December 2021 Equine Times

December 2021 Serving the Michigan, Indiana & Ohio TriState Horse Community

Horse Owners Use Caution

Icy Conditions Ahead!

Increase both you and your horse’s safety during icy conditions this winter Christine Skelly Many horse paddocks are currently more suitable for a hockey game than turnout. Michigan State University Extension has some advice for horse owners challenged with icy conditions. If your horses are stabled indoors, you are wise to think twice before turning them out in icy conditions. While having four legs may give horses more balance than their two-legged owners, they can still slip and fall on an icy surface. Risks increase for younger, inexperienced horses and very active horses, as a playful miss-step on the ice could result in a serious injury.

Outdoor Housing Experienced horses housed outdoors are likely to negotiate an icy paddock with caution and limit their activity to the necessities of eating and drinking. Consider moving feeders and waterers closer to shelters to reduce the time horses spend walking on ice. Plowing paddocks can help break up ice and produce a rougher surface to aid traction. In addition, removing large amounts of snow from high use areas will decrease water buildup once the paddocks thaw. Be sure to pick up manure piles in the paddock and shelter during the winter. Frozen manure is like small boulders, adding one more obstacle your horse must negotiate during the winter.

Traction in a paddock can also be improved by applying sand, wood ash, shavings and woodchips atop the icy surface. More unconventional toeholds include cat litter, poultry grit, and dirty bedding. Slightly wetting an icy surface before applying the gripping material will help it stick to the ground. Any material you spread will wash away once it thaws. Pet friendly salt can also be used to melt ice in high traffic locations, as long as

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Equine Times

the temperature stays above 15 degrees Fahrenheit.

Don’t forget to clear your barn roads of snow for emergency vehicles. Salting your roads may also be an option to reduce ice; however, be cautious of salty runoff into your horse’s paddock when temperatures warm up.

Hoof Care Most horses housed outdoors are barefoot, allowing for more traction in snow and ice when compared to their shod counterparts. Keeping your horse’s hooves trimmed during the winter will help reduce snow packing into their soles.

Keep in mind that trimming the hooves too short in frozen conditions may lead to bruised feet. If snow does accumulate in the soles of the hooves, simply remove it with a hoof pick. If a horse has fallen on ice and is struggling to rise, fitting them in Easyboots (removable boots that go over their hooves) may provide enough traction to enable them to get back on their feet.

If you are riding a horse consistently outdoors in a snowy climate, discuss winter shoeing options with your farrier. The addition of winter studs or borium-tipped horseshoe nails will give a shod horse more foothold for winter riding. In addition, snow pads will reduce snowpack in the hooves.

Farm Safety Put your safety first when handling horses during the winter. A horse that is accustomed to daily turnout may get “cabin fever” when cooped up in their stall. As always, practice safe horsemanship when performing daily chores including grooming, cleaning stalls, and feeding. An indoor arena that is safe for turnout may give your horse some much needed free exercise. Make sure that all obstacles and equipment are removed from the arena and that the horse can’t reach any mirrors

December 2021

or glass. If you don’t have access to an indoor arena, hand walk your horse through the barn alleyway and brush up on your showmanship skills.

Make sure that your own footwear will keep you on your feet rather than on your seat! Most riding boots are smooth soled making them extra slippery on ice. Removable ice traction cleats will help convert your riding boots to more ice worthy foot gear. Heavy snow boots with a deep tread can aid in traction as well as keep your feet warm during chores.

Winter Preparation Preparing for icy conditions begins in the warm months. Make sure that water ways are fenced off from horses to ensure your horse doesn’t fall through a frozen pond. Build your winter paddocks and shelters in well drained areas. Make sure that your natural drainage flows away from paddocks, stables, and roadways. Areas prone to summer flooding are more likely to get icy in the winter. Use French drains, strategically placed ditches, and geotextile fabric combined with footing materials in low lying or high traffic areas (like gates, walkways, and feeding areas) to keep your facility dry throughout the year. Check and clean gutters and drainage ditches periodically and ensure building downspouts are deflected away from walkways to prevent ice buildup.

Conclusion Unlike other seasonal recreational equipment, horses need year-round care in all types of weather. Your equestrian activities don’t need to come to a halt in the winter. In fact, with proper planning and due diligence, working with our horses and making sure they are safe and comfortable in the winter months can help reduce our own cabin fever!

CLUB NEWS

Michigan Foxtrotting Horse Association Michigan Fox Association Michigan Fox Trotter Trotter Association

ing everyone of all agesfor with included a competition thea Fox Trotter or interested in them to join us.

You don't to live in most ambitious member PROTECT YOUR LARGEwho BALEeven HAY have INVE$TMENT! Michigan to join. motto is “To ride one is to own demonstrates their Our horsemanship one!”inTry one variety and you find that out! We are the skills a wide of will categories.

Region 8 Michigan affiliate of the Our affilQuarterly and year-end awards willMFTHBA. be given.

Go to www.michiganfoxtrotters.com iate offers a yearly national trail ride, various clinics, to read the rulesmonthly and printmeetings, off the forms to join inintereston ride meetups, newsletters, the fun. ing friendly articles competition in Saddle!Upand and Equine Times magazines More Foxopportunities.

Trotters are slowly becoming available to and breeding purchase but they are selling There a good video on Our members shine in thefast. show ringisand on the trail. the Congratulations correct Fox Trot goes gait posted on our Face Book site to out to Jodi Myers and Raders refer to when you are considering an MFT to buy.

Be sure Top Secret Spy for being recognized for Basic Level to bring a knowledgeable person with award you,too,inwhen Champion (Level 1) 1 Champion the you US narrow down your search.

Breeders, Chuck Fanslow (rivNational Dressage Classic for the 2021 Region 4 erflatranch.com) andWestern Gale Gunders (989-534-1207), have Championships in Dressage Gaited Division. well-gaited young stock available. They also have quality Kelly Clevenger and Preacher earned reserve high perstuds to breed to if you have a mare you want bred. Chuck centage for western dressage basic in Glass-ed showing, has a Buckskin stallion and a palomino stallion(both sons Well done! of Cotton Eyed Joe). Gale has a spotted stallion who will In the versatility challenge last month, Amanda throw color to your foal. Both are located in Gladwin,MI. Kellogg reached the 1000 mile mark while trail riding 72” x 78” x There 76”in Contact them if you wantDimensions: to have your mare bred.

Weight: 230 lbs.

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“Hay Huts save and preserve the hay. They keep the hay weather protected and are horse friendly.” -CHRIS COX

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Wethe haveexpectation resources and rode people available for you to learn is nothing like of a well-bred foal!

Indiana, Carrie Carpenter in Kentucky and from and breeders to refer you to if you to Don't then forget to transfer newly-bought horse's Tennessee topped that offyour by riding along thewant Lake buy a young one to train or if you want to further registration papers into your name withCarlton the MFTHBA,too.

Michigan shoreline, Georgi camped in the training with your present horse.

We are growing!

New member welcomes gomembers outand to variousThe campgrounds Michigan MFTHBA needsin registered Naomi Haas, equinetoOhio, dentist Kris Modreske and Harry Bombard been fill theirSusan committees for 2021. Ihas just agreed Struble all of MI. Naomi rides athe sorrel sabinoin-state, gelding to help out onand Trail Committee again. riding camping (Dexter) and a blackSurely mareyou (Hank's Serenity Liberty Bell can,too!

Various committees Kelly Clevenger has been need ridmembers(younger ones too) for their input B). Kris rides a black and white gelding (Radar's Spotted ing and camping in and advice togoincrease numbers,think Prior). And congratulations out toaffiliate HarryThey Strublehad on Tennessee. of waysGolden to makeChip, the shows better,to improve and his purchase of Joe's a handsome buckskin memorable rides. ideasThe okay National Trail Ride applications,give on gelding, from Chuck third Fanslow.

All memquarterthese versatility clinics (let's get more closer to our state),getting more verbers are riding quality Trotters!!! satility riders interested,give ideas on training and Fox picking plus winners are judges, Susan New members are always welmore. Many positions can be supported remotely. Also, this isunique a great Bombard (most www.michiganfoxway to meet those from other come! areas ofGo theto USA who raise,train and activity), Car rie trotters.com print not off have the ride MFTs. I have made new friends this way whotoI would Carpenter (most unique otherwise. Contact the MO Fox Trotting Horse Breeding membership form.Association We meet and Georgi Carlton via www.mfthba.com to become a photo) member and forso more virtually all information members (last to on helping out. arepost ableintothird meetquarter). without Also, PLEASE send in your MFTA duesthings and your MFTHBA dues Keep doing to accumulate having to drive long disasap! more points.

And remember to tances.

Wishing everyone a blessed and safe Christmas! report them!

Our Event Committee Respectfully submitted, Don't forget to sign up for isthis popular versatility busy planning the next Marilyn Mannino program for 2022. Send in your paperwork and clinic.

It will benow a Gaited earn points for doing everything equine starting January Western Dressage Clinic at 1st. Print off the under saddle, not saddle and the end of under May. More details MFHA horsemanship challenge forms found on the will be available MFHA.com website, read next the rules and The get started! month. clinicianIt's is top-notch! fun! Plus there's prizes every quarter and at yearend!!

SLIDING SWINGING DOORS A littleOR history our breed: presWe are currently working on the dates forThe the 2022 ent-day Trotter evolved Morgans in rides andMissouri clinics. Fox There will be more from details to share New month.

England being crossed with Arabians, Plantation next Horses, American TWHs and If pacing Have you startedSaddlebreds, your Christmas shopping? you Standardbreds.

The genetic mix of square-trotting horses are looking for a useful gift, we are offering 100% cotton and pacing horses created the comfortable foxthe trothorse gait! blue short-sleeved Fox Trotter t-shirts with Missouri Fox Trotting horses have been used by farmers in superimposed over the State of Michigan. They are Missouri and surrounding states to ride long distances to available in unisex adult sizes only, medium-XXL for check their fencing and work cows, pull(including buggies, by US $30 (includes shipping), XXXL is $35 shipForest Service workers, by mounted police and now people ping). PayPal is available on our website or make your across the United States and Europe use them for recrecheck out to MFHA and send your order to MFHA, ation (showing, trail riding, Dressage,reining, 4H and 2333 Hagadorn Road, Mason, Michigan 48854-9414. Or Equestrian Team, Hippotherapy,etc.). They are truly you can save $5 on shipping by picking it up from the versatile and also can be found in all colors and sizes! Try above holidays everyone! one outaddress. and findHappy out why everyone loves them so!

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E N T E R P R I S E S

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Hello December! Time is sure flying!!

Marilyn Mannino Marilyn Mannino At our November meeting we elected some new officers for 2021. Congratulations go out Hello April! isof upon us!for People out Fox This has beenSpring aasyear change us. Weare chose to Bob Howell elected the new MFTA PresTrotting and enjoying the weather.

Many are accumulataident, newKathy president, our isversatility Kruch is revamped now VP, Marilyn still ing points redid in theour Versatility program, bylaws, adopted Secretary/Treasurer, Char Ostrom isChallenges the new a that we are offering.

2-year logo Director and morphed Miranda Mannino now new and into isthe Registration is still open the 1-year Director.

Michigan Foxtrotting Horsefor all three Versatility We are accepting membership Challenges (Under Saddle Association.

We plan to Challenge, filerenewals Not Under Saddle and new memberships for 2021 now. Youth Challenge). are Challenge and Ultimate Horseman This profor 501(c)3tostatus asGosoon as encouraged join too! to www.michiganfoxgram is designed to show how versatile the Missouri Fox we can. Weto are for-You will learn alot trotters.com printlooking off the form.

Trotter is.

Registered and grade MFTs are allowed. ward tomembers doing about morethe effecfrom our history of Fox Trotters,their All and regular through useshandicapped and availabilityand andoffering be able toyouth network with those of us who tive promotion adults are welcome.

Every imaginable camp,train and show them. Our association is blessed to have skilled more varied activities next activity and category included trainers,breeders a farrieristo learn year.

With theandhelp of our from. We love promoting this from in they hand work Dressage, so versatile and come in breed as have greatto personalities,are great members, we cancolors. do many sizes and different short distance trail coat riding toA benefit to joining is that we this!

If you would like to join can offer clinicscompetitions at a reduced price to our members. Due to Covid we endurance and and help with ideas and contribare meeting remotely each month.

Michigan is a big state and this is a everything in-between (cow good wo/manpower, way to easily see and talk with eachoff other within and outside of ute please print work, driving, extreme trail, MI. Come join the fun! the membership from the MFHA. 4H and openform showing, Sign up now for the popular Versatility Challenge for 2021. Print com website and send your check (made out parades, reining, form trailfrom mainteoff the enrollment our website. There are may areas in to MFHA) to the address on theinform.

We are welcomnance and also which you can more!). accumulateWe points-even the non-rideable months.

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April 2021

December 2020 December 2021

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Horses and Hens as Companions The Buddy System

Gina T. Have you ever wanted to diversify your farm with companion species?

If so, do you find yourself wondering, ‘What species go well together?’

Well that answer can be as simple as horses and hens! Horse owners can find multiple benefits in adding chickens to their operation.

Not only are they fun to watch, but the chickens can serve a purpose!

Chickens are opportunists. When a pellet or kernel falls, they’ll be there to pick it up. This saves your horse from mouthing around on the ground to find bits of feed (a practice that can lead to ingestion of dirt and sand) and it reduces the amount of feed that is wasted.

Chickens are good horse trainers. A horse that has had exposure to poultry won’t “have his feathers ruffled” by sudden movements, loud noises, or the occasional appearance of an egg.

Chickens help prepare your horse for the trail. If you plan to take trail rides where wild turkeys, partridge, chuckar, etc. populate it can be beneficial to have your horse used to the patterns and noises of fowl by keeping a few chickens around. A little exposure to flapping, squawking and scurrying can go a long way to desensitizing your horse to those types of events out on the trail.

Chickens are nature’s fly traps. You and your horse hate bugs – but chickens love them. Chickens eat flies, worms, grubs, bees; if they

can catch it they’ll nibble on it, which means it won’t be nibbling on you or your horse.

Chickens are low maintenance. Provide them with a cozy place to sleep, fresh clean water, free choice oyster shell for strong eggshells, grit for digestion and some layer feed and they will be happy and healthy.

Chickens help with the chores! One of a chicken’s favorite things to do is scratch the ground for hidden treasures. Give them a pile of horse droppings and they think they’re in heaven! They’ll have the manure broken down, spread around and out of sight before you can even think of grabbing a pitchfork and wheelbarrow!

Chickens are pets with benefits. Besides being a colorful and entertaining addition to your stable yard, chickens provide one thing your horse can’t – breakfast! Now if they could only cook it and serve it to you in bed.

A few words of caution about keeping chickens with your horses – make sure that your chickens are fed separately from your horse and that your horse can’t get into their feed.

This will eliminate the risk of your horse consuming layer feed that is not designed for his digestive system.

Also, provide roosts for your chickens that are away from your horse’s feeder if they are not put into a coop at night to eliminate waste of feed and hay due to chicken droppings.

Make sure both your horse and chickens have fresh, clean water that is easily accessible to them at all times.

Horse Owners Need to Consider Different and Special Care for the Aging Horse Ann M. Swinker Because of advances in nutrition, management and health care, horses are living longer, more useful lives. It's not uncommon to find horses and ponies living well into their 20s and 30s. While genetics play a role in determining life span, you too, can have an impact. You may think that turning your old-timer out to pasture is the kindest form of retirement. But horses are individuals. Some enjoy being idle; others prefer to be a part of the action.

Whatever you do, don't ignore the horse. Proper nutrition, care and exercise will help the animal thrive.

Management Guidelines Follow these guidelines to develop a total management plan for your older horse: • Observe your horse on a regular basis. Watch for changes in body condition, behavior and attitude. Address problems, even seemingly minor ones, right away.

• Feed a high quality diet. Avoid dusty and moldy feeds.

• Feed your older horse away from younger, more aggressive ones so it won't have to compete for feed.

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December 2021

• Feed at more frequent intervals so as not to upset the digestive system. Two to three times daily is best.

• Provide plenty of fresh, clean, tepid water.

Excessively cold water reduces consumption which can lead to colic and other problems.

• Adjust and balance rations to maintain proper body conditions. A good rule of thumb is to be able to feel the ribs but not see them.

• Provide adequate, appropriate exercise to maintain muscle tone, flexibility and mobility.

• Groom your horse frequently to promote circulation and skin health.

• Be aware that older horses are prone to tumors.

Look for any unusual lumps or growths from head to tail as well as beneath the tail (especially on gray horses).

• Schedule routine checkups with your equine veterinarian. Call immediately if you suspect a problem.

• A quick response to ailments, injuries or a decline in fitness can keep your older horse from having a serious or prolonged setback. That means less worry for you and a better quality of life for your old friend.

8 Tips for Equine Winter Care

Dr. Krishona Martinson 1. Remember the importance of water. Most adult horses need 10 to 12 gallons of water daily. During the summer months, pastures contain about 80% moisture and can contribute to your horse’s water requirement. In contrast, dried hay contains less than 15% moisture, therefore, your horse will require more water in the winter. To encourage drinking, keep your horse’s water between 45° to 65°F, regularly clean waterers, make sure tank heaters are in working condition, and check waterers for electrical sensations or shocks. Remember, snow and ice are not adequate water sources for horses.

2. Monitor Feed Intake. The lower critical temperature is the temperature below which a horse needs additional energy to maintain body warmth. The lower critical temperature estimate for horses is 41°F with a summer coat and 18°F with a winter coat; however, younger horses may reach their lower critical temperature before a mature horse. For every degree below 18°F the horse requires an additional 1% energy in their diet to help maintain body temperature and condition. The best source of additional dietary energy is forages since they are fermented by microbes which produce heat that keeps the horse warm. Other nutrient requirements don’t change during cold weather.

3. Track body condition and bodyweight. During winter months, heavy hair coats can hide weight loss or gain. Body condition and weight should be assessed monthly to help track horse health and any purposeful or accidental changes in body condition and weight. Body weight can be tracked using weight tapes, the Healthy Horse mobile app, or mathematical equations that use various body measurements.

4. Blanketing. Blanketing a horse is necessary to reduce the effects of cold or inclement weather when no shelter is available during turnout periods and the temperatures or wind chill drop below 5°F, there is a chance the horse will become wet, the horse has had its winter coat clipped, the horse is very young or very old, the horse isn’t acclimated to the cold, and/or the horse has a body condition score of three or less.

Make sure blankets fit as poorly fitted blankets can cause sores and rub marks. Remove the blanket daily, inspect it for damage, reposition it,

and make sure it stays dry.

5. Provide Shelter. Horses should have access to shelter. In the absence of wind and moisture, most horses tolerate temperatures at or slightly below 0°F. If horses have access to a shelter, they can tolerate temperatures as low as -40°F. Researchers found that in mild winter weather, horses housed outdoors tended to use shelter very little.

However, shelter usage increased to 62% when snowing and wind speed were greater than 11 miles per hour.

6. Provide Exercise. Provide your horse with turnout or exercise as often as possible. One of the challenges with winter riding is cooling down a horse with a winter coat. Using a trace clip on regularly exercised horses can help speed the cooling process. However, clipped hair won’t grow back rapidly in the winter; therefore, use appropriate shelter and blankets throughout the winter and into the early spring months. Using a cooler can also aid in drying a sweaty horse. Take caution when riding in deep, heavy, or wet snow to prevent tendon injuries and avoid icy areas.

7. Maintain Regular Hoof Care. Horse hooves generally grow slower in the winter; however, trimming should still occur every 6 to 12 weeks. Horse hooves are prone to "ice or snowballs" during the winter.

These balls of packed ice or snow make it hard for the horse to walk, increase the chance of slipping and falling, and may put stress on tendons or joints. Make sure to pick your horse’s hooves daily, especially after a heavy snow.

8. Keep Paddocks in Working Order. Icy paddocks cause slips and falls that can lead to serious injury. Use sand to increase traction on ice, but don’t feed horses near spread sand as the may accidentally ingest it. Straight salt can speed the melting of ice if temperatures aren’t too cold. No research has documented the effect of salt on horse hooves, but to be safe, use pure salt in moderation. Don’t use a mixture of sand and salt in horse paddocks since horses may accidentally ingest the sand via their interest in the salt. Additionally, spreading a thin layer of wood ash or fresh manure can help improve traction.

Avoid using shavings, hay, and straw as they tend to slide over ice and provide little traction.

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KSRP establishes Kent County 4-H Special Riding Program Legacy Fund Abbey Miller The Kent Special Riding Program (KSRP) began as a pilot 4-H therapeutic horseback riding program with 25 students in June 1976. For four decades, KSRP provided high quality therapeutic and recreational horseback riding instruction to both children and adults with a variety of physical, mental and emotional disabilities as a Kent County 4-H Proud Equestrians Program (PEP).

“Many of our riders used wheelchairs or assistive walking devices in their daily lives,” said Rita Neumann,

a former KSRP volunteer and board member. “The riders were scheduled in classes according to their individual abilities, and instructed in horse management safety and skills, both on the ground and in the saddle. Our primary goal was to maximize each rider’s physical, mental and emotional potential, independence and freedom while learning new skills and having fun.”

In 1977, Bill and Lynn Schumacher began hosting KSRP at no cost on their 32-acre farm in Alto, Michigan serving approximately 160 riders each year until it dissolved in 2017.

“Bill and Lynn were very involved

The Kent Special Riding Program (KSRP) created the Kent County 4-H Special Riding Program Legacy Fund with the Michigan 4-H Foundation to support low-cost therapeutic horseback riding for people with disabilities. Abbey Miller

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December 2021

in the day-to-day operation of KSRP and five of their own horses were used in the program. They both served on the KSRP board of directors, and Lynn was program director,” Neumann said.

With a lack of volunteer support, the KSRP board of directors made the difficult decision to close its doors in 2017 after Lynn passed away. Since no other 4-H therapeutic horseback riding program existed in Kent County, the KSRP board of directors dissolved its accounts and established the Kent County 4-H Special Riding Program Legacy Fund with the Michigan 4-H Foundation to support future 4-H proud equestrian programs.

“KSRP funds were raised through the hard work of our volunteers and the donations from our loyal supporters with the intent to support therapeutic horseback riding for people with disabilities in Kent and surrounding counties. The KSRP board strongly believes that these funds should be used for their intended purpose. Since KSRP was the only 4-H therapeutic horseback riding program in Kent County, we would like the funds to be used to establish a new PEP program in Kent County,” Neumann said.

Over the four decades of the therapeutic horseback riding program, KSRP served well over 9,000 riders with physical, mental and/or emotional disabilities. This was accomplished through the dedicated volunteer efforts of many long-term volunteers, including the Schumachers, treasurer

Louise Palczewski, secretary and Ride-a-Thon chairperson Gail Roderick, volunteer coordinator Connie VanBelkum and instructor Brenda Bera-Alters.

Neumann, a physical therapist at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital, became involved with KSRP when she moved to Grand Rapids, Mich. in 1999. She served as a volunteer, aide, board member, horse chairperson and board of directors chairperson.

“I first became involved volunteering with therapeutic horseback riding programs when I was in high school.

Through college and graduate school, I volunteered with similar programs in New Orleans, Ann Arbor, Flint, and Caledonia. I could clearly see how therapeutic horseback riding had such a profound effect on the riders’ physical, mental and emotional development. My experiences with these programs led me into my chosen profession of physical therapy,” she said.

According to Neumann, during a typical class, a rider might work on posture, balance and coordination by learning how to guide a horse through an obstacle course. Riders also improved strength and endurance by learning the two-point position, the sitting trot and the posting trot. They also gained self-confidence and independence by playing cooperative and competitive games.

A hallmark of KSRP was the commitment to providing lessons for free, or at a nominal cost to the rider.

For many years, a six-week session of riding cost only $10. When the program closed, that cost had only increased to $30. The main source of funding was the annual KSRP Ridea-Thon, a trail ride on horseback where participants obtained sponsors for their participation in the cause, similar to a 5K or other walk/race on foot.

“For the majority of years KSRP was operating, the program had the funds to operate for the entire year before the year began,” Neumann

“Many of our riders used wheelchairs or assistive walking devices in their daily lives,” said Rita Neumann, a former KSRP volunteer and board member. Abbey Miller

shared. “This was achieved with incredible fiscal responsibility, heavy reliance on dedicated volunteers and successful fundraising efforts that centered around the annual fall Ridea-Thon. We are extremely thankful that KSRP did not have to close due to lack of funding.”

The Kent County 4-H Special Riding Program Legacy Fund will provide financial support to establish a new 4-H PEP in Kent County to be created prior to May 1, 2026. A plaque will be installed on or near the ramp acknowledging the funding from the 4-H Bill and Lynn Schumacher Therapeutic Horseback Riding Grant and a brief description of the history of the Kent Special Riding Program.

Volunteers in the Kent County area interested in applying for the grant and helping to create a new PEP program in Kent County should

December 2021

contact Glenda Kilpatrick at kilpatri@msu.edu and/or Christine Skelly at skellych@msu.edu.

If a Kent County 4-H PEP program is not implemented by the deadline in 2026, the funds shall be made available to 4-H PEP programs statewide through the Michigan 4-H Foundation mini-grant process. This grant will be advertised as The M. Louise Palczewski Therapeutic Horseback Riding Grant and will provide up to $2,000 per grant to support the creation and/or operation of one or more new or existing 4-H PEPs located in Michigan.

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exploring

WINTER WATER INTAKE

in horses

LESS HIGH MOISTURE PASTURE COMBINED WITH MORE DRY FORAGES RESULTS IN HORSES CONSUMING LESS NATURAL WATER IN THE WINTER we need to supply 5-15 gallons of water per day in the winter months snow or ice is NOT an adequate source or water

MOST WATER IS CONSUMED WITHIN 2 HRS OF EATING HAY/GRAIN

IDEAL WATER DRINKING TEMP IS 45-65°F

2

THERE ARE COMMON COMPLICATIONS RESULTING FROM INADEQUATE WATER CONSUMPTION DURING COLD WEATHER

1.

there is no difference in water intake between heated buckets vs heated water tank as long as the water is clean

consuming lower calories could result in weight loss

2.

make sure buckets are full and easy to access during meal time

HORSES WILL DRINK 40% MORE WATER WHEN IT IS HEATED

IMPACTION COLIC / CONSTIPATION not enough water will result in colic symptoms

if using a tank heater to warm water, inspect it carefully for worn wires or other damage, and check the water for electrical sensation or shock

TIPS FOR INCREASING HYDRATION IN WINTER

SENIOR HORSES MAY HAVE MORE SENSITIVE TEETH AND A LOWER TOLERANCE OF COLD WATER

FEEDING PRACTICES TO AVOID

• Wet Feed at Each Meal

Wheat Bran

• Feed a Daily Mash with Beet Pulp or Forage Pellet

Feeding Mash Inconsistently

• Provide Constant Access to Plain White Iodized Salt

Page 8 PERFORMANCEHORSENUTRITION.COM Equine Times

December 2021

DECREASED FEED INTAKE

It is High in Phosphorus and Can Unbalance Your Horse’s Diet Feed a Mash Daily, as Feeding Once per Week can Upset Gut Microbes and Cause Gastrointestinal Issues

STANDLEEFORAGE.COM

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Being Prepared for the Worst Develop a Health Care Plan for Your Horse When acquiring ownership, you assumed responsibility for the health and welfare of your horse Ann M. Swinker Anyone who has ever loved a horse (or pet) understands the feelings of guilt and helplessness following injury or illness of an animal. You helplessly try everything, calling your vet, admitting them to a clinic, treating them yourself at home. You try not to give up, you do everything you possibly can. Sometimes the bond between the animal and owner are so strong the animal lives because the owner wanted them to. But, sometimes you must let them go, because they need to die.

During severe injuries you decide whether to continue treatment or elect euthanasia. In some cases you will be faced with making a life-or-death decision about your horse. After assessing the severity of the case, many times the kindest thing you can do for a horse that is so sick, injured, old, lame or dangerous is to have your veterinarian humanely induce death. These decisions are not easy to make, and at this time when your emotions are running wild it is not the time to make them. You need to have a plan for your horse and yourself before severe injuries occur. This plan should be discussed with other family members and your veterinarian, trainer or friends.

Before disaster hits evaluate each horse (or animal) and logically decide how and what you want done. Assume you are leaving for a vacation far away and you are leaving explicit instructions on what to do in case of emergencies. (Many times these situations occur when you are not home).

Economic, emotional, and space or skill limitations may force an owner to make difficult decisions. Work out a disaster plan for your horse(s) and write it down and pull it out when disaster hits.

List the major equine problems and what to do if: the horse has severe colic, becomes sick, severely injured, is deteriorating in old age, too lame, too dangerous, etc. Discuss all possible alternatives, logically, before being hit with a real disaster. At the time of a real accident or sickness you may not be clearly thinking and may make poor decisions.

Long-term medical care may be a burden you and your family may be unable to emotionally or economically bare. You need to discuss this openly and honestly. Your plan should also include what should happen to your animals in case of your death or long-term illness. Put a financial limit on the long-term medical care you are able to provide each animal. This sounds cruel, however, extended long-term medical care can cost you your life savings and retirement, your marriage, or friendships. When you tell the vet "do everything you can to save my horse" at some point reality must override your emotions. Sometimes, the kindest and smartest thing you can do for your horse friend is one that will break your heart. But these plans should be made well in advance.

When disaster does strike, discuss all possible alternatives with family, friends and your veterinarian and pull out your written plan. Hopefully this will help you feel more peaceful about your decision.

If something happens and your horse can no longer experience a quality life, is unable to respond to you in its usual ways, is experiencing more pain than pleasure, is terminally ill or critically injured, or if the financial or emotional cost of treatment is beyond your means, you may need to consider euthanasia. A veterinarian can examine and evaluate your horse's condition.

Don't be afraid to ask what are the potential disabilities and longterm health problems that can follow treatment. Before treatment starts you must ask about the cost and long-term costs. If you don't understand the diagnosis and prognosis, ask the vet to explain it again.

Whether dealing with a severe illness or injury, death of an animal or the decision to euthanize the feeling of grief, guilt and helplessness will overcome us all. These emotional feelings are natural. The grieving process includes accepting the reality of your loss, accepting that the loss and accompanying feelings are painful, and adjusting to your new life, which no longer includes your horse or would include a horse with a disability. You need to understand the grieving process, in order to manage your grief, and help others in the family share the loss.

Several veterinary teaching hospitals and veterinarian clinics have counseling programs. These services listen and help you sort out your feelings. They can provide reading resources, counseling and support.

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Ask the Expert: What is a Killing Frost?

Dr. Krishona Martinson

Can you please advise me on timing to pull horses off pastures with consideration of a killing frost. Can you define a killing frost? Is the best practice after a killing frost to remove horses for a week and then give them access to pasture again? I'm concerned about both horse and grass health.

A killing frost (or hard freeze) is defined as a frost sufficiently severe to end the growing season. The National Weather Service defines a hard freeze when temperatures fall below 28ºF. We recommend pulling horses from pastures for 7 days following a killing frost to allow time for the nonstructural carbohydrates to decrease and return to more normal levels. This is because frost-damaged pastures can have higher concentrations of nonstructural carbohydrates, leading to an increase in the potential for laminitis especially in horses diagnosed with or prone to obesity, laminitis, Cushings, and Equine Metabolic Syndrome.

The decision to graze again after a killing frost depends on the condition of your pasture. After a killing frost, no additional regrowth of the pasture will occur, even though the pasture might appear green. If your cool-season grass pasture is taller than 3 to 4", then grazing can resume 7 days after a killing frost and can continue until the pasture is grazed down to 3 to 4". However, if your pasture is already grazed down to 3 to 4", then no grazing should occur after a killing frost. The 3 to 4" minimum height recommendation is necessary to help maximize winter survival and can help predict a vigorous and healthy pasture come spring. We do recognize horses rarely grazing uniformly and pastures tend to have areas of both over and under grazing. Therefore, owners need to base decisions on the average appearance of the pasture.

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Winter Care for Your Senior Horse Gina T. As those who live in true winter geographies know, the cold weather can be brutal for any horse, let alone our aging companions. That is why it’s incredibly important to consider the special needs of your senior horse, as the temperatures drop.

• Blanketing – Depending on the extremeness of your temperatures, blanketing your senior horse can be an important consideration of winter care. Try to remember to spread out and look over your blankets before the weather turns bitter cold, to ensure they are in good condition.

• Body Condition Score (BCS) – It’s important to understand and evaluate your senior horse’s body condition score before the winter months hit. But if you find yourself in the thick of winter with a senior horse that is rapidly losing weight, then speak to your veterinarian about the best options to add on pounds during the frigid months.

• Hydration is Key – The role water plays in the health of your horse is just as important during the cold of winter, as it is the heat of summer. Make sure there is adequate access to fresh water for your senior horse throughout the day. Not only can dehydration lead to impaction

colic, but it can decrease feed intake, which is vital for your senior horse during the winter months.

• Stay Well-Supplied – Make sure you are prepared for the conditions, which includes sufficient amounts of feed and hay, medications, anti-ice materials, flashlights, light bulbs and other items you may need if a storm hits.

Winter isn’t an easy season to endure with senior horses, but with planning and preparedness, you and your aging friend will weather the storm.

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South Campus Animal Farms Provides Facilities to Support MSU Teaching, Research and Outreach Missions Justin Whitmore Michigan State University is home to seven animal research farms, collectively known as the South Campus Animal Farms (SCAF) and integral to supporting the land grant mission.

SCAF includes centers for dairy cattle, feedlot cattle and beef cow-calf, swine, sheep, poultry, and horses, all located within three miles of MSU’s central campus. The facilities host MSU students and faculty for active learning opportunities, serve as a resource center for farmers to receive MSU Extension programming related to animal agriculture, and are home to various research projects in the Department of Animal Science and the College of Veterinary Medicine.

“The South Campus Animal Farms are a critical component of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources,” said Kelly Millenbah, CANR interim dean.

“They are one of the physical locations where our teaching, research and outreach are clearly visible – they serve many students, faculty and stakeholders here at MSU and around the state.”

Animal agriculture research projects have been on the uptick, thanks, in part, to the Michigan Alliance for Animal Agriculture (M-AAA).

“Since M-AAA funding originated in 2015, the increase in number of projects and the direct impact on the industry has been very significant. SCAF are critical for these research projects. M-AAA wouldn’t have the impact it has on animal agriculture in the state without that infrastructure,” said George Smith, MSU AgBioResearch associate director.

MSU Department of Animal Science Professor and Department Chair Catherine Ernst estimates that about two-thirds of animal science faculty within her department have research and teaching programs “integrally connected to South Campus Animal Farms.”

“The campus farms are essential to allow us to conduct our research in a controlled setting. Having that kind of facil-

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ity is unique and can’t always be replicated in a commercial setting,” said Ernst, who has conducted multiple swine research projects at the swine farm.

Many land grant institutions have shifted to a more focused approach toward animal agriculture research. To support Michigan’s diverse animal agriculture, MSU provides a comprehensive research program for Michigan’s producers and industry stakeholders.

“One of the things that makes Michigan unique is the diversity of our agriculture. We're very appreciative of the fact that our agriculture industries, in general, and our animal agriculture and allied industries, specifically, all work together and recognize the importance of elevating agriculture in the state,” Smith said.

“Frankly, it's economically challenging to maintain infrastructure on campus for farm animals. A lot of land grant institutions have selected a species or two to emphasize and haven't maintained the infrastructure to support research, teaching, and outreach for all of these species (beef, sheep, swine, horse, poultry and dairy), but we've made the strategic decision to do just that. All of above industries are important to agriculture in Michigan, and we have a responsibility from the teaching and research perspective to do work that's relevant to all of animal agriculture.”

Recent emergency shines light on potential setbacks A fire at one of the SCAF farms this past summer has raised concern about the integrity of the infrastructure in general.

“There is no question our research is severely hampered by the age of the facilities, as well as the type and functional capacities of its current infrastructure.

The recent electrical fire has raised even more concerns about the capacity of the remaining facilities and their associated potential safety risks,” said Smith.

“Thankfully no one, or no animals were harmed in the fire which could have been a very disastrous emergency.

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“As the volume of research at the farms increases, we’ve had to be able to keep up and maintain that infrastructure. That's why we're very appreciative of the fact that we've been able to use M-AAA funds to not only fund projects directly tied to immediate needs of the industry but to help maintain and support the infrastructure that's critical to farm animal research.”

To maintain the ability to reflect Michigan’s commercial farms, SCAF is undergoing several facility upgrades to modernize and better utilize its farms.

Through funding sources, specifically M-AAA, SCAF is: • Renovating the finisher room and all four nursery rooms to increase research capacity and improve animal welfare at the Swine Teaching & Research Center (MSU received a matching gift from the Vita Plus Corporation for this work) • Adding a new handling chute at the Beef Cattle Teaching & Research Center • Adding concrete in pens to improve biosecurity at the Sheep Teaching & Research Center • Adding another bulk tank to handle additional milk being produced at the Dairy Cattle Teaching & Research Center • Re-fencing large areas of the Horse Teaching & Research Center As the newly appointed chairperson for the Department of Animal Science, Ernst said she is excited about the benefits and opportunities and upcoming upgrades that will improve those opportunities.

“It's very exciting to see our facilities continue being relevant and supporting our faculty,” Ernst said. “As we look to hiring the next generation of faculty, it’s great that we can show them we have modern, upgraded facilities that can support their vision for research and teaching. We can do projects that people in other places can't do, because we have the ability to raise the animals and collect data in a controlled setting. That makes a lot of our faculty competitive when competing for large projects.”

The renovation of the finisher room

and all four nursery rooms at the Swine Teaching & Research Center was recently completed to allow for further research and improved animal welfare.

“All aspects of these renovations allowed us to address pig space, animal welfare concerns and position the farm for the future of research and instruction in those rooms,” said SCAF Swine Farm Director Kevin Turner. “Through our partnership with Vita Plus, we were able to redesign the penning in the room to allow for a larger number of smaller pens to increase the replication, and subsequently the power of research conducted in that room. The nursery renovations position us well for the future with regards to animal welfare, quality of research, and the opportunity to provide students with examples of both research and commercially representative nursery room layouts.”

Turner said the facility upgrades will help swine research stay ahead of issues encountered by the state’s swine industry. Currently, the swine farm is supporting several active research projects that address a variety of issues, including computer imaging sows to detect lameness and increase longevity, gastro-intestinal health as it relates to weaning age, natural feed products for improving pig health, growth and efficiency.

“Our main goal is to provide the state’s swine industry with cutting-edge, applicable research, and address important areas of concern through research while also training the next generation of swine industry leaders, and educating the public about swine production. We strive to be a one-stop shop for all of the swine producers in the state, large or small, inside or out door, to receive the knowledge and information they seek,” Turner said.

The farms play a vital role in the curriculum and practical training of MSU animal science and veterinary medicine students, allowing them to gain experience working on an operating livestock farm throughout their academic careers.

“SCAF is the one place on campus where we can get our students out on a working farm and provide them hands-on interaction with animals to show them how farms operate,” said SCAF Director Faith Cullens-Nobis.

Maintaining the SCAF facilities as close to modern standards as possible in order to replicate what students, research-

ers and guests would see on any commercial farm they might visit is a goal of Cullens-Nobis.

“We're the first visit to a farm for many people, and what might be the only visit for some. It’s really important that we upgrade our facilities to be safer, welcoming for visitors and that we're getting an accurate picture of what farming is like,” she said.

Barry Bradford, C.E. Meadows Chair for Dairy Management, said the MSU Dairy Cattle Teaching & Research Center, for example, has played a pivotal role in supporting the state’s dairy industry through research and teaching.

“Very little of the dairy research that goes on at MSU could be carried out on a commercial dairy farm. To have the greatest confidence in responses to treatments, individual management of cows is needed, which is rarely found outside of research facilities,” Bradford said.

“Likewise, the proximity of the MSU dairy to campus, and the commitment of our management team to our teaching mission makes this facility invaluable for providing students with exposure to dairy cattle, especially those learning to interact with cattle for the first time. The MSU dairy has a long history of providing an initial foot in the door for individuals who have gone on to make a big impact on the dairy industry. Additionally, much of what we try to transfer to the industry is information derived from con-

trolled research carried out on the farms.”

The facility is also a fully functioning dairy operation.

“Our herd of cows produce milk every day, and we've made a lot of management changes in the last year. Our cows have really responded by giving us a lot of extra milk. Because of that, we were overflowing the tank every day, and we weren't getting paid for that extra milk.

We were able to use some M-AAA funding to buy a used milk tank that's started operating recently. So now, now we have enough capacity for all of our cows to hold milk for the day and we ship that and sell that every day.”

As Cullens-Nobis continues to monitor all the farms for potential upgrade needs and funding possibilities, her overall goal is to have sustainability in mind.

“I would like all of our farms to be reflective of current industry with a focus on sustainability and animal welfare, while still providing a space where we can conduct research and teach our students,” she said. “Sustainability is a priority that is coming at us hard and fast.

As our resources are challenged and our available space declines, we have to approach the farms with the focus on how we make the most of what we have and work with our experts at MSU on techniques and strategies to maximize our resources through sustainable animal agriculture methods.”

Michigan State University's South Campus Animal Farms include centers for dairy cattle, feedlot cattle and beef cow-calf, swine, sheep, poultry and horses, all located within three miles of MSU’s central campus. Paola Bacigalupo Sanguesa

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Tips to Get Your Horse to Drink More Water During Winter

Dr. Tania Cubitt

Water is the most essential aspect of any horse’s diet.

Without adequate water intake, horses will not survive. An adult horse (1000 lbs.) in a cool, comfortable environment that is not working, or lactating, needs a minimum of seven to ten gallons of fresh, clean water every day. The amount of water required is closely related to the amount of feed the horse has eaten. Most horses will drink 1.5 quarts of water per pound of dry feed intake. If a horse is consuming 20 pounds of dry hay per day, the horse would be expected to drink approximately 7.5 gallons of water each day. The water requirement is higher if the horse is in training, nursing a foal, growing, pregnant or in a hot/humid environment.

The best way to ensure adequate water intake is to always provide free access to fresh, clean water.

Issues associated with water intake during the winter months usually revolve around horses not drinking enough water. Water that has frozen or is near freezing will result in decreased intake. Water consumption reaches its maximum when the temperature is maintained between 45 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Similarly, horses that must eat snow as their only water source, will not eat enough snow to satisfy their necessary water requirement completely. This decreased water intake can result in digestive upset or "colic," associated with feed material becoming impacted (stuck) in the digestive system. Therefore, the water source should be free-flowing or heated to prevent freezing and guarantee the

horse is drinking enough water. When installing a heating device for water, be certain that any electrical unit is properly grounded to prevent electrical shock of the horse. Horses are very sensitive to electrical shock and will quit drinking to avoid shock.

Here are few easy tips to assist with increasing your horse’s water intake: 1. Wet your horse’s feed at a ratio of 2 parts feed to 1 part water. This can increase the hydration status of your horse.

2. Offer a wet mash, every day, of soaked beet pulp shreds or pellets, timothy forage pellets or alfalfa forage pellets. If you are concerned about adding too many calories to an overweight horse’s diet, try soaking and offering teff forage pellets. Soak these forage or fiber sources at a ratio of 2 parts water to 1 part forage.

3. Wetting down the long-stemmed hay you offer your horse can also boost water intake slightly.

4. Flavoring your horse’s water can also encourage water intake, especially if you are traveling and have a picky drinker.

5. Provide a salt block in your horse’s paddock or stall to help stimulate thirst.

Horses primarily eating hay will consume more water than those eating both hay and grain. Fiber increases the water holding capacity of the hindgut. Better quality hays, such as alfalfa, are typically higher in calories compared to grass hay. Other baled hay substitutes, such as forage cubes and pellets, can be fed to replace poor quality hay.

Effect of Hay Type on Microbiome and Fermentation in Horses Dr. Krishona Martinson The effect of hay type on the microbiome of the equine gastrointestinal tract is relatively unexplored. The objective of the experiment, conducted by Kansas State University, was to characterize the cecal and fecal microbiome of adult horses consuming alfalfa or smooth bromegrass hay. Six cecally cannulated horses had unlimited access to smooth bromegrass or alfalfa hay. A 21 day acclimation period was followed by a 24 hour collection period, where cecal and fecal samples were collected every 3 hours for analysis of pH and volatile fatty acids. Horses were then switched and fed the other hay type.

Horses consumed a similar amount of alfalfa (2.8% bodyweight) and smooth bromegrass (2.7% bodyweight) hay.

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Alfalfa hay resulted in greater volatile fatty acids concentrations compared to smooth bromegrass in both sampling locations (cecum and feces). Because volatile fatty acids concentrations were elevated in the cecum of horses fed alfalfa, it appears that alfalfa was fermented more rapid-ly resulting in greater volatile fatty acid absorption and energy available to horses consuming alfalfa. Microbial community structure within each sampling location and hay type were also different from one another. This is the first research to document differences in pH, volatile fatty acid concentrations, and the microbiome of the cecum and feces in horses fed smooth bromegrass and alfalfa hay. For more information on this research, read the abstract published in the Journal of Animal Science at https://academic.oup.com/jas/article-abstract/99/1/skaa407/6054981?redirectedFrom=fulltext.

New Study Pinpoints the Origins of Domesticated Horses Marina Pitofsky Horses have been beloved – and useful – creatures throughout human history, and a new study is pinpointing where and when modern horses were first domesticated.

A peer-reviewed study published in the journal Nature found that the modern domestic horse’s homeland is located in the lower Volga-Don region, which is now part of Russia. They may have originated in the area more than 4,200 years ago.

Ludovic Orlando, the director of the Centre for Anthropobiology & Genomics of Toulouse, explained to USA TODAY that researchers used archeological remains, like bones and teeth, from 273 ancient horses in their research. The remains were discovered by archaeologists over thousands of miles, from Spain to Siberia.

The researchers analyzed DNA from the remains and identified a “domestication center” in modern-day Russia.

The DNA also revealed gene variations that may have given these horses important characteristics for being domesticated and used by humans, including having a stronger back and demonstrating more docile behavior.

Orlando said these horses spread rapidly in Europe and Asia, and within a span of approximately 500 years they were "anywhere from Spain to Mongolia."

“So clearly this horse, which was originally very local, very confined to a single region on the planet became real-

ly global,” Orlando said. “That probably is related to the importance that this animal had for human migration and human mobility in general.”

Orlando explained that the genetics that made these horse ancestors stronger and more docile could represent “a sort of turning point for human societies” thousands of years ago.

“If selection is for something that is easier to interact with and to use for mobility, then you could expect that this gave an advantage to the people who own that horse,” he said. "It could actually change the dynamics of us traveling, us trading with each other, to do things at a much larger geographical scale and much more rapidly than we could before.”

He noted that some may argue that there were domestication processes that began earlier than the research pinpoints. But the research “only answers the question of which of the lineages that were around was the successful one. “ “It doesn’t rule out the possibility... that elsewhere in different time periods other people started a different domestication experience,” Orlando said.

He added that researchers still have questions on the similarities and differences in horse ancestries.

“This is the beauty of research,” Orlando said. “You find one thing, and you have 10 more to uncover.”

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