Horse & rider 6 17

TWITCHING: DOES IT WORK? IS IT HUMANE?

WESTERN TRAINING HOW-TO ADVICE

JUNE 2017

Summer Survival Guide

• Hot-Weather Hazards • Keep-Cool Riding Gear • Summer Footing Tip • Temp-Control Solutions

WARM UP RIGHT FOR YOUR BEST TRAIL RIDE YET CHALLENGE YOURSELF!

Trail-Gate Back-Through

OLDER HORSES The Pure Pleasure Of A Good Ride

BANISH ‘OVERTRAINING’

Quarter Horse gelding KR Albert E

Our team of PhD equine nutritionists spent countless hours doing research on a gastric health innovation.

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Meet our partner in innovation. A hectic performance schedule puts a lot of stress on your horse’s stomach. When Slick by Design wasn’t busy making history in the barrel-racing world, he, along with horses at our nutrition center, helped us develop a supplement to support gastric comfort to keep horses performing. And when this new product hits stores in June, it may do the same for your horse.

To learn more about Purina’s commitment to innovation, visit, purinamills.com/horse-feed/campaign/feed-innovation. © 2017 Purina Animal Nutrition LLC. All rights reserved. Slick by Design. Owners Jason Martin & Charlie Cole. Michele McLeod, Purina Ambassador.

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TableofContents

June 2017

On the Cover Twitching: Works? Humane?

Hot-Weather Hazards Keep-Cool Riding Gear Summer Footing Tip Temp-Control Solutions Warm Up Right for Trail Trail-Gate Back-Through Older Horses, Good Ride Banish ‘Overtraining’

20 64 57 26 28 75 35 18 48

48 Get It Right, Keep It Right Your horse has mastered techniques, but how do you keep him ready to compete without overtraining him?

Use our expert’s strategies for success.

By Jeffery Gibbs, With Abigail Boatwright

15 From the Editor: Summer savior.

16 We Hear You: Cheers for April.

18 Your Stories: Old horse, good ride.

20 Whole Horse Q&A: Twitches.

YOUR HORSE YOUR LIFE 23 We’d Love to Own: 2004 Quarter Horse gelding Zippos ATM. 24 Talk: New events join Paint World.

26 Health: Summertime footing tip.

28 Solutions: Barn-fan safety advice.

30 Horsekeeping: Fly-control pellets.

32 Style: Good-looking trail gear.

30

PRACTICE PEN

57

64

Creatively Cool Summer Gear

Hot-Weather Trail Hazards

’Tis the season! Cool your barn, arena, horse, and self with these innovative products designed to conquer the heat.

By Jennifer von Geldern

Learn how to avoid four hot-weather trail hazards, plus what to do in the event a heat-related emergency arises.

By Heather Smith Thomas

35 Private Lesson: Murray Griggs, Jill Newcomb: back-through gate.

40 Bob Avila’s Winning Insights: The finer points of fencing.

43 Conformation Clinic: Aged Quarter Horse geldings.

46 Tack Talk: Using romal reins.

75 Problem Solvers: Six checkpoints to use before starting a trail ride.

88 You Said It: Horse mentors.

On the cover: KR Albert E, cleverly named after his sire, Einsteins Revolution, and dam, KR Legacy. The 5-year-old Quarter Horse gelding is owned by Julia Loveday of Texas. ‘Marcos,’ as he’s known around the barn, has been shown mostly in reining competition.

Photo by Mallory Beinborn June 2017 HorseandRider.com 9

Volume LVI, Number 6 Editor Jennifer Paulson Senior Editor Jennifer Forsberg Meyer Assistant Editor Nichole Chirico Trail-Content Editor René E. Riley Contributing Editor Barb Crabbe, DVM Alana Harrison Jennifer von Geldern Art Director Adam Purvis Contributing Photographer Mallory Beinborn Editorial Inquiries (303) 253-6409 HorseandRider@aimmedia.com Subscription Inquiries/ Address Changes/Back Issues: horse&rider@emailcustomerservice.com (877) 717-8928 (U.S. and Canada) or (386) 447-6306 P.O. Box 420235, Palm Coast, FL 32142 Web Site Address HorseandRider.com Circulation Director Dana Raven Director of Retail Sales Susan A. Rose PRODUCTION Group Production Director Barb Van Sickle bvansickle@aimmedia.com Production Manager Diane Paolini HorseandRiderProduction@aimmedia.com Prepress Manager Joy Kelley Prepress Specialist Galen Nathanson Idania Mentana Horse&Rider Editorial Office 5720 Flatiron Parkway Boulder, CO 80301 (303) 253-6409

CEO & President Senior Vice President, Treasurer, and CFO

Andrew W. Clurman Michael Henry

Executive Vice President of Operations

Patricia B. Fox

Chief Innovation Officer

Jonathan Dorn

Vice President, Equine Group

David Andrick

Vice President, Controller

Joseph Cohen

Vice President, Research

Kristy Kaus

Vice President, Information Technology

Nelson Saenz

Copyright © 2017 Cruz Bay Publishing, Inc. PRINTED IN THE USA

10

HorseandRider.com June 2017

®

This Month @

HorseandRider.com Vice President/Group Publisher David Andrick dave.andrick@EquiNetwork.com Associate Group Publisher Mitch Miller (303) 644-3782 mmiller@aimmedia.com ADVERTISING Associate Publisher Rick Swan (480) 471-4671 rswan@aimmedia.com Advertising Representatives Michelle Adaway (859) 619-8263 madaway@aimmedia.com Kathy Dando (717) 303-3793 kdando@aimmedia.com Tom Brazil (805) 379-8729 tbrazil@aimmedia.com Susan Lee (540) 905-9111 slee@aimmedia.com Benjie Lemon (303) 625-1667 blemon@aimmedia.com

Working the Gate Master the trail gate from all angles before your next trail competition. Learn how to safely back through one on page 35, then go to our Web site to learn the correct way to work a gate from the “wrong side.”

Needle-Phobic Horse

Beat the Heat

If your horse is afraid of needles, go online to understand why he panics at the sight of a needle, and see what you can do to fix the problem.

Keep your horse cool on the trails with tips starting on page 64. Read about other ways you can help your horse cool down if he’s overheated.

Outsmart Anticipation

Summer Fly Control

Understand why your horse anticipates things in the show pen, and get advice from expert trainers on how to correct his anticipation.

Read about different fly-fighting strategies to use this summer after learning about feed-through fly-control in Horsekeeping (page 30).

Shelley L. Partridge (859) 327-7057 spartridge@aimmedia.com Keith Cunningham, Automotive/ Truck Representative (248) 763-0526 kcunningham@aimmedia.com Classified Advertising Warren Wilson (760) 546-1192; fax (760) 546-1459 hr@aimclassifieds.com Advertising Information Manager Judy Howard Advertising Coordinators Alicia Smith Abby McDougall Digital Advertising Operations Manager Ron Goldy rgoldy@aimmedia.com

To sell copies of Horse&Rider in your store, please contact Active Interest Media Customer Service, (800) 365-5548

We love hearing from you! Send all high-resolution images for Conformation Clinic; Problem Solvers questions; and any feedback, ideas, photos, and letters to HorseandRider@aimmedia.com. Or mail correspondence to 5720 Flatiron Parkway, Boulder, CO 80301.

FOLLOW US 12

HorseandRider.com June 2017

We assume no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts and/or artwork, which must be accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

American Horse Publications Alliance for Audited Media

Photo by Jennifer Paulson

Join the Herd!

Mary Miller-Jordan and her mustangs. Photo by Ronda Hole.

Event Schedule

June 6-20 Internet adoption June 9-10 Farmington, UT June 10 Carson City, NV Trained Animals Only

June 11 Sacramento, CA Trained Animals Only

June 13 Pauls Valley, OK June 15-17 W. SpringďŹ eld, MA Trained Sale Animals Only

June 16-17 Rock Springs, WY Trained Animals Available

June 16-17 MarshďŹ eld, WI June 23-24 Reno, NV Trained Animals Only

June 23-24 Springdale, AR

BRING HOME YOUR OWN WILD HORSE OR BURRO.

June 23-24 Silver City, NM July 1 Ewing, IL July 6-8 Lexington, KY Trained Animals Available

July 14-15 Annville, PA

Attend an event and learn more about how you can bring home your own wild horse or burro.

Events are free. Sale-eligible animals are available at some events. Otherwise, animals are available for adoption.

Visit BLM.gov or call 866.468.7826

We Hear You

LETTER OF THE MONTH

Ranch Riding Skyrockets Three Cheers for April The April magazine had so many great articles. “Help for a Nervous Pattern Horse” (Problem Solvers) was spot on.

That was me professional trainer Jeff Mellott was talking about! Thanks for the help.

LINDA NELSON, Illinois

I was interested to read “Trends for 2017” in the March issue, along with my article “Create a Confident Mindset.” It reminded me of an article H&R did with me in 2004 (at right) when ranch horse versatility was just coming into popularity. I predicted then that it’d become a major part of the horse industry.

VAN HARGIS, Texas

E-mail your letters to HorseandRider@aim media.com. Or, send them to Horse&Rider, 5720 Flatiron Pkwy., Boulder, CO 80301. To be considered for publication, your submission must include your full name and your state.

Published letters are subject to editing for brevity, clarity, and accuracy.

Individual Senior Care In the February Horse&Rider, you asked for tips to care for older horses. I buried my beloved Appaloosa gelding last May; he was more than 40 years old. To reach that age in good health, I fed him senior feed, laced with corn oil, and watersoaked alfalfa cubes. I provided grass

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16

HorseandRider.com June 2017

Whole Horse Q&A

How Does Twitching Affect Horses?

Lip twitching has legitimate uses, but ear twitching is detrimental and should be avoided.

Q

I just bought my first horse. Is lip or ear twitching effective in subduing or distracting horses?

Is either type of twitching harmful in any way?

tion, especially when done on the lip.

There are three competing hypotheses about how twitches subdue horses: distraction, pain, or decreased sensitivity. It’s also possible that SAMANTHA CRESS, Alabama horses are subdued by combinations of those factors. And some studies During veterinary procedures, have shown that lip twitching subdues it can be necessary to restrain horses based on an analgesic (paina horse to accomplish a task relieving) effect. and avoid injury to human and horse.

The lip twitch, shown to lower heart Twitches have long been a tool for this rate in the presence of painful stimuli purpose, applying pressure to either the and decrease a horse’s reaction to it (see horse’s lip or ear. Twitching can be done box), is thought to induce the release of by grasping the horse’s ear or lip with beta-endorphins; these subdue horses a hand, but most people associate the through an analgesic mechanism, simidevices known as twitches with this ac- lar to acupuncture.

A

Though we may conclude that a lip twitch might initially subdue horses through a calming, possibly analgesic effect (at least in the first 5 minutes), an ear twitch clearly evokes a stressed response, immobilizing horses through fear and/or pain.

Immobility achieved by an ear twitch is most likely a freezing response as seen in multiple species, including horses. Ear twitching may also cause damage to the delicate ear tissues.

Moreover, anecdotal evidence suggests horses become head-shy after ear twitching, and more difficult to handle long term.

My own conclusion is that the lip

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Twitches in Action A 2016 study gave us insight into how horses respond to the lip twitch and the ear twitch, based on the stress indicators of heart rate, heart-rate variability, and cortisol levels. The study measured heart rate and heart-rate variability to assess autonomic nervous-system activity before and during the use of twitches. (Heart-rate variability is the change in time intervals between adjacent heartbeats; variability is considered desirable, suggesting efficiency and health.) The study also analyzed salivary cortisol to assess stress levels before and after twitches were applied.

Twelve geldings—including Quarter Horses, Thoroughbreds, and draft horses, with a median age of 13—were divided into two groups. Researchers applied lip twitches to one group and ear twitches to the other. Results showed the lip twitch significantly decreased heart rate and increased heart-rate variability when applied for up to 5 minutes. When applied for more than 5 minutes, however, the lip twitch significantly increased heart rate and decreased heart-rate variability. The ear twitch, meanwhile, significantly increased the horses’ heart rate, decreased their heart-rate variability, and increased their salivary cortisol levels—all of which are undesirable responses—when applied for any length of time.

twitch is the only one to use when attempting to humanely subdue a horse, but for no more than 5 minutes.

(All analgesic benefits are lost after that point, and an anesthetic should be considered instead.) Ear twitching should be avoided completely and discouraged among those who handle horses.

KATHERINE HOUPT, VMD, PhD, DACVB Professor Emeritus Cornell University

HorseandRider.com For more on humane restraint methods, review “Fix Your Needle-Phobic Horse.”

Send horse health and behavior questions to jfmeyer@aimmedia.com.

Include horse’s age, breed, gender.

Ruby’s

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HALF DAY, ALL DAY, AND ADVENTURE RIDES ARE AVAILABLE FOR ALL AGES.

Horseback is the perfect way to explore the area and experience a Western Adventure that will be remembered!

CALL TODAY! Bryce Canyon City, Utah | www.horserides.net June 2017 HorseandRider.com 21

AF

BE FO RE

TE R Photos by April Raine

“Her feet are now growing out strong and solid, and she’s keeping her shoes on!”

—ROBIN R. FROM LAFAYETTE, IN

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YourHorse YourLife WE’D LOVE TO OWN

byChirico Mallory Beinborn Photo by Photo Nichole

Zippos ATM Details: 2004 AQHA gelding by Invitation Only and out of Zippo By Moonlight, by Zippo Pine Bar. Barn name: ATM. Owned and shown by: Karry Williams of Norman, Oklahoma.

Trained and shown by: Wes Wetherell of Purcell, Oklahoma.

Goof ball: ATM’s personality is compared to a goofy kid. He’s always in a good mood and loves to play around; but when it comes to show time, he’s all business. “In the warmup pen, ATM is a clown,” Karry laughs. “He’ll stick his tongue out or play with his lips, but the minute we’re in the show arena, he’s completely focused on what we’re doing.”

Treat lover: “My fiancé, Bill, stops by the barn every day to give ATM treats. ATM looks out the window for him and starts nickering uncontrollably when he sees Bill’s truck pull into the barn, and doesn’t stop talking until he gets attention from Bill,” Karry says with a smile.

Perfect timing: “I was leasing a different horse and was having a hard time connecting with him when my trainer, Wes, approached me and said he had an idea,” Karry shares. “ATM had been living in the pasture for a year and was ready to go back to riding, so Wes had me ride him knowing he’d make a perfect novice horse for me. We clicked instantly.”

Master teacher: Karry credits her confidence in the show pen to ATM. “When I first started showing him I’d get nervous in the arena,” Karry says. “But ATM knows his job and takes care of me every time I ride him. I just have to make sure I’m pushing the right buttons.”

Winning siblings: ATM is an All American Quarter Horse Congress Western pleasure champion, and has full siblings that are also Congress champions in multiple events, including stallions The Immortal and Only In The Moonlite. …Nichole Chirico June 2017 HorseandRider.com 23

YourHorse YourLife

TALK

This year’s Paint World Show has a new punch.

Never Horse Camped 15%

1–3 Nights 21%

Over a Week 37%

Weeklong 27%

GALLOP POLL

Horse-Camping Experience?

We asked for the longest horsecamping trip you’ve been on; above is a breakdown of responses received.

(To join in future polls, “like” us at our Facebook page.)

New Events Join Paint World

The World Conformation Horse Association’s Breeder’s Championship and Big Money Futurities are joining this year’s American Paint Horse Association World Championship Show in Fort Worth, Texas. The WCHA events, open to all registered Western stock horse breeds, take place September 23–24 in the Watt Arena at the Will Rogers Memorial Center (conformationhorse.com). In addition to great competition, the festivities include the first-ever WCHA/APHA Ranch Horse Challenge. The full APHA World Show, running September 20 through October 1, includes cash awards and prizes in nearly 300 open and amateur classes (apha.com/oawcs).

‘KEEP THE TRY.’ …Catchphrase of West Coast-based Cowboy Dressage, whose next event takes place June 23–25 in Rancho Murieta, California (cowboydressageworld.com).

24 HorseandRider.com June 2017

Spirit Riding Free, a new animated series from DreamWorks based on the popular, Oscar-nominated film Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron, debuted last month on Netflix. Check it out!

COMFORT FOR YOU BOTH

$125K

Prize for open champion at the 2017 National Reined Cow Horse Association Snaffle Bit Futurity in October. The increase from $100,000 is attributed in part to the event’s move to a new venue in Fort Worth, Texas.

“New Events Join Paint World” photo courtesy of the Paint Horse Journal

Girls & Mustangs

REPELS

KILLS

WORKS ON

MORE THAN JUST FLIES

Protect Your Horse. Unleash the Force.

When it comes to protecting your horse, it’s a never-ending war against flies and pests.

Give yourself a leg up against even the nastiest offenders with Pro-Force® Fly Spray, specially formulated to kill, repel, and knockdown bugs. With Pro-Force, you have the power to fend off over 70 species of pests — including ticks and fleas.

It’s time to kiss your fly problem goodbye.

For a FREE 4oz Sample and to learn about other Force Fly Sprays, go to ForceFlySpray.com/hr

YourHorse YourLife

HE ALTH OvaMed to the Rescue?

Keep your summertime arena surfaces well maintained to protect your horse’s feet and legs.

The challenge: Your mare has difficult estrous cycles that interfere with her performance, or you need to regulate her cycles for the purposes of breeding.

Here’s help: Ask your veterinarian about OvaMed (formerly marketed as Altresyn), an oral progestin product that can be used to suppress and regulate estrus in mares.

Details: Go to bimedaequine.com and select “Hormones” in the “Products” dropdown menu.

Be Well-Grounded in Summer

VETSPEAK

COMFORT FOR YOU BOTH

‘Laminitis’ or ‘Founder’?

The lowdown: SmartPak’s OutSmart Fly Spray is a next-generation insect repellent that’s nontoxic, proven effective, and designed for use on both horses and riders.

Bonus: Its fresh, botanical scent.

Find it: Visit smartpak .com/outsmart.

Laminitis is a medical term denoting inflammation of an organ system called the “lamina,” which attaches the hoof capsule to the coffin bone.

Founder is a term coming from an earlier era and is less descriptive of the pathology (Foothill Mobile Veterinary Service/Placerville, California).

26 HorseandRider.com June 2017

Think it through: In an emergency, if you’re not sure whether to call your veterinarian, use this rule of thumb, from the American Association of Equine Practitioners: If your child were exhibiting the same symptoms, would you call the pediatrician? (See “Vet Call 911” at HorseandRider.com for details on the 10 most common horse emergencies.)

ITCHY SENSATION

8K–60K Number of eggs typically laid by a female pinworm around an infected horse’s anus (Horsemen’s Laboratory; horsemenslab.com).

“Be Well-Grounded in Summer” photo by Nichole Chirico

Summertime heat—especially in dry climates—can result in compacted, unyielding arena surfaces. Hard ground, in turn, can cause concussive injuries leading to palmar foot pain, sole bruising (which can turn into abscesses), and joint degeneration. To protect your horse’s feet and legs, keep your arena’s footing well worked and watered through the summer months. Take care out on the trail, too, where the combination of hard ground and rocky surfaces can spell trouble for your horse’s feet. (For more tips on arena footing, check HorseandRider.com this month.)

YourHorse YourLife

SOLUTIONS Stable-Temperature App The problem: Knowing if your barn or trailer’s temperature is too hot or too cold for your horse.

The helpful app: ThermoPeanut.

The specifics: Place the 2-inch temperature sensor on any surface in your barn, and directly connect it to your smartphone through the app. Set a temperature range for your barn through the app, and if the temperature moves outside that set range you’ll get a notification letting you know that the barn has become too hot or too cold for your horse.

It also works great in the trailer and can be used to monitor the current temperature of your horse trailer while you’re traveling. (Look for more about safe hauling in the July issue.)

More info: $29; sen.se/store/thermopeanut.

Hang a stall fan at home or at the horse show with ease this summer by using this lightweight, portable fan bag.

YOUR SOLUTIONS

Hassle-Free Fan Bag Avoid constant struggle while hanging up your horse’s stall fan with a fan bag like this one from Classic Equine ($19.99; equibrand.com). This bag fits a standard box fan, and its nylon webbing design protects it from horses that like to nibble. Simply place the fan inside the bag, and hang outside your horse’s stall with the attached loop snaps for a secure breeze to keep your horse cool. (Learn about other keep-cool products in “Creatively Cool,” beginning on page 57.)

Bonus: It’s easy to store in your trailer and use during summertime horse shows and other trips away from home.

To keep my longe-line whips from disappearing around the barn, I attached a piece of PVC pipe to my arena fence using hose clamps. Now I can store my whips in one spot at all times and have them when I need to longe.

Amanda White, Texas Send your Solutions, along with your name and home state, to HorseandRider@aimmedia.com.

Barn-Fan Safety Fan Motor

Keep Clean

Electrical Cord

Industrial Fan

If you keep fans in the barn, choose those with fully enclosed motors to keep dust out. Dust that collects on the motor can result in a fire.

Thoroughly clean your stall fans once a week with a blower or vacuum to reduce dust build-up that recirculates through the air.

Ensure that your horse can’t reach or chew on fan cords— or any other electrical cords.

Use zip-ties to hold loose cords out of reach.

Shopping for a new fan?

Look for an industrial-use one that comes with thermal control and shuts off if the fan gets too hot.

28 HorseandRider.com June 2017

“Hassle-Free Fan Bag” photo by Nichole Chirico

As temperatures rise, your barn fans go to work. Avoid hazardous situations by using these tips.

YourHorse YourLife

HORSEKEEPING

Q&A: Feed-Through Fly Control Here’s what you need to know about feed-through products that break the life cycle of those pesky flies.

F

or this Q&A, we directed questions to David Turoff, DVM, owner of Foothill Mobile Veterinary Service in Placerville, California (foothill mobilevet.com), and board member with the Equitarian Initiative (helping working horses, donkeys, and mules worldwide; equitarianinitiative.org).

How can I control flies around my barn?

No one method will work alone, but the most important effort is to practice good facility hygiene to minimize damp bedding and manure. Other elements include passive fly traps and paper, the use of surface-applied poison sprays such as pyrethrum, fly-predator wasps distributed on breeding areas, and feed-through insect-growth regulators (IGRs).

Each of your horses must receive his feed-through fly-control pellets daily. IGRs (insectgrowth regulators) interfere with fly larvae’s ability to develop chitin, or “skin.”

What are IGRs? Two are in common use, diflubenzuron and cyromazine. Both work by inhibiting the formation of chitin, the primary structural component of the cuticle (“skin”) of the fly larvae. Both have been shown to work well as long as the program begins at the start of fly season and the product is reliably given every day.

Examples…

Combining Fly-Control Strategies Like all fly-control methods, IGRs aren’t 100-percent effective, so you should consider using passive traps and flypaper along with them. Pyrethrum sprays labeled for use on surfaces and on horses are also safe to use concurrently. IGRs shouldn’t be used at the same time as fly-predator wasps, however, because the IGRs will kill the developing wasps as well.

…of feed-through fly-control products: ▶ Solitude IGR, by Zoetis (zoetisus.com). ▶ SimpliFly and Equitrol II, by Farnam (farnam.com). ...plus two natural, non-chemical products: ▶ Buggzo, by Horse Tech (horsetech.com). ▶ SmartBug-Off Pellets, by SmartPak (smartpak.com). …the Editors

Are IGRs safe?

FDA safety studies showed no real potential for toxicity to any species other than insects, and there have been no documented reports of toxicity since, in the decades they’ve been in use. This makes sense, because only insects have chitin.

Do IGRs have any disadvantages?

They can be expensive, and they must be given individually to every horse every day. Also, they won’t prevent the development of flies breeding anywhere other than where horses deposit manure. IGRs may also kill dung beetles, which are partially responsible for biodegradation of manure, although there’s conflicting evidence about this. In any event, dung beetles are already killed by residual ivermectin (a commonly used dewormer) in horse manure.

HorseandRider.com

Learn more with “Fly-Control Battle Plan.”

30 HorseandRider.com June 2017

Photo by Nichole Chirico

Why are there so many flies at horse facilities?

This may seem like an obvious question, but the reasons are important to the issue of fly control. Flies breed and proliferate wherever there’s warmth, moisture, and decaying organic matter. The species most at issue around horses in North America are the common house fly (Musca domestica), stable fly (Stomoxys calcitrans), and horn fly (Haematobia irritans).

Safer for all riders

Tethers rein to saddle !

No tangling in horses legs

No more lost reins!

A

ll riders fear losing the reins. Whether you drop them or they get yanked from you, if you lose the reins you lose control of your horse. Even worse, if you lose the reins, they may get tangled in your horse’s legs.

Made of a durable and waterproof polypropylene, BOOMA attaches with a carabiner O-ring (included) for trail riding, training or everyday riding or directly to the rein for calf roping, barrel racing and other high-intensity riding.

Tethers your reins to your saddle That’s why we created BOOMA, the flexible rein keeper. BOOMA tethers your reins to the pommel/ swell on the saddle, so no matter what, they’re always within reach. And, with BOOMA, the reins can’t slip over the head of the horse.

A safer, smarter way to ride No matter who you are or what type of riding you do, a BOOMA rein keeper will make your ride safer, more convenient and more enjoyable, and you’ll always have peace of mind knowing you can’t lose the reins!

BOOMA Rein is fully adjustable

Won’t restrict horse BOOMA is made of a flexible material, so the horse can lower its head to eat or drink without restriction.

“I LOVE my Booma Rein! I won’t let the kids or anyone ride without it. It is easy to use and keeps you from losing your reins. I feel so much safer riding with it.”

– Gwenn W. Aspen

And, BOOMA is adjustable, so it will fit any horse and accommodate any rider.

“Love it! Taking pictures, etc., I don’t have to worry about reins. Grandkids use mine and never have to worry about dropping reins.”

– Robin Camenzind

Available online at boomarein.com or your local tack store

100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE We call it the BOOMA “Ride Free” Guarantee – If BOOMA isn’t everything we promised, we’ll buy it back, no questions asked.

Reins are always accessible

851-238th Rd, Milford, NE 68405 molly@boomarein.com 402.440.5108

“As a cattleman moving cattle or fixing fence on horseback, there are several scenarios where I have to open gates on the run or dismount to catch a calf, and the Booma Rein becomes a lifesaver by keeping reins in the proper place.”

– Patrick L. Kroese

YourHorse YourLife

ST YLE STYLE TIP: COWBOY-HAT CARE

Versatile Show Clothing Pare down your wardrobe budget by choosing one well-made, perfectly fitted top to wear in multiple classes. For example, choose a jacket, like the one above ($129.98; hobbyhorseinc .com), for your morning halter and showmanship classes, then throw your chaps on and wear it for your afternoon riding classes. Tuck in the jacket, add a belt, and you’re ready for horsemanship.

Hit the trail in style—without sacrificing comfort—with this saddle from Circle Y.

Good-Looking Gear for Trails

The item: Nova Flex2 Plus Saddle by Circle Y. The details: This saddle offers comfort for both you and your horse when you’re riding all day. The cushioned stirrup treads provide comfort for you, while the gel bar pads built into the saddle’s skirt create additional shock absorption for your horse. Between the large dees underneath the conchos and the latigo tie-straps, you should have no problem carrying all the gear you need for a successful ride.

Bonus: The handy hoof-pick holder on the cantle keeps your hoof pick—which doubles as a screwdriver—close by.

More info: $2,150; circley.com.

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Step 1: Brush dirt and dust off your hat with a soft horsehair brush.

Always use dark bristles with dark hats, and light bristles with light hats.

Step 2: Gently pat your hat with tape to help pull off any lint or hair that remains on your hat after you brush it.

Denim for Him For the guy who loves a modernlooking jean, the Wayne jean

by Kimes Ranch ($99; kimes ranch .com) provides the comfort he needs when he’s riding, but offers a fashion-forward look with its low-rise, slimfit design. This sleek jean uses stretch denim to keep him moving comfortably all day, and it also offers a straight-leg opening that fits perfectly over a pair of cowboy boots.

Step 3: Keep your hat in perfect condition by using a hat can to protect the shape of the crown and brim of your hat.

Summer Tip: Don’t leave your hat in your trailer or barn this summer. Opt for a controlled climate instead (like your house). Heat and humidity can cause your hat to lose its shape faster.

(If you’re in the market for a new hat, read “Your Best Hat” on Horseand Rider.com.)

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Practice Pen PRIVATE LESSON

Back-Through Gate Try a new approach to a familiar trail obstacle.

By Murray Griggs and Jill Newcomb, With Jennifer Paulson Photos by Jennifer Paulson

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f you’ve competed in a trail class, then you’ve navigated this familiar rope-gate obstacle. Whether you’re maneuvering from the left or right, it’s something you and your horse can handle. (If not, visit Horse andRider.com this month for trail-gate tips to master before trying this exercise.)

We’ve noticed a trend recently where patterns require that exhibitors work a gate by backing through the standards. We saw it at the 2016 All American Quarter Horse Congress and other shows following. Would you be ready if a judge sprang this on you at your next show? With these tips, we’re sure you’ll ace it.

Use a bit your horse responds to, and begin with two hands on the reins. You can advance to one-handed riding once you’re comfortable. (Jill goes back and forth in these photos because it’s the horse’s first time backing through a gate.) Work slowly. This will give the horse a new perspective that he’s not accustomed to, which can rattle his confidence. →

June 2017 HorseandRider.com 35

Practice Pen PRIVATE LESSON

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In these photos, Jill handles the rope as she works the gate; however, when you’re first attempting a back-through gate, leave the rope unlatched so you can focus on your horse’s position. Once you master that, add the rope to the equation.

Getting your horse set up for the obstacle is the most important part for successful navigation. Carefully read the pattern to see which end of the gate you should approach. Line up your horse parallel to the gate standards, close enough that you can reach the rope, but not so close that your horse will hit a standard.

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Ride your horse forward a few steps, so that his hind end is centered

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between the gate’s standards. When practicing, pause here to think about your next step and prepare your horse.

Keep him straight from nose to tail so that he doesn’t anticipate your next cue to move his hindquarters perpendicular to the standards.

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Lift your rein hand to block your horse’s forward motion, and use left-leg pressure to move his hindquarters to the right and into position.

(Use right-leg pressure if moving his hips to the left.) You’re asking for a turn on the forehand, so his front end stays in place and his hind end moves around his front end. Take

one step at a time, and keep an eye on the position of his hindquarters by looking over your right shoulder. Th is will help your horse stay balanced.

Note that when teaching your horse this maneuver, as Jill is here, you can lift your hand higher than you would when showing. In competition, keep your cues as imperceptible as possible.

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Continue moving your horse’s hindquarters, step by step, until he’s straight between the standards.

Stopping squarely sets you up for a straight backup. When you’re schooling at home, pause with him standing quietly with his hind end between the

Practice Pen PRIVATE LESSON

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around his back feet. In this case, you’d move the horse’s front feet to his left.

Place your rein hand slightly forward, and use your right foot to move your horse’s front end to the left. Work slowly, step by step, and be sure your horse’s head won’t hit the standard as you turn. If there’s a chance he will, then you haven’t backed far enough— stop where you are, and start over.

8 standards to help build his confidence and enable him to become comfortable in the unfamiliar position.

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Slowly and quietly ask your horse to back through the gate standards.

It’s essential that you can confidently back a straight line before attempting this, or you’ll wind up frustrated and possibly scaring your horse. Ask for one step at a time, and offer praise as you go. In this photo, the horse’s head is too low, but he’s listening for Jill’s cues. Jill is letting him look around and get a feeling for where he is. In competition, his neck should be level with his withers.

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Continue backing on a straight path until the front of your horse’s chest has cleared the standards, then stop and pause to set him up for the next movement. Thoughtfully consider if there’s enough room for your horse’s head to clear the standard he’ll turn toward. If not, back a step or two more. As you practice this new way of working a gate, you can increase his pace when he backs through the gate and add fluidity between the steps.

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Begin a turn on the hindquarters to move your horse’s front feet

Complete the turn so your horse is parallel to the gate. You might need to walk forward a couple steps to reattach the rope to the standard (if you’re using it). Praise your horse for a job well done, and keep practicing at home so you’re ready when a pattern calls for this execution at a show.

Murray Griggs and Jill Newcomb combine their strengths as all-around trainers and experience as active judges to coach all-around riders and train their horses in San Marcos, California. They both grew up riding and competing and have earned top titles themselves in various events, as well as coaching champions. Learn more at jilland murrayshowhorses.com.

FLOWER POWERED

The incredibly effective fly control ingredient in Pyranha® WIPE N’ SPRAY™ comes from the Chrysanthemum flower, offering you proven protection the way nature intended.

Use it on your horses.

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Practice Pen BOB AVILA’S WINNING INSIGHTS

The Finer Points of Fencing Use this schooling technique for the right reasons and in the correct way to improve your horse’s rundown and stop.

a better stop. Here I’ll explain my goals when it comes to fencing. Compare my thoughts with your fencing practices to see what you should change so you get the most out of this drill.

Goal #1: Straightness

By Bob Avila, With Jennifer Paulson Photos by Marc Laxineta, DVM

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rue or false: Fencing a reining horse—that is, running him toward a safe fence and letting the barrier influence where he stops—only works on his stop. I bet even some active reiners will answer incorrectly.

That statement is false. The purpose of fencing is to school the horse’s rundown—his approach to the stop. It’s where you work on running straight and free, building speed rather than bolting, and “running long” (as opposed to stopping too soon). These elements combine to set the horse up for

A horse that runs straight stops straight. Without straightness, your horse can’t stop to his full potential.

When I fence a horse, I guide him on the straightest path possible. Before I lope off down the pen, I pick a spot to lope to and then guide him on that straight line. This straightness enables him to stop squarely on his hind end. If your horse veers to the left during his rundown, for example, when you say “whoa,” his left front leg will hit the ground first.

Your horse is pulling to the left, thus putting more weight on his left front foot. He can’t stop squarely on his hind end in that position.

Encourage straightness by looking ahead, eyes up, shoulders and hips

square. Your own tendencies to lean in the saddle can cause your horse’s problems. If it’s your horse that pulls in one direction or drops his shoulder, counter his leaning by overcorrecting him. For example, when you feel him lean left, pick him up and go far to the right. When he’s straight, leave him alone.

Goal #2: No ‘Whoa’ In my program, “whoa” means go to the ground, now. This means I don’t say whoa when I’m fencing a horse, nor do I pull back on the reins to make him stop. I run him from one end of the arena to the other, building speed as we go (see Goal #3), and let him stop on his own. Some horses stop 20 to 30 feet away from the fence and slide right up to it. Others run up to the fence and have a short slide. This method lets them find their balance point.

Letting a horse stop where he’s comfortable also helps keep him “running long,” meaning he doesn’t anticipate

This frame-by-frame image shows my horse approaching the fence and going to the ground to stop where he’s comfortable. He’s

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Overtraining Caution You can overdo it with fencing. Every horse accepts and adapts to fencing differently, so be sure to treat each horse as an individual . I have horses that hate fencing, so we don’t do it. Others—like the gray horse shown here—are so smooth that I could drink a cup of coffee while fencing. Don’t let fencing become a source of anxiety for your horse. It’s supposed to help him relax in his rundowns (see Goal #4).

On that same note, be cautious when fencing at a horse show. Getting into a wreck in a busy warm-up pen because you choose to fence at the wrong time builds your horse’s anxiety—or worse! Be mindful, and keep it calm and easy.

the stop cue early in the rundown and instead waits on you.

Goal #3: Steady Speed Increase You’ve probably seen plenty of horses that go from zero to 100 in half a second in their rundowns. That blastoff effect isn’t what you’re going for. A horse that takes off in that manner isn’t properly set up to stop, so he’s destined to fail from the beginning. Fencing can help prevent this problem or fix it.

Lope off and steadily build speed.

Think of it like a gradually rising line

on a graph. Continue to build without slowing down until your horse stops.

Reducing speed requires your horse to put weight on his front end. So if he’s slowing down as he approaches his stop, he won’t be able to get underneath himself for a solid stop. Instead, he’ll slam onto his front end.

Goal #4: Relaxation When you’re nervous, anxious, or really focused, do you sometimes forget to breathe? Your horse does, too. He gets so tuned into you and what you want, that the slightest move in the

A multiple AQHA world champion, Avila has also won three NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurities, the NRHA Futurity, and two World’s Greatest Horseman titles. He received the AQHA Professional Horseman of the Year honor. His Avila Training Stables, Inc., is in Temecula, California. Learn more at bobavila.net.

saddle can be interpreted as “STOP HERE NOW.” Which probably isn’t what you want. Fencing can help.

I move around in the saddle when I’m fencing—mostly posting as we lope down the pen. This helps my horse relax because he’s not looking for any tiny movement to signal that I want him to stop. Instead, he can breathe, build his speed, and stop where he’s comfortable. It helps both of us think about running better instead of the stop that comes at the end.

relaxed and straight through his body. You can see that my body position doesn’t change during the stop to keep him straight.

June 2017 HorseandRider.com 41

HORSE HEALTH AT ITS BEST! FORMULA4 FEET The World’s First Non-GM Hoof Supplement!

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How Formula4 Feet Transformed Sam This 23 year old Thoroughbred has had “bad feet” since he began training as a 2 year old. His horn quality was so poor that he only went to the races once and finished tailed off. He was then expelled as unfit for training, and for the next 8 years was used as a hack. He couldn’t even cope with that, as his time in training had left the pedal bones of both his front feet with peripheral demineralization, called pedal osteitis. He then suffered an extensive horn infection which required a large area of both front hoof capsules to be resected. Thereafter, he has remained fairly sound with careful, regular farriery attention. However, his hooves were never strong and his feet have always had a tendency to splay or flare over his shoes. His heels remained collapsed, despite being fed the then-leading hoof supplement every day for 13 years.

This product was replaced by Formula4 Feet in 2004; no other management or feeding changes were made.

After only two months of receiving Formula4 Feet, the farrier commented, “What have you done to this horse’s feet, they are much stronger to nail to and more “uptogether”. Farriers are not always easy to convince of the benefits of hoof supplements. Sam’s farrier made his complimentary remarks unaware of the recent change to Formula4 Feet.

The Natural Alternative

Evitex

Now Sam didn’t know Formula4 Feet was developed by the Director of the Laminitis Clinic and Dr. David Frape, the father of equine nutrition. Nor that it is made from entirely non-GM ingredients, nor that it was extensively researched at the University of Berlin (a world renowned keratin research institute), nor that every batch is tested by the world’s leading equine forensic laboratory before being offered for sale, nor that it contains unique ingredients which help protect him against insulin resistance. He wasn’t aware that it is the only product with four specific, powerful antioxidants, nutrients which help promote vasodilation and others having anti-inflammatory properties. All he knew was that it tasted a lot better than what was put in his feed previously. In fact, Sam is so keen on Formula4 Feet that he will eat it from the hand. He also realizes that when his farrier comes to visit him every 5 weeks, he can now, for the first time in his life, stay sound without shoes (he has been unshod for a year). Sam is now a happier horse, as his feet no longer hurt and his coat is always shiny.

He is fed no cereals, only feeds recommended by the Laminitis Trust, which he loves.

Before

®

After

Vitex has gained an outstanding reputation as a natural and effective way for maintaining the health of horses’ hormonal systems, by supporting the normal function of the pituitary gland, which is the “conductor of the hormonal orchestra”.

It governs metabolic rate, digestion, reproduction, behavior, growth and ageing. Evitex may help with normal shedding, drinking, normal sweating, healthy muscle tone and overall appearance. Ongoing research shows the many benefits of chasteberry for healthy pituitary, hormone levels and supporting glucose metabolism in horses and dogs.

For information, please visit

www.whitehavenfarm.com

or call 508.529.3384 • 508.478.4943

Practice Pen CONFORMATION CLINIC

Evaluate and place these aged performance Quarter Horse geldings. Then see how your choices compare to our expert judge’s.

John Pipkin An approved judge for more than 20 years, John Pipkin holds judge’s cards with the AQHA, APHA, NRHA, NSBA, NRCHA, and WCHA. He’s judged more than 430 shows in 11 countries and 33 states, including eight AQHA World Shows; four APHA World Shows; three International Championships; and other major AQHA, APHA, NRHA, and NSBA shows. He’s the Director of the Equine Industry Program and a Regents Professor of Animal Science at West Texas A&M University where his duties include coaching the horse judging team and supervising the equestrian and stock horse teams, in addition to teaching, research, and administrative responsibilities.

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evaluate for conformation using the four categories of balance, structure, breed and sex characteristics, and muscling. Age and gender affect some of those qualities, and geldings still need to be attractive through the head and neck, with the head reflecting their breed. From a functional standpoint, a horse should display balance and structural correctness to do his job, stay sound, and not interfere with himself when moving. Muscling needs to be adequate for the job, as well.

When I first look at a class, overall attractiveness stands out. With a trained eye, the horses that qualify as attractive at first glance are usually those that are a good combination of balance, correctness, breed and sex characteristics, and muscling. A poorly balanced or structurally incorrect horse, even if attractive through the head and neck, won’t be as attractive as a well-rounded, positive combination of the four qualities.

I start my assessment at the shoulder, as it has tremendous bearing on function, balance, structure, and how the horse’s head and neck attach to the body. I then move my eyes from head to tail, top to bottom, and work down front and hind limbs. Though I can’t walk around the horses here, I judge them the best I can from one side. →

For a more detailed guide that’ll help you master Conformation Clinic, see “Decoding Conformation Clinic” at HorseandRider.com.

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Practice Pen CONFORMATION CLINIC

First: Gelding A

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his gelding has, overall, the most positive combination of balance, structural correctness, breed and sex characteristics, and muscling in this class.

When divided into thirds from head to tail, he’s the most proportionate here.

His topline is smooth and slightly higher at the withers than at the croup.

His back maintains strength behind the withers, with no dramatic drop off, and through his loins. His head shows quality,

with a well-placed eye, flat profile, and refined muzzle, and his trim neck is a good length and ties in high to his chest.

His shoulders are of adequate length and slope, and comparable to his hip angle and length. He’s well balanced top to bottom, too, with the depth through his heartgirth and length of his legs proportionate. His knees and hocks are level, and his front pasterns match his shoulder angle well. His hock has a good

angle, with a plumb line that would fall from his tailhead through the back of his hocks down the back of his cannons to the ground. He’s adequately muscled.

Second: Gelding C

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his gelding has good muscle volume, more than Gelding A, but he’s not as proportionate when divided into thirds, with his front end looking heavier than his hind end. He’s also not as level through his topline—he’s a little long through the loins and drops off more than ideal behind his withers. His hocks are slightly higher than his knees, too, which won’t help him bring his hind legs underneath himself.

His shoulder angle is acceptable, but appears steep because of how his neck ties in very low to his chest. His neck is quite thick, and lacks the flexibility of Gelding A’s. His front legs appear functional, and though his shoulders and front pasterns are a bit steeper than Gelding A’s, their angles match, which is important for soundness.

He doesn’t have a lot of muscle carry down in his stifles, so his hind end looks

a little shorter than it might if he had more volume there. His hocks appear too straight, but he’s a bit stretched out, making them look less angled than ideal.

behind the withers. He’s the longest and weakest through his loins in this group. His hocks are also higher than his knees, making it difficult for him to gather and drive himself from behind.

His left front leg looks a little back at the knee. It doesn’t appear excessive, but it’s a possible concern for his soundness. His hind legs also show too much angle through the hocks. Standing as he

is, his right hind leg is too far back, and left hind leg is too far forward, but we’d still see too much angle if he were stood up better.

Third: Mare A

Third: Gelding B

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his gelding has a good shoulder angle, perhaps the best here, and a matching front pastern angle. He’s also trim through his throatlatch, and his neck ties in well to his chest. He also has the heaviest, best delineated muscling of these three geldings.

His overall balance, though, suffers from a long middle section and an uneven topline, which is higher at his croup than at his withers and drops off

To submit a photo of your horse to be evaluated in Conformation Clinic, send us a left-side profile photo of your horse (for digital photos: high-resolution, 300 dpi, in at least 3" x 5") to HorseandRider@aimmedia.com with your contact info and your horse’s breed, age, gender, and height. (We welcome all breeds!) Visit HorseandRider.com for additional instructions.

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Practice Pen TACK TALK

Do right by romal reins’ heritage by learning to use and care for them correctly.

Romal Reins Are you using (and pronouncing) this traditional piece of equipment correctly?

By Al Dunning, With Jennifer Paulson Photos by Charles Brooks

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he history of romal reins goes back to vaqueros who brought them to California from Mexico.

The design is rooted in function—the closed reins make it impossible to drop, unlike split reins, and the romal (or quirt-like extension) can be used to urge the horse forward instead of spurs. Traditional rawhide braiders 46

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such as Luis Ortega took making romal reins to new heights with their braiding technique, use of various hide types and colors, and silver elements.

From those traditional roots, romal reins found their way into the show pen, in everything from working cow horse (where the no-dropped-rein factor is imperative for fencework) to trail, Western riding, and now ranch riding.

Traditional tack has a way of giving the user an aura of expertise when used properly. Here I’ll discuss why romal reins are made with certain features, correct use, and proper care.

How It’s Made and Why Traditionally, romal reins are crafted of rawhide. But as braiders started to think outside the box and big manufacturers looked for cost-effective production practices, other materials entered

the fold. Now you can find romals made of everything from kangaroo hide to nylon and combinations of many different materials.

Romals attach to the bit in a variety of ways—snaps and leather ties are most common. These allow you to easily move your reins from one bit to another and to hang the romals straight when they’re not in use. If you choose snaps, beware that they can fail under pressure. To prevent that, I place small rubber bands around the snaps to keep them closed. I check and change the bands regularly, because they’ll rot, wear out, and break over time.

The buttons or ferrels you see at various places on the reins add style and eye appeal, but they serve a purpose.

The horse feels these knobs when they touch his neck, reinforcing a neck-rein cue. Another benefit of the romal rein:

Get It Right, Keep It Right Your horse has mastered techniques, but how do you keep him ready to compete without overtraining? Use these strategies for success.

By Jeffery Gibbs, With Abigail Boatwright Photos by Abigail Boatwright

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here’s a fine line between training until your horse masters a skill and overtraining. It may seem like the more you practice, the better your horse will be, but I’ve found that too much schooling has the opposite effect. Your horse will start anticipating your cues, resulting in undesirable behavior—or worse, penalties in the show pen. Young horses may lope off too soon. Seasoned horses may stop at every cone without being asked. You want to be in control of your horse during competition, but if the horse decides he knows best, you’ll find yourself out of the driver’s seat while your horse takes the wheel.

Horses are creatures of habit, and they learn from consistency—whether it’s intentional or not. If you always stop and turn at the same spot, your horse learns that’s what you want and will decide to do it next time all on his own. If you don’t switch it up a little bit, your horse can get too smart. →

Train? Yes. Overtrain?

No way. Keep your horse engaged, attentive, and happy—without overdoing it—by using these strategies.

June 2017 HorseandRider.com 49

2017 EVENT SCHEDULE June 9-11 3-Day Fundamentals Clinic Great Falls, MT

By adding more stop-andwait moments into your daily riding routine, your horse will be more likely to wait on you to deliver commands, instead of trying to beat you to the maneuver.

June 24-25 Walkabout Tour Monroe, WA June 27 - July 7 10-Day Colt Starting Clinic Stephenville, TX July 7-9 3-Day Fundamentals Clinic Lynden, WA July 22-23 Walkabout Tour Las Vegas, NV August 26-27 Walkabout Tour Lake St. Louis, MO September 8-10 3-Day Fundamentals Clinic Nampa, ID September 15-17 3-Day Fundamentals Clinic Eagle, CO October 20-21 Ranch Rally Stephenville, TX November 3-5 3-Day Trail Clinic Stephenville, TX November 10-20 10-Day Intermediate Clinic Stephenville, TX December 15-17 3-Day Fundamentals Clinic Hurricane, UT

www.downunderhorsemanship.com 50

HorseandRider.com June 2017

Here I’ll share five ways to train without overschooling. Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll be on your way to reaching your goals without burning out your horse.

Work on ‘wait.’ If your horse anticipates your next maneuver, stop and sit for a minute in between the moves.

Deep down, your horse’s anticipation could be taken as his attempt to give to you what you want before you ask.

By adding more stop-and-stand/wait moments in your daily riding routine, your horse will be more likely to wait

on your cue for maneuvers, instead of trying to beat you to it.

Consider your horse’s mindset.

Sometimes when you’re working hard preparing for a competition, you’ll find your horse just isn’t “getting it” for one technique or another. Consider the workload—your horse might be physically tired and unable do the maneuver correctly at that moment. When this happens, set that maneuver aside to work on the next time you ride. The same applies if your horse was doing the maneuver well earlier in your

similar to ice hockey in that regard.

Sometimes a hockey player needs to go on a 5-mile run; he doesn’t always practice on the ice. In the same way, some of your riding sessions should 54

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focus on your horse’s physical fitness.

Here’s a good exercise to promote physical fitness. Wrap your horse’s legs for protection from injury, and if your horse handles it well, put him in a

OSPHOS® (clodronate injection) Bisphosphonate For use in horses only.

Brief Summary (For Full Prescribing Information, see package insert) CAUTION: Federal (USA) law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.

DESCRIPTION: Clodronate disodium is a non-amino, chlorocontaining bisphosphonate. Chemically, clodronate disodium is (dichloromethylene) diphosphonic acid disodium salt and is manufactured from the tetrahydrate form.

INDICATION: For the control of clinical signs associated with navicular syndrome in horses.

CONTRAINDICATIONS: Horses with hypersensitivity to clodronate disodium should not receive OSPHOS. WARNINGS: Do not use in horses intended for human consumption.

controls the clinical signs associated with

NAVICULAR SYNDROME Easily Administered via intramuscular injection

Well Tolerated* in clinical trials

Proven Efficacy* at 6 months post treatment

No Reconstitution Required Learn more online

HUMAN WARNINGS: Not for human use. Keep this and all drugs out of the reach of children. Consult a physician in case of accidental human exposure.

PRECAUTIONS: As a class, bisphosphonates may be associated with gastrointestinal and renal toxicity. Sensitivity to drug associated adverse reactions varies with the individual patient.

Renal and gastrointestinal adverse reactions may be associated with plasma concentrations of the drug. Bisphosphonates are excreted by the kidney; therefore, conditions causing renal impairment may increase plasma bisphosphonate concentrations resulting in an increased risk for adverse reactions. Concurrent administration of other potentially nephrotoxic drugs should be approached with caution and renal function should be monitored. Use of bisphosphonates in patients with conditions or diseases affecting renal function is not recommended.

Administration of bisphosphonates has been associated with abdominal pain (colic), discomfort, and agitation in horses.

Clinical signs usually occur shortly after drug administration and may be associated with alterations in intestinal motility. In horses treated with OSPHOS these clinical signs usually began within 2 hours of treatment. Horses should be monitored for at least 2 hours following administration of OSPHOS. Bisphosphonates affect plasma concentrations of some minerals and electrolytes such as calcium, magnesium and potassium, immediately post-treatment, with effects lasting up to several hours. Caution should be used when administering bisphosphonates to horses with conditions affecting mineral or electrolyte homeostasis (e.g. hyperkalemic periodic paralysis, hypocalcemia, etc.).

The safe use of OSPHOS has not been evaluated in horses less than 4 years of age. The effect of bisphosphonates on the skeleton of growing horses has not been studied; however, bisphosphonates inhibit osteoclast activity which impacts bone turnover and may affect bone growth.

Bisphosphonates should not be used in pregnant or lactating mares, or mares intended for breeding. The safe use of OSPHOS has not been evaluated in breeding horses or pregnant or lactating mares. Bisphosphonates are incorporated into the bone matrix, from where they are gradually released over periods of months to years. The extent of bisphosphonate incorporation into adult bone, and hence, the amount available for release back into the systemic circulation, is directly related to the total dose and duration of bisphosphonate use. Bisphosphonates have been shown to cause fetal developmental abnormalities in laboratory animals. The uptake of bisphosphonates into fetal bone may be greater than into maternal bone creating a possible risk for skeletal or other abnormalities in the fetus. Many drugs, including bisphosphonates, may be excreted in milk and may be absorbed by nursing animals.

Increased bone fragility has been observed in animals treated with bisphosphonates at high doses or for long periods of time.

Bisphosphonates inhibit bone resorption and decrease bone turnover which may lead to an inability to repair micro damage within the bone. In humans, atypical femur fractures have been reported in patients on long term bisphosphonate therapy; however, a causal relationship has not been established.

ADVERSE REACTIONS: The most common adverse reactions reported in the field study were clinical signs of discomfort or nervousness, colic and/or pawing. Other signs reported were lip licking, yawning, head shaking, injection site swelling, and hives/pruritus.

www.dechra-us.com www.osphos.com As with all drugs, side effects may occur. In field studies, the most common side effects reported were signs of discomfort or nervousness, colic, and/or pawing. OSPHOS should not be used in pregnant or lactating mares, or mares intended for breeding.

Use of OSPHOS in patients with conditions affecting renal function or mineral or electrolyte homeostasis is not recommended.

Refer to the prescribing information for complete details or visit www.dechra-us.com or call 866.933.2472.

CAUTION: Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of licensed veterinarian. * Freedom of Information Summary, Original New Animal Drug Application, NADA 141-427, for OSPHOS. April 28, 2014.

Dechra Veterinary Products US and the Dechra D logo are registered trademarks of Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC. © 2016 Dechra Ltd.

Distributed by: Dechra Veterinary Products 7015 College Boulevard, Suite 525 Overland Park, KS 66211 866-933-2472 © 2016 Dechra Ltd. OSPHOS is a registered trademark of Dechra Ltd. All rights reserved.

NADA 141-427, Approved by FDA

CREATIVELY

COOL Summer is here, and with it, intense sun and blazing temperatures. Cool your barn, arena, horse, and yourself with these innovative products designed to conquer the heat.

By Jennifer von Geldern

AH, SUMMER! We love the long hours of daylight and balmy evenings that give us ample opportunities to ride and spend time with our horses. But it doesn’t come without a price: We must endure sun exposure, heat, and humidity. Summer extremes can be not only uncomfortable, but downright miserable and even dangerous. Keeping yourself and your horses cool can become a matter of more than comfort—it can keep you safe and healthy, too.

Here we examine products designed to keep summers at the barn, on the trail, and at the horse shows cool. These creations make use of novel concepts, cutting-edge materials, and top-quality craftsmanship. Check them out so you and your horse can enjoy the best of summer. →

June 2017 HorseandRider.com 57

COOLER INDOOR RIDE The product: AirVolution-D 780 Fan by MacroAir, distributed

by Innovative Equine Systems.

The claim: Innovative Equine Systems’ new line of MacroAir barn and arena fans delivers the cooling breeze your horses need during warmer months without the noise of some fans. Proper air circulation helps keep barn aisles and indoor and covered arenas cooler during the hottest times of the day, and keeps airflow fresh during any season.

Not to mention keeping horses, riders, and spectators comfortable.

Inside scoop: MacroAir fans are available in diameters ranging from 43 inches up to this massive 24-foot version (shown above). The direct-drive motors have no gears, making them 100-percent maintenance-free, and they’re easy to wash down when they get dusty.

More info: Starting at $7,900; equinesystems .com.

58

COMPLETEBODY COOLING The product: Equine Deluxe Instant Cooling Body Wrap by Equi Cool Down, Inc. Details: Equi Cool Down has taken their popular Equine Body Wrap and super-sized it, covering more of your horse’s body for more complete cooling. Taking the original design (made to fit horses up to 18 hands), they’ve increased the body portion from 60-by-63 inches to 67-by-82 inches and added a chest flap and a removable belly flap. Activate the cooling mechanism by spraying the wrap with water. The wrap contains no gel, beads, crystals, or frozen inserts; plus no electricity is needed. The wrap gently cools affected areas, eliminating the risk of tissue damage from extreme cold.

Inside scoop: This patented product won a 2015 BETA Innovative Product Award and a 2016 Nation’s Cup Innovative Product Award. The versatile “one-size-fits-most” design is achieved using flexible and adjustable leg and chest straps, which also keep the body wrap in place while allowing the horse to move freely. The wrap is safe to place directly on your horse, and if it gets dirty, cleaning is easy. Simply hose it down, hand-wash the wrap, or put it in a washing machine with mild detergent.

More info: $219.99; equicooldown.com.

HorseandRider.com June 2017

SPLASH SOLUTION The product: Aqua Shield Wrist Wrap by Cashel.

Details: This is one of those little items that makes a big difference! This product solves the annoying problem of water running down your arm and soaking your clothes while bathing your horse. The handy little foam cuff with a hook-and-loop closure wraps around your wrist and keeps water away from your body, which makes hosing down a horse less messy.

Inside scoop: The flexible foam cuff is easy to apply to your wrist and stays in place while wet. Its 2.5-inch width won’t interfere with the business of bathing or cooling off the horse, but will keep you from soaking yourself and your clothes.

More info: $8.99; cashelcompany.com. →

COOL FIT, COOL FASHION The product: The Ultimate Riding Jean with Cool Vantage by Wrangler.

Details: These boot-cut jeans fit like the regular Ultimate Riding Jean, but keep you cool, dry, and comfortable. The breathable denim features exclusive sweat-control technology that wicks sweat five times faster, pulling moisture to the outside where it dries faster. The classic five-pocket styling with a midrise and a zipper fly and button closure makes them a familiar favorite. They also feature a no-gap waistband, flat seams, angled watch pocket, two front scoop pockets, and hip pockets with embroidery.

Inside scoop: These jeans are machine-washable, 11.75-ounce denim made from 75 percent cotton, 23 percent polyester, and 2 percent spandex. Choose from washes in medium blue and two shades of dark blue. These jeans offer advanced sizing options including a waist and inseam measurement, and run small compared to other Wrangler items. Choose a size up from what you typically order.

More info: $58.00; wrangler.com.

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HorseandRider.com June 2017

BLAZE TAMER The product: Equestrian Endurance Visor from Da Brim.

Details: With stylish curves and a flattering design, this Equestrian Endurance helmet visor not only provides fantastic sun protection, but is also a fashion statement. Perfect for a long trail ride or practicing in an outdoor ring, it attaches to your helmet quickly and easily without modification to your helmet or sticky adhesives.

It stays secure, even at a gallop, but is also easy to remove and store in a pocket or pouch. Plus the visor doesn’t inhibit your helmet’s airflow.

Inside scoop: This visor has a reinforced brim edge for stability and offers UPF50+ sun protection. Its water-resistant materials keep rain off your shoulders and neck during rainy-day rides, too. It works with virtually any equestrian helmet and includes a pocket for use with helmets featuring non-removable visors. Colors available include midnight black, silvery gray, Texas tan, orange, and chocolate brown.

More info: $44.95; dabrim.com.

COOL UNDER SADDLE The product: Comfort-Fit SMx AirRide Saddle Pad by Professional’s Choice.

Details: Developed for the horse’s back, this saddle pad is contoured to follow the natural curve of the equine spine.

As a result, the pad locks in place on your horse’s back, allowing full range of motion. It provides added breathability and shock absorption for his protection and comfort. The SMx Air Ride core’s natural cooling system lowers your horse’s body temperature and slows his rate of fatigue.

Inside scoop: The SMx Air Ride core is made of a unique material found in artificialturf fields, and the pad offers a choice between an all-natural felt or fleece bottom, which will keep your horse cool by wicking away sweat and moisture.

More info: $203.95; profchoice.com. →

2017

SPECIAL EVENT WEEKENDS April 13 – 16: Spring Fling Ride (3 night minimum)

Hoosier National Forest • Horseman’s Campground

• Band on Sat night, meals optional.

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May 7: Kentucky Derby Weekend (2 night minimum) May 26 – 29: Memorial Weekend Ride (3 night minimum) • Band on Sat night, meals optional.

June 8 – 11: Christian Trail Riders Retreat • Dr. Lew Sterrett speaker/ clinician

June 24: Wine Festival Weekend (2 night minimum) • 2 bands/ 6 wineries

September 1 – 4: Labor Day Weekend (3 night minimum) • Band on Sat night, meals optional.

October 6 – 8: Bluegrass & Brewskies Weekend • Open Camping (2 night minimum) • Bluegrass band on Sat/ Craft beer tasting

October 11 – 15: Fall Colors Ride (4 night minimum) • Band on Sat/ meals optional

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HIGHTECH PROTECTION The product: Ariat Rebar Sunstopper.

Details: This work/play shirt offers an athletic cut designed to work hard.

The durable Sunstopper has built-in sun protection, mesh panels for ventilation, and moisture-wicking properties to keep you drier. VentTEK technology features body mapping to enable airflow and regulate body temperature. Underarm gussets allow maximum range of motion, and stain-release technology helps for easy washing.

Inside scoop: You’ll appreciate the heavy-duty, reinforced chest pockets; a longer shirt tail to stay tucked in; Moisture Movement Technology that keeps you drier; and SPF finish for protection from ultraviolet rays. Choose from short-sleeve or long-sleeve styles, sizes S through 2XL, in brindle, navy, and lime colors.

More info: $34.95 for short-sleeve; $39.95 for long-sleeve; ariat.com.

HorseandRider.com Get more tips to beat the blaze in “Keep Your Horse Cool in the Summer Heat.”

62

COOL, MISTING BREEZES The product: Oscillating Fan #EZ 224-12-1075 by EZ-Cool Company, Inc. Details: Keeping horses cool and comfortable while stabled is easier with this powerful, 24-inch fan. Mount it on one stall or between two for oscillating coverage. A nozzled ring emits a fine water-vapor mist into the airflow to bring temperatures down quickly. The fan uses a highpressure evaporative cooling system, so bedding stays dry.

The deep-shrouded housing helps throw more air in the intended direction for more efficient cooling.

Inside scoop: This fan has a 24-inch diameter, ½-horsepower motor, and a stainless-steel misting ring with five nozzles that operates from an attached pump system.

More info: Fans start at $799; misting kits start at $160; ez-cool.com.

COOL, CHIC COVERAGE The product: Ice Fil Full-Zip Jacket by Kerrits Performance Equestrian Apparel.

Details: A jacket in the heat? Yes! This jacket, made of Kerrits’ proprietary Ice Fil fabrics that offer sun protection, is the coolest around—it can cool your skin up to five degrees.

Plus the sophisticated, heathered, moisture-wicking, breathable fabric has enough substance for a no-reveal appearance.

Inside scoop: This lightweight jacket is made from 30+UPF Ice Fil fabric to keep you cool while shielding you from the sun’s harmful rays. A full zipper allows you to put this jacket on or take it off without removing your hat or helmet. Sporty, colorful Kerrits logos down the sleeves and a hidden-inseam zip pocket on the right side are bonuses.

Available in sizes XS through 2XL in graphite, bluestone, sorbet, and marina colors.

More info: $69.00; kerrits.com.

HorseandRider.com June 2017

There are approximately 170,000

horses in transition in the United States. Through A Home for Every Horse and the over 600 rescues involved, horses are given a second chance.

Cactus was one of 59 malnourished and mistreated horses rescued from hardship and brought to Colorado in 2015. Thanks to the help of rescue workers and volunteers, Cactus and his friends all were given a second chance at a happy life. Cactus is now thriving in his new home, where not only is he a great riding horse, but a wonderful new member to their family.

Horses in transition, like Cactus, deserve a second chance.

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Hot-Weather

Trail Hazards Learn how to avoid four hot-weather trail hazards, and what to do should a heat-related emergency arise.

By Heather Smith Thomas

S

ummer means you’re enjoying long trail rides, and maybe competing in endurance rides or competitive trail rides. Before you go, ensure that your horse won’t become overheated or dehydrated, conditions that can lead to serious health consequences.

Here, I’ll explain how to head off four hot-weather hazards: 1) on-trail crisis, 2) overheating, 3) dehydration, and 4) heatindex risks. For each hazard, I’ll tell you how to avoid it and why this works, then give you on-trail techniques and an expert tip.

Next, I’ll outline signs of heat stress/dehydration. Finally, I’ll explain the immediate steps to take if your horse becomes overheated/dehydrated despite your best efforts.

Even if trail riding isn’t your summer activity, you’ll want to read on. Each of these hazards can arise in arena riding and competition, too.

Hazard #1: On-Trail Crisis How to avoid it: Know your horse.

Here’s why: If you know what’s normal for your horse by taking his vital signs when he’s cool and at rest, you’ll know when there are any changes signifying that something is wrong.

A horse’s vital signs are his temperature, pulse (heart rate), and respiration rates (TPR), plus the appearance of his mucous membranes (gums), his hydration level, his capillary-refill time, and his gut sounds.

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The normal body temperature for horses is 98 to 101 degrees Fahrenheit.

Normal resting pulse is 30 to 40 beats per minute. Normal respiration is eight to 20 breaths per minute. His mucous membranes should be pink and shiny rather than dry and pale.

Check for dehydration by pinching a fold of skin at the point of your horse’s shoulder. (Skin becomes less elastic due to fluid loss in underlying tissues.)

The pinched-up fold should snap back immediately.

Your horse’s capillary-refill time also indicates his hydration level. To perform this check, press your thumb against his gum, pressing blood out of that spot. Then lift your thumb, and count how many seconds it takes for the gum color to return to normal.

It shouldn’t take longer than 1 to 2 seconds.

To check your horse’s gut sounds, hold a stethoscope over his abdomen in several places. You should hear the gurgles and growls of a normal equine gut.

(For more details on how to check your horse’s vital signs, go to Horseand Rider.com.)

On-trail techniques: Be alert to any sign of overheating or heat stress before it becomes a crisis. Tune in to your horse’s subtle signs of fatigue, such as a hesitancy to move out or a slowing of his gaits. Check his vital signs to learn the difference between simple fatigue and overheating or dehydration.

As the weather warms, go on a short trail ride on a hot day. Check your horse’s vital signs immediately afterward, then again 10 to 15 minutes later, Photo by Heidi Melocco

This summer, before you go on a trail ride, school your horse in the the arena, or compete, take the right steps to ensure he doesn’t become overheated or dehydrated with this expert advice.

June 2017 HorseandRider.com 65

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• Use sunscreen on any exposed skin.

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so you can gauge how quickly he recovers. His vitals should start dropping to his normal rates within this time frame.

When you go on a longer trail ride in the summer heat, check your horse often to ensure that you’re not overworking him. If any one of his vital signs is elevated, or he has trouble catching his breath, stop in the shade, and allow him to recover.

Again, time how quickly your horse’s vital signs return to normal. If it takes longer than 10 to 15 minutes, he’s suffering from heat stress and/or dehydration. Call your veterinarian immediately, and take steps to cool down your horse. (See “Emergency Measures” on page 73.)

Expert tip: Sometimes, what you think will be an easy ride turns out to be more strenuous than you’d planned. To allow for this circumstance, pace your horse carefully throughout the ride so you don’t use him up too much in the beginning.

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Hazard #2: Overheating How to avoid it: Know how to keep your horse cool.

Here’s why: Any factors that inhibit your horse’s ability to cool himself may lead to overheating, such as any residual winter coat or a larger body mass (whether due to fat insulation or heavy muscles). Of course, any horse can become overheated while carrying June 2017 HorseandRider.com 67

a rider on a hot, sunny day.

Your horse cools himself by moving heat to the surface of his skin via his bloodstream to be cooled by the outside air. When it’s too hot to cool himself this way, he cools himself with evaporative cooling via sweating. As sweat evaporates, the water molecules release the heat and energy into the air, cooling him down. Water and air movement aid the evaporative-cooling process.

On-trail techniques: Allow your horse to drink at every opportunity. Place a sponge in a mesh bag with a string.

Tie the sponge to your saddle. Whenever there’s water on the trail, use the sponge to apply water to his head, neck, shoulders, croup, jugular groove, and abdominal veins.

If your horse gets seriously overheated and there’s a stream, pond, or lake nearby, walk him into it as deeply as possible, while remaining on good footing. His lower legs don’t have much muscle, giving them increased

68

HorseandRider.com June 2017

exposure for cooling. While he’s standing in water, sponge his jugular and abdominal veins.

After your ride, walk your horse in the shade in a large circle, so the breeze can cool him on all sides. Sponge him with water, or hose him down. Make sure his vital signs are normal before you put him in his stall or pasture.

Check his vital signs again 15 minutes after you’ve put him away, and again 15 minutes later.

Expert tip: After a strenuous ride in hot weather, check your horse again a few hours later; he might be at risk for colic or laminitis after exerting in the heat.

Hazard #3: Dehydration How to avoid it: Keep your horse hydrated.

Here’s why: Excessive sweat leads to dehydration, which can lead to heat stress (also known as heat exhaustion or heat stroke). Your horse is especially at risk of heat stress if he’s out of shape or sweats due to nervous energy.

OPPOSITE-TOP: After a ride, remove all tack, put on a halter and lead rope, offer water, and encourage your horse to eat green grass.

On-trail techniques: Let your horse drink at every water source you come to so he can replenish lost fluid. The more he drinks, the more he adds to his fluid reserves, and the more urine he produces. Urine comes from the body core and brings a lot of heat with it.

When you stop for breaks, let your horse graze on green grass. The grass’ moisture and trace minerals can help keep him hydrated and replenish the minerals he’s losing through sweat.

Note that a desire to eat means he’s not likely in serious danger.

After your ride, let him drink his fill of water, either at the trailer or back at the barn.

Expert tip: When your horse sweats, he loses water and electrolytes (salt and other minerals vital to his body’s processes). Electrolyte supplements can

Photo by Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxx; Opposite photo by Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxxxx

replace this loss, but they also draw water from his body, so use them wisely.

Check with your veterinarian before giving your horse an electrolyte supplement. Generally, it’s best to avoid giving your dehydrated horse electrolytes; instead, provide ample salt at home.

Note that it’s easier for him to eat loose salt than block salt. Plain salt is best, especially in hot weather; otherwise, he might consume too much mineralized salt—some trace minerals can be harmful if he ingests too much.

To cool your hot horse, apply water to the inside of his legs and thighs, his jugular groove, and head with a hose or sponge.

Hazard #4: Heat-Index Risks How to avoid them: Pay attention to the heat index (the combination of heat and humidity) before you ride.

Here’s why: The heat index is the temperature your horse feels on his skin, rather than the air temperature. In a dry climate, your horse’s evaporative-cooling mechanism is efficient. But if the air is already full of moisture, his sweat can’t evaporate—it remains on his skin, holding heat. His body heats up even more, which triggers more sweating, leading to overheating and dehydration.

On-trail techniques: When it’s hot and humid, your horse can get in trouble even on a short ride, especially if he isn’t conditioned and you don’t take immediate steps to cool him down and rehydrate him.

Being saddled hinders cooling, as the air can’t reach the areas covered by tack. Lack of sufficient water to drink can add to the risk of heat stress.

If you live in a humid climate, determine the heat index before you plan to ride on a hot summer day. (Go to the National Weather Service’s Heat Index Calculator, weather.gov/epz/ wxcalc_heatindex.) If it’s in the danger zone, plan to ride another time.

To prevent problems during a heat wave, avoid strenuous rides in the middle of the day. Riding early in the morning is best; mornings usually aren’t as warm and humid as the afternoon and evening hours.

Expert tip: Heat stress is cumulative. If it’s 80 degrees Fahrenheit with 70 percent humidity all day, your horse can get in trouble by the end of the day even if he’s not working hard. → 70

HorseandRider.com June 2017

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Signs of Trouble Heat stress occurs when the combination of physical exertion and hot weather creates competing demands on your horse’s cooling system, and his body can’t stay within a safe temperature. Dehydration occurs when he depletes his fluid reserves. Both conditions are life-threatening.

Here are signs your horse is in heat stress and/or dehydrated, both under saddle and by his vital-sign readings.

If you detect any one of these signs in your horse, call your veterinarian immediately, and take steps to cool down your horse. (See “Emergency Measures” on page 73.)

Under-Saddle Danger Signs • Sudden fatigue. Slowing down, stumbling, or stopping, refusing to continue.

He may appear dull and listless.

• Lack of appetite. Loses interest in eating, even if there’s green grass available.

• Lack of sweat. Cessations of sweating

can signify anhidrosis (the inability to sweat when necessary), a serious condition. His skin will feel hot and dry.

• Erratic behavior. Restlessness, anxiety, and excitability or disorientation, due to effects on the brain from dehydration.

• Sunken eyes. Small and sunken eyes, due to wrinkling and lack of fluid in tissues around the eyes.

• Decreased urine output. Frequent urination is normal; otherwise, something is wrong. Keep track of urination frequency, noting the color and quantity. Extremely dark (coffeecolored) or bloody urine is usually a sign of muscle breakdown, with proteins being excreted in the urine.

• Myositis. Also known as azoturia, exertional rhabdomyolysis, and tying-up syndrome, this is a type of muscle inflammation. Your trail horse’s muscles may cramp due to heat stress, dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and/or energy depletion.

• Thumps. Also known as synchronous diaphragmatic flutter, this condition sometimes develops due to fatigue and dehydration. Signs include convulsive twitching or jerking of the flanks and abdomen in time with the heartbeat. This happens most frequently in a fatigued horse during or after a long ride. Spasms of the diaphragm muscle are triggered by an electrolyte imbalance—specifically, a decrease in calcium, potassium, and magnesium.

Danger-Zone Vital Signs • Elevated temperature. If your horse’s temperature is above 102 degrees F, he’s in heat stress. In a very tired horse, anal tone relaxes (and air may go in and out of the opening, making a flopping sound). This looseness may result in a reading that’s lower than your horse’s true temperature.

• Elevated pulse and respiration.

Your overheated horse’s pulse and res-

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piration rates will be elevated, but his pulse may be weak. This is an emergency situation; call your veterinarian immediately. Note that when your horse is exerting, his pulse rate is always higher than his respiration rate.

In the exhausted horse, the respiration rate may climb higher than the pulse.

If respiration stays higher, he may be in serious trouble.

• Abnormal gum color. Membranes in your horse’s mouth may be dark instead of their normal pink.

• Failed pinch test. Use the pinch test to check your horse’s hydration level. If the fold stays visible for 2 or 3 seconds before sinking back into place, he’s lost about 4 gallons of fluid (or about 3 percent of his body weight). If the fold remains for 6 to 10 seconds, he’s severely dehydrated.

• Slow capillary-refill time. Your horse is in distress if it takes more than 1 to 2 seconds for the pink color to return, or if his gums are gray instead of pink.

• Gut sounds. Digestion may shut down; there are no gurgling gut sounds when you listen to your horse’s abdomen.

Emergency Measures If your hot horse doesn’t cool down within 10 minutes, or his condition worsens, call your veterinarian immediately. Heat stress can endanger your horse’s life. While you wait for your vet, take these emergency measures to cool your overheated horse.

• Remove tack. Tack hinders your horse’s ability to cool himself.

• Move to the shade. Find or create shade to shield your horse from the sun’s rays.

• Offer water/green grass. Offer your horse as much cool water as he’ll drink, and allow him to graze.

• Apply cold water. If there’s any cool water available, apply it to the inside of your horse’s legs and thighs, his jugular groove, and head—any areas where large blood vessels are rapidly

bringing overheated blood to the body surface. Major blood vessels will stand out prominently in an effort to dissipate internal heat. Constantly scrape off the water to remove the heat from his skin. Avoid draping wet towels over his head and neck; towels act as insulation, retaining heat instead of dissipating it.

• Keep air moving. Manually fan your horse, or stand him in front of an electric fan.

• Walk him. After 30 minutes of cold-water cooling, walk your horse to promote blood flow to the skin and move the air around him to assist evaporation.

• Check his temperature. Keep checking your horse’s temperature so you can report his progress to your veterinarian.

HorseandRider.com Find an expert guide to hot-weather hauling.

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June 2017 HorseandRider.com 73

Problem 1.

Correct

Solvers

Smart Trail-Ride Prep Clinician Steve Stevens offers six checkpoints to test before you embark on any trail ride.

Produced and Photographed by Jennifer Paulson

Test six checkpoints, including lateral flexion, before embarking on a trail ride to ensure your safety and enjoyment.

Q

What’s a good, go-to pre-ride warm-up before my horse and I hit the trails? I’m looking for something that’ll show me he’s listening and focused, as well as ready for the physical challenge.

ANN RIDGEWAY, Vermont

A

Completing a solid warm-up routine with safety checkpoints is a great way to start any trail ride. I like to take it one step farther, and encourage riders to be sure that they can perform my routine in the confines of an arena before they ven-

ture out into wide-open spaces. Working in an arena first removes some of the anxiety and uncertainty that horses and riders can experience at a trailhead or other open area.

The first three of these six pre-ride checkpoints ensure that your brakes June 2017 HorseandRider.com 75

Problem 1.

Correct

Solvers

Lateral flexion at a standstill (shown on page 75) and in motion (at a working trot) allows for a soft response from your horse.

are ready when needed. The second three respect the horse’s natural instinct to move his feet when he’s unsure. But, most important, they let him move his feet in a way that keeps you safe rather than putting you in danger when he bucks, bolts, or rears.

Grouped together, they give you a reliable toolkit for anything you might encounter on a trail ride.

Checkpoint 1: Lateral Flexion The action: At a standstill, slide your hand down one rein, make light contact with your horse’s mouth, and bring your hand and rein back toward your knee. Hold in that position—but

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HorseandRider.com June 2017

don’t pull or jerk—until your horse gives to the pressure.

The benefit: This helps soften your horse’s response and is an easy way to encourage him to stop without too much pressure on his mouth. This is more of a benefit to you than your horse. It allows you to build your finesse and muscle memory when you must perform a one-rein stop in an emergency or when you’re practicing before a ride.

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Checkpoint 2: One-Rein Stop The action: You probably know the basics here. Start walking, sit deeply in your saddle, say “whoa.” If he doesn’t respond, slide your hand down your rein, make contact with your horse’s mouth, and bring your hand back to your knee. It’s just like Checkpoint 1,

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June 2017 HorseandRider.com 77

“Where Reading and Riding are always Cool!”

Problem 1.

Correct

Solvers

Sally Loves Horses!

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ABOVE: For a two-handed stop, sit deep to cue for a stop, and reinforce with back pressure from both hands. RIGHT: Disengaging your horse’s hindquarters sets your horse off balance, which diminishes his ability to buck, bolt, or rear on the trail.

but with forward motion. Practice this at a walk, jog, and lope.

The benefit: When your horse understands this motion, because you’ve practiced it at home, this serves as an emergency brake in almost any situation on the trail.

Thousands of Endurance Riders, Working Cowboys, and Trail Riders, world-wide, use the No-Sweat vent pad to keep their horse’s back cooler and their saddle pads clean and dry.

Why???

Because it WORKS! Guaranteed. www.dixiemidnight.com Toll Free: 1-888-287-6716 ALL No-Sweats are 100% Made In America By Americans!

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Checkpoint 3: Two-Hand Stop The action: From any gait, sit deeper in your saddle so your body tells your horse you’re ready to stop. Reinforce that cue by making soft contact with the bit, stopping, and asking for a step backward. Then release.

The benefit: This reinforces your ideal of the lightest contact necessary for a response. Just like with the first two checkpoints, you’ll use the least amount

of bit pressure possible to get the desired response. It’s a benefit to your horse, because he stays light and soft rather than bracey, and it helps your horsemanship because you don’t immediately go to full pressure to start.

Checkpoint 4: Moving the Hindquarters The action: This is also called “disengaging the hindquarters.” It involves the back, inside leg stepping across and in front of the outside hind leg. Slide your hand down one rein for soft contact to get the flexion you achieved in the one-rein stop. Place your same-side leg slightly in front of your back cinch, and use enough pressure to get one step. Then release.

The benefit: With this motion, you “unbalance” your horse in a natural manner—it’s natural for him to step in this way—thus removing his ability to buck, rear, or run. He can’t put you in a dangerous situation because he can’t use both of his legs when they’re crossed. →

®

Expanding our proven saddle production, this new Leather Trail Saddle built using our #1 selling tree is now available. Loaded with Great Features such as in-skirt riggings, Handstitched cantle, Contoured shirt and Turned fenders, Basket weave tooling, Berry Conchos, and saddle strings in 3 popular colors, makes this well fitting saddle a preferred saddle for today’s discerning rider. Made in America with American Steer hides.

Available worldwide at authorized Fabtron dealers or by visiting our web site.

7718 Seat Sizes: 15” 16” 17”

Available in 3 colors: (Chestnut shown) Natural Mahogany

www.fabtron.com Visit our site to see all Products & the New 2017 fabtron saddles!!!

June 2017 HorseandRider.com 79

Problem 1.

Correct

Solvers

Checkpoint 5: Bending Circles

$7.35

Blevins Stirrup Buckles 4 post

$10.30

New four-post tongue for 3” buckle. Makes per pair buckle stronger plus $2.50 and sturdier. shipping One-piece tongue is also off-set to is also off-set to let the stirrup leather go through more smoothly. The 21⁄2” width has one-piece off-set tongue with only two posts.

Blevins Stirrup Buckles Improved

$9.75 per pair

Easy to change stirrup lengths quickly and easy to install— won’t slip or stick. Made of stainless steel and heat-treated aluminum. Sleeves covered with leather. Order either improved, regular or four-post buckles. Also new all metal buckle in 3”, 21⁄2” and 2” widths.

plus $2.50 shipping Sleeves same as on regular style buckle.

The tongue has no hinge or strap. Available in 3” and 21⁄2” widths.

At your dealers, or you may write: HR

Go Digital!

KEY QUESTIONS ANSWERED: VACCINATING YOUR HORSE

WESTERN TRAINING HOW-TO ADVICE WESTERN TRAINING HOW-TO ADVICE

HORSE&RIDER

WESTERN TRAINING HOW-TO ADVICE WESTERN TRAINING HOW-TO ADVICE

MAY 2017 JANUARY 2013

S SHAPE UP

TO RIDE BETTER

WESTERNTRAINING TRAINING HOW-TO HOW-TO ADVICE ADVICE WESTERN

• Condition For Trails • Get Saddle-Fit • Take Our Six-Month ‘One Health’ Challenge

TO RIDE BETTER

• Condition For Trails • Get Saddle-Fit • Take Our Six-Month ‘One Health’ Challenge

DIY TRAINING SIDEPASS LESSON

DIY TRAINING SIDEPASS LESSON est Winner

DIY TRAINING SIDEPASS LESSON

JANUARY 2013

Wi

‘NOW’ EXERCISE 101 SUPPLEMENTS

‘NOW’ EXERCISE 101 SUPPLEMENTS JANUARY 2013

GIVES YOU SAFETY ON COMMAND Plus

GIVES YOU SAFETY ON COMMAND

Plus

Quarter Horse mare Appaloosa gelding Set Fire ToTiger The Bar Max

Do Wedge Pads Work To Correct Low Heels?

MAY 2017 JANUARY 2013

SSHAPE UP

• Condition For Trails • Get Saddle-Fit • Take Our Six-Month ‘One Health’ Challenge

TO RIDE BETTER

Do Wedge Pads Work To Correct Low Heels?

KEY QUESTIONS ANSWERED: VACCINATING YOUR HORSE HORSE&RIDER

KEY QUESTIONS ANSWERED: VACCINATING YOUR HORSE

JANUARY 2013 MAY 2017

SSHAPE UP

‘NOW’ EXERCISE 101 SUPPLEMENTS GIVES YOU SAFETY ON COMMAND

Plus

Do Wedge Pads Work To Correct Low Heels?

Quarter Horse mare Appaloosa gelding Set Fire To The Bar Tiger Max

Quarter Horse mare Appaloosa gelding Set Fire To The Max Bar Tiger

Take Horse&Rider with you any and everywhere by subscribing to one of our digital editions: Zinio edition for all devices available at www.zinio.com Kindle edition available at www.amazon.com Nook edition available at www.barnesandnoble.com Android edition available at play.google.com/store iPad edition available in iTunes App Store Search. Zoom. Link. Share.

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HorseandRider.com June 2017

The action: At a working trot, bend your horse in tight circles in one direction, then the go the other way.

Keep the energy high, so it’s a lot of work for him. When he softens to one side, change directions. As your horse relaxes, make your circles slightly larger so he understands that it’s less work when he’s relaxed and focused.

The benefit: Nervous horses can be difficult to get back on track, but this exercise makes it pretty simple. Instead of thinking about what’s causing him anxiety, he must focus on your cues, moving forward with energy, and tracking small circles.

Checkpoint 6: Hindquarters Out The action: Move your horse’s hindquarters 180 degrees in one direction, and then ride off in the opposite direction. Here’s an example: Move his hind end a half turn to the right by making soft contact with the bit (to keep him from walking forward) and using pressure from your left leg, placed ahead of your back cinch. Once you complete the turn, ride off on an arc to the left by putting your hands forward and encouraging him forward and to the left with additional right-leg pressure. Stop and repeat in the other direction.

The benefit: This is another great exercise for redirecting your horse’s attention back on you and away from whatever scary object is causing his nerves. Keep his feet moving to keep his attention.

Steve and Amanda Stevens, Weatherford, Texas, train horses and offer lessons for amateur and youth riders. They strive to keep riding fun, safe, and educational through weekend group lessons that include pattern clinics, trail-ride preparation, and problem-solving.

Visit their Facebook page, Stevens Natural Horsemanship, to learn more.

Photo by Sheila Shirley Photography

per pair Blevins new all metal stirrup plus $2.50 buckle in 3”,21⁄2”, and 2” widths. shipping The 3” and 21⁄2” widths have the posts set horizontally and fit standard holes while the 2” width has the posts set vertically. Made of stainless steel and heat-treated aluminum, the same as our leather covered buckles.

Rocky Mountain Region

Rocky Mountain Region

Ride the

Enjoy the spectacular views and wildlife as you ride the scenic trails in Rocky Mountain National Park Campsites w/hookups • Horse Runs at Site and Barn • Housekeeping Cabins • Chuckwagon Breakfast Western Hospitality • Direct Access to Rocky Mt. Natl. Park Trails

Come join us in the beautiful northern corner of Wyoming.

July 30 thru August 5, 2017

Winding River Resort

~Big Horn Mountains~

PO Box 629 • Grand Lake, CO 80447 • 970-627-3215 • trailboss@rkymtnhi.com • www.windingnverresort.com

of Wyoming

Visit our Facebook page to view photos of previous rides, and see new ride dates

SCENIC DAY RIDES EXQUISITE FOOD NIGHTLY ENTERTAINMENT

Midwest Region

Midwest Region

An unspoiled adventure in the Black Hills of South Dakota.

For more information, write or call:

(307) 587-9761 Florance Ann Calkin Wyoming High Country Rides, LLC

out Ask us ab HCR-AZ Our newnear p Horsecam

in

36 Sunburst Drive Cody, Wyoming 82414 wytrailride@gmail.com

Midwest Region

Midwest Region

SHELTOWEE

TRAIL RIDE ILLINOIS

OCTOBER 1-7, 2017 60 miles of bridle trails in Ohio’s “Little Smokies” Electric & primitive camp sites Stalls, corrals & hitching posts for your horses Water, restrooms & showers available

CEDAR LAKE HORSE CAMP Deadline: September 1, 2017

Cost of ride: $325 (with meals) Late fee: $365

ApHC Approved

DELUXE CABINS AVAILABLE

Rental Horses Available Contact Greg Evans at 575-740-1778

CONTACT

Open 24/7/365

Roland or Mary Tom Haun 872 Nacke Pike • Cecilia, KY 42724 (270) 862-9357 rchaun@yahoo.com www.sheltoweetrailride.homestead.com

OHIO

740-372-2702 oldben.43@icloud.com

www.benshappytrails.com June 2017 HorseandRider.com 81

W H E R E -T O - R I D E G U I D E

Colorado Rockies

®

ElectroBraid ® is dedicated to enriching the lives of unwanted horses.

We only use ElectroBraid®; It is safe, it’s easy, and ElectroBraid® is so generous in supporting rescues with discounted fencing.

Pegasus has got miles of ElectroBraid® fencing, and it looks as good as the day it was put up.

FIND OUT HOW TO

Heart the Cause Today WWW.AHOMEFOREVERYHORSE.COM

A Home For Every Horse is brought to you by the Equine Network and sponsored by: ®

Classifieds TACK/SADDLES/LEATHER GOODS

Advertiser’s Index APPAREL & ACCESSORIES Cruel Denim www.crueldenim.com ................................................... 18 Muddy Creek Rain Gear www.muddycreek.net .................................................. 85 Resistol www.resistolridesafe.com .........................................CV4

ASSOCIATIONS American Quarter Horse Association www.aqha.com................................................................ 2 Bureau of Land Management www.wildhorseandburro.blm.gov ............................... 14 Flying Oaks Ranch www.flyingoaksranch.com ........................................... 53 Rocky Mountain Horse Association www.rmhorse.com ........................................................ 34 The Right Horse Initiative www.therighthorse.org ................................................ 77 Walkaloosa Registry www.walkaloosaregistry.com ...................................... 72

BARNS, STALLS & FOOTINGS

TRAIL RIDES

Carri-Lite Corrals www.carrilitecorrals.com.............................................. 85 Linear Rubber Products www.rubbermats.com .................................................. 19 MD Barnmaster www.mdbarnmaster.com ............................................. 19

EVENTS Don Vinson Monument Valley Trail Rides, Call (805) 7045778 or www.monumentvalleytrailrides.com

TRAILERS 2012 Lakota 3H LQ - Super clean, custom coach. http://bit. ly/DebTrailer $45,500. (719) 748-3830

Midwest Trail Ride www.midwesttrailride.com .......................................... 61 Win a Wyoming Ranch Adventures www.horseandrider.com/win-an-adventure .............. 74

FEED Manna Pro Corp www.mannapro.com ....................................................... 7 Purina Mills www.horse.purinamills.com .......................................... 1

FENCING

TRAINING BEST PROGRAM in the industry. GUARANTEED MONEY BACK. Financing. MNHorseTrainingAcademy.com (320) 272-4199

TRAVEL/TOURS/VACATION Great Smokey Mountains. Bring your horse and ride the trails of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 4 log cabins with accommodations for 2 to 15, hot tubs, spacious porches, gas fireplaces, secluded. Open year round. Bear Hollow Sables & Cabins. P.O. Box 416, Townsend, TN 37882.

(865)995-0412, www.bearhollowcabins.com

ElectroBraid Fence (Woodstream) www.woodstream.com ................................................... 4

GIFTS, ART & COLLECTIBLES ShowOff Ribbon Racks www.merbeth.net ......................................................... 85

GROOMING Cowboy Magic www.cowboymagic.com............................................... 55 Shapley, Ltd. www.shapleys.com ....................................................... 52 Showsheen (W.F. Young, Inc.) www.absorbine.com ..................................................... 29 Straight Arrow Products, Inc. www.manentail.com ..................................................... 10

HEALTH CARE Absorbine Veterinary Liniment (W.F.Young, Inc) www.absorbine.com ............................................... 13, 53 Dechra Veterinary Products www.dechra-us.com ..................................................... 56 Farnam www.farnamhorse.com......................................5,15,CV3 Finish Line, Inc. www.finishlinehorse.com ............................................... 8 Foxden Equine www.FoxdenEquine.com ............................................. 67 Kentucky Performance Products www.KPPusa.com ......................................................... 17 Safe-Guard (Merck) www.merck-animal-health-usa.com ............................ 33 SmartPak www.SmartPak.com ..........................................16A-B, 22 White Haven Farm www.whitehavenfarm.com .......................................... 42 Zymox (PKB Animal Health) www.zymox.com ........................................................... 37

HOOF CARE

Advertisers...

Reach an audience of the active, contemporary Western rider and horse owner in the upcoming issue of Horse & Rider.

Now in print and online.

For classified rates and information, please contact us at: (760) 546-1192 hr@aimclassifieds.com

Magic Cushion (W.F.Young, Inc.) www.absorbine.com ..................................................... 51

INSECT CONTROL Bonide www.bonide.com .......................................................... 69 Buggzo (HorseTech, Inc.) www.horsetech.com ..................................................... 67 Farnam www.farnamhorse.com..........................................5, CV3 Manna Pro Corp www.mannapro.com ..................................................... 25 Pyranha, Inc. www.pyranhainc.com ................................................... 39 Shoofly Leggins www.shooflyleggins.com ............................................. 77 Summit Chemical www.summitchemical.com .......................................... 54 UltraShield EX (WF Young, Inc) www.absorbine.com ................................................ 45,59

PUBLICATIONS, VIDEO, WEBSITES & AUDIO A Home For Every Horse www.AHomeForEveryHorse.com ........................... 63,84

Champ Youth www.champyouth.com ................................................. 78 Equine Network Store www.EquineNetworkStore.com .................................. 71

TACK & EQUIPMENT Blevins Mfg. Co., Inc. .................................................. 80 Booma Rein www.boomarein.com .................................................... 31 Cashel Company www.cashelcompany.com .............................................. 6 CSI Saddlepads www.csipads.com ......................................................... 16 Dixie Midnight www.dixiemidnight.com .............................................. 78 El Companero www.elcompanero.com ................................................ 85 Fabtron www.fabtron.com.......................................................... 79 Fiebing Co. Inc. www.fiebing.com ..................................................... 47,66 JT International www.jtdist.com ..........................................................CV2 K&B Saddlery www.kbsaddlery.com ................................................... 85 Phoenix Rising Saddles www.phoenixrisingsaddles.com.................................. 20 Saddle Up, LLC www.treelesssaddle.com ............................................. 55 Shorty’s Saddles & Tack www.shortysaddles.net ................................................ 85 Specialized Saddles www.specializedsaddles.com ...................................... 27 Sports Saddle Incorporated www.sportssaddle.com ................................................ 73 Synergist Saddles www.synergistsaddles.com ......................................... 68 Weatherbeeta USA, Inc. www.weatherbeeta.com .............................................. 11

TRAINING Downunder Horsemanship www.downunderhorsemanship.com .......................... 50 Julie Goodnight www.juliegoodnight.com ............................................. 10

TRANSPORTATION CM Trailers www.cmtrailers.com ....................................................... 3 USRider Equestrian Motor Plan www.usrider.org ........................................................... 82

TRAVEL Ruby’s Inn www.rubysinn.com ....................................................... 21 The Settlement at Thomas Divide www.thomasdivide.com ............................................... 85

WHERE TO RIDE GUIDE Ben’s Happy Trails Horsemen’s Camp www.benshappytrails.com........................................... 81 Evening Shade Farm www.eveningshadefarm.com ...................................... 83 Flying M Ranch www.flyingmtexas.com ................................................ 83 Golden Acres Foxtrotter Ranch www.goldenacresfoxtrotterranch.com ........................ 83 Happy Trails www.kehorses.homestead.com ................................... 83 Hay Creek Ranch www.haycreekranch.net .............................................. 81 Horse Heaven Ranch www.horseheavenranchresort.com............................. 83 Rocky Hollow Horse Camp www.rockyhollowhorsecamp.com ............................... 83 Sheltowee Trail Ride www.sheltoweetrailride.homestead.com ................... 81 TrailRideVacations.com www.trailridevacations.com ........................................ 83 Valley Springs Foxtrotters/ Brushy Creek Lodge www.missourifoxtrotter.com ....................................... 81 Winding River Resort www.windingriverresort.com ...................................... 81 Wyoming High Country Trail Rides, LLC www.wyhighcountry.com/trail_rides .......................... 81 HORSE & RIDER VOLUME LVI, NUMBER 6 (ISSN 0018-5159/USPS 523-410) COPYRIGHT 2017, CRUZ BAY PUBLISHING, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY CRUZ BAY PUBLISHING, INC., AN ACTIVE INTEREST MEDIA COMPANY. THE KNOWN OFFICE OF PUBLICATION IS AT 5720 FLATIRON PARKWAY, BOULDER, CO 80301. PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT BOULDER, CO. AND AT ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES. POSTMASTER: PLEASE SEND CHANGE OF ADDRESS TO HORSE & RIDER, SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE DEPT., P.O. BOX 420235, PALM COAST, FL 32142-0235. CANADA POST PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40612608, CANADIAN GST NUMBER 12345 2781 RT0001.

CANADA RETURNS TO BE SENT TO BLEUCHIP INTERNATIONAL, P.O. BOX 25542, LONDON, ON N6C 6B2 CANADA. ONE YEAR (12 ISSUES) SUBSCRIPTION RATE: $24 UNITED STATES. THE CONTENTS OF THIS MAGAZINE MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED IN WHOLE OR IN PART WITHOUT CONSENT OF THE COPYRIGHT OWNER. OPINIONS EXPRESSED HEREIN ARE THOSE OF THE EXPERTS CONSULTED, AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE OPINIONS OF THE EDITORS OR POLICY OF HORSE & RIDER MAGAZINE. UNSOLICITED MANUSCRIPTS AND PHOTOGRAPHS ACCOMPANIED BY RETURN POSTAGE WILL BE HANDLED WITH CARE, BUT PUBLISHER IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR SAFETY. PLEASE ALLOW 3 MONTHS FOR REPLY. REPRINTS: CONTACT WRIGHTS REPRINTS TO PURCHASE QUALITY CUSTOM REPRINTS OR E-PRINTS OF ARTICLES APPEARING IN THIS PUBLICATION AT (877)652-5295 (281/419-5725 OUTSIDE THE U.S. AND CANADA)

Classifieds APPAREL/ACCESSORIES

HORSE CAMPS

REAL ESTATE/LAND

Free catalog! Hobby Horse has ready-to-win western show apparel, tack, saddles, and accessories. (800) 569-5885 or www.hobbyhorseinc.com.

Shawnee National Forest Hayes Canyon Campground & Cabins

Southern Illinois horse properties, located adjacent to and near the beautiful Shawnee National Forest. Midwest Real Estate - Larry Woodney (618) 658-2006 and (618) 9672106, www.MidwestReaIEstate.com

Mitchell’s www.one-stop-horse-shop.com for show apparel at great prices! Jewelry, hair bows, show tack, show blankets, accessories. Great customer service.

As featured on RFD-TV’s Best of America by Horseback…

Photo © John C. Nowell remuda.smugmug.com

ASSOCIATIONS/REGISTRIES

Endurance: You’ll love every dusty, sweaty, dirty, wonderful, exhilarating mile!

Free info packet: aerc.org/InfoRequest American Endurance Ride Conference

aerc.org 866-271-2372

Big South Fork National Park (East TN). 12.07 acres joining BSF Natl Park in Jamestown, TN. Joins Honey Creek horse and hiking trails. Canoeing and kayaking nearby.

Horse Trailer Hookup, graveled trailer pad, electric, city water on property. Wooded. Secluded. $3,500 per acre. faye.neel@tcsedu.net (931)273-9036

www.HayesCanyon.com 618-672-4751

Tired of trailering? Properties with trails, $11,000.

Jill Houston, (931) 879-7911, Riders Realty, LLC. jillhouston@hotmail.com

HORSES/STALLIONS/PONIES

SUPPLIES

EXPERIENCE SMOOTH TRAIL RIDING & SPEED! www.SpeedRackingHorse.org, (256) 303-0603

REAL ESTATE/LAND Looking for horse property around Dallas - Fort Worth?

Visit: www.texasliving.com. We’re an elite group of horse property specialists with Keller Williams Realty. (940) 3654687, ext.1, info@texasliving.com HOME/POTENTIAL HORSE FARM approximately 1/4 mile from Dawson Wildlife Management area.

269 / 369 Sweetwater Church Rd., Dawsonville, GA 30534.

37.25 Acres of segregated (4 sections) fenced property with a wonderful spring that has never gone dry even in the worst drought (Sweetwater). Sweetwater Church, I suspect, was named for this spring. Includes a small barn, a 4 bay shop, an old house that can be converted to a hay barn, and 2 residences.

The spring is located in a valley that could easily be made into 2-3 acre lake.

CLINICS/ EDUCATION/ SCHOOLS Study horse courses at home. Earn grades and Certificates. www. NewHorizonsEquine.com

EVENTS NFR and PBR Rodeo, Las Vegas. www.NFR-Rodeo.com or (888) NFR-RODEO, (888) 637-7633 and www.PBRTickets. com. A+ rated member of Better Business Bureau (BBB).

Now in print and online.

For classified rates and information, please contact us at: (760) 546-1192 hr@aimclassifieds.com All Horse & Rider classified and classified display ads appear FREE on

Dawson Forest is a magnet for horsemen/women. Most people bring their horse trailers and campers to the Southern entrance and camp for a week or more at a time to enjoy the serene beauty and trails on the wildlife management area. There are no main roads between the North entrance of Dawson Forest the the property approximately 1/4 mile down Sweetwater Church Rd. A very short safe distance to ride to 10,000 acres of raw beauty. A great plus as you sleep in your own bed after a wonderful day's ride.

The property has open spaces now with some grass but is predominately populated with large hardwoods and would have to be developed and planted in grass to support horses.

The upside to this is you could save the huge oak, hickory, and walnut trees in just the correct places to make a most beautiful pasture and lake to your liking.

Residence #1 "369" Built in 2007 - 1764 sq. ft. Log Home on 1764 sq. ft poured concrete basement with 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, central heat and air, and twin carports; built on top of a hill with beautiful view of the mountains.

Residence #2 "269" Built in 1960 - 1175 sq. ft. Restorable home that is vacant at the present time. Has a relatively new metal roof, beautiful brick fireplace, and half basement. Approximately 1 and 1/2 acre fence around residence.

Our asking price for everything listed above is $875,000. A bargain for what is available. For more information, please contact Robert Shaw at (404) 906-6555.

TACK/SADDLES/LEATHER GOODS

You Said It!

I Wish My Horse’s Mentor Could Be… You tell us which famous horse you’d love for your horse to apprentice under, and why.

CHICS SMART LENA, H&R’s January 2017 We’d Love to Own horse. I think my Quarter Horse mare, Danielle, could pick up how to do a sliding stop.

Sunshine Strouse, Missouri

CHOCOLATEY. I’d love for my Western-pleasure-bred Appaloosa gelding to move like this beautiful stallion, a National Snaffle Bit Association champion.

Marie Gonsalves, Michigan

RONTEZA. In 1961, Sheila Varian’s legendary Arabian mare beat out all the Quarter Horses at California’s Cow Palace, the most prestigious reined cow horse championship of the day. My Half-Arabian mare is “cow-y,” but she could learn a lot from Ronteza.

Amelia Sorensen, Massachusetts

GOLDIE. I was inspired by Arthur Godfrey’s horse back in the 1950s, when I saw him perform tricks on Arthur’s show. I teach my mare tricks—she already bows, rings a bell, picks up each foot on command.

Brenda Nutter, Texas

CORTES C, Beezie Madden’s fabulous show jumper. Owen, the gelding I ride, could benefit from being exposed to that jumping ability…and it wouldn’t hurt for him also to pick up some manners.

Elizabeth Weadick, Illinois

BABY FLO, Fallon Taylor’s horse. Fallon is my barrelracing idol.

Aubrey Minich, Pennsylvania

INVITATION ONLY. He’s my Quarter Horse mare’s grandsire, and one of the most beautiful stallions I’ve ever seen. I’d love for Bea to move and carry her head the way he does.

Blaise Runyon, Ohio

MR. ED. It might make my gelding a brilliant conversationalist. We could just walk and talk along the trails.

Ann Conaway, Texas

MAXIMUS, from the movie Tangled.

He’s all horse, with some canine begging/hunting instincts, plus a human’s no-nonsense wit. My Appaloosa gelding, Leroy, already watches and follows what a human does through ground-pole obstacles. Maximus would get him even more clued in.

Janet Podojil, Ohio

BABY FLO. An amazing horse.

She’s been around rodeo a while and knows how it goes.

Angelia Tuominen, Virginia

BABY FLO! Fallon Taylor has done an amazing job training her, and both Fallon and her mare pour their hearts into running the pattern. If only my barrel prospect, Risk, and I could perform half as well as they do.

Tessa Harkema, Ontario, Canada

Join in! Describe, in under 50 words, the most valuable lesson your youth coach taught you. Respond by June 15 to jfmeyer@aimmedia.com. Include your full name and home state; put “You Said It/Youth Coach” in the subject line.

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Illustration by Navah Rae Adams