The Sound Advocate - Issue 3, 2023

The Advocate

Sound

A Champion for All Gaited Horses

Volume 6, Issue 3, 2023

Sound Advocate

Friends of Sound Horses, Inc. 6614 Clayton Rd. #105 St. Louis, MO 63117 info@fosh.info * www.fosh.info

Board of Directors President - Teresa Bippen Missouri Tbippen1957@yahoo.com

Secretary/Treasurer-Gina Vehige Director at Large-Bill Coon VP IJA Program-Dianne Little Missouri Utah Alberta, Canada gvehige115@gmail.com wbotis@gmail.com ddlittle@telus.net

VP Programs/Gaited Sport Horse Director at Large-Anita Dunham VP HIO/DQP-Lisa Harris Dianne Little Missouri Tennessee Alberta, Canada dunhamanita@gmail.com ddlittle@telus.net

Executive Advisory Committee

Maggie MacAllister Hawaii Virginia breezewood@mgwnet.com

Keith Dane

Patti Potts Pauline Stotsenberg Missouri California pottspa@gmail.com ps@yesteryearfarms.net

Editor Stephanie J. Ruff Florida editor@fosh.info

To promote all “sound,” naturally gaited horses, with a specific emphasis on Tennessee Walking Horses. (In this context, sound means not “sored”.)

Importance is placed on education in regards to the humane care for the emotional, mental and physical wellbeing, training, and treatment of all gaited horses.

FOSH will only support flat shod or barefoot horses and will never endorse any event that uses stacks and/or chains as action devices, or any mechanical, chemical, or artificial means to modify the natural gaits of the horse.

To these ends, FOSH focuses on three areas for gaited horses:

1) educating people about sound horse training principles;

2) supporting sound shows, events and activities;

3) working to end soring.

FOSH is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization. All donations are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law. Your donation to support the FOSH mission is needed to advance the goals set forth by FOSH in conjunction with its formal mission statement.

FOSH Mission Statement

Publication Guidelines

The Sound Advocate is a digital magazine published quarterly by Friends of Sound Horses, Inc. Reproduction of any article is prohibited without the express written permission of FOSH.

FOSH accepts unsolicited submissions, but reserves the right to edit any and all submissions for content, style and space constraints. FOSH further reserves the right to refuse advertising for any reason.

At no time shall the publisher’s liability exceed the total cost of the revenue from advertising in the issue involved in any dispute.

All show suspensions and show results are printed as they are received from the reporting agencies. FOSH does not guarantee their accuracy.

FOSH does not endorse the content of any advertisement in this publication, nor does it warrant the accuracy of any advertisement.

Readers are urged and cautioned to use due diligence and to thoroughly research, including asking for references, before following through with any transaction.

FOSH does not endorse any trainer, educator, clinician, style of natural training, tack, or horse equipment to the exclusion or preference of any other. Each horse is an individual and may respond differently to particular methods.

Articles published by FOSH reflect the views and opinions of the writers and do not reflect, necessarily, those of FOSH.

Publication Information

Subscribers: The Sound Advocate is a benefit of membership. To ensure that you receive your issues, be sure that your e-mail address is current. To change an e-mail address, contact gvehige115@ gmail.com.

Submission of Articles, Calendar Dates, News and Photos: Send to tbippen1957@yahoo.com. Photos may not be embedded in text and must be submitted as jpeg format, minimum of 300 dpi. The deadline for each issue is the 15th of the preceding month when the issue is to be released. Submissions will not be accepted after the deadline, but may be carried over to another issue. Submissions will not be returned to the submitter.

Member’s Advertising Rates

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Discounts for Multiple Issues

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Ads will be accepted in pdf, tif or jpeg formats. Text and photos must be e-mailed separately by the 10th of the month when the issue is released. Photos must be 300 dpi. Camera-ready ads are emailed at 300 dpi. Materials should be emailed to editor@ fosh.info.

All advertisements must be paid in advance by check, money order, or credit card. Payments should be made out to FOSH and mailed to:

6614 Clayton Rd. #105 St. Louis, MO 63117

More FOSH information can be found online. Find us at www.fosh.info.

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From the President...

I’m grateful that I was able to enjoy my first all-gaited horse show since Covid. Dianne, Lisa, Keith and I recalled horse shows, favorite horses and people we’ve met over the last 20 years—yes, 20 years! Dianne and I caught up with former EAC member Cris Van Horn who lives in the area. Our visit included a lovely dinner with Marianne Jolley, a FOSH supporter for 20 years. Marianne is a Rocky Mountain Horse owner and rider who always puts the horse first and has been a great FOSH liaison with the breed.

Hello FOSH Friends!

We hope you enjoyed many hours and days of riding this summer. As we move into autumn, I have a feeling that it may be most riders’ favorite time of year: fewer bugs, lower humidity, comfortable temperatures and our trusty smooth gaited steeds stepping out a bit more briskly.

I had the wonderful pleasure of visiting with board members Dianne Little, Director of IJA Judging; Lisa Harris, HPA Coordinator; and Keith Dane, Senior Director, Equine Protection at The Humane Society of the United States, last month in Tennessee.

Milda Mintner organized a show for Rocky Mountain Horses, Paso Finos and Racking Horses in White Plains, Tennessee. FOSH performed the DQP inspections, and I met Scottie, a FOSH DQP, for the first time. Scottie is also a USEF steward and well qualified to perform these important inspections.

If you want to consider distance riding next year, you will likely be pumped up reading all about Raven’s efforts to coach fellow Icelandic horse riders as they participate in their first ride. To support Raven’s efforts and the interest in gaited horses participating, FOSH provided a prize grant. After reading her report, I was so wishing I could have been there meeting her and her friends to cheer them on firsthand.

FOSH commends Raven for volunteering her time towards education and support.

Since our last issue, we’ve seen some positive developments in the regulatory space for the Horse Protection Act. We have more information later in this issue.

Enjoy the crisp air, falling leaves and time with your horses! Teresa

Teresa Bippen FOSH President Tbippen1957@yahoo.com

From the Editor...

Dressage. This discipline is exploding across many breeds, and gaited horses are no exception. As a traditional dressage rider myself, I get a lot of information about dressage programs. I was pleasantly surprised when I saw a write-up from the Dressage Foundation’s Century Club with a photo that obviously had a Rocky Mountain in it! The Century Club is a program in dressage that recognizes a horse and rider combination whose ages total at least 100. It is a worthy goal for the mature riders and their senior horses. It’s one I hope to accomplish down the road. You can read more about it starting on page 8.

Hello FOSH Friends.

This issue is packed! So much so that I must hold some things until the next issue. But it is the height of riding season so it’s to be expected. We have a lot of stories about our gaited horses in distance races. While the gaited breeds may never dominate endurance competitions like Arabians, they are an excellent choice for their steadiness and comfortable gaits and seem to be gaining popularity at these events.

Another area where we are seeing more gaited horses is in Western

And as we are acutely aware, natural disasters are all around us. As animal owners, we must be prepared for the unexpected, so this issue features an article focusing on just that. It’s so much better to plan ahead than to be caught off guard in an emergency situation. Here’s hoping you never have to use it.

Happy fall and enjoy your horses!

Stephanie J. Ruff Editor editor@fosh.info

Stephanie

What’s Next for the PAST Act?

A Tiny Bit of History: As many of us have noted, things move very slowly with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and enforcement of the Horse Protection Act (HPA). Horse lovers worldwide were devastated when the USDA withdrew a final rule in 2017 which eliminated chains, stacks and industry-employed designated qualified persons (DQPs), a.k.a. inspectors. It was gut wrenching for all of us as thousands spoke up and wrote comments supporting that necessary rule. The comment period was extended several times which resulted in the rule never being fully enacted. Unluckily for the USDA, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) filed suit against them for failing to comply with the law regarding regulations and their enforcement. The USDA was ordered on June 1 of this year that the 2017 rule would automatically go into effect within 180 days

unless the USDA took action to provide an updated version of the rule.

The USDA opened a comment period regarding its withdrawal of the rule which resulted in thousands of voices opposed to that withdrawal. Within a few weeks, the USDA issued another proposed HPA rule which is almost identical to the withdrawn rule. This is where we need your public support!

What we like about the rule:

• No industry-employed inspectors. Horse organizations will now hire inspectors who are approved and licensed by the USDA Animal Health and Plant Inspection Services (APHIS). These individuals will be required to meet certain criteria and can be denied a role as inspector if they do not meet certain guidelines.

• Nothing can be used that would mask evidence of soring including action devices and non-therapeutic pads and wedges as well as substances applied above the hoof. Yea!

• Clarification about the scar rule with descriptions of visible changes.

• Better record keeping requirements at horse shows, exhibitions, sales and auctions to provide oversight and prevent disqualified persons from participating in events.

Is the rule perfect? No. However, the rule accomplishes some important goals—no chains and stacks! One puzzling aspect is that the action device and pad rule does not apply to Spotted Saddle Horses (SSHs). One reason could be that SSHs are not shown with action devices or recent inspections demonstrate that soring

is not as prevalent with this breed. Another reason could be that SSHs were not one of the breeds targeted for abuse in the original Horse Protection Act.

We hope you voice your support of this new rule at www.regulations. gov. In the Search bar, type “Horse Protection.” You will want to click on the Proposed Rule-Horse Protection

“Comment” box. By the way, Comments are Due October 20, 2023— only a month away.

If you want to add a personal note, please ask that the rule be implemented as quickly as possible (We’re not taking any chances with all those comment period extensions that took place in 2016 along with the USDA foot dragging.) and that weighted shoes be prohibited.

The Dressage Federation’s Century Club

The Century Club recognizes dressage riders and horses whose combined ages total 100 years or more. Horse and rider perform a test of any level at a show (schooling or recognized) or event and are scored by a dressage judge or professional. Western Dressage riders are also welcome to join the Century Club. An application (found under the “Join the Century Club” heading) should be completed and sent to the Foundation at least two weeks prior to the ride. The Dressage Foundation (TDF) will send a beautiful black and gold ribbon to be presented to the team at the show. Following the ride, TDF sends a Century Club plaque to the new team.

Continued on page 35

H.R.3090 - PAST Act of 2023

A reader requested a list of PAST Act supporters. This is what was on the government website as of the middle of September.

Latest Action: House - 05/12/2023

Referred to the Subcommittee on Innovation, Data, and Commerce.

Sponsor: Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1] | Cosponsor statistics: 213 current - includes 184 original

Cosponsor

Rep. Cohen, Steve [D-TN-9]*

Rep. Buchanan, Vern [R-FL-16]*

Rep. Schakowsky, Janice D. [D-IL9]*

Rep. Beyer, Donald S., Jr. [D-VA-8]*

Rep. Schiff, Adam B. [D-CA-30]*

Rep. Connolly, Gerald E. [D-VA-11]*

Rep. Sherman, Brad [D-CA-32]*

Rep. Matsui, Doris O. [D-CA-7]*

Rep. Evans, Dwight [D-PA-3]*

Rep. Davids, Sharice [D-KS-3]*

Rep. Peters, Scott H. [D-CA-50]*

Rep. Wilson, Frederica S. [D-FL-24]*

Rep. Lynch, Stephen F. [D-MA-8]*

Rep. Huffman, Jared [D-CA-2]*

Rep. Gomez, Jimmy [D-CA-34]*

Rep. Napolitano, Grace F. [D-CA31]*

Rep. Tonko, Paul [D-NY-20]*

Rep. Wasserman Schultz, Debbie [DFL-25]*

Rep. Cárdenas, Tony [D-CA-29]*

Rep. Ruppersberger, C. A. Dutch [DMD-2]*

Rep. Quigley, Mike [D-IL-5]*

Rep. Torres, Norma J. [D-CA-35]*

Rep. Boyle, Brendan F. [D-PA-2]*

Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11]*

Rep. Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26]*

Rep. Scott, David [D-GA-13]*

Rep. Stanton, Greg [D-AZ-4]*

Rep. Pocan, Mark [D-WI-2]*

Rep. Garcia, Sylvia R. [D-TX-29]*

Rep. Houlahan, Chrissy [D-PA-6]*

Rep. Meng, Grace [D-NY-6]*

Del. Sablan, Gregorio Kilili Camacho [D-MP-At Large]*

Rep. Bishop, Sanford D., Jr. [D-GA2]*

Rep. Castro, Joaquin [D-TX-20]*

Rep. Kelly, Robin L. [D-IL-2]*

Rep. Allred, Colin Z. [D-TX-32]*

Rep. Carbajal, Salud O. [D-CA-24]*

Rep. Khanna, Ro [D-CA-17]*

Rep. Panetta, Jimmy [D-CA-19]*

Rep. Escobar, Veronica [D-TX-16]*

Rep. Jacobs, Sara [D-CA-51]*

Rep. McBath, Lucy [D-GA-7]*

Rep. Sánchez, Linda T. [D-CA-38]*

Rep. Morelle, Joseph D. [D-NY-25]*

Rep. Moore, Gwen [D-WI-4]*

Rep. Stevens, Haley M. [D-MI-11]*

Rep. Nadler, Jerrold [D-NY-12]*

Rep. Casten, Sean [D-IL-6]*

Rep. Chu, Judy [D-CA-28]*

Rep. Blunt Rochester, Lisa [D-DE-At Large]*

Rep. Swalwell, Eric [D-CA-14]*

Rep. Schneider, Bradley Scott [D-IL10]*

Rep. Gallego, Ruben [D-AZ-3]*

Rep. Garcia, Jesus G. “Chuy” [D-IL4]*

Rep. Cartwright, Matt [D-PA-8]*

Rep. Moulton, Seth [D-MA-6]*

Rep. Veasey, Marc A. [D-TX-33]*

Rep. Porter, Katie [D-CA-47]*

Rep. Raskin, Jamie [D-MD-8]*

Rep. Grijalva, Raúl M. [D-AZ-7]*

Rep. Johnson, Henry C. “Hank,” Jr. [D-GA-4]*

Rep. Doggett, Lloyd [D-TX-37]*

Rep. Mace, Nancy [R-SC-1]*

Rep. Krishnamoorthi, Raja [D-IL-8]*

Rep. Higgins, Brian [D-NY-26]*

Rep. Kilmer, Derek [D-WA-6]*

Rep. Castor, Kathy [D-FL-14]*

Rep. Trone, David J. [D-MD-6]*

Rep. McHenry, Patrick T. [R-NC-10]*

Rep. Pingree, Chellie [D-ME-1]*

Rep. Lee, Barbara [D-CA-12]*

Rep. Kildee, Daniel T. [D-MI-8]*

Rep. Reschenthaler, Guy [R-PA-14]*

Rep. Smucker, Lloyd [R-PA-11]*

Rep. Meuser, Daniel [R-PA-9]*

Rep. McCollum, Betty [D-MN-4]*

Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4]*

Rep. Ross, Deborah K. [D-NC-2]*

Rep. Himes, James A. [D-CT-4]*

Rep. Auchincloss, Jake [D-MA-4]*

Rep. Mfume, Kweisi [D-MD-7]*

Rep. Trahan, Lori [D-MA-3]*

Rep. Espaillat, Adriano [D-NY-13]*

Rep. Payne, Donald M., Jr. [D-NJ10]*

Rep. Smith, Adam [D-WA-9]*

Rep. Crow, Jason [D-CO-6]*

Rep. Pappas, Chris [D-NH-1]*

Rep. DeLauro, Rosa L. [D-CT-3]*

Rep. Takano, Mark [D-CA-39]*

Rep. Scholten, Hillary J. [D-MI-3]*

Rep. Strickland, Marilyn [D-WA-10]*

Rep. Neguse, Joe [D-CO-2]*

Rep. Sherrill, Mikie [D-NJ-11]*

Rep. Sarbanes, John P. [D-MD-3]*

Rep. Meeks, Gregory W. [D-NY-5]*

Rep. Cicilline, David N. [D-RI-1]*

Rep. Blumenauer, Earl [D-OR-3]*

Rep. Williams, Nikema [D-GA-5]*

Rep. Craig, Angie [D-MN-2]*

Rep. Barragan, Nanette Diaz [D-CA44]*

Rep. Kaptur, Marcy [D-OH-9]*

Rep. Soto, Darren [D-FL-9]*

Rep. Slotkin, Elissa [D-MI-7]*

Rep. Courtney, Joe [D-CT-2]*

Rep. Tokuda, Jill N. [D-HI-2]*

Rep. Vargas, Juan [D-CA-52]*

Rep. DeSaulnier, Mark [D-CA-10]*

Rep. Thompson, Mike [D-CA-4]*

Rep. Waltz, Michael [R-FL-6]*

Rep. Velazquez, Nydia M. [D-NY-7]*

Rep. Titus, Dina [D-NV-1]*

Rep. Watson Coleman, Bonnie [D-NJ12]*

Rep. McGarvey, Morgan [D-KY-3]*

Rep. McGovern, James P. [D-MA-2]*

Rep. Kim, Andy [D-NJ-3]*

Rep. Pressley, Ayanna [D-MA-7]*

Rep. Dean, Madeleine [D-PA-4]*

Rep. Norcross, Donald [D-NJ-1]*

Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DCAt Large]*

Rep. Beatty, Joyce [D-OH-3]*

Rep. Posey, Bill [R-FL-8]*

Rep. Underwood, Lauren [D-IL-14]*

Rep. Davis, Danny K. [D-IL-7]*

Rep. Salazar, Maria Elvira [R-FL-27]*

Rep. Carey, Mike [R-OH-15]*

Rep. Frankel, Lois [D-FL-22]*

Rep. Wild, Susan [D-PA-7]*

Rep. Mullin, Kevin [D-CA-15]*

Rep. Lee, Susie [D-NV-3]*

Rep. Torres, Ritchie [D-NY-15]*

Rep. Hudson, Richard [R-NC-9]*

Rep. Bera, Ami [D-CA-6]*

Rep. Keating, William R. [D-MA-9]*

Rep. Jackson Lee, Sheila [D-TX-18]*

Rep. Larson, John B. [D-CT-1]*

Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5]*

Rep. Wittman, Robert J. [R-VA-1]*

Rep. Fletcher, Lizzie [D-TX-7]*

Rep. Magaziner, Seth [D-RI-2]*

Rep. Neal, Richard E. [D-MA-1]*

Rep. Deluzio, Christopher R. [D-PA17]*

Rep. Carter, Troy [D-LA-2]*

Rep. Kim, Young [R-CA-40]*

Rep. Malliotakis, Nicole [R-NY-11]*

Rep. Jayapal, Pramila [D-WA-7]*

Rep. Gooden, Lance [R-TX-5]*

Rep. Fulcher, Russ [R-ID-1]*

Rep. Van Drew, Jefferson [R-NJ-2]*

Rep. Landsman, Greg [D-OH-1]*

Rep. Carson, Andre [D-IN-7]*

Rep. Lee, Laurel M. [R-FL-15]*

Rep. Brown, Shontel M. [D-OH-11]*

Rep. Ruiz, Raul [D-CA-25]*

Rep. Kelly, Mike [R-PA-16]*

Rep. Larsen, Rick [D-WA-2]*

Rep. Tenney, Claudia [R-NY-24]*

Del. Plaskett, Stacey E. [D-VI-At Large]*

Rep. Schweikert, David [R-AZ-1]*

Rep. Scott, Robert C. “Bobby” [D-VA3]*

Rep. Aguilar, Pete [D-CA-33]*

Rep. Lieu, Ted [D-CA-36]*

Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-12]*

Rep. Pascrell, Bill, Jr. [D-NJ-9]*

Rep. Buck, Ken [R-CO-4]*

Rep. Thanedar, Shri [D-MI-13]*

Rep. McClain, Lisa C. [R-MI-9]*

Rep. Thompson, Bennie G. [D-MS2]*

Rep. Sorensen, Eric [D-IL-17]*

Rep. Dingell, Debbie [D-MI-6]*

Rep. Kuster, Ann M. [D-NH-2]*

Rep. Joyce, David P. [R-OH-14]*

Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17]*

Rep. Eshoo, Anna G. [D-CA-16]*

Rep. Cuellar, Henry [D-TX-28]*

Rep. Crockett, Jasmine [D-TX-30]*

Rep. Moskowitz, Jared [D-FL-23]*

Rep. Foushee, Valerie P. [D-NC-4]*

Rep. Garcia, Robert [D-CA-42]*

Rep. Ciscomani, Juan [R-AZ-6]*

Rep. Calvert, Ken [R-CA-41]*

Rep. Case, Ed [D-HI-1]*

Rep. DelBene, Suzan K. [D-WA-1]*

Rep. Bonamici, Suzanne [D-OR-1]*

Rep. Scanlon, Mary Gay [D-PA-5]*

Rep. Perez, Marie Gluesenkamp [DWA-3]

Rep. Jackson, Jeff [D-NC-14]

Rep. Balint, Becca [D-VT-At Large]

Rep. Levin, Mike [D-CA-49]

Rep. Hoyle, Val T. [D-OR-4]

Rep. DeGette, Diana [D-CO-1]

Rep. Pettersen, Brittany [D-CO-7]

Rep. Correa, J. Luis [D-CA-46]

Rep. Goldman, Daniel S. [D-NY-10]

Rep. Harder, Josh [D-CA-9]

Rep. Gimenez, Carlos A. [R-FL-28]

Rep. Clarke, Yvette D. [D-NY-9]

Rep. Adams, Alma S. [D-NC-12]

Rep. Omar, Ilhan [D-MN-5]

Rep. Lofgren, Zoe [D-CA-18]

Rep. Turner, Michael R. [R-OH-10]

Rep. D’Esposito, Anthony [R-NY-4]

Rep. Schrier, Kim [D-WA-8]

Rep. Hayes, Jahana [D-CT-5]

Rep. Sykes, Emilia Strong [D-OH-13]

Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2]

Rep. Vasquez, Gabe [D-NM-2]

Rep. Stansbury, Melanie Ann [D-NM1]

Rep. Manning, Kathy E. [D-NC-6]

Rep. Pallone, Frank, Jr. [D-NJ-6]

Rep. Mrvan, Frank J. [D-IN-1]

Rep. Caraveo, Yadira [D-CO-8]

Rep. Horsford, Steven [D-NV-4]

Rep. LaLota, Nick [R-NY-1]

*Original co-sponsor

Icelandics Try Endurance

The following quotes come from participants of the recent Caja de Rio Intro Distance Ride in New Mexico. Photos are courtesy of the participants.

Raven Flores

The New Mexico Icelandic Horse community turned out in full force for the Caja de Rio Intro Distance Ride.

While the weather was sunny and

just a bit hot, the horses were ready, having been conditioned for the ride. Since my move to the Land of Enchantment, I had been trying to get the local Ice Horse owners bitten by the “distance ride” bug.

We had a great turnout for the ride, seven riders, and our wonderful volunteers Carol McKeever, Julie Goehl and Irene Howcroft helped riders get ready and, most importantly, cheered the riders on.

My goal for the ride was to mentor the riders during the conditioning months and to have the largest group of Icelandic Horses at a Southwest distance ride.

Unfortunately in January, my girl Rothadis tripped and ended up hurting herself. We struggled with an on and off slight lameness issue for the next few months. With the help of her excellent vet, we were able to find the lameness issue and make a plan. My vet encouraged me to “try” the Intro Ride and “see how she does.”

what had been “going on” with my girl’s on and off lameness and that her vet had encouraged us to try the ride. The Ride Vet did not see any lameness during the Vet Exam and cleared us to start the ride the next morning.

The next morning, Rothadis felt fine under saddle at the walk. Our Icelandic Horse group was the first Intro group to head out once the trail was open.

We started the ride at a walk and soon moved out in trot and tolt. It was at this time that I felt my girl slightly off, and as soon as the terrain changed, I felt her gait even more off. I made the decision to pull my girl and walk the mile back to camp. Once in camp, I let Ride Management know that I was doing a “RO” Rider Option and explained my reason for this.

I returned to my trailer, untacked my girl and walked her back up to the Vet Check area for her post ride Vet Check (a different Vet). At this time, the Vet did notice a very slight “off gait” and agreed that I had made the right decision. While I have no doubt that Rothadis would have completed the ride for me; a rider needs to always put the horse’s welfare first. In the meantime the other Icelandic Horse riders were out on trail having fun and being the best breed ambassadors!

I arrived at Ride Camp, set up camp and proceeded to the Pre-Ride Vet Check. I explained to the Ride Vet

I want to give a huge shout out to Friends of Sound Horses (FOSH) for

Raven Flores with Rothaids (left) and and Susan Dezavella with Hervir (right).

their generous sponsorship of our group! THANK YOU!

Claudia and Frank Shiler

long, ambling trail rides, but had not really moved out for long distances. The preparation, over about three months, was all part of the fun.

We had so much fun at the AERC Intro Ride at Caja del Rio by Santa Fe, New Mexico!

I rode redhead Fönix, a 5-year-old Icelandic, and my hubby Frank rode Apanachi, a 7-year-old mustang. We trotted and cantered way more than usual for us and made the 10.8 miles in 2:20. Horses had all A’s before and after the ride at the vet check. I think they enjoyed the speeder pace even more than we did! This was our first AERC experience after having participated in a few CTRs (NATRC, Competitive Pleasure level), and we really liked it! Thanks to the organizers, sponsors and volunteers!

Susan Dezavelle

This Introductory ride was the perfect way for Hervir, my 8-year-old Icelandic Horse gelding, and I to try out endurance riding for the first time. I talked to friends who had experience with endurance rides, and I read up on it. I realized I needed to prepare since I had only gone on

I enjoyed learning about how to systematically build up my horse’s stamina and check his vital signs and hydration status. I even got a stethoscope and became familiar with his normal resting pulse and the rate after a long ride I wanted to be sure my horse maintained his health through both the build-up and ride itself. I also needed to build my strength to be able to stay in a trot or canter for long stretches.

The location was beautiful, in northern New Mexico in the Santa Fe National Forest. The weather in late May cooperated nicely with sun mixed with clouds, but it was not too hot. Luckily, my horse was already used to high elevations, although I did need to clip my furry horse to prevent him from over-heating, since Icelandics are slow to shed their winter coats.

Many of the people at the event had not seen an Icelandic horse and enjoyed seeing their willing and spunky nature. Our Icelandic team was the first group out the gate, taking off at a nice brisk tolt, the Icelandic 4-beat gait. We finished our 12-mile ride in about 2 hours and 10 minutes, averaging just under 6 miles per hour. The vet check (both before and after) went smoothly. I was so glad I had taken the time to prepare my horse and the statistics showed that

Frank Shiler with Apanachi (left) and Claudia Shiler with Fönix (right).

I was successful.

I would like to thank Ride Management for the organization of the event. It was well planned, and everyone was helpful and friendly. The trails were well marked, and everything was right on schedule. I particularly appreciated that they set up a water tank mid-way through the ride so our horses could hydrate.

Special thanks to the Friends of Sound Horses (FOSH) for their sponsorship of our ride. It was great to be able to highlight the Icelandic horses in an endurance ride, and we appreciate the support for our group to attend this event.

Ulla Hudson

I have been riding horses just about all my life. Vaulting, dressage and some trail riding. Taking part in any kind of endurance ride had never even crossed my mind until some friends convinced me that it could be fun. So, I signed up for the introductory ride at Caja del Rio in Santa Fe, New Mexico on May 25th, 2023.

Having been involved with horses for a bit over 65 years, I was well aware of the importance of conditioning my horse for the event. I thought the virtual Tevis Cup was a perfect way to get my horse Sörli, an 11-year-old Icelandic gelding, in shape. Having worked for an Equine Veterinarian for eight years has certainly helped me with monitoring his vitals, physical and mental state.

The location of our 12-mile ride was beautiful, and the trail was easy on our horses. It was just perfect for our first endurance ride. The weather was just right, and moving out with friends on their Icelandic horses was fun. It took us just a bit over two hours to finish. Of course, we could have gone faster, but our first concern was our horses. My gelding and I found the ride to be very easy and joyful.

To my big surprise we were sponsored by “Friends of Sound Horses“ (FOSH).Thank you so very much!!

Kelly Herdman

I was invited to compete at Caja del Rio Intro Distance Ride in Santa Fe, but amongst my many years of riding all types of dressage and jumping horses, Endurance riding was something I’d never done. A rider was unable to go out on her horse, but the horse was entered and ready to compete so we showed up ready

Kelly Herdman and Ulla Hudson.

to learn all about what it takes to both compete in and complete an Endurance Race.

Luckily, the horse I competed with was familiar to me and very fit, making easy work of the beautiful trail. We had spent the previous several months conditioning our horses to be able to cope with long distances and intervals of faster travel. Our group made great time and got perfect weather, so our trip around the course was a wonderful two hours

spent enjoying our Icelandic horses and periodically tolting and cantering through the beautiful Santa Fe wilderness.

Our horses were vetted without any issues, and the Ride Management were very helpful as we navigated how to complete this type of event for the first time. Overall, I’m so grateful I was a part of this team, and thank you to Friends of Sound Horses (FOSH) for their sponsorship.

Friends of Sound Horses, Inc. Sound Show / Event Support Form

Please print or type information below

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If your event is approved, you should receive your support check within 30 days.

Please EMAIL this completed form to: president@fosh.info (faster) or mail to:

FOSH 6614 Clayton Rd., #105 St. Louis, MO 63117

For FOSH use only… Amount provided: _______________

Horizon Structures Presents Series: Buying When You Are Not Sure. At All.

The decision to buy a new horse barn is not one most horse folks take lightly. Horse stabling is by necessity a large tangible product to purchase and likely represents a significant outlay of capital as a percentage of most household budgets.

Nervousness and trepidation, buyer’s remorse and a myriad of other emotions can accompany the barn buyer as they saddle up to make the big spend.

Training and riding horses does help equestrians and equine aficionados develop confidence in decision making skills. Perhaps due in part because when handling a horse, they are in charge of a big beastie and need to operate with some measure of control and sensibility. However, the dollar spend required for a new barn can give even the most knowledgeable horse person who has a clear vision of their desires in barn design and construction, moments of sincere self-doubt.

There are many reasons this uncertainty occurs and relinquishing the reins on the barn building budget is not the best course to adopt to solve

the issue. When you are not sure. At all. Here are the most likely reasons why and methods to resolve them.

Lack Of Information

The most common reason buying a horse barn overwhelms a prospective purchaser is simply lack of information. No matter how decisive you may be in handling and overcoming obstacles through the toil of daily life at home or at work, the best decisions always come from being educated and knowledgeable about the matter at hand.

Similarly, your best barn buying decision will come from taking the time to learn as much as you can about both the construction partner you wish to collaborate with on the barn build and the end product that is the likely result of the project.

Nobody likes surprises such as cost overruns, material substitutions of lesser quality products or unexpected delays in schedules and completion of a project. Neither should anyone be subjected to being presented with requests for money without a qualified known timetable for release of funds. No money should be released

Buying a New Horse Barn.

without the back up of a clearly worded contract with concise understandable language executed by both parties that provides a detailed account of the materials and structure to be built and a quantified sum or total cost, including warranty and refund policies.

These factors are not arbitrary needs and should be embraced as absolute necessities in the process of navigating the course of the project. The upward trending popularity of the modular horse barn is due in part to

By Nikki Alvin-Smith Photos courtesy of Horizon Structures

reasons past the appreciated factory craftsmanship and known delivery timelines and almost ‘instant’ appearance and immediate readiness for use. Leading modular barn building companies offer barn products that can be readily qualified and quantified. That brings much peace of mind to the purchaser.

You Can’t Buy It If It’s Not There

If you’ve ever looked at a catalog of products online or in print and been unable to find that perfect pair of waterproof barn boots, the right bri-

dle for your horse or the best saddle to fit your budget, it is likely that the one that is right for you simply isn’t there.

Making the best selection of a horse barn for your individual needs and specifications, is directly related to having a choice of designs, styles, sizes, and component materials from which to choose.

Being hampered by lack of selection options is like trying to ride a horse on a saddle without a girth. It can be done, but it is a very dicey thing to attempt and losing your balance and falling off can have dire consequences.

Lack of selection in barn builds can be caused due to geographic location where access to local building companies well-versed and with

proven experience to construct a great quality sturdily built horse barn are limited. Restricted horse housing choices can also be caused by a builder’s lack of experience in how to draft plans and construct the right structure. Thankfully today the nationwide footprint of the modular barn building industry offers almost everyone an opportunity to own a top-quality product.

A fundamental reason horse folks feel they have a lack of choice in their barn purchase is lack of money. The capital outlay required to buy a horse barn can be overwhelming to even consider and managing the spend does require a savvy approach to how best to fund the project.

Many larger companies offer financing options which helps to spread the financial load, and for horse business

owners it is well worth consulting with a qualified accountant and asking about how amortizing/depreciation and loan interest deductibility can help defray the tax burden and leverage the use of the money.

If you are buying from an experienced construction company, don’t be shy to ask for advice on where costs could be cut or aspects of design that allow roughed in features be implemented in the design that you can then finish later at your own expense as funds allow.

Keep Barn Feature Selection On Track

Every horse person that is entertaining a new barn purchase has a laundry list of ‘must haves’ and ‘wants’ when it comes to the features they wish included in the building’s design. But it is easy to get carried away when making the decisions of what should be added to the standard or basic design.

Put Peer Pressure Out To Pasture

It is human nature and always a huge temptation to buy something to impress others.

Sadly, just like every other profession or hobby, the horse world does encompass many individuals who love to criticize other people’s achievements or talents, who turn up their noses at anything someone else has that they don’t. Whether that’s the perfect physique or innate talent for horsemanship a rider was gifted by birth, the aptitude someone’s

horse displays over fences or the horse trailer someone tows onto the showgrounds, the peer pressure in the equestrian world is a significant reason many people are consistently unhappy and show a lack of confidence in their abilities and choices.

There is nothing wrong with building a fancy barn and everyone can appreciate the beauty of high-end structures. But there is also nothing wrong with constructing a workmanlike structure that does the job it is designed to do, keep the horses safe and secure. Let’s face it, the horses won’t notice and won’t care where they are stabled as long as they have good ventilation, space to move and are properly fed, watered, and bedded.

Lack Of Family Support

It is understandably difficult to justify the spend on a new horse housing structure to family members that are not supportive of your passion to own horses. It is certainly not a pre-requisite for a happy relationship to have a partner that enjoys being around horses, but their support for you engaging and enjoying your horse time certainly helps.

It is important to provide your family with open communication about the reason for the barn build. Consider for example the benefits such as added property value, saving costs on boarding and commuting time to and from a stable a distance away, opportunities for healthy outdoor living activities for the kids, and by

family inclusion the chance to teach the kids life lessons such as responsibilities and care/consideration for nature and animals.

The construction of a multi-purpose design, such as a garage/barn combination design or studio/workshop loft space provision above a center aisle barn, can also help persuade family members as to other benefits a new structure on the property can include that will address more than horse stabling needs.

Trust Your Instincts

Gut instinct and intuition are valuable resources that can serve us well if we are mindful of their use. Even if you find yourself far along the road on your barn building project, with all the choice/selections made and price agreed with the contract ready to sign, don’t be ambushed into making a bad decision.

Common high-pressure sales tactics include the builder stating limitations on when there is time available in the schedule to start the project with the prospective purchaser being told

by the construction company to, “Get in quick while we have this time slot available,.” If you experience a lack of responsiveness to your queries or procrastination to provide paperwork and lukewarm attitude to your ideas for changes plans, consider these red flags worthy of halting on course.

As a vet friend once told me when I was sorely disappointed over a horse showcasing major health issues during a detailed veterinary pre-purchase evaluation, “You never regret the horses you didn’t buy.”

Similarly, the barn building partner you declined to give your business to is not something you will likely regret. Building your new barn should be a fun and pleasurable experience from start to finish. Don’t settle for anything less.

For additional information about the company or their product line, please visit their website at https://www.horizonstructures. com.

For more information about the author, Nikki Alvin-Smith, visit https://nikkialvinsmithstudio.com/.

The Tevis Cup

The biggest endurance event of the year, the 100-mile Tevis Cup was held on July 29, 2023. This year’s winner was Jeremy Reynolds and his purebred Arabian mare Treasured Moments (who completed the race bridleless with just a rope around her neck). Haggin Cup winner, which is given to the best-conditioned horse, went to another Arabian, Im Hot N Bothered ridden by Haley Moquin.

There were seven gaited horses that started the Tevis Cup – 1 Icelandic, 2 Missouri Fox Trotters, 1 Spotted Saddle Horse, 1 Tennessee Walker and 2 Rocky Mountains. Congratulations to the three who completed the ride. As the saying goes, “To finish is to win.”

Ashely Sansome (#53)

From Loomis , CA

Horse Diamond Smuggler (Diamond)

Rocky Mountain, 17-year-old black gelding, 14.2 hands

Rank 46

Terry Zygalinski (#40)

From Watsonville , CA

Horse Charlie (Charlie)

Spotted Saddle Horse, 12-year-old black and white gelding, 15 hands

Rank 58

Kinley Thunehorst (JR) (#48)

From Spring Creek , NV

Horse Danney Joe’s Prime Time Lady (Lady)

Missouri Fox Trotter, 10-year-old smokey cream mare, 14.3 hands

Rank 59

Spotted Saddle Horses in Distance

I have been competing in the sport of distance riding, mostly endurance riding, with my Spotted Saddle Horses on and off for more than 25 years, and it has been an amazing adventure! With hard work and dedication, I am here to tell you that you can do well in the sport of distance riding with your gaited horse!

I first learned about endurance riding from a horse trainer neighbor who competed regularly with her Arabians during my ten years living in East Tennessee. I was already an avid trail rider who loved going to different places to ride and camp, and loved challenges, so I thought I would try it. My very first 25-mile endurance ride (called a “Limited Distance” or “LD” ride, a misnomer in my opinion) was a very difficult mountain ride in September 1997 at Big South Fork. I rode my 4-year-old Spotted Saddle Horse, Dakota, while someone else rode her mother, my Appaloosa mare. We finished on time (barely), and our horses passed all the vet inspections. Since we did not know what we were doing, I’m sure we were the subject of many jokes. While most people were friendly and helpful, it was my first experience receiving negative comments regard-

ing competing in endurance with a gaited horse.

I was hooked and got serious the next spring, competing with my Appaloosa. I learned everything I could

Horses Can Do Well Distance Riding!

By Kym Rouse Holzwart

from my neighbor while training with her on the nearby mountain trails. I competed in my second 25-mile ride in April 1998 in the Cherokee National Forest and finished the very difficult mountain ride in 2nd place, only

because someone cheated by not riding all of the marked trails. During this ride, I met three women who I am friends with until this day. I ended up riding most of the ride with one of them, and we rode together during many future rides. Since that ride, we rode, trained, competed, and camped together for the remaining five years I lived in Tennessee. I learned a lot from them, especially from one who was an Arabian horse trainer.

I “cut my teeth” in endurance riding training and competing in extremely difficult rides in the mountains. A typical weekend training ride was a difficult 23-mile loop from Abrams Creek Ranger Station to Cades Cove in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Other training/trail rides included riding with wagon trains on difficult mountain roads; I will never forget how my Spotted Saddle Horse wore down her rear shoes as thin as razor blades going on those rides!

We called our group Team Longshot, and our motto was: Start Slow and Taper Off. I guess we were official since we had t-shirts. Our goal was to have fun (and boy, did we) and take care of our horses (To Finish is

To Win); we had contests during endurance rides to see who could finish last within the time limit. An annual event was competing in the September endurance ride at Big South Fork, as well as at many other rides in the area.

It was unfortunate that I did not learn about endurance riding earlier since my Appaloosa excelled at the sport, always finishing in the top five; she was already in her midteens when we started competing. An injury early in her life reared its ugly head after completing a few

rides and prevented her from having a long career in endurance. By Fall 1998, I was regularly competing in 25- to 30-mile endurance rides, multiple-day endurance rides, and competitive trail rides of various distances with my Spotted Saddle Horse, and by then, I had learned enough to know what I was doing, including using more appropriate tack. I practiced with my horse to get her to trot during the vet inspections; however, when she was excited, she would rack, and when tired, she would default back into her running walk, which would confuse the vets. There were very few gaited horses competing in endurance rides (I typically was the only one), and most endurance ride vets were not familiar with their gaits. I learned to tell the vets before my trot outs that I was riding a gaited horse; however, convincing them that my horse was not lame was a typical discussion.

I competed regularly with Dakota through fall 2002 in the East Tennessee area, some years more rides than others and sometimes venturing into North Carolina and Georgia. We had a 100% ride completion rate, including completing six consecutive years of difficult, multi-day rides (either 2 or 3 days) at Big South Fork. It was during those years that my knees informed me that they were not happy from years of posting to the trot and road running, so I knew that gaited horses were my only option if I were to continue to ride long distances. During those years, I also perfected my training program since

I had learned that I had to train and compete very differently than my Arabian-riding friends. Members of Team Longshot and most ride participants were always positive, encouraging, and helpful (and by then, the ride vets usually knew my horse). However, it was sad that I continued to receive negative comments from some regarding competing in endurance with my Spotted Saddle Horse.

Previous page: Climbing “Bobcat Rock” is always an exciting challenge during endurance and competitive trail rides held on the Florida Greenway in Ocala, Florida. Photo by Maria Phillips.

Left: To celebrate New Year’s Eve 2022, Kym and her Spotted Saddle Horse, Spicey Gravedancer, completed a very tough 30-mile endurance ride at Dunn’s Creek State Park in Pomona Park, Florida. Photo by Maria Phillips.

Below: After a short show career as a 3- and 4-year-old in which she won some type of championship in every show, Kym plans on starting 5-year-old Spirit of Gravedigger, Spicey Gravedancer’s half-sister, in endurance riding this fall. Photo by Kiersten’s Kreations.

I was having fun, so I typically was able to ignore them (and tried to be the better person and not respond, but that is easier said than done when you are an outspoken person).

I moved back to Central Florida in 2003, with plans to continue to compete in endurance riding with my Spotted Saddle Horse. However, Dakota had other ideas. That summer, she fractured her left rear leg in a freak accident around the barn. Obviously, her endurance-riding career was over. However, after surgery and a couple of years of rest and rehabilitation, she healed completely. I trail rode with her regularly and even completed every mile of the 2007 Florida Cracker Trail Ride (keeping my fast-walking Spotted Saddle Horse slow enough to stay behind the wagons was quite the challenge, and I had the blisters on my hands to prove it). Dakota lived another 18

years and never stopped thinking every trail ride was an endurance ride; cruising down the trail at a fast flat walk with her was so much fun. Before her arthritis got too bad, she did a great job ponying our young horses and teaching them about the trail.

When I was able to afford a third horse, I purchased a well-bred, untrained 2-year-old Spotted Saddle Horse mare from a North Georgia breeder named Ginger Twist after an exhaustive year-long search for something special. She was professionally trained and excelled in the show ring. I joined a trail-riding club and started taking her on group trail rides and camping trips. These included long rides, such as the weeklong Osceola Trail Ride, and she did well. When she was old enough, I brushed off my training program and started getting her ready for distance events. I was excited to return to distance riding after a 10-year break, and our first ride was a competitive trail ride at Camp Boggy Creek in November 2013.

After being away from the sport for ten years, some things had changed, while others had not. The rules had gotten stricter, which was great for horse welfare. I saw horses die during my years of training and competing in the mountains; I am happy to report that I have not seen that in Florida the past ten years. While I miss Team Longshot, I have met many amazing people over the years, and many have become friends. Though the numbers are

small, I am usually not the only one competing with a gaited horse.

With some exceptions (typically competitive trail rides; few are held in Central Florida anymore), the ride vets are familiar with evaluating gaited horses. It hasn’t happened for the last few years, but I have gotten in disagreements with vets who thought Ginger was lame. I trained Ginger (and her daughter) to pace on the ground; this even gait is easier for the vets to evaluate (I do not recommend letting your horse pace under saddle if you want a gaited horse to stay sound for the long term).

Even though I have grown accustomed to it, I am still surprised when someone insults my horse or me solely because I am competing with a gaited horse (it happened as recently as February of this year, and the person is a ride manager!). The good news, though, is the comment I most often get these days: “I am jealous and you look so comfortable,” when being passed by people riding trotting horses. Most rides now offer Introductory Distance rides, typically 10-15 miles, which are great opportunities to start a new horse and learn about distance riding.

Gaited horses typically do not effortlessly cover ground like most Arabians at a trot or a canter; they also do not cool as efficiently. My Spotted Saddle Horses work hard racking for miles and miles, especially through the Florida sand. To rest their rack-

ing muscles, I alternate between a flat walk and some canter; call me a gait purist, but I don’t let my horses pace. Taking care of my horse is my primary goal, and I am in it for the long term. Depending on the terrain and weather, I typically go fast enough to finish within the time limit. While Spotted Saddle Horses are capable of competing at longer distances (a Spotted Saddle Horse finished the extremely difficult 100-mile Tevis

Cup Endurance Ride in California in July!), the 25- or 30-mile LD endurance or competitive trail ride is my preferred distance. I wouldn’t describe many of the rides I compete in as limited in any way; in fact, most of them are quite difficult.

From Fall 2013 through Spring 2022 (taking one year off to have a foal), Ginger completed almost 700 competition miles over eight seasons, completing 30 of 32 rides, usually distances of 25 to 30 miles. Ginger has won numerous awards, especially when breeds other than Arabians are acknowledged. Still representing Team Longshot, I have become an expert at winning the Turtle Award (it is hard!), which is the last to finish within the time limit with a sound horse. I am most proud of winning the South Eastern Distance Riding Association’s (SEDRA’s) Mickey Blanford Excellence in Competition Award last year, which would not have been possible without the nine years of hard work by my partner, Ginger.

I competed with Ginger’s daughter, Spicey Gravedancer (Spice), this past season. We completed eight 25- to 30-mile endurance rides, which included three Top Ten finishes and three Turtle Awards. Spice won Best Trail Horse in the one 25-mile competitive trail ride we completed. She received the best Spotted Saddle Horse Award, sponsored by the Spotted Saddle Horse Breeders’ & Exhibitors’ Association (SSHBEA) for the first time at SEDRA’s annual banquet last month, as well as a Top Ten

Waiting in the wings is another of Spicey Gravedancer’s half-sisters: 3-year-old Gravedigger’s Buried Treasure, who will be started in endurance riding in another couple of years.

Photo by Alice Mary Herden.

LD Mileage Award (6th place) and 2nd place Rookie Competitive Trail Horse for last season.

I plan to start Spice’s half-sister, Spirit of Gravedigger, this coming season. We will start out with Introductory Distance Rides, and if she does well, will move up to LD rides. Gravedigger’s Buried Treasure, another half-sister, is waiting in the wings. When she is old enough, I will get her started and see how she does. With so many athletic Spotted Saddle Horse mares to choose from (I am very lucky!), I hope to be competing in distance riding events as long as I can ride!

If you are interested in learning more about competing in distance events with your gaited horse, check out the American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) for endurance rides or the North American Trail Ride Conference (NATRC) for competitive trail rides. Many gaited horse registries sponsor mileage awards through AERC, as well as through

their organizations. There are numerous regional distance-riding associations as well, and if you are in the Southeast, find out what SEDRA is up to. We are having a blast!

We breed Spotted Saddle Horses at our ranch, Spotted Dance Ranch, in Brooksville, Florida, with the sport of distance riding in mind. The foundation of our breeding program is our well-bred herd of Spotted Saddle Horse mares. We out cross our mares to the best racking horse stallions out there, such as The Gravedigger and Holy Smoke. The resulting special foals are gorgeous, versatile, and athletic, all capable of competing in distance events with their amazing racking gaits, as well as possessing calm temperaments and outstanding conformation.

Feel free to contact me for advice regarding competing in distance events with your gaited horse, or if you are interested in one of our foals (as of this writing, both of our spectacular 2023 foals are still available!).

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Disaster Preparedness for Your Horse Farm: Be Ready for Anything

Owning a horse farm is a dream come true for many equestrians. The picturesque landscapes, the connection with these magnificent animals and the peacefulness of the countryside are truly unparalleled. However, along with the joys of running a horse farm, there come responsibilities and challenges, one of which is being prepared for disasters. From wildfires and floods to hurricanes and power outages, unforeseen emergencies can strike at any time. To ensure the safety and well-being of your equine companions, as well as your own peace of mind, it’s crucial to have a disaster preparedness plan in place.

Why Preparedness Matters

Disasters can be devastating, and they don’t discriminate. Whether you’re a seasoned horse farm owner or just starting out, the importance of disaster preparedness cannot be overstated. Here are some compelling reasons why you should take this matter seriously:

Protecting Lives: Your horses are part of your family. By being prepared, you’re ensuring their safety and well-being during a disaster.

Peace of Mind: Knowing that you have a plan in place can help reduce anxiety during stressful times. You’ll

be better equipped to make quick decisions when you’re well-prepared.

Preserving Property: Disasters can cause significant damage to your farm and facilities. Being prepared can minimize the extent of the damage and help you recover more quickly.

Community Support: In times of crisis, a well-prepared horse farm can be a valuable resource for your community. You may be able to help not only your horses but also those belonging to your neighbors.

Develop a Comprehensive Plan

The first step in disaster preparedness is understanding specific risks your horse farm may face. Start by researching the types of disasters most common in your area. Depending on your location, you might be at risk for natural disasters like wildfires, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, and ice storms; manmade disasters such as power outages, chemical spills or transportation accidents; and disease outbreaks that, while not common, may require quarantine measures.

Once you’ve identified the potential risks, create a written disaster preparedness plan. Your plan should include the following elements:

Evacuation Routes: Identify safe evacuation routes for your horses and establish a designated meeting point for your family and farm staff.

Emergency Contacts: Maintain a list of contacts, including veterinarians, farriers, local animal shelters and disaster response agencies.

Make sure to have a communication plan. Ensure that you have a reliable means of communication during emergencies. Consider investing in twoway radios or satellite phones, as cell service may be disrupted.

Stock up on essential supplies for both your horses and yourself. We’ll discuss these in the next section.

Keep copies of essential documents such as ownership papers, medical records, and proof of vaccinations in a waterproof container.

Insurance Review: Review your insurance policies to ensure you have adequate coverage for potential disasters. This may include coverage for property damage, liability and equine mortality.

Designate specific roles and responsibilities to your farm staff and family members. Make sure everyone knows their role and is trained to perform it effectively. Assign tasks such as horse handling, loading onto

trailers, and securing property.

Assemble an Emergency Evacuation Kit

Now that you have a disaster preparedness plan in place, it’s time to put together an emergency evacuation kit. This kit should contain essential items to ensure the safety and well-being of your horses during a disaster. Here’s a comprehensive list of items to include:

Horse Supplies:

Identification: Each horse should have a securely attached ID tag or halter with a luggage tag containing the horse’s name, your contact information and any medical alerts.

Lead Ropes: Have enough sturdy

lead ropes for each horse. These should be at least 12 feet long.

Halters: At least one properly fitting halter for each horse.

Transportation: If you have horse trailers, ensure they are in good working order. If not, make arrangements with neighbors or local horse transport companies in advance.

Water: Portable water containers and water buckets for each horse. Plan on at least five gallons of water per horse per day.

Feed: A three-day supply of hay and feed for each horse in waterproof containers. Include any necessary medications.

First Aid Kit: A well-stocked equine first aid kit including bandages, antiseptic, scissors and wound care items.

Human Supplies:

First Aid Kit: A comprehensive first aid kit for humans, including any necessary medications.

Clothing: Weather-appropriate clothing, including rain gear, extra socks, and sturdy shoes or boots.

Personal Identification: Copies of important documents, including IDs, passports and insurance information.

Cash: Have some cash on hand in case ATMs are unavailable.

Food and Water: Non-perishable food items and a supply of bottled water.

Flashlights and Batteries: Flashlights with extra batteries or solar-powered lanterns.

Toiletries: Personal hygiene items, including soap, toothbrushes and toilet paper.

Miscellaneous:

Chargers: Portable chargers or car chargers for electronic devices.

Tools: Basic tools like wrenches, pliers and a multi-tool for emergency repairs.

Fire Extinguisher: A small fire extinguisher for safety.

Blankets: Weather-appropriate blankets or sheets for each horse.

Grooming Supplies: Basic grooming tools such as brushes and hoof picks.

Maps: Local maps with evacuation routes marked.

Important Contacts: A list of emergency contacts, including veterinarians, local animal shelters and disas-

ter response agencies.

Portable Generator: If possible, a portable generator and fuel for emergency power.

Radio: A battery-operated or handcrank emergency radio for weather updates and communication.

Pet Carriers: Portable carriers for small animals, if you have them.

Trash Bags: Heavy-duty trash bags for waste disposal.

Remember that this kit should be stored in a readily accessible location and checked regularly to ensure that all items are in working order and have not expired. You should also periodically review and update your emergency plan and kit to account for changes in your farm or family circumstances.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Having a plan and a well-stocked emergency kit is only part of the equation. Regular practice and drills

are crucial to ensure you and your team can execute your plan smoothly when a real disaster strikes. Here are some tips for effective practice:

Conduct evacuation drills at least twice a year, preferably during different seasons and times of the day.

Time your drills to see how quickly you can load your horses. Use different scenarios, such as nighttime evacuations or simulate injuries to horses.

Review your plan and make adjustments based on what you learn.

Stay Informed

Lastly, stay informed about potential disasters in your area. Monitor local news and weather updates regularly. Consider signing up for emergency alerts and notifications from local authorities. Awareness of developing situations will give you more time to effectively implement your disaster preparedness plan.

Century Ride continued. Congratulations to Joyce Getrost from Las Cruces, New Mexico and her Rocky Mountain, Roxey. Their ages are 83 and 20, respectively for a combined age of 103.

My story is like so many others. I rode as a kid and then life got in the way. My father was an Air Force officer. When I was 10 years old, we went to Peru where I took English riding lessons and jumped. As a teen, we went to a relative’s ranch in Wyoming in the summers for 30 days where I “played cowboy.” Then for 50 years I raised two daughters, had two husbands, and had a career at the National Geographic Society. My husband and I retired to Las Cruces, New Mexico, in 2002.

At 65, in preparation for a vacation to a dude ranch in Wyoming with my daughter, I took riding lessons to see if I could still get on a horse. It went well. I continued the lessons and after a trail ride with the Backcountry Horsemen on a borrowed horse, I won a horse brush during a raffle. So, I felt obligated to buy the accessories to go with my horse brush.

At age 67, I bought my first horse, Cisco, a Spotted Saddle Horse. Then came a saddle, bridle, tack equipment, vet visits, farrier work, a truck, a horse trailer, another horse, Roxey, a Rocky Mountain, another saddle, another bridle, another horse trailer, and so forth.

Along the way were training, clinics, and lessons. I learned from manyPat Parelli, Larry Whitesell, a gaited horse guru, Mark Rashid, softness, Warwick Schiller, and Sandra Welch, dressage basics. I consider myself a trail rider first, with a love for obstacles (Actha), fun intro endurance rides, and the discipline of dressage. My ponies do what I ask (most of the time).

Thanks to my ponies, Cisco, and Roxey, it was a great ride! And thank you as well to the silent support from my husband Dick.

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School Address: ____________________________________ (street) _____ (city) __________ (postal code) _____(state or province)

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Note: Checks will be made out to [Institution Name] for the benefit of [Student Name] and will be sent to the attention of the Financial Aid department. If you are chosen to receive a scholarship, you will be notified within 90 days of applying

Please EMAIL this completed form to: president@fosh.info (faster) or mail to:

FOSH 6614 Clayton Rd., #105 St. Louis, MO 63117

For FOSH use only… Amount provided: _____________ Date sent: ____________

Scholarship Guidelines are on the following page (and do not need to be submitted with this form).

FOSH Scholarship Guidelines

1. Students must submit an essay (minimum 500 words) with the application. The essay should describe how they have supported the FOSH vision/ mission statement and how they have personally supported horses emotionally, mentally, and physically. Essays MAY be published in the Sound Advocate and remain the property of The Friends of Sound Horses.

2. Students with a declared major in an Agriculture, Equine, Veterinary (or pre-veterinary) Medicine, or Journalism related field will be granted preference over students with majors in other programs.

3. Student must be between the ages of 16 and 24 to apply.

4. Only one scholarship per student will be awarded.

5. Scholarship requests must be made at least 90 days prior to the start of the academic semester for which the request is being made. This can be prior to any semester in the program.

6. Scholarships are for Baccalaureate programs only.

7. Schools must be accredited by or members of one of the following:

a. Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools

b. New England Association of Schools and Colleges

c. New York State Board of Regents

d. North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

e. Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

f. Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

g. Western Association of Schools and Colleges

h. Membership in Universities Canada

8. Scholarship money available and the number of scholarships available each year may vary at the discretion of the board.

9. Scholarship awards are payable in U.S. Dollars by check to the school for the benefit of [student name] and not directly to the student / parent / guardian.

10. All decisions of the FOSH Board are final and cannot be appealed.

*Participation may be as a rider, worker, or volunteer and is not a scholarship requirement

FOSH Sound Principles

Principle #1

All FOSH events adhere to the requirements of the Horse Protection Act.

Principle #2

Horses are to be treated with dignity, respect, and compassion.

Principle #3

Horses must be presented as sound in both body and mind.

Principle #4

The preferred way of going is natural, correct, and without exaggeration.

Principle #5

Shoeing is intended only for the protection of the foot and its structure. Where practical, barefoot horses are both welcomed and encouraged.

Principle #6

Handlers and riders are expected to use training techniques and equipment that conform to the highest humane standards as recognized by the general equestrian community.

Principle #7

Exhibitors have a duty to conduct themselves in an orderly, responsible, and sportsmanlike manner.

FOSH is a national leader in the promotion of natural, sound gaited horses and in the fight against abuse and soring of Tennessee Walking Horses. For more information about FOSH or to become a member, please visit www. fosh.info.

Gaited Clubs

FOSH Directory

Southern Comfort Gaited Horse Club

Southern Comfort promotes activities highlighting the smooth ride and versatility of all gaited breeds. Pursuits include trail riding, competitions, shows, exhibitions, clinics and many other equine activities. The club promotes horse safety and friendship for all that are interested in horses. Owning a horse is not a requirement. SCGHC is based in southwestern Idaho and is a flat shod exclusive club with members contributing and supporting various interests using sound, natural horses. www.gaitedhorseclub.com

Chesapeake Plantation Walking Horse Club

The Chesapeake Club is celebrating over 25 years of promoting the versatile, naturally gaited, horse. As a member of the Maryland Horse Council, we have been the voice of the gaited community and through demonstrations, clinics and guest speakers, a resource for other disciplines to learn about the gaited breeds in our region. Members enjoy monthly trail rides, newsletters, parades, clinics, social gatherings, and friendly help. We welcome all breeds, riding styles, and experience levels from beginners to professionals. Cpwhclub. wordpress.com or jacquiecowan@comcast.net

Breeders

Summerwind Marchadors and Future Foal Breeders

Plan for your next lifetime partner! Come breed with us! Offering frozen semen (12 stallions in 2020) or reservations for Future Foals “do Summerwind” The Marchador is Brazil’s national horse, harking from Iberia, but bred there for 200 years. Expect to be impressed! http:// futurefoal.net or call Lynn @ 602-999-3915

Missouri Morgans

Easy gaited in color. Rare gaited Morgans located in the Heart of America near beautiful Lake of the Ozarks; for photos, videos and available horses. Talk to Jim or Vali Suddarth at 417-286-4720 or gaitedmorgans@missourimorgans.com

“Soring” is the use of painful training techniques to create a flashy unnatural gait in horses. Tactics include applying caustic agents (diesel fuel, hand cleaner, etc.) to the front legs and then wrapping the legs overnight. The flesh is sore when the wraps come off, and ankle chains are used to bang on this area during training. Also used are injections of irritants above the hoof, tacks under the band holding a huge weighted (”stacked” or “padded”) shoe in place, trimming the hoof into the quick and/or green nailing.

These training methods all cause the horse to attempt to avoid the pain by picking up his front feet faster and higher, and shifting his weight back onto his hind legs, in a crouching stance. This grotesque gait is called the Big Lick.

WHO IS DOING THIS —ISN'T IT ILLEGAL?

Soring was made illegal in 1970 by the Horse Protection Act (HPA). But the stacked shoes and chains are not illegal. And soring itself still goes on penalties are nearly non -existent and enforcement is so lax that it persists in about 200 trainers impacting 10,000+ horses. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is charged with enforcing the HPA. USDA has a few inspectors but n ot enough to cover every show, so inspectors are usually directly employed by show managers, creating a clear conflict of intere st. Dye and short-acting topical anesthetic creams are used to mask pain and scarring during inspections.

The overwhelming majority of sored horses are Tennessee Walking Horses, but two other breeds are also impacted, the Racking Horse and the Spotted Saddle Horse.

WHAT IS BEING DONE?

After years of education and lobbying by animal welfare groups, the bipartisan Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) legislation was passed in 2019 and again in 2022 in the U.S. House of Representatives. The PAST Act would finally eradicate soring by eliminating the use of large stacked shoes and ankle chains in the show ring, and by eliminating the industry ’s self-policing scheme, replacing it with licensed USDA inspectors. It would also increase penalties for those who break the law.

In the U.S. Senate, over half of Senators were co -sponsors of the PAST Act in each of those years. But the bill was never brought to the Senate floor for a vote.

WHAT IS DELAYING THE SENATE VOTE?

Shoes, stacks, bands and chains on a Big Lick Tennessee Walking Horse. This horse ’s hair has been dyed to try to hide the scars from soring chemicals . These shoes and chains are currently legal, but would be outlawed by the PAST Act.

Senator Mitch McConnell (R -KY), the most senior Republican in the US Senate, has accepted campaign contributions for many years from Big Lick trainers and owners, who complain that their ability to make money will be ruined if they are not allowed to train by soring. McConnell has said that he will never allow the bill to be brought in front of the Senate for a vote.

What should be a bipartisan animal welfare issue has been politicized, and the horses continue to suffer.

HOW WOULD THE PAST ACT PREVENT SORING?

The PAST Act would close loopholes in the Horse Protection Act. Because the U.S. Department of Agriculture has allowed the industry to police itself, those who hurt horses face minimal repercussions, get deferred disqualifications if any at all, and are typically allowed to continue carrying out the abuses that got them disqualified in the first place. PAST would replace the self -policing system with third party, independent inspectors who are trained, licensed and assigned by the USDA. The bill would also ban the devices integral to soring (the stacks and chains) and would strengthen penalties for soring. USDA could, if it wished to do so, issue a Rule that would contain the same language as the PAST Act, but has not done so.

WHAT GROUPS ENDORSE THE PAST ACT?

Open lesions and scarring caused by soring - not often seen any more, at least by the time the horse gets to the show grounds. Scars that are evidence of these abuses are cause for disqualification at shows.

Every major veterinary, equine, animal welfare and law enforcement organization in the U.S. has endorsed this bill. (American Veterinary Medical Association, American Association of Equine Practitioners, American Horse Council, ASPCA, American Quarter Horse Association, United States Equestrian Federation, National Sheriffs Association, Humane Society Legislative Fund, Association of Prosecuting Attorneys, and over 100 more). Noted horse men Pat Parelli and Monty Roberts are on record supporting PAST. Several Tennessee Walking Horse groups have endorsed the bill, inclu ding the National Walking Horse Association and multiple state Walking Horse groups. The PAST Act is the right answer.

ARE ALL TENNESSEE WALKING HORSES SUBJECTED TO THIS AWFUL TORTURE?

Absolutely not. There are many owners and trainers that never use soring to enhance the performance of their horses. Known as “flat shod” horses, these animals have natural movement and are enjoyed by tens of thousands of riders across the country. In fact, the vast majority of Walking Horses are flat shod. It is only a small minority of trainers who resort to soring and stacked shoes they sometimes call them “padded” shoes to try to make them sound more like a therapeutic shoe than a torture device. The entire Tennessee Walking Horse community is given a bad name by the actions of a few bad actors.

IS IT REALLY AS BAD AS PEOPLE SAY IT IS? GIVE ME OFFICIAL NUMBERS!

In an official statement reported in the Walking Horse Report published May 21, 2018, USDA said that “the vast majority of Horse Industry Organizations (HIOs) that inspect padded horses did not detect any HPA noncompliance when USDA was not present at a show.” USDA went on to say: “It is highly unlikely that exhibitors only present noncompliant horses for inspection when USDA is present at a horse show….USDA remain(s) very concerned about HIOs , especially those inspecting padded horses, whose rate of noncompliance is zero when USDA is not present …” USDA sent its inspectors to the 2022 Walking Horse Celebration, the largest Walking Horse show in the country. The after-show report showed that over one-third of “padded” horses were scratched before inspection, while only 14% of flat shod horses were scratched. It is a long-standing practice of the Big Lick trainers that, if USDA is on the show grounds, they simply leave their horses on the trailer and don ’t even present them for inspection. At the Celebration, even with such a large number of horses not brought before the inspectors, the USDA inspectors found 57% of the horses they DID inspect to be “noncompliant.” Is soring still going on? YES - SORING IS STILL GOING ON.

About Friends Of Sound Horses (FOSH)

FOSH is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that welcomes owners of all gaited horses. We support the gaited horse in all equine disciplines, including dressage, distance competitions, English and Western pleasure, and many other styles of riding. FOSH offers judges training and licensing and sponsors numerous shows. FOSH is a national leader in promoting, supporting and protecting gaited horses. To that end, FOSH is known for its work to end soring of Tennessee Walking Horses through its activism, outreach, and education programs. Learn more at https:/fosh.info/

OUR FOREVER FRIENDS

FOSH Lifetime Members

Jo Anne Behling, Wauwatosa, WI

Esther L. Bell, TN

Pamela Brand, Carlisle, PA

Sarah Bushong-Weeks, Denver. CO

Julie Church, Pagosa Springs, CO

Mary & William Church, Pagosa Springs, CO

Luella DeBono, Eden Prairie, MN

Beverly Foster, St. Augustine, FL

Nancy Gillespie, Pullman, WA

Cristine Holt, Dubuque, IA

Jane Howlett, Pocatello, ID

Marjorie Lacy & Walking Horse News, Edson, Alberta

Sue De Laurentis, Dripping Springs, TX

Bobbie Jo Lieberman

Dianne Little, Calgary, Alberta

Debbie Locke, Mack, CO

Ann Loveless, Ashtabula, OH

Patricia Mayer, East Aurora, NY

Maggie MacAllister, Staunton, VA

Janelle T. McCoy, Prague, OK

Frank Neal, Nashville, TN

Lori Northrup, Ellicottville, NY

Anne Northrup, Ellicottville, NY

Shellie Pacovsky, Bainville, MT

Denise Parsons

Anita Rau, Catlett, VA

Debbie Rash, Chino, CA

Southern Comfort Gaited Horse Club, ID

Bucky & Nancy Sparks, Cortez, CO

Marcy Wadington, Canon City, CO

Leslie Weiler, Pagosa Springs, CO

Laura Wyant, Chesire, OR

An Anonymous Donor

Yankee Walkers of New England

Please consider adding FOSH to your list of worthy causes in making a taxfree charitable deduction or help us to promote legislation, education, and training that protects and helps gaited horses, simply by renewing your own membership or giving a gift membership to a kindred spirit.

We know you have many choices when it comes to giving. Thank you for considering FOSH.

FOSH Membership Application and Order Form

All annual memberships include a digital, bi-monthly issue of the Sound Advocate & educational packets. Mail to: FOSH 6614 Clayton Rd. #105, St. Louis, MO 63117

Type of Membership (check one)

Annual: Single ___$30 Annual Family ___$50 Annual Youth <18 ___$20 Lifetime__$600

Organization Membership (for your gaited horse club or association) ___ $50

Please print neatly.

Name: _______________________________________________________________________

Address_______________________________________________________________________

City: ____________________________________State: ____________ Zip: ______________

Phone: _______________________________________________________________________

E-mail: ______________________________________________________________________

Breed (s)_____________________________________________________________________

Additional donations ___ $20 ___ $30 ___ $40 ___ $50 ___ Other $__________

Total Enclosed: $____________________

How did you hear about FOSH? ___________________________________________________