October 2021
Serving the Michigan, Indiana & Ohio Tri-State Horse Community
Equestrians:
We're more similar than we are different
If we spend more time focusing on our similarities rather than our differences, we might all learn a little something about different horse breeds and riding styles. Taylor Fabus and Amy Kravutske
Taylor Fabus and Amy Kravutske I remember my first high school equestrian team meet vividly, mainly the chaos. Growing up in the hunter/jumper discipline, tying your horse to a trailer all day as opposed to renting a stall seemed like a form of cruel and unusual punishment. Then when I joined a collegiate polo team, it baffled me to tack up the polo ponies and leave them tied in the stall until we were finished riding. I never truly understood the practices of these disciples, I merely adhered to the standards that were expected of me. That all changed once I dove deep into my equine science classes at Michigan State University. I’ve condensed what I’ve learned about the basic necessities of horse management into four major lessons I learned. Horses are horses. Whether you have a 17-hh (horse’s height in hands) warmblood used for dressage or a 15-hh American quarter horse for cutting, they all have similar living requirements. Individual management varies for human convenience, however all systems have the same intention of keeping healthy, happy horses. “There’s more than one way to peel
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an orange.” As one of my dad’s favorite phrases, this was drilled in my head at a young age. This became one of the truest and most evident key points of my studies. There are so many different ways to achieve managing a healthy horse, each with equally valid pros and cons. Doing something differently does not mean doing something wrong. Everything is a choice: feed, stalling, fencing, individual riding technique. After understanding the logic behind different techniques, I can appreciate each person’s approach a little bit better. Get a taste of the different riding styles and disciplines. Doing this has only made me hungrier to learn more. I am motivated to know and understand each individual breed and discipline, and am absolutely fascinated with the versatility of the horse. Take pride in what you do, but never stop learning. The day you stop learning is the day you stop living. There will always be someone who does things differently and they might just have the answer to a problem you’ve been having. If you have never been to a rodeo, I strongly encourage you to go to one. The power and speed
October 2021
of the barrel horses is enough to get any heart racing. Stop by a horse show some time. The precision and skill so clearly displayed through horsemanship classes inspires me to have that same kind of connection with my horses. Go to a polo game if you’ve never been to one. Not only are they galloping at full speeds on a massive field, they’re also leaning considerably off the sides of their horses in the attempt to hit a tiny ball. Polo is one of the only team equestrian sports, and the dynamic of working with your teammates and horses is empowering and strategic. The attention to detail and focus in dressage events proves the importance of “the little things,” and the beauty of it all coming together. The bravery and willingness exhibited by jumping horses does not go unnoticed either. It takes special trust for a horse to gallop at a 4-foot solid fence without hesitation. In the end, I hope you look at your equestrian co-parts and see similar struggles and similar desires. Instead of focusing on how you do things differently, concentrate on what you can learn from each discipline. Realizing the importance of each individual breed and discipline can do wonderful things for the industry as a whole, uniting us through the passion for horses.
If you have never been to a rodeo, I strongly encourage you to go to one. The power and speed of the barrel horses is enough to get any heart racing. Taylor Fabus and Amy Kravutske
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Sometimes criticism can leave us feeling down. Be sure to look at the bright side too! Taylor Fabus
Tips to Help Handle Criticism
Taylor Fabus and Katie Hartman When you’re immersed and invested in an activity, it is easy to get caught up in the moment. Nowhere is this more evident than in horse showing. After investing many hours and likely even more dollars, the idea of that pretty blue ribbon and a trophy can get the best of us. I, too, am guilty of this. I’m guilty of not enjoying the journey and only focusing on the end goal. I’m guilty of not celebrating the many, smaller successes throughout the learning process. With the tips listed below, I hope to equip you with information to better handle the emotionally-charged activity of horse showing. If you follow these five tips, you’ll be able to appreciate the progress you make, albeit it slow at times, which will only make reaching your ultimate goals that much sweeter. First things first. It’s crucial to realize just how useful criticism and critique can be. My horse is by no extent a perfect horse. I have put my all and then some into training him myself along with lessons from my 4-H leader. You and I like to believe we are the best and deserve that first place, but in reality our successes in the show ring are only one way to measure our overall success. No matter your competitive performance, all of us could improve in some degree. Have you ever gotten that sick feeling in your stomach when someone tells you to change this, improve this or work harder on that? That feeling like you can’t seem to get anything right? Yeah, me too. But we have to remember that if someone is providing us with constructive criticism, they are trying to help us improve and achieve our
goals. They are unselfishly sharing their expertise with us. Here are some tips on how to take criticism like a champ. Don’t complain. First of all, any true equestrian knows this is not an easy sport and you need to work to get what you want. If you want to be in this game, there will be blood, sweat and tears. Your trainer, friend or 4-H leader is just trying to help you get better. Complaining to them may inadvertently send the signal you don’t want help. This will likely prevent them from offering advice in the future. Be willing to work. As with anything worth having, you must work for reaching success with your horse. You will get out of the experience as much as you are willing to put in. Listen and reflect before reacting. Before responding to any criticism, take a moment and try not to react. If you take a deep breath and reflect on the critique offered, you’ll realize that most of the time they aren’t even being negative. Most educators, like trainers, coaches and leaders, will usually phrase the criticism in a positive manner. Don’t take it personally. Again, your coach or leader has the best intentions for you and just wants to help you succeed. If what is being said is actually offensive, then politely tell them it wasn’t appreciated. It’s likely they didn’t mean to offend you. Ask questions. A good amount of the time an offensive criticism is just a misunderstood one. If you don’t understand the critique, just ask for clarification. Through this process there will be more opportunities for learning on both sides of the conversation. Just always stay humble and remember why you are doing this, to have fun.
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How to Start a Compost Pile or Bin Standlee Barn Bulletin Did you know food scraps and yard waste together currently make up more than 28% of what we throw away? That’s right, 28% or a whopping 75.9 million tons in 2017! Composting this organic waste at home can have a significant impact on our environment by reducing the amount of trash in our landfills and helps you create a bountiful garden that will be the envy of your friends and neighbors. Home composting may sound intimidating at first, but these steps will have you composting like a pro in no time. Composting Science A compost pile is actually a habitat. Composting is a natural, biological process carried out by a vast number and variety of decomposer organisms or “DOers.” DOers, such as bacteria and fungi, account for most of the decomposition. Larger organisms, including insects and earthworms, also break down the materials, especially in the later stages of the process. For DOers to be the most effective, they need a balance of air, water and food. Too much or too little of one of these elements can cause your compost habitat to fall out of balance, resulting in less desirable results. The balance of water and air, and nitrogen (green matter) and carbon (brown matter) are the two most important factors. Some common issues with imbalances are: • Too Much Water, Not Enough Air = Slimy and Smelly Compost • Too Much Air, Not Enough Water = Stops the Decomposition Process • Too Much Nitrogen, Not Enough Carbon = Smelly Compost
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• Too Much Carbon, Not Enough Nitrogen = Slower Decomposition Throughout the process, DOers produce carbon dioxide, water vapor, and heat. Over time, the composting materials change from a diverse mixture of individual ingredients, such as leaves, grass clippings, and food scraps, to a uniform soil. Choose Your Container Most compost containers fall into one of four main categories: heaps (simple stacked piles), hoops (caged enclosures), bins (boxed enclosures), and barrels (drum enclosures). Determine which type is best for you based on preference and the amount of outdoor space you have. You need at least 3 square feet of space to work with and unless you’ve chosen a container that is fully enclosed, it’s recommended you place directly on bare soil for the best results. Consider the ease of mixing or turning your compost when choosing a container. Modern containers allow you to easily turn the entire bin for best results. If you are using a heap style of building a hoop of bins encloser, consider how much space and what tools you will need to mix and turn. A heavy-duty garden hoe or pitch fork is recommended for larger piles and enclosures.
What to Compost Many types of food scraps and yard waste can be composted. Even items you might not think are compostable like eggshells, cut flowers, coffee grounds (and paper filters), old newspapers, tea and tea bags, and hair (pet or human) can be tossed in the pile. To keep your compost process health, and less smelly, take a look at some do’s and don’ts for composting in the table. The key is to aim for equal amounts of green matter and brown matter to keep your compost healthy. Green matter includes things like fruits, vegetables and grass clippings while brown matter is dry material like small twigs, dry leaves, or even old newspapers. As mentioned before, maintaining a balance is essential because brown matter is rich in carbon, feeding the organisms that break down the scraps and green matter supplies nitrogen. Layering your Compost Pile To keep an optimal mix of green matter and brown matter, we follow the “Lasagna Layering” recommendations from the Cornell Cooperative Extension and Master Composters of Tompkins County. • Start with Sticks – Create a crisscrossed layer of sticks, about 8” high at the
Do
Don't
Fruits and Vegetables Grass clippings Leaves, weeds Manure Coffee Grounds Egg Shells Bark, stems, stalks Garden and canning waste
Meats Bones Large branches Dairy products Synthetic products Plastics Garden and canning waste Pet wastes
October 2021
bottom of your pile or bin. This helps with airflow. • Add Brown Matter – Add a layer of brown matter, such as dried leaves or torn newspaper over the sticks. Layer higher on the sides and lower in the middle to create a “bowl” shape. • Add Green Matter – Add a layer of green matter, such as fruit and vegetable scraps and grass clippings to the middle of the “bowl.” • Cover the Green – Add a final layer of about 1-2” of brown matter to cover the greens.
uniform aeration. Small amounts of fresh materials may be added to compost, mainly if a vertical composting system is used. If enough material is available, make a new pile instead of combining fresh materials with nearly finished compost. Using Your Compost With the right mixture, your compost
should smell like nothing but earthy dirt once it’s through the process. Mix finished compost into your garden beds or potted plant soil. You can even sprinkle it on top of already planted areas and sparse lawn spots to improve nutrients. Remember, compost is not a replacement for your soil, but instead acts as a natural fertilizer to nurture your soil and plants, so add it a couple of times a year for best results.
Compost Pile Maintenance Mix or turn your compost pile every one to two weeks. If compost is mixed correctly and maintained, a final product may be obtained in one to two months under optimum summer conditions. It should be about half its original size with an earthy smell. Other tips from the University of Colorado Extension include: Plant materials are often dry on the outside while the center remains moist. Water consistently to keep compost uniformly damp but not wet. Use an aeration tool to reach into the compost to lift and move plant materials. Turn the entire mass occasionally to provide
CLUB NEWS
Michigan Foxtrotting Horse Association Michigan Fox Association Michigan Fox Trotter Trotter Association
Hello December! Time is sure flying!! Marilyn Mannino Marilyn Mannino At our November meeting we elected some newThe officers for 2021. Congratulations go out change is... drum are out now Fox the Helloexciting April!new Spring is upon us! roll.... Peopleweare to Bob Howell as the newand MFTA Pres-We have a MFHA! Noteelected our new name logo. Trotting and enjoying theMarilyn weather. Many are accumulatident, Kathy Kruch is now is still brand new Facebook pageVP,and website (michiing points in the Versatility Challenges that we are offerSecretary/Treasurer, Char Ostrom is the new ganfoxtrottinghorse.com). ing. 2-year and Miranda WeDirector are growing and Mannino in orderis now to Registration still open offor all three Versatility the 1-year Director. financially supportisthe offering are accepting membership renewals Not Under Saddle Challenges (Under Saddle moreWe activities, we needed to Challenge, seriand new memberships for for 2021 now. Youth Challenge). are ously consider 501c3 Challenge andapplying Ultimate Horseman This proencouraged joinEIN. too! Go topreviwww.michiganfoxstatus and atonew gram is designed to The show how versatile the Missouri Fox trotters.com to print off unable the form. You will learn alot ous organization was Trotter is. Registered and to grade MFTs are allowed. from oursomembers about thechose history of Fox Trotters,their do that the membership All handicapped and youth through usesend andthe availability and regular be able to old association and to network with those of us who adults are welcome. Every imaginable camp,train and show them. Our association is blessed to have skilled start out fresh with this one. The activity andonly category included trainers,breeders andaffiliate a farrieris to learn from. We love promoting this MFHA is the from from in they hand work to Dressage, breed as have greatwith personalities,are so versatile and come in Michigan associated the many sizes andTrotting different coat colors. short distance trailHorse riding toA benefit to joining is that we Missouri Fox Breed can offer clinics atAva, a reduced price to our members. Due to Covid we Association ofcompetitions Missouri. The endurance and are meeting remotely each month. Michigan is a big state and this is a officers are the same as before. Bob everything in-between (cow good wayis topresident, easily see Miranda and talk with each other within and outside of Howell Mannino is work, driving, extreme trail, MI. Come join the fun! vice president and Marilyn Mannino is secre4H Sign and now open showing, foroffice the popular Versatility Challenge tary. The up treasurer is separate from that of thefor 2021. Print parades, reining, trail mainteoff the enrollment form Ostrom from ouriswebsite. There are may areas in secretary now. Charleen our newly appointed treasurer. nance and more!). We also whichnewly you can accumulate points-even in the months. Our appointed board members arenon-rideable Autumn Sell and included competition forFanslow the Elizabeth aKittendorf. Chuck is still a director. Kathy
most ambitious member PROTECT YOUR LARGEwho BALE HAY INVE$TMENT! demonstrates their horsemanship skills in a wide variety of categories. Quarterly and year-end awards will be given. Go to www.michiganfoxtrotters.com
We haveexpectation resources people available you present to learn Kruch is our newsletter editorand and web designer.for The is nothing like the of a well-bred foal! from and breeders refer you toOur if you want to membership has been over your toto the MFHA. bylaws are Don't forget tomoved transfer newly-bought horse's buyata young oneinstitution. to train or if The you want topopular further updated and we bank another very registration papers into your name with the MFTHBA,too. the training with your presentashorse. versatility program will continue before. All of We are growing! New welcomes gomembers out to Themember MFTHBA needs the accumulated pointsregistered that have been Naomi Haas, equinetodentist Kris Modreske and fill their committees for 2021. Ihave justHarry agreed earned in that program been Struble all of MI. Naomi rides sorrel sabino gelding to help out on athe Trail Committee again. transferred over to this organization (Dexter) and a blackSurely mareyou (Hank's Serenity Liberty Bell can,too! Various committees too. We will still passionately need promembers(younger ones too) for their input B). Kris rides a black and white gelding (Radar's Spotted mote, educate and enjoy our and advice togo increase Fox asnumbers,think we always Prior). And congratulations outTrotters toaffiliate Harry Struble on of waysGolden to makeChip, the shows better,to improve and have. invite you to join. his purchase of Joe's aWe handsome buckskin okay National Trail Ride applications,give on will be All honored tomemhave gelding, from Chuck We Fanslow. theseideas clinics (let's get more closer you! to ourGostate),getting more verto michiganfoxtrotbers are riding quality Trotters!!! satility riders interested,give ideas on training and Fox picking tinghorse.com to judges, print plus off New members are always welmore. Many positions can be supported remotely. Also, is aMake great the membership this form. toUSA www.michiganfoxway to meet those from other come! areas your ofGo thecheck who raise,train and out to MFHA and trotters.com toI address print not off the ride MFTs. I have made new friends this way would mail it towho the onhave the otherwise. Contact the MO Fox Trotting Horse Breeding membership form.Association We fee meet form. The membership is via www.mfthba.com to become astill member only and $15 for per adult and $20 virtually somore all information members on helping out. for a couple or family. We are lookare able to meet without Also, PLEASE send in your MFTA dues and your MFTHBA ing forward to additional fun activities having to drive long dues disasap! in the future including various clinics, tances. Wishing everyone a blessed safeversatility, Christmas!gaited dressage camping, trail and rides, Event Committee Respectfully submitted, and more. We would love to shareOur our Fox Trotter backis busy planning the next Marilyn Mannino grounds, discuss bloodlines and share our knowledge with you. clinic. a Gaited Check us out on social media and learn what It funwill Fox be Trotters are!
Western Dressage Clinic at For the FinestEquine Times Money Can Buy STALLS 5 the end of May. MorePage details
October 2021
From One Piecewill TobeAnavailable Entire Stall next month. The clinician Or An Exhibition Stall. top-notch!
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Beet Pulp Dr. Tania Cubitt What is beet pulp? Beet pulp is a by-product of the sugar industry. Sugar is extracted from the beet leaving the pulp. The sugar finds its way into snacks designed to appeal to kids, while the pulp is used as an ingredient in animal feeds (>5% sugar). Beet pulp is rich in fiber and is unique in its form, as it is soluble fiber and highly digestible. Beet pulp is fermented in the large intestine of the horse similar to hay, pasture and chaff. However, since the fiber in beet pulp is soluble, it is more readily digestible than pasture, hay or chaff. In fact, beet pulp provides digestible energy ranging between that of good quality hay and grains, sourcing energy from soluble fiber as opposed to energy from starches and sugars. Consequently, it is ideal for all equines, especially for horses where weight gain is desired, as it increases the caloric content and energy density in the diet. The safe option
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What Do I Need To Know?
When horses need additional calories in the diet, horse owners often feed grain. Grains, such as oats, maize and barley are digested in the small intestine of the horse. If too much grain is fed in a single meal, it can result in undigested grain passing into the large intestine. Once in the large intestine, bacteria ferment the undigested grain, potentially resulting in digestive and metabolic disorders such as colic and laminitis. Beet pulp avoids these potential digestive and metabolic issues as beet pulp is considered a super fiberber – high calorie content and safe to feed. Beet pulp is ideal for horses that suffer from poor dentition due to its soft consistency once soaked and provides horses that can’t chew hay with an adequate ber source, while still maintaining body condition. Offering it to your horse as a mash offers the additional bene t of increasing their water intake. Generally, it is recommended when feeding beet pulp alone, that it should be soaked. This helps with improving the hydration status of the horse as well as slowing down intake.
October 2021
Care must be taken especially in warmer climates that the soaked beet pulp is not allowed to sit out for long periods (overnight) to become stale. Provides energy, but low in non-structural carbs Beet pulp is widely used in the feeding of horses around the world and has been recommended as a substitute for hay in rations for horses with respiratory problems. It has also been recommended as a replacement for a portion of poor quality hay in performance horse diets to improve the quality of fiber and increase the energy density of the daily diet. It is used as a method to assist underweight or thin horses gain additional condition without the use of grains, while still lowering starch intake and retaining the digestible energy level as well. Accordingly, it is also ideal for endurance and excitable horses, where calm conditioning is required, as it provides slow release energy and helps to restore and maintain uid balance in the body when previously soaked. A study showed that horses had higher muscle glycogen content, and lower blood and muscle lactate content, after exercise when fed beet pulp in their diets as compared to oats. Muscle glycogen content is the main source of stored energy used for exercise in horses. Lactate(or lactic acid) accumulation can cause muscle fatigue which results in a decline in performance. Beet pulp has a lower glycaemic index compared to any type of grain, meaning it has a small effect on blood glucose levels. A low glycaemic index feed may have a positive influence on behavior (less zz), along with helping to control nutrition levels in horses susceptible to metabolic related disorders, such as laminitis, insulin resistance, Cushing’s, grain intolerance, Equine Metabolic Syndrome, PSSM and tyingup.
Ask the Expert: Feeding Soybean Hay Krishona Martinson, PhD
I'm having a hard time finding hay. A neighbor is planning to bale their soybeans due to drought conditions. Can I feed that to my horses? Soy is a common ingredient in horse rations and is a highly digestible source of protein and fat. Soy (e.g., meal and hulls) is usually included in horse concentrates or grains, but is rarely fed as forage. While research conducted in the 1920s suggests soybean hay can successfully be fed to draft horses, limited research has been conducted since. However, research with other livestock species suggests that soybean hay can be unpalatable and should only be included in limited amounts in the diet. Chopping and ensiling soybean hay can improve palatability, but these options are rarely practical for horse owners. Additionally, soybean hay containing seeds (e.g., the actual soybean) should not be fed. Unprocessed soybeans contain a trypsin inhibitor. Trypsin is an enzyme involved in the digestion of many proteins, but once soybeans are processed (e.g. roasted), the inhibitor is denatured. Therefore, soybean hay should be fed to horses with caution and in limited amounts. Horses should be transitioned slowly to soybean forage and it should be free of mold, weeds, dust, and harvest restrictions for herbicides and other pesticides must be observed. Finally, soybean hay should be tested for nitrate accumulation prior to feeding. October 2021
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The Endless Use of Straw! Standlee Barn Bulletin Most people have used straw in one way or another, but you may be surprised at how many different uses there are. Blame it on the season, but we can't help but talk about the versatile benefits of straw for Halloween, the fall season, and of course, all your gardening needs. Halloween The scarecrow is a fun costume, whether in the traditional style or making a twist and styling it with more spooky details! • Use straw to create a nest around the stroller and dress your little ones up as birds • We love great party ideas also - do a candy hunt, and instead of looking for a needle in a haystack, have those kiddos dig through the straw for some yummy hidden candies • Strawbale art has become quite the popular Halloween décor - paint them up like giant pumpkins or create a message in the paint on a round straw bale for the ultimate Halloween experience Decoration Straw bales make a great decorative option for seating or for stylizing any event. • Use them for aisle seating at a wedding, even bench or table seating • They can be placed in half-circle seat-
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ing around a fire pit for quality time this fall • Stack them by your front door for a festive fall vibe • Make a couch style seat for any outdoor event • Stuff a scarecrow for your yard or garden area for more fall festiveness Garden/Mulch Straw can make great mulch, defer water from newly planted seeds/young plants, or create cold frames, garden paths, bale gardens, or new garden beds. Setting the bale upward cut side out, allows the straw to decompose while your plants benefit from the nutrients derived from decomposition. Once the straw has started to rot, plant your vegetables in a soil row. But why? • Straw bales hold moisture, reducing water use • Raised planters require less bending over to tend plants • As straw decomposes, it releases nutrients for plants planted within the bale • At the end of the season, straw is tilled into the garden floor and breaks down to increase organic matter in the soil • Straw reduces moisture loss and requiring less watering • It keeps soil cooler in hot weather • It helps prevent weed growth and reduces time spent weeding
October 2021
• Straw is an all-natural mulch Bedding Straw can be used as a bedding material. One study found that straw was the second most absorbent, out of nine bedding types. It was observed that straw can hold seven times its weight in water*. Here are the benefits of using straw: • It is highly absorbent • When no longer needed for bedding, it can be used as garden compost • It composts quickly • It is great for insulation • It is lightweight as compared to sand • Flock Fresh (a combination of chopped straw, chopped alfalfa and zeolite) is ideal for using the deep litter method in chicken coops Straw is great for absorption, which is essential because moisture pooling on bedding can cause it to get soaking wet. Though straw doesn’t release moisture well, adding zeolite can help reduce ammonia. Zeolite absorbs moisture like a sponge while neutralizing odors by arresting harmful ammonia gas molecules like a magnet. Additionally, straw can be used as compostable food packaging and will biodegrade in a commercial composting environment. So why not use straw for everything? If you aren't already, now is the time!
Forage Alternatives for Marcia Hathaway When possible, hay and/or pasture should make up a large portion of a horse’s diet. However, the following alternatives can replace traditional forages in part or in whole when needed. Last years hay (baled and stored properly): Hay is high in fiber and bulk, which supports the horse’s digestive tract. Nutrition content can be similar to the current year’s hay with the exception of vitamins (especially A and E) which are lost during field drying and storage. A vitamin supplement should be fed when feeding older hay. Hay cubes: Nutritional content of hay cubes is similar to hay and nutrition information should be included on the feed label. Cubes are high in fiber and bulk, which supports the horse’s digestive system, and can be used as a total replace-
Horses
ment to hay. Cubes may have less dust and waste than hay and tend to be easy to handle, transport, and store. Cubes tend to be consumed quickly, and may results in horses overeating. Alfalfa pellets: Nutritional content of alfalfa pellets should be similar to hay and is high in fiber. Pellets may have less dust and waste than hay and can be used as a total replacement. Horses do tend to spend less time eating and may overeat. Beet pulp: Beet pulp is high in digestible energy, relatively high in calcium, and high in fiber and bulk, which supports the horse’s digestive tract. It is palatable and can be feed up to 5 to 10 pounds daily (for healthy, adult horses). It can be used as a partial replacement to hay, but owners may need to supplement phosphorus to balance calcium. Vacuum-packed and chopped alfalfa: Nutritional content is similar to alfalfa
hay. Its high in fiber and bulk, which supports the horse’s digestive tract, and can be fed as a total replacement to hay. Owners may need to feed a greater mass than hay and the forage type may mold after opening the bag; therefore, it should be fed within a few days. Complete feeds: These feeds are nutritionally balanced, adequate in fiber, and can be used as a total replacement to hay. Complete feeds tend to be consumed more quickly than hay and may not have enough total fiber. Its recommended to divide complete feeds into several, small meals each day. Always consider price, availability, and pros and cons when selecting alternative forages for your horse. Make any dietary changes slowly over 14 days and consult your equine nutritionist and veterinarian before making any major dietary changes.
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Always consider price, availability, and pros and cons when selecting alternative forages for your horse. Make any dietary changes slowly over 14 days and consult your equine nutritionist and veterinarian before making any major dietary changes. Krishona Martinson
October 2021
Equine Times
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Easy Jet No Bake Cookies Kyanah Blair American Horse Daily shared a simple horse treat recipe that doesn't involve baking. They give credit to American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame and Museum for this one. As a nice treat, American Horse Daily says that you can actually have some of this tasty horse treat yourself!
In g r e d i e n t s ½ cup peanut butter or sun butter (for peanut allergies) ¾ cup powdered sugar ¾ cup milk 1 cup quick or old fashioned uncooked oats ¾ cup unsweetened puffed wheat or granola ¼ apple chips crunched into small pieces
Measure out ingredients into a large bowl. Combine peanut butter, sugar and milk, mixing well. Stir in oats and remaining ingredients. Drop rounded teaspoonfuls onto wax paper. Let stand until firm.
Effects of COVID-19 on the Horse Show Industry Krishona Martinson The American Horse Council estimates that over 1.2 million horses comprise the competition sector, which generates $7.5 billion in expenses annually. The COVID-19 pandemic affected the economic status of all sectors of the global economy including the horse show industry. Reporting the impact of COVID-19 on in-person horse shows, and an early assessment of its impact on the economy, was the objective of this study conducted by researchers in Texas and Louisiana. A survey was disseminated to horse show participants through social media and e-mail. A majority of respondents were females (95.6%) who planned to attend an average of 9.7 in-person horse shows in 2020, but were only able to attend an average of 5.5 due to COVID-19 restrictions. Participants reported spending an average of $991 per show on horse show-related expenses, or $9,609 annually. The reduced attendance at in-person shows resulted in a decrease in annual expenditures, suggesting economic losses of $3.23 billion. Early assessments of the economic impact associated with a reduction of in-person horse showing is vital to understanding the long-term implications for
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the industry. For more information on this research, view the abstract in the Journal of Equine Veterinary
Science at sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/ pii/S0737080621003646.
The COVID-19 pandemic affected the economic status of all sectors of the global economy including the horse show industry. Krishona Martinson
October 2021
Steps to Developing a Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship Be prepared for the unexpected when raising animals by developing a veterinarian-client-patient relationship Julie Thelen When working with animals, just about anything can happen. The larger the animals, often the larger the concern. Michigan 4-H members are encouraged to think about the larger picture of animal care and wellbeing in their management strategies and be proactive. Part of that is having a plan in case everything doesn’t going exactly to plan. One of your first steps of caring for an animal should be developing a Veterinarian-ClientPatient Relationship(VCPR). This relationship will help you make decisions about animal care and health. Find the veterinarian that is right for you Michigan is home to many great veterinarians across the state who focus on different species. It is important to find a veterinarian who works with the species of animals that you raise. This will allow you to receive the most up-to-date information and make the best medical decisions for your animals. For example, if an individual specializes in small animals such as cats and dogs, they may not
be the best choice for your steer project. It is alright to ask questions about what people feel comfortable working with to make sure you have the right fit. The Michigan Veterinary Medical Association has a listing of veterinarians at Find-A-Vet. You can also look online or ask around, including talking with other 4-H club members. Don’t be surprised: have a budget for animal medical expenses The veterinarian is providing you a service whenever they see your animals. Realize this and plan ahead, including having a budget for animal medical expenses. Although we can’t predict all expenses, it is appropriate to ask what a farm visit will cost if your animal needs medical care or access to certain medicated feeds or prescription drugs. By having an established VCPR, you will be able to easily get a Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD). The VFD is a requirement put forth by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with impacts that will be seen across the country. Don’t delay When an animal is sick, it is not the right time to find a veterinarian. In cases of animal
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health that require veterinarian assistance, you want to be prepared and have an individual or animal health practice that can assist you to treat the issue as quickly as possible. This not only helps you address the concern, but is the most humane for the animal. Additionally, as of Jan. 1, 2017, if you purchase feed that requires a VFD, you will need a veterinarian. Learn more about the resources developed by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) by visiting their Youth webpage ( m i c h i g a n . g ov / m d a r d / 0 , 4 6 1 0 , 7 - 1 2 5 1568_2387-393206--,00.html). Michigan State University Extension and the Michigan 4-H Youth Development program help to create a community excited about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). 4-H STEM programming seeks to increase science literacy, introducing youth to the experiential learning process that helps them to build problem-solving, critical-thinking and decision-making skills. Youth who participate in 4-H STEM content are better equipped with critical life skills necessary for future success.
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Surface Temperature of Covered Legs During and After Exercise Dr. Krishona Martinson Boots and legwraps are commonly used to protect the lower legs of the horse from trauma during exercise. However, previous research suggests they can result in increased leg temperature that may be detrimental to
The results support the thought that convection cooling is impaired by boots and wraps during exercise and suggests covered legs may reach damaging temperatures. Nicole Tate Photography
underlying tendons. This study, conducted at Middle Tennessee State University, was designed to explore lower leg surface temperature during and after exercise when common leg protections were applied. Six clinically-sound, mature horses were used to test six boots or wraps: a neoprene boot, a perforated neoprene boot, an alternative neoprene boot, a cross country boot, a combination fleece and elastic wrap, and a polo wrap. The covered leg was selected randomly and the other leg served as a bare leg control. A data logger recorded temperature and humidity every minute during a 20 minute exercise test and for 180 minutes post-exercise (e.g., recovery) during moderate conditions (73°F; 53% humidity). The bare leg temperature was lowOctober 2021
est (82°F), then peaked and plateaued (91°F) during recovery. Conversely, covered legs increased during exercise from 90°F (minute 0) to 97°F at minute 15, then plateaued during recovery. The polo wrap was hotter and more humid than all other covered legs. All covered legs failed to return to baseline temperature and humidity after 180 minutes post-exercise. The results support the thought that convection cooling is impaired by boots and wraps during exercise and suggests covered legs may reach damaging temperatures. Interestingly, no covered or bare leg returned to baseline temperature within 180 minutes, necessitating further research into the time required for passive cooling of the equine lower leg during exercise and recovery. Equine Times
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Showing Horses on a College Student’s Budget
Taylor Fabus and Caleb Charles It is no secret horse showing is expensive, and this expensive hobby becomes even more difficult with the tight budget many college students have. We’ve put together five tips on how to still enjoy a wonderful hobby without going bankrupt. Tip #1: Plan, prioritize and set goals Remember, riding is a lifetime sport and it’s not a phase you’ll soon grow out of. It has
been around for generations and it’s not going anywhere anytime soon. Plan ahead and set SMART goals. Set short-term, medium-term and long-term goals. Don’t sacrifice grades for a horse show—there will always be another horse show. Your college GPA, however, is irreplaceable. Tip #2: Be realistic Everyone wants one of those 6-foot-tall, year-end circuit champion rosettes and big, shiny trophies. If given the opportunity,
Co-author Caleb Charles showing on MSU’s IHSA Hunt Seat Equestrian Team. Taylor Fabus and Caleb Charles
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many of us would travel to a horse show every weekend. However, when on a tight budget, it becomes increasingly important to revisit your goals and prioritize your spending in order to fulfill some version of your horse show dream. Think about travel costs, length of show, entry fees and other factors that will affect budget before selecting a show. Tip #3: Take on extra jobs Taking extra side jobs can be a huge help. Think about horse-related jobs especially so you can continue to be around the horses you love while you’re earning extra cash. Opportunities like grooming, braiding or working in the show office are a great way to help fund your horse show habit. Tip #4: Sharing is caring Sharing a leased horse can be a great way to keep costs down while still getting to show horses. Not only will this positively affect your pocketbook, but often sharing a horse works well for a college student’s busy schedule. Someone else will also be responsible for helping keep the horse competition-ready. Tip #5: Have fun The most important part of horse showing is to remember why we do this crazy expensive sport in the first place, and it’s for the love of the horse. Do not lose sight of your initial goals and be concerned with others that appear to have more time, money or opportunities than you. Enjoy each time you’re lucky enough to climb in the saddle and compete with your equine companion.
Can You Identify Normal Horse Vital Signs? Dr. Tania Cubitt Know what is normal for your horse, so you can identify when something is abnormal. Knowing your horse, their quirks and tendencies not only helps to create an unbreakable bond and solid relationship but can also keep them healthy and well. Normal horse temperature should be between 99.5 and 101.3 degrees Fahrenheit The most accurate way to take a horse’s temperature is rectally (dipped in lubricant), using a digital thermometer. Tips: • Always be sure to clean the thermometer after use • Exercise, stress or infections can elevate temperature • Leave the thermometer in long enough to avoid a false low reading Normal horse pulse is between 38 and 40 beats per minute There are 3 ideal areas to take your horse’s pulse: under the jaw, beneath the tail at its bone or an area on the side of the foot. Count for 15 seconds and multiple by 4.
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Tips: • Don’t double count heartbeats • The normal pulse for foals is between 70-120 beats per minute • The normal pulse for yearlings is between 45-60 beats per minute Normal horse respiration is between 8 and 15 breaths per minute Watching your horse’s ribcage or nostrils for 1 minute, count 1 inhale and 1 exhale as a single breath. Tips: • Do not measure respiration by letting your horse sniff your hand • Wait for 30 minutes after exercise to check rate • Respiration rate should not exceed pulse rate Horse dehydration can be observed when the skin takes more than two seconds to return to its place Pinch the skin on your horse’s neck or shoulder area and it should return to its usual position within 1-2 seconds. Tips: • Horses need 5-12 gallons of water per day in normal environments • In heat or with heavy exercise, horses need
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15-20 gallons of water per day A normal horse gut sound is gurgling, like the sound of fluid dripping or tinkling Place ear or a stethoscope up against the horse’s body, just behind the last rib, checking both sides. Tips: • Call the vet if there is an absence of sound, as it could indicate colic Normal horse capillary refill time is between one and two seconds Place finger against horse's gums for 2 seconds, creating a white mark from finger pressure. The white mark should return to a normal pink tone within 1-2 seconds. Other Tips for Horse Owners: • Be sure to check vital signs regularly to know what is normal, so that you can identify anything abnormal • Do not take vital measurements on a nervous horse to ensure accuracy • Call your veterinarian immediately if anything is abnormal If all else fails and you are unsure if something is wrong, be sure to contact your veterinarian.
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Biosecurity Tips To Keep Your Traveling Horse Healthy
If you’re taking your horse off farm for any reason, follow these easy tips to reduce your horse’s risk of becoming ill Taylor Fabus
Every horse owner understands that there are biosecurity risks associated with taking your horse off farm. Whether it be for competition, trail riding or sale, each time horses move on and off farm, they are exposed to new environments, new people, new horses and potentially new germs. Although risks will never be completely eliminated, the following tips can help reduce the chance of your horse becoming ill. Be sure your horse is healthy before leaving. Consult your veterinarian and be sure that your horse has had its complete suggested immunization protocol. Additionally, pay close attention to your horse’s behavior, as well as the behavior of the other horses at your barn, to be sure that no sudden changes in appetite or energy level are missed. If your horse is showing any signs of illness, you should never travel off the farm. Clean the stall or area that your horse will be housed in at the show/ sale. Upon arriving at a show, trail ride, exposition or sale, be sure to inspect the area that your horse will occupy for the next several hours or days. The first step would be to remove any and all organic matter (feces, bedding, feed) that may have been missed by the clean-up crew following the previous event. This is absolutely the most crucial step in ensuring a clean area. Other precautionary measures, such as spraying down the stall with a broad-spectrum disinfectant, can also eliminate some germs on surfaces. Additionally, if the stall or area includes buckets, feed pans, etc., those should ideally be removed and replaced by your own. Maintain separate traveling items and home items. If you’re looking for an excuse to buy new, shiny brushes, sheets, blankets and
buckets, here it is! Keeping these items separate and used only for traveling purposes (store them in your trailer when not in use) is a good way to keep germs out of your barn and away from your other horses. Another benefit is having all of your traveling equipment matching, and therefore more difficult to misplace or leave behind. Along those same lines, thorough cleaning of your own apparel (boots, jackets, gloves) will help prevent the spread of germs from place to place. You should be cautious of any clothing that you wear at the off-site event and then wear into your own barn. Simply taking off your jacket or spraying the organic matter off your boots is a great first step. Minimize the amount of feed and bedding that returns to the farm. It’s commonplace to bring extra hay, grain or bedding to the show or event with you, but be careful to not unload everything upon arrival. Leave the hay stored in your trailer until feeding and then you’ll have less concerns about packing up any unused hay at the end of the event. Although it may be tempting to bag up any clean, unused shavings or bedding at the end of a show, it is not ideal to take that back to your farm. Keep traveling horses and on-farm horses separate, if possible. While this may not be the easiest tip to implement, it is ideal to keep horses that often travel away from horses that remain on the farm. The traveling horses are going to be exposed to a variety of germs throughout the traveling months, where the non-traveling horses may have immune systems less prepared to handle the new pathogens. Remember, biosecurity works best when you take several initiatives to reduce risk. There is no one magic practice. Instead, do the best you can and take small, manageable steps to reduce the risk to you and your animals.
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