THE PRECISE NUTRIENTS YOUR HORSE NEEDS TO DIG DEEP AND FINISH ON TOP. Purified amino acids for enhanced muscling and better topline. Only highly digestible fiber sources like beet pulp so your horse gets the most out of feed.
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High bioavailability of nutrients for normal growth and development.
PROGRESSIVE NUTRITION. SCIENTIFICALLY PROVEN.
It’s easy to spot a horse on a Progressive Nutrition® diet. Because our feeds, balancers and supplements are formulated to deliver the precise nutrients your horses need for superior performance. The visible results are astounding. And our specialists, Ph.D.s and biochemists will continue working together to help your horses reach their true genetic potential. Precise nutrition. Visible results. ProgNutrition.com © 2014 Cargill, Incorporated. All Rights Reserved.
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Products and services may not be available in all states and eligibility requirements will apply. Personal and commercial lines insurance is issued by American National Property And Casualty Company (ANPAC®), its subsidiaries or a liates, including American National General Insurance Company, Paci c Property And Casualty Company (California), American National Lloyds Insurance Company (Texas), American National County Mutual Insurance Company (serviced by ANPAC®-Texas), and ANPAC® Louisiana Insurance Company (Louisiana). American National Property And Casualty Company is a subsidiary of American National Insurance Company. Life insurance and July 2015 2 Company, HORSEBACK MAGAZINE 3 annuity products are issued by American National Insurance Galveston, Texas.
FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK An Arm Load of Trophies
T
oday I got to thinking about mentors and how much they mean to us in later life. Sometimes they stay with us through the good times, and the bad. Sometimes they just re-appear decades later and go from being a good teacher to becoming a good friend. Such is the case with my pal Preston Bullard. I had him for PE during high school or junior high – just don’t which it was. To say that my By Steven Long remember physical education ability was stellar, well, undistinguished is an understatement. It was miserable. I was one of those kids who were the last chosen when the captains were picking players for their team in PE class. It was painful, yes, but what they didn’t know is that I loved to play the game. What I masked really well was that I had polio at age two. They never knew. I don’t know if Preston did either. What everybody knew was I was just not good at sports. What they learned, I hope, is that I had a lot of heart, played the game with all I had, and never cried when I got hurt or bested. So I went through most of my life believing I was awful at sports. I played touch football into my ‘50s – lot of heart as always, but always still the one picked last. Hell, I was happy just getting to play at that age. I played hard, even caught a few passes for touchdowns, but everybody, me included, believed that was an accident. Finally, much later in life, I got a horse, or half a horse, as it happened in reality. I went into partnership with my pal, the late Jack Burke. I guess he was short on cash so one night in a Galveston bar he let me buy in on an old sorrel named Ginger. She was 20, but still had a lot of spunk in her, could turn barrels with the best of them, but only if you cut the barrel to the right. If you reined left at the barrel, Ginger would rear and I was on the ground. I always cut to the right and we beat every horse and rider at the “playday.” I came home with a lap full of trophies I cherish to this day. Later, I learned what it was to take your own horse on a road trip. I learned to climb the high hills of Bandera, and then come back to camp, cool off my horse with a hose, and cool off myself with, well a “cold one.” Horses can change your life. I have always been a journalist, and for most of that time I’ve owned my own publication, except for six years at the Houston Chronicle, the only time I didn’t own a horse. There was something about that relationship with Ginger that I cherished, long after she was sold and I had moved on. When Vicki told me she wanted a horse, I jumped at it, even though we were pretty broke at the time (I’ve never been the coldly responsible sort). So what is the point of this? Listen to me carefully, moms and dads. Don’t think for a second your kid is a physical wimp. Like me, the case might be that he hasn’t yet found his or her sport. On horseback I am fearless and talented, besting others who could waste me with a ball, on the high jump, or with a tennis racket. My horse was good at racing and so was I. I jumped fences and so did she. I had found my sport. And I have an arm load of trophies to prove it. And for those of you who have never taken your horse to a sporting event, get out there and do it. Enter those events, even if all you’ve done before was ride around in a closed corral, as I did prior to that playday. Who knows? You might just like it so much you’ll own a horse magazine someday.
On the Cover:
Smokin Black Norfleet, Photo by: Sabine Scharnberg www.Crazybee-photography.de, Germany.
4 HORSEBACK MAGAZINE 2 July 2015
July 2015
Cover Story: 18 Disaster Preparedness - Jessica Lynn 28 Tips for a Healthy Summer - Texas A&M
Lifestyle & Real Estate: 14 16 38 40
Things You Need! Barn & Garden - Margaretl Pirtle Realtor Roundup Hitching up a New Design - Margaretl Pirtle
Columns: 8 Horse Bites 10 The Frazz Factor - Linda Parelli 12 Ride-N-Sync™ - Terry Myers 24 Tack Talk - Lew Pewterbaugh 26 On the English Front - Cathy Strobel 32 Hoof N’ Horse - Jaime Jackson 46 Cowboy Corner - Jim Hubbard
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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jim Hubbard, Steven Long, Vicki Long, Roni Norquist, Linda Parelli, Kelsey Hellmann, Lew Pewterbaugh, Cathy Strobel, Cory Johnson, Margaret Pirtle, Jaime Jackson Volume 22, No. 7 Horseback Magazine, P.O. Box 681397, Houston, TX 77268-1397, (281) 447-0772. The entire contents of the magazine are copyrighted July 2015 by Horseback Magazine. All rights reserved. Material in this publication may not be reproduced in any form without the expressed written consent of the publisher. Horseback Magazine assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs and other material unless accompanied by a stamped, self addressed envelope. Horseback Magazine is not responsible for any claims made by advertisers. The views and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or management. Subscription rate is $25.00 for one year. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Horseback Magazine, P.O. Box 681397, Houston, TX 77268-1397. Fax: (281) 893-1029
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BALANCING THE EQUINE ATHLETE FROM WITHIN
Nutritional Supplements for Optimal Health and Performance When it comes to the health of your horse, the key is‌ A BALANCED IMMUNE SYSTEM. The Smooth Run line of equine nutritional supplements combines the best of nature and science. Our proprietary formulations provide your horse with the key ingredients to maintain and support optimal health and performance in addition to supplements that target specific needs or conditions. To learn more about the importance of a balanced immune system for the health of your horse, please visit us at www.smoothrunequine.com or call 888.711.6218.
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July 2015 2
HORSEBACK MAGAZINE 5
TOGETHER
WE’RE INVINCIBLE I TRUST MY FEED TO DO ITS JOB SO I CAN DO MINE. Purina® understands there’s a lot riding on our horses. It’s why I partner with them and why my feed of choice is Purina® Ultium® Competition horse formula. Ultium delivers mental focus and manageability, quick recovery & muscle repair, prolonged stamina, and less digestive upset so we can perform at the top of our game. VISIT YOUR PURINA® RETAILER OR HORSE.PURINAMILLS.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.
Michele McLeod © 2014 Purina Animal Nutrition LLC. All Rights Reserved. 6 HORSEBACK MAGAZINE 2 July 2015
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Middle G Naples, TX • 903-575-1869
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Needville Feed and Supply Needville, TX • 979-793-6141 New Braunfels Feed and Supply New Braunfels, TX • 830-625-7250 Berend Brothers-Olney Olney, TX • 940-564-5674 Engledow Farm & Ranch Supply Palestine, TX • 903-723-3210 Big Country Farm Center Paris, TX • 903-785-8372
Bar None Country Store Waco, TX • 254-848-9112 Haney’s Feed and Supply Waller, TX • 936-931-2469 Ark Country Store Waxahachie, TX • 972-937-8860 Walden Farm & Ranch Supply Weatherford Weatherford, TX • 817-598-0043 Wharton Feed & Supply Wharton, TX • 979-532-8533 Berend Brothers-Wichita Falls Wichita Falls, TX • 940-723-2736 Walker’s Farm & Ranch Supply Willis, TX • 936-856-6446 King Feed and Hardware Wimberly, TX • 512-847-2618 Berend Brothers Windthorst, TX • 940-423-6223 Tri County Enterprise Winnsboro, TX • 903-342-3586 Poole Feed Wylie, TX • 469-323-7814 Yoakum Grain, Inc Yoakum, TX • 361-293-3521
Lone Star Country Store Corpus Christi, TX • 361- 387-2668
July 2015 2
HORSEBACK MAGAZINE 7
NUTRENA® AND PROGRESSIVE NUTRITION® FEEDS TO BE OFFICIAL SPONSOR FOR THE ROLEX CENTRAL PARK HORSE SHOW, WINTER EQUESTRIAN FESTIVAL, ADEQUAN® GLOBAL DRESSAGE FESTIVAL TRYON INTERNATIONAL EQUESTRIAN CENTER, AND COLORADO HORSE PARK MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. –Cargill’s Nutrena® and Progressive Nutrition® horse feeds and Mark Bellissimo, CEO of International Equestrian Group and Bellissimo entities, announced that Cargill’s Nutrena and Progressive Nutrition Feeds will serve as the official sponsor of the top equestrian venues in the U.S. These events include the Winter Equestrian Festival, which is the largest, longest-running equestrian sporting event in the world, features more than $8 million in overall prize money per year and serves more than 7,000 horses with riders from 43 countries and 50 states. As the official feed sponsors, Nutrena and Progressive Nutrition will have a presence at four key English equestrian event locations across the U.S. These events, managed by Bellissimo entities, include: the Trump Rink in Central Park, New York City; the Winter Equestrian Festival and Adequan® Global Dressage Festival in Wellington, Fla.; the Tryon International Equestrian Center in Tryon, N.C.; and the Colorado Horse Park in Parker, Colo. “We are excited about this opportunity to partner with a strategic organization that shares Cargill’s passion and desire to serve the equine in-
8 HORSEBACK MAGAZINE 2 July 2015
June 2014. The event center hosts 25 weeks of sanctioned hunter/jumper, “Horse Bites is compiled from Press Releases sent to Horseback dressage, and eventing shows and Magazine. Original reporting is features 10 riding arenas, 850 permadone as circumstances warrant. nent stalls and a covered riding facilContent is edited for length & style.” ity. • The Colorado Horse Park has more than 15 weeks of sanctioned shows dustry across the nation,” said Jackie per year and has become the summer Galle-Haney Strategic Marketing haven for central and western Ameriand Technology leader with Cargill. can equestrian competitors and en “This partnership is key for thusiasts as well as a strong contingent us to advance our presence within of South American and Canadians. the high-level hunter/jumper busi• The Trump Rink in Central Park, ness. It also allows us to deploy our N.Y. will host the Rolex Central Park industry leading equine nutritional Horse Show (CPHS), a six day event solutions to some of the top equine September 23-27, 2015. athletes in the U.S.,” said Tim Karl, Regional Sales Leader with Cargill. “We are excited to have CarACTHA ANNOUNCES NATIONAL gill’s Nutrena® and Progressive NutriCHAMPIONS FOR 2014-2015 tion® horse feeds present at our four COMPETITIVE YEAR events across the country,” said Bellissimo. “The high standard of quality in their products is an industry leader Spicewood TX - The culmination of and we feel they will be a valuable ACTHA’s seventh competitive season was led by a sweep of southern belles partner at our venues.” Details about the four events and their AQHA horses. The Lone Star state of Texas is the home to a pair include: • The Winter Equestrian Festival and of National Champions in ACTHA’s Adequan® Global Dressage Festival. ACTHA- Con’t. on pg.42 The Winter Equestrian Festival is 10 miles south of Reliant Stadium Stadium or Order Online the largest, longest www.arcolafeed.com running hunter/ 6215 FM 521 jumper equestrian Arcola,TX 77583 sporting event in the world. More than 7,000 horses compete during the 12-week long event held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) in Wellington, Fla., for a chance at $8M in overall prize money. Both events are the proving ground for the Olympic Equestrian sports of show jumping and dressage. • The Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) located in Tryon, N.C., is a new 1,400 acre facility that opened in
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WEEKEND WARRIOR?
GET A JUMP ON DIGESTIVE STRESS WITH ALFA-LOX® FORAGE FROM TRIPLE CROWN. You know firsthand how stressful traveling and showing can be, and the truth is that stress takes the same toll on your horse. In fact, studies show that even the slightest bit of stress can lead to the development of gastric ulcers, changing how your horse acts, eats and trains. Luckily, there’s Alfa-Lox ® Forage from Triple Crown, a unique supplement that combines the buffering power of chopped alfalfa hay with an array of prebiotics, probiotics, Omega-3 and amino acid supplements to improve immune response and help repair the damage done. With Alfa-Lox, there’s an easy way to make everyone’s weekend a little better. For more information on Alfa-Lox, visit www.triplecrownfeed.com or give us a call at 800-451-9916.
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July 2015 2
HORSEBACK MAGAZINE 9
General...
The Frazz Factor: How Jazz Got his Groove Back! By Linda Parelli, Photos by Coco
M
y pet name for my gelding Hot Jazz is “Frazzle!” He’s lovely and tries really hard, but he gets frazzled easily. We are opposites, and – with me being naturally extroverted, confident and progressive – I have to constantly control myself to make sure I am supporting Jazz’s needs as an introvert. He would rather his world stay just the way it is, which is a challenge in our everyday development. On tour, with the added energy and excitement of having an audience, it can really be an issue! In this article, I want to share with you how I helped Jazz become more confident in front of crowds on our tour a couple of years ago.
Preparation is Everything No matter how carefully I ask Jazz for something, he perceives it as PRESSURE. His propensity to get tense and anxious is high, and his ears go back. I used to worry about it until finally I realized that half the problem was how I was feeling about it. Rather than accepting this as his nature, I would worry that I’d upset him, and therefore attribute no responsibility to him for managing his own mental and emotional fitness. Worst of all, I was not helping him to change. So I first changed my attitude about it all.
Horses learn when you release, so it’s important not to stop or “release” when the horse is having trouble. This is not always easy! If you don’t have the skills, it’s better to back off rather than do more, but I finally got to the stage where I could ask him to stay focused. Simulations on the Ground Simulations are incredibly powerful, and in this case you have to be able to simulate the distraction, the energy, and your ability to stay calm and focused, no matter what. Here’s a few things I did: 1. I upped the energy when playing
The Problem Develops… In 2012, our first tour stop went okay for Jazz. As I expected, he was worried, but he did alright participating in the Horsenality session as the Right-Brain Introvert example, and I even was able to play a little with him at Liberty and ride him. But when we finished, the roll-a-door did not go up in time and, when the applause erupted as we left, he felt trapped. Not good! Our next stop, in Conyers, GA, was a similar experience. I did some preparations before our next stop in Harrisburg, PA, and he actually did really well, but that was to be his last tour stop until the end of the year. Harrisburg was a valuable learning experience because we worked through some things; once the last stop came around, he was super! Here is an outline of what I did to help Jazzy be less frazzy!
10 HORSEBACK MAGAZINE 2 July 2015
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with him on the ground – just now and then, not all the time, because I didn’t want him more stressed or tired. It was more about teaching him to cope with unexpected changes in energy. When he got emotional, I created a little more energy with my stick & string and increased the sense of urgency until he looked for the right answer – either connecting to me or completing the task I had him on. As I saw him try to change, I took the pressure off. This helped him look at pressure differently; instead of getting more frantic, he learned to get calmer. 2. We created some energy on the outside of the round corral. I kept Jazz on line while playing, and then one of my students rattled a plastic bag on a Carrot Stick, as if a little wind had come up. My responsibility was to keep Jazz on task until he aligned with me and no longer reacted to the distraction. It’s like my husband getting distracted in a restaurant – it only happens because I allow it! www.horsebackmagazine.com
Of course, it’s important to have repeated success on the ground before you try anything when riding. One wrong move with the reins or your legs when your horse is upset could be dangerous. The Williamston Show Using a 22-foot line in my warm-up, I played with the concept of “You’d better run!” as soon as his adrenaline came up. I encouraged him to gallop for one lap of the circle, and then waited for three laps to see if he calmed down. If not, I’d get him to gallop another lap and then wait for three. It can sometimes take a few repetitions for the adrenaline to leave the horse’s body, but when that begins to happen, they quickly calm down and also get more connected. When riding, you can do a similar thing. As soon as the horse starts to speed up, ride him forward in a tiny circle (I call it a hula hoop!) until he slows down. This strategy works wonders because it’s the horse’s idea to slow down, as if to say, “I can’t go that fast in such a small circle!” and because you’re not holding them back, the impulsive energy dissipates instead of builds up.
Horses learn to be more responsible when they experience a consequence for doing something different than what you ask. You first learned this in the Circling Game: leave the horse alone unless he changes gait. In this way, he learns to think and understand that maintaining gait is his responsibility. It leads to more positive interactions, expression and a smarter horse. In Summary Your horse has to believe that nothing is more important than the conversation you are having. If you get distracted, if you change your energy or focus, if something else becomes more important… that’s what your horse will end up believing too. Yes, Jazz is highspirited and naturally quite spooky, but in the end it’s all about the relationship, whether he trusts me as his leader or not. Will things go wrong again in the future? There is always the potential for something unexpected to happen, yes, but as long as I keep my focus, observe the principles of good horsemanship and keep progressing with Jazz, I believe the future is positive. July 2015 2
HORSEBACK MAGAZINE 11
Training Tips..
L
ast month we discussed the position of the rider’s hands, arms and shoulders. This month we will discuss the rider’s stomach or abdomen and back. The stomach is the primary shock absorber for the rider, it can make the difference in the position of the rider’s back and seat. If the stomach is tense, then the low back will be locked up and stiffen. A relaxed stomach equals a relaxed back and a better seat position. Some riders confuse stiffness with a straight back. You can maintain a straight back without adding stiffness to the back. The stomach should move front to back, in a relaxed manner, with the horse’s movement. How is your horse affected by a tense stomach? A tense stomach area will result in the rider bouncing more on the horse’s back due to the stiff seat and back. The more the rider bounces, the more the horse is affected by picking up his head and hollowing his back. The rider can feel the horse becoming quicker and bouncier. This can become a difficult cycle to break because once the horse starts to hollow his back, the rider stiffens the stomach area even more. To add to this picture, the rider usually takes a hold of the reins and starts pulling to try to slow the horse down, which causes the horse to stiffen and pull against the bridle even more. It’s a vicious cycle. You cannot ride with a relaxed stomach if you arch your back. Riding with an arched back creates several problems. It tips the pelvis forward, stiffens the entire upper torso and puts the rider’s leg in an incorrect position. Think about it, your stomach is your shock absorber. Assuming that you like your horse, you want to have a shock absorber of Cadillac or a Lincoln Continental. When a rider arches their back
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Sing a Song to Relax! and locks their abdomen, they will have the shock absorber of a Mack truck on a bumpy road. Be a Cadillac, not a Mack truck. To be discipline specific, below is what can be accomplished by riding with a relaxed stomach and sitting deeper in the saddle (slightly rolling your pelvis to sit on your pockets): • A western pleasure rider will sit quieter in the saddle and gain drive from the rear end. • An english rider at the posting trot can “sit” as they post rather than just touching the saddle, allowing the horse to drive from the back. • A reiner has to sit deeply going into the sliding stop, which takes weight off the front end and helps the horse get deeper into the ground for the slide. • A dressage ride can attain more extension by sitting deeper in their saddle. Try this exercise, ride your horse at a walk relaxing to the point of encouraging front to back movement with your stomach while sitting deep in your saddle.
Breathe in deeply from your abdomen then slowly exhale. Now pick up a trot or jog and continue to breathe deeply. In order to encourage deeper breathing, sing or hum your favorite song in time with the cadence of your horse’s feet. Singing allows you to relax your stomach and to breathe deeper. Your horse will become softer because you are softer. Stop singing and see if you and your horse can stay soft. Once you start to feel a negative change, start singing again. To take this technique a step further, sing or hum a song that has the same rhythm as the horse’s feet. You don’t even have to know the words to the song, your horse won’t care. Slow your song and see if your horse slows the cadence of their feet. So…sit deeply in your saddle, relax your stomach and sing a song! Questions about this or any of our articles can be emailed to us at myers5000@aol.com. Terry Myers is a national clinician and champion horse trainer with a depth of knowledge developed C from over 45 years in the horse industry. Myers has been a popular clinician at multiple expos in the U.S. M and Canada. To learn more about Myers’ Ride-InSync methods as well as clinic and training services/ Y products available, visit Myers at www.tmtrainingcen-CM ter.com and on Facebook. MY
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Barn &
By: Margaret Pirtle, Lifestyle Editor
“If you get to thinking you’re a person of some influence, try ordering somebody else’s dog around.” - Will Rogers
The Shed
In
the spring and summer I see commercials for backyard sheds and men storing away lawnmowers and rakes when the yard is manicured. But for me, I think there is more to a shed than just a storage building. So here are my thoughts on what you can do with an inexpensive backyard shed. 1. Open up that business you always wanted to start. Rent in the city is high - so use a shed - with a small air conditioner for comfort, a desk and a couple of chairs, and you have a office. 2. Game room - get the kids out of your house and into the shed. Have an electrician run electricity to your new kids abode and fill it with video games, TV and a small refrigerator stocked with juices and snacks. 3. Envy those beautiful cabanas next to a pool? Make your shed into a pool changing area and dry off spot. Stock with towels, suntan lotions and add hangers to the wall for easy dressing. 4. Ready to work out and pump some iron?. Put all your guy equipment in the shed and make it into your own private gym. 5. In need of some extra room in your home for guests? Putting an addition on your home is costly, but a decorated and comfortable shed could be the answer.
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Garden The Allure of Manure
O
ne horse can produce about 50 pounds of manure per day or over eight tons a year. And if you add in bedding that gets raked out of stalls each day you can find yourself with a mountain of manure very quickly. The good thing is that horse manure is humus rich. The bad thing is that your fresh horse manure may harbor E. coli bacteria that can contaminate any food you grow in a garden. So with this warning, the best thing to do with all that manure is compost it before adding to your food garden. Composting horse manure is not any different than traditional composting methods. This process does not require any special tools or structures. In fact, small amounts of horse manure can be easily composted using a shovel or pitchfork. There is no set ideal time for how long to compost horse manure, but typically it takes 2-3 months if done properly. The horse manure compost will look like soil and will have lost its “manure” smell when ready.
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S
Snakes Alive!!!
o what do you do if your horse is bitten by a snake? Summer in Texas is snake heaven and everyone needs to be ready for some of the common encounters that the warm season has waiting. Texans are no strangers to snakes, especially during the summertime when many of them are out and about. According to Clint Pustejovsky, one of Texas’ leading authority on snakes, there are fifteen different venomous species in Texas. From copperheads to rattlesnakes, they will all be coming out to forage as the weather turns warm. Unfortunately, we might not be around when the horse is bitten, but learning the signs of a snake bite can increase your horse’s chance of survival. Symptoms: Snakebite usually occurs on the head, especially the nose. Less often, the bite occurs on the leg or chest, and watch for: 1. Swelling to the area 2. Two bite marks roughly an inch apart 3. Muscle weakness and pain 4. Problems breathing Treatment: Luckily, because of their size, most snake bites are not lethal to horses. But that doesn’t mean that complications from the bite can’t arise. Call your vet immediately, and try and keep your horse calm and still. Most vets can use a blood sample from your horse to make sure that there won’t be a negative reaction to antitoxins complications that can manifest. Watch your horse in the coming days for secondary issues, such as laminitis or pneumonia. The skin in the area surrounding the bite might fall off, resulting in an open wound requiring treatment. To learn more about the snakes on your property or to help identify different snakes, please contact Clint at: clint@texassnakes.net or visit his website at: www.texassnakes.net
July 2015 2015 2 2H HORSEBACK ORSEBACK M MAGAZINE AGAZINE July
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DISASTER PREPAREDNESS PLUS FIRE SEASON PRECAUTIONS AND PLANNING By Jessica Lynn
W
ith all of us witnessing the horror in Oklahoma last year from tornadoes and in the past weeks with the flooding in Texas and Oklahoma, I felt compelled to share this just one more time as a reminder that many people never thought it could happen to them, and it did! This has been published in several horse publications around the country previously and many horse groups have asked to share this article with their members as well. Over the years many of us have witnessed the horrors in the south from hurricanes Katrina and Rita and more, here in the west we have had fires that spark in an instant which left many unprepared when evacuations were mandated. This article was written as a reminder that many people never thought it could
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happen to them, and it did! In California we do not have the benefit of knowing that we are facing a natural disaster, with the benefit of a time frame to evacuate‌ earthquakes and fires just happen with no notice like in other parts of the country who face hurricanes and tornadoes where warnings can be sent in advance! Having been through many of the worst fires in Southern California history, including the Paradise & Cedar Fires and also through the Elfin Forest/ La Costa fires, faced with evacuation orders while living in Valley Center, I am very aware of what needs to be done in preparation for fire season, and because of the fires on Camp Pendelton in 2014 which blocked evacuation routes to the major freeways and even closed down I-15, as well as shutting down the trains, making it impossible for people
to get home, coupled with the constant reminder of possible earthquakes, it reminds me that I need to stay prepared in the event of an unplanned catastrophic incident. A REMINDER: Always keep at least a half tank of gas at all times in tow vehicle, as well as make sure that vehicle has regular maintenance and your trailer is ready and accessible to hook up. Now is the time to check that your trailer is in good order, air in tires, floors checked for wear and welds, and make sure brakes have been checked, etc. Trailer train your horses (I cannot stress this one enough) so they will get in no matter what and right away, even if you don’t have a trailer of your own. Borrow one, rent one, but get www.horsebackmagazine.com www.horsebackmagazine.com
it done - if your horses have to be evacuated, the emergency evacuation volunteers will only give each horse a maximum 10-15 minutes to get in and they will go to the next horse, leaving yours behind because you had not taken the time to get him to load! Many, many people in the Paradise fires had never gotten around to trailer loading and lost their animals in the fire simply because they would not get in and they were left behind! Trailer train your horses!!!! Again, I can’t stress that enough - so many people in the past fires wished they had, when it was too late, and too many horses were lost or died that shouldn’t have, if only their owners had taken the time to trailer train them! HORSES: Use a leather halter with cotton lead rope when evacuating, with metal id tag with their name and your cell phone numwww.horsebackmagazine.com www.horsebackmagazine.com
Choose Leather or Cotton over Nylon, as Nylon Can Melt on your Horse!
ber or contact number (the reason I say leather is that during a fire a nylon halter can melt on your horse’s face causing severe burns and disfiguration if he were to get loose). The name tag is for easy identification and they can be purchased at most pet stores and maybe online. Or better yet, order Equistrisafe
fetlock bands with your phone number embroidered on them, easy to Velcro on in an instant, I keep mine with the leather halters and cotton lead ropes. HAY NETS: Fill your favorite kind of hay net for each horse; it is easier to transport than bales of hay especially July July2015 2015 2 2H HORSEBACK ORSEBACKM MAGAZINE AGAZINE
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if you have limited space to haul items. A good hay net can hold more than 25 pounds of feed, enough to get you through until you can get your horses settled. Fill one for each horse you are evacuating.
no vet available to get any. You might want to include a supply of probiotics and digestive enzymes/ aids to help prevent colic or colic-like symptoms due to the stress of evacuation and/ or change in feed stuff.
WATER: Bring at least one 5-gallon jug of water for your horses (2 would be better), and water buckets; at least you will have enough for wherever you are going and can make arrangements for more.
GEAR: If you have time and space, saddles, bridles, blankets, et al.
BUCKETS: I bring 1 blue and 1 green large rope handle bucket for each horse, and the smaller mini size buckets for my mini’s stacked in the trailer, one for food and one for water. SUPPLEMENTS AND MEDS: Bag up, in zip-lock bags, at least 7 days worth of supplements along with medications your horse(s) may be taking. Don’t forget to bring the bucket or bowl you mix and feed these in. EQUINE & SMALL ANIMAL FIRST AID KIT: I always carry mine in the trailer anyway, but it is great to have gauze, vet wrap, items to treat scratches and cuts - also betadine, biozide, and any other first aid items that you usually keep on hand at home including Traumeel (tablets, crème, etc.), Arnica in 30c, 200c and 1m and a homeopathic first aid kit too if you use one. Also include Rescue Remedy and any flower essences or essential oils that will help to calm your horse (and you!), or other people’s horses, during an evacuation. Other items of value, if you use them, would be ‘bute’ or ‘Banamine’ in the paste or tablet forms, in the event that your or another person’s horse would need them during any emergency when there may be
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The safest place for your horses to be in the event that you have to evacuate without them is in an arena or their own “dry” pasture/lot, that has no incendiary brush or tree limbs in or hanging over it with a trough of water and where you could throw enough hay for several days. When I lived in Valley Center the horses that were left behind and that survived were the ones the owners did not turn loose, but left them in their own pasture, or arena, some with a sprinkler turned on and water troughs full along with a bale or two of hay in the middle depending upon the number of horses. Do not turn your horse(s) loose with a halter on; instead, if you have to turn them loose, braid an ID tag (like a leather luggage tag) into their manes, or use a permanent black water-
proof marker to put your phone number (preferably cell phone or contact number in the event of emergency) on their butts or hip, or if they have light colored hooves you can mark the number on their hoof, as they could end up any where during an evacuation and people could then try to contact you. Others have suggested a piece of duct tape with your phone number or contact number on it placed on their butts, but I don’t know if it would work (may not stick or stay on). BOARD FACILITIES/TRAINING FACILITIES: Owner’s who do not have their horses at home need to encourage the places where they stable their horses to have an evacuation/disaster preparedness plan. The facilities close to my home have them in place, owner’s know where their horses will be taken in the event of evacuation, they also have people to call, and they have a plan to trailer horses out as well in the event the owner cannot get there for what ever reason to get their horse(s) out. My friend Sally who owns Tapestry Meadows also offers seminars on trailer training, where they have several types of trailers
Encourage your boarding facility to have and share their Emergency Plan with owners. www.horsebackmagazine.com www.horsebackmagazine.com www.horsebackmagazine.com
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HORSEBACK MAGAZINE 21
Include a two week supply of dry or wet food for your pet.
hooked up and everyone who boards with her knows their horses will get in to whatever trailer is available to get them out! SMALL ANIMALS (CATS, DOGS, AND OTHER PETS): • Leather collars with id tags and leashes • Carriers for small animals, especially cats • Two weeks worth of dry and/ or wet food (I keep supplies in my horse trailer during this time of year so I don’t have to worry about grabbing food and or other animal supplies, all I have to worry about are getting the animals in. • A makeshift litter tray and cat litter (disposable aluminum roasting pans work great!) • A hand can opener • Assorted bowls and plastic dishes and a bucket for water • A blanket or two, or towels to cover the carriers or for your pets to sleep on Make friends with your neighbors; someone in your neighborhood might be able to get your animals out if they know you have them and if you cannot get home to get them yourself. What you find during disasters is that people want to help if they can, especially with rescuing animals. Make sure a trusted neighbor has a key to your house so they could get in to
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get your pets. Also have a sign in the window or posted on a front door or one of the Animal Aura emergency signs you post one a fence or gate which evacuation people or responders would know how many pets you have and if they are cats, dogs, iguanas, parrots, or whatever, so that rescue people will know there are pets to rescue. Pets will hide during a disaster and rescuers may not know they are there - unless you have a sign posted, they won’t know to look for them, or how many, lessening their chances of survival, www.animalauras. com of Aguanga has one of the best signs for all animals.. More importantly, and most of all be prepared, be calm and help your neighbors if you can in the event of evacuation. Get their work numbers and share yours, have a neighborhood phone list with emergency numbers and cell phone numbers. Have a key to your truck and trailer hidden in a safe place that one of your neighbors knows about. If they have time, they can maybe help get your animals out if you aren’t there. Have neighborhood meetings on disaster preparedness. We do, and everyone in our neighborhood has a plan. We have a central staging area, we have emergency sup-
plies and 5,000 gallons of well water storage. We also make sure we have two weeks extra worth of hay stored at all times, enough dog and cat food for two weeks, and enough dry food for several people, just in case - and propane to cook on a bar-b-que as well as heat with a small propane house approved heater like Big Buddy, candles, matches, and extra batteries. Your area, be it county, city or state, probably has Disaster Preparedness plans on line or they can mail them to you for more complete information and suggestions. The Red Cross would also be another source for written info to be prepared for a disaster such as fires. Take care of your horses, cats, dogs and other animals, but more importantly take care of yourself! Get your valuables and get out - your life is not worth trying to save material things that can be replaced - your life cannot, and your family will be devastated! Everything you have is replaceable except your family and your animals! ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Jessica Lynn is the owner of Earth Song Ranch, a business specializing in designing, manufacturing and distributing natural equine, canine and feline nutritional supplements. Earth Song Ranch is passionate about natural health for our animals and also offers blends with wild crafted and organic herbs, herbal wormers, homeopathic remedies, nosodes, and educational articles on the website. Jessica has been involved in holistic and alternative health for humans and animals for well over 4 decades. For more information please visit the Earth Song Ranch web site at www.earthsongranch.com. Jessica Lynn, Earth Song Ranch PO Box 482, Aguanga, CA 92536 jessica@earthsongranch.com 951-514-9700 www.horsebackmagazine.com www.horsebackmagazine.com
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July July 2015 2015 2 2H HORSEBACK ORSEBACK M MAGAZINE AGAZINE
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Tack Care...
The Politically Incorrect Saddler Lew!
I
Horseback Magazine’s Saddle & Tack Editor
’ve been having a weird sort of fun lately with some of the goofy things going on in the news. My big task here is to try to tie it all together with the title of my column; “Tack Talk”. So, we’re going to have to talk about tack. To begin with, most tack made in the United States was made in the South. I am aware of some English saddleries in the East and Midwest, and I don’t mean to exclude them. One of the things necessary for tack is leather, and the biggest tanneries in the early part of the U.S. were in the South. Yes, there were some in the North. I remember one in Noxen, PA. When they closed the tannery, someone noticed the vegetation was out of control. They tested the soil, and started selling it as potting soil! That was the first time people in that part of the country saw a 500 pound pumpkin! Since that time, lots of agricultural regions have giant pumpkin contests, and although I don’t know where it all really started, for me it started on the front porch of an Agway store when someone brought in a 500 pound pumpkin. I mention the tanneries for two reasons. Most of the tanneries in the United States have been forced out of the country or out of business by the E.P.A., or the Environmental Protection Agency. The main ingredient of tannic acid, which is used for tanning, (do you get the connection?) is oak bark. The “tannin” from the bark is what gives skirting leather the tan color, and instills the preservatives that, when properly maintained, make leather last a long, long, time; centuries, even. Skirting leather is used in the production of all saddles, English and
24 HORSEBACK MAGAZINE 2 July 2015
Western. Wait a minute, that is not true. Skirting leather, oak tanned, is used in the manufacture of all saddles made in the United States. Saddles made in other countries use urine tanned leather. There are a few minor tanneries left in the U.S., but there are two major ones. Hermann Oak, in Missouri, and Wickett and Craig in PA. Wickett and Craig moved to PA. from Canada because they were shipping most of their leather to the U.S. Since the EPA had forced most of the small tanneries out of business or out of the country, Wickett and Craig decided, since they were selling 90% of their tanned hides in the U.S., to move their operation to Curwensville, PA. Hermann oak has long been the premier tannery in the U.S. for saddle skirting. However, several years ago, they got lazy and started shortening the tanning time, and the hides got really hard to use. Here comes Wickett and Craig to the rescue! Suddenly, saddle makers have a choice! Hermann Oak now has to improve their process, and, that, my friends, is what manufacturing competition is all about! There are now two major tanners of saddle leather in the U.S. When one gets shoddy, the other one gains, and vice versa. I have used both leathers, and sometimes one really works, and sometimes, one really sucks. Now, here is the problem with the EPA. Some small tanneries did not close up shop, they moved to Mexico. Mexico has a lot of problems, but they do not have the EPA. They are friendly to new business, (I don’t know if you have to pay the drug cartels), and they are hungry for growth. The U.S. companies that moved their business to Mexico, are using U.S. hides, (bigger), the same tanning techniques, and are able to produce quality leather cheaper than in the U.S., and make more profit on the sales! A friend of mine, Anglo, who lives in Mexico, says that Mexico will take over the U.S. O.K., Walt Disney is taking the Confederate flag off of the “General Lee” from the “Dukes of Hazard”. I moved to
Texas from Tennessee. I have always loved the South. Five percent of the Southern gentry owned slaves. That means 95% of the Southerners did not own slaves. Slaves were captured by strong African tribes that took the defeated tribes to the coast to hold for Dutch, English, and American ”Slavers”. Twenty percent of the captured peoples were brought to the U.S., thirty percent were taken to South America, and fifty percent were taken to the Arab lands. I have never owned a slave. My parents never owned a slave, my grandparents never owned a slave. I think it is time to put the issue of slavery behind us. The swastika was a symbol of good luck. It goes back to the time of the pyramids, and the American Indians called it NOHOKOS. It was also called the rolling log. Newt Porter, a famous western saddle maker from Phoenix, AZ. (see how I’m tying this in to “Tack Talk”)? used the “Nohokos” symbol extensively through the 1930’s. Hitler adopted the symbol as the sign of the “Third Reich” in 1938, and it became a symbol of oppression, after 2000 years of meaning good luck! The whole purpose, I guess, of this column, is to make you think, “Does this make sense? Is there some ulterior fore at work here?” I love the U.S.A., I love the South. I love the history, and I love our Constitution. The Confederate flag? Yeah, it is the flag of a conquered nation, but a nation that has long memories. The freedoms we all enjoy are being eaten away at the very highest levels of our government. We need to get back to a government of the people, by the people, and for the people, the people being the ones that work to make this country great. God Bless America. Let’s bring all the tanneries back to U.S. borders!
Bandera’s Lew Pewterbaugh has been called the most knowledgeable saddle and tack authority in the Southwest. For private fitting consultation call (830) 328-0321 or (830) 522-6613 or email: saddlerlew@gmail.com. www.horsebackmagazine.com
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HORSEBACK MAGAZINE 25
English...
It
has been said that anything worth having is worth working for. Achievements don’t just happen, they are made to happen. Well-trained horses and riders don’t just happen. They are developed over time through diligent work, correct training, a great deal of sensitivity and lots of positive energy. For a rider to learn the skills necessary for any equestrian sport, there are multitudes of trials and tribulations that must be faced. The feedback given to the rider by the trainer and the horse helps the rider to develop his skills. What he does with that feedback determines whether his horse will improve in his performance or digress in his behavior. The power of a positive attitude is incredible and should always be utilized in anything you do. In riding, it can make the difference between a horse that has a sour attitude and one that will give you his heart and soul. Have you ever known a rider that can get on almost any horse and quietly fix a problem that someone else may have had with it? A true horseman will always find the good in each horse and look for ways to make the horse want to do what he is asking of it. When speaking about a horse, he will focus on his attributes, not his shortcomings. Have you or anyone you know ever finished a ride in frustration, making angry remarks regarding how stupid horses are or how you could have spent your time doing something else instead? Have you ever heard someone blame the trainer because he or she wasn’t having a successful ride? Have you ever felt like you should give up riding because you have no talent and you can’t get a horse to do anything right? Perhaps the problem was not so much with the intelligence level of
26 HORSEBACK MAGAZINE 2 July 2015
Positively Wonderful
your horse or your lack of skill. Perhaps the heart of the problem was with your outlook and attitude. Some people are blessed with a cheerful disposition and an uncanny ability to see the good in everything. These people never seem to get upset or stressed and tend to lift your spirits when they walk into a room. Imagine how it feels to a horse to have all of that positive energy in the driver’s seat! On the other hand there are those who walk into the room and zap your energy with their low self esteem and negative attitude. How do you think it feels to a horse to have one of those people in the driver’s seat? If you find that a can-do attitude doesn’t come easily to you, cheer up! It is possible to change your way of thinking and create new behavior patterns for yourself. Start by changing your vocabulary. Words are powerful! Challenge yourself to remove all negative words and phrases from your thoughts and speech. Ask a
friend to help you by pointing out any words that you might use that could be considered negative. Replace those words with positive words. Learn to take a deep breath when things aren’t going well and remember that there are worse things in life than what you are dealing with. Become a positive thinker through positive speech. Take a look at your body language. Stand, sit and walk tall. Put more energy in your step. When you tack your horse, put positive energy into a good grooming session and think about how good it feels to your horse and notice how good he looks. Think about why you are there spending time with your horse. Remember the reasons you began your riding career and take a minute to think about how lucky you are to live this part of your dream. When you are getting your horse ready or perhaps when you have a quiet moment alone, think about what
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you want to do with your horse or your riding career. Start by setting goals. Break them down into long term goals such as; I want to ride grand prix dressage. Then have a plan of how you will get there, for instance; I will take weekly lessons to learn the movements in each level from training level through grand prix. Then set your short term goals such as; I need to learn to put the horse on the bit to reach training level. Then set your immediate goals such as; Today, I will work on keeping my horse balanced during walk to trot transitions. Be realistic in your expectations. Don’t expect to master half-pass before you can do a leg-yield. Before you ride, make a realistic plan of what you want to accomplish and how you want to go about it. Visualize you and your horse working together in perfect harmony. Now go ahead, mount your horse and put your plan into action. Remember the perfect ride that you envisioned. However, here’s the reality; the ride isn’t going to be perfect. There will be problems during your ride. Don’t focus on them. Simply identify the problems, and then focus on the solutions. Choose to succeed by finding the smallest successes and building on them. Keep yourself
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Encourage your horse through praise!
motivated by catching your horse doing it right and encouraging him through praise. Learn to find your weaknesses (problems) and turn them into strengths (solutions) through directing positive energy into your daily practice. Everything you do in life is by choice. You can choose to succeed or choose to fail. Learn to be your own biggest supporter and choose success for both you and your horse. Believe in yourself, your trainer and your horse. Have the confidence to seek help from more expe-
rienced horsemen if you have questions about methods or techniques. Always set goals to raise your standards and you will discover your horizons broadening over time. Eventually, you will find that both you and your horse will gain greater skill, confidence and joy in a positively wonderful partnership! Cathy Strobel has over 30 years of experience as a trainer, judge and clinician and can be reached at Southern Breeze Equestrian Center at (281) 431-4868 or www.sbreeze.com
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HORSEBACK MAGAZINE 27
TIPS
Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine
For A Healthy Summer
O
LAR GE ANIMAL HEALTH IN SUMMER TEMPERATURES
ur cats and dogs aren’t the only animals that need special attention during the unbearable summer temperatures; horses and other large animals get hot too! Though they may not express it in the same way as our domestic pets, heatstroke is still common among large animals, and prevention is the best cure. “The important things to consider during summer heat for animals are similar as for humans,” said Dr. Leslie Easterwood, assistant clinical professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (CVM). “It is best to provide clean, fresh water at a rate higher than they would be losing due to sweat.” The progression from dehydration to heat exhaustion and ultimately heat stroke can occur rapidly. Providing your large animals with
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access to plenty of water and shade is the most important way to keep their body temperatures under control. Just as with humans and other animals, the higher the temperature or activity level, the more water is required to cool the body. “Most horses will consume between 5 and 10 gallons of water per day, and their daily requirement for maintenance is approximately 6 gallons for a 1000-pound horse,” said Dr. Easterwood. “They will need more if they are exercising or if their housing conditions do not provide for shade or circulation of fresh air.” Horses that are not sweating and are overheating can easily have their body temperatures rise to dangerous levels within minutes of exercising in the summer, and their large muscle mass allows them to generate a tremendous amount of heat, making them susceptible to a loss of water
and electrolytes through sweat. As the amount of sweat increases, so does the imbalance of body fluids and electrolytes. “The only increased nutritional requirements for hot weather would be the intake of electrolytes,” said Dr. Easterwood. “Large animals that have access to mineral supplements will generally take in enough electrolytes to account for normal losses, but electrolytes can be added to their daily grain ration if the horse will be sweating excessively or exercising.” Since horses cannot tell us directly that they are overheated, we must pay attention to their appearance and behavior in order to distinguish their discomfort. Some signs to look out for are an excessive amount or absence of sweating, increased respiratory rate, depression, lack of appetite, apparent weakness, or diswww.horsebackmagazine.com www.horsebackmagazine.com
H
orientation. “Horses that are not sweating adequately will start to breathe rapidly in order to try to cool themselves via their respiratory system” said Dr. Easterwood. “This condition is called anyhdrosis and can cause them to overheat while exercising.” She explains that these horses are literally trying to ‘blow off steam’ and cool themselves by taking in air that is cooler than their own body temperature while blowing out the warmer air. While most horses and other large animals are able to cool themselves by sweating, taking in an adequate amount of water, and staying in the shade, you should still keep an eye out for signs of dehydration or heat exhaustion. Whether your pet whinnies or bleats, barks or purrs, they are counting on you to keep them healthy and comfortable during these hot summer months. www.horsebackmagazine.com www.horsebackmagazine.com
EYE INJURIES IN HORSES
orses are known for their massive stature and majestic features. Everything from their muscular physique to their large, lovely eyes leaves us in awe. However, just as horses can injure their joints and muscles quite easily, ocular trauma is common due to their eyes’ unique size and shape, and can become dangerous if not treated quickly. “There are several features of the equine eye that makes it quite vulnerable to injury and anatomical features of the equine skull that contribute to this increased risk for injury,” said Dr. Leslie Easterwood, Assistant Clinical Professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. “The equine head features a complete bony orbital rim and globes that protrude on each side, leaving the eyes vulnerable to injury.” Ocular injuries in horses should not be taken lightly. If you suspect that your horse is showing signs of abnormality, it must be evaluated promptly and accurately. “Owners should be counseled to consider any abnormality involving the eye as cause for concern requiring prompt veterinary attention,” said Easterwood. “Owners should watch out for squinting, tearing, lid swelling, corneal opacity, and facial asymmetry.” The first step you should take when evaluating a horse with ocular or orbital trauma is a complete physical examination. It is also important that their neurologic status is evaluated prior to considering sedation for the ocular examination. “Sedation in the face of an undiagnosed neurologic injury could result in a lowered threshold for seizures,” said Easterwood. “Owners will frequently miss subtle neurologic deficits and focus on obvious ocular trauma.” Some of the common ocular emergencies in horses include eyelid lacerations, traumatic globe rupture, ulcerative corneal rupture
with iris prolapse, fungal keratitis, and acute central blindness. “Eyelid lacerations most commonly involve the upper lid, and course from the side to the middle,” said Easterwood. “These lacerations should be repaired with the goal to maintain lid architecture at all cost.” While these injuries are often easier to diagnose than most other eye emergencies, it is equally important to seek immediate medical attention. Another frequent ocular injury, traumatic globe rupture, can commonly be caused from blunt force trauma to the globe. “Prompt surgical repair is essential to maintain sight, but be careful to avoid ophthalmic ointments if there is any chance of a globe rupture,” said Easterwood. Corneal rupture due to bacterial and fungal keratitis can hold a much more guarded prognosis than traumatic globe rupture, and require prompt diagnosis as well as intensive therapy. A ruptured cornea can often result in blindness due to scar tissue in the eye that prevents light from getting to the back of the eye. Treatment for both bacterial and fungal disease must be vigorous. Acute central blindness, another common ocular emergency in horses, may result from traumatic optic neuropathy. Horses that suffer from this may never be sighted, but can be maintained with appropriate therapy and management changes. “Permanently dilated pupils are a poor prognostic indicator,” said Easterwood. “Anti-inflammatory therapy for this should be initiated, but recovery is rare.” It is vital that equine eye emergencies be evaluated promptly in order to start appropriate therapy. If ocular abnormalities go untreated, it is possible for there to be a permanent loss of sight. Just as we take the necessary precautions in preventing and treating injury to our own eyes, it is important that we do the same for our horses. July July 2015 2015 2 2H HORSEBACK ORSEBACK M MAGAZINE AGAZINE
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STRANGLES: UNDERSTANDING EQUINE DISTEMPER AND PURPULA HAE WMORRHAGICA
O
ne of the most alarming of infectious diseases in the equine industry is Strangles, which is noted for the characteristic large swelling of lymph nodes under the jaw or in the throat area. Sometimes the node enlargement progresses to the point of interfering with airway or swallowing functions creating a concern that the patient might strangle. Strangles, also known as equine distemper, is caused by a bacterial infection of the highly infectious Streptococcus equi (Strep equi). It most commonly affects young horses, generally two years of age or less. Although the disease is potentially fatal, the mortality rate is generally less than 10 percent. The morbidity rate, however, is quite high due to the infectious nature of the germ and its ability to survive once infected horses contaminate the environment. The disease has an incubation period ranging from a few days to two weeks. Therefore, minimum isolation
time of two weeks is recommended with horses that have been exposed, or horses having an unknown history for biosecurity purposes. “We see it so commonly in young horses when the germ is found in endemic areas; the younger animals often lack adequate immune protection” said Dr. Glennon Mays, clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Science (CVM). “That means that once a location is contaminated with Strangles, we often see it reappear in the horse population because the bacterium is located in that environment. When horses are born or brought to that location, if they don’t have protective immunity, they become infected. “ The Strep equi germ can survive in contaminated soil, water troughs, feed buckets, and tack. The germ can even be transferred by people from one location to another. Direct transmission between horses occurs through contaminated mucus
IMPOR TANT TO PR OTEC T HORSES FR OM INCREASING FLY PR OBLEM
I
f you are around horses or a stable lately, you may notice an increase in flies such as stable flies, house flies, horn flies, and horse flies. Dr. Leslie Easterwood, clinical assistant professor for the large animal clinical sciences department at Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, said flies are worse in the summertime. Flies can be a nuisance to a horse because the horse tries to swat and get away from them. Other than annoying the horse, the biting flies can cause physical irritations. Often, the flies congregate around the horse’s face trying drink the fluid at the corner of the horse’s eyes. Since flies carry bacteria on their feet, when they are looking for moisture they
30 HORSEBACK MAGAZINE 2 July 2015
deposit bacteria, larvae, and parasites on the horse’s face and around the eyes. “The biggest thing is the transfer [of bacteria] and all flies can be bothersome,” Easterwood said. Flies often deposit Habronema larvae on open wounds and the horse’s eyes. “As the larvae migrate through the tissue, they cause open sores and that is very common in horses this time of year,” Easterwood said. Horse flies are even worse than normal house and stable flies. Easterwood said these flies are at least 10 times the size of a house fly, have big mouths, and transfer more diseases than a house or stable fly. “They can transfer diseases
excretions of the infected horse to the naïve horse. Contaminated horses may shed the germ for two to three weeks. Infected horses can exhibit several signs, such as general depression and dull behavior, runny nose or eyes and fever. The classic symptom of the infection is swollen lymph nodes beneath the jaw or throat areas or in other external and/or internal body locations. Lymph nodes will usually swell two to three days after infection, and horses will be able to spread disease for approximately two to three weeks after clinical signs appear. “These lymph nodes swell in reaction to the infection, and often develop into large pus formations,” Mays said. “After swelling, when the nodes soften, it is often therapeutic to drain the nodes by surgical incision. But this requires great caution since large blood vessels are often in close proximity. Care to contain the recovered pus is necessary because it can be very contaminating wherever it collects. The lymph nodes really serve as an area of collection of the bacteria and a concentration point of the infection.” “You don’t want that fluid getting into the soil, or on objects that
such Equine Infectious Anemia, a very fatal disease that we don’t have a cure for,” she said. Easterwood said these irritations, sores, diseases, and transfer of bacteria are the main reason it is important to have proper fly control. “Good fly control extends to the face, not just spraying the body, but using stuff safe to use by their eyes,” she said. Easterwood recommended using sprays and ointments to repel flies. Ointment can be applied to a cloth and used to wipe the horse’s eyes. The repellent can be bought over the counter or through a veterinarian. Different environmental factors determine which product should be used for individual needs. “If there is a bad fly problem, you would be better off to use a product every day that you can rewww.horsebackmagazine.com
will come in contact with uninfected horses,” Mays said. “Remember that the person handling the infected horse or the infected material coming from the horse can become a vehicle for spreading the disease.” In addition to relieving the swelling of glands, veterinarians will typically administer supportive care, such as anti-inflammatory medications, to horses that retain an adequate appetite, hydration status, and don’t display difficulty breathing. Some patients may experience high fever spikes (103 F or more) and require more aggressive therapy. In these instances, administration of antibiotics, electrolyte fluids, and antiinflammatories become necessary. Additional products believed to stimulate the immune system are sometimes incorporated into the therapeutic plan, however, many equine practitioners choose against initiating antimicrobial therapy unless the patient is fevered, depressed, and listless to the point of not eating and drinking adequately. Mays explained that in some cases Strangles can develop into a clinical presentation called Purpura Haemorrhagica. Purpura causes vasculitis
in the extremities resulting in painful swelling of the legs due to acute inflammation of peripheral blood vessels. The legs become tender and sore because circulation is impaired. Horses that develop this condition are either infected with Strangles and progress to the purpura stage, or were previously exposed to the germ without developing an infection. “The reason behind this development is poorly understood, “Mays said. “But horses that develop purpura are extremely depressed and actually show more clinical signs of illness essentially sicker than with Strangles alone.” The vasculitis in the legs can significantly prolong recovery, and can be severe enough that the swelling permanently damages musculoskeletal structures. Laminitis is not an unusual resulting chronic condition. Complications from purpura can produce careerending results for performance horses. Purpura can also become fatal if not treated in a timely or effective manner. “My biggest concern is purpura creating a systemic effect resulting in a generalized, body-wide infection producing toxins that becomes a life-
threatening condition, “Mays said. The best defense against Strangles is to create a barrier through biosecurity. Avoid transporting young horses into contaminated or endemic areas. Isolate horses of unknown exposure history for a minimum of two weeks to prevent possible exposure of disease to other animals. Do not bring horses displaying signs of illness into contact with healthy horses. Remember, the infection can be transferred on clothing, tack, vehicle tires, or hands. Due to Strangles’ extremely contagious character, seek veterinary care immediately if suspected. . Often, the veterinarians prefer to examine the animal away from their clinic to avoid contamination. Vaccines have been available for decades, but remain a contested topic for recommendation. Mays explained that many veterinarians approach vaccination recommendation with caution. “Strep vaccines historically have more potential for reactive properties than other equine biological products. Many practitioners express concern for an increased frequency of post-vaccination complications with Strangles vaccine,” Mays said.
apply frequently to keep the population down. As opposed to if you have a very good environmental program, you can apply the longer lasting product,” Easterwood said. She added that most people reapply fly products daily. She warned, however, that many products claim the repellent lasts longer than others. “We have found that very few [prod-
ucts] last as long as they say they will,” Easterwood said. She explained that all fly repellent works on the various types of flies. “It repels all of [the flies] and mosquitoes,” Easterwood said. She also suggested covering the horse with fly sheets for their bodies and fly masks for their faces. Other options include an automatic
fly spray system in barns, moving manure and trash piles away from the horses, drying out the manure pile, or the use of fly predators. Pet Talk is a service of the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University. Stories can be viewed on the Web at vetmed.tamu.edu/news/pet-talk. Suggestions for future topics may be directed t o editor@cvm.tamu.e
䠀䔀䰀䐀 䄀吀 吀刀䄀嘀䤀匀 䌀伀唀一吀夀 䔀堀倀伀 䌀吀刀Ⰰ 䄀唀匀吀䤀一Ⰰ 吀堀
嘀椀猀椀琀㨀 眀眀眀⸀䌀䄀儀䠀䄀⸀挀漀洀 昀漀爀 䠀椀最栀 倀漀椀渀琀 刀甀氀攀猀 ☀ 䴀漀爀攀 䤀渀昀漀℀ 儀甀攀猀琀椀漀渀猀㼀 瀀攀渀渀礀⸀最爀愀礀洀愀爀䀀最洀愀椀氀⸀挀漀洀
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HORSEBACK MAGAZINE 31
Hoof Health...
The Natural State
T
he sound, healthy feet of the Great Basin wild horse define the natural state of the hoof and the foundations for natural hoof care. Thus, any intelligent consideration of such a model must begin with a discussion of the meaning of “natural state” and why it is applicable and useful in the care of domesticated horses. At first thought, there can be a tendency among horse owners (and their many service providers) to reject the wild horse hoof as a model worthy of emulation. At surface, this seems reasonable. What business does a “wild” hoof have being on a “domestic” horse? More often I hear, “What applies to wild horses doesn’t apply to domestic horses, because domestic horses aren’t wild and they don’t live naturally.” This type of logic, on closer inspection, is
fraught with misunderstanding. While the science of how and when the horse as we know him today arrived on our planet lies somewhat beyond the scope of this text, it is the relevance of the wild horse to his domesticated cousin that necessarily draws us into the discussion. Paleontologists and other scientists using radiocarbon-dating and DNA techniques suggest strongly that the modern horse, Equus caballus arrived over a million years ago, the result of a complex evolutionary descent from Hyracotherium (also called Eohippus, the “dawn horse”) spanning over 50 million years.¹ Of significance to NHC principles and practices is that the modern horse — technically Equus ferus caballus — and his wild, pre-domesticated antecedent, Equus ferus ferus form a single homogeneous group (“clade”) and are genetically indistinguishable from each other. This fact is foundational to our work because what we do for the horse is based on his biological adaptation. Hence, the entire battery of NHC practices, from natural boarding to feeding a reasonably natural diet to engaging natural horsemanship to diligently executing the natural trim, all follow from this premise. So, when we say that a horse is
“wild”, all we’re really saying is that it isn’t domesticated. But it’s the same animal, nonetheless. As I described in my book The Natural Horse, the modern horse merged from the wild thousands of years ago as a result of domestication. So rejecting the value of “wildness” in the horse, in a sense, is foolish because it means rejecting the horse’s biological roots. It blinds us to the essence of what it means to be a horse. Another word that seems to throw people for a loop, adding to the storm of confusion over what is and isn’t wild, is the term feral. Wild horses of the U.S. Great Basin are sometimes said to be “feral”, which simply means that they were once domesticated but have returned to their wild state, or lifestyle. The term “feral” means wild beast (in Latin) and refers to any animal that makes the transition from being domesticated to living naturally in the wild. Nevertheless, feral horses, like domesticated horses, genetically speaking, are all derived from the same wild animal, Equus ferus ferus. They are still the same species. This is really Jaime Jackson - Con’t. on pg. 34
DARTMOOR PONIES: Feral Darmoor mare in the U.K. whose front right hoof clearly shows signs of chronic laminitis.
32 HORSEBACK MAGAZINE 2 July 2015
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July 2015 2
HORSEBACK MAGAZINE 33
Hoof Health... Jaime Jackson - Con’t. from pg. 32
no different than with camels, llamas, and elephants, all of which have known feral, wild, and domesticated lifestyles too. So, if there is an issue here in differentiating what is wild, from what is feral, or from what is domesticated, it is really a question of the effects of lifestyle and environment, rather than inherited biology. The difference, then, between wild horses at the dawn of domestication upon the Eurasian steppes thousands of years ago and all horses today, is not in variant species, but in the wilderness and domesticated experiences. The domestic experience is inseparable from the human influence (“meddling” is a term I often use); wildness, on the other hand, bears the untampered hand of species adaptation. And here is yet another word that invites confusion, given the wide overlap between its scientific and lay usages! Most people think of adaptation as some one or some thing getting accustomed to something new or different in the short term. Scientists, in contrast, define
adaptation as the evolutionary process by which a population becomes better suited to its environment over many generations and thousands of years. Adaptations occur through natural selection. Natural selection is the process by which those heritable traits (e.g., hair color serving as camouflage or sexual attraction) that make it more likely for an organism to survive and successfully reproduce become more common in a population over successive generations. Natural selection acts upon the phenotype, or observable characteristic of an organism; and so it goes that the heritable (genetic) basis of any phenotype that favors reproduction will become more common in a population. Scientists studying the genetic evolution of the horse believe that the modern horse, Equus ferus caballus evolved through natural selection over a stretch of 55 million years following the extinction of the last dinosaurs in the Cretatious Period, arriving as we know him today (based upon DNA
No w
comfort for your horse... ease for your body
evidence) approximately 1.4 million years ago, long before the dawn of humans. What the foregoing means is that the wild horse foot, like the wild horse himself, is, from an evolutionary standpoint of long term species stability, very much worth our while as a model to emulate. This certainly became clear to me as a result of my studies of the wild horses of the U.S. Great Basin — an animal reproductively prolific (a signature of successful adaptation), healthy, and sound. But I would like to point out that these wild horses did not technically adapt to that environment, as some might suggest. As I wrote in my first book, The Natural Horse, wild horses that I studied in the U.S. Great Basin came from run- aways and deliberate turnouts, the very first probably deriving from Spanish stock during the Age of Exploration and early colonization of the continent. Before the first Spanish explorers arrived from Europe, there were no horses in the Great Jaime Jackson - Con’t. on pg. 36
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HORSEBACK MAGAZINE 35
Hoof Health...
Jaime Jackson - Con’t. from pg. 34
Hooves of the horses at the AANHCP Field Headquarters show the same healthy characteristics as the free-roaming horses in the U.S. Great Basin, an adaptative environment.
AANHCP MUSTANG CADAVER HOOF: A mustang hoof that was freeze dried and has not changed since taken from a mare who died during a gather. A beautiful example of a healthy hoof!
Basin or in North America (“New World”). Scientists believe that Equus ferus ferus became extinct across North America 10,000 years ago during the late Pleistocene Epoch. It is thought that the unfavorable climate and vegetation changes caused the horse’s extinction, possibly accelerated from over-hunting by early tribes of humans. Over time, climactic and environmental conditions in North America reversed, once more favoring the adaptation of the horse. In fact, by the time the Spanish arrived in the American southwest, the region more closely resembled the semi-arid Eurasian steppes where Equus ferus ferus had long ago survived, flourished, and became domesticated — at the same time members of his species perished in North America. Spanish and other European runaways (called “mustangs”) now readily “re-occupied” the North American “pre-Pleistocene” niche and propagated — flourishing
36 HORSEBACK MAGAZINE 2 July 2015
into the millions according to 19th century explorers. But my point is that these imported horses did not actually adapt to this environment, only that the Great Basin once more “fit” their specie’s adaptation that occurred 1.4 million years earlier. Thus, the hoof we see in the Great Basin today, is the hoof representative of that adaptation — what I have come to appreciate as the perfectly natural hoof. This does raise the issue of the sorts of environments inhabited by feral horses are deemed useful to us as models for NHC practices. As it turns out, not all wild horse or “feral” herds are suitable models for NHC and the natural trim as they do not inhabit the high desert type biome (ecosystem) of their specie’s ancient adaptation. In all other environments to which the horse did not adapt 1.4 million years ago, his feet will reflect the deleterious influences of those environments.
NHC advocates and others have investigated the hooves of feral herds in such “non-adaptive” environments, including the Kaimanawa horses of New Zealand, Chincoteague ponies of Assateague Island (one of several U.S. coastal islands off of Virginia and Maryland), the feral horses of Cumberland Island National Seashore (Georgia/USA), Camargue ponies of France, and the Dartmoor Ponies of southwestern England, and, without exception, all demonstrated hoof issues ranging from extreme capsule overgrowth to chronic laminitis. The Duelmener ponies of Germany, for example, live in a moist, relatively swampy environment. NHC advocates have visited these herds and investigated their hooves; not surprisingly, they found them to be overgrown, suffering from diseases, and badly in need of natural hoof care. Like all feral horse herds today, they are managed for population control. www.horsebackmagazine.com
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REALTOR Roundup TAMMY FOREMAN REALTOR Hodde Real Estate Co. 112 W. Main Street, Brenham, TX (O): (979) 836-8532 (C): (979) 451-2945
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SPECIALTIES: Farms/Ranches, Equestrian, Residential, Country Homes, Land. TERRITORY: Texas
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TOOTIE LYONS RIXMANREALTOR, ASSOCIATE Heritage Texas Country Properties 605 S. Austin Brenham, TX
(O): (979) 251-7500 (C): (979) 277-8426 (E): boo@realtorboo.com (W): www.realtorboo.com
(C): (979) 277-2694 (E): tootie2@sbcglobal.net (W): www.heritagetexascountry.com/page46/Tootie-Lyons-Rixman
SPECIALTIES: Farm/Ranch, Hunting Property, Country Homes TERRITORY: Texas
SPECIALTIES: Acreage, Homes, Horse Property, Country Homes, Farm & Ranch TERRITORY: Texas
RENEE DIEHL ALHS Round Top Real Estate 101 Main St. Round Top, TX (C): (713) 401-8958 (O): (979) 249-5732 (E): diehl@gmail.com (W): www.roundtopland.com SPECIALTIES: Farm & Ranch, Land, Country & Luxury Homes TERRITORY: South Central Texas
38 HORSEBACK MAGAZINE 2 July 2015
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SPECIALTIES: Equestrian Estates, Farm & Ranch, Residential TERRITORY: Ft. Bend, Waller, Austin, Washington, Grimes, Harris Counties CARRIE SHWAGER REALTOR The Property Source 7424 FM 1488, Ste. A-1 Magnolia, TX 77354 (C): (281) 960-5190 (F): (936) 449-4586 (E): carrieschwager@att.net (W): www.texasluxurypropertyrealtor.com SPECIALTIES: Equestrian, Farm and Ranch, Hunting, and Luxury Residential TERRITORY: Texas YOUR NAME HERE!REALTOR/BROKER The Best Real Estate Co. 1234 Main Street Houston, TX (O): (123) 456-7890 (C): (123) 456-7890 (E): info@bestrealtor.com (W): www.bestrealtor.com SPECIALTIES: Ranches, Hunting & Horse Properties, Acreage TERRITORY: Texas
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HORSEBACK MAGAZINE 39
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Lifestyle...
HITCHING Sundowner’s NEW UP A NEW Circuit Series DESIGN! SHOWCASE
It
was a hot day in East Texas in 1981 when Mr. Shipman, owner and salesman for Sundowner Trailers walked onto the lot of Triple M Trailers owned by Bill McKinley. After days on the road, and not a sale under his belt, Bill placed his first order ever received for two Sundowner trailers. It was a friendship and business arrangement that has taken both men to the top and making Sundowner Trailers of Texas the oldest and most successful Sundowner dealership in America. Now inspired by Bill McKinley, who yearned for a horse trailer built ‘his way’, Sundowner Inc., one of the nation’s top specialty aluminum trailer brands, America’s trailer, has unveiled its Circuit Series, a new generation of aluminum horse trailers offering a unique blend of advanced styling and inventive features customized to the specific needs of horse owners and
40 HORSEBACK MAGAZINE 2 July 2015
their horses. From the doors to the trim, Bill helps oversee the design of the new Circuit series that will attract not only faithful Sundowner customers, but new ones who want the luxury, strength and safety that Sundowner can offer them. He understands the passion of horse owners and the lifestyle that goes with it. Bill made sure that the new Circuit Series was one that would appeal to a wide range of customer's needs. The Circuit Series is only available at Sundowner Trailers of Texas in Canton. Go by and chat with Bill and his experienced crew on which trailer will work best for your hauling needs. Look
over the new Circuit Series and see the magic that happened when Bill McKinley, an experienced horseman and trailer owner, joined with Sundowner Trailer Corporation to produce a new line of trailers for the future. Sundowner Trailers of Texas / Triple M Trailers of Texas: I-20 at Exit 523 Hwy 64 Canton, Texas 75103 903-865-1516
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Hoppe Lone Star Ranch
HOPPE LONE STAR RANCH is your private get-away, the place your stress melts, the sunsets marvel and your senses are overjoyed. This is an exceptional 224 acre property that must be seen-there are not words to adequately describe it! Hoppe Lone Star Ranch showcases high ridge lines, rolling hills, pastures and streams. Meander towards the pool and on to the circa 1810 entertainment barn with the most beautiful interior you have seen! Proudly offered by Deitra Robertson Real Estate, Inc. for $3,400,000. To view videos of the properties, see our ad in the E-magazine at horsebackmagazine.com
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HORSEBACK MAGAZINE 41
Horsebites...
Horsebites - Con’t. from pg.8
Dr. Susan Wingo and Cat Bar Bobby (chestnut) Photo by Aponi
2014-2015 Competitive Season: Open National Champion Kathie Norman and her AQHA mare Handy Dulce Bar from Malakoff, Texas Pleasure National Champion Dr. Susan Wingo, with her AQHA mare Cat Bar Bobby from Karnack, Texas. Not only are these two ACTHA National Champions from the same state, but the pair have been friends for more than twenty five years. Together, they set their sights on winning their respective divisions in the 2014-2015 competitive year and competed side by side throughout the southwest to achieve their goal. Completing the trio of southern belles is ACTHA Junior Champion fifteen year old Elizabeth Bazemore of Micanopy, Florida and her AQHA gelding Cookie Monster. Quite the accomplishment for this
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young rising star in competitive trail riding as the number of competitors in the junior division of ACTHA continues to grow. ACTHA President Robin Tilghman stated, “We are extremely proud of all our competitors and the goals they have achieved this season. The dedication our members and volunteers bring to our mission of ending equine unemployment while raising funds for charity truly demonstrates that together we can make a difference in the lives of equines in need.”
EINSTEINS REVOLUTION IS NRHA’S NEWEST MILLION DOLLAR SIRE Oklahoma City, - The National Reining Horse Association is pleased to congratulate the association’s newest Million Dollar Sire -- Einsteins Revolution. He joins other distinguished sires who have achieved the lofty distinction, including his sire. Einsteins Revolution is a 2002 dun stallion bred by Christian and Rosi Wagner of Germany. In January 2005, Ruben Vandorp became a part owner and the recorded ownership became Wagner & Vandorp. By Million Dollar Sire Einstein (AQHA Great Resolve) and out of Fly Flashy Jac by Boggies Flashy Jac, Vandorp became the young prosHorsebites - Con’t. on pg.45 www.horsebackmagazine.com
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HORSEBACK MAGAZINE 43
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Horsebites - Con’t. from pg.43
pect’s trainer and directed his show career. His oversight, though a bit unorthodox by most standards, involved having multiple NRHA Professionals show the dun dynamo. At the 2005 NRHA Futurity, the much heralded Tim McQuay showed the stallion to a Level (L) 4 Open finalist position. NRHA’s Leading Money-Earning Rider, Shawn Flarida, showed him at the 2006 National Reining Breeders Classic (NRBC), winning the L4 Open Champion title, which included a $63,000 paycheck. At the 2007 NRBC, Vandorp and the dun collected the L3 Open division win and the L4 Reserve title for earnings in excess of $99,000. At the 2007 NRHA Derby, with Vandorp at the reins, the stallion earned the Level 3 Open division championship. Competitors, including Vandorp, paid homage to the great
Bill Horn, NRHA’s first Million Dollar Rider and a Hall of Famer, at the 2007 and 2008 Bill Horn Shootout/ Single Shot Derby events. Vandorp and Einsteins Revolution won both events, pocketing $30,000 for each win. Einsteins Revolution was the first horse to earn more than $300,000 in NRHA events! All told he has NRHA Lifetime Earnings (LTE) of $352,720. When he went to the breeding shed, Einsteins Revolution created much excitement based on his show pen success and quickly proved his worth as a sire, attracting some of the best mares in the performance horse industry. He is one of the youngest sires to achieve NRHA Million Dollar Sire status. Currently, his total offspring earnings are $1,015,586. Now owned by Silver Spurs Equine & Vandorp, Einsteins Revolution stands
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in Scottsdale, Arizona, at Silver Spurs Equine. With such outstanding offspring as Revolution Is Dun (NRHA Lifetime Earnings [LTE] $144,422), Relatively Sweet LTE $67,447), Footwork Revolution (LTE $64,029), Einsteinshersheykiss (LTE $46,996), and Memorable Revolution (LTE $35,868), Einsteins Revolution will undoubtedly continue to demand attention from mare owners while setting new standards and milestones.
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HORSEBACK MAGAZINE 45
General...
Still Wet! Howdy!
Welcome to Cowboy Corner.
The wet weather just seems to keep hangin’ on. The Memorial Day flooding was followed by tropical storm Bill three weeks later, but now the weather forecast looks a little dryer in the future. Young friend asked last week about a Father’s Day gift for her dad. Suggested rubber boots because the pair he wore last winter are probably worn out by now. What a winter and spring, one that will go down in the records books. All I know is this wet weather pattern is going to change, but the question is when? Anyone with the answer please let me know. Lots of agriculture is a month behind. The first hay crop to be cut around the first week in May was pushed to the first or second week in June. I mentioned before some of the row crops got planted late, and fields without good drainage ain’t going to make much. Cattle workin’ has got to the “are the pens and roads useable” question. Seems the pens on the hill with good drainage don’t have a good access road, or the pens at the end of the good road are under water. Trying to make wet pens useable is often a tough deal, because my only remedies have been to try to change the drainage or raise the elevation in the pens with fill. Only fill I have used successfully is bank sand for a permanent fix, but mentioned rice hulls last month for a temporary quick fix.
46 HORSEBACK MAGAZINE 2 July 2015
When the dryer weather comes, lots of ranch road work needs to be done. My roads have plenty of pot holes, and I am always amazed at how much material it takes to fill these holes. Think a 14 yard truck load of gravel is a lot until it’s tamped into a pot hole in the road. Road fixin’ material is not cheap, and am always looking for alternative products. Often the materials are not too expensive, but the haulin’ makes the delivered material pricy. Suggest lookin’ for the type of material close to the job site, and try to do some tradin’ on multiple loads. Spreading the road material is another issue, but many of the dump truck drivers can back up to the hole, dump some, then go to the next hole. Multiple dump sites can really reduce tractor time spreading the material. My roads really need attention and the sooner the better. If you ain’t got “four on the floor” you ain’t coming to see me. Mentioned many times that I use portable livestock panels to build catch pens in leased pastures. The panels stand alone pretty well if used in a circular or octagon shape but have found that square or rectangular shapes need some
extra support. Often support can come from an existing fence or fence corner or trees. “T” posts can also be used to support panels and “T” posts come in all different lengths. If a really strong post is needed I use pipe instead of a wood post. Pipe is easy to move and a half a joint of pipe (10 ½ feet) allows 2 1/2 or 3 feet in the ground and about 7 ½ or 8 feet above ground. The above ground portion of the post allows for a header which really adds strength to an opening, say for a gate. Hanging a sixteen foot long gate on the end of a cattle panel with no support has really never worked for me. However, using two pieces of 1 ½ or 2 inch pipe, to 10½ feet long, which sticks out of the ground 8 feet has worked good. Tie the pipe together at the top with heavy wire or small cable and include a 3/8 inch turnbuckle for easy adjustment. Like to set the pipe posts in hard sand and tamp ‘til firm. More about attaching the gate and panels to the pipe next month.
Happy Trails...
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HORSEBACK MAGAZINE 47
Luxury Ranch Properties by Wendy Cline Properties
48 HORSEBACK MAGAZINE 2 July 2015
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