November 2022 Equine Times

Kim Kramar

Jennifer Dymond, Carla Clark and Peggy Auwerda

The colorful and extraordinary breed of the Gypsy Vanner horse dates back to the eccentric Gypsy travelers in England. These stur dy caravan horses were not only flashy horses but were also part of the art form that the Gypsy travelers displayed. From their stout strong stature, flowing manes and tails to the feathers on their legs, these hors es were looked upon as a symbol of power and strength among the Gypsy culture. Today, they continue to hold awe and wonder amongst breeders and onlookers as a symbol of power and strength.

Until the late 20th centu ry the Gypsy Vanner was not a recognized breed. Many of the foundational bloodlines were typically kept secret by family mem bers so there is little knowledge about the true bloodlines of the breed. However, what is known, is that such powerful bloodlines and numerous qualities of the Shires, Clydesdales, Dales Pony and the Friesian were used to create this exquisite

horse. From these founda tional breeds, comes stamina, good natured temperament and certainly majestic beauty.

The Gypsy Vanner horse is a hearty draft style horse that is generally 13 to 16 hands in height. The head of a Gypsy Vanner is pleas ant with an intelligent eye.

The topline is said to be “level” with its natural aligned curvature from wither to tail head. There is proportional curvature to the croup to enhance the powerful abilities of the hindquarters. The muscling is balanced throughout the body and the legs are straight and correctly

J. Klein Photos

aligned. The athletic ground covering trot of the Gypsy Vanner is a “trademark” of the horse’s powerful fancy image. The Gypsy Vanner’s conformation allows them to trot willingly and freely under a load and at liberty. While there is no set color standard for this breed,

most are considered piebald (having irregular patches of two colors, typically black and white) or skewbald (having irregular patches of white and another color (properly not black). The most noted visual trait of the Gypsy Vanner horse is the abundance of hair and

“feathers’ that should be straight and silky. The manes and tails of this breed are full and flowing giving them an elegant and majestic appearance.

The Gypsy Vanners are a very versatile breed known for their soundness and san ity. Although originally bred to pull the lavish wagons of the ancient Gypsies, their gentle nature lent itself to the teaching of young Gypsy children the skill of riding. With the outstanding disposition of kindness, generous efforts and faithful nature, the Gypsy horse is easily trainable for almost any discipline. You can find them pulling carts and carriages, ridden in the dres sage ring, over fences, as western pleasure horses, down the trail, and even ful filling therapy duties.

In 1996 the first Gypsy Vanner horses came to North America and the Gypsy Vanner Horse Society was established as a registry for the breed. At that time the breed did not have a name and the name Gypsy Vanner horse was chosen because the breed was a Gypsy’s “vanner horse,” bred to pull the colorful caravan.

Kim Kramar

Michigan Foxtrotting Horse Association

Michigan Fox Trotter Association

Michigan Fox Trotter Association

Hello December! Time is sure flying!!

Marilyn Mannino

Marilyn Mannino

At our November meeting we elected some new officers for 2021. Congratulations go out to Bob Howell elected as the new MFTA Pres ident, Kathy Kruch is now VP, Marilyn is still Secretary/Treasurer, Char Ostrom is the new 2-year Director and Miranda Mannino is now the 1-year Director.

is nothing like the expectation of a well-bred foal!

Hello April! Spring is upon us! People are out Fox Trotting and enjoying the weather. Many are accumulat ing points in the Versatility Challenges that we are offer ing.

We are accepting membership renewals and new memberships for 2021 now. Youth are encouraged to join too! Go to www.michiganfox trotters.com to print off the form. You will learn alot from our members about the history of Fox Trotters,their uses and availability and be able to network with those of us who camp,train and show them. Our association is blessed to have skilled trainers,breeders and a farrier to learn from. We love promoting this breed as they have great personalities,are so versatile and come in many sizes and different coat colors. A benefit to joining is that we can offer clinics at a reduced price to our members. Due to Covid we are meeting remotely each month. Michigan is a big state and this is a good way to easily see and talk with each other within and outside of MI. Come join the fun!

There's just something about a versatile Fox Trotter that makes life so much better. They effortlessly carry us floating for hours down the cool and shaded trails or sure footedly up treeless mountain trails. Fox Trotters allow us to chase cows as they have done for early Missouri set tlers. They excel in west ern and English gaited dressage, saddle seat, plea sure and trail classes. Some even love to jump. They do well in endurance too. Missouri Fox Trotters easily pull carriages and carts with style. They serve well as mounts for the U.S. Forest Service and the mounted police. They have great minds and love to figure out obstacles.

Registration is still open for all three Versatility Challenges (Under Saddle Challenge, Not Under Saddle Challenge and Ultimate Horseman Challenge). This pro gram is designed to show how versatile the Missouri Fox Trotter is. Registered and grade MFTs are allowed. All handicapped and regular youth through adults are welcome. Every imaginable activity and category is included from in hand work to Dressage, short distance trail riding to endurance competitions and everything in-between (cow work, driving, extreme trail, 4H and open showing, parades, reining, trail mainte nance and more!). We also included a competition for the most ambitious member who demonstrates their horsemanship skills in a wide variety of categories. Quarterly and year-end awards will be given. Go to www.michiganfoxtrotters.com to read the rules and print off the forms to join in on the friendly competition and fun.

Sign up now for the popular Versatility Challenge for 2021. Print off the enrollment form from our website. There are may areas in which you can accumulate points-even in the non-rideable months.

Missouri Fox Trotters come in a variety of colors, builds and sizes. They can be bred to produce even more color combinations and sizes. What's more fun than expecting a fresh new foal to bond with? They are smart companions for the young and the old.

More Fox Trotters are slowly becoming available to purchase but they are selling fast. There is a good video on the correct Fox Trot gait posted on our Face Book site to refer to when you are considering an MFT to buy. Be sure to bring a knowledgeable person with you,too, when you narrow down your search. Breeders, Chuck Fanslow (riv erflatranch.com) and Gale Gunders (989-534-1207), have well-gaited young stock available. They also have quality studs to breed to if you have a mare you want bred. Chuck has a Buckskin stallion and a palomino stallion(both sons of Cotton Eyed Joe). Gale has a spotted stallion who will throw color to your foal. Both are located in Gladwin,MI. Contact them if you want to have your mare bred. There

Finding an affordable Missouri Fox Trotter to buy has been a challenge lately. Demand is high and supply is limited in our state. They can be found in plenitude in Missouri but there are qual ity breeders closer in Michigan and surrounding states. Some people will breed their mare for the experience then sell the weanling later. Many get sent to auction merely because the seller doesn't want to take the time to find a suitable buyer. Owners will sell Missouri Fox Trotters in their upper teens or twenties thinking that they need a younger one, but these experienced horses are the perfect mount for riders to buy.

check one out advertised for sale or at auction, be sure to bring someone knowledgeable with you who can advise you about the quality of the

Don't forget to transfer your newly-bought horse's registration papers into your name with the MFTHBA,too.

We have resources and people available for you to learn from and breeders to refer you to if you want to buy a young one to train or if you want to further the training with your present horse.

We are growing! New member welcomes go out to Naomi Haas, equine dentist Kris Modreske and Harry Struble all of MI. Naomi rides a sorrel sabino gelding (Dexter) and a black mare (Hank's Serenity Liberty Bell B). Kris rides a black and white gelding (Radar's Spotted Prior). And congratulations go out to Harry Struble on his purchase of Joe's Golden Chip, a handsome buckskin gelding, from Chuck Fanslow. All these mem bers are riding quality Fox Trotters!!!

The MFTHBA needs registered members to fill their committees for 2021. I just agreed to help out on the Trail Committee again. Surely you can,too! Various committees need members(younger ones too) for their input and advice to increase affiliate numbers,think of ways to make the shows better,to improve and okay National Trail Ride applications,give ideas on clinics (let's get more closer to our state),getting more ver satility riders interested,give ideas on training and picking judges, plus more. Many positions can be supported remotely. Also, this is a great way to meet those from other areas of the USA who raise,train and ride MFTs. I have made new friends this way who I would not have otherwise. Contact the MO Fox Trotting Horse Breeding Association via www.mfthba.com to become a member and for more information

New members are always wel come! Go to www.michiganfox trotters.com to print off the membership form. We meet virtually so all members are able to meet without having to drive long dis tances.

Also, PLEASE send in your MFTA dues and your MFTHBA dues

Wishing everyone a blessed and safe Christmas!

exhibited fox trot gait. Auction horses can have unknown backgrounds or may unfortunately be drugged to sell better. Other breeds can fox trot as well. Grade gaited hors es are frequently advertised as Fox Trotters, but a DNA test will prove that for sure. Buying sight unseen over the inter net is a risk as well unless you personally know the reputable breeder or owner. There are unscrupulous dealers of course who, too often, are very willing to sell you an unsuitable horse. Most of these Missouri Fox Trotters if retrained, fed properly, trimmed correctly and refitted with comfortable tack should turn out to be just fine for you. It's all about being

Our Event Committee is busy planning the next clinic. It will be a Gaited Western Dressage Clinic at the end of May. More details will be available next month. The clinician is top-notch!

Respectfully submitted, Marilyn Mannino

ALLS Money Ca n Buy To An Entire Stall Or An Exhibition Stall. SLIDING OR SWINGING DOORS

You can learn about Missouri Fox Trotters by going to michiganfoxtrottinghorse.com (MFHA) and mfthba.com. Those two sites provide factual tions that you will have about the breed. The helpful people listed on there with their contact

A little history on our breed: The pres ent-day Missouri Fox Trotter evolved from Morgans in New England being crossed with Arabians, Plantation Horses, American Saddlebreds, TWHs and pacing Standardbreds. The genetic mix of square-trotting horses and pacing horses created the comfortable fox trot gait! Missouri Fox Trotting horses have been used by farmers in Missouri and surrounding states to ride long distances to check their fencing and work cows, pull buggies, by US Forest Service workers, by mounted police and now people across the United States and Europe use them for recre ation (showing, trail riding, Dressage,reining, 4H and Equestrian Team, Hippotherapy,etc.). They are truly versatile and also can be found in all colors and sizes! Try one out and find out why everyone loves them so!

Design Stalls that work for you and your Hor ses.... With Component Pieces or the Entire Stall!

Removable Grills

Panels

Lazy Susan Feeders

Water Bucket Doors

ENTERPRISES

Multiple Door Options

When you do purchase your new Missouri Fox Trotter, be sure to transfer the horse into your name. The seller will provide the paperwork for you to do so. This may prove that you are the owner if there is a question about ownership in the future in the absence of a bill of sale. lines allows you to participate in breed specific tion about the authenticity of the breeding, please contact the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse ba.com for the needed forms. The MFHA is also available to help answer any questions if you call 517-983-3550. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. We hope to hear from you soon!

Equine Times

Ask the Expert: Pumpkin Treats for Horses

Hannah Lochner

I've heard some people use pumpkins to treat their horses instead of discarding them at the end. Are pumpkins safe for horses to eat?

Uncarved orange pumpkins and their seeds are safe for most horses to eat. However, as with any treat, they should only be fed in moderation. Avoid feeding horses more than one to two cups of pumpkin per day. To prevent choke, remove the entire stalk and slice the pumpkin into small pieces before feeding. Never feed pumpkins that are rotten or moldy, contain candle wax or have been decorated.

While orange pumpkin is safe as an occasional treat, avoid feeding horses other pumpkins or squashes.

Getting Ready for Winter on Horse Farms

Hannah Lochner

As the days shorten and growing season comes to an end, it's time to start getting ready for winter. Here are a few fall tasks that can help set your farm up for

success before the cold weather hits.

• Manage manure. Manure piles must be removed at least once a year. You can spread manure on your pastures or hire a local farmer or landscaper to remove it for you. When fertilizing your pasture with manure,

take a soil sample and a manure sample so you know how much to spread. Only spread manure on your pastures if you have more than two acres per horse.

• Rest your pastures. Pause grazing on pastures that are ≤ three to four inches tall for the remainder of the year. Rest will allow the grasses a chance to store up nutrients for next year, which will result in healthier pastures come spring. On average a pasture needs 30 days of rest after one to two weeks of grazing. Pasturing horses during the winter can damage plants and offers the horse no nutrition. If possible, keep horses in a dry lot with access to water, hay and shelter.

• Check your fences and waterers. It is always easi er to make repairs and adjustments before the snow flies. Walk your fence lines and pay special attention to any loose or broken posts that will need replacing before the ground freezes. Ensure tanks and waterers, including heating elements, are in good working con dition. Inspect tank heaters for worn wires or dam age, and check the water for electrical sensations or shocks.

• Ensure your hay storage area is free of leaks and rodents. Protect your hay from mold by storing it off the ground and under a sealed roof. Stack bales on pallets to allow airflow below the bales and to prevent hay from absorbing ground moisture. Bales stored on wet surfaces can have as much as 50% spoilage. Plug rodent holes and detour larger animals such as rac coons that may be looking to move in for the winter.

• Deworm your horses based on fecal egg counts. Fecal egg counts can help determine the parasite load and type of parasite present in your horses. You can then select the appropriate dewormer for a specific parasite, which can be cost effective and reduce the risk of parasite resistance to deworming products. Work with your veterinarian to develop a deworming program that is right for your farm.

• Assess your horse's weight routinely. Heavy winter coats or blankets can often hide changes in a

horse's bodyweight. Regularly gauge your horse's weight through body condition scoring so you can adjust your feeding program to meet their needs. Starting now can help you recognize any changes over winter. Sorting horses by age, body condition and nutrient requirements makes it easier to feed groups of horses appropriately.

• Watch for signs of colic. Colic is often unpredictable and frequently unpreventable. However, changes in management practices associated with cold weather have been linked to colic. As winter approaches, remember to make gradual changes to diet, turnout and exercise as needed. Also, ensure that your horse has free access to fresh and clean water.

Winter Blanketing Practices

Hannah Lochner

Minimal research has evaluat ed the effects of winter blanketing on horse health and welfare. As a result, winter blanketing is a high ly debated practice within the horse community. Researchers in the Midwest aimed to develop a better understanding of blanket ing practices and beliefs of horse owners in North America.

The researchers developed a survey that consisted of 33 ques tions regarding demographics, usage of winter blankets and par ticipant beliefs on use or nonuse of winter blankets. The survey was available online from

December 1, 2020 to January 5, 2021 and yielded 1,450 complete responses.

Overall, 54% of respondents reported blanketing the majority of their horses during winter. While 68% of respondents resided in the Midwest, geographical region did not affect the frequency of blanket usage. However, riding discipline, years of horse owner ship, number of horses owned, and management (e.g., access to shelter or forage) did impact blan ket usage. The most common rea son for blanketing was exposure to rain, sleet, or snow (85%) followed by exposure to wind (58%). In contrast, access to shelter (50%)

Michelle DeBoer

was the most common reason for not blanketing. Seventy-three per cent of respondents agreed that scientific research on winter blan keting would help horse owners and managers with decision mak ing when considering blanketing.

The results of this survey pro vide valuable information on blan keting practices in North America and can help direct future research and education efforts. For more information on this research, visit https://www.sciencedirect.com/ science/article/abs/pii/ S0737080622000491?via%3Dihub to view the abstract published in the Journal of Equine Veterinary Sciences.

As Ian floodwaters rose, a rush to rescue residents – and livestock: 'We ride in a boat, but the horses can’t'

Trevor Hughes

VENICE, FL. — Battling ris ing floodwaters on boat and horse back, rescuers plucked stranded residents from their homes and herded cattle to higher ground as the Myakka River overflowed its banks.

Locals and rescuers, long famil iar with how hurricanes push

water into their neighborhoods, said Hurricane Ian drove unusually high flooding, which came three days after the storm’s passage.

The heavy storm surge was exacerbated by hours of pounding rainfall in Central Florida – leading to deep inland flooding. Several longtime residents blamed new developments for destroying his toric floodplains able to soak up

the water.

“We’re used to flooding, but we’ve never seen anything like this,” said Jennifer Stringer, 50, a high school teacher who has lived alongside the river since 2011. “All that water has no place to go.”

The high waters forced a nearly 24-hour closure of Interstate 75 over the river as engineers assessed the damage to bridge piers about

Haley Milenki rides Ronin, one of eight horses relocated in Venice, Florida amid rising floodwater following the hurricane. Thomas Bender

seven miles inland from the coast. The closure caused massive traffic jams as returning evacuees strug gled to get home.

Stringer said when she left her house two days earlier, water was six inches below the front door of her stilt home. The water was sig nificantly higher and she worried what she’d find as she boarded a

small boat to float down the road into her neighborhood.

'Worst I've ever seen it here'

A flotilla of boats was buzzing around the neighborhood, from small fishing boats to kayaks and stand-up paddleboards.

Bruce Phillips, 61, grimly climbed aboard a borrowed kayak to paddle to his longtime home off

Border Road, near the Sleeping Turtles park. He and his family have lived there for 45 years, and he feared what he'd find.

Phillips evacuated his elderly mother before the storm arrived, and came back to check on the property. Phillips remembered minor flooding during previous storms and floating around on

Chelsea Sunderman, 33, rode Ringo through floodwaters to safety near Venice, Florida as the Myakka River levels rose. Trevor Hughes

55-gallon drums as a kid. Ian, he said, was different.

"It’s the worst I’ve ever seen it here," he said.

Most of the flooding took place inland of Venice, impacting sever al cattle and horse ranches, including Stepping Stones Farms, where volunteers swam eight horses out to dry land.

'Man, that's a lot of water'

“You see the water and it’s like, 'man that’s a lot of water.' It’s crazy," said Jason White, 40, who helped tear down fences so his friends could remove the animals. "But the horses intuitively know what to do.”

Chelsea Sunderman, 33, rode

out out on a horse named Ringo, snapping a selfie midswim. She said she helped rescue a calf the night before, and returned to help other volunteers with the horses.

"I can't believe we did that," Sunderman said after loading Ringo into a horse trailer for evac uation.

Scott Benge, 54, who owns Stepping Stones Farm, said bring ing the horses to a safe barn where they could be fed and watered was an immense relief. He said he and his family had been wading through the waters as they rose, trying to keep the horses fed, watered and safe.

“It’s a huge burden lifted off

our shoulders," he said. "We can ride in a boat, but the horses can’t.”

About a half a mile away, Keith Stafford, 27, sat in the bed of his pickup looking out at the water surrounding his home. Stafford and his friends drove through the water earlier in the day when it had been lower.

“We’re OK, but this is definite ly the highest I’ve seen it here. We went through Hurricane Charley and it didn’t even come close to what we’re seeing," he said. "Now we’ve got our own private island."

Concerns time was running out Authorities had no reports of deaths from the flooding, but were

Road signs stick out of the water in a flooded area of DeSoto County, Florida following the passage of Hurricane Ian. Trevor Hughes

concerned about the safety of a Sarasota County water treatment plant.

The waters were still rising, and Nikki Duyn worried aloud about her neighbors and livestock.

Duyn's home was spared, but she fretted about the cows and goats still stuck on grassy islands within the flooded areas. Her fam

ily spent several days helping extract horses and other livestock from the flood zones, and Duyn shared their work on TiKTok to her 56,000 followers, prompting a flood of requests for help.

As the sun began to descend over the flooded neighborhood, Duyn fretted there wasn't enough time to help everyone, despite the

best efforts of her husband and his large extended family.

Even her 12-year-old son, Cody, was pressed into service as a rescue boat captain, zooming over the top of fences, dodging submerged mailboxes and circling neighbor's flooded yards.

“It just keeps coming,” Duyn said.

Hurricane Ian churns the seas along Fort Myers Beach as the massive storm descended on southwest Florida. Wind speeds crept to within two mph of Category 5, the most devastating hurricane level. Andrew West

Trinity Moore surveys the high water from a park bench at the Port St. John boat ramp in Brevard County, Florida after the winds of Ian had passed. Tim Shortt