveness were at one time questioned, it is now an accepted part of preventative maintenance programs. And although once available only from a veterinarian, the vaccine is now sold through retail outlets.
The good news is that healthy horses are not susceptible to West Nile Virus. In fact, your horse may have been infected and you didn’t even notice. Perhaps you detected some lethargy around the barn or the horse was a little off on the trail, and then returned to its usual self in a few days. In otherwise healthy horses, a light fever is likely the most common course of the disease. Before automatically reaching for the needle, take time to understand the virus. For starters, do your part to control mosquitoes. And secondly, only vaccinate those at risk for West Nile Virus – young, old and debilitated horses are most susceptible. Since vaccines work by insulting the immune system, do not inject sick animals. Their defenses are already lagging and any vaccine will only depress their immune systems further. Although the vaccines promise year-long immunity, booster your horse six weeks prior to the onset of mosquito season in your area. Since mosquito strikes peak in late summer and early fall, the West Nile Virus vaccine isn’t likely as effective when administered in spring. Now is the time to administer the vaccine. As with any vaccine, there are potential side effects. I’ve seen adverse reactions with all of the West Nile Virus products ranging from the relatively minor (pain and swelling at the injection site) to significantly more serious side effects like anaphylaxis, as well as a mare with personality changes. The most common complaints are fever and swollen lymph nodes. Just last year, one manufacturer did a voluntary recall after reports of systemic reactions and death in horses after using their vaccine. If your horse has a reaction of any kind, it’s important to discontinue the vaccination. If West Nile Virus vaccination is not for you, consider spending about the same amount of money on immune stimulants. Ask your veterinarian about an intravenous immune stimulant or invest in nutraceuticals like MSM and Ester C. Therapeutic grade essential oils – not those used for aromatic purposes – can also stimulate and protect the immune system. Lavender, orange and pine oils can be applied topically, while citronella, peppermint and eucalyptus oils can be incorporated into a homemade insect repellent. Ultimately, I believe West Nile Virus vaccines serve a useful purpose – they just aren’t appropriate for every horse. Even though I don’t vaccinate my own, I encourage owners to weigh the pros and cons and make informed decisions. Do not allow a sense of guilt imposed upon you by the pharmaceutical industry replace your own good judgement. When used correctly, vaccines decrease the severity and duration of disease. However, vaccines do not guarantee protection and may actually give horse owners a false sense of security. That’s because manufacturers often manipulate data to influence veterinarians and use clever advertising to create demand for their products. Lost in the marketing buzz is the fact that healthy horses are capable of fighting disease, and that excessive vaccination is eliminating that ability from the gene pool. A graduate of Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Detamore practiced integrative equine medicine in Kentucky, Virginia, and West Virginia for over 16 years. She now lives in Winona, Kansas. To read more, follow her blog, Tales from the Horse Doc, at www.horsedoctales.wordpress.com. And learn about her honey-based healing salves at www.MeliHeal.com .
Page 13 As summer becomes a memory and winter looms like a frozen wall of snow, we have to change our strategies concerning water for our horses. Technically, ice is water. But when it comes to hydrating our horses, ice is not water. Would By Hope O'Toole, Certified you like to have to crunch ice when you need a drink? Water is just as important in winter as it is in summer. Our horses are eating dry hay instead of Equine/Canine Therapeutic green grass. The air can be very dry during winter, silently stealing water from Massage Therapist our horses. And, horses don't like to drink freezing water anymore than we do in the winter. So, here are some tips for making sure our horses stay hydrated in winter.
ICE IS NOT WATER
WARM IT - Breaking the ice on the top of the water gives access to the water, but that water is still so cold that horses won't drink as much as they really need. ~~Bringing the water tank into the barn may keep it warm enough not to freeze. ~~Electric tank heaters will not only prevent the ice from forming, they usually keep the water above freezing. The difference between 32 degree water and 40 degree water is huge. Warm the water just 8 degrees, and your horse will drink much more. ~~You can keep the water warmer and use less electricity by covering your water. Cut a clean board so it floats on the water and covers most of the surface. Leave several areas open so your horse can easily access the water. The board will insulate the water from the cold air. Do not use treated wood! If you are using a tank heater, also covering the water with a board means the heater runs less. That means less electricity, which saves you money. ~~Circulating warm water into the water tank is easier than you think. You need just 3 things: a water circulating pump from a fish tank; a bunch of plastic tubing; and a manure pile. Set the pump so it sucks water from one end of the water tank and will pour water into the other end. Arrange the tubing so it runs from the water tank and snakes through a large manure pile. The composting manure will warm the water. Then, the warm water flows back into the water tank. You may have to buy the pump and tubing, but I bet finding a manure pile will be easy. ~~If none of those ideas will work for you, bring warm water from the house, or heat water in the barn. Offer your horses that warm water at least twice a day. LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION - Make sure you supply water in places that are convenient for your horses. Horses are more likely to drink more if the water is easily accessible where they spend their time. Be careful that spilled water does not form ice on the ground near the water. You really don't want your horses having to walk on a sheet of ice to get to their water. FLAVOR - Plain water is plain. To spark some interest in the water, try adding some flavors. Try apple juice, molasses, apple cider vinegar, or any other flavor your horses like. If you decide to add some of the flavored electrolyte concoctions sold for horses, you must also offer plain water. Too much of those electrolytes will put the chemistry of the cells out of balance. SOUP - Soaking hay, beet pulp, or a warm mash will supply some water with the horses' feed. This is not a substitute for drinking water, but every little bit helps. THE OBVIOUS - Make sure their water is CLEAN. Nobody likes working with water when it's freezing outside. To keep your horses healthy, it is worth the extra effort to make sure they stay hydrated. Your horses are depending on you. Hope O'Toole 窶的nternational Assoc. of Animal Massage Therapists - Life Member / Serving Northern VA, Central MD, & Eastern WV
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Is Your Horse Ready for Winter? A veterinary perspective on body condition and overall health as we approach the cold season...
by: Fred D. Minazzoli, MS, DVM Fall is here, and the calls have started to pour in. "Hey doc, I've got this older horse that I've had trouble keeping weight on all summer. He's just skin and bones! I'm starting to worry..." Starting to worry!?! All animals, horses included, need time to regain weight. I'm talking months, in most cases. It's important to take a step back before we get too far into the fall season, and assess the overall condition of your outdoor-dwelling critters. If you had to place your horse on a scale of 1 to 9, with 1 being skin and bones and 9 being morbidly obese, where would it fall? By Summer's end I prefer to see body scores of 5 or 6. This gives most horses a small buffer of energy reserves for maintaining adequate body temperature in the event another "arctic vortex" decides to park over the east coast for four months. If your horse falls just below this range, say a 4 on our scale, but is currently in active work, there's generally no need to worry as long as the necessary steps are taken to provide adequate feed, water, and shelter from the elements. A 4 or below in a sedentary horse should be evaluated more closely. So why is your horse thin? Have you evaluated the quality of pasture or hay being fed? Looked closely at labels on any concentrate feeds to be sure you are providing a balanced ration with adequate protein and energy for your horse's specific situation? Has your horse had an oral exam in the past 12 months to assess dental condition and identify any dental pathology? Is your horse on a routine parasite control or parasite monitoring program? If you have answered "yes" to these questions, then it may be time to evaluate overall health with a complete physical exam and possibly even blood work to rule out more insidious conditions. The sooner we identify the reason your horse is thin, the better the horse will fare the frosty months! Once we have identified and corrected any health or nutritional issues, we need to consider whether the horse will be able to gain enough weight in time to effectively battle the cold. We must remember that changing feed types or quantities too quickly can lead to other serious health concerns, as can feeding enormous amounts of concentrates and not enough forage, so weight gain must be a steady and strictly controlled process. If winter arrives and we aren't quite where we need to be, consider a blanket to help protect your horse from the elements and conserve body resources rather than burning them for heat. If you do blanket your horse, please remember to remove the blanket often to re-assess body condition, as blankets have been known to provide an illusion of adequacy to inadequately conditioned animals! I urge anyone who is concerned that their animal may fit this description to contact their veterinarian, or other trusted horse professional, for advice and recommendations. The sooner we get your horse on the right track, the better the outcome. Fred D. Minazzoli, MS, DVM Mountain State Equine & Large Animal, PLLC fred@msequine.com P: 304-856-3010 F: 304-856-3598
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WHY SHOP LOCALLY WHEN ONLINE SHOPPING IS SOOO EASY?? By Sharon Woodward, Wild Bill’s Western & English Things
Let’s take a walk down memory lane . . . remember these tack shops: Stonewall Trading Post, Boyce’s Western Shop, Five Sisters Gifts & Western Outfitters, H&H Tack, Winchester Tack & Saddlery, Ft Valley Saddlery (Winchester Branch), Shenandoah Stable & Pet, Puckett’s Western Wear . . . and there are probably some I’ve forgotten.
All of these stores are gone. Do you wonder why they went out of business? Frequently someone comes into Wild Bill’s and laments about the loss of tack shops in our area. All of these stores were owned by good local folks supporting the horse industry in this area and just trying to make a living. In my opinion, most of the tack shops that closed in the past 10 years went out of business in part because of the economy; but, mostly due to internet shopping. It is way too easy to sit at home on your couch in your jammies and order everything. I’m guilty too! But here are some reasons to rethink your shopping habits: 1. When you shop locally, the money stays in your community. 2. Local people depend on the jobs in local stores. 3. When you pay sales tax, a portion of that comes back to your community. 4. When you need something TODAY, you can usually get it if you have a local store. 5. When you buy on the internet, you really don’t know what you are getting until you open the box. And what about proper fit? Boots or clothing sizes vary so much that you really should try it on! 6. Sometimes you get a good deal when you shop on-line and sometimes you don’t! The prices in your local store are usually competitive with on-line prices if you are comparing identical first quality goods and take into account shipping and handling. Even so-called “free” shipping isn’t always free . . . just disguised! 7. Most small local stores aren’t targets of hackers. So your credit and debit card security is greater. At Wild Bill’s, the cash register isn’t even connected to the internet; so there is no risk that your information will be stolen electronically. 8. When you take your kids to a local store, they learn! They learn to interact with sales people; they learn how to behave in public; they learn from you how to evaluate products and make purchasing decisions. When you sit at home ordering on line, your kids aren’t interacting with you. Shopping locally is a good experience for your children and quality time with Mom and Dad. 9. Local stores are places with good information about local services. Wild Bill’s has a bulletin board and brochure holders for your use. We connect buyers and sellers of equine services FREE of charge. 10. Wild Bill’s maintains a handout list of equine service providers in our area. Folks new to the area often stop in the local tack shop to find out what’s available. And we get lots of requests from parents looking for horseback riding lessons. We connect them with you FREE of charge. 11. Local shops donate money and prizes to local equine events. When was the last time your internet store did that for you or the local community? So, the next time you are tempted to shop on-line, please consider supporting your local business instead. If we don’t have it, we can order it. And yes, I realize you can order it yourself. But if everyone keeps heading in that direction, eventually you won’t have a local tack shop when you do need it! These are tough times, we can help each other. ____________________________________________________________________ Wild Bill’s Western & English Things, 540.869.4430. 4541 Valley Pike, Stephens City, Virginia. Rt 11 between Kernstown and Stephens City Open Mon – Fri 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sat 10 am to 5 pm, Sun Noon – 5 pm Western and English tack and horse care, boots, accessories, clothing for the whole family.
Page 16 Alex Emerson, a veterinarian, wrote an article entitled “Why Equine Back Pain Matters,”in The Chronicle of the Horse May 2012 issue, in which By Nell Kushlak he points to the importance of muscle care when understanding sources of pain in horses. Horses need each and every part of their bodies to function optimally to do their jobs and move soundly, and to achieve optimal range of motion. As a certified equine sports massage therapist, I often feel points of tension in various parts of horses’ bodies even though they are moving soundly, and release those points during the full body massage. Massage can often “feel” muscular problems brewing and release them before we ever see it become a lameness issue or a muscular injury which results in training and riding time lost, and often many meds thrown at it. Consider massage for a regular “check up” of a horse’s musculature to help provide preventative care to keep your horse moving smoothly to her full potential of muscular motion.
Why Back Pain Matters
Any information about where a horse is demonstrating muscle tension is also conveyed to the owner after each massage so that information can be shared with the veterinarian to understand the points of tension in each horse’s body. Massage is a wonderful compliment to regular veterinary care, informing the owner and vet about where horses are feeling muscular strain, thus bolstering optimal health and wellness of horses through collaborative care. Because I am educated about each muscle in the horse’s body and which function they are responsible for, it can help inform owners about where their horses may need help or continued care to stay sound and limber. Short Bio: Nell provides Equissage certified equine sports massage therapy with care and knowledge. Nell is an Ivy League graduate, avid horse person, rider and previous horse owner. She provides the very best care for you and your horse, serving over 300 horses in all disciplines of riding since 2004. Nell is an avid horse person and who has been riding and working with horses in stables for the past seventeen years. She achieved her certification in equine sports massage therapy from Equissage in 2004 in order to support her appendix quarter horse, “Patrick”, during his battle with navicular disease and arthritis. Although Patrick lost his battle at the young age of eleven, he left Nell with the formative experiences of horse ownership, riding, showing and advocating with medical providers. Nell enjoys the company of horses and their owners immensely and works to maximize horse well-being through studying horse anatomy and attending continuing education classes. She has enjoyed working as a certified equine sports massage therapist since 2004, and has served over 300 horse clients including trail horses, lesson horses, show ponies, show hunters and jumpers, show dressage and Western horses, along with various pleasure horses. Nell also has an Ivy League education from Cornell University, and achieved her Masters in Clinical Social Work in 2001. She has twelve years of experience providing therapeutic services to children, families and adults. She is someone of distinct intelligence who applies good judgement, integrity and confidentiality to her work with horse clients and their owners. She believes in the power of healing and enjoys providing equine massage as a supplemental component of horses’ overall care.-- Nell Kushlak call 540-931-3440 for information.
Visit the Double J Stables and like them on Facebook at > www.facebook.com/doublejstablesllc
Page 17 This time of year is a very important time to keep your horse in work. Winters here in VA can be mild or the can be severe. It can be easy to keep the muscle on your horse or it can be difficult. But if you just do By Pam Dors some light work spring will be far easier on you AND your horse. Many times the availability of an indoor may be out of reach, or so you think. As can the exercise regime. Did you know that there is at least one facility that rents time in their indoor? You don’t have to be a boarder or a lesson client you can just schedule a time slot and have Coggins in hand and go ride. Simple as that. This same facility also has clinics all winter long designed to keep you and your horse in shape. They also have a few schooling dressage shows this fall designed to give you tidbits of things to work on through the winter to keep you motivated throughout the gray days of winter. Clinics and schooling shows are great ways to help augment spotty riding time during the dull days of winter. They sort of force you to get up and go somewhere with your horse.
Riding into Fall and Beyond
So why is late fall/winter riding important? Because the more you do to keep your horse fit and muscled through the winter the less you have to do in the early spring to prepare for the spring show/trail/endurance or whatever your chosen discipline season arrives. This doesn’t mean that you have to ride 4 or 5 days a week but if you keep doing some light trail work or a few days a week of light ring work you will keep your horse active and keep burning those extra “hay calories” they seem to accumulate over the winter. Not to mention the “holiday calories” we seem to accumulate as well. As the weather gets cooler, keeping the joints moving for the older teenaged horse is better for them then letting them sit stagnant and then asking them to pick back up in the spring where we left off. Arthritis is sort of like rust depositing in the joint. If we keep it moving like and old nut on a bolt it won’t seize up. Additionally if the animal just sits all winter long doing nothing but munching his hay, he puts on weight, stays stagnant and everything seems to slow down. Everything suffers, his metabolism, his stamina, his desire to work… Another VERY important factor to remember is that a winter working horse needs just as much fluid intake as a summer working horse, if not more. He may not look as sweaty and hot as he does when it is sunny and 90, but the cold causes water evaporation just as fast as it dries him out quicker because it is so much less humid and the air is far drier than the summer months. Try to keep salt available to him at all times either in his stall or in his field so after his ride his can have a nice long lick and drink. Loose salt is more readily available to him than a block, we keep a pan of plain white loose salt in the field with the horses year round and they go through it twice as fast in the winter than the summer. So keep it simple, and keep it constant. Oh and that farm, the one I mentioned earlier that rents time in the indoor arena? The same one that has clinics and schooling dressage shows… Evergreen Farm in Berryville, VA. We welcome riders of all disciplines, at all times. Give us a call. We would love for you to try our indoor, or any of our 2 all-weather outdoor arenas or even our 70’ lunge pen. Our footing is great and we are a friendly bunch of people. We have a few spots open for boarders as well.
Evergreen Farm, LLC http://evergreenfarm.info Look on the Calendar page 10 in the Quarterly for the Fall/ Winter Schedule of Shows and Clinics. And look on the Directory listing for services on page 6.
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