HA130301 by Farm Business Communications

$2.50 Vol. 36 / Issue 3 / March 2013

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Inspired by people and horses

IVAN DAINES Famous cowboy of many talents / p5 STA L L I O N F EAT U R E

SHOULD STALLIONS BE TESTED? Pros and cons to genetic testing / p16

WALDRON RANCH

Historic ranch now successful grazing co-op / p10

MANE EVENT TRAINERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CHALLENGE

Trainers announced for Red Deer / p35 Publication Mail Agreement 40069240

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HORSES ALL • MARCH 2013

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Inspired by horses and people

HORSES ALL • MARCH 2013

CONTENTS

Volume 36 · Number 3 · March 2013 EDITOR Craig Couillard craig.couillard@fbcpublishing.com (403) 200-1019 SALES ACCOUNT MANAGER Crystal McPeak crystal@fbcpublishing.com (403) 360-3210 (866) 385-3669 (toll free)

WESTERN ARTIST

PAUL RASPORICH Visionary artist bridges cultural gaps

SALES ACCOUNT MANAGER Natalie Sorkilmo natalie.sorkilmo@fbcpublishing.com (403) 608-2238 SPECIAL PROJECTS – GLACIER AG MEDIA Tom Mumby glacieragproducts@shaw.ca (780) 459-5464 PUBLISHER Bob Willcox bob@fbcpublishing.com

THIS MONTH’S CONTRIBUTORS: Kelly Sidoryk, Doris Daley, Ted Stovin, Robyn Moore, Cindy Bablitz, April Clay, Craig Couillard, Wendy Dudley, Dianne Finstad, Heather Grovet, Anne Fullerton, Darley Newman, Dr. Carol Shwetz, Glenn Stewart, Carol Upton, Terri McKinney, Natalie Sorkilmo

PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY: Farm Business Communications 1666 Dublin Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3H 0H1 ADVERTISING DEADLINE Second Monday of the month. SUBSCRIPTION RATES (includes GST) 1-800-665-0502 One Year: $30.45 Three years: $63.59 One Year Overseas & US: $62.00 Make cheques payable to Horses All. We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund (CPF) for our publishing activities. Published Monthly by Farm Business Communications ISSN 0225-4913

CANADIAN POSTMASTERS Return undeliverable Canadian addresses (covers only)to Circulation Dept., P.O. Box 9800, Winnipeg, MB R3C 3K7. Return undeliverable US & foreign addresses (covers only) to Circulation Dept., P.O. Box 9800, Winnipeg, MB R3C 3K7. US POSTMASTERS HORSES ALL (ISSN 0745-7294) is published monthly for $62.00 per year by Farm Business Communications. c/o U.S. Agent, Transborder Mail, 4708 Caldwell Road E, Edgewood, WA, 98372-9221. Periodicals Postage Paid at Puyallup, WA, and additional mailing offices. U.S. POSTMASTER: Send address changes (cover only) to Horses All c/o Transborder Mail PO Box 6016, Federal Way, WA. 98063-6016, U.S.A. None of the material, written or artistic, may be reprinted or used in any way without the specific permission of the editor. The opinions and statements expressed in the articles and advertisements found in Horses All are not necessarily those of the staff or owners. Therefore, HORSES ALL will not be responsible for those opinions or statements included in the articles or advertisements. However, the staff and owners of HORSES ALL would appreciate written notice of false advertising. The publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertising. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of material published, no responsibility will be assumed for advertising received by telephone and in no case will liability be assumed for greater than the cost of the advertising when errors or omissions have occurred. HORSES ALL may not be held responsible for the loss or damage of any photographs, drawings, logos, manuscripts, etc., that are sent or brought to the office.

NOTICE OF COPYRIGHT Full, complete and sole copyright in any advertisement or editorial content bought or produced by HORSES ALL is vested in and belongs to HORSES ALL. No copyright material may be reproduced in any form with out the prior written consent of HORSES ALL. Horses All does not accept unsolicited manuscripts. Those received will not be returned.

PAINTING: PAUL RASPORICH

PROFILES

INSPIRATIONS

HORSE, HEALTH & HOME

HAPPENINGS

Pete Fraser

Sewing with Sue

Stop Bullying

Equitrekking

Pinto Pete is one extraordinary volunteer

Up in Stitches celebrates 20 years

Calgary stable educates through horses

Darley Newman in the Valley of the Kings

COLUMNS A Breed Apart . . . . . . . . . Back Country Travels . . . Doing it my way . . . . . . . Equitrekking . . . . . . . . . . Eye on the Industry . . . . From the field . . . . . . . . . Get a Grip. . . . . . . . . . . . . Going Down the Trail . . Going in style . . . . . . . . . Hands on horsekeeping . Homeward Bound . . . . . Hooked on bulls . . . . . . . Horse Health . . . . . . . . . .

21 28 6 34 43 4 31 36 24 33 8 14 29

FEATURES In it to win it . . . . . . . . . . Inspirations . . . . . . . . . . My Tunes . . . . . . . . . . . . Our Way of Life . . . . . . . Rhymes from the range . Riding out of your Mind . Talking Back . . . . . . . . . . Time to chill . . . . . . . . . . Two-Bit Cowboy . . . . . . Where are they now? . . . Women of the West . . . . Young Guns . . . . . . . . . .

15 25 26 12 26 32 4 26 4 5 7 13

@ HORSESALL.COM We're busy updating the Horses All website to bring you more exclusive content about people and horses from across the country. Watch for new features, contests and more coming soon. Visit today and sign-up for the Horses All enews – get the latest news delivered to you via email. We're on facebook too! www.horsesall.com/facebook We invite readers to join us on facebook. Follow the daily updates, connect with other horse folks and see what's happening near you.

The Mercantile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Profiles of exciting new product offerings from local businesses

Association News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42-43 The latest happenings and goings-on

Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Stay up-to-date on upcoming horse events

Marketplace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44-46 Classifieds and horse related businesses

Place your classified ad in Horses All! Call toll free: 1-866-385-3669 or email: crystal@fbcpublishing.com

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HORSES ALL • MARCH 2013

OUT FRONT Welcome to Ho rs e s A l l statistics

CONTRIBUTORS

Cowgirls now outnumber cowboys three to one A new breed of women is keeping the west alive and kicking TWO-BITS FROM A TWO-BIT COWBOY Craig Couillard - Editor

his past February’s issue of Horses All marked my 12th issue as Editor… my first full year. And what a year it’s been! I dug out my first issue (March 2012), glanced through it and “wow,” have we made a lot of changes. Everything looks much different today than it did a year ago. New front cover look. New design and layout. Six distinct sections. More stories. New writers. More photos and visual images. Better quality printing. More advertising (it’s doubled). More subscribers (they’ve tripled). We now have the largest distribution in Alberta (and western Canada) of any equine publication. The Horses All team may be small but we’ve collectively undertaken meaningful changes to breathe new life and energy into this 35-yearold publication.

A big thank you to Tom Mumby, Crystal McPeak, Natalie Sorkilmo, our writers and photographers, and all of the FBC team that work behind the scenes in Winnipeg. And thank you to Bob Willcox and his senior management team in believing and investing in us. I personally have learned so much, but the biggest thing for me has been trying to figure out who our target market is… and understanding our demographics. Most of my earlier horse experiences were helping out at the community pastures north of my home town of Bow Island, Alberta. I certainly wasn’t exposed to the larger equine industry. So you can imagine how far my jaw dropped when Les Burwash with Alberta Agriculture told me that 75 per cent of horse owners in Alberta were women. If I’d had some liquid in my mouth, I’m sure I would have spewed it all over poor Les. I also found out that only 10 per cent of horse owners ride competitively for money (the pros)… the vast majority would be deemed

goings on

In the field Snapshots from our field editors

recreational like myself (the joes). And 75 per cent of folks in Alberta ride western. So there it is — our primary target market — recreational western women riders. I never would have believed it when I started this job. But as I attended many trade shows, conferences, clinics, and other events, it was easy to see that statistics don’t lie. I even started watching around the foothills of the Rockies where I live and a good majority of the horse trailers I see are being pulled by women. Here’s the other revelation I’ve had. This is a special breed of women. Some may be ranch born and raised, but a good chunk of them were not. Regardless of their background, they all exhibit the same grit and determination. Even though they like to put on the bling from time to time, these ladies are not typically into a lot of fashion and hype. They are not afraid to hook on a four-horse trailer. They like the smell of being around the corrals. They may come

r ea d ers s pea k

Talking back Reader feedback — Send your comments to: craig.couillard@fbcpublishing.com Looks Good (stallion ad in March issue). Thanks for all your help. Look forward to doing business with you for a long time. Excellent paper! — Gordon Conley via e-mail Great editorial again (Year of the Horse). I am really, really impressed with the calibre of the magazine and proud to be involved. — Doris Daley via e-mail

 Editor Craig Couillard and Account Manager Natalie Sorkilmo attended the very successful Saskatchewan Equine Expo in February in Saskatoon. Horses All was proud to be a media sponsor.

 Dean Longeway from Home Quarter Mercantile & Pie Shoppe in Cochrane, Alberta recently served up more than just western hospitality to our account manager, Crystal McPeak. In addition to pies, they will also treat you to a truly unique western shopping experience.

off their horse but will climb right back on. They wear dirty jeans and coveralls, and aren’t concerned about a little manure on their boots. They’ve also confirmed with me that they are interested in good horse stories… period. It doesn’t matter if it’s about a reiner or a show jumper, a barrel racer or a dressage rider. They just enjoy a good story. Here’s another interesting piece of data. Of farms reporting on the 2011 census, Alberta had the largest population of horses by a long shot of any province at 139,410. Saskatchewan had 54,093. British Columbia had 45,791, and Manitoba was at 33,752. Combined, Western Canada has 70 per cent of the horse population. So there you have it. Western Canada may have been settled by a rugged group of cowboys and ranchers, but the western lifestyle is certainly being perpetuated by a new breed of western women, and I tip my hat to all of you. That’s my two-bits for this month.

Horses All magazine kindly donated advertising space in support of the Cooper Children Trust Fund Auction last year. We purchased the donated ad space and I just finished the ad and sent it off to Crystal McPeak. Thank you Horses All for your caring contribution to the Cooper Families. — Connie Delorme via Facebook We are a horse family and have tried a lot of magazines, and Horses All is by far the best and most interesting. And it’s Canadian. Great articles that can help any horse owner. — Murray Schmidt at the Saskatchewan Equine Expo The best magazine ever! — Kathy Nelson at Saskatchewan Equine Expo

I look forward to the monthly issues of Horses All. It provides a variety of articles from all aspects of life. I find many articles entertaining and very informative plus great photos. I enjoy reading Horses All even better than magazines. Fill your cup with coffee and grab an issue of Horses All. Enjoy! — Cheryl Hill-Hampson, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan I am a writer for the CBC family drama Heartland and I just wanted to thank you for sending me the copy of the November issue of Horses All. Besides the article about the feedlots, there are a lot of great stories in that one issue. In addition to writing for Heartland, I am the owner of three horses so you can imagine that this series is close to my heart. I’d like to get a subscription to Horses All as I think that besides my own personal interest, I think it will come in handy with Heartland research. — Leila Basen via Facebook ….thank you very much for sending me the copies of Horses All. The article on me is very true but does sound like an obiturary…. thanks again. — Red Allison via mail

Glen Stewart travels extensively conducting clinics and colt starting sessions, and also offers Camps and a three month Horsemanship Course at his home The Horse Ranch. He rides 30-60 client horses per year, including young horses, restarts, challenging horses, and foundation training. Glenn is a former Champion of the Cowboy Up Challenge at the Calgary Stampede and was chosen as one of the Canadian representatives in the 2012 Road to the Horse. Jody Seely was born and raised on a farm west of Nanton, Alberta. She grew up on a horse, loved to ride, and dreamed of being a barrel racer. That dream ended when her family moved away from the farm life. Recently Jody made her way “back in the saddle” after not having done it for over 15 years. It was like “coming home.” Jody is the Morning Show Announcer on 99.7 Sun Country radio in High River where she lives there with her husband Bryce and son Kaiden. Doris Daley Born and raised in Southern Alberta ranch country, Doris Daley writes cowboy poetry that celebrates the humour, history and way of life of the west. Her great grandfather came west with the North West Mounted Police in the 1870s; her family has been ranching in the Alberta foothills for five generations. Doris has been an emcee and featured performer at every cowboy festival in Canada as well as several in the United States, including Texas, California, Colorado, Nevada, Utah, Montana and Oregon. In 2004 she was named Best Female Cowboy Poet in North America by the Academy of Western Artists, the first time any Canadian, male or female, has won the cowboy poetry category. In 2007, 2008 and 2009 she was named one of the top five cowgirl poets in North America by the Western Music Association, with other top five nominations for best collaboration and best cowboy poetry CD. At the November, 2009 WMA Awards Show, Doris won top honours for Best Female Cowboy Poet and best cowboy poetry CD. As with her AWA Will Rogers Awards, she’s the first Canadian to bring home top honours in the cowboy poetry categories.

BEHIND THE COVER Front cover photographer

Cover photo Rancher’s Domain by Kim Taylor. To see more of her work go to kimtaylor.com

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HORSES ALL • MARCH 2013

PROFILES Stories from People who Live, Work and Compete with Horses COWBOY SINGER

IVAN DAINES – famous cowboy of many talents

A friend to many in the cowboy world, he is known for his rodeo abilities and songs, as well as his business and horse sense By Dianne Finstad

hether you’re in the rodeo world, on the team penning trail, in western wear circles, or talking country music, there’s one name that will surface everywhere. Ivan Daines. These days you’ll find Daines singing on the weekends at the Jackpot Casino in Red Deer, on the phone lining up guests for his next Country Music Picknic, or training horses in his home corral. The Innisfail cowboy made a name for himself (and his hometown!) as a talented saddle bronc rider in the heyday of rodeo, but he also carved out an identity as a singer and songwriter, who spun musical tales of the world he knew best, and about his own heroes. As part of the legendary Daines family of seven boys, the cowboy way was the only way growing up. “We rode our horses to school,” recalled Daines. “As young boys, my brother Glen and I trained the first Icelandic ponies to come to Canada, then rode out on the train with them to Mission, B.C. and got them sold.” “We grew up with horses, so it wasn’t difficult getting into that program.” Daines excelled at the rodeo program from an early age, beginning with three straight years as the junior steer riding champion at the Calgary Stampede, from 1959 to 1961. He won the novice bronc riding honours there in both 1963 and 1965. He also took the Canadian championship for novice saddle bronc riders in 1965 and ’66, as well as the World Intercollegiate Bronc riding title in 1966. From there he turned pro, and travelled the rodeo trail with the likes of six-time World All-Around Champion Larry Mahan. “I flew a lot with him,” said Daines, himself a pilot. “He had a twin engine plane, and it was fast. It made it so much easier for him to work all the rodeos, in all the events. We like to sing together. Larry’s just a natural star, very gracious, but a special guy.” Daines also spent time picking and swapping tunes and rodeo tales with the late Chris LeDoux, who went on to become a World Bareback Champion, and country music great. LeDoux helped finance his rodeo career by selling albums from the back of his truck. “I tell the story that Chris led us into the battle as cowboy singers,” smiles Daines. “We sure miss him.” Daines’ own efforts to market his songs led him to a significant musical friendship. “One of my great heroes was Billy

Top right photo: Former bronc rider Ivan Daines, shown at the Handhills Stampede in 1977 on the Calgary Stampede horse Hot Stuff, has also carved out a career as a western singer. Above: Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Famer Ivan Daines (L) is justifiably proud of son Denver Daines who won the 2013 Ponoka Stampede saddle bronc championship. Also shows long-time rodeo photographer Ken Marcinkoski who is still very active and took all of the photos in the framed pictorial display. PHOTOS: KEN MARCINKOSKI

Joe Shaver, who wrote most of the Honky Tonk Heroes album for Waylon Jennings. I walked into Gilley’s in Houston one day with a stack of albums under my arm, and a man there asked what I wanted.” Turns out the man Daines made the pitch to for playing his music was Shaver himself, and they got to be great friends over the years. As a bronc rider, Daines qualified for the Canadian Finals six times, and he also was among the 15 best in the world six times, going on to win the average at the National Finals Rodeo in Oklahoma City in 1970. When his bronc riding career tapered off in the early 1980’s, he moved on to team roping, and then got hooked in with team cattle penning. In fact, he won the Canadian Team Penning championship in 2000, with partners Pat Bolin and Peter Burke. “It’s a good outlet for horses, and a good western event. Not all my cowboy friends agree, but you know horses love to chase cattle,” pointed out Daines, now 65. “I was fortunate to be able to take part in the Olympic cattle penning event held with the Salt Lake City Olympics. I was lucky to be on a team from the Dakotas that won the championship there, while my former wife Kay won a different class.” Kay was a great partner with Ivan in their western retail business. Daines Western Shop was a staple of main street Innisfail, as well as having booths at major rodeo events. “In the early years, there wasn’t a

lot of variety in western equipment and tack. So I started bringing some up when I’d come from rodeos in the States.” That grew into a 30-year enterprise, and while the storefront property is closed now, Daines still offers tack and equipment at every horse sale at the Innisfail Auction Market. Always though, riding and training horses has been important to Daines. “They’ve helped me my whole life, so I like to help them too. I salute the great horsemen who came before, like Ray Hunt and Tom Dorrance. But I learned a lot from John Holman, who was a great bronc rider and horse trainer.” Competing in rodeo around the same time as Daines’ were the likes of now-famous trainers Craig Cameron and Pat Parelli. These days, Daines hasn’t been competing in team penning, but he can still ride. That’s a miracle in itself, given a serious wreck he experienced. “I had a horse go over backwards on me about four years ago, and it broke a bone in my head,” outlined Daines. “I had about six doctors around me, and first they were worried I was going to die, or be paralyzed.” Fortunately, neither happened, and Daines is proud to say the injury has healed up and he’s feeling good again, happy to be back in the saddle. The Ivan Daines and Friends Country Music Picknic celebrated

37 years last August, and plans are already underway for this year’s event, which also features the Canadian Natural Horse Training Championship. “Kade Mills has won that the last two years, and he’s one of the trainers who has been featured at the Mane Event. We’re proud of him. Rod Olsen of Cardston won it before that, and he’s an awfully good horseman, too.” Daines is also understandably proud of the young musical talent he’s been able to showcase at the Daines Ranch, on their way up the musical ladder. “Gord Bamford started here, and Corb Lund has played here too. George Canyon, Gary Fjellgard and Tommy Hunter have been long time participants at his picknic. I like to think of it as fun for everybody. We say we have the stars of yesterday, today and tomorrow.” Daines is also a proud parent, and grandparent. Oldest son Dusty is an accomplished pilot and trainer for WestJet, while daughter Brandi is married to former NHL player Phil Crowe, and is a horse trainer and barrel racer. They make their home in Colorado, and have three children. “My granddaughter Ireland won her first big barrel racing last fall, and got a saddle and $2,500,” Daines said proudly. “And she’s only 12!” And son Denver is making his own name, following in his father’s footsteps, as both a bronc rider and a singer-songwriter. Ivan was thrilled to watch Denver ride to the champi-

onship of the Ponoka Stampede last July. “I’m a big fan of his music too. It’s getting out across the country now, and his new song Tennessee Nights is a very good song.” But Denver’s Dad recently got a royal feather in his cowboy hat for one of his own songs. While watching the funeral of Princess Diana, Daines was struck by the black horses in the procession and the sound their hooves made, ringing out the sorrow felt around the world. So he wrote “Song for Diana,” and obviously, word got out about the touching tribute. “Last summer Prince William wrote and asked me to send him a copy of the song about his mother. I’ve got the letter and everything.” But whether royalty or just a loyal rodeo fan, Ivan Daines treats folks the same. “I just love to meet people. They don’t have to be a big star to be great. From south Texas to northern Alberta, I’ve met the nicest people.” Daines has been honoured with the Cowboy of the Year award from the CPRA, and both the Guy Weadick and the Pioneer of Rodeo awards at the Calgary Stampede. He’s been recognized with a Legendary Achievement award by the Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame. But despite all the accolades and buckles, one of Daines’ most important treasures is a simple loose leaf binder. “It’s chock full from A to Z of all the names and numbers of my friends. If I lose that, I’m done! I call it the original Blackberry,” he chuckled. “There’s been lots of greater cowboys, and greater people than me,” Daines stated. “But I feel fortunate to have been where I’ve been, and done what I’ve done.” And yet, there are so many in the western world who feel fortunate to call themselves a friend of Ivan Daines. IVAN’S FAVOURITE SONG

One of Ivan Daines’ story songs that’s most requested is Spirit of the Cowboy. It tells the tale of the four Canadian rodeo stars, Brian Claypool, Lee Coleman, Gary Logan and Calvin Bunney, who were lost in a plane crash in Oregon. The song was a personal tribute, because Daines rodeoed with those four. Both he and fellow cowboy Doug Vold were among those who spent many hours flying in the search for the downed plane, which was eventually discovered by hunters months later.

HORSESALL.COM

HORSES ALL • MARCH 2013

P ROFILES Summer Camp

Awar d

Old-time cowboy shares fun and danger with kids Wayne Arthur calls a lifetime of volunteering at Pioneer Camp the best years of his life

Calgary farrier is inducted into Horseshoeing Hall of Fame A good farrier needs hand, horse and people skills plus quality mentors to continually improve his talents

I DID IT MY WAY

OUR WAY OF LIFE

Personal Profile

Making a living with horses

By Heather Grovet

Galahad, Alta.

hose who volunteer their time and effort for an organization should be patted on the back. But what do you do for someone that gives their entire adult life in service? Wayne (Cinch) Arthur states it was the love of children, horses and God that started him down the path to volunteering at Rocky Mountain House’s Pioneer Camp beginning in 1956. “I wouldn’t trade those experiences for anything,” Arthur says. “They were the best years of my life.” Arthur’s entire life revolved around camp. “For many years I taught during the school year,” Arthur said. “I enjoyed teaching, but one of the big benefits was getting two months off to help at camp. In the summer my wife and I would pack up our little girls — we had four — and we’d head off to camp. We weren’t staying in a posh cabin while we were there; instead we went into the bush with 15 or so horses. The camp would send kids out to us, a few at a time, where they’d have a chance to experience creation. They’d sleep under the stars, learn how to ride and hobble a horse, and swim in the river.” Camping in a tee-pee in the bush was exciting, but also challenging for the small family. “My wife cooked everything over an open fire,” Arthur says. “She’d help with the campers, plus take care of our little girls. I had

“

Wayne Arthur has other God-given talents, including carving this pheasant that he donated as an auction item at a Pheasant Forever fundraising event. photos: Lois Banasch

friends that asked me ‘Does this woman have a sister?’ because there just wasn’t another gal in the world like her!” “If I didn’t believe God was in the program, I never would have done it,” Arthur continues. “There are big risks when you put kids and horses together out in the wilderness, and it would have been too risky without God there.” Arthur shares some of the challenges — bears in camp eating the horse’s oats. Sick children miles from the nearest nurse. Rafts tipping over in rough water. “One horrible experience was crossing the Baptiste River with a group of kids during a wet summer,” Arthur says. “We came to a known crossing, but the river was in flood. The water was up to the horse’s chests, so I told

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Wayne Arthur (or Cinch as his friends call him) volunteered for Pioneer Ranch Camps in northern Alberta for several decades.

the kids to keep their eyes fixed on the horse in front of them while we crossed. Of course, you can guess what happened. I got to the other side, and looked back to see the last kid in line had allowed his horse to drift almost 20 feet to the left. Suddenly his horse stepped into a deep hole, and the pair disappeared from sight. The kid came off the horse and was whisked down the river. I kicked my horse in the ribs, tore down the bank, and managed to snatch the boy out of the water. It was a close call, I tell you, and it was one of many times that I saw God at work, taking care of us.” Arthur was eager to share his experiences with his co-workers once school began. “I’d tell people ‘Come with me, you’ll love it!’” Arthur relates. “But they’d always say ‘Oh, I just can’t do it.’ Well, you can do almost anything, if you really want to. There were challenges, but those years volunteering at Pioneer Camp were the best times in my life.”

was going to be a brain surgeon, but then my mom bought a pony,” farrier Marshall Iles says. “It all went downhill from there.” Here’s how it happened. When Iles was 10, his mother bought his younger sister a pony. Big brother ended up working with the pony, and soon other horses followed. “I ended up being the kid that was tugging on the farrier’s coat tails, asking questions,” Iles says. “Then I started taking care of my own horse’s hooves, and it just escalated.” After graduating from farrier sciences at Olds College, Iles worked as an apprentice for Donn Whenham. A few years later he started his own business, Unicorn Forge, which specializes in working with hunter/ jumper horses. “These horses are very valuable, and caring for their feet involves a high level of responsibility,” Iles says. Iles competed in three-day eventing for a while, but eventually decided he preferred working on horse’s feet to riding. “I swore I’d never marry a horse chick, but of course I did,” Iles says. “My wife rides hunter/ jumpers, and now our 16-yearold daughter does too. Our son jousted for a while, but when his charger died I bought him a quad, which seemed like a pretty fair trade!” Iles believes a good farrier needs three things; good hand skills, good horse skills and good people skills. “Horses are the easy part,” he says. “But this

is a service industry, and sometimes people can be tough.” In January 2013, Iles was inducted into the International Horseshoeing Hall of Fame, an honour that baffles him. “This award came out of the blue, and I’m not sure I should be there with my mentors and heroes,” he says. “But I will admit it was cool. I flew to Cincinnati for the award ceremony, but I haven’t seen the actual Hall of Fame itself, which is in the Kentucky Derby Museum.” “When I got back from the ceremony, I went out to a client’s place and worked with 21 of his horses,” Iles continues. “He had a real cross-section; bitchy mares, old school horses with lameness issues, Olympic level jumpers. I told every horse about my award and asked them if they thought I was a big deal, but none of them cared. Horses don’t care if you’re famous, they don’t care how pretty the shoe is. They just want the shoe to fit. That’s what I want to do for them.” Iles credits — or perhaps blames — his mentor, Donn Whenham for his induction into the Horseshoeing Hall of Fame. “Donn has helped organize the World Champion Blacksmith Competition held every year at the Calgary Stampede,” Iles says. “He’s dragged me into assisting there, too which I think interested the past inductees who nominated me.” “A lot of farriers think they’re allergic to competitions,” Isles concludes. “But I’d encourage people to look for a farrier who is involved in competitions and keeps updating his education. Taking care of your horse’s feet should be important to you, and your farrier, too.”

Farrier Marshall Iles started working with horse’s feet at a young age, and is now passing his knowledge onto a client’s young son about how to properly pick up a pony’s foot. photo: Submitted

HORSESALL.COM

HORSES ALL • MARCH 2013

P ROFILES All-round han d

Rusty Quam out before daylight, in after dark Cowgirl has her hand in breeding, training, competing, and coaching WOMEN OF THE WEST Personal profile

By Doris Daley Turner Valley, Alta.

an your life’s work and passion be stamped right into your DNA at birth? Meryl Streep, Hayley Wickenheiser and Dolly Parton might all argue “yes,” finding it impossible to imagine their lives being played out anywhere else but the movies, the hockey rink and the concert stage. Also saying “yes” would be Alberta barrel horse trainer and bucking horse breeder Rusty Quam, who couldn’t imagine any other life than the one she leads near Wainwright, Alberta, surrounded by horses and horse people. As one of Western Canada’s most highly sought-after barrel horse trainers, it’s not unusual for Rusty to get a call from the owner of a brand new baby colt today, hoping to book Rusty as a trainer five years down the road. “My dad Barry was a successful rodeo stock contractor and has been a pickup man for 48 years. Mom was a barrel racer and as young babies my brother Cain and I travelled with her on the rodeo circuit,” she recalls. She ran her first barrels on her Shetland pony, Sugar at age four, and qualified for her first Manitoba Rodeo Cowboys Association finals at the ripe old age of eight. She followed her dad to the round pen and watched him start hundreds and hundreds of colts; it was only a matter of time until she was in the pen and her dad was cheering her from the sidelines. But perhaps the biggest prize of all is getting to do what she loves: training and selling barrel horses, going to futurities and rodeos,

“I’m a firm believer that if the horses look and feel like a million bucks, they’re going to work like a million bucks.” — Rusty Quam

breeding rodeo bucking stock and coaching college rodeo. “Everything in our yard is about the horse,” says Rusty, who lives with her life and business partner, Dale Woodward. “I don’t think I’ve ever spent money on a manicure... I don’t even know what a haircut costs these days. But our horses get the best feed, the best blankets, the best barn we can afford. I’m a firm believer that if the horses look and feel like a million bucks, they’re going to work like a million bucks.” It all means a schedule that’s more gruelling than glamorous. “I ride eight to 10 barrel horses a day in the winter and about 10 to 12 in the summer,” she says. “We have horses coming and going in the yard all the time. We feed grain twice a day. We had 17 bucking horse colts last spring and have five four-year-olds that we will buck this year. In any given season, we might be going to futurities in Montana, the Dakotas, or throughout Alberta, B.C., Manitoba and Saskatchewan. On the days we go to rodeos, my life is summed up in four words — gather, sort, load and drive. There’s no such thing as a typical day, but there is a typical schedule — out before daylight, in after dark.” For the past four years Rusty has been assistant rodeo coach at Lakeland College, 35 miles away in Vermilion, a job she says she “loves, loves, loves.” Most Tuesday evenings find her working with girls in pole bending, goat tying and of course barrel racing. “The girls improve so much from September to spring. The kids... and their horses... make a huge turnaround. It’s immensely rewarding.” Horses have taught Rusty lessons that she takes with her into the rodeo arena, the training pen, and life’s arena. “Hard work pays off. No shortcuts. Don’t quit. Simple is better than complicated.” Some days she’s tired. Some days she just doesn’t want to be out in the yard feeding at 7 a.m. “But I have a real soft spot for the horse, so I can’t lay in bed when there are horses waiting to be fed. And the next Big One might be out there in the barn. I treat each horse like it could be the next champion, and give him every opportunity to succeed.” It’s a philosophy we would all do well to apply not just to horses, but to the people in our lives. Rusty is quick to credit much of her success to the great horses she has ridden in her barrel racing career. If those four-legged partners gave out awards, no doubt they would open the envelope and say, “And the winner is Rusty Quam — top caregiver, trainer, advocate and faithful friend!” Champion horses and a woman of the west who loves them — it’s a winning formula — lock, stock and barrel.

Rosa Caliente is a seven year old mare that Rusty Quam recently won money on at a PRCA rodeo in Rapid City, SD. MORE ABOUT RUSTY

Rusty’s awards include Futurity winner, Canadian Cowboys Association (CCA )Finals qualifier, CCA Champion, CFR qualifier, Calgary Stampede short go winner, three-time CCA year end champion on three different horses, three-time Manitoba Rodeo Cowboy Association Champion , and that’s just in the past dozen years and it’s only a partial list. For more information on Rusty, visit her website www.rustyquambarrelhorses.com or call her (780)

842-7098. The website has information on Rusty’s training schedule, clinic dates, and rates. Learn more about the great horses in Rusty’s career including My Bon Jon (Gray), Shy, Huckleberry, Strawberry, Tickleberry, One Dollar Chip, Wave to Me Darlin, CRP Daisy Mae, and many more. Watch for Rusty to be running two great barrel horse studs — Blue is Rare and Foolish Perks — in the next few years.

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HORSES ALL • MARCH 2013

PROFILES PROFILE

LEO CARTIER

HOMEWARD BOUND

Reflections on a legendary pony chuckwagon racer and family man

Celebrating lives lived

By Heather Grovet Galahad, Alta.

eo Cartier of Vegreville, Alta., passed away September 11, 2012, at the age of 88. Leo was a horse trainer, enthusiastic pony chuckwagon and chariot racer, auctioneer and family man with five sons and four daughters.

“My dad grew up riding and driving horses,” oldest son Jim Cartier says. “Dad and his brothers loved to race anytime they had more than one team hooked up. Once they knocked over the corner posts at the end of their lane because two hay racks couldn’t fit through at the same time.” “In the 1950s Dad officially started racing,” Jim says. “At first he bought and traded for good ponies, later he bought a thoroughbred stallion to cross on

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pony mares. When the kids came along he taught us all to ride and drive. Eventually he built a race track at home, and soon all five of us boys were racing with him.” Training a horse to race was more important to Leo than the actual racing. “Dad believed every horse was good,” Shane Cartier says. “He had lots of talented horses, but he also kept horses that couldn’t run, or ones that looked horrible. He especially enjoyed the challenge of making a problem horse turn into a good one. Dad wasn’t scared to try something new with a tough horse. He must have had 100 bits, and he’d keep trying different ones until he found one that worked for the horse.” “Dad was always calm, cool and collected, even during a wreck,” Shane continues. “One time Dad was racing my brothers on the home track while I rode in the wagon with him. It was an old wagon, and suddenly parts of Dad’s back wheel began to break off. Dad looked over his shoulder, grinned and said ‘No problem, it’s just a back wheel,’ and kept the ponies running while pieces of wood and rim flew everywhere. When we finally finished the race, Dad turned to me and said ‘See, I told you we wouldn’t need that wheel!’ A stack of dynamite under his seat wouldn’t have flustered him!” Terry Cartier agrees. “Once Dad had a serious wreck racing at Vegreville,” Terry says. “He was turning barrel two when another team broadsided him. Dad was thrown into the backend of his team, and the wagon ran over him. People in the grandstands were crying. But Dad staggered to his feet and waved at the crowd. They sent out

“Dad was thrown into the backend of his team, and the wagon ran over him. People in the grandstands were crying. But Dad staggered to his feet and waved at the crowd.”  TERRY CARTIER

the ambulance to pick him up, but he refused to go to the hospital; he just straightened his glasses and went back to the horses.” “Dad always made the best of life,” Terry says. “In 1979 Dad’s hand was severely damaged in a combine accident. He had to quit driving for a while, so in that time he made a pony wheel and gave pony rides to kids. But eventually he figured out a way to loop his rein so he could drive again. And he wasn’t driving plugs, he was breaking colts and racing. He could drive better with one hand than most guys did with two.” Leo continued to race until he was in his 70s, and didn’t stop driving until he was almost 85. “Dad eventually had to move into the local lodge, but he still liked to be with the horses,” Shane said. “I was racing thoroughbred chuckwagons at the time, so Dad would come out to my place every day, and take care of my horses. He’d spend all day feeding them and doing other chores. It didn’t matter how cold it was, Dad had to be out there with the horses.”

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HORSES ALL • MARCH 2013

P ROFILES Volunteer

Pete Fraser – gentleman and cowboy character

Meet up with the guy that makes things happen behind the scenes I DID IT MY WAY Personal Profile

By Cindy Bablitz

ete Fraser — a name well known in equine circles in this country, and notably south of the border as you’ll see shortly — together with his three brothers and one sister grew up near High River, Alberta on a farm with horses. But it took going away from the farm and leaving behind the daily interaction with animal husbandry for him to find the inspiration to go back to a life with horses... a life he might have easily left behind for a career in sports writing. He was at the University of Calgary (where he earned two degrees, a Bachelor of Arts majoring in psychology and sociology, and another in education) when his future wife came strolling onto campus. Pete made his subtle introduction by throwing a football at her head. “I had kind of put the farm and horses behind me, but when she

started talking about going to the Calgary Summer Horse Show, then I kind of remembered I did a lot of things with horses,” grins Pete. Eventually the pair started dating, and Diane came to borrow one of Pete’s family farm Pintos for her bid to win the Miss Calgary pageant in 1972. A later vacation to California turned into a Pinto/Paint shopping excursion, “And we ended up owning so many horses together, I had to marry her.” Fraser helped found the Alberta Paint Horse Club and his family of origin won every single Family Ride at the Calgary Horse Show every year they entered, (except once, when an ornery judge knocked them into second place over a widely criticized accessory blunder). “So then it started.” It amounts to a collection of decades-long careers that earned ‘Pinto Pete’ accolades, achievements and a whole lot of fun. And yes, that’s careers, plural. His extended stay as a jock slash student at the U of C parlayed into a career as a senior administrator,

until he eventually retired as associate vice president in 2009. Pe te l a u g h s , “ M y p a re n t s dropped me off in 1967 and they never came back for me so I stayed.” “People always thought I was full time in horses... and I was... but I was also full time at the university... and I was also full time at other things. The fact of the matter is I just juggled and never did work a day in my life. It was all pure enjoyment. I had a lot of opportunities and I chose to answer a lot of them.” The ‘other things’ included raising two boys, Cody and Casey with Dianne. “We followed the credo that good horses raise great kids... and our boys really are amazing young men. Everyone reminds me they take after their mother,” Pete winks. The ‘other things’ also included establishing the Alberta Paint Horse Club into one of the most thriving breed clubs in the country; serving as president “for almost forever” of the Horse

Industry Association of Alberta (which he also helped found in 1982); volunteering with the Calgary Stampede, now chairing the Western Performance Horse Committee; and notably becoming the only Canadian to this day to ever be elected as president of a major breed association in the United States. Pete’s earned presidency of the American Paint Horse Association might have been nudged along by his cheek a few years previous in suggesting to the board that two great things will happen in Calgary in 1988: the American Paint Horse Association annual general meeting, and the Olympics. Also noteworthy is the fact that at the time Pete joined the board of the American Paint Horse Association, paint horses ranked ninth among the major breeds for numbers of new annual registrants, and seven years later, they’d zoomed to second. This was especially laudable given that during these years, there was a five year period where no other breed grew their registration from year to year. He grew up with Pinto horses, and loves Paint horses to this day. “On the eighth day God made quarter horses, and on the ninth day, he painted the good ones.”

Now a “retired gentleman farmer,” Pete remains a very active volunteer with the Stampede, including the world series of cutting and the biggest cutting futurity in Canada and a myriad of other equine endeavors. Also, a new passion is gaining the lion’s share of his attentions, and that’s for extreme cowboy racing. Still, two bum knees have him more in the judge’s stand than in the saddle these days. Pete’s unassuming longevity in the horse world has also earned him recruitment into motivational speaking, “though I mostly think they just like to hear me because I’m Canadian, and talk with an accent,” he says, with typical gentleman cowboy modesty. He insists he’s a lousy whisperer, but sure demonstrates he’s got a pretty good understanding of horses (though some still care to point out he rode with too much flapping of the elbows). To his lifetime’s ethic of abundant volunteerism he simply claims he’s “thankful they don’t make me pay to keep having all the fun I’m having.” Pinto Pete Fraser is a true gentleman, a great story teller, an enchanting cowboy character with character — one of a few remaining specimens in a rare breed growing rarer.

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Pete Fraser, shown here at the 2013 Horse Breeders and Owners Conference, has been an outstanding volunteer with Calgary Stampede, Horse Industry of Alberta, and Alberta Paint Horse Club. photo: Victoria Ann Photography

HORSESALL.COM

HORSES ALL • MARCH 2013

P ROFILES of places historic ranch

Waldron Ranch Doomed from the get-go

Wolves and weather proved too much for open range cattle By Wendy Dudley Priddis, Alta.

ike most of the big frontier ranches of southern Alberta, the Waldron Ranch (formerly the Walrond) was born from a dream, one seeded with the promise of a land so rich in grass that it would support thousands of cattle on year-round open range. Mother Nature would take care of all your needs, with little need for winter feed. Just sit back, gentlemen, and count your profits. It was a lofty dream that in 1883 attracted the financial backing of wealthy Englishman Sir John Walrond and other investors. The Waldron’s managing director was Duncan McEachran, a Montreal veterinarian who arranged the first drive of Waldron cattle and horses from Montana. Many who trailed the animals were hired on as they had the skills to ride the 275,640 acres of fescue, creeks, and forest in the foothills northwest of Fort Macleod. “They tried to run it like in Texas, as a big open range and hands-off system,” said University of Calgary history professor Warren Elofson who wrote Somebody Else’s Money, a book detailing why the Waldron proved uneconomic. “It was silly. In Texas, there were no vicious snow storms, no long cold winters, and they had lush vegetation.” There was a “mass hysteria” to move West and build ranches, despite an ignorance of the harsh environment, Elofson noted. “It came from Western dime novels and promotional literature.” The Waldron was second to only the Cochrane Ranch in terms of size. Along with the Oxley and Bar U Ranches, these were the largest spreads in southern Alberta. At one time the Waldron had as many as 10,000 cattle, with contracts to sell beef to the Peigan and Blood reserves. It also raised draft Clydesdale and Shire horses.

Walrond Ranche round-up riders in 1903. L-R: Doctor Duncan McNab McEachran; George Poster; William Ferguson; Charles Hays; Lou Murray; Hugh Lancaster; John Lee; Jack Gladstone; unknown; Dick Galloway; and unknown. Dr. McEachran was the ranch’s general manager. Photo: Glenbow Museum

Left: Established in 1883, the Waldron Ranch was Alberta’s second largest ranch, covering approximately 275,000 acres. Today, a smaller portion of 50,000 acres is owned by a grazing co-operative, with shareholders contributing an annual fee to cover operation costs. The co-op is in southern Alberta, north of the Oldman River and along the Porcupine Hills. Right: The original Waldron Ranch had less than 10 pastures, so it never knew exactly how many cattle it lost. Today, the Waldron Grazing Co-op has about 100 pastures, enabling it to keep better track of animal numbers and prevent over-grazing. Photos: Wendy Dudley

With more pastures, the Waldron’s grazing cattle are easier to track than in the ranch’s early days in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Only a few riders are employed, and costs are covered through the Waldron Grazing Co-op’s annual fees. About 70 local ranchers belong to the 50-year-old co-op. Photo: Wendy Dudley

Those first years of settlement could be wild and woolly, with cowboys pulling their six-shooters in the bars of Pincher Creek and Fort Macleod. And there was plenty of cattle rustling between the big ranch companies and the homesteaders. It didn’t take long for the Waldron cowboys to realize that the West came with more than just belly-high grass. There were prairie fires, disease and predators. The toughest lessons came in the severe winters of 1886-87 and 1906-07 when cattle died by the thousands. If they didn’t freeze or starve, they were killed by wolves. Ranch records never revealed just how many cattle went missing each year, and the numbers were exaggerated to appease the shareholders. McEachran “cooked the books,” said Elofson. “He then attributed all the losses to the winter of 1906-07. That winter made many ranchers honest.” The huge challenges — weather, predation and disease — burst the dream, and in 1907 the ranch was declared bankrupt. Over decades, parts were sold off to various owners. “They had very good intentions,” says current Waldron general manager Mike Roberts. “But it was easy to doctor the count. The place wasn’t fenced. And the bulls weren’t controlled so you had cattle year-round.” The original Waldron home was eventually moved to the Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village in Pincher Creek, with the ranch captured in a 1947 sketch done by Group of Seven artist A.Y. Jackson. The dipping vats can still be found, but the rest has been lost to the sun, snow and wind. “We find bits of homesteads around, where people had their dreams dashed,” said Roberts. “There are old wooden troughs and we found an old wooden snow plough on a wind-blown hill.”

Once boasting 275,000 acres, the Waldron Ranch, established in 1883, went bankrupt in 1907. Over the years, it was sold off in pieces. In 1962, a group of local farmers and ranchers purchased 50,000 acres for $1 million, the first ranch in Alberta to sell for that much money. For shareholders, it provides supplemental pasture with minimal maintenance costs. Photo: Wendy Dudley

HORSESALL.COM

HORSES ALL • MARCH 2013

PROFILES of PLACES ECO-FRIENDLY

HEAVY HORSES

Waldron ranch now run as a successful grazing co-op By Wendy Dudley Priddis, Alta.

hile the Waldron still exists in name — now run as the Waldron Grazing Co-operative — much has changed since the original ranch was established in 1883. The co-op, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2012, manages 54,480 acres with an 11,000-head grazing capacity. Range lands are vibrant, with cattle frequently moved to rest the fields. “It was pretty much over-grazed when we first got it,” said Nanton-area rancher Clay Chattaway, one of the original shareholders, and a past board president. The land came up for sale in 1962, and was purchased by neighbouring ranchers for an even $1 million, the first Alberta ranch to sell for that much, he noted. By adding cross-fences, the ranch improved the quality of its forage. Deferred and rotational grazing is practised, with cattle kept off sensitive areas in April and May, allowing the new grass to take hold. “It used to be only six or seven pastures. Now there’s about 100 pastures with 300 miles of fence,” said Waldron general manager Mike Roberts. The advantage of the co-op is that it provides supplemental pasture without having

The Waldron Grazing Co-op, which celebrated 50 years in 2012, has rehabilitated much of the ranch rangeland. Using deferred grazing and seasonal rotations to protect riparian areas, the co-op has earned two environmental stewardship awards for its conservation efforts. PHOTO: WENDY DUDLEY

to purchase more acres, and the shareholders don’t have the worry of managing the herd, said Chattaway. “You’re getting the full meal deal.” Costs are covered through an annual fee. Labour remains low with Roberts running the ranch in winter, and then hiring four riders and a shepherd from spring through fall. With improved grazing patterns, yields on the Callum Creek floodplains tripled. While the riparian area makes up little more than half the ranch pasture, its vigourous plant growth can provide about 80 per cent of the forage.

Waldron horse business never found its stride BY WENDY DUDLEY Priddis, Alta. If the harsh weather and hungry wolves were hard on the Waldron’s cattle, they were equally brutal on its horses. The ranch’s attempt to breed quality Clydesdale and Shire draft horses as working animals failed. At its height, the ranch had 600 mares, studs, yearlings and colts. But largely left to survive on their own, the creatures were no match for the draft horses in central Canada which were pampered by comparison. It was almost impossible to control the breeding lines with stallions roaming free, and the horses were often branded in several locations, only adding to their scruffy appearance. They never carried enough weight to appeal to buyers, said ranching historian Warren Elofson. The ranch also suffered huge colt losses to wolves. “It wasn’t like the Bar U Ranch (south of Longview, Alta.) where George Lane stabled and took really good care of his stallions. The mares were turned loose, but the studs were treated well.” That extra care paid off, with the Bar U’s purebred Percherons dominating the show rings, and fetching robust prices. In contrast, the Waldron was out of the horse business by the end of the 19th century. “Their horses looked rough,” said Elofson. “They weren’t groomed or fed regularly. They had to walk a long way between water and a food source and it pulled them down.”

The ranch prevents cattle from trampling stream banks by providing portable watering systems, and invasive leafy spurge has been controlled with sheep which, unlike cattle, eat the weed. Just like wolves decimated hundreds of cattle in the ranch’s early days, predation remains an issue, but the Waldron has addressed losses by keeping only cows and calves in areas prone to wolves, Roberts said. “Because of their maternal instinct, the cows will fight them off.” Such sustainable operations have earned the Waldron environmental stewardship awards from the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association and the Alberta Beef Producers, the first time in the latter’s 18 year history that the award was granted to a co-operative. The group of approximately 70 local ranchers, who participate as shareholders, has worked with Cows and Fish, Sustainable Resource Development, and the Alberta Conservation Association to ensure rangeland health. Strict records are kept, so the ranch always knows how many animals are grazing at one time. “The number of shares you have determines the number of cattle you can graze,” said Chattaway. Looking back on the ranch’s early history, it must have been a tough go, said Roberts. “You can’t have 10,000 cattle out on open range, and manage them well.”

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HORSES ALL • MARCH 2013

PROFILES NETWORKING

Dames on the range – no guys allowed Lady entrepreneurs build informal movement to nurture, mentor and network OUR WAY OF LIFE Making a living with horses

By Cindy Bablitz Calgary, Alta.

ames on the Range does what dames do best: nurture, network and mentor. In a grass roots movement started somewhere near Nanton, Alberta (and an ad hoc movement that’s being imitated from Drumheller to the U.K.), Dames on the Range is promoting the concept that female-owned businesses can take corporate formal-

ity out of marketing in exchange for good old fashioned word of mouth. “We started in 2008,” explains Debbie Webster, owner of Chimney Rock Bed and Breakfast near Nanton, “And the idea was born out of a desire to start networking, partnering and mentoring other women who have cottage industry businesses or talents to promote.” Essentially, Dames on the Range is a web of women who tell their customers about other dames doing other stuff, mostly western lifestyle related. Stay at Debbie’s bed and breakfast and

Every Barn Needs A Bit More Paint Freckle Face Smoke

2X - NRCHA Futurity Champion Son of NRCHA NRCHA Hall Hall of Famer

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Son of Mr Parteebuilt Junior Sire

Page mr Star bucks

mr parteebuilt

Son of World Champion

The Foundation of our Mares

you’ll likely get encouraged to consider adding a trail ride, or a nature hike, or a local restaurant... even an apothecary or crafting workshop... to your getaway. “Women are traditionally nurturers,” says Deb. “We often try to be everything for everyone, and we shouldn’t be. We want our guests and customers to be well cared for... and we have a tendency to think we need to take care of that all on our own. But Dames on the Range is about accessing friends and neighbours to promote ourselves and each other while celebrating the western landscape and the western lifestyle we all love so much. “We want to share the culture and heritage of the western lifestyle by inviting guests to learn about sustainable ranch operations, by participating in the activities on the ranch wherever possible and by offering opportunities for folks to experience a host of complementary products and services that all encourage awareness of self and surroundings,” Debbie explains.

“Dames on the Range is about accessing friends and neighbours to promote ourselves... while celebrating the... western lifestyle we all love so much.”  DEB WEBSTER

smooth sir

Like their logo says, Dames on the Range is not your usual social group or service club.

In an intangible way, Dames on the Range is like an old fashioned barn raising, Deb says. Someone brought the nails, someone brought the lumber, someone brought the sandwiches and together, they built a community. In the same spirit, the Dames bring not only a collection of opportunities for visiting guests, but within their collective, they provide mentoring, support and business development services to each other. Dames on the Range is really providing a three-pronged benefit. Each individual business within this (extremely informal) partnership realizes the rewards of the promotion of their own product or service; the community (of the southeastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains of Alberta) wins because through Dames’ networking, visiting guests tend to stay in the local area longer; and guests win because they get to be hosted by

a group of people with similar visions for hospitality and service. The nomer ‘Dames’ is quite on purpose: the women in this collective know that Dame is a title of honour, “And we take literary licence with the title because, for all we do, we should be honoured, by gum, and don’t you forget it!” Deb laughs.

HOW TO FIND THEM

Much of the Dames’ activity and support is generated through their Facebook page, and you can find them there under Dames on the Range. For more information or to book your next mini-getaway, surf to www.damesontherange.ca.

Dynamite on a Cow! Son of NCHA Hall of Famer

Siring No-Fuss Dispositions FQHR Foundation Bred

www. P aintH orses.ca

Give us a Call ... at the Ranch or on the Web

For more than 25 years we have been shaping up an APHA breeding herd and raising all-a-round, versatile, performance horses for the ranch and for the arena. The ranch-raised weanlings, yearlings and riding horses are valued by their new owners and excel in all areas of the equine industy.

Don and Connie Delorme Box 28, Robsart, SK S0N 2G0

dcdelorme@sasktel.net HOME: 306.299.4494

Debbie Webster is on the far right. Dames on the Range join up for networking events like a hike, and often include guests in their adventures.

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HORSES ALL • MARCH 2013

P ROFILES Saddle s eat

Robyn Davies represents Canada in South Africa Lloydminster rider attends World Seat Equitation Competition YOUNG GUNS Up and coming stars

By Kelly Sidoryk Lloydminster, Alta.

ompeting at a World Cup level is something many athletes aspire to. But 12 fortunate young Canadian women were able to do so this past December by attending the World Cup Saddle Seat Equitation Competition in South Africa. The group was made up of two teams with the three gaited team of Rashelle Johnson, Breanne Miller, Robyn Davies, Stephanie Brown, Malika Keglowich and Hailey McKay. And on the five gaited team was Carman McBurney, Natalie Martens, Rebecca McLeod, Mikalia Frost, Breanna Van Rooyen and Allison Williams. Martens is from Ontario, and Johnson and McBurney are from B.C. The rest of the team is from Alberta.

Five teams , in addition to Canada, competed from the United States, Sweden, Germany and the host team of South Africa. The Canadians placed third in both categories. There are so many differences the girls had to deal with. Language, climate, food, and, most notably, riding horses they only are on for a short time for the selection. But the experience of riding in a saddle seat competition is one they are very familiar with. Robyn Davies, from south of Lloydminster has been riding since she was four at her family’s business, K-Lyn Stables. “The riding was all very close to what we do at home, nothing was too surprising or got your nerves up,” says Davies. Highlights for Davies were the actual showing and riding new horses. The horses are supplied by the South Africans and the competitors tried them out for only two half-hour sessions... and then competed on them!

Robyn Davies was one of nine Albertans that competed in the World Cup Saddle Seat Equitation this past December in South Africa. photo submitted

“We had to learn the different cues those horses responded too.” The trainers there were very helpful. Even though Davies is used to her mom being her trainer, she was not there so Davies had to rely on the trainers. Another positive aspect for Davies was riding as part of a team, “that was new to me,” she says. There were a number of group activities that allowed her to get to know the other

girls. “I became closer with those I already knew and got to know those that I did not,” she says. Coaches for the team were Archie Hurst of Cloverleaf Stables and Terry Johnson. Hurst has been coaching the World Cup since 2006. “This world competition is the most unique in that the riders put their riding skills to the test as they draw the horses they are going to compete with and get only two half hour rides to figure them out. Then they have two rail work outs and two figure patterns testing their riding skills,” says Hurst. Hurst says the competition is unique and challenging, “The South African horses are very game and quite athletic so figure work is difficult. It is so rewarding to see our Canadian athletes go to a strange country, meeting other athletes from other countries and languages, and become good friends with them in a competitive setting. I can tell you the Canadian teams we very well received

About Saddle Seat

Saddle Seat is a style of horseback riding within the category of English riding that is designed to show off the high trotting action of certain horse breeds. The goal of the Saddle Seat riding style is to show off the horse’s extravagant gaits, particularly the trot. All saddle seat riding is done on the flat (this means jumping is not involved). In the United States, there sometimes is confusion between saddle seat and hunt seat disciplines among individuals who are neither familiar with different styles of English saddle nor the substantial differences in rider position and attire between the disciplines. Courtesy of Wikipedia

and the host country South Africa could not have been more supportive, “Hurst adds.

Show jumping

Robyn Walker competes for Canada in Mexico Young Albertan represents her country at the 2012 FEI Children’s Jumping Championships YOUNG GUNS Up and coming stars

By Amie Peck Cochrane, Alta.

obyn Walker vividly remembers watching the FEI Children’s International Jumping Championships in 2006, the year they were held at Spruce Meadows in Calgary. The competition is open to competitors from the ages of 12 to 14 and was created to expose talented young riders to international competition. Robyn, an avid rider herself, made a goal that day — to qualify and ride in the FEI Championships. Robyn, who just turned 15 in January, began taking lessons and competing at the tender age of six, moving quickly from the hunter to the jumper ring, and from ponies on to horses. Show jumping is a passion that she shares with her mom, Renee. “Riding is something we do together,” explains Robyn. “Before I was old enough to ride, I would just sit with my mom on a horse.” Together with her dedicated coach, Alex Grayton, Robyn set her sights on qualifying for the Championships in 2012 — the last year she would be eligible to compete.

Qualifiers are held all over the world with the same pre-determined courses set by the FEI. Sixteen competitors are invited from the host country along with the top 16 foreign finalists. After finishing with the highest score in Canada, Coach Alex Grayton put together a plan to prepare Robyn for the Championships. Held Jan 27 - Feb 3, 2013 in Valle de Bravo, Mexico, foreign riders compete on borrowed horses supplied by the host country at the event. Robyn would have little time to adjust to her new mount before the competition began. “We tried to rotate lessons between Robyn’s horses,” explains Alex. “We also borrowed some horses from other riders in the barn to try and simulate the situation she would face in Mexico.” The Championships bring together riders from all over the world, including Europe, South America, Russia, Australia and the Middle East. In the horse selections, Robyn drew Golondrina, a smaller framed but feisty bay mare. “Golondrina goes a bit differently than I was used to,” Robyn explains. “During our first 30 minute training session, I felt like I had her figured out. She was really forward and responsive, and also smooth. She was my kind of horse!”

In the first qualifier Robyn rode fast and clear in her speed round to a ninth place finish — amazing considering it was the third time she had ever ridden the horse. In the second qualifier, Golondrina clipped a rail for four faults. The two rounds together were enough for Robyn to move into the coveted final. An unfortunate rail kept Robyn out of the jump-off, but she placed eighth overall and first with riders from New Zealand and Mexico in the Team Competition, a terrific finish for Canada. “I was a little more nervous for the Final than I had been the whole week,” explained Walker. “The course designer did an excellent job and the final course was tough and larger. I wasn’t worried though, because my preparation at home with my horses before the final, my confidence in myself and my skills and competing at Spruce Meadows regularly helped me. I am used to jumping difficult and demanding courses.” “Robyn’s best strength as a rider is her ability to stick to a plan,” explains proud coach Alex. “She is really good at formulating a blueprint out of the course walk and staying on track throughout her ride. She also has good feel with the horses — they want to do well for her.” “One of the best aspects of the competition was making new friends,” Robyn says

Robyn Walker of Calgary, Alta. rode her way to an eighth place finish for Canada at the 2012 FEI Children’s International Championships. photo: Submitted

about her time in Mexico. “It was so great to meet some of the best young riders in the world and experiencing the different cultures and ways of riding and training horses.” There are more goals and aspirations on the horizon for the talented rider. “I am hoping to move into the 1.3 metre competitions this year,” Robyn says. “Hopefully in two years I will be qualifying for the Youth Olympics!”

Can your horse jump to the challenge? Olds Agricultural Grounds, Calouri Pavilion, Olds, AB

Also featuring the Young Breeders’ Open Qualifier co-hosted by the Olds Agricultural Society and the CWHBA-AB Chapter

April 13, 2013

Open to 3, 4, 5 and 6 year old registered horses of all breeds, who feel they can bring their ‘game’. Come join us to watch the Free Jumping Challenge at 1:00 pm or the Young Breeders’ Open Qualifier at 10:00 am

Admission: $5/person or family For information regarding entries, please contact

Katrina: 403-556-6629 or freejumping10@gmail.com Entries due: April 5, 2013

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HORSES ALL • MARCH 2013

PROFILES BULL RIDING

Could Bucking Fantastic be the next superstar bull?

Young stock contractors Josh and Tamara Berezay treat their bucking bulls as members of their family. to bull ridings. I think that’s a pretty good deal.” Berezay said, wary though of the possibilities of what growing up around bull riders may lead to for his two young daughters. “The bull riders are super to the kids. They see them all as older brothers. I think I am kinda putting them in a bad spot hanging out with bull riders all the time,” Josh joked. “I guess if they show up with one someday then I’ve got no one to blame but myself. There are a lot worse people they could show up with.”

The Berezay Family — Josh and his wife Tamara with their two daughters Montana (12) and Nevada (10). Bucking Fantastic is looking on behind them.

HOOKED ON BULLS Profiles on the PBR

By Ted Stovin Calgary, Alta.

61 Bucking Fantastic is one of the superstar animal athletes of the PBR in Canada. And he knows it! “He knows he’s something. He has to be loaded in the trailer first. He has to be grained first

too or else he pouts. If I grain another bull first, he will make me bring that grain right to him,” chuckled owner Josh Berezay (pronounced Burr-zee) of MaGrath, Alta. “He really knows the deal around our place. He wants to be first in line. He’s got a real attitude.” “BF” as he’s nicknamed by Josh and his wife Tamara (along with their two daughters Montana and Nevada), shows his attitude

in the bull riding arena every time out. “He gets a bull fighter nearly every time he goes,” Josh added. “He’s always giving someone a little bunt.” For showing that attitude in the arena, BF is actually a nice bull to be around, Josh explained. “He’s actually nice to handle. When it’s show time though, his attitude changes. He knows when it’s time to play.” There are many things that

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The Outstanding Brand

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come into play when talking about great bulls. “Every guy that gets on him tries as hard as they can. BF doesn’t fight in the chute but when that gate opens, they better be ready. He’s not as intimidating as some other bulls, but a rider can still be 90 on him,” Josh said over the phone. “I think that’s what makes a great bull. I want to be known for having a pen of bulls that everyone wants to get on.” Bucking Fantastic turns five on March 17th. Another PBR World Finals is in his sights. The same goes for his possible first appearance at this year’s 101st Calgary Stampede. “That’d be a lifelong dream,” says Josh.“I think he will mature a lot more as a five year old. He seems to be putting on a little more weight and has a bit more power.” The entire Berezay family cares about the sport of bull riding and its people. They travel together to all of the events and treat everyone as their family. “Everything we do is a family effort. My girls don’t play hockey but we go together as a family

“BF doesn’t fight in the chute but when that gate opens, they better be ready.”  JOSH BEREZAY

Speaking of Montana and Nevada, they both have bulls of their own. BF is half Montana’s. She picked him as a baby. Both girls get to do that each year. Neither are interested in the other end of the rodeo arena at this point either as Josh laughed while telling this next story. “Someone asked Montana the other day since she was a cowgirl if she was going to be a barrel racer. Her reply was that she wasn’t ever going to be a barrel racer. She is going to be a stock contractor. She just wants to flanks bulls.” “We started Two Bit Bucking Bulls in 2003 and Montana was born in 2001, Nevada in 2003.” Josh reminisced. “They’ve been round it their whole life.” This rodeo family is definitely “hooked on bulls.” STATS ON BUCKING FANTASTIC

• Average bull score according to ProBullStats.com — 21.95 of 25 • Ridden four of 15 times • Average score of 89.63 points on four qualified rides. • 2012 PBR World Finals Qualifier • 2012 PBR Canada Bull of the Finals • Highest scored ride — Matt Triplett, 91.5 points in Sidney, MT in June, 2012

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Kody Lostroh took on 861 Bucking Fantastic at the PBR World Finals in October, 2012. PHOTO: ANDY WATSON

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HORSES ALL • MARCH 2013

P ROFILES World Champion s h i p s

Canadians dominate in the World Championship Cow Horse Show Brad Pederson, Suzon Schaal, John Swales, and Terry Halwath among top finishers in Texas IN IT TO WIN IT Competitor profile

By Heather Grovet Galahad, Alta.

his January approximately 25 Canadians and their working cow horses qualified for the NRHA World Championship Show held in San Angelo, Texas. Don Edey, an AQHA breeder and competitor, followed the 10 day show and passed along some of the show highlights in the bridle classes. “To have three of our cowboys qualify for the Open Bridle classes is really impressive,” Edey says. “The Open Bridle horses are the top of the pyramid in cow horse events. They’re totally broke, soft in the bridle and have the proven conformation that stands up to years of work.” Brad Pederson of Lacombe competed in Open Bridle mounted on Smart Sassy Date, an 11-yearold sorrel Quarter Horse gelding. The pair finished in third place, plus won the prestigious year end NRCHA Supreme Cow Horse Award, given to the unique individual that has shown and won in all divisions.

“The open bridle horses are the top of the pyramid in cow horse events. They’re totally broke, soft in the bridle and have the proven conformation that stands up to years of work.” — Don Edey

“This gelding has worked his way through the levels of Snaffle Bit, Hackamore and Open Bridle, and has consistently done an excellent job,” Edey notes. “Showing these well broke horses comes with its own challenges. A good bridle horse is seasoned, smart and wants to do it himself. That’s fine in herd work, but on the fence the horse needs the rider to be in charge.” Pederson works with both cutting and cow horses, and is a 10 time champion at The Canadian Supreme. He’s also has won the title of Canada’s Greatest Horseman. “Brad can cue his horse and make everything look easy,” Edey says. “He’s a great rider and trainer.” Placing fifth in the Open Bridle competition was John Swales from Millarville, Alta., mounted on Maximum Echo, a 2004 bay AQHA stallion.

“John had an exceptional run on this horse,” Edey says. “But there was a pen of great horses, and some of them got better cows. In cutting you can pick the cow, but in working cow horse you take what comes through the gate.” Edey notes Maximum Echo has a tremendous show record, winning the Canadian Supreme in Open Bridle plus winning Canada’s Greatest Cowboy with Swales. Vance Kagli placed sixth on a 2000 sorrel gelding named Smoke

N Pep. Kagli, who hails from High River, trains reining, barrel and cow horses. “Vance is really known for putting on good cow horse clinics,” Edey says. “He’s not only a good horseman, but a good teacher, coach and clinician. And his horse is a very solid cow horse that always has a shot at winning.” Canada also had several nonpros that placed very well at the World Championships. Suzon Schaal won both the Limited Non Pro Bridle and the Open Non Pro

Bridle classes. “Suzon now has an unprecedented five World Titles, plus a reserve,” Edey says proudly. “Suzon has solid horsemanship skills from her English competition background, and her horse is incredibly well broke and has a lot of heart.” “And let’s not forget Terri Holwath, who was reserve champion in the Limited Open Bridle classes. Terri has nerves of steel in the show ring, and her horse is an exceptional athlete.”

Brad Pederson and his horse, Smart Sassy Date won the prestigious year end NRCHA Supreme Cow Horse Award, given to the unique individual that has shown and won in all divisions. photo: © Natalie Jackman, have-dog.com

“The World Championships is a great show to watch,” Edey concludes. “And there is a real feeling of camaraderie amongst the Canadians competing.”

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HORSES ALL • MARCH 2013

SPECIAL SECT ION

STALLIONS ONLY

BREEDING

Should stallions and mares be tested? Pros and cons of testing for genetic disorders before breeding By Heather Grovet Galahad, Alta.

ere’s a simple test to determine if you’ve kept up to date in the horse breeding industry. What do the words HYPP, GBED and HERDA mean, and how could they affect you as a mare or stallion owner? Don’t know the answer to this question? Ryan Smith, a fourth generation rancher located near Champion, Alta., thinks anyone interested in raising a foal should know about these disorders. “When I bought my Quarter Horse stallion, Jax Fed Ex in 2009 we were just becoming aware of the need to test for HERDA,” Smith says. “I bought the horse, tested him, and fortunately he didn’t have the disorder. Later tests became available for PSSM and GBED, and our stallion tested negative for those as well. Others haven’t been so lucky.” Smith believes responsible mare and stallion owners need to test their horses for disorders that are common to their breed. “Everyone has different standards for their horses,” Smith says. “For example, the type of conformation or movement I’d consider ideal might not suit someone else. But genetic disorders aren’t subjective. Either your horse has one, or he doesn’t. And these disorders are often a matter of life or death.” Let’s consider a foal born with Glycogen Branching Enzyme Deficiency, also known as GBED. This disease affects Quarter Horses and related breeds. Foals with GBED cannot store glycogen (sugar) properly, so their heart, brain and skeletal muscles are unable to function adequately. All foals with two copies of this gene are miscarried, die shortly after birth or are humanely euthanized. Some experts suggest that 10 per cent of the Quarter Horse population carry a single copy of the GBED gene. If two carriers are bred, 50 per cent of their foals will be carriers, 25 per cent will avoid the disorder altogether, and 25 per cent will be destined to death. These statistics make breeding carriers unacceptable to Smith. “I have a personal rule when breeding my mares to outside stallions,” Smith says. “I’ll ask if the stallion has been tested for these disorders, and if he hasn’t then I won’t breed to him, no matter how talented he is. There are a lot of other stallions out there, and I’ll just keep looking.” “When I was a teenager I owned a gelding that was a carrier for HYPP (Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis),” Smith continues. “When I

Sandy Kirtzingeron (on her AQHA stallion The Peppered Kid) likes to breed horses that are capable of competing in both halter and performance. However, she feels genetic testing is just part of the equation. “We want them to look good, but to also have the brains and athletic ability to do a job.”

“I have a personal rule when breeding my mares to outside stallions. I’ll ask if the stallion has been tested for these disorders, and if he hasn’t then I won’t breed to him, no matter how talented he is.” Ryan Smith, with his 1989 AQHA buckskin stallion Jax Fed Ex, feels that more breeders should voluntarily undertake genetic disorder testing.

owned him he would occasionally have small, full body tremors, and I couldn’t bear the thought that one day I might find him dead from the disorder. Eventually I sold him, with a full disclosure of his problem, to someone in Montana. It’s something I wanted to avoid.” Other breeders see things differently. Sandy Kirtzinger of Hay Lakes, Alta., raises Quarter Horses with an interest in good looking horses that can ride. She has stood many stallions, one which was Call Me Tardee Clu, a World Champion producing halter horse that was HYPP H/H (carried two genes for HYPP). “I think all breeding horses should be tested for these disorders, so people can make responsible decisions about what they want to produce,” Kirtzinger says. “But the disorders we know about now are just a small part

 RYAN SMITH

of the big picture. You need to consider what positive traits you want to produce, and not let a recessive trait disorder be the only deciding factor in that choice.” Kirtzinger notes that our ability to test for genetic problems has undergone huge changes recently, and she’s certain this will continue to evolve. “I suspect we may be able to test for thousands of problems in the future,” she says. “Research will likely continue to identify genes that cause disorders, and some of those may be more devastating than HYPP or GBED. We will have to decide which traits we can or can’t live with because no horse will be 100 per cent perfect.” “Owning a HYPP N/H horse doesn’t worry me,” Kirtzinger continues. “I’ve owned many

through the years, and most had no symptoms. The ones that did were easy to manage with diet or medications. But I do believe all breeders should test and inform potential buyers of the results, the symptoms and how the problem’s controlled. Also, I offer a guarantee to my buyers. If for any reason they want to return the horse, I will exchange it for another. Through the years I’ve had a couple of buyers return horses, but it was because the horse grew bigger than they liked, or was too small. It was never because the horse’s disorder caused problems. Statistics on the number of horses carrying these problems are very limited as many of these disorders have only recently become identified and testable. Talking to your vet, or further reading is recommended as the topic is complex and lengthy. For in-depth studies, you may want to go to UC Davis, California’s genetic site www. ucdavis.edu or Animal Genetics, Florida’s site www.horsetesting.com. Both these companies test horses and other animal species for genetic disorders. To test your horse you’re required to submit 20 to 30 mane hairs, including roots. Costs range from $30-$40 for most tests. AQHA currently offers a five-panel test for HYPP, GBED, HERDA, PSSM1 and MH. The AQHA test form states, “The effects of these diseases are wide-ranging, from mild and manageable to severe and terminal. Passing these diseases on to successive generations often causes unnecessary suffering and also leads to financial loss for breeders.” Tammy Canida, AQHA Director of Registration Operations, states, “We encourage breeders to test so they can be armed with the information. Since 2007 any horse with Impressive descent must be tested for HYPP. Any that test H/H are not eligible for registration. The other four tests are not required, but are recommended.” Kirby Penttila, DVM from Burwash Equine Services in Calgary states, “My feeling is that these tests are a huge step forward in helping breeders prevent disease in their offspring. Each genetic disorder needs to be considered individually as they all have different implications and modes of inheritance that will affect how the tests are interpreted and applied to a breeding program. For too long breeders have been selecting for performance-specific traits and haven’t necessarily been taking into account conformational or general health characteristics, and I think we are starting to see this catch up with us with some of the disorders that are becoming common today.”

COMMON GENETIC DISORDERS

Disorder

Affects

Symptoms

Prognosis

Cerebella Abioltrophy Congenital Stationary Night Blindness Glycogen Branching Enzyme Deficiency Hereditory Equine Regional Dermal Asthesis Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis Junctional Epidermolysis Bullosa Lavender Foal Syndrome Malignant hyperthermia

Arabians Appaloosas AQHA, related breeds AQHA, related breeds AQHA tracing to Impressive Belgian draft horses Arabians AQHA, related breeds

Neurological; tremors, lack of balance Cannot see in low light Loss of function in brain, heart, muscles Severe scarring and lesions Tremors, paralysis Blistered skin, sloughing hooves Neurological including seizures Muscle stiffness, fever

Cannot be ridden No known cure Always death or euthanized Cannot be ridden, chronic pain Varies. May be asymptomatic, have tremors or suddenly die Always death or euthanized Always death or euthanized Triggered by stress, anesthetic, illness, can cause death. Increases the severity of PSSM

Overo lethal white Paints, Miniatures Intestinal tract abnormalities Always abortion, death or euthanized Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy AQHA, draft, Warmbloods Cannot convert carbohydrates into energy Muscle damage, may cause death Information on the above disorders and other technical information contained in this article were obtained from UC Davis Veterinary Medicine, Animal Genetics Incorporated, and University of Minnesota Equine Center.

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Special Sect ion

HORSES ALL • MARCH 2013

stallions only

Best Practices

10 Steps for successful artificial insemination for horses Courtesy of TheHorse.com

rtificial insemination (AI) is today’s breeding standard for many types of horses. The Horse went to two recognized experts in equine artificial insemination: Christine Aurich, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ECAR, professor at the Centre for Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer, and Graf Lehndorff Institute for Equine Science and at the University of Veterinary Sciences in Vienna, Austria. With their help, they’ve put together a “top 10” list of hints so that your next artificial insemination project will be as successful as possible. 1. Choose the right mare Regardless of her age, a mare should be examined for reproductive soundness before breeding, according to Aurich. An exam of the reproductive organs is sufficient for young mares, whereby the veterinarian checks for malformations or cervical dysfunction. “Maiden mares — those that have never foaled — are a particular risk group when they are of advanced age,” says Woodward. 2. Choose the right stallion They all look magnificent on the glossy pages of the stallion catalog and as they trot to music on the stud farms’ promotional DVDs. But when it comes to getting your mare pregnant, you also want a stallion with strong semen quality. “It doesn’t matter how fertile the mare is; if the semen is of poor quality, it’s probably not going to work,” Woodward says. Ask the stud farm owners about the stallion’s fertility, requesting results from any semen quality tests. Some stud farms will offer a “live foal guarantee,” meaning they will refund the stud fee, or at least part of it, if the mare does not produce a living foal. 3. Choose the right place to breed The right place to breed your mare via AI might be your very own farm. This is particularly true if you have a young, fertile mare that is easily stressed by separation from her pasture mates. But in many cases, the preferred location is a highquality breeding facility. According to Aurich, a breeding clinic often provides more attentive care, better results, and lower costs. If you choose to keep your mare at home, make sure you’re working with veterinarians who are qualified to conduct AI in horses, says Aurich. 4. Prepare your horse for the breeding season Any horse entering a breeding season should above all be healthy, Woodward says. Make sure your stallion or mare is up-to-date on all vaccinations; have the hooves

examined and trimmed by a qualified farrier; get the teeth evaluated and, if necessary, floated. Check for parasites using a fecal egg count test and follow a deworming program that your veterinarian recommends 5. Choose the right semen presentation The pros and cons of each kind of semen presentation (fresh, chilled, or frozen) must be weighed against the reproductive strengths and weaknesses of your mare or stallion.

Peptoboonsmal ($18 million Dollar Sire) by Peptoboonsmal ($18 million Dollar Sire) by Sweet Lil lena Sweet Lil lena (earner of $123,268.00 and an Equi-Stat top 30 all-time leading cutting producer) Dam of: of Sweet Lil Pepto($236,843.00) • Pepto Sweet30 Lil CD($106,185.00) (earner $123,268.00 and anTaz($132,449.00) Equi-Stat •top all-time leading Sweet Lil Boo($70,772.00) • Granddam of: High Brow CD($494,734.00) • Shady Lil Starlight ($65,017.00)

cutting producer) Dam of: Sweet Lil Pepto($236,843.00) Dosen’t it just make cents to breed to a line of winners • Pepto Taz($132,449.00) • Sweet Lil CD($106,185.00) Peptoboonsmal ($18 million Dollar Sire) by Sweet Boo($70,772.00) • Granddam High Brow Sweet Lil lenaLil (earner of $123,268.00 and an Equi-Stat top 30 all-timeof: leading cutting producer) DamCD($494,734.00) of: Sweet Lil Pepto($236,843.00) • Pepto Lil Taz($132,449.00) • Sweet Lil CD($106,185.00) • Shady Starlight ($65,017.00)

Sweet Lil Boo($70,772.00) • Granddam of: High Brow CD($494,734.00) • Shady Lil Starlight ($65,017.00)

Doesn’t it cents justtomake to Dosen’t it just make breed to acents line of winners breed to a line of winners

6. Choose the appropriate ultrasound/ insemination program Ultrasound the mare every day or every other day if you plan to use fresh or chilled semen. 7. Get the timing right The timing of ultrasounds, ovulation induction, semen shipping, and insemination is critical. 8. Fight bacteria With proper management, sexually transmitted diseases and bacteria such as Streptococci will have been controlled prior to the breeding season. However, there is always some kind of bacterium present during breeding.It’s never a sterile process, no matter how clean you keep it. 9. Stick to the program A common AI pitfall is not being vigilant about following the mare’s status after insemination. A lot of people want to take their mares home as soon as they’ve been inseminated, but post-service treatment is very important,” says Woodward. “Post-service treatment assists the mare in evacuating the uterus well if she is showing signs of inflammation or infection.” 10. Keep stress to a minimum Studies show that normal stress related to the breeding process, including transportation, separation, dummy mounting, and examination and insemination procedures is not significant enough to negatively affect fertility. However, each horse and each situation are different. Keeping horses calm and cool is generally a good rule of thumb when breeding. Working and competing horses also tend to be less fertile, Woodward says. The fertility level varies from one horse to another, so owners should be mindful to monitor fertility rates with a working horse and to modify the program if necessary. Take-Home Message Most of the keys to successful AI involve making wise choices. Armed with good information and a competent team, you can feel confident that your next AI procedure will be a positive experience for you and your horse.

Over $12,000 in NRCHA/ARCHA Earnings and still showing. NRCHA Open SBF top ten finalist Shown by Todd Crawford and Jesse Thomson

t his “SWEET” BABI ES!!!

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7P Ranch is “Sweetening” the pot with an added bonus - highest• saLes money earning Training • Lessons Ph: 403.558.0005 Cell: 403.815.0128 • rr 1 • High river • alberta • t1v 1n1 Sweeter Then Pepto Offspring each year will earn a bonus cheque and Trophy buckle. 7pranchhorses@xplornet.com • www.7pranchhorses.com Horses are eligible up to the end of their 4 year old year. Cutting/Cowhorse/Reining

TRAINING • LESSONS • SALES Ph: 403.558.0005 Cell: 403.815.0128 • RRTraining 1 • High River • Alberta • T1V 1N1 • Lessons • saLes Ph: 403.558.0005 Cell: 403.815.0128 • rr 1 • High river • alberta • t1v 1n1 7pranchhorses@xplornet.com • www.7pranchhorses.com 7pranchhorses@xplornet.com • www.7pranchhorses.com

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HORSES ALL • MARCH 2013

Timing

See the Light:

Courtesy of theHorse.com

H Advancing the Breeding Season for Early Foals

BREEDING SERVICES EMBRYO TRANSFERS «» SEMEN FREEZING • Collection /Shipping/Handling Cooled & Frozen Semen • Stallion Evaluation for A.I., Cooled & Frozen Semen • Mare Fertility Evaluation & Breeding Management • More than 35 years Reproductive Experience and just 25 minutes from the Calgary International Airport

orse breeders face a dilemma every year as the breeding season nears. Should they breed for early foals or breed their mares to foal out in the spring and summer? The fact that all foals in the northern hemisphere share the same birthday — January 1st — contributes to this dilemma. If you are breeding a racehorse or perhaps a show horse, the closer your foal is born to Jan. 1, the closer its chronological age will be to the universal birthday for all horses. For example, if a foal is born Feb. 1, it will be 11 months old when it is officially considered a year old. A foal born June 1 will only be seven months old when it is officially considered to be a yearling. In a competition for yearlings, say, in halter, the February foal will have an advantage in age and probably size. The June foal, if a racehorse who is running as

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“Putting mares under lights in winter will cause them to go through the transitional phase of their cycle in January and February instead of March and April. It takes mares at least 60 days of photoperiod stimulation for a mare in deep winter anestrus to first ovulate. Consequently, most farms start their mares under lights Dec. 1.”

a two-year-old, will only be 19 months of age when competing with the February foal who would be 23 months of age. This would potentially give the older foal an advantage in physical and mental development. T here fore , m any bre e ders choose to breed their mares early in the year. However, mares are seasonal breeders and their normal or physiologic breeding season is usually April to October. Mares come into heat in response to the lengthening of daylight that occurs in spring. As the days get longer, changes in melatonin secretion within the brain ultimately stimulates the production of hormones that cause the mare to develop follicles and come into heat. Early in the spring, mares go through a “transitional” phase when they develop many small follicles on their ovaries that do not ovulate. Their behaviour might be erratic as their hormonal systems “ramp up” for the breeding season. How, then, do these

mares become pregnant early in the season while their hormonal system is just getting in gear? The answer is light. Putting mares under lights in winter will cause them to go through the transitional phase of their cycle in January and February instead of March and April. It takes mares at least 60 days of photoperiod stimulation for a mare in deep winter anestrus to first ovulate. Consequently, most farms start their mares under lights Dec. 1. The general start of the breeding season is usually around the 15th of February. Breeding any earlier, with a 340 to 350 day gestation length, might result in a foal being born in December, rather than January, which would make the foal a year old, legally, when it might only be days old chronologically. By starting mares under lights in December, they will have passed through the transitional stage of their annual cycle early, and their ovaries will therefore respond as if it were May in the month of February. In order to have an effective lighting protocol, the mares must be exposed to 16 continuous hours of light every day. Many farms will set the lights on timers so that there is no error involved in forgetting to turn the lights on or off. In order to save on electricity, a program might have the lights go on at 7 a.m. The mares would then be turned outside by 10 a.m. and brought back into the barn by 4 p.m. The lights are then timed to stay on from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. when they automatically go out. This adds up to a total of 16 hours of light exposure. Some farms that don’t keep mares in stalls have lights set up in paddocks to go on and off on a timer to ultimately provide the same amount of light. A commonly asked question is how do you know how much light is enough? A good rule of thumb is if you can read a newspaper in the corner of the stall or the paddock when the light is on, it is adequate to provoke the desired response. A more specific technique would be to measure the intensity of light in all parts of the stall or paddock with a light meter (borrow one from an electrician). It is recommended that mares be exposed to a minimum of 10 foot-candles of light during the 16 hour period. Note that leaving barn or paddock lights on for 24 hours a day is not advantageous. Many breeders specifically do not want to breed for early foals — especially those that live in northern states with severe weather early in the year. Others may not want early foals no matter where they live. It is certainly their choice as to when to begin breeding their mares. But for those breeders who desire early foals and want the best chance of getting mares pregnant early in the season, lights are the answer. — Cindy Reich This article is provided as an educational service of the Equine Reproduction Laboratory at Colorado State University

HORSESALL.COM

HORSES ALL • MARCH 2013

Genetics

Researchers examine ancient stallions’ genetic diversity Jaz Poco Goldun Blue Courtesy of theHorse.com

pold, PhD, researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, Germany. This revelation provides a previously unseen view of the scientific and cultural history of the horse. “It shows how breeding practices could influence and shape genetic diversity and how different this can be between males and females,” Lippold said. In the pilot study on ancient Y chromosome sequencing in a population of any species, Lippold and his team studied DNA samples from the remains of horses living thousands of years ago (the oldest dating to more than 47,000 years) and compared these same sequences of codes for each Y chromosome. The team found that these codes in horses were incredibly diverse compared to modern stallions’ DNA. Lippold based his findings on the results of a 2004 Swedish study that showed a particular DNA sequence in the

hoever says, “men are all alike,” might also be able to say this about modern domestic stallions. According to new Y chromosome-specific DNA research on ancient horses, stallions were far more genetically diverse before humans domesticated them. By sequencing DNA base pairs of the equine Y chromosome — the “sex chromosome” that is found only in males — geneticists have discovered that today’s stallions have a surprising lack of diversity compared to many other species and to ancient wild horses. Because Y chromosomes are passed from sire to colt and never to fillies, the research provides an interesting view into paternal-line equine evolution over hundreds of years of domestication and breeding practices, according to Sebastian Lip-

CIRCLE BAR GRAY GUN

Y chromosomes of 52 modern-day only studied one part of the Y chro- cifically at the Y chromosome is in stallions representing 15 different mosome, and the Y chromosome is better understanding the “scientific breeds was absolutely identical. only one of 32 chromosomes in the history” of the horse, he said. “Also, This doesn’t mean modern stal- horse, so1994 there isAQHA plenty ofGrulla room for Stallion the higher the diversity the less lions have no diversity at Lipin otherofgenes. youby arePocos to run intoComet inbreeding By all, Little Steel diversity Dust (Grandson Poco Bueno) and out likely of a mare Gray pold cautioned. The researchers The usefulness of looking issues,” Lippold said. (Grandson of PocospeBueno) Homozygous Dun - ALL his foals WILL be red dun, dun or grulla, regardless of the dam’s color!

HERDA N/N GBED N/N 1994 AQHA Grulla Stallion PSSM of N/N By Little Steel Dust (Grandson Poco Bueno)

and out of a mare by AQHA Registry of Merit Pocos Gray Comet (Grandson of Poco Bueno) Homozygous Dun - ALL his foalsReining WILL be red dun, (ROM) dun or grulla, regardless of the dam’s color! IBHA Registry of Merit

(ROM) HERDA N/N • GBED N/NReining • PSSM1 N/N AQHA Registry of Merit (ROM) Reining 2001 Open(ROM) ReiningReining Circuit IBHA Registry of Merit

Champion 2001 Open Reining Circuit Champion 2001 MHBHA Working Cow 2001 MHBHAHorse Working Cow First Place Horse First Place 2000 NRHA Limited Open Res. 2000 NRHAChampion Limited Sandhills Open Res. Slide Champion Sandhills Slide 2000 NRHA Limited Open Res. 2000 NRHA LimitedHigh Open Res. Champion Desert Slide Champion High Desert Slide 2000 Working Cow Horse Circuit Colorful 2000 Working CowChampion Horse Circuit Colorado Champion Colorful Colorado MHBHA Reining 1998 MHBHA1998 Reining Champion Champion 1998 AQHA Junior Reining Colorful Colorado AQHA Junior Circuit 1998 Champion Reining Colorful Colorado 1998 IBHA Open Reining Colorful Colorado Circuit Champion Circuit Champion 1998 IBHA Open Reining NRHA Colorful Money Colorado Earner Circuit Fresh cooled or frozen shipped semen Champion available anywhere NorthEarner America NRHAinMoney

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photo credit to James Hudyma

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HORSESALL.COM

HORSES ALL • MARCH 2013

stallions only

Special Sect ion

PEPINICS MASTER

PERFORMANCE

CIRCLE BAR GRAY GUN

PHOTO CREDIT: CHERYL SMYTHE PHOTOGRAPHY AND DESIGN

POWERED

BY PEDIGREE THE PROOF IS IN THE PROGENY Pepinics Master’s performing offspring have earned $550,000 in cutting, working cowhorse, reining, and barrel racing (Equi-Stat).

Circle Bar Gray Gun is sired by Playgun who is the Equi-Stat #9 Leading Cutting Sire and an NRCHA Leading Sire, siring the earners of over $6,900,000.

Ed & Connie Masson Cadogan, Alberta • Phone: (780) 857-2254 Email: ranchboss@myterraranch.com

www.myterraranch.com

A Once in a lifetime offering of Pepinics Master Daughters... For Sale

Sandy Ridge Stallion Station Fast Moon Chic

Own son of Marthas Six Moons, the Nation’s #7 Leading Barrel Sire of the Decade!

2013 Fee: $1000

Sire of Canadian Derby Hi Pt Barrel Champion & numerous Barrel Champions

Also Standing:

Hezgottabefamous, son of the Nation’s #1 Leading Barrel Sire of the Decade, Dash Ta Fame A Classic Guy, son of the Nation’s #2 Leading Barrel Sire of the Decade, Frenchmans Guy Crimson Jess, son of the Nation’s #1 Leading Race Sire of Money Earners, Mr Jess Perry Root Beers Boots, son of 1987 AHA Hi Pt Jr Working Cowhorse, Root Beer Doc Prime Time Chivato, by Dash to Chivato si96, sire offspring of $3,279,722

“All out of producing mares!!!”

More info: Doug & Carol Schaffer, Bassano, Alberta 403-641-2511

www.sandyridge.ab.ca

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M a re care

Breeding: Best Mare Management Practices Courtesy of theHorse.com

reeding season for horses usually occurs in the spring. This makes winter a good time for breeders to plan for the upcoming season. Although people have many reasons for breeding a horse, there are some important factors that all breeders should consider before getting started. The mare’s age is important, as well as the number of pregnancies and foals she has produced in the past. Older mares that have not had a foal may have more difficulty becoming pregnant. Mares with a history of abortion or pregnancy with twins may be categorized as high risk. Also consider the mare’s health and if she is in good body condition. Does she have any potentially heritable disorders? Does she have any musculoskeletal problems that carrying a foal would exacerbate, such as lameness due to tendon injuries or arthritis? “Another question horse breeders should ask themselves is why they want to breed this mare, in particular, when so many unwanted horses are out there,” said Lisa K. Pearson, DVM, a Washington State University large animal theriogenology resident. “If an owner would be just as happy adopting or rescuing an adult horse for training, showing, or pleasure riding, then perhaps bringing another horse into the world would not be to their advantage. Also, will the owner accept responsibility for the foal for its lifetime? If the foal is to be sold, will there be provisions that if that new owner cannot keep it, it can be returned to the breeder? If it is to be raised and used by the breeder, will they provide for it regardless of the foal’s potential use as an athletic animal? All of these questions should be addressed before a mare is bred.” Breeding soundness evaluations Once the decision is made to proceed, it is essential that the owner involve a veterinarian from the very beginning. First, a breeding soundness evaluation (BSE) should be performed to assess the mare’s reproductive potential. “Ideally, we’d like to see mares bred from March to June but there are techniques for extending this window,” Pearson said. “Some mares may cycle year-round.” “Owners should schedule the BSE with their veterinarian early

in the season, as mares may need treatment for any diagnosed conditions,” Pearson said. “Additionally, starting early allows for several cycles to pass to try and establish a pregnancy. The BSE is a very important and common examination that is performed here at WSU on a regular basis. One advantage we have here is that we have a laboratory on-site to examine samples, so we can get results faster than those who have to ship them to a laboratory.” Tracking a mare’s cycle Once a mare is judged to be reproductively sound, the next step is tracking her cycle. This is best done using ultrasound to examine the ovaries and uterus. One examination will not provide enough information to know when a mare should be bred. Typically, examinations are performed several days apart until a dominant follicle is established on one or both ovaries. Thereafter, daily ultrasound examinations may be needed to accurately time insemination. Insemination can be accomplished through artificial insemination using fresh cooled semen or frozen semen, or by live cover. “Assuming we are using fresh cooled semen, once the mare has a sufficiently large follicle, she can be induced to ovulate by injecting commercial hormone preparations,” Pearson said. “Ovulation will usually follow within 36 hours. Insemination is timed around ovulation, and usually two doses of semen are administered, once before and once after ovulation. Ultrasound examinations are per formed after insemination to ensure that ovulation occurred, and to assess the amount of post-insemination inflammation in the uterus. A pregnancy diagnosis can be made 12-14 days after breeding. Ultrasound is used to visualize an embryonic vesicle. If the mare is not pregnant, she will return to estrus usually within one week. A mare’s cycle is 21 days long, so she may be developing a new dominant follicle which can then be tracked. “Working closely with a veterinarian ensures a mare has the best chance of becoming pregnant, and will not be bred needlessly if she has any problems that may prevent her from becoming pregnant,” Pearson said. “Planning ahead ensures that when breeding season arrives, owners have a good idea of what to expect both for their mare and from their veterinarian.”

HORSESALL.COM

Special Sect ion

HORSES ALL • MARCH 2013

stallions only

Ara bi an

Over 50 years of loving and raising Arabian horses Marg Martin of Hassan Arabians has produced 89 quality Arabians and Part-Arabians A BREED APART Horse breeder profile

By Robyn Moore

arg Martin was a selfprofessed “horse crazy girl.” She grew up on the back of a horse, always riding different breeds. Flipping through Western Horseman reading articles about Sheila Varian riding her Arabian mare at the Cow Palace, a young Marg began dreaming about Arabian horses and wished one day to own one. Dreams turned into reality, and Marg has since owned many Arabians. Marg began breeding at her farm Hassan Arabians, located in Bentley, Alberta. Her first foal was a half-Arabian palomino filly, born in June 1961 and sired by Abu-Alla, who was bred by Chic Miller of Olds, Alberta. “Chic was one of the first major Alberta Arabian breeders who started many in the Arabian business,” comments Marg. Following in 1963, she purchased a grey weanling filly Fahs Fantasy from Dean and Russ Mayberry of Hanna, Alberta. Throughout the years, Marg and her partner Gary Riley bred 89 pure or part Arabian Foals (40 fillies and 49 colts). The early years saw them producing three to five foals a year, then later they slowed down to only one a year. Marg has supported the Canadian Arabian Horse Futurity held by the Parkland Arabian Horse Association since 1968 and has only missed a handful of years. “In the beginning I did all halter, showing mainly in Open shows which was a great way for getting others interested in Arabians,” Marg comments. “Fahs Fantasy and her foals were a winning combination with non-Arabian judges. Also, I showed at a good number of Arabian shows. These shows were a great get together of families. I am so glad to have started way back when to enjoy those times and also watch the change of the showing world to now.” Marg credits Albertan trainers for putting Hassan Arabians on the map. “Bruce Riley’s training of Fara Cinda started the industry’s notice of Hassan” she

states. “Carla Jackson received our First Canadian National’s Top Ten in 1986.” She also credits Albertans Joann Jackson and Darlene Brouwer, and has been working with Todd Ehret since 1993. “I know there are other breeders that have raised many more National and Regional Champions but our wins come from one mare line and her daughters with the fourth generation [currently] in the show ring,” Marg states modestly. Their love of Arabian horses led Gary and Marg to a love of travel. “With my involvement with the Arabian breed I have made lifelong friends,” says Marg. “I enjoyed my trips to World Arabian Horse Organization conferences in Oman in 2009 and Qatar in 2011. In Oman, I was one of two Canadian breeders and in Qatar I was the only Canadian breeder.” Due to health reasons, Hassan Arabians is in the process of cutting back to only owning four horses. Marg comments, “For 36 years my partner Gary Riley was a big part of Hassan Arabians but his sudden passing in December 2011 has changed many things here. My grandson Cahill has stepped into his boots. Cahill just turned 11 and his sister Hayley, at age 16, is also a help.” Marg won’t sell Faith Shines On, a mare named after her friend Faith Pilgrim who fought, and won a battle with cancer. Faith Shines On has been a star broodmare, producing the black males Azkaban and Shiver N Shake by Allionce+/ as well as the black filly by Ames Charisma, who is a Regional Champion and Canadian National’s Top Ten in Halter. Faith Shines On is now retired but won’t be leaving Hassan Arabians for any price. “One regret is that I could be 20 years or more younger so I Sponsor of A Breed Apart

Marg Martin attended World Arabian Horse Organization conferences in Oman and Qatar. Pictured here is 24 Arabian horse hitch that Marg saw on her travels. photo: Submitted

could have my mares bred to some of the very best bred Arabian stallions out in the world now.”

FIRST TIMBER’s First Foals Are 3 Years Old Of 2013.

2013 Fee: $1,250 Canadian

Robyn Moore is the Manager of Horse Industry Association of Alberta. If you own or know of an exceptional horse breeding operation, email

rmoore@albertahorseindustry.ca, and we’ll choose one that stands out from the herd to feature each month.

First Timber

(Oak Tree Special si 107-First Prize Dash si 101, Dash For Cash si 114)

Eligibilities: Alberta Stallion Stakes, CBHI and Black Gold

si 98, $46,029

Inquiries To: Wes & Sue Oulton (403) 556-7299 Olds, Alberta, Canada rollingoranches@gmail.com

Grade 1 All American Derby Finalist! 300 yards in 15.45 440 yards in 21.36 Full brother to First Prize Timber si 102 (2010, $56,018), 1/2-brother to G1 winner FIRST PRIZE LEESA si 106 (2010, $488,270), G1/G2 Winner FIRST CAROLINA si 106 ($415,047), G1 Winner FIRST PRIZE ROBIN si 103 ($295,147), G1 Winner FAST FIRST PRIZE si 102 ($244,929, dam of FAST PRIZE ZOOM si 112, $192,375, 2-NWR/Ntr, G2 Placed Fast Prize Doll si 102, $85,762, etc.), G2 Winner HEZA FAST DASH si 103 ($136,123), First Prize Perry si 102 ($243,946), First Prize Paris si 108 ($92,910), etc. By World Champion, 2-Time Champion, 5-Time Grade 1 Stakes Winner OAK TREE SPECIAL si 107 ($628,470), A Multiple Champion Sire of Over $3.6 Million.

Out of Broodmare of the Year, AQHA Dam of Distinction FIRST PRIZE DASH si 101 ($77,465), An All-Time Leading Dam of ROM &full sister to World Champion & The #1 All-Time Leading Sire of Money Earners FIRST DOWN DASH si 105 ($857,256), etc. 2nd dam is First Prize Rose si 98 ($22,754). From the family of Broodmare of the Year Run The Dash si 97 ($50,013, dam of World Champion BLUES GIRL TOO si 105, $2,032,328, 2-Ntr’s), Champion HEZA CHARGER si 109 ($300,916, 2-Ntr’s), etc.

HORSESALL.COM

HORSES ALL • MARCH 2013

INSPIRATIONS Inspired by People and Horses SPIRIT PAINTER

 PAUL RASPORICH 

Visionary Painter

Alberta artist uses his paintbrush to build a cross-cultural bridge of understanding By Wendy Dudley Black Diamond, Alta.

aul Rasporich may not be able to throw the houlihan, but his ties to the western lifestyle and way of thinking are as taut as a cowboy’s braided rope. Through his strong and spiritual paintings, he connects to a time when bison ruled the open ranges. Like the legendary Montana artist Charlie Russell, he is sensitive to the old ways. At the same time, he is trying to build hope for the future by reaching out to young people as a way to improve understanding between aboriginal and non-aboriginal cultures. “That is my dream,” says the artist who lives in Okotoks, Alta. and teaches art at Oilfields High School in Black Diamond. “I have a vision of a cross-cultural school, where kids can meet and follow their creative instincts. I see a lot in common between the students. The ranch kids and the aboriginals are all close to the land.” Much of his work echoes his deep ties to First Nations culture. While he has painted such big names as prima ballerina Karen Kain and author W.P. Kinsella, his most powerful work is that of native youth and elders. In a recent project, Rasporich helped student Ireland Edey develop a design for her family’s Stampede Ranch for Kids, originally owned by Calgary Stampede founder Guy Weadick. The logo is of a horse with eagle feathers flowing from its mane, symbolic of the bond between horses and aboriginals. Weadick insisted First Nations be part of the Stampede. He also is working on a second draft of a screenplay which will tell the story of poet John Neihardt’s life-changing meeting with Black Elk, the famous holy man of the Oglala Sioux. Neihardt wrote Black Elk Speaks, detailing the medicine man’s visions. Rasporich, who’s had his own spiritual visions and dialogue with animals, will storyboard the screenplay, which means sketching a lot of equines, as horses figured prominently in Black Elk’s dreams. “There were buckskins, sorrels, blacks and whites.” Horses forever changed the lives of First Nations, and became a measure of their wealth. In his career, Rasporich has drawn less than a dozen horses, but he is not daunted by the task. “I look at shapes and tones and light.” His non-living mentor is Vermeer, the Dutch painter known for his masterly use of light. “He’s the first person I’ll have a beer with when I go to the other side,” he smiles. He tackled three horses in his Raven Singer painting which became the cover of singer songwriter Ian Tyson’s most recent CD. The artwork, influenced by the Spanish painter Salvador Dali and New Mexico artist Georgia O’Keeffe, is a Tyson dreamland, explains Rasporich. It features a buffalo herd as portrayed in Charlie Russell’s masterpiece When the Land Belonged to God — Tyson’s favourite Russell painting. The backdrop is the foothills west of Longview, as seen from Tyson’s ranch. There are also images of Kaila Russell riding a bronc as heard in the song Saddlebronc Girl, Tyson as a young man with his horse, and a portrait of Charlie Russell painting a raven skull which is also the painting’s centrepiece. Tyson has an affinity for ravens, and carries the native name, Raven Singer. The first project Rasporich undertook with Tyson involved a recording of A Song for Spirit, a tune written by his Grade 1 and 2 students at the Calgary Arts Academy. The song was written for a blind golden eagle named Spirit, who resides at the Birds of Prey Centre in Coaldale, west of Lethbridge. “The song was exactly what I wanted it to be, a paradox of youth and world weariness,” said Rasporich who also successfully

4. 1. Paul Rasporich’s painting of Amercian wildlife artist Carl Rungius. PHOTO: PAUL RASPORICH 2. Paul Rasporich has a deep affinity for aboriginal cultures. He is currently working on a screenplay based on Black Elk Speaks, a book that documented the visions of the holy man for the Oglala Sioux. PHOTO: PAUL RASPORICH 2.

campaigned Calgary Stampede officials to name Tyson its 2012 parade marshal. “I’m weirdly intertwined with the man,” said Rasporich who painted a portrait of the singer playing his guitar in the stone cottage where Tyson composes many of his tunes. A free spirit, Rasporich doesn’t like to be fenced in or restricted to one artistic discipline. “It’s all the same creative process. It’s all expression and the rest is thoroughly technical.” Primarily a painter, he often switches mediums to pen and ink, pastels, and bronze sculptures. His Black Elk screenplay may be replete with horses, but Rasporich hasn’t been in a saddle since he was a kid. However, that’s about to change. When helping Ireland with her Stampede Ranch sketch, the two struck a deal. “She promised to get me on a horse. I think that was a good deal.”

3. Paul Rasporich did the painting for the cover of Ian Tyson’s CD, Raven Singer. PHOTO: PAUL RASPORICH

4. Alberta artist Paul Rasporich is a visionary artist using his paintbrush to build a bridge between aboriginal and non-aboriginal cultures. PHOTO: WENDY DUDLEY FOR MORE INFORMATION

To learn more about Paul Rasporich, check out his website at www.paulrasporich.com

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HORSES ALL • MARCH 2013

INSPIRATIONS

THE

MERCANTILE

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Step up your efficiency this year with a new set of wheels designed with the ranch in mind

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Husqvarna  Increase your work versatility with the HUV4414. A major player in the 4x4 mid-size UTV segment this machine proves the “less is more” philosophy. Yet, that doesn’t mean you won’t benefit from the certified roll over protection system, 9” of ground clearance, its ability to fit into the bed of a full-size pickup, or the unique under-hood storage. The mid-mount Vanguard 480cc, HSE, 4-stroke, aircooled, v-twin cylinder engines won’t disappoint with a satisfying 14 hp and 23 ft./lb. of torque. Curiosity getting the best of you? Visit your local dealer or www.husqvarna.com

 If you’re looking to keep things functional at the ranch, consider the Rustler 115 by New Holland. The 4-cycle OHV, 480cc, V-twin cylinder motor allows for 425 lbs. of bed capacity and a max speed of 25 m.p.h. The fully independent rear trailing arm suspension and 4x4 shift on demand allow for a comfortable ride whether on the road or in the field. Visit www.agriculture. newholland.com for more specs and added options.

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 Whether you’re taking the family out to meet this year’s first foal or sending out a fencing crew, John Deere’s 2013 XUV 825i S4 is the choice for your ranching needs. The convertible rear seat/ cargo space ensures you have the room no matter what you’re up against. The 3-cylinder 50 hp engine can take you round at a max speed of 44 m.p.h., and the Anti-kick back feature and power steering help to ease the journey. Build yours today at www.johndeere.ca

Polaris

 Polaris takes all niche’s offered in a UTV and combines them in the 2012 Ranger Crew Diesel. The driving force behind this machine is the isolation-mounted , threecylinder 24 hp Yanmar diesel motor with one-ton towing capacity and half-ton in the bed. Top features include the ability to seat six, on-demand true AWD for maximized traction, and 90 per cent of peak torque at 1600 r.p.m. for incredible low-speed pulling. Visit www.polaris.com to locate a dealer near you.

NEWS

Greatest Working Cowboy Students, alumni, and cowboys will be vying for the title of Canada’s Greatest Working Cowboy at Lakeland College’s Western Ranch and Cow Horse competition, April 12 in Vermillion, Alberta. Contestants will be competing in CCRA-approved Ranch Roping, Stockdog/Horse Trail, Ranch Horse Competition, Pasture Doctoring, and Ranch Bronc Riding (events may be adjusted before entry package is finalized). The hi-point winner for the day will receive a minimum of $2,000 in prize money. For more details, contact Ron Hoffman at 780-853-8598 or ron.hoffman@lakelandcollege.ca

Equestrian Championships coming to Alberta

Working Hats – Don Weller

From Sept. 13‐15, 2013, the Canadian Interprovincial Equestrian Championships (CIEC) will be held in Alberta for the first time outside of Quebec. The Alberta Equestrian Federation (AEF) is pleased to introduce its part53339 Highway 21 Sherwood Park AB ners in hosting the competition — Rocky Mountain Show Jumping and Canada T8A-4V1 the Okotoks Agricultural Society. “The AEF is very pleased to partner with Rocky Mountain Show Jumping and the Okotoks Agricultural Society,” says Tara Gamble, president of the AEF Board of Directors. “They have agreed to be the host locations for this Canadian event, and the national teams will find their facilities and services to be top notch.” Dressage and jumping for both junior and senior riders will be held at doubledcustomhats@albertacom.com Rocky Mountain Show Jumping at the south edge of the City of Calgary. www.doubledcustomhats.com Reining for both junior and senior riders will be at the Okotoks Agricultural Society, south of Calgary. For more information , please contact: Sophie Beaufils, Competitions Coordinator, Alberta Equestrian Federation competitions@albertaequestrian.com

skilled craftsman, Cam Johnston makes Double D Custom Hats today using the same authentic, time-tested tools as hats made in the Old West: blocking, steaming, dying, cutting, marking, and measuring with an antique crowncalibrating device. These traditional practices

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Phone: 780.719.2740 doubledcustomhats@albertacom.com www.doubledcustomhats.com Don Weller - The ArTisT

orses and drawing were early passions for internationally renowned artist Don Weller. Growing up in Pullman, Washington, he drew constantly when he wasn’t riding horses. He graduated from Washington State University with a degree in fine art and moved to California where he had a successful career

Whether for working, rodeoing, or an evening on the town, your custom hat will have the distinctive mark of quality, style, and comfort to make you look the best you can. With Double D, your hat is your choice. Hats may be designed in a combination of colors and styles to create the perfect hat for you.

26 25 24 23

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HORSES ALL • MARCH 2013

I NSPIRATIONS seamstress

Sue sews success Up In Stitches celebrates 20 years of equine sewing

“I started sewing equine items because of my Quarter Horse mare, Lily,” Sue Willows of Up In Stitches laughs. “You see, Lily was narrow, and short in the back. I tried to keep her blanketed, but every morning I’d come outside, and that darned sheet would be on the ground.” Sue makes winter blankets from a high count denier material that resists ripping and damage, is warm plus waterproof. Sue notes most Canadians don’t appreciate replacing their blankets frequently, so she tries to ensure all her products are heavy duty. Photo: Submitted

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y grandma had given me a sewing machine,” Willows continues. “And one day when I complained how I couldn’t buy a sheet that fit Lily properly, Grandma said ‘Why don’t you just whip one up?’ Whip one up!? She made it sound easy.” After a number of attempts, Willows finally succeeded in producing a sheet that actually stayed in place. “Lily and I were showing locally, and people would often ask ‘Where did you get that blanket?’ When they learned I had sewed it, they’d ask me to make them something, or repair one of their existing blankets.” Soon Willows was selling blankets, slinkies, fly sheets, bridle bags and boot bags at PMU sales, breed horse shows, and events such as the Supreme. The business continued to expand and now keeps Willows busy 12 months of the year from her home near Winfield, Alberta. “I sew every day, except Christmas,” she says. “This year is Up In Stitches 20th anniversary, and I probably made at least 60 coolers in January!” There are two areas where Willows really specializes. “First, I make items that are affordable, but good quality,” she says. “Canadians don’t like to replace their horse’s blanket every week. I think most of us would rather pay $20 more and get one that lasts a long, long time.” “I’m also good at teaching people the best ways to measure their horse or pony so their blanket fits properly,” Willows says. “A Quarter Horse and a Warmblood might each wear an 80 inch blanket, but one will have a longer back, and another will have a neck that ties on higher. These difference affect how the blanket fits on the specific horse.” “Plus there are some horses that simply don’t fit a ready-made

“

Sue sews a wide variety of equine items including blankets and sheets in every size and style imaginable. One of her most popular items are her coolers; thick blankets to dry a horse after a bath or heavy exercise. Photo: Submitted

Sue sews items for horses to wear, but she also sews other equine type items such as hay bags, boot bags, bridle bags, saddle bags (in English, Western and dressage styles), and garment bags. People love ordering these items in their barn colours; recently Sue made an English boot bag in hot pink for a woman who couldn’t purchase one anyplace else in that colour. Photo: Submitted

blanket,” Willows continues. “For example, miniature horse owners have a tough time finding good quality blankets for their little guys. And recently more people are riding draft horses, but they can’t find anything in the tack store their size, either.” When asked about a sewing project that was especially challenging, Willows didn’t hesitate. “Last winter I made a hood for a horse whose ears had frozen as a foal,” she says. “His ears were

really sensitive to the cold, so the owner wanted something to keep them covered. I made a hood with soft cones to go over the damaged ears. It took a lot of time to get everything to fit properly, but we finally got it right.” for more information

Contact Sue Willow at Up in Stitches 780-682-2250

HORSESALL.COM

HORSES ALL • MARCH 2013

INSPIRATIONS DVD REVIEW

AWAY TO ME

Special bond between working dogs and their owners

New DVD follows three top handlers as they work, train, and show their herding dogs TIME TO CHILL Book and movie reviews

Reviewed By Wendy Dudley Priddis, Alta.

ood working dogs are bred to keep herding genes strong, but while a pup may be born with natural instincts, it still takes a knowledgeable handler to shape a champion sheepdog. It is a balance of knowing when to be soft, and when to be firm, and the newly released DVD, Away To Me portrays this magnificent dance between dog and human. If you’ve been bitten by the herding bug — whether your best friend is a kelpie, Australian Shepherd, blue heeler or border collie — this documentary warrants a huge pawsup. Its bonus features explain

and philosophies, and while they may vary, it is clear that top-level trialling is not for weekend warriors. These dogs work every day, regardless of terrain or weather. Anyone who admires the stamina and intelligence required of dogs to navigate steep hills and thick brush to gather sheep in a gentle but firm manner will appreciate

this movie that in itself presents balance and pace. We see the softness of the dogs when at play, and the crisp discipline and precision of them at work, responding to sharp whistles (warning: watching this with your dogs may cause canine reactivity). While Away to Me clearly states that border collies are not the best choice for a pet, this is

not to say that these owners do not love their dogs. Milliken is shown cuddling with her pack on the couch, and Basson admits he cries when a good dog dies. Soldier Hollow U.S. champion Bill Berhow describes his relationship with his dog as being closer than a marriage. But as Basson says, winning a trial is just a bonus in the lives

of these dogs. What matters most is the work they perform on the farm. When a dog stays back because it has found an injured sheep, the value of saving that life is worth more than a trial ribbon. As is the touching pat by its owner, with a softspoken. “Good job. Good dog.” Away to Me is available, US$19.95, through Amazon. com.

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through judge and handler comments how the event is scored, something that is difficult to understand while watching a live trial. In following three top handlers — Amanda Milliken of Kingston, Ont., Haley Howard of California, and Faansie Basson of South Africa — we witness different handling styles as each qualifies to compete at the invitational Soldier Hollow Trial in Utah. Through on-farm interviews, the DVD explores their daily lives

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HORSES ALL • MARCH 2013

INSPIRATIONS COUNTRY MUSIC

BOOK REVIEW

If It Was That Easy New release by Bobby Wills

Hoof Prints on My Heart Mitzy Tait-Zeller shares her very personal horse experiences

MY TUNES Music reviews

TIME TO CHILL Book and movie reviews

By Jody Seeley High River, Alta.

obby Wills always loved music but never really knew until later in life that it may have been genetic. He met his biological family as an adult and found out there was some music in the family he hadn’t known about. Although always supported by the family who raised him, knowing music was in his blood took on a whole new meaning. We are lucky that he lost a bet while travelling in Australia and had to pick up a guitar and sing a song with the band on an open mic night. His story just gets better and better... and is still going. Never in my life have I met a more down to earth, wholesome, loving guy than Bobby Wills. And if you never have the chance to meet him, you will hear it in his music. Songs like Show Some Respect, Somebody Will, When It Comes To You, and the amazing song he dedicates to his daughter Second Chances shows his amazing song writing skills as well as his ability to reach you in his music. His second album is called If It Was That Easy and hit stores in the fall of 2012. Already the first two singles are getting an amazing response. The first song released to radio (Show Some Respect) made it into

Reviewed By Carol M. Upton

the top 10 in Canada in 2012 and his second song (Somebody Will) hit top 10 in February 2013. Wills started off the New Year with a sold out show in High River, Alberta, and a tour with Canadian country star Dean Brody. Many more festivals and show dates are lined up for 2013 including being on the roster for the Small Town Saturday Night contest/show date for the Big Valley Jamboree and Travel Alberta in April, the actual BVJ in August, and a special show with Gord Bamford in Millarville, Alberta in August. The reaction he gets from crowds when he plays live is what you will get when you pop his CD into your player or download his songs on your Ipod. Every time I get the chance to meet up with this up and coming star of Canadian country music, I learn something new about his character. And love that he is open to sharing his views and his thanks by printing in the liner notes of the new album — Ephesians 5:20. You can follow him on twitter at @bobbywillsmusic, like him on Facebook or check out his website www.bobbywills.com.

The horses in my life have kept me physically strong; some of them have hurt me, but more than that, they also healed my hurts, healed me mentally and emotionally, for without them I would not be who I am. — Mitzy Tait-Zeller

ike so many riders, Mitzy Tait-Zeller loved horses from an early age. As a two-yearold, she surrounded herself with horse toys and begged her parents to find someone who would let her sit on a horse at the fair. Her lifetime of horse ownership began with Toby and appears to have no end in sight. Horses continue to be her biggest daily inspiration. Tait-Zeller is a gifted and dramatic storyteller. In this book, she writes from the heart about all the horses that have graced her life, from the chunky, ponysized Toby to the big personality Tex to the Paint gelding Chester and every one in between over a

32 year span. Each one touched Tait-Zeller’s life and the lives of her own children in unique ways. Her recollections are funny, adventurous and incredibly personal, and they all lift the spirit of the reader. There are many sad moments, too, as when the delightful family mount Raisen comes down with a fatal case of colic or when Nitro, adored by the neighbourhood children, simply reaches the ripe old

R H YM ES F ROM T H E R A N G E

Calling all horse traders By Wendy Vaughan Cochrane, Alberta

My pasture’s empty For the first time since I was two, Not a horse is grazing there That’s why I appeal to you:

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age of 28 and can no longer continue living. These engaging stories are seasoned with wonderful black and white photos, bringing these horses to life for the reader and celebrating the many ways in which horses alter the lives of those with whom they come into contact. Each story enhances our appreciation for the dependability and love of our equine friends. Tait-Zeller writes, “My hope is that you will feel the love and see the inspiring qualities of the horses that have left hoof prints on my heart.” This excellent winter read achieves all that and more. Hoof Prints on My Heart by Mitzy Tait-Zeller is available at www.mitzytaitzeller.com or on Amazon. It is also available as a hard cover and an eBook. Soft Cover, 2012, $19.99 — ISBN: 9-781-4691-8984-0 Mitzy Tait-Zeller together with her husband, son and family raise Canadian horses in southwestern Saskatchewan. Her plans include promoting, showing and breeding Canada’s National Horse “The Canadian” and working on her first fiction.

My saddle’s dusty For the first time in 50 years, And the horse pasture is being grazed By old worthless cows and steers. Have you a horse for me Among your riding stock, I ask? I know it will be a snap for you To fulfill this simple task! The horse you send me Must be quiet, well broke and easy to catch, Take the bit easily and drops his head, While I do up the throatlatch. He shouldn’t be spooky, But I don’t want him slow, And he needs to kneel when I mount him, I’m getting older you know. I’m not fussy on colour, Though an Appy is out, But he should have a snip On the end of his snout.

He must be a walker, No short stride for me And make sure he’s no knee bumper When ridden through trees. His feet should be hard, They don’t need to be shod; There should be no tenderness of step When on gravel he trods. He needs lots of cow sense (The cows don’t have any); He should be light in the mouth — I know you’ll have many And last, but not least The price must be light For a nag such as this Meat horse price is just right! Wendy Vaughan was raised west of Cochrane in the Ghost River wilderness, living the western life first hand on the family ranch. Wendy has been writing and performing poetry since 1988 and has entertained at banquets, rodeos and fundraisers throughout Western Canada and Montana. Wendy is the current president of the Alberta Cowboy Poetry Association and plays a key role in organizing the ACPA annual Trail’s End Gathering in September in High River. Email: wendy@obppromotions.com

HORSESALL.COM

HORSES ALL • MARCH 2013

HORSE, HEALTH & HOME Inside and Outside Your Stable

BULLYING

Stop the bullying through horses

Equestrians help children learn new ways to cope with bullying By Carol M. Upton “

an’s heart, away from nature, becomes hard; the Lakota knew that lack of respect for growing, living things soon led to lack of respect for humans too.” ~ Luther Standing Bear (c. 1868 – 1939) In the wake of teen suicides across Canada, parents and teachers are discussing how best to deal with bullying. Programs are being implemented to help both the bullied and the bullies learn different ways of being. The media is filled with tragic stories and the momentum for change has never been more powerful. At the forefront there has been much discussion about the causes of bullying, and the ways in which children, particularly in urban environments, have become ‘disconnected’ by extensive online lives and restricted access to the world of nature and animals. It takes time and space for children to experience nature and animals in a meaningful way and these are rare commodities in our speedy world “The term Nature Deficit Disorder has recently entered the popular vocabulary,” writes Audubon Medal Award-Winner Richard Louve in Last Child in the Woods (Chapel Hill, NC, Algonquin Books, 2005) So, where do we go from here? Can equestrians help to remedy a dire situation in which so many children appear to have never learned empathy for others? Voice for the Horse is a non-profit B.C.-based organization whose vision is to create a kinder world through horses. VFTH promotes fine art projects for children to encourage the presence of horses in our lives. I put the above question to Equine

Therapist and VFTH Founder Yvonne Allen, “One thing repeatedly agreed upon by all the horse people I talked with about bullying is that horses strengthen our characters. We know if more children had access to the lessons, horses teach us so naturally, many more of them would be saying NO to the bully.” At the 2012 Mane Event, Voice for the Horse organized a vigil for victims of bullying. Voice for the Horse has developed other programs to re-connect young people to horses and nature. ‘A Day in the Country for Kids’ was created so that more children can experience a day in the country where they learn about the horse. VFTH also sponsors a ‘Virtues Project’ and an Annual Children’s Writing Competition. Kari Fulmek, a Senior Facilitator in Equine-Assisted Learning at Equine Connection in Calgary, has an active anti-bullying program in place at her facility. “An equine program is one of the most remarkable forms of therapy for a child who is in danger of becoming a statistic,” says Kari. “When children with bullying issues attend equine assisted learning, they show significant improvement in a short period of time. There is something great in these kids and horses help them find it. Horses allow the children to develop a sense of connection that is difficult to duplicate.” Why are horses the ideal animals to help both the bullied and the bully develop such new skills? “Horses don’t pick sides,” Yvonne Allen says. “Both the horses and the children may have had negative experiences with past relationships and are seeking the same thing — trust and connection.” “Young people who spend time around horses quickly learn leadership and teamwork,” Kari Fulmek

says. “A 1,200 pound horse is the perfect teacher. She won’t move just because you tug her halter. She only moves if she trusts you. So the children learn that they obtain the best results by being assertive in a positive way.” Kari cited an example from one of her workshops where a team of two youth were working with a horse named Buddy and were having a lot of conflict between each other. Finally Buddy lay down and would not get up again. Kari asked the team what they thought about that. After

much discussion, the youngsters said that they were not working as a team and had not been including Buddy as a team member. This kind of insight, Kari says, creates life-altering change for children. I asked both Yvonne and Kari how families could access such programs if funds were an issue. Yvonne is developing a Voice for the Horse youth philanthropist program that will enable youth to help others to attend A Day in the Country for Kids. Kari says that Equine Connection has created a non-profit society to

Children learn about empathy while working with Buddy at Calgary’s Equine Connection. PHOTO: SUBMITTED

obtain grant funding that will provide access for schools and families who need it the most. In what other ways can equestrians generally help introduce horses and children? I am instantly reminded of those who reached out to me as a child, from the equitation class competitor who allowed me to sit on her pony to the breeder who offered me riding on weekends in exchange for cleaning stalls. Magic happens when a child is introduced to a horse and there are so many ways that even a short encounter creates a lifelong passion that can make a difference in which path that child chooses. Matthew McCormack from St. Louis, Missouri was the young winning writer of the VFTH 2011 Writing Competition. “In high school, I volunteered at a therapeutic riding facility for children and adults. I would encourage everyone to get out and play a part in making the world a better place by volunteering.” It is exciting to see equestrians of all ages stepping up to the plate on the bullying issue, knowing that horses feed the spirit, children can learn compassion, empathy and kindness by interacting with them, and that this is one way we can prevent future bullying.

For more information on horsebased anti-bullying programs, contact: • Voice for the Horse A Day in the Country for Kids: http:// www.voiceforthehorse.com/ viewcategory/590 • Equine Connection Youth Anti-Bully Programs http://www.equineconnection.ca/combat-bullying

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HORSES ALL • MARCH 2013

H ORSE, HEALTH & HOME training

Learn more about your horses by camping with them | Part I Outfitter Terri McKinney shares her experience observing her domestic horses, and next month will comment on her experiences with wild horses By Terri McKinney Kingman, Alta.

his is a two-part series on my thoughts about the horse… the very animal I use for my business, a friend I have quiet firepit nights with, a partner I struggle with when going through some rough terrain and blizzards, the up and downs in training, and enjoying the foundation ‘when it matters the most.’ The horse allows me freedom, gives my guests an amazing trip, packs my gear into camp, pulls our wagon, and has been my best teacher hands down. They have taught me black and white with no grey areas. They’ve taught me survival, and how to teach them by talking their language — horse. A horse wants to survive… period. March is here and we finally can start getting excited about spring. Some will start calving, foals are getting close, and the mountains are getting ready for us to play in again! Yes, there will be more storms but now we smile because we are the other side of fall. This month I want to talk about some of my thoughts on horses and what I’ve learned from them that molded me into the trainer I am — by watching nature and seeing things unfold living out west each summer.

Spend more time just hanging out with your horses and you will learn a lot about them, says outfitter Terri McKinney. Better yet, plan a horse camping trip in the mountains this year. photo: thinkstock

I am not the trainer I was when I trained on the farm. I am not the trainer I was 10 or even five years ago. I think all horse people change… we grow and learn from each ride we take. The mountains taught me there can’t be any grey areas in your partnership with your horse because it’s ‘in that moment that matters.’ You or your horse can get seriously hurt miles from camp, your vehicle, or help. Riding out west deepened my relationship with my horse and

camping with them let me observe. And getting in wrecks has taught me to make darn sure I have a solid foundation. It taught me to be safer and not be a hero. Having taken a flight on STARS from the mountains has made me speak up more. When it seems like a bad idea, don’t do it. I get asked a lot “what kind of training do you do?” This is hard to explain as folks are looking for that ‘natural horsemanship’ or the other spectrum of cowboy-

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ing when you just get on and ride everything. I smile and try to explain my thoughts, because if you have not lived or even been to the mountains, it is really hard to explain to someone what it is like, what can be thrown at you, how you and your horse have to work together, and how much you bond. Outfitters, bush people and guides all observe. We have to… we have to know what is around us at all times, what critters are around our camps, and what sign they have left for us. We’re watching for certain mountain shapes, different terrain to look for if we are going up a new valley. We observe with our eyes to be alert, to watch the rivers, to watch for sickness in our pack string, and watch our surroundings in case we go down a wrong pass. We smell for cougar pee, and smoke from a fire (you know if some camp has coffee on). We feel the weather coming in and prepare for it if we have to pitch a camp quickly. We feel our horse. Without the horse, we don’t get to some of the places we would like. We wouldn’t notice some of the dangers they can smell before we can and we would not be able to enjoy God’s country on the very back we call home. Observation is a normal thing for bush people as we are always watching and observing. With my horses, the first two weeks of my training is watching them. Observing them in camp life is like having 24 hours of live Horse TV. Many people have dogs and cats living in their homes and know everything about them so why not have that standard for your horse? Ok… the horse in the house is tough but set your place up to see your horse a lot and put hitching rails in close to the coffee pot. Or go camp with them this summer… Horses are not like humans, and to train them I believe you have to train them from a horse perspective.

Many people have dogs and cats living in their homes and know everything about them so why not have that standard for your horse?

Now this wasn’t that farfetched for me as a kid. I wanted to be a horse so I spent hours ‘being’ a horse. Little did I know that was to be a big part of my training now. Some days in the round pen if I had ears, they would be pinned. Chuck now knows when my eyebrows go down, my ears are back! Horses don’t have shopping lists, errands to run, or need money… horses need to survive. To survive what does a horse need? They need to eat, drink, reproduce, and have a herd to protect them. Now that they have all these things, they also need a pecking order. In the mountains we have around 50 wild horses that live right around our camp and for years I have been ‘observing them’… watching how they talk to each other, how they play, fight, birth, protect and be. Next month I will share some of my observations with the ‘wildies,’ and how that can you help you be a better horsemen. Terri and Chuck McKinney outfit with their daughter south west of Rocky Mountain House, Alberta in the Bighorn Backcountry. They teach horsemanship clinic’s, do packing demo’s, train horses in the mountains, and offer trail rides and pack trips. They put on over 1,500 miles a season and hold Canada’s ONLY Working Mountain Horse Competition & Select Sale each fall.

HORSESALL.COM

HORSES ALL • MARCH 2013

H ORSE, HEALTH & HOME vet advice

The emotional and physical exchange between rider and horse Shared ailments — it may not be a coincidence if both rider and horse have a sore back HORSE HEALTH Expert advice

By Dr. Carol Shwetz Westlock, Alta

iders are aware of the numerous aids, equipment and body positions employed to influence a horse’s movement. However, few are aware of the much deeper exchange. What is not so readily obvious is that a rider’s own health and balance is intimately intertwined with the well-being of their horse. Few riders look towards themselves and their own body as contributing factors to their horse’s health and behaviour. As a veterinarian, my focus is on the health of the horse, yet after years of experience I could not help but observe an interesting relationship between a person and their horse. This relationship becomes even more evident when the person becomes a rider. With time, the horse will mirror aspects of the rider’s emotional, mental and physical makeup. It became interesting to note how on many occasions, owners and their horses seemed to share similar stories of illness or lack of well-being. When a horse carries a rider, his body yields to the misalignments and tensions within the rider’s body. Compensations manifest in various ways depending on the horse’s own patterns and alignment. Physical ailments like arthritis, lower back pain, lamenesses and even injuries may become shared. Digestive disturbances, thyroid conditions, skin conditions and others may similarly manifest. Emotional relationships such as anxiety, frustration, anger, and unease can also be created. To any individual horse owner, it may seem to be a “coincidence” that they share their horse’s illness and issues, yet within my experience such “sharing” is commonplace. The stronger the bond between the horse and person, the more likely it is that they will share such a relationship. To the horse, the emotional world of the person, even suppressed emotions, appear to be readily apparent. Besides picking up on a rider’s patterns of muscular tension, the horse also picks up on the rider’s emotional issues. A great deal of information about an individual’s emotional state can be revealed through their breathing patterns. The horse is wired to read this information and responds accordingly. This is why the same horse can have different responses to different individuals. The medical profession recognizes emotional health to be closely linked to physical health and that many modern diseases are emotionally rooted. So then the emotional health of the

horse’s caretaker/rider is crucial to the well-being of the horse itself. Awareness and responsibility of one’s own emotional state prior to interactions with any horse frees the horse from the responsibility of bringing it to the person’s attention. Happy, healthy people tend to have happy, healthy horses. January is full

of New Year’s resolutions. One of the most common resolutions is better care of one’s self. It turns out that following through with that resolution will also bring benefits to the wellbeing of your equine companion. Carol Shwetz is a veterinarian specializing in equine practice at Westlock, Alberta.

When a horse carries a rider, his body yields to the misalignments and tensions within the rider’s body.

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HORSES ALL • MARCH 2013

H ORSE, HEALTH & HOME Rescues

New Brunswick group harnessing a spirit of healing

By pairing at-risk youth with rescued horses, Earth Spirit Horse has seen a sharp improvement in both By Anne Fullerton Toronto, Ont.

ased in southern New Brunswick, Earth Spirit Horse Rescue is an emerging nonprofit organization that is committed to rescuing horses that would otherwise be abandoned or killed. It is no secret that horses all over Canada get abused and neglected, yet only a very small percentage are taken to animal shelters. In many cases, a lack of funding, space or resources force those animals to be slaughtered. Earth Spirit wants to reduce those cases by creating a space to rehabilitate forsaken horses. What makes Earth Spirit even more remarkable is that they don’t only give horses a second chance at life — the organization aims to provide support and invaluable lessons to troubled youth in the province. Earth Spirit has partnered with the Saint John Boys and Girls Club in a program called Horse Wisdom, which Christy Clark has been running for three years. Clark indicates that the program produces and promotes a cycle of mutual benefit for both the horse and the youth. “It’s about what horses have to teach kids,” she says, noting the new development of emotional agility, confidence, teamwork, and communication skills in the youth.

“There are really dramatic changes… and the feedback from teachers, councillors and parents is great, reporting that the shift they experience at ESHR lasts.” — Christy Clark

“ There are really dramatic changes… and the feedback from teachers, councillors and parents is great, reporting that the shift they experience at ESHR lasts,” confirms Clark. For one intensive day, groups of four to eight at-risk youth come to Earth Spirit to spend time with and learn from horses. The day is based around ground work, so that even those abused, old, or abandoned horses that are not rideable still have a purpose. Clark is a firm believer in the natural healing that horses can offer humans, and in the emotional and mental therapeutic qualities of

Earth Spirit Horse Rescue Program Manager Christy Clark has partnered with the Boys and Girls Club of Saint John. Youth show a big improvement through the Horse Wisdom program to get in touch with their authentic self. Photos: margot gaudet

the animals. She grew up caring for abused horses, and earned a PhD in horse-human relations. She takes this knowledge to aid the children. “We are presenting the horse as teacher, teaching the kids how to respect healthy boundaries, and even about bullying — when

they’re being bullied or bullying others — how a horse won’t put up with it.” Earth Spirit also employs a natural caring system for the horses. “It’s about the empowerment of the horse.” Christy explains that while the animals come from abuse and neglect, this is emotional more than physical. “We interact with them with mutual respect. Boundaries and treats are still given, but we give them a natural lifestyle as much as possible.” This empowerment is certainly carried over to the youth who are building and developing their character and confidence: “Kids share with horses,” Clark explains, mentioning multiple instances of tears being shed in stalls. The youth are each given oneon-one time with a horse, which in itself is something these kids don’t often receive. “A weight is lifted,”

explains Christy, “it’s visibly evident and the kids talk of it.” One 12-year-old participant proclaims, “my favourite horse was Storm… he is very nice. He always comes to me. He really connects to me. He gets how I feel which is really a lot off my shoulders.” As with many beginning nonprofits, Earth Spirit is still busily fundraising to meet their needs. They currently have access to 130 acres, but are looking to build more facilities and substantiate a youth fund among other goals. Clark is busy raising public knowledge about these abused animals, while also raising funds to improve ESHR’s abilities and facilities. “We want people to know the real value of horses. They’re not just pets but teachers and healers.” For more information about Earth Spirit Horse Rescue, please visit earthspirithorserescue.com.

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Christy Clark has at-risk youth do ground work with horses that Earth Spirit Horse Rescue has saved. The growth in the youth is in how they are managing themselves — their boundaries, their emotions, their behaviour.

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HORSES ALL • MARCH 2013

H ORSE, HEALTH & HOME training

The Supple & Rounded Horse | Part 2 Glenn Stewart continues about putting the mental and emotional state of the horse first to achieve suppleness to then accomplish roundness GET A GRIP Ask the trainers

By Glenn Stewart Baldonnel, B.C.

ast month I spoke of what I think Supple and Rounded is — a horse that is mentally, emotionally and physically balanced. Suppleness comes before roundness in the order of preparation. The suppleness is soft, bendable and manoeuvrable. The roundness is a way a horse carries itself, a shape and muscling developed over time. Everything we do from day one and everyday on the ground or on their back should be working towards becoming more supple and round, and that there is a multitude of exercises or things to do and look for to help a horse become this way. I’ve have been very fortunate to have ridden and worked with many horses across Canada, United States, Mexico and Brazil. At a quick count, 25 different horse breeds that I can remember. On one occasion I rode 30 stallions the day I arrived at a very fancy breeding and training facility. They kept bringing them, and I kept riding them. I was like a little kid in a candy store. The horses ranged in price from $30,000 to $120,000. They were all rode in English tack and most with a double bridle, two bits and four reins. The horses were all led in to me one at a time, because the horses were doing most of the leading. When I got on to ride, the head trainer kept saying, “More contact, more contact!” Now I’m not little, and the horse had two bits in his mouth and as far as I was concerned I already had way too much contact. It felt like I had both feet in the radiator trying to pull the steering wheel off. The horses had been rode a long time in a way that was trying to pull them into a frame... super athletic horses with no mental or emotional preparation for the physical look they were aiming for. I tried to sit on one of the stallions with a loose rein and give him a rub. That ended in the horse being so completely lost about the unusual occurrence of a loose rein and a rub that it spun around every which way, tangled its feet and fell over with me on it. It happened in

This stallion is showing softness and suppleness online, his body is rounded vertically and laterally, the line has a nice belly in it, and in general the horse is carrying himself well. Photo: Dixie Stewart

seconds and I found out real quick that I had 30 stallions that needed a lot of help. The goal of that training facility was trying to develop round and supple horses, but two very big ingredients were being missed. It was a very big adventure. Supple and round starts on the ground. Here are some very easy things to look for to see how soft, bendable and manoeuvrable your horse is. When a person leads their horse, the horse should stay with them — not ahead or behind — at a walk, trot or canter on a loose line, and connected to the handler, not the rope (in case one day I have this horse at Liberty with no rope at all). I have a snap or clip on the end of my lead line that clips to the halter. When I ask my horse to do something such as lead, circle, side pass, or change direction at any gait, my goal would be to have them do the maneuver with the clip hanging straight down and a ‘belly’ or float in the rope. In other words there is no tension on the lead. For example, when I circle a horse, the clip hangs straight down and the horse is bent towards me. Also I like the horse to circle while I stand still and it travels around me at a walk, trot or canter... whatever gait I’ve asked for. If the head is high and away from me, the rope tight, and the clip pulled parallel to the ground, then it is easy to see there is tension on the rope and in the horse. He is learning

to be tight, braced and is not learning how to carry himself and hold a circle. He is not soft and relaxed, and would be developing the wrong kind of muscling and a long way from supple and round. A horse that carries himself moves dramatically different and much more beautifully than one that is carried by us and our equipment. Many horses on the ground and in the saddle are asked to change direction and do it with a stiff and braced neck. For example, when the lead line or rein is picked up to ask for a change of direction, the feet turn but the head and neck stay stiff and braced. The horse has changed direction but did it without being soft and supple. One of the sayings I like to keep in my mind and use is ‘softness before, during, and after the maneuver.’ Which then I guess we could say the horse must have been supple for that maneuver. The lead line or rein is connected to the head, which is attached to the neck of the horse so if there is suppleness, the head and neck should yield softly, bending in the direction of change, and then the feet will follow if asked. When leading a horse, again the lead line should be loose — clip hanging down and the horse matching my pace — fast or slow at either of my shoulders or behind, wherever I have chosen him to be. A horse that comes with you or does these exercises in this man-

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After being asking for lateral flexion, Xique (pronounced “Shakie”) left his head in a laterally flexed position for longer than asked. This is a sign of a nice mental and emotional state of mind. Photo: Dixie Stewart

This is the Chicken Cage obstacle of a Working Equitation Course. There is live chickens in this cage, and as you can see, you must follow a tight space at a high speed in one direction, come out, perform a flying lead change in a very tight circle, and come back the other way. It is very important that the horse can be bent because, if you can see it, there is a tennis ball balanced on the little white railing that, if you even touch it with your horse, the ball will be knocked off and oops... heavily penalized. Xique’s mental and emotional state is solid and calm. His brain is engaged, posture and cadence is smooth. He’s supple, easily rounded, and not fighting to be levelled out in a hollow-backed, nose-out flight or fight response. Photos: Dixie Stewart

ner is in a much better mental and emotional state to be supple. The opposite of this picture is the handler hanging on tightly to the clip and the horse dragging the handler along for the ride, or the horse dragging along behind or out to the side, going wherever it wants. When I’m out enjoying all the many horses, I keep in mind the exercises and time spent needs to done in a way that is developing understanding and confidence. I have to notice where the clip is; if the head and neck is bent softly in the

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direction asked, is the horse carrying itself... or is it me and my equipment. For me, supple and round starts on the ground and carries into the riding, not one or the other. Glenn Stewart travels extensively conducting clinics, demonstrations, and colt starting sessions, and also offers Camps and a 3 month Horsemanship Course at his home, The Horse Ranch, as well as the Horsemanship Learning Adventure Series. More information by calling 1 877 728 8987 or visiting www.thehorseranch.com.

HORSESALL.COM

HORSES ALL • MARCH 2013

H ORSE, HEALTH & HOME Head games

Affirmations — do they work? Trying to tell yourself how good you are may not work RIDING OUT OF MY MIND Equestrian sport psychology

By April Clay Psychologist, Calgary, Alta.

ell, it’s a new year and time for a new you, right? How about some more confidence in your riding… that certainly sounds like a worthwhile focus. You have likely heard this familiar advice at some point in your riding career: “just think positive.” A popular way to encourage you to do this is to get you to write, and recite affirmations. These are short, positive statements about your riding like “I am relaxed and confident” or “I am a winning competitor.” But do these feel good statements work? Can they really help you boost your sagging sport esteem? There are mixed reviews on the effectiveness of affirmations. If they work so well, why are we not all wealthy or draped in first place ribbons? I believe… I think If you are one of those people who has tried, but failed to use affirmations effectively, you are not alone. Research does point to some specific reasons why this strategy may not work. The weakness behind the use of affirmations has to do with

our ability to really believe the statements we are making to ourselves. That’s right, in effect we ‘get in our own way.’ You make the affirmation to yourself “I am an effective rider.” Your subconscious mind then kicks in and says something like “you haven’t placed in a class in the last year, get real.”

“The weakness behind the use of affirmations has to do with our ability to really believe the statements we are making to ourselves.” — April Clay

If the message you just sent yourself does not match your deepest belief systems, the subconscious then interprets the statement as a lie, and goes right back to believing what it has always believed. Another reason affirmations may not be as powerful as we would hope has to do with the old “what resists, persists” principle. Whenever we have a strong feeling about something, it can be tough to just will it away.

Sport Psychologist April Clay suggests that when giving yourself a pep talk, focus on a word, not a statement. photo: thinkstock

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This is exactly what Virginia Psychologist Daniel Wegner’s research revealed. He put his subjects in a room with a tape recorder and asked them to talk about whatever they liked. There was only one rule: they were not to think about a white bear. Wegner found that subjects mentioned the bear very often, despite numerous attempts and tricks to keep the image from their mind. His research informs us that the thoughts we most want to keep from ourselves have a nasty habit of growing in strength the harder we try to keep them at bay.

“Part of the difficulty with using affirmations may come from using the statement “I am.”

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What this means is that your attempts to recite your affirmations may be overrun or in conflict with another belief that you are trying to push from your mind, which is proving to be just as stubborn as that darned white bear.

So there you are, desperately trying to repeat good things to yourself and your own mind is sabotaging you! What to do? Fortunately, there are ways to get around your mind saboteur. Part of the difficulty with using affirmations may come from using the statement “I am.” When you are stating to yourself “I am an excellent rider,” “I am calm and collected,” this may open you up for attack. Then your mind says “you are not!” and you feel defeated. But what happens if you drop the first part of this statement and just focus on the descriptive words? You no longer have a condition for conflict. What you have now is a “power word.” So you say to yourself “excellence,” and just let this word resonate within you. Let your mind freely associate about excellence, and what it means to you. What would your behaviour be like if you achieved excellence in your sport? How would you hold your body? Who would be around you? Have fun creating a list of power words for different situations, let them guide what you want to achieve in your riding. Let the arguments about what you can or can’t do in that part of your mind fade away and be replaced by meaningful and pleasant direction.

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HORSES ALL • MARCH 2013

H ORSE, HEALTH & HOME Barrel racing

Does kicking really make your barrel horse go faster? Study reveals affects of aggressive aids on barrel racing horses may have you re-thinking your techniques Courtesy of theHorse.com

oing for under 15 seconds on that cloverleaf pattern? You might be better off leaving the whip at the gate. New research shows that whipping and kicking barrel horses doesn’t seem to improve race time, but it does appear to increase unwanted behaviour in the horse. “At some amateur levels, barrel racing riders are encouraged to aggressively use both the whip and the leg to increase the velocity of the horse,” said Karen Waite, MS, equine extension specialist and researcher at Michigan State University (MSU) in East Lansing, Mich. “But there appears to be no relationship between the use of the whip, leg, or reins and the final run time of cloverleaf barrel race patterns.” On the contrary, horses that are whipped in the arena have a tendency to resist going into the arena, she said during a presentation at the 2012 Conference of the International Society for Equitation Science. And the more horses are kicked, the more they have a tendency to rear up. Waite and her research team, including Camie Heleski, PhD, behaviour and equitation scientist at MSU, studied 64 youth riders and their horses during cloverleaf barrel race patterns. All the horses were ridden in the same arena in the same conditions. The researchers videotaped the rides and then closely evaluated rider and horse behaviour from the time they approached the gate to the time they dismounted. On average, the number of aggressive behaviours by the riders — including whipping, kicking, and slapping with the reins — had no effect on the racing time, Waite said. “The horse’s attention is probably directed back toward the rider as opposed to the direction B RIEFS

they are supposed to be moving, which in turn would not improve run time,” Waite told The Horse. “Through personal observation, I have noticed that the very best barrel horses seem to do — and enjoy — their jobs without this form of aggressive riding,” she said. “I recommend that riders consider their horse’s individual reaction to specific cues and consider the fact that there is no sta-

tistical benefit to the aggressive riding evaluated in this study.” The data could be particularly useful in properly educating young riders, she added, as highlevel riders don’t seem to ride in this aggressive manner as much. Waite’s study is part of an ongoing research project evaluating both “positive and negative behaviors” at competitive equestrian events.

New research shows that whipping and kicking barrel horses doesn’t seem to improve race time, but it does appear to increase unwanted behaviour in the horse. photo: thinkstock

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Murray Milan of Three Hills, Alberta has been named the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association (CPRA) President. Voted on by CPRA regular members, the president oversees the association which promotes and manages the professional conduct of the sport in Canada while advocating on behalf of their membership, primarily composed of cowboys and cowgirls. A former steer wrestler, Murray continues to be involved in rodeo through his three sons, Baillie, Tanner and Straws, who are regular competitors on the CPRA circuit.

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HORSES ALL • MARCH 2013

HAPPENINGS Events and News of Note equitrekking

Riding in the Valley of the Kings on Hawaii’s Big Island Another equine adventure in a lush and exotic location with Darley Newman By Darley Newman Bethseda, Maryland

aipi’o Valley, the Valley of the Kings, on Hawaii’s Big Island is the southernmost of seven valleys that run in a chain along the Hamakua Coast. To get to Waipi’o Valley, you have to drive or hike down a very steep road into a valley surrounded by high cliffs lined with cascading waterfalls. The valley is lush and exotic, with wildflowers, fruit trees, verdant vegetation and black sand beaches. Once in the valley, water is everywhere, which is just one of the reasons you’ll want to ride. The other is the local guides, who are knowledgeable about the history and current valley population, information you can’t read in a guidebook. It’s this unique tropical paradise that draws people to visit, but the valley’s remote location makes it accessible only to the intrepid. Waipi’o is off the grid, meaning the folks that inhabit this area today live without electricity, phones or sanitation. Being that the residents like to remain private, your best chance of truly getting to know the Valley of the Kings is to saddle up with

a local, like Maile Andrade, who grew up in Waipi’o Valley. Maile spent her childhood eating fresh fruit from the trees, catching wild horses, and living life in an area many would consider paradise. Today, she helps travelers discover the valley on horseback through Naalapa Stables. The stables are located in the valley and if you take one of their tours, you’ll be driven down in their 4WD vehicle — a good thing since you have to have 4WD to get into the valley and if you do get your rental car stuck, getting towed out is really expensive. Many of the horses you’ll ride on this tour were once feral. The state of Hawaii’s only wild horses reside here in the valley. A bit smaller than mainland breeds, these Hawaiian horses roam casually through the Valley, unafraid of strange visitors or the few cars that descend into the valley. Maile catches and trains these horses, which she calls “Hawaiian horses,” another interesting facet of the tour. Some of the horses were thought to be pure Mustang, but since a Quarter horse stallion was released into the Valley, they may be a mix. Sherri, Maile’s mom explained that the Hawaiian horse is particularly hardy and adaptable.

The valley is consistently wet and muddy, and these horses’ feet have to withstand these wet and muddy conditions with minimal or no outside care. The horses are also smart and fiercely independent. Current numbers range from 40 to 150, but an accurate count is not available. Waipio is called the Valley of Kings, because many Hawaiian rulers, like King Kamehameha, the king who united the Hawaiian Islands lived in the valley. Because of its sacred ancient burial mounds and temple sites, Waipi’o has strong spiritual significance for the native people of Hawaii. In the 1800’s, Waipio was home to a thriving community. We rode past a small old house, which Maile said used to be a hotel. In the 1940’s Waipi’o Valley had a healthy population, but a tsunami devastated the valley and since then, the population has been small. Don’t be alarmed if your horse whinnies and shakes, calling to his wilder friends who roam the back of the valley on your tour. Mine was very vocal. It was a little disconcerting at first, but Maile said she was just saying hello to his friends, who, like the Valley’s residents, have adapted to a very different life, off the grid, in this remote, fascinating destination.

“It’s this unique tropical paradise that draws people to visit, but the valley’s remote location makes it accessible only to the intrepid.” — Darley Newman

photos courtesy darley newman

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HORSES ALL • MARCH 2013

HAPPENINGS EQUINE FAIR

Meet your three Trainer’s Challenge participants The Mane Event celebrates seven years in Red Deer with an all-star event April 26-28. GOING DOWN THE TRAIL Places and events of interest

f you are only going to take in one equine education fair, you should seriously consider attending The Mane Event in Red Deer, April 26-28. It is the largest horse event of its kind in Canada featuring equine educational clinics and seminars with some of the top experts in the world. All are very personal so this is your time to expand your knowledge from some of the best. It also boasts the largest equine trade show with products and services for all breeds and all disciplines. If you can’t find it at The Mane Event, it probably doesn’t exist. The very popular Equine Experience will now go on both Friday and Saturday nights. If you are going for the whole weekend, you should seriously consider purchasing VIP passes which gives you guaranteed seating to the Trainer’s Challenge. The featured attraction is always The Trainer’s Challenge. It’s an unique opportunity to see three trainers put their skills to work to show the public their abilities and methods of training an unbroke horse. This is NOT the way these trainers would normally start a colt. What they do in the three days of the Challenge they might take 30 to 60 days or more to get the horse really working well at all of the different skills they are training into the colts. This Challenge is meant to be a venue to educate the public that there are more than one or two ways that you can start a colt and succeed at getting a quiet broke horse. The format will have three trainers, three horses and three judges. Keep in mind that these horses will have just started their training to become that broke horse. The trainers are progressing far quicker than they normally would, always keeping the horses best interest at heart. The judging at this challenge is based 10 per cent on the horse, 60 per cent on the trainer’s ability to train the horse and 30 per cent on the trainer’s ability to educate the attendees. So the trainer that gets his/her horse to do the most or does a better presentation at the finals won’t

Canadian Sean Patrick, who now calls Florida home, will be competing for the first time at The Mane Event. PHOTO: SUBMITTED

Extreme Mustang Makeover winner Wylene Wilson will be the first female trainer to compete at The Mane Event in Red Deer. PHOTO: SUBMITTED

necessarily win. The winner of the challenge will be the trainer that can achieve the highest success with both the horse and the spectators. And now… introducing the 2013 Mane Event Trainer’s Challenge participants: Sean Patrick — Florida Raised in Canada, Sean has been a full-time horseman since ’92, spending over a decade as a high-country guide and packer in addition to performance ranches on both sides of the border. Sean has completed programs at Oklahoma Horseshoeing School, John Lyons and Trent University. Sean writes articles for equine magazines such as TrailBlazer, Western Horseman, and Horse & Rider. He is the author of best-selling training book The Modern Horseman’s Countdown to Broke. He has followed this project up with a DVD set by the same name, showing all of the book’s steps. Sean focuses on practical, how-to lessons for the horse owner. He now concentrates on performance-horse training, colt starting, horsemanship instruction and writing at Pioneer Trail Reserve in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Wylene Wilson — Arizona Wylene Wilson starts colts, and works with problem horses. Wylene coaches both pro and non-pro riders to ride with confidence and safety. While her clinics can reach all riders, Wylene provides special programs for women and young girls. Wylene has successfully competed in Craig Cameron Extreme Cowboy Races as well as eight Extreme Mustang Makeovers, achieving two overall championships. She is known for her humour, entertaining style, edu-

cational instruction and inspiration for achieving better horsemanship. Wylene Wilson Wild West Horsemanship includes two programs: one for professional riders, and another for non-professional or recreational riders. She will share her tips and experiences that have helped her win events. Wylene has teamed up twice with Al Dunning coaching mustang trainers for the Fort Collins, CO makeover. Al and Wylene also produced together a training DVD on starting a mustang. Wylene has appeared on Rural TV’s “Horse Talk Live,” HRTV, and RFD TV. Recently, in the May 2012 issue of Western Horseman, Wylene was featured in a breakthrough article on laying horses down — a technique used in the process of safely training and starting colts and problem horses. She also has designed clinics for the non-professional rider. Specifically, Wylene teaches women and young girls how to develop confidence and communication with their horse in order to ride safely. Her Pony Tails program grew from Wylene teaching her own daughter, Kensley, to ride at age three. Heath Marshall — Colorado Heath has a passion for training horses. He was fortunate to grow up living on a ranch where he became familiar with all aspects of nurturing and developing respect for animals. Heath’s first opportunity to train a horse came at the age of 12 when his father brought home a two year old gelding from a nearby ranch that had been on pasture all his life. The challenge was on, and Heath’s passion grew from there.

After a four year stint in the U.S. Air Force, Heath Marshall has carved out a niche working with problematic horses that have been to other trainers with no success. PHOTO: SUBMITTED

The success Heath achieved from that first experience gave him the opportunity to work with several horses, some of his own, and others that were paying clients. Heath graduated from High School and was military bound into the U.S. Air Force for four years. After returning from the Air Force to the same area he had grown up in, he soon found himself back in the business of horse training. Maturity renewed his passion and he consistently found himself craving more knowledge and theory behind the training. Heath studies many of the styles used by other trainers and has developed his own training methods. These natural horsemanship methods are comprised of patience, trust, acceptance and respect. Heath’s training program has gained him wide recognition both locally and in nearby surrounding states with the majority of his client base being comprised of horse owners that have been referred to him by other satisfied customers. His specialty is working with problematic horses that have been to other trainers with no success. Ace of Clubs Quarter Horses will again be supplying the horses that will be used in the Challenge. And don’t forget about the Trainer’s Challenge VIP Pass which guarantee’s your seat for the entire weekend, plus access to the VIP Reception and VIP Lounge where you can meet the trainers and judges. Watch for our Mane Event special feature in April’s issue of Horses All.

Real Horsepower Straight from the source. Attend the 2013 Northlands Performance Horse Sale Presented by the Alberta Ford Dealers Association and choose from a selection of the top ranch, arena and prospect horses. Meet one-on-one with consigners during the preview and learn everything you need to know before the sale begins. Preview: April 5

Sale: April 6

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Spirit of the West host Hugh McLennan is back again as the moderator. Hugh’s commentary and dialogue with the trainers is a big factor in keeping the audience aware of the subtle but steady progress made by the colts. PHOTO: SUBMITTED

IF YOU GO

• For more information about clinicians, schedules, and other events: www. maneeventexpo.com • For more information on Sean Patrick: www.seanpatricktraining.com • For more information on Wylene Wilson: www.wylenewilson.com • For more information on Heath Marshall: www.heathmarshallhorsemanship.com VIP PACKAGE INCLUDES:

• VIP Guaranteed Seating at all Trainers Challenge sessions and Finals • Weekend admission to all expo events and trade show • Admission to a VIP Reception • Access to the VIP Lounge all weekend • Access to Exhibitors Lounge to buy meals, snacks and Beer and Wine • 20% off discount in The Mane Event souvenir booth • Special 2013 VIP Gift • $140.00 per package

EVENT

April 4-6, 2013

Edmonton EXPO Centre

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HORSES ALL • MARCH 2013

H APPENINGS FUNDRAISER

New rodeo school set to go in April Pro Rodeo Sports Medicine Team to help with fundrasier By Dianne Finstad Red Deer, Alta.

“As cowboys, we all know how valuable the Canadian Pro Rodeo Sports Medicine team is to us.”

all it a dual-purpose event. Rodeo cowboys are offering their skills and expertise to encourage young people interested in pursuing the game, and at the same time, they hope to raise some funds for a cause near to their hearts... and knees, and biceps, and ribs… “As cowboys, we all know how valuable the Canadian Pro Rodeo Sports Medicine team is to us,” declares bronc rider Todd Herzog, who spearheaded the effort. “When I was approached about doing a rodeo school, with the offer of pay, I wanted to see that money donated back to something useful, to advance rodeo.” From that simple desire has sprung the seeds for a whole new initiative. As Herzog began talking with fellow rodeo competitors, and others involved in the sport, the idea began to mushroom. “There was interest from the CPRA (Canadian Professional Rodeo Association), and from the Calgary Stampede,” Herzog explained, about his desire now to see a special foundation created for a lasting project. “There’s been very strong support, and the cowboys are 100 per cent behind it. Everyone has used the Sports Medicine Team, and we thought this would be a good way to start an annual fundraiser so the cowboys can give back to them.” Although Herzog’s vision is

— todd herzog

Tood Herzog and other rodeo professionals will be donating their time and talents for a new rodeo school in support of Pro Rodeo Sports Medicine Photo: submitted

growing daily, the first concrete event will be a saddle bronc and bareback riding school, to be held April 12th and 13th at the Stettler Ag Society Grounds. It will feature many of Canada’s top riders. “Basically, anyone I’ve approached will come if they can, and Matt Lait is working on the bareback riders.” “We’re going to offer instruction from the ground up, and a big part of the school will be a presentation from the Sports Medicine people. They’ll cover things like the importance of warming up and stretching, along with injury prevention. Too often cowboys don’t realize how to be athletes, and rodeo is an athletic sport.” From there, organizers will decide whether students are ready

to get on the horses provided during the school. “Safety is our prime concern.” While there are a variety of rodeo schools to choose from around North America, Herzog hopes to attract interest because of the sheer volume of cowboy talent. “We think there will be no other place where students can get more one on one time with instructors, and with the calibre of guys we’ve got involved, they’ll be able to learn from the best, and get lots of attention. Then when these young cowboys are on the trail rodeoing, they’ve already met the pros personally, so they’ll feel less bashful about coming for help behind the chutes.”

The four-time Canadian Finals Rodeo qualifier is a firm believer in the benefits of mentorship. “I was spoiled rotten as a kid, because I got to go to practice pens with the likes of Mel Hyland. When I was riding novice, Lance Mulvahill really took me under his wing and taught me. And my university coach, John Larick really taught me a lot about making a horse buck, and how to make money.” “I think we can develop teachers and mentors through this school, and maybe help make rodeo in Canada more popular. Kids are where it’s at. They’re the future of rodeo. And it’s a good way for us to give back to the sport.” For this first school, Herzog is suggesting students have at least some rodeo experience, and bronc riders should be sure to bring the right kind of cowboy boots. He’s working on lining up some spare equipment for those who may not have all the gear. But if the idea takes off, he’d like to see a four day school take place in the fall for the

true newcomers, featuring ‘steer’ bronc riding for the first several days. “It would be a place to go and get started. Riding steers first makes for an easier transition into bronc riding, because there’s less chance for injury, and the kids can learn their timing, and the mark out, and the steers aren’t as intimidating to get on. It’s becoming an event at junior high school rodeos now.” While Herzog is busy lining up sponsors and working on setting up the foundation, he’s leaving school administration details in the capable hands of Melissa Burton, who has already organized several rodeo schools, and helps with the regular rodeo practice nights at the Olds College. “The cost of the school is $250 per student, and anyone interested in more information can call me at 403-556-9890,” outlines Burton. There is also a special Facebook page, which can be accessed through ‘events’ on her Facebook page. The registration deadline is April first, for the April 12-13 school. “We hope to be able to match students up with pro cowboys who are their heros, or have similar body types, so they can find themselves a mentor that will help them last through the season,” she adds. To help cover the costs of the school, and get the foundation launched, Herzog is also planning a Facebook auction during March.

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This month’s new painting is from Shannon Lawlor, entitled Wunderbar. To see more of Shannon’s work, go to www.shannonlawlor.com

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HORSES ALL • MARCH 2013

H APPENINGS College Rodeo

Support students and sport –

The Canadian National College Finals Rodeo! See future Canadian pro rodeo champions compete April 4-6 at Northlands in Edmonton GOING DOWN THE TRAIL Places and events of interest

By Jennifer Sheehan Edmonton, Alta.

or three wild nights (April 4-6), participants from postsecondary schools across Western Canada will wrangle their way through the six major rodeo events. These driven athletes must compete during school semesters while maintaining good academic standing at post secondary schools across Canada. By supporting CNCFR, you’re supporting the Canadian Intercollegiate Rodeo Association — a student run organization for students wishing to compete in rodeo as an extracurricular activity. Again this year, you can help support the contestants through the

Northlands CNCFR Bursary. Purchase your Canadian National College Finals Rodeo (CNCFR) ticket in advance through Ticketmaster.ca using the school’s promo code and receive 20 per cent off your ticket while the school receives $1 for each ticket sold using the promo code. Two $1,000 base scholarships will be awarded to the schools with the greatest sales to membership ratio. Here’s how the bursary helped last year’s bursary recipients: Nicole: “The Northlands Bursary has been extremely helpful in covering the cost of my university tuition. I have chosen a career path which could lead me to up to eight years of school and every little bit helps pay off some of the debt associated with it. The bursary also indirectly allows me to continue to rodeo while attending school.” Bailey: “Receiving the 2012 Northlands bursary last year allowed

me to pay off a very important vet bill. Irish, the barrel horse that got me to last year’s finals, had to have multiple treatments for a severe chronic guttural pouch infection earlier in the year. Irish did not belong to me and her owner had opted to not treat the infection. However, I believed she deserved it, and paid for the procedure myself. To be able to give Irish a better quality of life was important to me as she had worked so hard for me throughout the year. As a student, the treatments were a huge and unexpected financial challenge, but the money provided by Northlands made helping Irish a little bit easier.” Charissa: “The money I received from Northlands through the bursary program was helpful in paying to board my horse in Edmonton while I am at school. It is quite a change being at school in the city where I can’t keep my horse with me like I do when I live at home. It gets expensive being a stu-

2012 Northlands CNCFR Bursary winners where (left to right) Leah Olstad, Nicole Briggs, and Charissa Babcock. $1 from each ticket sale to the CNCFR goes into the Bursary.

dent and paying my own rent as well as rent for my horse. The money from the bursary could go anywhere really, I could use it for books, or for school, or rodeo entry fees, but I like to think that I use that money to bring my horse with me; to bring my best friend with me to school, make living in the city a little more like home.” Come see future Canadian rodeo champions in the making! The CNCFR runs in conjunction with the Northlands Farm & Ranch Show and each CNCFR ticket includes a complimentary Northlands Farm and Ranch Show entry. Get your tickets today and support tomorrow’s career leaders in all industries, especially agriculture.

If you go

For more information on The Northlands Farm & Ranch Show and the Canadian National College Finals Rodeo please visit farmandranchshow. com. Advance tickets for The Northlands Farm & Ranch Show and the Canadian National College Finals Rodeo are available at any Ticketmaster location, ticketmaster.ca, or by calling 1-855-780-3000.

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HORSES ALL • MARCH 2013

H APPENINGS best of class

achievement

Spruce Meadows wins best in field... again International show jumpers rate Calgary site top facility for third year in a row

he North American Riders Group (NARG) has recognized Spruce Meadows as No. 1 in the sport of show jumping for a third year in a row. NARG consists of the sport’s top riders, trainers, coaches, owners and business interests representing Canada, Mexico and the United States. A number of criteria are considered in assessing all of the tournaments, including footing in the rings, prize money, stabling, attendance, course designs, technical aspects, organization and media coverage. NARG noted that of the 1,300 North American tournaments eligible for consideration, there is no other venue that supports high performance sport in North America to the same degree as Spruce Meadows. Spruce Meadows tournaments not only focus on providing a high standard to all, but through the generous support of sponsors it also provides athletes from around the globe the ability to obtain valuable world ranking points for the FEI World Ranking computer list. Representing Spruce Meadows at the NARG Annual Meeting and awards in Wellington, Florida was Ian Allison, Senior Vice-President, Media. “Spruce Meadows is honoured to be recognized by NARG,” said Allison. “We take the award, the compliments and the NARG critique and suggestions for improvement very seriously. We constantly strive to improve our product. It is clear others do as well judging by the quality and noted improvements of a number of North American Tournaments. The NARG evaluation has become a very important and credible benchmark in our sport.” “Spruce Meadows is very proud and honoured to have been ranked the No. 1 venue in North America for a third year. It goes without saying that a lot of work and effort goes into putting on competitions at Spruce Meadows. We are constantly asking, “How can we do this better for our athletes, our sponsors, for our fans and the media?” said Spruce Meadows’ President Linda Southern-Heathcott. “This recognition could not have been achieved without the generosity

Ron and Marg Southern receive Lifetime Achievement Award Equine Canada honours Calgary couple with its highest honour Staff

Two-time Olympian and NARG Vice-President McLain Ward presents the NARG award for No. 1 tournaments to Spruce Meadows’ Ian Allison. Photo: Kenneth Kraus.

and encouragement of our sponsoring companies, the enthusiasm of our volunteers and the spirit and knowledge of our fans. Then of course there are the riders who bring their very best to Spruce Meadows. Thank you to everyone who has helped the Spruce Meadows Team over the past 37 years; you too are being recognized,” Southern-Heathcott continued. In keeping with Spruce Meadows’ support of high performance sport, the Spruce Meadows Organizing Committee is able to confirm 46 FEI World Ranking competitions for 2013, over five weeks of jumping at the Summer Series in June and July. Included in this is a Furusiyya Nation’s Cup Series qualifier, two $400,000 Grands Prix, three World Cup Qualifiers and a brand new 1.45 m Derby Series.

quine Canada held their Annual Convention February 6-11 in Ottawa, Ontario, and presented its prestigious year-end awards at a gala event on Friday, February 8th. Among the many prized awards that recognized achievements in breeding and sport was the Lifetime Achievement Award. This award is given to an individual(s) whose contributions to the Canadian equestrian community are considered exceptional by their peers and whose long-term service and dedication have contributed directly to the ongoing growth and development of Canadian equine sport and industry.

“Our lives and accomplishments, which are so graciously being recognized, have been a wonderful and marvellous adventure.” — ron & marg southern

The recipients of the 2013 Lifetime Achievement Award were Marg and Ron Southern of Calgary, Alberta. This recognition of the realization of a dream that started off in the modest fields of a feed lot and grew to the most celebrated show jumping venue in the world meant a great deal to Ron and Marg Southern.

“We are deeply touched, honoured and proud to accept this recognition — not just for us but on behalf of our family, our outstanding professional staff, our volunteers, our fans, our sponsors and the dedicated athletes who have supported and helped us so much over the years. “Our lives and accomplishments, which are so graciously being recognized, have been a wonderful and marvelous adventure. Spruce Meadows evolved because our family wanted to put something back into a community that would be lasting and meaningful for all the opportunities and advantages we have had as Canadians — in some small way to say thank you. “We know that there are many more important endeavours; still Spruce Meadows somehow has magnificently touched the lives of people from all walks of life by introducing an enthusiasm and purpose for our endeavours. Spruce Meadows over the last four decades has attempted to evolve, mature and take its place on the national and international stage — not only as a sporting venue but as a place for good friendship, good commerce, and good sport. The horse has made this all possible. This brave, noble animal spans the generations and is enjoyed by people from all countries and all ages, from children to grandparents. It is because of the love of the horse that we all join together.” The award was presented by Equine Canada president Michael Gallagher to Joanne Nimitz, vice-president of administration, Spruce Meadows representing Ron and Marg Southern.

Marg and Ron Southern, founders of Spruce Meadows. Photo: Spruce Meadows

HORSESALL.COM

HORSES ALL • MARCH 2013

HAPPENINGS TRAVEL

Celebrating their 50th birthdays on horseback… in Egypt

Albertans Linda McKenzie and Paddi Sprecher visited ancient pyramids and rural Egyptian life

By Cindy Bablitz Calgary, Alta.

happenstance meeting over treadmills in Devon, Alberta one morning led Linda McKenzie down a trail that would take her on horseback to the pyramids near Cairo, Egypt. “I was at a fitness centre and a lady next to me who I’d barely met mentioned she was soon turning 50,” Linda says. “I said, ‘Yeah, me too.’ She said, ‘I’d like to do something special... something I’ve never done before. I’m planning a trip riding horses in Egypt. Do you want to come?’ And I said, ‘Well, no one else has given me an offer like that... so, yes!’ And so we went!” The pair set to work getting better acquainted as they planned a 10 day excursion in February 2008, basing their journey out of a rural area near Cairo, staying on the small acreage of a business acquaintance of Linda’s travel companion, Paddi Sprecher. Their destination hostess, an expat named Maryanne Gabbani, who came to live in Egypt via Los Angeles and Toronto, operates a humble riding and training stable she purchased after the tragic death of her Egyptian husband in a plane crash. Maryanne’s horses enjoy some of the finest care in the area as some lesser ethical tourism operators employed less than ethical animal husbandry near the Giza strip where tourists flock for a chance to ride horses by the great pyramids. “The condition of the rental horses at Giza was atrocious. We saw horses so thin and emaciated wandering around garbage piles trying to feed from the garbage. It was a big push asking the tourists not to rent the horses, because tourism there only feeds the disgusting conditions these working horses were being forced to live,” Linda recalls. Since that initial visit, Paddi has returned to the area several times, and says, “On the following trips,

the horses were in better condition. The government put in tighter regulations, the Donkey Sanctuary mobile clinics are teaching and monitoring the owners, and the Egyptian Horse Project is working with owners to improve tack and care.” Beyond the equestrian focus of the journey, Linda and Paddi simply marveled at the lush beauty in the flora and fauna of Egypt’s natural and cultivated landscape, at the humble agricultural habits where all the farming and tending is completely unmechanized, by hand, with donkeys and often elaborately painted carts, and at the austere joys of a life lived in the brightly coloured layers worn by the playful children. “Maryanne lived right on the edge of the desert and every morning we would ride off on different adventures... through the agricultural area, following the canals past date orchards, or across the desert to the where we’d ride right up and view the pyramids, up close, even climbing up on some,” Linda reminisces. They enjoyed meals at Maryanne’s acreage, sometimes enjoying bread baked in an outdoor hearth. Throughout their stay Linda and Paddi also enjoyed invitations to dine at neighbouring homes, where meals were served traditionally on a large silver metal tray laden with dishes of meat, rice and other local fare — to cross-legged men and visiting guests seated on the floor — while the women who prepared the meals would eat separately in the kitchen and then join the group for sweet tea and dessert. One luxury mealtime experience stands out in Linda’s memory: a dinner at the Bin Laden estate and a tour of the family’s Arabian show barn and dressage facility. “The women who hosted us were so proud to share what they had with us; in spite of the language barrier there was much laughter and camaraderie,” says Linda.

You can learn more about opportunities to have an experience on horseback in Egypt like Linda and Patty enjoyed by surfing to Maryanne’s website at www.alsorat.com. (“Al Sorat derives from a phrase in the Quran meaning the straight or righteous path,” explains Maryanne, adding, “I decided that it had excellent reference to the work that I love, trail riding with my horses, so what more appropriate name for my new riding facilities that Recoub Al Sorat, or, Riding the Righteous Path.”)

Top photo: Albertan Linda McKenzie visited Egypt and virtually road up to several ancient pyramids. Above: Living conditions in parts of Egypt may be difficult but the children are usually dressed in bright colors, indicative of their cheerful spirit. Left: Many of rural Egypt’s agricultural practices are still non-mechanical. PHOTOS: SUBMITTED

HORSESALL.COM

HORSES ALL • MARCH 2013

H APPENINGS TOPIC

K&K Livestock celebrates 20 years Alberta equine shop delivers two decades of exceptional service By Natalie Sorkilmo High River, Alta.

n April 6th and 7th, K&K Livestock will be celebrating 20 years of serving, supporting and participating in the equine industry. As long-time supporters of Horses All, we are excited to join them as they welcome everyone to the store near Strathmore, Alberta for a BBQ and sale. Twenty years of success is nothing short of inspiring so we posed a few questions for Ken and Karen Mix about their favourite memories. In the 20 years you’ve been building K&K, what can you recall as the largest hurdle you have overcome? Starting from ground level with just a vision and a passion and building a client base of over 5,000 customers. On a lighter note, what is your funniest ‘store memory?’ We have great BBQs and one year the group The Shootists came out for one of our anniversary sales. They were dressed up as cowboys with guns and came in shooting. Customers dropped to the floor thinking they were real robbers. What should people know about Ken that they may not already know? Ken was born and raised on a ranch but worked as an executive for 19 years. But his heart was still with his horse so he came back to the farm to ride his horses and run the

hay company. I (Karen) worked for the government for 27 years which gained me lots of patience. Who is better at driving Billy Big Rig, Karen or Ken? Billy Big Rig is definitely Ken. When we bought it I said, “hope you like going to shows” as that is one job I will not learn — hauling that big unit around. What was the most memorable customer you’ve had in K&K? The most memorable customer we’ve had buy a saddle would be William Shatner… so with K & K, we can always beam you up! And of course all the clinics we’ve had with expert clinicians including five-time world champion, Leon Harrel. What was the most luxurious/ expensive saddle you’ve sold? The most luxurious was a saddle that Vic Bennett built for Ken which was outstanding! Yet before Ken even got to see it, an oil company bought it as a retirement gift for one of their oil executives and, because of Vic’s outstanding workmanship, price was not an issue. What memory brings back the most excitement for you? Well, one of most exciting experiences I have had in selling saddles has to be our involvement with the Calgary Stampede’s Western Performance Horse Committee and their Centennial Saddle commissioned by Vic Bennett for the 100th Anniversary Stampede. We were also excited when Gerry Hansna won the Open Cutting

THE TRADITION

CONTINUES

Karen Mix (2nd from left) and Ken Mix (holding Bet This Cat Smart) are also avid horsemen. photo: hudyma photography

Customers dropped to the floor thinking they were real robbers.

Horse Championship for Canada on our horse, Bet This Cats Smart. What is your vision for the future of K&K? All I can say for this is that we encourage our patrons and friends to stay tuned for more expansion!

56 STAVELY PRO RODEO

THE

EDITION

K & K Livestock is celebrating 20 years of providing saddles and tack to some of the top western competitors but also cater to the recreational riders. photo: sumbitted

f u n draiser

Ski Louise Canadian Stampede Cowboy Ski Race Are you tough enough to buck the mountain?

MAY 9-10-11th 2013

ALL PERFORMANCES

START AT 7:30 STEAK SUPPER

THURS - FRI & SAT 5 TO 7 PM

ld ing Vo Featur k c o St Rodeo r ounce n n A CFR E R Y T cIN LESS M NE R Y B & Bo T T O C S ghters - Bullfi

www.michelekingphotography.com

Visit: http://stavelyprorodeo.com/ Phone: Kim Cochlan 403-549-2107 Email: boneyardcc@gmail.com

ynan Vine of the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association, Brandon Thome of the Canadian Pro Rodeo Sports Medicine Team and Ted Stovin of Everything Cowboy recently announced the first ever Ski Louise Stampede Canadian Cowboy Ski Race on March 30, 2013 in Lake Louise, Alberta. Entry fee is $125 which includes race lift ticket, supper, and entrance to the evening’s festivities including the silent auction and dance. A $50 deposit fee is due by March 15th. The race is limited to the first 100 Canadian Rodeo Card Holders from any association. Separate tickets are available for the evening meal, silent auction, and dance. Canada’s top rodeo cowboys and cowgirls will be racing in cowboy hats and chaps down the Canadian Rockies steepest slopes!

All proceeds will go towards t h e C a n a d i a n P ro R o d e o Sports Medicine Team. So grab your skis and enter up if you think you can buck this mountain! For more information, to enter, donate a silent auction item, or become a volunteer or sponsor, contact Ted Stovin — Ted@EverythingCowboy.com.

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HORSES ALL • MARCH 2013

calendar of events Send your announcement by email to: Itkdbell@yahoo.ca and we'll include your event or announcement here free.

CLINICS & SEMINARS

MARCH

6 Innisfail, Alta. Sorting Night at San Emideo Ranch (Geoff Hoar). 7pm, weekly until April 3rd. For details, contact Meghan: 403-507-3126 or email: meghanmarshall@hotmail.ca 10-13 Bandon, Man. Vertebral Realignment Course – No Mallet Method. For details, contact Sidonia McIntyre: www. equinerehab.com 13 Innisfail, Alta. Sorting Night at San Emideo Ranch (Geoff Hoar). 7pm, weekly until April 3rd. For details, contact Meghan: 403-507-3126 or email: meghanmarshall@hotmail.ca 16-22 Edmonton, Alta. Equine Massage Therapy Certification Course. For details, contact Sidonia McIntyre: www.equinerehab.com 20 Innisfail, Alta. Sorting Night at San Emideo Ranch (Geoff Hoar). 7pm, weekly until April 3rd. For details, contact Meghan: 403-507-3126 or email: meghanmarshall@hotmail.ca 23-26 Edmonton, Alta. Vertebral Realignment Course – No Mallet Method. For details, contact Sidonia McIntyre: www. equinerehab.com 23-26 Rocky Mountain House, Alta. Easter Horsecamp at Wildhorse Mountain Ranch. For details, contact Diane Baker: 403-729-2910, email: admin@wildhorsecamp.com or visit: www.wildhorsecamp.com

27 Innisfail, Alta. Sorting Night at San Emideo Ranch (Geoff Hoar). 7pm, weekly until April 3rd. For details, contact Meghan: 403-507-3126 or email: meghanmarshall@hotmail.ca March 30-May 1 Regina, Alta. Advanced Equine Massage Therapy 25 day Certification Course. For details, contact Sidonia McIntyre: www.equinerehab.com

APRIL

3 Innisfail, Alta. Sorting Night at San Emideo Ranch (Geoff Hoar). 7pm, weekly until April 3rd. For details, contact Meghan: 403-507-3126 or email: meghanmarshall@hotmail.ca 5-7 Innisfail, Alta. Cinched Horse Training with Geoff Hoar. For details, contact Tracy Olson: 306-435-2577 or Holly Hollingshead: 306-435-2651 or email: cinched@hotmail.com 9-11 Saskatoon, Sask. Natural Horsemanship with Glenn Stewart. Horse Development Spring Tune-Up. For details, contact Wendy: 306-492-4995, email: wmethoward@live.com or visit: www.thehorseranch.com 12-14 Saskatoon, Sask. Natural Horsemanship with Glenn Stewart. Natural Horsemanship Workshop. For details, contact Wendy: 306-492-4995, email: wmethoward@live.com or visit: www.thehorseranch.com 19 Smithers, B.C. Natural Horsemanship with Glenn Stewart. Stage 3/4 Clinic. For details, contact Anika: 250-8465494, email: gattiker@telus.net or visit: www.thehorseranch.com

20-21 Smithers, B.C. Natural Horsemanship with Glenn Stewart. Advanced Stage 1 Clinic. For details, contact Anika: 250-8465494, email: gattiker@telus.net or visit: www.thehorseranch.com 20-21 Qualium, B.C. Island Barrel Racers Barrel Clinic with Charla Nikkels. For details, contact Kelsey Noble: 250-714-6055 or email: kelseynoble@shaw.ca 22-23 Cochrane, Alta. Dena Kirkpatrick Barrel Racing Clinic. For details, contact Lisa Kohut: 403-652-6447 or email: lrhaida@hotmail.com 27-28 Stonewall, Man. Natural Horsemanship with Glenn Stewart. Stage 1 Clinic. For details, contact Penny: 204-4678789, email: pfidler@rainyday.ca or visit: www.thehorseranch.com 29-30 Stonewall, Man. Natural Horsemanship with Glenn Stewart. Stage 2/3 Clinic. For details, contact Penny: 204-4678789, email: pfidler@rainyday.ca or visit: www.thehorseranch.com

EQUINE EVENTS

APRIL

12-14 Brandon, Man. Horse3 at the Keystone Centre. For details, visit: www.keystonecentre.com/horse3 13-14 Calgary, Alta. Aggie Days at Stampede Park. For details, visit: www.calgarystampede.com 26-28 Red Deer, Alta. Mane Event Expo at Westerner Park. For details, visit: www. maneeventexpo.com

APRIL

SALES

MARCH

7 Calgary, Alta. Select Ranch Horse Sale at the Calgary Bull Sale. For details, visit: www.albertacattlebreeders.com 23 Brooks, Alta. Badlands Spring Select Horse Sale. For details, visit: www.badlandsspringselecthorsesale.com

APRIL

6-7 Strathmore, Alta. K&K Livestock Co. 20th Anniversary from 10am-5pm daily. BBQ & Sale with huge prizes. 13 Vermilion, Alta. Lakeland College Working Cowboy Horse Sale. For details, visit: www. lakelandcollege.ca 19-20 Brandon, Man. Rockine W Horse Sale at the Keystone Center. For details, visit: www.rockingw.com 20 Saskatoon, Sask. Prairie Quarter Horse Breeders Horse Sale. For details, call: 306544-2727 or visit: www.prairiehorsesale.com

SHOWS & COMPETITIONS

MARCH

9 Calgary, Alta. Schooling Days at Diamond Willow Stables. For details, contact Cheryl Tycholis: 403-992-7433, email: diamondwillowstables@ me.com or visit: www.diamondwillowstables.ca

13 Olds, Alta. National Bank Financial Group Free Jumping Challenge at the Olds agricultural Grounds. 13-14 Calgary, Alta. Rocky Mountain Show Jumping Carrots & Cocktails Signature Series III. For details, visit: www. rmshowjumping.com

WESTERN PERFORMANCE

MARCH

2 Okotoks, Alta. Chinook Team Penning Association Competition at the Okotoks Ag Society. For details, visit: www. chinookpenning.com 16 Okotoks, Alta. Chinook Team Penning Association Competition at the Okotoks Ag Society. For details, visit: www. chinookpenning.com 23 Whitewood, Sask. Saskatchewan Sabre Quarter Horse Ranch Winter Cutting Series. For details, visit: www.scha.ca

APRIL

13 Whitewood, Sask. Saskatchewan Sabre Quarter Horse Ranch Winter Cutting Series. For details, visit: www.scha.ca 20-21 Claresholm, Alta. Chinook Team Penning Association Competition at the Willow Creek Ag Society. For details, visit: www.chinookpenning.com 20-21 Madden, Alta. Reining Alberta Show at Prairie Mountain Ranch. For details, visit: www.reiningalberta.net

Bull Riding

Bull Riders Canada announce first season New organization starting up in 2013 to offer more opportunities to communities HOOKED ON BULLS

By Ted Stovin Calgary, Alta.

ver the past 10 years, the Canadian bull riding landscape has changed dramatically. Over that time, there have been a number of organizations come and go. These associations help to bridge the gap between the communities and the top riders, stock and personnel. They also help to promote bull riding by providing career opportunities for riders, and giving fans another opportunity to watch the most exciting event in rodeo. In January of 2013, a number of bull riders, stock contractors, and stakeholders got together to create Bull Riders Canada. “We wanted a democracy-style

association in Canada that was for the bull riders,” Canadian Finalist and Calgary Stampede Qualifier Kyle German told me over the phone. “We wanted it run by the people that are the biggest part of the association too.” BRC Inc. will cater to bull riding events in Canada with prize money ranging from $2,000 to $10,000. Basically, the smaller events that aren’t sanctioned by the CPRA or PBR, since the minimums in those associations are $10,000 and $5,000 respectively. With the way the events pay, BRC Inc. will often pay higher than other events with the same amount of added money. And it’s all cash too. Upwards of $80,000 shall be paid out during the 2013 BRC Inc. season through a minimum of twelve events throughout Alberta, B.C. and Saskatchewan. Plans are already in the works to expand Canada-wide. “We intend to continue to include the ideas of all of our members and

partners to ensure our viability and growth for many years to come.” BRC Inc. president Russell Friend said in the first ever organization statement. “The BRC has put together a fantastic board of directors who have dedicated many months of resources into ensuring that the association is built upon fundamental values such as: integrity, honesty, transparency and reliability.” For new events looking to get going or existing events wanting to add something new, there aren’t many choices. The BRC offers an affordable vehicle in which a community may hold a bull riding event while raising money for causes of their own. For more information on Bull Riders Canada, check out their website at www.BullRidersCanada.ca

AIRDRIE TRACTORLAND

CALGARY TRACTORLAND

105 East Lake Crescent Airdrie, Alberta T4A 2H6 Phone: 403-948-7400 Toll Free: 1-877-948-7400

26 Commercial Court Calgary, Alberta T3Z 2A5 Phone: 403-240-1977 Toll Free: 1-877-240-1977

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ASSOCIATION NEWS Alberta Paint Horse Club

Chinook Pleasure Driving Club

January 26 found many APHC members gathered in Red Deer to attend the AGM and Awards Banquet. The APHC had much to celebrate after a very successful 2012. The banquet was attended by over 90 members. Special highlights included: • Hayley Butz — 2012 Scholarship Winner (In Picture) • Glenn Hyde — Distinguished Member of the Year • Ronni Nordal — Sportsmanship Award • Shelby Delaney — Most Improvement Youth For full results and details please check out our website: www.northernhorse.com/aphc

The Chinook Pleasure Driving Club is comprised of members from the Central Alberta area, from Carstairs to Red Deer, east of Olds and west to Sundre and Rocky Mtn. House. Members enjoy activities such as cutter rallies in the winter, pleasure drives in the summer months, clinics and lessons, and a competition hosted by the Club in July. Emphasis is placed on safety, education, and enjoyment. Meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month, either in Olds or Innisfail. For more information, please contact Patty Carley (Secretary) at 403-3462146, or pcarley@telus.net.

Alberta Professional Chuckwagon & Chariot Association

Alberta Donkey and Mule Club

The 45th year of racing will be the best year ever when March sees the beginning of the 2013 APCCA events. There will be two wagon tarp auctions on the same weekend. The first will start on Friday, Mar. 15 at 7 p.m. in Rocky Mountain House at the Lou Soppit Center. The other one is Saturday, Mar. 16 at 7 p.m. in Drumheller at Dinosaur Downs Stampede Barns. This would be a perfect opportunity for anyone, corporate or private, to bid on a driver and get advertising on his wagon tarp. Everyone is welcome and bring your friends. For more information on these or any other APCCA events contact a Director on the website at www.chuckwagon.ab.ca or at APCCA CAMPSITE on FACEBOOK.

Alberta Friesian Horse Association

photo: Rae-Anne Wadey

Miniature donkeys at the Wadey Farm near Edson, Alta. crowd around to receive their wormer! Carol Wadey, well know endurance rider from Edson, Alta. also has a passion for longears. People ask her, “They’re cute, but what do you do with them?” Carol’s response is, ’’Let’s see… parades, shows, fairs, trail riding, driving, Christmas concerts, school and nursing home visits. We’ve dressed them in practically any costume imaginable. We’ve taken them along to endurance rides for the kids to enjoy after the ride and hosted “Donkey Day,” as well as many school groups at our farm. I think every country kid that loves equines should have a couple of small donkeys. They are the perfect way for young children to learn how to groom, lead, ride, and care for an equine more their size, and they are so safe to be around. We have nine miniatures and they are fun for grownups too!’’ Check out this year’s Jerry Tindell clinics at www.albertadonkeyandmule.com

One of the major goals of the AFHA is to promote the Friesian horse. The photo above is a fine example of our members getting out and doing just that. The picture above was taken at the annual 100 km Marathon Speed Skating Event which is a two to three day race held on the frozen waters of Sylvan Lake, Alberta. A pair of beautiful Friesian Horses and a gorgeous sleigh, owned and driven by Wim and Nita Floryn, take the three fastest skaters in the Men’s, Women’s and Youth’s categories on a ride of honour, which is always very much appreciated by the skaters and spectators alike. The bridge the sleigh is passing under is a replica of a famous little bridge in the village of Bartlehiem in the province of Friesland where the Friesian horse originated. The original bridge is a passing point during the elite 200 km, 11 city tour which is held, weather permitting in Holland. The mild winters in the Netherlands do not always allow the race to be held, but it is a dream of serious speed skaters to participate. For more info: www.afha.ca

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ASSOCIATION NEWS E ducat ion

A rt con tests

Plenty to see and do at Aggie Days 2013

Calling all artists! Two horse associations holding contests for professional and/or budding artists

Calgary Stampede educating the next generation of urban children By Lori Wheeler Calgary Stampede

very year for the past 27 years, Aggie Days has welcomed students, teachers and families; cows, sheep and horses; farmers, ranchers and blacksmiths. What started out as a group of volunteers with some animals in a barn has grown to more than 100,000 square feet of agricultural exhibits inside the BMO Centre on Stampede Park in Calgary. Horses will play a big role in 2013 Aggie Days. The Draft Horse Town group is back with a new and improved Incred-Pull machine where you can test your strength in a hitch that is not unlike what the Draft Horses use to pull wagons. They will also have a highly engaging exhibit showcasing how Draft Horses have been used historically and how they are still used today. Hawk the mini horse is small but he has a huge personality. Hawk will be featured in the Aggie Days Book Corner to ‘read’ to his pint-sized audience (with a little help from his friends of course). And on the other side of the horse size scale, we will have some

friendly heavy horses on site every day for people to meet up close and personal. Running in conjunction with Aggie Days in the Stampede Corral is the Extreme Cowboy Race Competition, which takes place on Sunday, April 14. And the Clock, Stock & Barrel Stock Dogs Trials run on Saturday, April 13, 2013. Aggie Days is FREE and open to the public Saturday, April 13 and Sunday, April 14. This fun and educational event features displays and loads of hands-on interactive activities including cow milking, seed planting, sheep shearing, horse harnessing and stock dog demonstrations. New this year, Honey Dog, the Calgary Fire Department’s fire investigation dog will demonstrate his incredible ability to sniff out the cause of fires, with a nose that is far more effective than any mechanical device ever invented for this purpose. Aggie Days is one of the many ways the Stampede works to preserve western heritage and values. With today’s consumers often two to three generations removed from the farm, it becomes more important to bridge the rural-urban connection. It brings what is happening “out on the farm” right into

photo: thinkstock

EYE ON THE INDUSTRY News from the equine community

From the large draft horses to the minis, horses play a big role in Calgary Stampede’s Aggie Days.

the city and that has a lot of people excited. Come explore Aggie Days and have fun learning about Alberta’s agricultural richness and about life on the farm.

B.C. News

Horse Council B.C. holds awards gala Lifetime Achievement Award goes to George and Dianne Tidball, founders of Thunderbird Show Park

he Horse Council B.C. Awards Gala was held on January 19, 2013 to celebrate the athletes, coaches, horses, volunteers and all around amazing people who stood out in 2012. The HCBC Awards Gala took place during the 2013 Equine Education Conference and was enthusiastically supported by the conference attendees. Many of the Awards Gala guests came just to celebrate at the Awards Gala and to get a chance to meet and mingle with the nominees and other guests. Paralympian Ashley Gowanlock was the host for this year’s big Gala and was an absolute star. She entertained the crowds with her charm, wit, and electric enthusiasm. The HCBC Awards Gala would not have been the same without her. The photographer for the event was the brilliant Andrea Blair from Paper Horse Photography. After having been a speaker earlier in the day during the Equine Education Conference, she was more than up for the challenge of being the official photographer for the evening. Andrea made sure everyone had a good photo, even asking George Tidball to tip his cowboy hat so she could get a better photo. The Youth High School Recognition Achievement Award was presented to Charlotte Galbraith, Rebecca Alves, Natalie Alves, Lau-

Paralympian Ashley Gowanlock was an inspiring guest speaker at the Horse Council B.C. Awards Gala.

ren Miller, Lindsay Stuart, Sophie Scoones and Emily Hopton. The Alf Fletcher Youth Sportsmanship Award was presented to five dedicated riders for their exemplary show of sportsmanship at competitions throughout the year. The Bob James Volunteer of the Year Award went to Janice Spenst, a tireless and extraordinary volunteer with Island 22 Equestrian Park, Mt. Cheam Pony Club and the B.C. Pony Club. Coach of the Year was awarded to Fionna Christensen, a remarkable coach from the Lower Mainland. Athlete of the Year went to Alisa Schmidt-Anema who is the highest

ranked vaulter in Canada on the FEI ranking list for 2012. The Horse Industry Professional of the Year went to Karen Robinson, writer of the popular Equine blogs Straight-Up and Low-Down. There were two categories this year for the Horse of the Year Award, non-competitive and competitive. The winner in the noncompetitive category was Kasey, a horse from Lantzville, B.C. who was a great teacher and taught many people how to ride. Kasey later became a therapy horse who was so popular he was requested by name from many students. Kasey sadly passed away earlier in 2012. The winner of the competitive category was Thoroughbred racehorse, Strait of Dover. Strait of Dover was born in Kelowna, B.C. and was the first B.C. horse to win the most prestigious Thoroughbred race in Canada, the Queen’s Plate. Not only did he win the race, he won in record time. The Lifetime Achievement Award honours individuals who have made exceptional contributions to B.C.’s equestrian community. This year the Lifetime Achievement Award was awarded to George and Dianne Tidball, founders of Thunderbird Show Park in Langley, B.C. Congratulations to all the nominees for this year’s awards and a big thank you to all of the sponsors and attendees.

here are two opportunities to submit artwork for a chance to win cash and other prizes:  The Alberta Chapter of the Canadian Warmblood Horse Breeders Association presents the Fall Classic Breeders’ Sale on an annual basis each autumn. They are soliciting submissions of original artwork for consideration for use in the promotional poster, catalogue cover, website and advertising. The selected piece will be sold as Lot 0 of the sale in September, with 80 per cent of the proceeds going to the artist. Colour artwork of any medium — oil, pastel, water-

colour, photography, etc. — is acceptable, including limited edition prints of original work. The committee is looking for an image that depicts or represents the Warmblood horse in some fashion related to breeding and/ or sport. Visit www.fallclassicsale.com for more information  Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society (Alberta Division) is holding their 1st Annual Art Competition open to all Alberta students enrolled in kindergarten through 12th grade. Entries will be divided into two age categories and a winner will be named out of each of the group finalists. Capture the spirit of Thoroughbreds and/or Thoroughbred Racing! For more information, visit www.cthsalta. com

Riding out of your mind

equestrian sport psychology services

April Clay, M.Ed., Registered Psychologist Seminars and Consultation in Equine Sport Psychology • Individual or group sessions • Keynotes • On the ground or mounted • Email consultations

The perfect topic for your next association meeting! Call or email to find out more: 403.283.5525 april@ridingoutofyourmind.com www.ridingoutofyourmind.com

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marketplace

To Advertise call toll free: 1-866-385-3669 Or email: crystal@fbcpublishing.com

Your Resource for All Things Equine ANNOUNCEMENTS

To place a classified ad call toll free:

1-866-385-3669 Or email: crystal@fbcpublishing.com

COUNTRY INTRODUCTIONS

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EQUINE CLINICS

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same authentic, time-tested tools as hats made in the Old West: blocking, steaming, dying, cutting, marking, and measuring with an antique crownHORSE calibrating TRAILERS device. These traditional practices passed down through time – procedures that have made hand-blown glass and hand-made cowboy hats stand the test of time – are combined to make Double D hats a quality, lifetime hat.

Trained under traditional craftsmen and master hatters in the hat trade, Cam has perfected the skills used to make the Old West hats prized possessions and can create a quality, custom-made Double D hat for you.

Don’s watercolor paintings depicting contemporary western scenes and ranch life have been printed in national magazines and posters, and his illustrations and photography have been used for children’s books and a coffee-table book. He has painted five U.S. postage stamps. Don and his wife, Cha Cha, live in Oakley, a rural farm and ranching community in Utah. Visit www.DonWeller.com to view his Western art gallery images.

Colors

mark of quality, style, and comfort to make you look the best you can. With Double D, yourFor hat is your breeding please 23contact Les 250-851-6295 choice. Hats may be designed in a combination of or Janet 780-817-0896 TRAILERS colors and styles to create the perfect hat for you.

HORSE

3 multiple mares 4

7 8 9

Double D hats offers a full line of felt hats made from the finest wool, fur, and beaver felt. The collection also includes straw and the new hybrid hats – hats constructed from both felt and straw. We specialize in a variety of children’s hats and occasionally cowboy hats for dogs and horses as well.

Sandy Ridge Stallion Station 11

Hezgottabefamous19

Double D hats stands behind each hat to ensure your complete satisfaction.

Terms: Payment due upon receipt of invoice. Price quoted does not include GST. All classified ads are non-commissionable.

12 An ‘own’ son of Dash Ta Fame

The Nation’s #1 Leading barrel sire of the Decade!!!! 14 15

Also Standing:

Fast Moon Chic, son of Martha’s Six Moons, #7 Leading Barrel Sire of the Decade, A Classic Guy, son of Frenchmans Guy, #2 Leading Barrel Sire of the Decade, Crimson Jess, son of Mr Jess Perry #1 Leading Race Sire of Money Earners, Root Beers Boots, son of Root Beer Doc 1987 AQHA Hi Pt Jr Working Cowhorse Prime Time Chivato, by Dash to Chivato si96, sire offspring of $3,279,722 “All out of producing mares!!!”

More Info: Doug & Carol Schaffer, Bassano, AB 403-641-2511 | www.sandyridge.ab.ca

Advertising deAdline NOON on the Wednesday following 10th day of the month for publication.

CLASSIFIED CATEGORIES Visit the Horses all website to view the classified categories availble for classified ad listings.

www.horsesall.com/ classifieds

Here’s a great spot! Are you in the horse business? Are you looking to place a classified ad related to horses? This is where you need to be. Call Horses All to find out how we can give you the exposure your business or classified ad needs.

Toll Free: 1-866-385-3669 Inspired by people and horses

photo credit to James Hudyma

Classified Rates and Information

ANNOUNCEMENTS

HORSESALL.COM

HORSES ALL • MARCH 2013

MARKETPLACE STALLIONS AT STUD

To Advertise call toll free: 1-866-385-3669 Or email: crystal@fbcpublishing.com STALLIONS AT STUD

STALLIONS AT STUD

VARIOUS EQUINE SERVICES

parks nnovations

VARIOUS EQUINE SERVICES

Dealer for the TR3™Rake

AReNA RAScAl PRO • SOIl MOIST

#1 Ground Groomer Canada Wide

SPARKS INNOVATIONS AMERICAN FURY

THIRTYS JESTER

JH LEGACY IDOLIZED

16HH Dark Bay Thoroughbred Mr. Prospector, Seattle Slew & Northern Dancer Bloodlines! Disposition, Conformation & Athletic Ability. All in one Package! Earned over $200,000 AQHA, ApHC, APHA Approved Stud Fee: TB $1,000; Q&H Sporthorse $600 Others $500 LFG

16HH AQHA Palomino HS Thirty Thirty/Jest The Good Times, Windchester, Stormy Jester & Tonto Bars Gill Bloodlines A pedigree that can do it all! Arab Assoc. Breeders Sweepstakes Nominated Stallion Stud Fee: Quarter $600 Arb $500 Others $450 LFG All breeds welcome.

15.3HH Gray AQHA Stallion Wiescamp, Windchester, TE N TE Bloodlines Size, Style, Athletic Ability APHA Approved Stallion A pedigree that can do it all! Breeding Fee: Quarter Horse & Sport Horse $600 Others $450 LFG All breeds welcome

Allan & Joyce Sparks • RR#2, Innisfail, AB T4G 1T7 Fax: 403-227-2421

403•227•2241

www.sparksinnovations.ca

GW EQUINE SERVICES Sherwood Park, AB *780-662-3013 *www.gwequineservices.com

Classifieds made simple.

VARIOUS EQUINE SERVICES

To place a classified ad in Horses All just call toll free:

Equine & Equestrian Facility Insurance for Albertans

1-866-385-3669

You can also place classifieds online at Horsesall.com

Inspired by people and horses

www.horsesall.com

BAR T5 TRAILERS

Inspired by people and horses

www.rafterdiamondk.com | 780-449-0749

RDK Chex N Dun

CHECK OUT OUR NEW WEBSITE – DETAILS ON OVER 300 TRAILERS!!

Shaw Insurance Agencies LTD 1.866.980.9803 admin@shawinsurance.ca

www.shawinsurance.ca

Whata Lethal Weapon

Red E Impression

3 Versatile Stallions

Producing talented versatile offspring; HYPP N/N Champion Bloodlines, Champion Producers Offspring available for sale A Sharper Image - Photography Colt starting, boarding & rehab training also available

It's easy! To place a classified ad in Horses All. Just call toll free:

1-866-385-3669

www.bart5trailers.com

403-931-2212

Located on the Cowboy Trail 10 Miles S.W. of Calgary on Hwy #22 at 274th Ave

ANIMAL HEALTH TECHNOLOGY 2 year diploma since 1974. Training with large & small animals!! On-site working farm. aht@gprc.ab.ca 1-888-999-7882 Fairview, AB

www.gprc.ab.ca

You can also place classifieds online at Horsesall.com

MARKETPLACE Inspired by people and horses

MARKETPLACE

LETS HAVE A BARN RAISING AT YOUR PLACE!

TACK/SADDLES

PHOTO CREDIT: CHERYL SMYTHE PHOTOGRAPHY AND DESIGN

GEORGE’S HARNESS & SADDLERY

PEPINICS MASTER Pepinics Master’s performing offspring have earned $550,000 in cutting, working cowhorse, reining, and barrel racing (Equi-Stat).

CIRCLE BAR GRAY GUN Circle Bar Gray Gun is sired by Playgun who is the Equi-Stat #9 Leading Cutting Sire and an NRCHA Leading Sire, siring the earners of over $6,900,000.

Ed & Connie Masson Cadogan, Alberta • Phone: (780) 857-2254 Email: ranchboss@myterraranch.com

www.myterraranch.com

A Once in a lifetime offering of Pepinics Master Daughters... For Sale

Toll Free:1-866-500-2276 www.affordablebarns.com HARNESSES MADE RIGHT HERE FOR 35 YEARS “Quality for you & your horse” Our customers ask for all types of harness Leather, leather-Nylon, Biothane & Granite

www.georgesharnessandsaddlery.com harnsad@mcsnet.ca Morley Knudslien 2nd generation saddlemaker Jason Lusk 20 yrs Harnessmaker Box 29 Ryley, AB, Canada 780-663-3611

For Your Vermeer Parts, Sales & Service

Call For a Demo Today Airdrie Tractorland Greg Jensen 1-877-948-7400

Calgary Tractorland Derek Bell 1-877-240-1977

Advertise where horse people are looking! Horses All Classifieds - Qualified exposure at competitive rates. Call toll free or email for more info. Inspired by people and horses

1-866-385-3669 Email: crystal@fbcpublishing.com

HORSESALL.COM

HORSES ALL • MARCH 2013

MARKETPLACE

DORIS DALEY

Fine western entertainment for conventions, campfires and everything in between. “Doris’s poetry blazes with brilliant wit; her stage presence sparkles with an infectious love of the West. On stage and on the page, she represents the best of the best in cowboy poetry today.”

$ave your hay. $ave your money.

BIG BALE BUDDY

Electric Fence to protect your investments through the winter season

Canadian Pinto Horse Association 26117 Hwy. 16A, Acheson, AB Canada T7X 5A2 Ph/Fax. 780-470-3786 www.canadianpinto.com | E-mail: info@canadianpinto.com

Inspired by people and horses

www.bigbalebuddy.com

www.horsesall.com

866-389-9952

FERRIS FENCING

SUPERIOR EQUINE FEEDS Superior Equine’s omega fixed formula uses only the highest quality of ingredients. The consistency and quality of the feed will never change because the same ingredients are used in every batch.

Omega Fixed Formula

“Making Horses Shine in the Winner’s Circle” Gerry & Sherry Moyen 306 767-2757 cell 306-862-8317 Email: germoyen@hotmail.com • WWW.SUPERIOREQUINEFEEDS.COM

OXY-CAlm

™

formula

FOCUS ON COMPETITION, WITHOUT THE STRESS

A new product that provides your animal a calming effect without taking away its ability to perform. Based on the oxygen formula to provide better respiration and yet still comfort and collect your animal.

✔ WHEN HORSE DISTRACTS EASILY ✔ WHEN HORSE ACTS OVER-REACTIVE

NOW AVAILABLE AS A PASTE

✔ WHEN HORSE EXHIBITS ANXIOUS STALL HABITS OR IS DIFFICULT TO CONTROL

866-571-7537

ACREAGES/HOBBY FARMS

y e l l a V k w Ha Ranch

• 106 acres total. • 2 separate titles. • 90 acre home property and an additional 16 acre parcel. • Ranch house yard has 6 paddocks. • All new fencing. • Automatic watering. • 2 hayfields.

This ranch house is 1212 square feet of luxury living space. Complete with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Central Vac. Air conditioning. Sundeck. Paved driveway. Many upgrades inside and out.

✔ WHEN HORSE REFUSES TRAINING

✔ WHEN HORSE IS DIFFICULT-TO-RIDE

Registering Canadian Pinto Horses & Ponies – Since 1963 Color Your World With A Pinto!!

$99.95 to $119.95

TOLL FREE: 1-800-665-3307 • TEL: (250) 757-9677 • FAX: (250) 757-9670 INFO@FERRISFENCING.COM • WWW.FERRISFENCING.COM

Libi Susag

Round Bale Feeder Keep your hay contained until your horses eat it. Safe, Economical, Affordable, Effective. One year warranty.

ACREAGES/HOBBY FARMS

Containing the original

CANADIAN PINTO HORSE ASSOCIATION

Available in 3 sizes

ASK FOR OUR CATALOGUE

ONE BAG FEEDS ALL!

PAINT

A Colorful Organization Where People are the foundation of our success...& Friends are made for Life WHY WAIT CALL TODAY Your horse may qualify for Registration (ONE Registered Lighthorse Parent Sire or Dam)

— Margo Metegrano, cowboypoetry.com

Bookings/info: www.dorisdaley.com

PAINT

www.oxy-genca.com

State of the art stables with In floor heating in alleyway & office, bathroom 16 stalls, 2 convert to foaling stalls complete with camera systems. Indoor turnout area, Complete wash bay with hot and cold water, Stall drains.wall treatments. moisture control and air movement systems Office and utility room and tack-feed room. Over hang shed. Exterior metal roofing and siding on buildings. The spacious workshop is 40’x 40’ and has 14’ ceilings. 220 wiring. Ceiling fans. Large workbench, exhaust fan, infrared heating. Concrete slab floor with floor drain.

Price for this property is

1,100,000

Trades will be considered.

Placing a classified ad? Gene Ingham Phone: (403)505-1707 Email: info@hawkvalley.ca Don’t miss the deadline! www.hawkvalley.ca The deadline to place your classified ad in the next issue of Horses All is noon on the first Wednesday after the 10th of the month. Call or email for further details…

Placing a classified ad? Don’t miss the deadline! 1-866-385-3669 The deadline to place your classified ad in 1-866-385-3669 the next issue of Horses All is noon on the first

TOLL FREE

Wednesday after the 10th of the month. crystal@fbcpublishing.com Inspired by people and horses EMAIL crystal@fbcpublishing.com Call or email for further details…

Inspired by people and horses

PLACE CLASSIFIEDS ONLINE! Visit our website to place prairie-wide classifieds! www.horsesall.com

HORSESALL.COM

HORSES ALL • MARCH 2013

RR 8-30-14 Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 4P4

Call Today!

1 (855) 320-9889

www.vantagetrailers.ca

ALL CIRCLE J TRAILERS ARE 7’ WIDE AND 7’ TALL 7’6” MODELS AVAILABLE BRONCO

RUNABOUT

LIGHTNING 7

MIRAGE

MUSTANG

Walk-in tack room, swing-out saddle rack, carpet, lots of extras. 2 and 3 horse.

All-aluminum! Light weight. Tow with an SUV! Drop-down windows, separate grills. 2 and 3 horse. ONLY 2200LB!

Big stalls! Available in 2 horse straight haul and 2, 3, and 4 horse gooseneck. LOADED, all-aluminum!

Two-tone aluminum skin, steel frame, big stalls! Available with rear collapsible tack.

Stock combo - Available in steel and aluminum.

2H $10,900, 3H $12,900

2H $12,900, 3H $15,500

2H: $8,900, 3H $10,500

ARE GREAT PRODUCT, GREAT PRICES LAKOTA’S ALL ALUMINUM

2H $11,200, 3H $13,700

Steel - 12’ $6,659, 14’ $6,900, 16’ $7,538 AL - 14’ $8,400, 16’ $9,100

• 2H Lakota Charger LQ BP 11’ Short wall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Reduced! $25,900 • 2H Lakota Charger 9’ LQ w/Slideout and dinette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $39,900 • 3H Lakota Charger LQ 9’ Short wall 8’ wide 48” mid tack, dinette, hydraulic jack, loads of storage space! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $49,400 • 3H Lakota Charger LQ 7’ Complete Package incl. awning and hydraulic jack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $35,500 • 4H Lakota Charger LQ 13’ Short wall, 8’ wide, rear kitchen bar, dual hydraulic jack, dinette, hayrack!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $59,400 • 4H Lakota Charger LQ 11’ Short wall 8’ wide, Nutmeg Decor Package . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $49,700

L.Q. Loaded! 4H Lakota Charger LQ 15’ Short wall rator box gene with rack Hay bar, en 2 TV’s, Kitch

$63,900

4H Lakota Bighorn LQ 16’ Short wall 8’ wide, �ire place, haypod, genera tor rack2 TV’s, bigscreen TV. LOADED MUST SEE!

$83,500

CHECK OUR WEBSITE FOR UP-TO-DATE SALE PRICING!

www.vantagetrailers.ca

HORSESALL.COM

HORSES ALL • MARCH 2013

YOUR 5 STAR STORE FOR TACK, SADDLES, GIFTWARE & FEED SUPPLIES

20 YEAR ANNIVERSARY TH

APRIL 6TH - 7TH • 10:00AM - 5:00PM • HUGE SALE AND BBQ

Ken & Karen Mix

245022, Range Road 265, Calgary

serve “Big enoughetnoough you, small you” to know

• BIG D • WEAVER • REINSMAN • K & K SADDLES • GARROUTTE

McKnight Blvd.

“Coffee's Always On”

Tel: (403) 934-5835 or (403) 651-4625

Toll Free: 1-877-934-5835 Fax: (403) 901-1119

www.kklivestock.com

Mon - Fri 11-7 • Sat 10-5 Sunday 12-4



Calgary

• BACK ON TRACK • BILLY COOK • CIRCLE Y • HI-PRO • MASTERFEEDS LLC

TWP 250 245022 R.R. 265 Boundary Road

There will be Excellent Prizes from the following great companies:

• VIC BENNETT • ROO HIDE • CANADIAN SADDLERY • CACTUS • PROFESSIONALS CHOICE

HWY 9

K&K LIVESTOCK CO.

QUALITY & CUSTOMER SERVICE IS #1 Trans Canada HWY Strathmore



TELL THEM YOU SAW IT IN HORSES ALL