October 2022 Equine Times

Preparing for Mud Season

Hannah Lochner

Mud can make horse chores a challenging mess. Additionally, pro longed exposure to mud can affect horse health and lead to problems such as scratches or thrush. The best way to manage mud on horse farms is to prevent (or limit) mud accumula tion in the first place. While mud season is not here yet, dry conditions are the ideal time to consider and implement drainage solutions. Here are several tips you can take now to help reduce mud during periods of heavy rainfall or snowmelt.

1.

Routinely clean dry lots. Organic matter such as manure and hay waste holds water and can significantly contribute to mud for

mation in dry lots. In addition to reducing mud, removing organic mat ter can also help protect surface waters from nutrient runoff. You can minimize hay waste in your dry lot by using a round-bale feeder or smallsquare bale feeder.

2. Install roof gutters and downspouts on buildings to direct water away from horse areas, espe cially dry lots, manure piles and high traffic sites. Water coming off build ing roofs is clean and should be direct ed to vegetation to avoid runoff. Be sure to clean and repair gutters and downspouts as needed.

3. Create a plan for pil ing snow. Designate an area to pile

snow, where snowmelt will not drain through buildings, dry lots, lanes or barnyards. Be sure to consider the potential for ice formation around the snow pile as it thaws and refreezes. Do not pile snow near manure piles or incorporate manure into snow piles, which can lead to nutrient runoff.

4. Construct a high traffic pad in an area of your dry lot that is prone to mud such as a feeding site, shelter or gate. High traffic pads consist of multiple layers of geotex tile fabric and stones that promote drainage. As a result, a high traffic pad can provide your horse relief from mud elsewhere in the dry lot. Routinely pick manure off your high traffic pad and rake and refresh stones as needed to maintain a level surface.

Hannah Lochner

Michigan Foxtrotting Horse 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.

Many adults from the baby boomer and older generations stop riding for various rea sons when they reach age 60 or so. We need to do all we can to encourage younger riders to replace them. We can't allow ownership of registered Fox Trotters to decline in number or our breed will eventually disappear completely. One good way to increase the popularity of this breed is to cause youth involvement in various ways.

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!

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

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.

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

want to visit with them. Share exciting stories with them about your adventures on horseback. Inspire youth to participate in the trail asso ciations that you are part of. They can see firsthand how useful Michigan Fox Trotters are with trail maintenance and other associated activities.

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

There are a number of fun online horse programs (Horse Isle, Star Stable and Horse Haven are a few) to introduce children to horses. Even at an early age, kids can play these games and learn facts about them. Getting little ones hooked on horses before they become involved in a different sport is key. Kids love to spend time with horses, even reading to them! Over time the child may feel more comfortable around a horse and will probably ask if they can brush and spend more time with your Fox Trotter. Please encourage that experience.

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.

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.

Enroll your children and grandchildren in 4-H. There are age-appropriate activities for them to learn about horses and leadership. Fox Trotters can and have been shown in 4-H.

Answer the request from Girl Scout and Boy Scout leaders asking for your expertise in helping the boys and girls fulfill their requirements for their badges. Scouting organizations and independent facilities offer weeklong horse camps. Sign your children and your grandchildren up for that experience. These are a great way to expose children to horses.

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

Encourage youngsters to take riding lessons. They will learn confidence and horsemanship skills. This is especially helpful for handicappers. Those with atten tion deficit disorder will learn planning skills that help them all through their lives. Contribute to their horsey apparel needs. Help them choose boots and helmets at tack sales and online. Horseless parents will thank you.

your Michigan Fox Trotter to interested youth who

Also, PLEASE send MFTA dues and MFTHBA dues

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.

Wishing everyone a blessed and safe Christmas!

Respectfully submitted, Marilyn Mannino OR

In addition to our adult category, our association has three versatility youth sec tions for the ultimate horseman challenge including Michigan Fox Trotter not under saddle and Michigan Fox Trotter under saddle. Points are earned based on the activities completed in each category. Prizes are awarded quarterly. Check this fun and educational program out on mich iganfoxtrottinghorse.com. Print off the membership and versatility forms and mail them in. We are always searching for young people to join us. We have so much to offer due to our many years of experience trail riding and showing. We strive to offer as many ous clinics to improve horsemanship skills, building trail riding confidence and show ring essentials. We also have an interesting trail treasure section on our website to teach people about Michigan plants and animals that are found on the trail. All Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed Association members who are under 17 years of age are automatically enrolled in the youth association. Go to mfthba.com for more information about that program and all that it has to

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!

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!

By exposing kids starting at a very young age to horses and ponies, they will develop a love for them as they get older and often ask their parents to lease or buy one. Hopefully this will keep the pattern going for when the next generation comes along. We all need to help encourage the interest and ownership of

The Fox Trotter motto is to ride one is to own one! cers listed on our website to find out where you can

Effect of Weather on Activity of Pastured Horses

Hannah Lochner

Pasturing horses can promote better mental and physical health compared to stalling. While pastures allow horses the opportunity to increase their physical activity, factors such as weather may impact whether or not they take advantage of this opportunity. Researchers at Michigan State University evaluated the effects of temperature, humidity, precipitation and wind speed on horse movement in the pasture.

The study was conducted using two groups of mature, adult horses (19 ± 8 years of age) on similarly managed farms. During the study, the horses had free access to water, shelter and forage (hay during winter and fresh pasture during summer). At five independent times between January and August 2019,

the horses were equipped with trackers that recorded number of steps, standing time, number of lying bouts and lying time.

Researchers found that temperature, humidity, precipitation and wind speed did not directly impact horse movement. Differences in number of steps and lying time were observed between farms and across testing periods. These results suggest that other factors (e.g., ground condition, age, breed and blanketing) may impact horse activity while pastured and warrant additional research.

For more information on this research, view the abstract published in the Journal of Equine Veterinary Sciences at https://www. sciencedirect.com/science/article/ abs/pii/ S0737080622001903?via%3Dihub.

Ensure Your Performance

Horse is Getting the Right Amount of Vitamins and Minerals

Minerals and vitamins are two groups of nutrients required in minimal amounts in horses' diet. They are differ ent from other nutrients such as protein in that protein is needed in much more significant amounts in the diet to satisfy requirements. Too much mineral or vita min can undoubtedly result in dietary imbalance, but it can also be toxic to the horse. Two minerals of primary concern are selenium and iodine. Too much sele nium or too much iodine can be toxic to the horse. Similarly, too much vitamin A and vitamin D can cause a host of prob lems in the horse. We need to be careful that we don't overfeed or underfeed min erals and vitamins. Consult an equine nutritionist or your veterinarian if this task seems too daunting.

The National Research Council has established requirements for a total of 14 minerals. These minerals are involved in many critical functions, including immunity, acid/base regulation, forma tion and maintenance of bone, and as essential co-factors for enzymes. These 14 minerals are divided into two groups based on how much is required in the diet.

• Macro-minerals are necessary for more significant amounts (g/day) and include sodium, chloride, calcium, phos phorus, magnesium, potassium and sul fur.

• Micro-minerals are required in smaller quantities (mg/day) and include cobalt, copper, iodine, iron, manganese, selenium and zinc.

So how will you keep track of 14 different minerals in your horse's diet?

To do this properly will require some math skills, a calculator and some free time. Since both the amount and ratio of all these minerals in the diet are crit ical, I recommend starting with five minerals that are likely to require dietary adjustment. These five minerals are calcium, phosphorus, copper, zinc and selenium. The "balancing" process will require chemical analysis of the different feed ingredients, determina tion of the amount of feed provided and comparison to the necessary amount of

each mineral. Spoiler alert, you may need to convert ppm (parts per million), which is milligrams per kilogram, to milligrams per pound or ounce, depend ing on the ingredient. If this task seems too daunting, perhaps you can consult an equine nutritionist or your veterinar ian.

Vitamins are much the same story. They are required in the diet in minimal amounts. They are involved in most chemical reactions fueling metabolism and immune function. The National Research Council has established requirements for five vitamins. These include the fat-soluble vitamins A, D and E as well as the B vitamins which are thiamin and riboflavin. The differ ence between fat-soluble and B vitamins (water-soluble) is how they are stored in the body. The fat-soluble vitamins can be stored in the body, and therefore, the potential for toxicity exists. The B vita mins are not stored in the body, so excess vitamin is excreted in the urine. Just like with minerals, we can shorten the list and look at just vitamin A, D and E to initially balance the diet. Healthy microorganisms can synthesize the B Vitamins in the horse's digestive system and they typically do not require exten sive adjustment.

So again, get out your calculators, feed analysis report feed sheets and pre pare for some mental gymnastics. Otherwise, look to an excellent equine nutritionist for assistance.

Dr. Tania Cubitt and Dr. Stephen Duren

Ask the Expert: Pollinator Friendly Horse Pastures

Jessica Prigge

Insect pollinators such as bumble bees and monarch butterflies have shown population decline in recent years. Pastures provide a great opportunity to support these insects while also producing forage for grazing animals like horses. When planning to incorporate flowering species into a pasture, it is important to consider three factors. The first factor is a little goes a long way. Pastures do not need to be full of flowering plants and as little as 1% ground cover occupied by flowers can significantly help insect pollinators. The second factor is depending on the pasture type and land characteristics, seeding flowering species can be throughout the pasture, in strips such as along fences or even overgrazed areas. The third factor is incorporating a mixture of species with different flowering seasons can provide more floral resources throughout the summer which can support more pollinators. There are many flowering forages already used in horse pastures, many of which are legumes. Clovers (e.g., white, red and crimson) are easy to establish and can provide flowers throughout the season especially during rainy periods. Alfalfa will also flower throughout the summer but must be allowed to rest and grow to matu rity. Therefore, alfalfa may be best for rotated pastures. Birdsfoot trefoil is another common pasture species that can produce a persistent forage source with flowers once established. When incorporating birdsfoot trefoil in horse pastures, select a variety that does not produce prussic acid. Aside from supporting pollinators, legumes (e.g. alfalfa and clover) also improve pasture yield, seasonal distribution and adaptability to weather conditions.

When selecting flowering species, it is important to note that not all types are safe for horses. Although species such as thistles, milkweed, buttercup and black locust trees all provide excellent floral resources for insect pollinators, all (and more) are toxic or physically harmful to horses. Research has not yet been conducted to determine if native wildflowers (e.g., goldenrods, purple coneflower and black-eyed susan) are toxic or palatable to horses and should be avoided when seeding directly into pastures at this time.

I have heard that pollinators like bees and butterflies are in danger of not having enough flowers. Are there flowering forages that I can include in my horse pastures that support both my horses and the pollinators?

A Balancing Act

How Much Protein Do Horses Need?

Dr. Tania Cubitt and Dr. Stephen Duren

You may have heard the phrases, "Too much protein makes my horse crazy," "Not enough protein will cause loss of top-line muscle," "Excess protein will wear out the kidneys" and more. These phrases are discussed and debated in barn aisles, underscore the importance of protein in horses' diet and point out some misunder standings of protein.

Protein is an essential nutrient in the diet of all hors es. The amount of protein required in the diet depends on the horses' activity: growing, pregnancy, lactation, performance and regular body maintenance. Protein is in every tissue within the body, with large concentra tions making up muscle and bone. It also is a significant component of enzymes, hormones and antibodies. Next to water, protein is the most abundant component of the body.

Proteins are made up of amino acids. A sequence of amino acids joins together to form a protein. In a popu lar protein analogy, amino acids are the individual let ters and proteins are the words formed by the joining of these letters. Twenty individual amino acids are used in various combinations to create all the different proteins in the body. Of the 20 amino acids, ten are presumed to be essential. This means they must be in the diet since they can't be formed within the body sufficiently to meet demand. To make a protein, all the necessary amino acids to include that protein must be present at the same time. The protein can't form if one amino acid is missing. So, horses require amino acids in the diet, not protein. The requirement for the amino acid lysine has been determined, but ironically the exact requirements for the other amino acids have not been determined. In horse nutrition, we have protein and lysine requirements for many different activities and sizes of horses scientif ically established by the national research council.

The amount of protein required in the diet depends on the horse's activity. For example, the necessary amount of protein as a percentage of diet is more signif icant for a young, growing horse than for a mature horse. The young, growing horse is actively gaining muscle and bone. The requirements for protein are more significant for a mare in late pregnancy than early pregnancy since the bulk of fetal growth occurs later in pregnancy.

Finally, the amount of protein required by a lactating mare is greater earlier in lactation than later in lactation since the mare is producing more milk in early lactation.

Common Protein Misconceptions

Does too much protein make my horse crazy?

Protein fed in excess of nutrient requirement is metabolized for energy (calorie) production. Large quantities of protein can provide more calories to a horse; however, seeing a difference in behavior feeding 12% protein forage compared to 14% protein forage is not likely.

What about a protein deficiency causing a loss of muscle mass associated with the top-line of a horse?

Protein is a major component of muscle tissue, so yes, a protein deficiency can cause a loss of muscle mass. But we also must remember that muscle growth or maintenance results from adequate protein intake and exercise. Simply feeding a high protein diet without proper exercise will not build muscle.

Does feeding excess protein wear out the kidneys?

Protein fed in excess of dietary requirements is broken down and utilized for energy. The waste product from this metabolism is nitrogen filtered by the kidneys and excreted. Kidneys constantly filter the blood; they do not take days off, so feeding excess protein will not wear out a kidney.