June 2021
Serving the Michigan, Indiana & Ohio Tri-State Horse Community
CLUB NEWS
Association Michigan MichiganFox Fox Trotter Trotter Association
included a competition for the ing trails and great campmost ambitious member PROTECT YOUR LARGEwho BALE HAY INVE$TMENT! ing. We plan to offer a guiddemonstrates their horsemanship skills in aride wideeach variety of as categories. ed trail day well as Quarterly year-end awards be an astrideand Bingo game withwill prizgiven. Go to www.michiganfoxtrotters.com es on Saturday, a silent auction all to read the rules and print off the forms to join in on weekend and a “Dessert-to-Pass” Meet n Greet the friendly competition and fun. Saturday night with are singing theavailable campfire More Fox Trotters slowlyaround becoming to later in but thethey evening. Contact D bar D tovideo make purchase are selling fast. There is a good on the correct Fox Trot if gait posted on our Face Book to your reservations you are interested. Stopsite in at refer to when you are considering an MFT to buy. Be sure campsite #10 (Jodi reserved it) if you have any to bring a knowledgeable person with you,too, when you questions and to say hi! MFTHBA members will narrow down your search. Breeders, Chuck Fanslow (rivearn a point by participating. We hope to meet erflatranch.com) and Gale Gunders (989-534-1207), have you there!!young stock available. They also have quality well-gaited studs to breed to you have a mare you want bred. Chuck Learning is iffun... hasThe a Buckskin stallion a palomino stallion(bothhave sons 22 Versatilityand Challenge competitors of Cotton Eyed Joe). Gale has a spotted stallion who will been accumulating miles and spending hours on throw color to your foal. Both are located in Gladwin,MI. the trails andDimensions: camping, at and xclinics 78” 76” Contact themriding if you want to have your72” mare bred.x There
training in arenas. The horses and their 230 handlers Weight: lbs.
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Wethe have resources andand people available for you tonew learn is nothing like expectation of a well-bred foal! are learning new things experiencing from and breeders to refer you to if you want to Don't forget to transfercan your newly-bought horse's situations. Fox buy Trotters a young one to do trainanything! or if you want to further registration papers into your name with the MFTHBA,too. the training with potatoes... your present horse. A hunk of meat and two We are growing! New welcomes gomembers out to Themember MFTHBA needs registered The May 29th Gaited Western Dressage clinic Naomi Haas, equinetodentist Kris Modreske and fill their committees for 2021. I justHarry agreed with Joanne was resounding Fox Struble all of Coy MI. Naomi rides sorrel sabino gelding to helpa out on athe Trail success! Committee again. (Dexter) and a blackSurely mare (Hank's Serenity Liberty Bell you can,too!Horses, Various committees need Trotters, Kentucky Mountain Tennessee members(younger ones too) for their input B). Kris rides a black and white gelding (Radar's Spotted Walking Horses and Spotted Saddle Horses and advice togoincrease numbers,think Prior). And out toaffiliate Harry on learned to congratulations gait better and their ridersStruble gained of ways to make the shows better,to improve and his purchase of Joe's Golden Chip, a handsome buckskin okay National Trail Ride applications,give on knowledge about theChuck Western Dressage discigelding, from Fanslow. All theseideas memclinics (let's get more closer to our state),getting more verpline. Thank you, Fox Joanne, for bers are riding quality Trotters!!! satility riders interested,give ideas on training and picking judges, plus sharing your knowledge with New members are always welmore. Many positions can be supported remotely. Also, this is a great Go www.michiganfoxus. Thank you, Kelly way to meet those from other come! areas of theto USA who raise,train and trotters.com to print off the ride MFTs. I have made new friends this way who I would not have Clevenger and Jodi otherwise. Contact the MO Fox Trotting Horse Breeding membership form.Association We meet Myers, for arranging via www.mfthba.com to become a member and for virtually somore all information members this outstanding clinon helping out. are able to meet without Also, PLEASE send in your MFTA ic! duesAnd and your MFTHBA we sincerely having to drive long dues disasap! tances. appreciated the Wishing everyone a blessed and safe Christmas! Our Event Committee Regional Fox Respectfully submitted, is busy planning next Mannino Trotting Marilynthe Horse clinic. It will be a Gaited Foundation who Western Dressage Clinic at For the Finest Money Can Buy awarded us the $350 the end of May. More details From One Piecewill TobeAnavailable Stall this grant toEntire help make next month. The clinic possible. Or An Exhibition Stall. clinician is top-notch! Our next clinic is in the works... SLIDING SWINGING DOORS A littleOR history on our breed: The presstay tuned for upcoming details! ent-day Missouri Fox Trotter evolved from Morgans in Join up... being crossed with Arabians, Plantation New England Have American you successfully incorporated a new-toHorses, Saddlebreds, TWHs and pacing Standardbreds. The genetic of square-trotting you Fox Trotter into mix your family? Do horses you and pacing horses created the comfortable fox trot gait! already have an MFT or are interested in them? Missouri Fox Trotting horses have been used by farmers in We are interested in you! Please go to www.michMissouri and surrounding states to ride long distances to iganfoxtrotters.com print off pull andbuggies, mail inby your check their fencing andto work cows, US membership form along with your check Forest Service workers, by mounted police and now(made people across Unitedso States Europe use theminvolved for recreout tothe MFTA) thatand you can become ation (showing, trail riding, Dressage,reining, 4H and inDesign all of our various activities. support work for youYour and are your EquestrianStalls Team,that Hippotherapy,etc.). They truly helps us promote the education and enjoyment versatile and also can be found in all colors and sizes! Try Horses.... With Component Pieces or of Trotters andthem surrounding one Fox out and find out in whyMichigan everyone loves so! states. the Entire Stall! • Removable Grills
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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! Spring is upon us! People are out Fox to Bob Howell elected as the new MFTA PresWelcome to Michigan... Trotting and enjoying theMarilyn weather. Many are accumulatident, Kathy Kruch is now VP, is still Congratulations go out to the Kittendorfs for ing points in the Versatility Challenges that we are offerSecretary/Treasurer, Char Ostrom is the new finding a nice nine-year-old MFT gelding. 2-year Director and Miranda Mannino is Palomino now Registration is stillfor open for all threedecided Versatility the 1-year ing whoDirector. is perfect Dean. They to We are accepting membership renewals Challenges (Under Saddle Challenge, Not Under Saddle travel to Missouri to find one. His registered and new memberships for 2021 now. Youth Challenge). are Challenge and Ultimate Horseman This name is to LA's Full Moon. At last report, LAprois encouraged join too! to www.michiganfoxgram is designed to Go show how versatile the Missouri Fox trotters.comin to fine! print off the form. You will learn alot settling Trotter is. Registered and grade MFTs are allowed. fromCome our members about the history of Fox Trotters,their ride with us... All through useshandicapped and availability and and regular be able toyouth network with those of us who Our application has been adults are welcome. Every imaginable camp,train and show them. Our association is blessed to have skilled activity andby category isto learn included trainers,breeders and the a farrier from. We love promoting this approved MFTHBA from in hand work to Dressage, breed as they have great personalities,are Trail Committee for the so versatile and come in many sizes and different colors.toA benefit to joining is that we short distance trail coat riding Sept 17-19 National Trail can offer clinics at a reduced price to our members. Due to Covid we endurance competitions and Ride to be held at D bar are meeting remotely each month. Michigan is a big state and this is a everything in-between (cow goodRanch, way to easily see and talk with each other within and outside of D 7064 E. 64th work, driving, extreme trail, MI. Come join the fun! 4H open theshowing, St. Sign inand Chase, There up now forMI. popular Versatility Challenge for 2021. Print parades, reining, trail mainteare miles of sandy trails, off the enrollment form from our website. There are may areas in nance and also which you can more!). accumulate points-even in the non-rideable months. small hills, more We adjoin-
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June 2021 April
December 2020
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Equestrian News
Round Up
the IHCF website at www.indianahorsec- lunch, and networking, and 1 to 3 p.m., Michigan 4-H State Horse Show Postponed Until 2022 session 2 presentations and visit additional ouncilfoundation.org.
interested in auditing should check with the club nearer to the event to see if it is Taylor Fabus still possible. Go to www.iea10.wildapricot. org/ for more information. EAST LANSING, MI. — Due to the ongoing Horse complexities Council News of the current COVID-19 public health crisis, Michigan State University Extension has made • The Indiana Horse Council the decision to postpone the Michigan Foundation, which is a separate organiza4-H State Horse Show until 2022. tion from the old Indiana Horse Council, is MSU Extension remains committed going forward with plans for the Good to resuming in-person programming Foundation Clinictoand Show to be when it is safe doHorse so. The decision held April 24-26, 2021, at the Hoosier regarding the Michigan 4-H State Horse Park Edinburgh, IN. For more Horse Showindoes not indicate that all information visit their website at www. in-person 4-H summer programming in indianahorsecouncilfoundation.org. 2021 will be virtual or postponed. • Indiana Horse Council Foundation Rather, the decision reflects on the Scholarship applications are due by March unique nature of the event, which gath1, 2021. Collegeofstudents beginning coners hundreds participants andorthoutinuingof Bachelor’s degreeacross study and sands people from the those state pursuing professional studies or graduate together in one central location. The workand are scope eligible.ofApplicants must be resisize this event, combined with of may uncertainties that dents aof number Indiana and not currently be remain at this point in the novel coronaserving on the IHCF Board or Scholarship virus pandemic, led usinformation to make an go early Committee. For more to
decision about the President Michiganof4-H • Eric Estill, theState Ohio Horse Show this year. Horseman’s Council, Inc. announced the MSU changes Extension andplans 4-H for animal following to OHC early science educators will continue to seek 2021 due to the pandemic: 1-The 2021 out and identify virtual equine learning OHC Winter Meeting scheduled for January opportunities that youth can safely 16-17 at the Deer Park State Park is cantake part in throughout the summer celled, and 2-The 2021 OHC Spring General months. In addition, when MSU Membership Meeting scheduled for April Extension resumes a limited number of 13th will be postponed to a later date; they face-to-face events, 4-H educators will will meet and aftershare the Covid-19 restricidentify smaller,virus lower-risk, tions are lifted. For more details visit the in-person activities for regional particiOHC website at www.ohconline.com. pation. • The Michigan Horse Council plans another Equine Legislative Day on September 21, 2021. The aim of the event is to help build awareness about the economic impact, community enrichment and personal benefits of the Michigan horse industry. The tentative schedule is: 9 to 11 a.m., presentations (Session 1) from equine leaders from a variety of Michigan equine programs and various disciplines; 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., equine activities, chuck wagon
PROTECT YOUR LARGE BALE HAY INVE$TMENT!
We displays appreciate yourCapital continued equine on the front interlawn. est in Michigan 4-H programming and More information about this and other for your support and understanding of MHC activities are available on their webefforts to protect participant health. site at www.michiganhorsecouncil.com We hope to be back together on campus and their Facebook page. in 2022! Horse Fair News • These horse fairs have been cancelled for 2021: The 2021 Michigan Horse Expo, Lansing, MI, in early March, www. MichiganHorseExpo.com; the 2021 Midwest Horse Fair, Madison, WI, midApril, www.midwesthorsefair.com; the 2021 Illinois Horse Fair, Springfield, IL, March 2021, www.illinoishorsefair.com/, and the 2021 Equine Affaire in Columbus, OH, (although they are planning on a virtual event April 8-11, 2021), https://equineaffaire.com/events/ohio/. The 2021 Indiana Equine Roundup will be held at the C Bar C Arena in Cloverdale, IN, April 29-May 2. The event will offer much for horse lovers to enjoy including multiple vendors, clinicians, a beer garden,
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Equine Times Equine Times
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Body Condition Scoring in Horses Taylor Fabus
EAST LANSING, MI. — Use the Body Condition Scoring system to easily and effectively determine your horse’s relative body fat. Don Henneke, PhD, developed the Henneke Body Condition Scoring system for use in horses during his doctoral studies at Texas A & M University. The system is designed to assess relative body fat without anything other than your hands, eyes and a little experience. Using this system, horses are assigned a number on a scale of one to nine; one being very emaciated and thin and nine being extremely obese. This scale can be effectively used, no matter the breed, age, or reproductive status of a horse. In order to accurately assess a horse’s Body Condition Score (BCS), you must visually assess and touch the animal. Feeling the horse’s ribs, for example, can help you estimate the depth of fat coverage. This is something that is difficult (or impossible) to simply assess visually, especially on a horse that has a long winter haircoat. Below are specific descriptions of the scores 1 - 9: Poor: Animal extremely emaciated; spine and bone structure noticeable, no fatty tissue can be felt. Very thin: Bony structures of the neck, shoulders and withers are faint. Spine, ribs, point of hip and buttock are prominent. Thin: Slight fat cover over ribs; spine and ribs easily seen, but individual vertebrae cannot be identified visually. Tailhead is prominent but hips are rounded. Moderately thin: Neck, withers and shoulders are not obviously thin. Ribs are faint. Fat can be felt around tailhead. Moderate: Back is flat; ribs felt but not easily seen; fat around tail head beginning to feel spongy; shoulders and neck blend smoothly into body. Moderately fleshy: Slight crease down Page 4
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back; fat over ribs and tail head spongy; slight fat along the side of withers, behind shoulders and along sides of neck. Fleshy: Slight crease down back; ribs can be felt but not seen, noticeable filling between ribs with fat; fat around tail head: fat deposited along withers, behind shoulders and along neck. Fat: Crease down back; difficult to feel ribs; fat around tail head very soft; noticeable thickening of neck; fat deposited along inner thighs. Extremely fat: Obvious crease down back; patchy fat appearing over ribs: bulging
June 2021
fat around tail head, along withers, behind shoulders, and along neck; fat along inner thighs may rub together; flank filled with fat. Understanding your horse’s current Body Condition Scoring will help you begin to determine the overall health and well-being of the animal. You should aim for a Body Condition Scoring between four and six depending on your horse’s current job. Additionally, this information will help you decide appropriate nutritional requirements as well as exercise schedules.
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Common Horse Feeding Mistakes
Standlee Barn Bulletin Feeding horses should be easy, but unfortunately, it has become quite challenging for our modern horses. We have outlined 5 common mistakes that are made when feeding horses. 1. Not Feeding Enough Quality Hay The horse has evolved as a grazing animal; forage plays a pivotal role in equine health. Horses are non-ruminant herbivores also known as a “hindgut fermenters”. Their digestive tract is made up of a simple stomach, small intestine and large intestine. The natural feeding habit of the horse is to eat small amounts of roughages, often throughout the day. Domestication has brought a change to this. Modern management practices of horses incorporate stabling, increased grain-based concentrate consumption, meal feeding Page 6
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and limited access to pasture. This has led to a myriad of problems by undermining the horse’s digestive capabilities. To ensure optimal health, horses must be given access to a high-quality fiber-based diet. Forage contains all the essential nutrients required by horses: Water Energy Protein Vitamins Minerals Horses require an absolute minimum of 1% of their body weight in dry forage per day; for a 1000 lb horse, this equates to 10 lb per day. A safer guideline is to provide horses with a minimum of 1.5% to 2.5% of their body weight in dry forage per day (15 to 25 lbs of dry forage per day for a 1000 lb horse) (Harris, 2016). June 2021
2. Feeding Too Much Grain Grain concentrates and supplements should only be fed to compliment the forage being offered. If high-quality forage is being fed, most horses only require a low intake vitamin and mineral pellet (ration balancer pellet). As horses increase their workload or physiological demands, e.g. pregnancy or lactation, additional concentrate may be required. Excess grain can cause weight gain, increased gastric and hindgut acidity and may cause behavioral changes in some horses (Harlow et al., 2016). 3. Feeding Multiple Supplements Without Evaluating the Total Diet Impact All equine diets should start with forage as the foundation and from here, additional concentrates and supplements may be added to balance the
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Common Horse Feeding Mistakes
diet and/or add calories or protein. Other supplements are specific to joint health or gut health. It is important to read the ingredients list and make sure the horse is not being over supplemented with any single ingredient. Selenium, for example, is found in very low levels in forage, therefore, many horse owners feed an additional amount to compensate the horse’s requirement (selenium is 1.25mg per day for an 1100lb horse undergoing moderate exercise) (NRC, 2007). If the horse eats 20lbs of hay with a low selenium content (0.1 ppm), this equates to 0.9 mg of selenium, add 5lbs of a performance feed (selenium content 0.7ppm) which equates to 1.6 mg of selenium, then add an overall wellness supplement which contains an additional 0.8 mg selenium per 2 scoops. Next, add a hoof supplement with an additional 1mg of selenium per scoop and finally a coat health supplement with an additional 0.32 mg per cup (feeding rate). Our total diet now
contains 4.62 mg of selenium. The maximum tolerable level of selenium for an 1100lb horse is about 20mg (NRC, 2007). 4. Not Feeding on a Regular Schedule Horses are routine animals and can stress easily if not fed at similar times each day. Forage should be provided continually throughout the day to try and simulate grazing behavior if pasture is not available. Concentrate meals should be fed at the approximate same time each day to ensure horses do not become stressed. Irregular schedules will stress horses, and they may develop stall vices such as kicking, raking their teeth on the stall or cribbing. Digestive disorders can occur due to an overly hungry horse bolting (aggressively eating) its feed (Harris, 1998). 5. Not Enough Turnout Horses are grazing, herd animals
and they will cover large distances in a day, continually walking and grazing. Turnout provides opportunity for exercise. Horses out for 24hrs can walk up to 9.5 miles while horses out for 7 hours will only walk up to 3 miles (Sharpe & Kenny, 2019). Slow, continuous exercise that is provided by turnout keeps a horse’s joints flexible. During turnout, if horses can be with, or at least next to, other horses, it can decrease their anxiety levels as horses are social herd animals. Respiratory health can also be improved by increasing turnout time. Clean, fresh air is essential, especially in cases of airway or respiratory disorders (McIntosh et al., 2019). These are just a few of the common pitfalls people fall into when feeding horses. The most important thing to remember, is that horses evolved as grazing animals and forage should always be the number one consideration in their diet.
Ask the Expert: Horses per Acre of Pastures Krishona Martinson, PhD
We’ve finally purchased a horse property! It’s 7 acres with about 5 acres in pasture. We have 2 horses, but are looking to expand our herd. However, we do not want more horses than what our pasture can hold since we do not want to feed hay (or much hay) during the summer. How many horses can our pasture support?
Congratulations on purchasing a horse property! The answer to your question is, “it depends”. In general, 2 acres per one 1,000pound horse is recommended if owners expect the pastures to provide most of the horse’s nutrition during the growing season. However, this is highly variable and depends on several factors including geographical location, soil type, rainfall, and management. Although location, soil type, and rainfall are mostly out of an owners control, management can be controlled and includes mowing, fertilizing, controlling weeds, resting (e.g. avoiding over-grazing), and dragging; all recommended best practices for horse pasture management. Your 5 acres of pasture should be able to feed 2.5 1,000-pound horses during the summer grazing season. If your farm is on sandy soil, there is a drought, or you choose not to do any pasture management (e.g. mowing, fertilizing, weed control, resting, and dragging), then 5 acres might not be enough for your two horses and hay supplementation would be needed. On the other hand, if your farm has heavier soil, there is good rainfall, and you practice good pasture management, then your pasture should be able to support your two horses, and maybe one more, during the summer grazing season. For more information on pasture management, visit https://extension. umn.edu/horse-pastures-and-facilities/managing-established-horse-pastures.
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Reinforcement for Horse Learning Ashley Griffin
The trainer must decide the appropriate form of reinforcement to stimulate the proper response when a horse initially learns a new cue. The basic principle of reinforcement is that certain events are capable of strengthening responses to certain stimuli. It is doubtful any learning can take place without some type of reinforcement. Reinforcement can be divided into two categories: • Primary reinforcement – has natural reinforcement properties. Examples of primary reinforcement are feed, pain, and returning to herd mates. • Secondary reinforcement – is performing acts of kindness. Examples of secondary reinforcement are a pat on the neck, a verbal “good horse,” not asking the horse to perform the task again, and ending the training session. Secondary reinforcement will take a period of time for the horse to learn.Trainers primarily use secondary reinforcement in training horses. Types of reinforcement • Positive (reward training) – Rewards imposed on a horse during training must first be associated with a primary reinforcement for the horse to distinguish it. This type of reinforcement can be quite successful in training a horse. Today, more trainers use positive reinforcement in their training programs. There is a move to more natural horsemanship and an increasing desire to understand why a horse reacts to a situation based on its natural instinct. • Negative reinforcement – This consists of adverse stimuli that, if given a choice, the horse will avoid. Types of negative reinforcement Avoidance Avoidance punishment is the most popular form of reinforcement used in working with horses. Avoidance works by giving the horse a cue. If
the horse responds correctly, there is no punishment. However, if the response is incorrect or late, then punishment is administered. Highly trained horses are making avoidance choices. Well-trained horses require very little negative reinforcement because they have learned the correct responses. Escape reinforcement With this type of reinforcement, the horse will move away from pressure. An example of escape reinforcement is when the rider squeezes his legs around the barrel of the horse and the horse moves forward in an escape response. Punishment Used mainly to break bad habits, punishment immediately follows the unwanted response. The aim of this method is not the acquisition of a new response but to eliminate or weaken a response already in the horse’s repertoire. Intensity of punishment is critical. Correction should be sharp and quick and should fit the personality of the horse. One horse may be corrected with very light punishment and another may require more intensity. Punishment must cause the horse to select a desirable alternative response that leads to reward. Punishment must immediately follow the incorrect response. If too much time is allowed to go by, the reinforcement effectiveness is lowered. Punishment must be administered with care so that it will not become the stimulus for bad behavior. A horse can become panicky through negative reinforcement, causing the trainer to stop training before the desired response is reached. The horse will quickly learn that unmanageable behavior will stop negative reinforcement. The horse can also become so intent on watching and understanding the trainer that its performance may suffer.
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Riding on the trails this summer? Be sure you’re sharing the trails responsibly Taylor Fabus EAST LANSING, MI. — If you’re spending time with your horse on the trail, it’s important to do so responsibly. Read on to discover many ways in which you can be sure that you ride responsibly. Travel responsibly Stay on designated roads, trails and other areas open to horses. Ride single file to reduce trail damage. Spread out in open country where there are no trails. Spreading out, rather than following each other’s footsteps, disperses impact and avoids creating a new trail.
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Comply with all signs and respect barriers. Riders should match their skill level to the temperament and ability of the horse they ride.Learn more about selecting the appropriate horse for you. At trailheads or staging areas, park vehicles and secure horses in a manner that provides a safe distance between the horses and passing traffic. Less experienced horses and riders should ride behind more “trail-wise” horses and riders. Learn moreabout safety on the trail. Respect the rights of others Be considerate of others on the road or trail. Be prepared to let other trail enthusiasts know what needs to be done to keep you, the horse and other passersby safe when you meet on the trail. Be alert and aware of the presence of other trail enthusiasts. If possible, pull to the side of the trail when you hear oncoming off-highway vehicles or bicycles. Leave gates as you find them. If crossing private property, be sure to ask permission from the landowner(s). Do not disturb historical, archeological or paleontological sites. Avoid “spooking” livestock and wildlife you encounter and keep your distance. Water animals in areas where stream banks and water access can withstand hard use and are downstream from campsites. Educate yourself Obtain a map of your destination and determine which areas are open to your type of pack animals. Make a realistic plan and stick to it. Always tell someone of your travel plans. Contact the land manager for area restric-
June 2021
tions, closures and permit requirements. Check the weather forecast for your destination. Plan clothing, equipment and supplies accordingly. Carry a compass or a Global Positioning System a (GPS) unit and know how to use it. Carry water and emergency supplies even on short trips. Keep groups small and carry lightweight gear to reduce the number of animals needed. Pre-plan camp locations that provide plenty of room and the proper environment for confining animals. Take responsibility for your horse’s education. Introduce it to vehicles and situations it may encounter on shared trails. Do your part Pack out what you pack in. Carry a trash bag and pick up litter left by others. Practice minimum impact camping by using established sites and camping 200 ft. from water resources and trails. When selecting a campsite, first consider your horses; the site should accommodate them without damaging the area. When breaking camp, remove or scatter manure, remove excess hay and straw, and fill areas dug up by animal hooves. Observe proper sanitary waste disposal or pack your waste out. Bring pellets, grain or weed-free hay to areas where feed is limited or grazing is not allowed. This helps reduce the spread of invasive species. Wash your gear and support vehicle and check your animal before and after every ride to avoid the spread of invasive species. Build a trail community. Get to know other types of recreationists that share your favorite trail.
Rombauer Storms to Victory in 146th Preakness Stakes Chris Bumbaca
Two weeks ago, Medina Spirit could not be caught after jumping out to the front of the pack at the Kentucky Derby. That was not the case at the 146th Preakness Stakes. Rombauer blew past the controversial Kentucky Derby winner and Midnight Bourbon, whose odds had dropped to 5-2 – the same as Medina Spirit – prior to post time, to win the Preakness. Medina Spirit ran out of gas to finish third, two lengths behind second-place Midnight Bourbon, who could not hold off an electric finish from the No. 6 colt. The epic homestretch dash gave Rombauer, who went off at 11-1 odds, a 3½-length victory over the 10-horse field with an unofficial 1:53.62 in the 1 3/16-mile race. Rombauer's first two career victories — including one at the El Camino Real Derby in February that earned him an automatic Preakness berth — saw him come from behind, too. It was the first Triple Crown race victory for trainer Michael McCarthy, who was visibly emotional after the win. "I'm stunned, (but) not totally surprised," he said. "Not sure if that makes any sense." McCarthy, a disciple of famous trainer Todd Pletcher, said he'd pushed for Rombauer to run in the Kentucky Derby and that his last two work sessions at Pimlico had gone well.
Rombauer owner John Fradkin said he and McCarthy shared heated debate over whether to run Rombauer at Churchill Downs. Fradkin thought his horse’s running style, plus a more crowded field compared to the other Triple Crown legs, made for tougher competition. “I believe in running the easiest spots as possible,” he said. Flavien Prat, the jockey who rode Rombauer at the 146th Preakness Stakes, had been aboard longshot 2019 Kentucky Derby winner Country House; they were ruled the winners after Maximum Security was disqualified for impeding other horses' paths. “There’s so much history behind these races,” Prat said Saturday. “To win one is amazing. To win the Preakness is even better.” After serving as the final leg of last year's pandemic-altered Triple Crown, the Preakness resumed its middle-race place in the order. Pimlico welcomed 10,000 fans to the grandstand area on what was a gorgeous Spring Saturday. The Preakness' famously rowdy infield scene was once again subdued because of the pandemic, but groups could listen to musical acts perform in designated pods to create a familiar feeling of a giant party at the track. Pimlico also reported a record handle of $112,504,509 over the 14 races on Preakness Saturday. The previous record was $99,852,693 in 2019. The Belmont Stakes, set for June 5, will not have Triple Crown potential – controversial or not.
Horse racing has been rocked by another scandal involving legendary trainer Bob Baffert. It was revealed Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit had an illegal amount of the anti-inflammatory substance Betamethasone on race day, putting his victory in doubt for the time being. The horse was permitted to race the Preakness since it tested negative on multiple drug tests, along with Baffert’s other horse in the race, Concert Tour, who finished second to last after being considered equal to Medina Spirit. Baffert chose not to be in attendance at the 146th Preakness Stakes, saying he wanted to keep the focus on Medina Spirit and not him. “I have been deeply saddened to see this case portrayed as a ‘doping’ scandal or betamethasone labeled as a ‘banned’ substance. Neither is remotely true," Baffert said in a statement through NBC about two hours before post time. "Betamethasone is an allowable and commonly used medication in horse racing. Further, 21 picograms would have zero pharmacology in a horse. All I ask is that everyone not rush to judgment and allow all of the facts, evidence and science to come to light." Had Rombauer finished a strong third at Pimlico, the chances of him continuing on to Belmont would be greater. The victory, though, will cause Fradkin and McCarthy to have additional conversations. “We’ll have to see how (Rombauer)’s doing,” Fradkin said. "We're not going to make that decision tonight."
Jockey Flavien Prat, aboard Rombauer, celebrates in the winners circle after winning the 146th Preakness Stakes in Baltimore. Rob Carr
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How to Protect Your Horse’s Legs
Gabrielle Dingell
EAST LANSING, MI. — Most equestrians have one thing in common: the constant concern of their horse’s health and safety. One of the most common types of injuries for horses are leg injuries. Many such injuries can be prevented by using proper leg protection during exercise. Polo wraps The first type of leg protection we’ll discuss is the polo wrap. These are typically made from fleece and have a slight stretch to them. Polo wraps are the only leg protection that will simultaneously provide tendon support and leg protection, making them popular with young horses that do not yet have full control of their bodies. Polo wraps must be properly applied to the horse or you may increase the risk of a bowed tendon occurring during exercise. Ensure your wraps only place pressure on the front of the cannon bone and only light pressure on the delicate tendons behind the leg. Splint boots Our next form of leg protection is the splint boot. The splint boot, aptly named for the intended protection of the splint bone, is one of the simplest forms of leg protection. These boots have just three Velcro strips for application. Simply place the boot against the horse’s leg, slide it down a bit to smooth the hair underneath, and fasten the Velcro through the metal loops. You want them snug, but not so tight that they cause discomfort or limit blood flow. Make sure the Velcro tails are pointing towards the tail of the horse. Again, so all pressure is on the cannon bone, not the tendons. Sports medicine boots These boots provide an all-around, heavy-duty protection for the leg. These are made of thick neoprene and a Velcro layer covering. These are intended for strenuous, hard work such as speed events or endurance. These boots are also very simple in application. Simply place the boot on the leg so it cups the fetlock, and bring your top three Velcro
around to secure, again, ensuring the tails face towards the tail of the horse. The bottom Velcro will come up and across the fetlock, providing support and protection to the fetlocks during work. Open front boots Open front boots are more common with horses that are used for activities over fences. The ones with Velcro are typically used for practice at home and the leather ones with buckles are more often used during competition. Each type of open front serves the same purpose: to protect the leg and tendons from the back feet clipping them, while still leaving the bulk of a boot off the front to avoid accidentally knocking a rail. Fetlock boots Fetlock boots are used on hind legs to prevent the fetlocks from catching each other, most commonly in horses used over fences. These boots match the buckle open fronts discussed earlier to make a complete set. These boots can also be found in a Velcro set, fastening similarly to the splint boots. Bell boots
Our final kind of leg protection we’ll discuss here is the bell boot. There are two different kinds of bell boots shown in the photo, both serving a similar purpose of protecting the heel bulb of the front leg from being struck by an overreaching hind foot. The striped, green boot in the picture is made of a comfortable, soft material that is strong enough to protect but gentle enough to not rub the ankles of the horse. If a horse is moving at a strong gait, there is always a chance a back foot may catch a heel bulb or shoe and potentially cause damage. By protecting the area during work, we are hoping to prevent injury or costly vet or farrier bills. The black boot in the picture is more often used for daily turnout and is made of rubber. These can also be used for work, but aren’t as strong at high-speed impact. Bell boots should always come in contact with the ground. The entire heel bulb and shoe should be covered by the boot for proper protection. While we can never completely eliminate all risks, we can work to prevent or lessen the risk of injury, keeping both our horses and pocketbooks healthier.
Bell boots. Gabrielle Dingell
Chair Alexander, ag committee advance plan to support equine industry Jeremiah Ward LANSING, MI. — State Rep. Julie Alexander, chair of the House Agriculture Committee, today led the committee in approving her bipartisan plan to support Michigan’s equine industry. “Horses roam throughout Michigan’s countryside,” said Alexander, of Hanover. “On the farm, at the county fair, and at the racetrack, Michigan’s equine industry provides economic benefits, recreation, and entertainment for our state. Funds are already set aside by law to support Michigan’s horse breeders, owners,
and other hard-working stakeholders, and this plan will help the equine industry grow as available funds continue to increase.” The Agriculture Equine Industry Development Fund (AEIDF) is funded exclusively by revenues from simulcast horse-race wagers, online gaming, and sports betting. House Bills 4599 and 4600, introduced respectively by Alexander and state Rep. John Cherry, would increase incentives for breeding and raising horses in Michigan, using existing dollars from the AEIDF. No taxes would be raised, and no general fund dollars would be expended.
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Among other adjustments, the plan would increase the annual maximum allotment for horse-racing facility improvements at county fairs from $4,000 to $12,000. The bills would also allow the AEIDF to support up to 90 percent of the purses for horse races at fairs or licensed racetracks, decreasing the burden on race entrants; the current maximum is 75 percent. Additionally, the legislation would incentivize racehorse breeding and siring in Michigan. Alexander’s bipartisan plan passed with bipartisan support from the committee and now advances to the full House of Representatives for its consideration.
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Preventing and Preparing for Barn Fires Katie Ockert EAST LANSING, MI. — Have you ever considered what you would do if you had a barn fire? How would you protect your animals and all the other assets you have in your barn? What could you have done to prevent it? The thought of a fire is very scary. Although you cannot completely eliminate the risk that there could be a fire in your barn, there are some steps you can take to reduce the risk and be more prepared. Tips for reducing the risk of a barn fire Contact your local fire department to have them do a “checkup” of your barn and offer more recommendations for your individual situation. The University of Kentucky’s “Preventing Barn Fire: Tips for Horse Owners” recommends the following steps in reducing your chances of having a barn fire. No smoking! Bedding and hay can easily be ignited by a person smoking in or around the barn. Enforce a strict no smoking policy in your barn. Post signs inside and outside your barn. Place a fire extinguisher next to each
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exit, utility box and at roughly 30-40foot intervals in your barn. Inspect and recharge each extinguisher every year, and use a ABC (general purpose) extinguisher. Clean off cobwebs and pick up loose bailer twine. By making sure your barn is clutter-free, you are helping eliminate ways for fire to spread. Electrical devices need to be professionally installed and encased in conduit. Pay attention during winter months to water tank heaters and heated buckets— they continue to generate heat even if there is no water present, which can cause the plastic to melt and a fire to ignite bedding and hay. If you are using electrical cords, make sure that they are professional grade, inspected often and are not overloaded. Keep lights caged and only use lights that are designed for barn use. If possible, keep hay and bedding stored away from a barn housing animals. If you only have one barn, like many of us, make sure hay has properly cured before storing it in the barn. Check the internal temperature of curing hay by poking a thermometer into the middle of the bale. If the temperature reaches
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150 degrees, the hay should be monitored. If it reaches 175 degrees, contact the fire department. Keep tractors, fuel, other petroleum products and machinery away from the barn. Clear any grass, hay, leaves or other combustible materials from equipment before storage. Tips for being prepared in case there is a barn fire Mentally prepare yourself so that you can act calmly and safely in the case of a fire. Remember that human safety is the top priority—ensure your own safety and the safety of others before taking care of animals. The University of Kentucky’s “Preventing Barn Fire: Tips for Horse Owners” recommends the following steps for preparing yourself and being ready if a fire does occur in your barn. Identify and designate a safe place for your animals to go if you can get them out of the barn safely. This location should be away from the fire and allows fire crews enough room to do their jobs. Handling equipment such as halters, leads, etc. should be quickly accessible. Consider the materials these items are made of. Remember that plastic and nylon will melt in heat. Talk about the plan with members of your family and any employees you might have so they can also be prepared in an emergency. Mark gates, pens or stalls with reflective tape or glow-in-the dark paint. This will make it easier to see where you are going in the dark. If you are removing animals, start closest to the exit first and handle animals one at a time or by groups if they are herd animals. Always maintain control of the animals to help reduce their stress, which can prevent other injury risks. If there is a fire, call 911 and get people out of the barn. Only get animals out if you can do so without risking human safety. Follow the directions from the fire department or 911 dispatcher. No one ever wants to think about the risk of a fire, but it is best to be fully prepared so that you can react fast and appropriately.
Easy Homemade Carrot Horse Treats Kyanah Blair You know how when you love someone sometimes you've got an impulse to give them or create for them something lovely? That's what Sarah Kandjian did for her horses. She created the carrot horse treats that were from pantry staples and easy to make.
Te m p e r atu r e 350°
B a k e Ti m e 20-25 minutes
In g r e d i e n t s 2 cups grated carrots (about 4 large carrots) 2 tbsp vegetable oil ¼ cup molasses 1 tsp salt 1 cup oats 1 cup flour optional: ½ cup of your horse's feed or a sweet feed
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl mix together the carrots, oil, and molasses until combined (she used a mixer to mix everything) Add the salt, oats, flour and optional feed and stir until it's combined. It will be a sticky, dough-like
consistency Form into small 1 inch size balls with your hands, or use a small metal scoop Place them on a parchment or sil-pat lined baking sheet and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden.
Horse Fight Versus Flight Instinct
Betsy Greene and Pat Comerford
Horses prefer to flee from danger, if possible. This may be in the form of a total “run off ” or the horse that simply does not want to be caught. However, if flight is not an option, horses will fight to protect themselves from a perceived danger. Horses evolved from small mammals whose survival depended on their ability to flee from predators. This basic survival mechanism still is ingrained in the modern horse. Although we have removed most of the predators from the life of the domestic horse, its first instinct when frightened is to run away from the
frightening stimulus. If running is not possible then the horse resorts to biting, kicking, striking or rearing to protect itself. Many of the horse’s natural behavior patterns, such as forming herds and performing the same activities as other horses in their herd, relate directly to their prey status. To safely work with horses, no matter what the venue – a basic understanding of behavior can aid any level of horsemen.One of the most important things to remember is that horses evolved as a prey species. That means that many of their instinctive reactions are based in a desire to protect themselves from danger. June 2021
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