Midwest Horse Digest June 2010

MIDWEST HORSE DIGEST

MIDWEST HORSE DIGEST

June 2010

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Horse Digest

JUNE 2010

Contents Train in g wi t h To d ay’s To p Trainer s 6

Teaching Your Horse Tricks by Ken McNabb

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Teach Your Horse to Open His Mouth to a Cue by Clinton Anderson

10 Correcting the Horse that Drags When Leading by Dennis Auslam 12 The Call of the Herd by Craig Cameron

Of Interest NEWS 27 Eden and Playboys R Peppy Represent Minnesota and Compete at the 2009 Quarter Horse Congress 27 Future Fortunes reaches $1 million benchmark in 2010

18 A Mental and Physical Gym Class for Your Horse by Tracy Porter

32 Gitty Up- Dutch - Ride for the Guiness® World Record

We s t er n P le a su r e

EQUINE NUTRITION

14 How a Judge Views and Analyzes a Class by Jennifer Lindgren 16 Why Long Line? by Tommy Garland

D r e s sage - E n glis h 20 “Ground Manners – Brush Up on Grooming” - by Lynn Palm

Per f o r m anc e Ho r se 24 Speed and Control by Richard Winters 26 Leg Control by Monty Bruce

Trai l Ho r se 32 Your Horses Squeal, What it Means by Julie Goodnight 34 It’ll Be Fine! part IV by Doug Lindgren

22 Tick, Tick, Tick, Tick -

part 3

33 What About Fat?

Special Sections 28 30 41 41 42 43 44 45

Equine Central Ready to Ride Guide Advertisers Index Real Estate Classifieds Photo Classifieds Upcoming Events Traders Corner

Featured on the Cover: Craig Cameron, Ride Smart with complete horsemanship, from beginning to winning. www.CraigCameron.com and www.ExtremeCowboyAssociation.com

36 Ask Mary: How do I open and close a gate on the trail

from horse back? by Mary Hamilton

Eq uine VIP 38 Lucas and Karen talk to Equine VIP by Susan Ashbrooke

We hope you enjoy this issue!

We are proud to be able to publish it for you, our readers, and ask that you support the advertisers that support this magazine.

Thank you!

You will find our archive of back issues online in flip-page format, plus other articles and videos as well~

VISIT OUR WEBSITE: WWW .HORSEDIGESTS.COM

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MIDWEST HORSE DIGEST

Do you know what is nice about working in the Horse Industry for almost 20 years?

It’s the mixture of the opportunities. Opportunities to see, and sometimes ride, great horses. Opportunities to learn first hand from, and get to know professionals in the industry, as well as being in the middle of the marketing process for great products, people and horses.

But the best part of being involved is the friendships that develop and grow, based on trust and experiences over a period of years. People and horses come and go, but there is a whole core of good horse enthusiasts that continue to promote the industry and its positive qualities. We have always strived to surround ourselves with trustworthy, hardworking, honest people that are serious about their passion for what they do.

Here are just a few of the fine people that we consider associates and friends.

Midwest Horse Digest Rahn Greimann, Publisher, Owner and Editor © 2008 Greimann Industries 35418 90th Street Blue Earth, MN 56013 507-526-5943 Fax 507-526-2629

Advertising Contacts Mark Bahls Peg Bahls 507-943-3355 mark@horsedigests.com peg@horsedigests.com

For those of you that have wondered if I am married, because many times my wife is too busy to travel with me, the answer is yes. Shelly is a Chamber Director for our town and extremely busy. She is my wife and best friend of over 30 In the pictures -Left picture - left to right - Jim & Mary Kay years and part of the Kotschevar, Dennis & Michele Auslam, Rahn & Shelly reason that I am writing Greimann. Right picture - left to right -Lynn Palm, Kathy to you now. You see she Juhl, Marie-Frances Davis, Lynn & Rahn. Bottom had a horse when we Picture - Andalusina Stallion Regalo and Rahn were first married that I, and my daughters, rode for 21 years. Brandy, a 7/8ths Arabian, is one of many that we have owned and was one of the quickest horses that I have had the privilege to own.

Anyway, great people and great horses, how can things be better than these? Even though the economy has been tough as of late, our relationships with animals and people doesn’t need to be.

PS. Thank you Lynn, for putting our banner of your cover issue on Purina’s trailer and in your booth at the Minnesota Horse Expo.

Have a great spring! Rahn Greimann

Midwest Horse Digest is distributed FREE at equinerelated businesses in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Northern Illinois and North and South Dakota. No material from this publication may be copied or in any way reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Neither the advertisers nor Greimann Industries are responsible for any errors in the editorial copy.. Greimann Industries reserves the right to refuse any advertising which we deem unsuitable for our publication. No liability is assumed for errors in or omissions of advertisers in this publication. Opinions and views expressed in articles and advertisements are not necessarily those of the publisher, editors or employees, nor does publication of any opinion or statement in Midwest Horse Digest constitute an endorsement of the views, opinions, goods or services mentioned. While every possible effort is made to make our publication accurate and timely, Midwest Horse Digest does not warrant the accuracy of material contained in any article or the quality of goods or services contained in any advertisement.

TO ALL OF OUR ADVERTISERS, DISTRIBUTORS AND READERS WE THANK YOU! Pick up Midwest Horse Digest every month at over 850 feed stores, tack shops, veterinarians, farriers and equestrian centers across the Upper Midwest. If your location does not get Midwest Horse Digest call us at 507-526-5943 or email rahn@horsedigests.com You can also view Midwest Horse Digest online each month or back issues in our online archive.

Just go to www.HorseDigests.com Please direct all editorial and correspondence, as well as change of address to: rahn@horsedigests.com or call 507-526-5943

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Today’s Top Trainers

Teaching Your Horse Tricks

Teaching tricks can be a fun way to work with your horse. It changes things up a bit and makes it interesting and exciting for both of you.

We’re going to cover teaching two tricks here: first, teaching your horse to sidepass towards you, and second, teaching your horse to shake his head yes and no. For these exercises, you will need your horse bridled with a snaffle bit and loop rope reins, a short dressage type whip, and a ball point pen with a retractable point.

As with all the exercises you teach, your goal as a trainer should be to make things as simple as possible for your horse to understand. Break things down into small pieces, and remember to reward your horse regularly. Start by setting a very clear end goal for the exercise, and every time your horse gives you a response, ask yourself: did your horse get closer to the stated

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even the slightest bit out towards you. Use the wall, your bridle, and the whip tapping to control his movement if he tries to go forward, back, or away from you. Don’t get worried or excited if he doesby Ken McNabb with Katherine Lindsey Meehan n’t do what you want, just keep giving the cue calmly and consistently until you goal? The answer should be a simple yes or no.

If it’s yes, release and reward. If the answer is get the response you wanted. Then stop tapping, no, keep asking until you get a response that pet him on the shoulder, and tell him he’s done well. Build on these steps, gradually getting your does bring you closer to your goal.

If your horse has just come out of a stall or horse to step farther and farther out from the wall hasn’t been worked in a while and seems fresh towards you until he is facing directly in to the and full of energy, take a minute to work on an wall with his body at a ninety degree angle from exercise that allows him to move his feet. This is where you started. Then, you are ready to start an important principle. If your horse has lots of asking him to step over towards you with both energy and you are determined to start with an the hips and shoulders. Once he is sidepassing exercise that requires him to stand, you are down the wall towards you, then challenge by likely to have trouble. Start working where both moving farther away from the wall gradually.

There are two important things I want to mention you and your horse can win.

When you are ready, start the sidepass here. One is that when you are teaching your exercise. You will need your horse bridled, and horse a cue to move in to you, it’s important the short whip in your hand. Take your horse to that you also teach a cue to move away from an arena or pen where you have a wall you can you. I like to have the raised hand be the clear work along. Lead him up until he is parallel with cue to move towards me, and have a cue spot the wall. Take the inside rein in your hand closest lower on the ribcage to move away. The other to him, and hold the whip in your other hand. thing is that it’s important to have an end cue for Your goal is for him to move his hip out away the behavior. An end cue is just as important from the wall towards you. Think about an imagi- as the cue that initiates a behavior, and it clearly nary line that passes about 2” to the inside of his signals for your horse the end of the exercise. I hip. Every time he moves his hip through that like to end the sidepass cue with a pat on the line, he’s going in the right direction. The reason shoulder. So from the beginning, I reward my you start this exercise along a wall is to make it horse with a pat on his shoulder, and later in the easier for your horse to get the right answer. You exercise, that becomes my cue to end the are blocking him from moving away from you behavior.

To teach your horse to shake his head yes with the wall, blocking forward motion with the bridle, and blocking backward movement with and no, you won’t need your whip anymore, but the whip. This leaves him with the opening of you will need to get out your ballpoint pen. For moving out away from the wall towards you, the yes head shake (up and down) I use a cue point on the front of the shoulder. For the no which is exactly what you want.

Hold your hand up in the air to start, without head shake (side to side) I use a cue spot in the extending the whip. This is your cue. Of course at middle of the neck. Make sure to put your cue first he won’t know what you want. If you don’t spots in a place where they will not interfere with get a response, use the whip to lightly tap the another common cue, and also where you won’t point of his hip in rhythms of three until he moves inadvertently give the cue all the time (like on the withers where a saddle pad might rub or bump your horse while you are riding).

Tap your pen on the point of your horse’s shoulder. At first, you are just looking for any movement of his head. As soon as you get this, stop tapping him with the pen and pet him. If you get no response from tapping with the blunt end of the pen, you can extend the writing tip.

Just be sure to retract it before you start to give the cue again. Once you are getting head movement on a regular basis, only reward if your horse shakes his head up and down for yes.

Then, repeat the same process to teach your horse to shake his head side to side for no, using the cue spot on his neck.

These are just a few of the many tricks you can teach your horse. Through any exercise you teach, remember to keep it simple, stay calm and consistent, and reward your horse every time he gets closer to the goal.

Enjoy your horses, and until next time, may God bless the trails you ride.

For more information on Ken McNabb’s programs call us at 307-645-3149 or go to www.kenmcnabb.com.

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Today’s Top Trainers

Head Shy Horses:

Teach Your Horse to Open His Mouth to a Cue

by Clinton Anderson Most of us take it for granted that we can read and write – we have forgotten the many steps, such as learning our ABC’s, that we had to progress through before we were able to read our first word. Training horses is very similar to learning how to read and write, yet we often assume that our horses know the ABC’s of what we’re asking them to do. For example, we take it for granted that we can easily slip the bridle on, and wonder why some horses reject the bit and

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refuse to open their mouth.

Many bridling issues occur because the horse is worried about having the bit in his mouth. He clamps his mouth shut, refuses to accept the bit and throws his head up in the air, making it hard for you to reach his head. Most people react by trying to force the bit into the horse’s mouth. While that tactic may be successful once or twice, in the end it will cause the horse to hate and reject the bit even more and will make him even more difficult to bridle the next time.

If your horse will not open his mouth and accept the bit, then he has not been taught the ABC’s of bridling. It is your job to teach them to him before you attempt to bridle him again.

Step A is to ensure that he is not scared of the bit and bridle by desensitizing him to it.

Step B is to teach your horse to lower his head to pressure on the poll (both of these steps are outlined in past issues).

Step C requires that you teach your horse to open his mouth to a cue; he should open his mouth when you put your thumb in the corner of his mouth.

“You have to plan to succeed,” says clinician, Clinton Anderson. “If you follow the steps and teach the horse to open his mouth before you

try to put the bit in, then you’ll have a lot more success.”

Open Sesame Whether you are teaching the horse to open his mouth and accept the bit for the first time, or if you are re-training a horse who doesn’t like the bit being put in his mouth, you can use this cue to make both your job and your horse’s job easier.

The cue is to put your thumb in the corner of the horse’s mouth. Since this area of the horse’s mouth does not have any teeth, you can safely teach the cue without getting bitten. When you first insert your thumb in the corner of the horse’s mouth he probably won’t respond, and you will need to rub the roof of his mouth with your thumb. The rubbing irritates the horse and causes him to open his mouth in an attempt to spit your thumb out. As soon as he opens his mouth, even if he only opens it slightly, remove your thumb and rub his face for doing a good job.

Your horse’s sensitivity level will dictate how hard you’ll have to rub the roof of his mouth.

A sensitive horse may never need to be rubbed, whereas a dull horse may need to have the roof of his mouth rubbed vigorously. As you repeat the lesson, your horse will learn to open his mouth automatically to your thumb. You will then be able to use this cue to open his mouth whenever you go to bridle him.

Teach the Cue Stand to the side of the horse, drape the lead rope over your right elbow and hold the cheek piece of the halter with your right hand. Insert your left thumb into the corner of the horse’s mouth where the bit would sit.

Rub the roof of his mouth with your thumb until he opens his mouth. As soon as he opens his mouth slightly remove your thumb and rub his face.

Continue to put your thumb in his mouth until he automatically begins to respond by opening his mouth, licking or chewing.

About Clinton Anderson Clinton Anderson is America’s favorite horseman. An Australian native, he began his quest to become the best horseman he could be by apprenticing under top Australian trainers Gordon McKinlay and Ian Francis. In 1996 Clinton moved to America to continue training horses and apprenticed under Al Dunning, winner of multiple AQHA World Championships, before beginning to train under his own name. Clinton loves training reiners and cow horses and has been successful in both competitive arenas. Clinton is the host of Downunder Horsemanship TV, the number one rated RFD TV program that airs at 10 and 12 pm Eastern Standard Time on Tuesdays and 3 pm on Sundays.

Find out more about Clinton at www.downunderhorsemanship.com

MIDWEST HORSE DIGEST

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Correcting the Horse that Drags When Leading

by Dennis Auslam One of the more difficult things to learn when dealing with horses is that you are always training them, even when you don’t think you are. If you are doing something as simple as leading them out to the pasture from the barn the training started the moment you walked into the barn.

One of the behaviors that can happen when leading is that the horse starts lagging behind.

So we’ll work at fixing that issue. You need to

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instill in your horse the lessons taught in the past and ground respect is a big one. No respect on the ground means no respect in the saddle. Your horse should be leading slightly off to the left or right of your shoulder and should also not be entering your space.

Your space is that invisible three foot circle all around you.

Your horse has to be taught to go when you go, stop when you stop and back when you back, etc. without you tugging on the lead. He also needs to understand that his poll doesn’t go past your shoulder when being led and that he doesn’t run over you when you encourage him to move forward.

If you are starting the training exercise, that I am going to explain in this article, with a horse that is coming fresh out of the stall you will first want to work with him in the round pen or lunge him to take off that freshness and excess energy This will also help him, if done correctly, to lock on to you, which is a whole article by itself, but not dealt with here.

The tools you will need for the leading lesson are a rope halter, a 12 foot lead line and a 6-8 foot lunge whip with a short tail. You will work beside a fence. Find a fence that is safe for the horse that he won’t get caught in and hurt, as he may try to move over when we start to ask him to move forward.

Starting out, put the fence on your right side with a 3-4 foot space between you and the fence. The horse is on your right side between you and the fence with his poll across from your shoulder. Hold the lead in your right hand approximately 6-10 inches from the snap. This distance allows you to control his nose so it isn’t pointed at your back and keeps you from getting run over. The whip will be in your left hand with the long end coming out of the pinky side of your hand and the short end, or handle, coming out the thumb-side. Holding the whip this way will let you maneuver the whip to tap him on the backend when he lags. You do not want to turn around, you want to reach around and pop him with the whip to tell him to move forward with you.

Walk off at a slow pace. If he does not move forward with you put pressure on the lead line, if you get no response it is time to tap him.

Use the lunge whip you have in your left hand to reach up, again, without turning around, and tap him firmly as far back as you can.

Remember, you are not going to turn around and look at your horse, cock your head and watch him in your peripheral vision.

Popping him with the lunge whip will cause him to move forward, the fence will stop him from moving his hip away from the whip and forward is the only open avenue he has. Keeping your hand on the lead line at the 6-10 inch length will allow you to control him and keep him from running you over. If he starts to move past you this length gives you the ability to pull straight down, letting him know he needs to stop and not go past your shoulder. You are going to continue down the fence and each time he lags behind reach back with your whip and give him a pop. Each time he tries to move past you give a hard pull on the lead to tell him to stop, that’s to far past me. Continue on with the lesson at the walk until all the resistance is gone and he willingly walks off with you correctly.

Once you have that lesson learned and he is walking off with you every time, and stopping when you stop, and you have been practicing it for a good number of days, you can move on to teaching him to trot off with you using the same technique.

Again, repeat these lessons several times over a period of days to ensure the lesson is learned. This lesson should also be taught on both the right side and the left side of the horse.

You will want to remember this too - every time you lead your horse you are teaching him, so if you neglect to correct him that one time when he doesn’t do it right you already have your foot placed on the path of losing everything your have gained. Some horses are more forgiving than others and some will push you harder, but all horses think the same way and one time leads to two, to three..... soon he will start taking advantage of you. The horse mentality is a herd mentality and they are always looking for the leader. Your goal is to be just that, their leader.

Coming up on June 12, at Excalibur Breeding Center in Deerwood, MN we have a Confidence Building Clinic Level 1 and in July, on the 10th, a Level II Clinic. We address this type of issue and many others and can help you get on the road to making you confident and your horse confident in you. Call 507-943-3355 for more information on attending. We list our upcoming clinics on our website also www.redwoodstables.com Stay safe and happy trails! Dennis Auslam Dennis Auslam of Redwood Stables in Morton, MN, trains both the horse and the rider through lessons and clinics. He runs a regular schedule of clinics for Confidence Building, Horsemanship and Cattle Work, including Roping Clinics and has recently added a Challenge Trail Course to his facility.

Call 507-430-0342 or email him at redwoodstables@mvtvwireless.com - You can check his clinic and event schedule by visiting his website at www.redwoodstables.com

MIDWEST HORSE DIGEST

DOWNUNDER HORSEMANSHIP WELCOMES VETERICYN Clinton Anderson of Downunder Horsemanship is pleased to announce his partnership with Vetericyn.

An American based company, Vetericyn offers an array of animal wound and infection treatment products that are as safe as water and designed to mimic the actions of the animal’s own immune system to heal wounds and fight infections.

“I am excited to welcome Vetericyn to Downunder Horsemanship,” Clinton says. “It’s a product I truly believe in. It’s safe and simple to use, it doesn’t sting my horses’ wounds and best of all, it works.”

Vetericyn is steroid?free and antibiotic?free, which makes it an ideal product to treat show animals as it tests free. The unique solution starts healing from the inside out and does not harm healthy tissue so it will not leave a scar. Vetericyn can be used to treat scratches, rain rot, cinch fungus, ringworm, cuts, eye infections, skin rashes, skin ulcers, skin infections, abscess sites, burns, hot spots, outer ear infections, postsurgical sites and respiratory tract associated infections.

Clinton first discovered Vetericyn last spring when a filly on his ranch injured herself, cutting her face from just below her eye to her nose. He was given Vetericyn to try and was instantly amazed at the results. “Since it the solution is literally as safe as water, I was able to easily apply it near the delicate facial area. It didn’t sting her or irritate the wound more. In fact, how fast Vetericyn went to work healing the wound was unbelievable. It was the only product I used on the filly at the time and I’m happy to say that she is now healed and loking good,” Clinton says.

For additional information on Vetericyn, visit their website at www.vetericyn.com. To purchase please call (888) 287?7432 or visit www.downunderhorsemanship.com.

The Oldest Horse The oldest horse reliably recorded was Old Billy. He lived to be 62 years old. He was foaled in 1760 and died in 1822. He was bred by Edward Robinson of Woolston, England.

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The Call of the Herd

by Craig Cameron A common problem for horse owners is the herd-bound horse. They say, “Craig, my trouble is that my horse is herd-bound.” I’ve seen very few horses that were not herd-bound. I hope you know that almost all horses are herd-bound.

Why? That is the nature of the horse. The horse is a social or herd animal and finds safety in number The horse’s instinct gives him an extremely strong herd mentality. Next to the instinct to survive, I think this strong social behavior is one of the most important to the horse. For most horses, the herd is everything.

From day one, the herd mentality is formed. A foal’s mother is his security and the herd is the center of his universe. A foal learns from his mother as well as from members of the herd.

In the wild, horses have no “man-made” problems. Why don’t wild horses have trouble going down steep trails, negotiating obstacles, or crossing water? Why— because the herd teaches them how to survive natural obstacles! The herd creates “naturally” brave horses. The call of the herd is stronger than the fear of the individual horse. Consequently, the problems of crossing rugged terrain do not exist in nature.

Younger, inexperienced horses have a trust of older, dominant, experienced and lead horses. In short, horses have a trust of the herd. Being within the herd is “a no-fear environment.” It is the herd that gives the horse security.

Within the herd there is a pecking order. A pecking order among horses is not about pride or ego as it is in mans’ world.

In the natural environment of the horse, pecking order is about strength, keenness and experience. This social status is about survival of the strong, fit and smart.

In human society, the power or pecking order is about who you know, the car you drive, the size of your house, and of course, how much money you have. The hierarchy of the horse is not about material things, but more about natural status; a status in the herd. This is proven and re-proven on a daily basis. Like man

however, in most horse societies or herds it is a female or older dominant mare who is the leader. The breeding stallions keep the herd together, but make no mistake; it is more often a mare who is the leader of the herd. Pecking order is important and gives the herd just that— order. Lead or dominant horses teach and keep discipline in the herd.

As horse people, we need to understand the nature, the structure and the importance of herd mentality. This knowledge enables us to communicate and be better teachers and trainers of the horse. In the herd of two, you and your horse, there is just one leader and there is just one follower. If you are not the leader, you are the follower; if you are not the alpha, you are the beta. With millions of years of herd instinct, the horse picks up very quickly where you are in the pecking order. If presented correctly the horse will easily accept your role as the leader.

With your understanding of the herd mentality, it is easy to see as a trainer why you do not want to destroy trust. If you are the type of trainer that works through force, pain or fear the horse will never look to you as his leader.

He will only see you for what you are; he will only see you as a predator. Experienced and effective trainers develop trust between themselves and their horse. When there is trust a horse relaxes and when a horse relaxes he can learn.

The best trainers consistently have good horses. Great trainers create a learning environment of trust with their horses. It’s not that their horses are not herd-bound it is that the trainer is part of the herd. The trainer is the leader of the herd. With this approach, herd-bound energy does not work against you, it works for you.

As a horseman, I challenge you to create a nofear environment between you and your horses.

Do not be the predator stalking the herd.

Instead, with effectiveness and understanding the trainer becomes a member of the herd; he is the leader of the herd. Your presence should not represent the threat of a predator, but rather the assurance that you are a part of “The Call of the Herd.”

—Craig Cameron,Horseman You can order Craig’s book and DVD’s at www.CraigCameron.com

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Western Pleasure

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How a Judge Views and Analyzes a Class

by Jennifer Lindgren “The Judge is blind! That Judge needs glasses! Did he even watch that class?”

Everyone who competes with horses disagrees with a Judge from time to time. Some even disagree with the Judges all of the time.

Disagreeing and complaining is a waste of time and energy. If you really want to win, direct your energy towards learning how a Judge views and analyzes a class.

A “scored” class is judged differently than a “pleasure” or performance class. Scored classes (horsemanship, reining, trail, showmanship, longe line, etc.) allow each horse or competitor to

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be evaluated individually. The Judge is able to give the competitor 100% of his attention.

The entire pattern or presentation gets evaluated. For example, in reining the Judges keep an average performance in mind (score of 70) and the horse either earns or loses ‘points’ while being evaluated against that standard. Many exhibitors feel that scored classes have more clearly defined expectations. You can view Judge’s score cards and class specifications at Breed websites such as AQHA, AHA, NRHA, NSBA, etc.

Pleasure or performance class entries are evaluated against one another. The way you present your horse to the Judge is as important as the quality of your horse’s performance. The Judge is only able to evaluate a portion of your performance and it is your responsibility to make sure your horse is perfect every time he is seen. Placings in pleasure classes are reflective of what the Judge has and has not seen.

1. Fact: The best horse does not always win the class! The responsibility of a Judge is to assess the quality of horses presented before them. We don’t have time to “look” for horses in a crowd or consider what they “could” be next year. We judge what we see, during one class, on that particular day.

2. Fact: The Judge does not and cannot watch you during your entire pleasure class. It

may feel like forever to you, but it goes very quickly for us. We watch for a few seconds at a time, and then focus on another horse. But, we do watch the horses at the top of the card much more than those who won’t be considered for a placing. If you want to get a feel for how different the view is from center ring, act as ringmaster at an open show. A full day in the dust will give you a new perspective.

3. Fact: Your first impression is hard to change. Judges are required to assess horses quickly and efficiently. We use your entrance and first few passes to classify you into the top, middle or bottom of class. By the reverse, we usually have our favorites.

4. Fact: No horse is perfect! Hiding their faults and mistakes from the Judge is a skill developed after years in the show ring. We respect those exhibitors who are subtle, gentle and discreet. We penalize those who are rash, rough, and disrespectful.

5. Fact: Transitions are extremely important. Transitions tell us how well trained your horse is. We watch your cues, and your horse’s feet, frame, headset & attitude. Pinned ears, a swishing tail, or raised head let us know he isn’t a willing partner. Even one poor transition can cause you to lose a tough class.

6. Fact: Outfits do matter. They help the judge notice you across the ring and remember you in a large class. You don’t need glitz and glam, just a well fitted, clean look. Try to pick a unique color that flatters both you and your horse. Looking clean and professional will always get you noticed.

7. Fact: Judges are required to know the Rules, Trends, & Tricks. You should too! Rules are available at every breed website, read them.

8. Fact: Judges are both human and horseman. We are told to judge only what we see in the ring once the gate is closed. Honestly, we see and hear much more than people realize. It is hard to forget what happens at the in-gate.

Seeing you yank, shank, spur, and hit your horse without reason doesn’t make us think very much of you. A small thank you or smile makes us feel appreciated. Stories of disrespect and rudeness get exchanged, and remembered for Years! I still remember one extremely hot day when a young girl (who hadn’t placed well) came to the ring and asked to talk to me. She reached through the fence, handed a popsicle to me and said thank you. She made my day.

9. Fact: We don’t mind answering your questions. But, shows need to run on schedule and we are under pressure from the show committee to stay on that schedule. We can’t chat with you while horses are waiting in the ring. Tell the office you want to talk to the Judge and they will let you know when to come back. “What can I do to improve?” is a much better question than “Why didn’t you place me?” We want you to do well and will help if we can.

Jennifer Lindgren has been an All-Breed Judge since 1985. She is an experienced competitor who has earned Regional and National awards in Halter, Western Equitation and Hunter. She loves all breeds of horses and keeps her private collection in Grant Park, IL. contact: jenlind22msn.com

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Equine Guided Education a Feature of 2010 Holistic Horse Fair

Kitching owns and operates Eagle Valley Equestrian LLC, (E.V.E.) a place where horses and people teach each other. Through E.V.E. Kitching teaches Enlightened Horsemanship and Perfect Balance Natural Hoof Care via lessons,

camps, clinics, workshops and consultations.

She created the Holistic Horse Fair in 2007 as a way of promoting and educating horse owners on the many, effective alternative forms of horse health care and training.

The rapidly growing field of Equine Guided Education will be represented by both speakers and exhibitors at the 2010 Holistic Horse Fair, held on September 25-26 and The Horse First Farm in Brooklyn, WI. Equine Guided Education (EGE) includes the specialized field of Equine Guided Coaching; a topic that will be presented through an interactive demonstration by certified Coach Beth Peterson, of GroundSpring Coaching, based in St. Paul, MN. Peterson’s website defines EGE as “a focused, intentional relationship between professionally trained equine assisted coach, a willing horse, and an individual client or group of people.” The individual or group is looking to make a change, get ‘unstuck’, or seek more satisfaction, fulfillment, and success in their personal or professional lives. The benefit of working with horses lies in their natural ability to sense and reflect back the mental/emotional state of the humans interacting with them, much like mirrors.

One of the premises of EGE is that there is great opportunity for learning and growth if we honor what a horse is mirroring back to us.

Also bringing the topic of EGE to fair goers will be exhibitor Juli Lynch of Epala™, Hayward, WI. EPALA is an equine assisted personal and professional development organization which Lynch co-founded and for which she serves as lead facilitator. She will be promoting the workshops, clinics, and trainings that Epala™ has to offer individuals and businesses.

Holistic Horse Fair (HHF) organizer Heather Kitching says the Fair is the perfect place to promote EGE services such as those offered by Beth and Juli. “The HHF is all about exploring the new frontiers of horsemanship in its broadest sense. While the idea of being with horses for the purpose of learning from them is not actually new, the sophisticated and purposeful way in which activities can be now offered to clients is relatively new and very exciting Promoting them at the HHF just makes perfect sense.”

The Horse First Farm will once again be hosting the HHF and offers a facility that is completely designed with the horse’s natural well being in mind, giving fair goers the chance to see a large scale system of natural horse care and boarding first hand. Located 12 miles south of Madison, WI, The Horse First Farm is just 1.5 hours from Milwaukee, WI and 2.5 hours from Chicago.

It’s not too late to be part of this unique event.

Potential vendors, sponsors and speakers are invited to contact the HHF about participating in the 2009 Fair.

Interested persons are encouraged to visit the event’s website: www.holistichorsefair.com, and contact Heather Kitching at (608)687-9534 or eaglevalleyequestrian@yahoo.com to learn more.

About Heather Kitching:

MIDWEST HORSE DIGEST

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Western Pleasure

Why Long Line?

by Tommy Garland

I believe the process of long lining (ground driving) horses is an essential and often overlooked part of the training process. In this multi-part article I’m going to detail the proper equipment to use, explain why long lining is so important and then take you through the steps required to long line your horse and achieve the results you want.

I use long lines with every horse that’s in training at my facility. I find the benefits are immense regardless of age, discipline, breed, etc. I long line when I’m starting a new horse, teaching a horse the fundamentals of backing up, working on achieving collection, getting a horse to be softer in the bridle, etc. I could go on and on listing the benefits but I think you get the idea.

Long lining, in incredibly useful and essential for building a strong foundation in the developing the skills you and your horse need.

Before we go much farther, I think it’s important to review what ‘Collection’ actually is because long lining your horse is an incredible tool to use in helping your horse achieve collection.

The Basic Principle of Collection: Collection is the principle of moving your horse forward by driving the hind end to the front end. Visualize the following examples to better understand collection. Picture a slinky with the coils stretched out (i.e., not collected) but when you push the ends together the slinky becomes ‘collected’.

All of your horse’s power comes from the Hind End. You don’t want your horse to pull himself forward with his front legs while dragging his hind end. In order to be truly collected, the power in his hind end should be driving him forward. Ultimately, a horse that won’t engage

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their hind end won’t be collected.

If you’re riding and your horse is pulling on the reins, he’s not collected.

Horses balance themselves with their head, so every time you take a horse’s head and move their nose, they need to re-balance themselves.

Vertical flexion is also essential in this process. Your horse has to know how to move up to the bridle and re-balance his body and this takes both time and patience.

Let’s review the equipment I suggest for long lining your horse. I highly recommend using a good quality surcingle. Why? Less expensive surcingles just don’t have enough rings for the adjustments you’ll need to make, they won’t fit your horse nearly as well and speaking from past experience, the rings on lesser quality surcingles tend to fall off with a great deal of regularity. In my 30+ years training, I think I’ve tried them all. Ultimately a ‘cheap’ surcingle will end up frustrating you and confusing your horse. I have a surcingle available on my website and it’s great quality, incredibly durable and it has the appropriate number of rings for ease of adjustment.

The other thing I recommend is using good quality long lines and just as importantly, I believe in using 2 different colors of lines. The long lines on my website are lightweight and constructed of rope that is the same quality and material as the rope used by mountain climbers. Don’t use long lines that are cotton or made of heavy materials because you want your horse to be able to feel the release and learn to give to the pressure as opposed to feeling the weight of heavy long lines. In addition, I have 1 RED long line and 1 Black long line and the reason for 2 different colors is simple: You’d be amazed at how quickly people get their left and right hands confused when using long lines so I’ve taken the guess work out of that by using 2 different colors of lines.

You can long line with your saddle if you don’t have access to or want to purchase a surcingle. In this situation, you would need to tie your stirrups under your horses belly and I suggest using rings which you can attach to your horses girth.

The placement of the rings and the long lines is key in several areas and as we go more in depth in this article, you’ll understand the importance of being able to adjust the rings &

lines.

When you begin, you’ll want to keep the long lines close to your horse and low enough initially so they will be around your horses hind end for the following reasons: Having the lines positioned in this manner will give you greater control of your horses movement by allowing you to quickly capture their hip. This will also help drive them up to the bit which will help them become softer and more collected while they’re moving forward. Another benefit…having rope around your horse’s hind end helps de-sensitize them.

The rings on your surcingle or the rings you attach to your girth are critical because they give you the ability to move the lines and work on and accomplish different things while long lining your horse and we will cover those in-depth in the next part of this article.

Once your equipment is secure, you’ll be ready to begin long lining. A key component to being able to successfully long line your horse is to make your horse respond to my “Three Strikes & You’re Out” philosophy. If you’re not familiar with this technique, here’s how it works: When you want your horse to stop, you’ll say “Whoa”. If they don’t stop, you’ll say “Whoa” again and if they still don’t stop the third time you say “Whoa” you’ll tug on the lines and make them stop.

Get your equipment ready, work on making sure your horse understands “Whoa” and in the next article, we’ll begin the actual process of long lining!

About Tommy Garland Tommy Garland has ridden horses all his life and credits his trainer father, also named Tommy with teaching him much of what he learned early on about horsemanship. Tommy has spent the past 30 years training, not only Arabians and Half-Arabians but Quarter Horses, Tennessee Walking Horses, Paints and Mules as well. His techniques have been universally accepted, respected and utilized by horse owners of all breeds and disciplines.

Tommy regularly holds clinics throughout the United States, contributes to several wellknown equine publications and is still actively training and competing.

In addition, he just released a new series of training DVDs and his new TV show will be appearing late summer or early fall 2010.

To m m y resides in Virginia with his wife Dawn and children, Samantha, Katie and TBird (Tommy Jr.). For additional information on Tommy’s products, training aids, DVDs, clinics and expo schedules, please visit www.tommygarland.com or email us at info@tommygarland.com.

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My Equine Gymnasium

A Mental and Physical Gym Class for Your Horse

by Tracy Porter

I remember years ago when I was a wee tot, people actually had free time to spend with their horses! Can you believe it…free time….aka unscheduled time! Not just an hour unscheduled here and there, but real honest to goodness free time. No time frames to juggle, days here and there…but a regular occurrence, being able to spend more than a wedged-in hour with one’s horse more than a few times each week. If today’s average horse owner were able to spend one hour… 4 days a week; then out of the 168 hours in the week their horse is spending 164 hours without them! If their horse is in a conventional stall situation, that’s OUCH! If they get ‘turn out’ each day winter-summer-rain or shine, that’s mentally better for the horse, but still no replacement for one on one time spent with their human partner. Horses, stalled or pastured here are in large 20-acre pastures. Mares run with geldings, old with the young; our aim is to keep life as natural as possible. The horses are mentally happy; however, I doubt the time they spend with their own kind is spent practicing for when their humans come. Possible topics of conversation: “HOW DO I STOP RUNNING AWAY WITH MY RIDER?”, “IS PUSHING AROUND MY OWNER EVER OKAY?”, “WAYS WE HORSES DEAL WITH TRAILER ANXIETY”, or “FINDING MY OWNERS RHYTHM WHEN THEY DON’T HAVE ONE!”. Well as funny as these conversations might be, they‘re probably not wasting time on issues near and dear to our hearts! Way back (in the time before the 80’s) horses for the most part were well seasoned because owners had the time to spend with them. PERIOD. Not only did they have time but facilities were more simplistic, most barns were either old dairy barns with low ceilings or if they were lucky a run-in shelter. They sure weren’t heated, so we learned to work and ride in lots of layers of warm clothes. Pastures were not fancy or manicured fenced in pristine white plastic! Herd mates were not segregated by breed or sex and most likely there was old farm machinery even parts of Model T’s discarded and scattered about. I remember the outdoor arena of my friend Becky.

It was a track in the middle of the hay field. It was about as flat as it could be but only the width of a horse, not round with the closest fence on the other side of the field. Ours was not quite so big with a 2-board wood fence and great drainage with a gradual 7-foot slope! When we razed the area for the stall barn, we put in 15 feet of

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fill…hmm no wonder my horses got good at rating their speed!

So what are we to do? Besides quitting jobs, running out on family obligations, downsizing our houses, eliminating non horse toy interests, paring down the family activity schedule and foregoing lavish vacations for family vacations centered around our equines there has to be a way to fill the gap missing in our horse’s life…a way to meet his mental needs and our own!

I have always had a rather vivid imagination, never being one that can be told something isn’t possible, I have had some rather outlandish ideas and dreams that somehow became realities. In my horse career I have discovered a gift of training … a system I call my “Mental & Physical Gym Class” and it takes place where else? In my “Equine Gym”! This system helps get more from our horse in our chosen discipline, but also brings the element of cross training in, which developes a more well rounded athlete and performer both physically and mentally!

Over the years we’ve been drilled on the importance of good ground work to the inth degree. Certainly it is important, but what makes that easier is having a good foundation in place.

This is what I call the first phase in my mental gym.

Control without contact. It begins in the round pen. First a word of warning, the round pen was not designed to be used for endurance training, wearing a horse down or out, it is not for mindless, chaotic moving the horse around the pen.

But it is a classroom, a small gymnasium for horse and rider. The size lends us the ability to conduct class without losing our horse when we lose his focus or attention. It eliminates the need to spend a half hour locating and retrieving him if he were to depart midlesson and exit to the back 40!

In the round pen, I teach my horse to move and turn and then I begin shaping the horse’s mind by getting him to perform smaller, more intricate circles and maneuvers. This results in the horse turning over his mind and body to me.

He’s putty in my hands for me to mold and shape! And outside of the round pen, manners in the stall and pasture are dramatically improved!

For our further training, it prepares him mentally so I can begin my sacking out and advanced sacking out. So what is the difference? Basically sacking out is when I can touch and brush his entire body, legs and feet. Not only with my hands, but objects, too. After all, don’t we need to get a saddle on the untrained horse at some point?

Advanced sacking out is simply adding energy and object movement to basic sacking out. The key … understanding pressure/release

and timing. The goal is not to scare the horse but to discover his flaws and fill them in!

Janet Gibbons rides over mattress and plastic sheet

Jack Gibbons works on Reggie ground tying

Shirley May sacks Attalissa out adding energy and dragging

While stationary, Attalissa is okay with object flying thru the air and thumping her body.

Attalissa sniffs the pea gravel from under her new rain sheet!

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Shirley asks Attalissa to duck and perform the horsey sandwich exercise. Plastic on top and bottom!

Shirley and Attalissa ride thru the tunnel of love!

Holy Sock’s LOVES her ball!

Sock’s is more than happy to kick the ball along!

During a demo clinic, Donna Meyer rides her horse Cody thru a series of obstacles including the ring of fire after Cody’s transformation from spooky to sane.

Learning to read the horse doesn’t hurt either.

Yes, all these things improve with practice. But

that’s why I teach people as I train, so they don’t have to walk around in the dark looking for the breaker box! It doesn’t mean they don’t have to put any effort into learning, but I am there to guide them thru the process. Like horses, some people are great students, and talent does not have much to do with it. But observation, listening and implementation do!

Another lesson that follows Mr. Round Pen and begins to be introduced between the Sacking Out Twins is Spook Work. The goal is not to scare the snot out of the horse and end up making him more fearful. Instead this is a confidencebuilding phase. First I focus on working without the horse moving. This means, I have to build up from nothing to something and later onto something completely wild! But that all depends on the horse and the time and the limitations the owner places upon us.

The spook work evolves a bit more as I begin adding in more movement with the objects. At this point, the horse is still standing but this is where I get a bit of aerobic work and practice my skipping and ballet moves. You can only witness this at a demo clinic as I have my moves patented! Once I’m satisfied with his acceptance then it is time to change the focus to his ground work in a halter and lead.

The reason I need to do ground work is that eventually I want to sack out the horse with him moving and the objects bouncing on him, flying over his head, falling under his body and getting caught around his legs at the walk, trot and canter. Then I want to introduce obstacles. I’m not discounting the ability to lead or coax a horse over an obstacle; it’s just that the horse develops much more confidence from being directed over, under, around and thru a variety of objects/obstacles from both directions at any gait. This can’t be attained as thoroughly or easily as I get it in this phase. To achieve all of this with my horse I have found that the better my horse is with his ground work…the better he does with all the obstacles.

The next phase is to ride the horse thru the course! The obstacles I have in my gym are rated from easy to hard. Most can be made harder by adding elements of texture that includes wind, rain, fog as well as music and crowd noise. I also can run my course in the dark and with spots; or a light show complete with strobes, spots and moving colors. Add in the music and it’s just like being in the middle of Madison Square Garden!

The last phase after riding the horse thru the course is high velocity spook work. This final exam is a variety of mind benders administered by a strange person on the ground adding stimulation in and around all the obstacles.

Now, before I finish up here I think it’s an appropriate time to reflect back to the beginning of the article where I refer to unscheduled time. If for one minute you think you are going to call me up and ask for an half hour or hour of my time to work to teach you or your horse everything here…it’ll be hard for me not to reply “you’ve got rocks in your head!” You see, I lost my magic wand a few years ago and without it, it just takes the time it takes. Most horses I can get thru all phases in a few hours to a heavy half a day.

Depending on the condition and energy level of the horse, I may have to break it down into a few sessions. Horses that have great basics (round pen and ground) and/or don’t have bad habits/horrendous fears or need attitude restructuring can fly thru most everything once we have

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our communication established. It is not uncommon and rather I feel that it’s prudent to repeat an expedited version for a number of days to cement the confidence into the horse. I find it takes minutes each session, but the results last a lifetime! With that said lets look at what’s next!

The final exam isn’t the end of his training.

There are other elements of our horse that we can improve to make him a balanced and graceful athletic riding horse. The internship is when the horse goes out into the real world! Here he learns to become an everyday dependable seasoned trail as well as his chosen discipline.

I have yet to have a horse not survive “Tracy’s Gym”! Humans are a bit more challenging, it requires patience and perseverance. The neat part is that we don’t move on to something new until the horse passes the current material.

By the time they graduate from “Tracy’s Gym Class”, the ride away with a Masters in Humane Relations! They’ve become agile and graceful athletes with sound minds as well as bodies.

Their next step on the education ladder is Genius Bar! Why not give yourself and your horse a proper education? Now is the time to get involved in your own personal training program, your horse might not want to wait another year either! Come see the basics in action in our dirt cheap monthly demos. Have a good demo horse or want to participate in a 1/2 day, weekend or intense week-long clinic? Visit www.Tracy-Porter.net to see the upcoming events. Find an unscheduled afternoon and make your own personal appointment to begin your training in My Gym! Call 608921-5432 today!

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English/Dressage

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“Ground Manners – Brush Up on Grooming” PALM PARTNERSHIP TRAINING‘ know when he understands and accepts what you are teaching him. He will not fidget or give a hurried response, and his breathing will be quiet and relaxed.

You may want to just get out there and ride, but remember that hurrying through ground training basics is not the answer. Spend time building his trust and confidence on the ground and you will have a better partner once you are in the saddle.

by Lynn Palm Grooming sessions are an excellent way to strengthen the bond between you and your horse. It is also a good time to reinforce basic ground manners that will make life more pleasant for both of you.

Our goal is to teach the horse to accept whatever we want to do with him, and achieving this goal takes time. If you use step-by-step procedures and gradually introduce lessons, your horse will become more trusting and willing to accept new things. Take your time and make sure that your horse accepts each step in the lesson before moving on to the next. Always practice your lessons on the horse’s near (left) side and his off (right) side.

If you pay attention, your horse will let you

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Grooming Basics As with all basic ground training lessons, your horse should be equipped with a properly fitting halter and a longe line or lead.

Grooming should be enjoyable for both you and your horse. It is a good idea to start with a towel instead of a brush, especially if the horse is sensitive or if you are introducing brushing on a sensitive area of his body. Let your horse see, smell, and investigate the towel. If he wants to play with it, let him. Once he seems comfortable with the towel, touch him with it over his body and legs using a light flicking motion. Work from front to back and from his top to bottom. When he accepts this step, repeat the process, this time stroking him with the towel as if it were a brush. When he tells you he is ready for the next step, substitute a soft brush for the towel.

Teaching your horse to accept his head being brushed is almost a lesson in itself. Because a horse’s head is very sensitive, it is the most difficult part of his body to groom.

To get your horse accustomed to having his head groomed, again, start with the towel.

Stand in front of the horse’s left shoulder, lightly holding the halter near the cheek piece to keep his head straight.

Bring the towel up from behind his head, rather than putting it directly in front of his face as that could frighten him or cause him to lift his head to resist. Hold the towel on your horse’s neck and slowly move it up to his poll (the top of the neck between the

ears) maintaining contact with him at all times.

This is one of the horse’s most sensitive spots, so be gentle. Lightly hold the towel on his poll until he shows you that he accepts the touch by holding his head steady or lowering it. If he moves, move with him but keep the touch.

When he relaxes, bring the towel down between his ears to his face. Gently stroke his head with the towel as if it were a brush. When he accepts this step, “brush” him with the towel from the bottom of his head to the top. When your horse is comfortable being groomed with the towel, repeat the entire lesson using a soft brush.

When your horse accepts being brushed, introduce different grooming tools such as a curry, grooming mitt, and a stiffer “dandy” brush.

Watch his reactions as you use different grooming tools. If your horse wiggles away from the touch of the brush, wrings his tail, or tries to evade contact, the brush may be too harsh for his skin. Thin-skinned horses may only be able to tolerate the softest of brushes. Never use stiff brushes on a horse’s head or legs.

Use your grooming tools in the proper order for the best results: Curry comb – rub in a circular motion to break up dirt down to the skin and clean it down to the pores.

Stiff dandy brush – use in short strokes in the direction of hair growth. Its job is to take dirt loosened up by the curry from the skin and flick if off the hair.

Soft dandy brush – use in direction of hair growth to whisk away the last of any dirt or dandruff and to distribute oil from the skin onto the hair.

Grooming towel – use as a finishing tool to remove dust and distribute more of the coat’s natural oils When the horse is clean, his coat will feel soft and almost slick. If the skin and hair are not clean, you will notice a coarser texture and a dirty or sticky feeling to his coat.

If you take the time to progress through these steps, your horse will learn to accept and look forward to each grooming session. The acceptance and trust you will build through teaching him this basic grooming procedure will help build his bond with you.

Teaching your horse basic training lessons is covered in the section “Advancing Basic Training” in my Longevity Series. Learn more about building a partnership with your horse from the ground up at www.lynnpalm.com.

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AHJF EMBRACES USHJA Two Organizations Now Become One “Now is the right time,” commented Geoff Teall, a note of enthusiasm in his voice at the prospect of having the strength and programs of the American Hunter-Jumper Foundation (AHJF) now go to supporting the similar goals of the United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) and its Foundation.

Since its inception in 1992, the AHJF has established itself by creating a new vision for the sport of hunters in the United States. Now after five years of growth, the USHJA has not only established these same goals but has the resources, staffing and vision to take them even further.

AHJF founders Geoff Teall and Louise Serio are proud of what the AHJF has achieved, especially the much sought after World Champion Hunter Rider awards program. However, they have always had one more dream they wanted to achieve and that is to create an endowment fund to secure the future of our sport. By uniting their efforts with the USHJA and its Foundation, they see that vision becoming a reality. They want to initiate the first step by transferring the current assets of the AHJF Emergency Relief Fund to the USHJA Foundation’s Horseman’s Assistance Fund and be one of the first to kick off the endowment fund. The Horseman’s Assistance Fund is a charitable aid program created by the USHJA

Foundation and modeled after the AHJF Emergency Relief Fund.

“By getting behind the USHJA and its Foundation, we are also fulfilling one of our most sought after objectives, which has always been to create an endowment fund which will guarantee the future of the sport that is so important to all of us. By putting the strength of the AHJF behind the efforts of the USHJA, we feel that we can help them achieve that milestone. The USHJA Foundation has a goal of creating a $1 million endowment fund. To us, it is absolutely clear that getting behind the efforts of the USHJA is such a positive step for both our organizations and for the horses and riders we support,” commented Geoff.

What also remains so important is that the programs initiated by the AHJF will remain intact and because of the larger membership of the USHJA and its resources, these programs will become even better and reach an even larger audience. The two organizations have met and agreed that as of May 31, 2010, any currently active programs now run by the AHJF will continue as they have in the past, but under the umbrella of the USHJA. This ensures that nothing will interfere with the World Championship Hunter Rider awards series and that the WCHR horse shows, points, regional awards and finals at Capital Challenge will all take place as they have in previous years. Steps have already been made and a plan of action is in place to transfer the administration of the WCHR programs to the USHJA. Oversight of the WCHR programs will be provided by a Special Committee within the USHJA, consisting primarily of current AHJF Directors. Membership will still be required in order for points to count for 2010 USHJA Foundation President and AHJF Secretary Lynn Jayne recognized the potential for expanding the reach and fundraising abilities

of the Emergency Relief Fund early in the process.”As a Board Member of the AHJF, I have had the opportunity to see the Emergency Relief Fund help members of our industry in ways that have changed their lives. It is with great confidence that I look forward to the USHJA Foundation continuing to support those in need.

By combining the AHJF Emergency Relief Fund assets with the growth and development of the USHJA Foundation, we will be able to assist not only people in need, but horses and organizations as well.”

AHJF President Keeley Gogul said the decision to unite with the USHJA was made because ultimately it will mean the programs started by the AHJF will offer even more opportunities to those participating in them. “With the reality of not only being able to continue and to improve our present programs, but also to realize our vision of an endowment fund, embracing the USHJA just makes sense. By uniting with the USHJA, we can combine our efforts and resources to introduce quality new programming, continue the WCHR award series, expand the efforts of the Emergency Relief Fund and create an endowment to secure the future of our sport. In the end, our horses, riders and businesses will have more opportunities to be rewarded for their efforts.”

USHJA President Bill Moroney agrees with the vision of the AHJF and USHJA Foundation leadership. “USHJA welcomes the decision of the AHJF and looks forward to continuing the exemplary initiatives of the WCHR programs. I applaud the leaders of the AHJF and USHJA Foundation in their efforts to unite the equestrian community and provide greater opportunity for participation in equestrian sports.”

For more information contact the AHJF at 508-835-8813 or email ahjf@earthlink.net until July 15th, 2010 or contact the USHJA at 859-2256700 or email sdotson@ushja.org.

The Andalusian-Lusitano Alliance US Grand National Championships September 28October 3, 2010 * National Equestrian Center, Lake St. Louis, Missouri, Iberian horse enthusiasts all over the country are busy preparing their horses for what is sure to be the most important gathering, celebration and competition offered to date in the United States for the Andalusian, Lusitano and Pura Raza Española. Six days of competition will be offered for both Purebred and Part Bred horses in a myriad of classes in all disciplines. Horses may qualify for this event at shows already established all over the country or at the qualifying day in Lake St Louis September 28th which is USEF/IALHA approved. The judge for the Qualifier is the Honorable Chris Bickford of Oregon. Qualifying

shows and further information can be found on our website at www.andalusian-lusitanoalliance.com An open day of Dressage competition is planned for Wednesday September 29th with the Honorable Lois Heyerdahl of Wisconsin adjudicating on the day. All breeds are welcome on Dressage Day with special awards to the Andalusian, Lusitano and Pura Raza Espanola entries placing in the highest rankings. As this is a USEF/USDF competition it is also a Qualifier for exhibitors wishing to go to IALHA Nationals in Fort Worth, Texas later in the month.

The Alliance is delighted to announce that ANCCE of Spain has approved this show as a competition for morphology (halter/in hand). This division will be judged by a Spanish expert and classes will be interspersed throughout the show.

As soon as ANCCE chooses the judge for the competition we will make their decision known on our website.

Specialty halter classes for the various bloodlines of the Iberian Horse will be offered with full divisions for the Lusitano, Spanish/Portuguese, Spanish, Sport Horse and Part Bred.

In addition to the usual classes offered in halter and performance a special new and exciting

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division will be the "Dancing Horse Competition" with sections offered on and off the board for Piaffe, Passage, Charro Attire, Freestyle, Long Lining and Spanish Walk. Horses from as far away as Mexico and Canada have already committed their entries in this event. A foreign expert has been invited to judge this new event and we hope to announce his name in the near future.

All other Halter and Performance Championships will be judged by the Honorable Terry Jones Brennan of Oregon, the Honorable Bill Hughes of California and the Honorable Jaque Hill of Indiana.

A very Special Saturday evening session will take place with exciting classes, exhibitions, Parade of Champions and the Alliance's Inaugural Significant Sires Program Auction.

This program has been a long time in the planning and is sure to promote breeding and good amateur competition!

Please come join us in Lake St Louis for this great event and remember...It's all about the Horses!

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Tick, Tick, Tick, TICK! The Truth About Lyme Disease Parts 1 and two of this three-part series discussed prevention, detection and symptoms of Lyme disease in humans. The following is directed toward our equine friends.

Recently, while participating with one of my horses at the Minnesota Horse Expo in St. Paul, Minnesota, I was appalled to hear the following from a friend of mine, one of the folks manning the Minnesota Lyme Advocacy and Support Group’s booth at the same event. A respected equine veterinarian from Minnesota, whom I will not name, actually told my friend that Lyme disease does not exist in horses. After picking my jaw up off the floor, I asked her if she was sure she had understood him correctly. She assured me that, yes, he absolutely had firmly stated that Lyme disease does NOT occur in equines.

What I’d like to ask this particular veterinarian is, why then, can a horse test positive for the disease and respond to the correct course of antibiotic treatment in the same way that a human does? And why would a horse not succumb to infection with the Lyme disease causing bacteria as does a dog, cat, mouse or any other mammal? What would make the horse any different? His statement absolutely makes no sense whatsoever.

I’d like him to explain why my Shetland Pony, Faith, tested positive for Lyme disease and ended up having to be euthanized due to becoming so ill and crippled up that the only loving thing to do was to put her out of her misery. Faith was originally diagnosed with laminitis even though she demonstrated no symptoms associated with laminitis other than a reluctance to walk. She tested negative at first but after insisting she be tested again, we received a positive result the second time. This was a working pony with which I competed in harness events, both winter and summer, so she was not fat which often alerts one to laminitis. I believe the reason she was first diagnosed with laminitis was simply because she was a pony and ponies often get laminitis. But typically, those are fat ponies, allowed to overgraze with little to no exercise. Faith was fit and sleek.

Nearing the time of euthanasia, her joints had become swollen and hot and she could barely walk. If I had known then what I know now, I would have demanded the proper antibiotics and treatment and perhaps my little friend would still be greeting me with her soft nicker every morning as she used to.

Because Lyme disease and its treatment are often as misunderstood in animals as in humans the journey is not easy, nor is the cure

22 June 2010

(Part 3) by Martie Jacobson

quick or necessarily permanent. Because I am not a veterinarian I can only speak from my own experience.

I live in Southern Itasca County and have two dogs who’ve been diagnosed with Erlichiosis (aka, Anaplasmosis, another tick-borne disease,) one of whom was also diagnosed with Lyme. He is a working bird dog and has never been the same. The other is a Cairn Terrier who still has painful muscle spasms and she went from being a very happy dog to an irritable dog. Since Erlichiosis is often found to go hand in hand with Lyme disease, I assume the Cairn also has Lyme disease due to her continued symptoms.

She will be tested today and treated.

My Tennessee Walking Horse filly was diagnosed with Erlichiosis at age seven months. The initial signs were very subtle. The filly was just a little off her feed. I was scheduled to go out of state for several days so I called my vet and said I wanted her to be boarded at the clinic, “just in case she gets worse.” She didn’t have a fever … it was just a gut feeling on my part. I took her in Sunday evening knowing my vet thought I was overreacting. She had no fever, just a different look in her eyes. By 3 p.m. the following day she’d developed a fever in excess of 106 degrees and was down in the stall. The vet had immediately put her on IV antibiotics and antifebrile medications after drawing blood. He wasn’t sure if she was going to make it. He told me if I’d not brought her in she’d have died. She was hospitalized and on IV antibiotics for two and one-half very long weeks. She came home on oral antibiotics, thin as a rail, but alive and symptom free. She is now four years old and a very successful show horse. Hopefully, we caught it in time and she will be fine.

My 9 year old Tennessee Walking Horse mare, Silk, was diagnosed with Erlichiosis last summer. Silk is the alpha mare in my herd, the last to lie down in the pasture, never wanting to give up her power over the herd. I had just finished the morning chores when I glanced out to the pasture and noticed her lying down while all the other horses grazed around her. I knew immediately that something was wrong. I brought her in, took her temperature and found it to be 103. Because of my earlier experience with my filly I was alert to any symptoms and caught it early. She was put on a regimen of Doxicycline. I took 50 capsules apart twice a day to mix the powder in with applesauce and Karo syrup to squirt into her mouth. It was a long three weeks.

Silk seems to be fine, and I think I caught it early enough, but only time will tell. Both horses’ initial

symptoms were very subtle, both horses just “didn’t seem right.” Pay attention to your gut feelings. Be watchful. When in doubt, call your vet.

I now give all of my horses two doses of Lyme vaccine designated for dogs. There are no guarantees, no studies showing it may prevent, but it sure can’t hurt. I also use powder for livestock which contains Permethrin. You can buy the powder in any livestock or feed supply store.

Permethrin KILLS ticks and lice on contact, doesn’t just repel them. I wear rubber gloves and a mask and rub it into their lower legs up to their hocks and knees and also on the lower third of their tails. I only do this once a week or so because you can over use it. I wish I could put it on their noses for grazing, but that’s just too dangerous in my opinion. I also make sure I check the end of the spine in their tails. Ticks LOVE that area after climbing up the tail hairs. I know that the Permethrin containing powder works because I have one horse with four white stockings. Before I started using this product I would come home after riding and his white socks would be swarming with ticks. When I use this, I find no ticks. Again, I only use it once a week or so because it seems to hold up to water and sweat.

For you dog lovers Advantix is one of the few tick KILLERS that I know of. You don’t want to just repel ticks, you want to kill the nasty creatures. I urge you to search on line for websites devoted to prevention and treatment of Lyme disease in animals. I typed in the words, “Lyme Disease Animals,” and websites abound. Also, use your head. If something makes sense, then it’s probably good information. If it doesn’t seem to make sense, then it’s probably not good information. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Listen to your instincts. Protect your beloved animals and don’t let any veterinarian let you think you’re overreacting. If I had succumbed to that I don’t believe my coming four year old mare would be alive today.

The following organizations were listed in Part 1 of this series for your reference and are listed again below. All of them offer tremendous information as well as providing help in finding a Lyme literate doctor should you need one.

The International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society: www.ilads.org Minnesota Lyme Action Support Group: www.mlasg.com A statewide group which meets the second Tuesday of every month. Folks at this website will tell you of any Lyme Disease support group in your area.

Lyme Disease Association: ] www.lymediseaseassociation.org Lyme Info: www.lymeinfo.net Minnesota Online Lyme Support: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/minnesotalyme Martie Jacobson is a free-lance writer whose 31 year old daughter, Elizabeth, is bedridden with Late Stage Lyme Disease. Elizabeth’s 2-1/2 year old daughter also has Lyme Disease acquired in utero. To read Elizabeth’s story and for access to additional links go to: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/elizabethfadling.

Martie Jacobson may be reached at mlj@2z.net.

She wishes to acknowledge and thank all of the above listed resources for information included within this article.

MIDWEST HORSE DIGEST

June 2010 23

Performance Horses

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Performance Horsemanship with Richard Winters

down, without resistance. If my horse is far enough along in his training, and can willingly walk, trot, and lope on a loose rein, then it’s time for me to periodically accustom him to controlled speed.

If you never ask your horse for speed and then on a random Saturday morning, at a local team penning, attempt to run after a wayward steer, the horse might get excited and overwhelmed and buck you off! If you are out on trail ride and all of your friends lope off, at a pretty good clip, and you attempt to keep up on a horse that is not used to moving out fast, it could get dangerous very quick as you realize how little control you have once the speed factor is added to the equation.

Here is a simple exercise that I recommend: In a safe arena, with good footing, without others in your way, begin to lope some circles with your horse. After your horse begins to feel very relaxed and warmed up, begin to urge him forward and travel faster. Maintain a big, wide, circle and push your hands forward and allow your horse to extend his stride, on a loose rein. The sluggish horse might need more encouragement with clucking, our legs, or spurs, or even a spanking. The high-strung horse would require that we be much more subtle in our suggestion for acceleration. Ask your horse to lope fast, one to four full circles and then shift your weight back, in your saddle, and ask him to slow down. As I sit

horseman said, “The only way to gain experience is to experience it!” Yes, you need to be smart about it and you need to stay safe. However, not teaching your horse to handle speed, with control, is limiting your horse’s potential and setting yourself up for a possible dangerous situation.

By presenting these ideas, in a controlled environment, when it’s your idea, will better prepare you and your horse reach your goals confidently and safely.

Richard Winters Horsemanship Biography For nearly three decades Richard has dedicated himself to honing his horsemanship skills and to passing this knowledge onto others.

His vast experience includes starting literally hundreds of horses that have gone onto almost every equine discipline imaginable.

Richard’s credentials include World Championship titles in the National Reined Cow Horse Association along with being an A rated judge. In 2007 Richard was named champion of the West Coast Equine Experience “$10,000 Colt Starting Challenge.” He was also presented with the 2007 Monty Roberts Equitarian Award for outstanding achievements in Horse/Human relationships. Richard was also honored to be named champion in the 2009 Road to the Horse - Colt Starting Challenge in Nashville, TN. In July of 2009 Richard won the Super Cow Horse competition in Santa Ynez, CA. Most recently he competed in Road to the Horse 2010.

Much of Richard’s work has been accomplished through the numerous clinics he conducts around the country. He also enjoys

I recently judged an Extreme Cowboy Race where riders had to navigate an obstacle course, as fast as possible, and exhibit control and refinement in every maneuver. I addressed the contestants and audience, and told them, “It will probably not be the fastest horse that wins this event. Nor will it be the pair that exhibits the most control. The winner will no doubt be the horse and rider combination that exhibits both speed and control throughout the entire course.”

Whether it’s an extreme cowboy race, a reining, a cow horse event, or a barrel race – speed and control must travel on paralA fast “rescue race” at our home at The Thacher lel lines. When these School. Photo credit: Cheryl L. Winters two elements travel at an equally high level, it makes for an outstand- back, I say the word ing performance. When speed intersects control “easy” in a low drawn out and begins to exceed the amount of control you tone and pick up slightly are able to maintain, it makes for a dismal and on my reins. sometimes dangerous situation.

If your horse has This colt is learning to handle speed while rating a cow.

Much of our training and conditioning of difficulty understanding Photo Credit: PRIMO horses is done to help them relax, soften, and how to slow down, you can slow down. We lope a thousand circles to teach make your circles slightly smaller as you suggest being a guest presenter at various Horse Expo’s. our horses that they don’t need to speed up and with your body, hands, and voice to slow down Richard, along with his wife Cheryl, reside get excited, but rather that they can relax and and relax. A slightly smaller circle can help your in Ojai, California, at the historic Thacher School lope around in a soft three beat cadence. All of horse learn how to regulate his forward momen- where he currently serves as artist-in-residence. this is very important, and I do a lot of it, howev- tum without you having to pull back on the reins. You can view Richard Winters Horsemanship er, somewhere along the way, we need to get You can also vary this exercise by loping around programming on Dish Network Channel 9411 them comfortable with speed as well. I need to the entire arena, periodically speeding up along on Sunday’s and Wednesday’s at 6:00 P. M. condition my horses so that I can ask for speed the rail and then asking them to slow back down. (PST). without them emotionally falling apart. I need If they don’t follow your suggestion of slowing For more information about Richard them comfortable with speed and build in a down, you can go right into a loping circle until Winters Horsemanship please go to willingness to then decelerate and slow back you can begin to feel them relax and soften. One www.wintersranch.com.

24 June 2010

MIDWEST HORSE DIGEST

MIDWEST HORSE DIGEST

June 2010 25

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Performance Horses

Leg Control

by Monty Bruce

Leg control; is this a necessity in training our horse or just an extra button? Do we need it?

I believe in getting our horse broke and trained it’s a very important part of the training process, be able to communicate with our horse.

Without body control through the use of our legs, all we have is forward motion and no lateral movement. With the use of our reins we can direct and turn our horse and they learn to follow the nose, but without leg control we cannot ask them to side-pass, flex and bend their body to get them soft and flexible. Then when advancing the horse, we cannot teach and ask maneuvers of them such as our turn around or spin, lope departures, picking up the correct lead and changing leads without being able to yield to our

leg pressure.

So how do we teach our horse to yield to leg pressure or advance there responsiveness and control?

It will be like everything else, we want to start out very simple and slow, step by step, and build.

Give the horse time to learn and build confidence.

T i m e — — Consistency——Repetition are the main aspects of training!

I always want to make it as simple and easy as possible for the horse. Set him up to succeed.

The first thing we want to teach our horse is simply to side pass, move the body laterally or sideways.

To make this simple we want to block their forward motion by riding them up to a fence or a wall. This allows the horse fewer opportunities to make a mistake, they now can only go left, right, or backwards. The odds are in their favor that they will take that lateral step. I want to keep it really simple and keep it clear in his mind what to do. I will work on teaching him to yield in one direction and get him confident and consistent before I switch to the other direction to avoid any confusion to my horse when I am first introducing this maneuver. I want to have my horse side pass to the right. When I have my horse facing the wall or fence, I apply leg pressure to the left side of my horse, and I really lift my right leg off the horse. Showing the horse, there’s the open door (the right side) and by giving a gentle push through it (on the left side).

Then I shift me weight (NOT LEAN) to the left side to take all the weight off the right side and making it easier for the horse to pick up his right legs and step over. Then I apply pressure with my left leg on the horses side and push it to get him over (push him out the door).

If my horse has never done this maneuver before when we ask him to do this, it may take him a bit to figure this out. He may push into my leg, he may back up but I keep applying pressure and being persistent and sooner or later he will take a step in the right direction. As soon as he does I release the pressure (the left leg) to keep our horses responsive and sharp to leg pressure.

I always wear spurs, but I don’t always use them.

When applying pressure with my leg I always use the calf of my leg. Always ask or cue the horse with the least amount of pressure to give him the chance to respond before we step up the pressure. If the horse doesn’t move off the use of my calf then I will slowly press my spur into his side.

If I get the movement, even if it’s the wrong direction or backwards I DO NOT step up the pressure, I only remain consistent with the pressure until the horse moves in the direction that I am asking, and then I will release the pressure. As long as I’m getting movement, I know they are trying, and if they are trying I can eventually direct the movement in the direction that I want.

If I still am not getting any results or movement I need to step up the pressure. I do not like to kick on my horse with a spur. I believe a negative result happens by doing this. If you kick, the horse tightens up and cringes at the spur jab. So instead, I press harder or roll the spur up the side of the horse’s belly. This action tickles the horse’s rib cage and causes them to really get off and respect the leg without the fear of the kick or poke.

I want to be very aware of my timing in the release of my leg pressure, as soon as they take a stop off my leg and yield I take my leg and spur off to reward them for the movement over and to make it even moor clear in their mind that they did the right thing I will pause for a moment (let them stand) and pet them. If they don’t get the instant release of pressure when they yield, what reward to they have or reason do they have to keep trying for you.

Again, Timing and consistency are two of the three most important rules in training and for building confidence, and developing try in our horses.

Until next time, Good luck and God bless, Monty Bruce Monty Bruce Training Center is a full service equine facility specializing in the “Performance Horse”, providing superior care and training for all your equine needs. Monty has a low pressure style of training that focuses on “teaching the horse, not forcing the horse” and also works to teach the rider with motivational tips, theories and goal setting.

If you have any questions or would like more info visit our website at www.MontyBruce.com

26 June 2010

MIDWEST HORSE DIGEST

Eden and Playboys R Peppy Represent Minnesota and Compete at the 2009 Quarter Horse Congress Playboys R Peppy and Ernie Eden represented Minnesota at the 2009 All American Quarter Horse Congress. At a show where over 15,000 horses are expected to perform, Eden and his stallion competed in the $20,000 non-pro Cutting Competition.

In a class of 50 of the best in the industry, the pair drew number 44. The lucky number of his girl friend Kerry Jenniges ( who recently lost her battle with breast cancer this past July 8th) wearing a shirt bearing the cancer cure ribbon and Kerry’s name.

The pain gave a riveting and spectacular performance, creating a deafening silence during

the performance and an explosion of applause at its end. In the last five seconds of the performance the pair was assessed a ten point penalty for switching cattle, that dropped the pairs final score from a 148 to a 148. A score of 147 eventually won the competition. Despite the last second penalty, Eden states that he couldn’t be happier with his stallions performance and that the Playboys R Peppy proved that he can perform with and in the “toughest of company” in the cutting world.

Leaving the coliseum, the pair was greeted with hand shakes and congratulations from the most renowned cutting horse trainers in the

business. One comment received was “ I didn’t think that there were horses like that in Minnesota”.

Eden urges other cutters from Minnesota to step up to that level and show the world what great horses we do have right here in our own back yard.

Both rider and stallion were students of the late Bill Freeman.

Future Fortunes reaches $1 million benchmark in 2010 Future Fortunes, Inc., the nation’s premier barrel racing stallion incentive program, will have awarded $1 million in bonus money to stallion owners, breeders and barrel horse owners at the conclusion of the 2010 Barrel Futurities of America’s World Championship Barrel Racing Futurity in December.

“It’s just incredible,” says Future Fortunes founder Mary Ellen Hickman. “I was hoping to reach $1 million in 10 years. The fact that we’ve reached that mark ahead of schedule shows that Future Fortunes is a strong organization with a solid foundation.”

The stallion incentive program started in 2004 with 50 stallions and awarded $38,000 in bonus money at just two events. In 2010, Future Fortunes will distribute $190,000 in bonus money at 14 events – six futurities and eight open races.

“Owners of Future Fortunes foals that are paid in full can run at bonus money without paying an additional fee,” explains Hickman. “They just need to enter an event that has Future Fortunes Bonus Money, mark Future Fortunes on the entry and send a copy of the horse’s papers, showing they are the current owner.

Owners’ checks are mailed out two weeks after an event.”

Hickman notes Tom and Jhonda Cox won $9,240 as the owners of Bug On My Flag from just two Future Fortunes events in 2009.

Payouts are based on stallion and foal enrollment fees. As the number of enrolled stallions grew from 50 to 100, payouts increased dramatically. Now with stallion enrollment set at 100, bonus money will rise along with foal enrollments.

Future Fortunes foal enrollment has grown from an average of three foals per stallion in the early years of the program to 7.4 foals per stallion today. The next milestone for Future Fortunes is achieving 10 enrolled foals per stallion.

“Based on the 740 foals enrolled from the 2007 crop and with 100 stallions in the program, Future Fortunes will pay an estimated $275,600 in 2012,” explains Hickman. “When we can aver-

age 10 foals per stallion per year that would increase the purse by another $31,200, making the annual payout more than $300,000!”

If the bonus money alone wasn’t reason enough for stallion owners to seek enrollment of their stallions and breeders to enroll their foals, enrolled stallions and foals enjoy elusive marketing rights to the Future Fortunes name.

“The marketing power of Future Fortunes goes beyond getting more mares to enrolled stallions; it helps breeders market their foals,” says Hickman. “It adds value to the resulting foals throughout their lives with futurity and open bonus money.”

For instance, Future Fortunes is awarding a $1,000 bonus and a Master’s saddle to the

MIDWEST HORSE DIGEST

highest-placing amateur rider of a Future Fortunes horse in the qualifying round of the Old Fort Days Futurity. Recently, Hickman fielded a phone call from an amateur rider who was looking to buy a Future Fortunes horse that was entered in the event.

It pays to own a Future Fortunes Horse!

Enroll your eligible foals today!

Future Fortunes is a privately held stallion incentive program. Through the support from stallion owners, breeders and owners as well as Masters’ Saddles, Elite Trailers, H&H Industries, JB Quarter Horses and Animal Element, Future Fortunes strives to enhance the breeding of barrel horses. For more information, please visit www.futurefortunesinc.com or call 405.366.2133.

June 2010 27

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28 June 2010

MIDWEST HORSE DIGEST

2010 IFSHA World and Grand National Championship Horseshow October 13th – 17th, 2010 Mark your calendars and ready your Friesian Horses!

The International Friesian Show Horse Association proudly announces that the 2010 IFSHA World and Grand National Championship Horse Show are to move west this year to the Prestigious Del Mar Arena in the San Diego area of beautiful Southern California. The Del Mar Arena is a coastal Gem of a facility in a community well known for its equestrian passions and sports venues. The facility has hosted grand events before such as the 1992 World Cup Finals, The Del Mar National and the Charity Fair Horse Show. The Del Mar race track founded by Bing Crosby, Jimmy Durante and Desi Arnaz is located adjacent to the show grounds.

Not only is Del Mar a wonderful Equine community by the sea, its location is central to many great Coastal Restaurants and Hotels and within an easy driving distance to the San Diego Airport, San Diego Wild Animal Park, Sea World, Lego Land and the San Diego Zoo. Judges for this grand event have been selected from the best in their fields of expertise.

Olympian Judge, Honorable Axel Steiner of San Marcos will officiate on Dressage Day with Veronica Holt of Colorado as Technical Delegate.

The Honorable Audrey Bostwick of Perkasie PA., a founding member of the American Driving Society and one of the Nations most respected Driving experts will pick the winners in Carriage Pleasure Driving. A very Special Dancing Horse

Competition will make its debut at this years show with the Honorable Dr. Walter de la Brosse of Los Angeles adjudicating the classes. All of the other Performance and Halter classes will be judged by a real “Dream Team” trio of extremely knowledgeable and respected USEF Officials: The honorable Chris Bickford of Sherwood, Oregon, Bill Hughes of Chino Hills, California and Richard Petty of Jacksonville, Oregon. Shirley Nowak of Medina, Ohio will be the USEF Steward all week.

Osteen photography will once again be capturing all of the magic moments of the show with stills and Lavoy Shepard Team of Classic Video will record the event in motion.

A Saturday Evening Gala performance will feature a spectacular benefit show for the WARRIOR FOUNDATION and PROJECT FREEEDOM STATION, with Warrior Foundation founder and talk radio 760KFMB AM personality, Rick Roberts. Blazing Chariots, Gleaming Knights in armor and Classical Riding will thrill the audience. IFSHA is very excited to announce that Kathie Cox has agreed to manage this very special performance.

A well respected organizer of such events as the Belmont Horse Fair and exhibitions at Equitana USA, State Fair of Texas, Madison Square Garden, 2006 and 2010 World Equestrian

MIDWEST HORSE DIGEST

Games, productions in Rockefeller Center and on NBC’s Today and Weekend Today’s shows.

Please come join us for a night full of fantastic entertainment in honor of our armed forces which preserve and protect our freedom!

Shopping has always been a big part of the World Show and this year the sport of shopping will rise to a new level at the Del Mar facility.

Come shop our Ring Side Trade Fair while you watch the competition. Dozens of booths will feature tack, costumes, jewelry, supplements, art and all things equestrian. Shopping will not be limited to the inanimate as this year a Sale Barn for Pure and Part Bred Friesians will be offered as well as Silent Auctions of Stallion Services and gift Items to Benefit the Horse Show.

Please join IFSHA , USEF, USDF, ADS and all our Registries in celebrating The War Horse of Old that is the Friesian, as we honor the Soldiers of Today! Visit our websites at: www.ifshaworld.com and www.friesianshowhorse.com. For more information contact Show Secretary, Nancy Nathanson at 805-448-3027 | email: thepark@hwy246.net or Show Manager, Gareth A. Selwood at 262-325- 0283 | email: selwoodp@idcnet.com .

Photo: Liekele with IFSHA flag by Rick Osteen.

June 2010 29

Trail Horse

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30 June 2010

MIDWEST HORSE DIGEST

READY-TO-RIDE GUIDE River Valley Horsecamp, Farmington, 319-8783888, www.rivervalleyhorsecamp.com, info@rivervalleyhorsecamp.com MINNESOTA - Trail Rides Bush Wacker Trail Ride Club, Huntersville Fall Trail Ride, Huntersville, MN.; 218-894-0056 Outback Ranch, Inc., Houston, MN.; 507-896-5550, www.outbackranch.com Overnight Stabling Outback Ranch, Inc., Houston, MN.; 507-896-5550, www.outbackranch.com Public Lands Arrow Head State Park, Tower, MN.; 218-753-6256 Chippewa National Forest, Deer River, MN.; 218-246-2123 Heartland State Trail, Nevis, MN.; 218-652-4054 Lake Louise State Park, LeRoy, MN.; 507-324-5249 Maplewood State Park, Pelican Rapids, MN.; 218-863-8383 North Shore State Trail, Two Harbors, MN.; 218-834-5238 Pillsbury State Forest, Brainerd, MN.; 218-828,2557 Taconite State Trail, Tower, MN.; 218-753-2580 ext.250 NORTH DAKOTA - Trail Rides Badlands Trail Rides, Killdeer, ND.; 701-764-8000, www.badlandstrailrides.com

Tennessee Walking Horse Associaiton of North Dakota Trail Ride, Grassy Butte/Turtle River State Park, 701-947-2190 Riding Vacations Knife River Ranch Vacations, Golden Valley, ND.; 701-983-4290, www.kniferiverranch.com Little Knife Outfitters, Watford City, ND.; 701973-4331, www.littleknifeoutfitters.com Public Lands Fort Ransom State Park, Fort Ransom, ND.; 701-973-4331 SOUTH DAKOTA - Trail Rides Blue Sky Ranches, Custer State Park, 520824-1660, www.blueskyranches.com Broken Arrow Horse Camp, Custer, SD: 605673-4471, www.brokenarrowcampground.com Hay Creek Ranch, Nemo, SD: 605-578-1142, www.haycreekranch.net Krieger Cattle Company, Burke, SD: 605-775-2113 Riding Vacations Bitter Sweet Ranch and Camp, HillCity, SD: 605-574-2324, wwwbitterseetranchcamp.com Broken Arrow Horse Camp, Custer,SD: 605-673-4471, www.brokenarrowcampground.com Hay Creek Ranch, Nemo, SD: 605-578-1142, www.haycreekranch.net Gunsel Horse Adventures, Rapic City, SD 605-343-7608, www.gusdelhorseadventures.com

MIDWEST HORSE DIGEST

Salt Camp Cabins and Bed and Breakfast, Rosebud, SD: 605-747-2206, saltcamp@gwtc.net WISCONSIN - Trail Rides Bremer Creek LLD, Mondovi, WI.; 608-323-3092, www.bremercreek.com Riding Vacations Bremer Creek LLD, Mondovi, WI.; 608-323-3092, www.bremercreek.com Palmquist Farm, Brantwood, WI.; 715-564-2558, www.palmquistfarm.com Spur of the Moment Ranch,LLC,Mountain, WI.;800-644-8783. www.spurofthemomentranch.org Public Lands Black River State Park, Black River Falls, WI; 715-284-4103 Brule River State Forest, Douglas County, WI.; 715-372-4866 Castle Rock Trails, Arkdale, WI.; 608-564-2233 Governor Dodge State Park ,Dodgeville, WI.; 608-935-2315 Haymeadow Flowage, Chippewa Falls, WI.; 715-726-7880 Kerrle Moraine State Forest, Campbellsport WI.; 262-626-2116; 262-594-6200 Lake Wissota State Park, Chippewa Falls; 715-382-4574 Token Creek County Park, Madison,WI.; 608-246-3896 Wild Rock Park, Neilsville, WI.; 715-743-5140

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www.horsedigests.com

Trail Horse

Horse Behavior

Your Horse's Squeal, What it Means

by Julie Goodnight

Question: Dear Julie, I have a 9 year old quarter horse mare that for the most part is a very good horse. She is a pleasure horse that I go camping with or trail riding on. The only time she acts up is when she makes eye contact or gets too close with a strange horse she doesn't seem to want to get to know. She makes a horrible squealing noise

32 June 2010

and then moves her rear end into the other horse and kicks. The last time I was on the ground and I was pinned between the two horses. Luckily, I wasn't too badly hurt. Can you help?

Cathy Answer: Dear Cathy, The squealing sound you hear is one of only four audible communications a horse makes. Audible expressions count for relatively little of the horse’s language—mostly horses use gestures and postures to communicate their needs and wants. And there’s no clearer a statement than a hoof flying at your face to suggest, “Get out of my space!”

Like all four audible communications, squealing has a very specific meaning and it means ‘aggression is about to ensue’. In other words, it means, “I’m about to kick your butt!” Sometimes it’s a just a threat and sometimes the horse will take action. Anytime I hear a horse squeal, I make a quick check of the environment to make sure all humans are safe; my next concern is for a horse getting kicked (but I cannot walk into the middle of that fray without risk of a casualty). As you’ve seen firsthand, horses becoming aggressivel is a dangerous, potentially deadly event if people are in the middle of it.

That explains what and why your horse is acting that way, but does not excuse her poor training and very bad manners. As I’ve mentioned and written about on numerous occasions, horses must be trained, from the earliest possible age, that absolutely NO herd behaviors can be

demonstrated when being ridden or handled.

There should be zero tolerance and the harshest of punishment when a horse acts this way. Check the training library on my website for more info.

You must get this horse trained right away so that you can be safe and polite with others and so that no one gets hurt! Do not tolerate any social fraternization between any horses when you are riding. Give a harsh correction (yell, spank, back up hard, work hard, etc.) anytime the horse so much as notices another horse and let the punishment fit the crime—a slight glance at another horse gets a bump of the rein while the horse moving toward another horse with any part of his body or making an aggressive gestures gets hard punishment and time in solitary.

You have to find the amount of pressure that motivates the horse to change his behavior and sometimes that can be a lot of pressure. If you’ve used enough pressure, you’ll know by the horse’s reaction to your correction—it should be, “Wow! What happened and why? I didn’t like that at all and how do I avoid it happening in the future!” If your horse barely notices your correction or if he continues the bad behavior, you’re not using enough pressure to motivate him to start thinking about why he got in trouble.

By the way, there’s also more information in my Training Library on the audible expressions horses make and their specific meanings.

Horses communicate constantly and it’s very handy to know what they are saying to you.

Next time you hear your horse whinny or nicker, know what he is saying. Good luck!

Julie Julie Goodnight has more than a quartercentury of horse training experience. Her varied background ranges from dressage and jumping to racing, reining, colt-starting, and wilderness riding. She teaches "Classic Skills for a Natural Ride" and travels coast-to-coast and beyond to film her award-winning television show, Horse Master, as well as to appear at horse expos, conferences and clinics. In 2008 she was named Equine Affaire's Exceptional Equestrian Educator--one of only three awards ever given.

Visit www.juliegoodnight.com.

MIDWEST HORSE DIGEST

Equine Nutrition

fatty acids, are good choices for those in the show ring or sale ring business. Horse owners often report that horses that are fed lower-starch diets with added fat have a calmer attitude than those that are fed a conventional high starch and forage diet.

What About Fat? Jim Ward, D.V.M. Lately there has been tremendous interest in the horse world about fat. In regards to human nutrition, “fat” is often considered a bad word, and low-fat diets are a popular trend. But we should remember that in people, some fats are necessary and healthy. This is equally true for horses: fats play a very important role in equine nutrition.

There are many reasons to feed horses added fat. The questions are: what kind of fat and what fat sources should be used?

Rationale The best reason for using added fat is for an energy (calorie) source. The primary purpose for grain feeding is to provide energy for maintenance, performance, growth and reproduction.

Horses can use fat as a calorie source efficiently.

Fat also lowers the risk of colic and laminitis by reducing the amount of starch (carbohydrates) in the ration.

A high-performing horse has twice the calorie requirement as the same horse on a maintenance diet. Owners and trainers of performance horses often ration more feed to meet that calorie need. Horses with a high grain ration are often at risk because high levels of grain feeding can cause a starch overload in the small intestine and cecum.

The cecum and large colon in the horse’s intestinal tract is where forage is digested. Fiber digestion is accomplished by the bacterial and protozoal populations residing in these organs.

When starch enters the cecum the pH drops and this bacterial population dies. This can result in a cascade of events that may include colic, laminitis and death.

When horses eat a high starch feed equivalent to 0.5 percent body weight per meal there is a risk of starch entering the cecum. This translates into five pounds per meal on a 1,000-pound horse. Thus adding fat makes a ration safer and feed intake can be lowered because fat has more than double the calories than starch.

Other reasons for adding fat to a feed ration are to improve endurance, heat tolerance, hair coat and attitude. Horses on fat supplemented diets experience increased endurance because of a glycogen sparing effect. Glycogen is the fuel for muscular activity that is stored in the muscle cells. Horses that are on high fat diets conserve glycogen, which can help them finish a performance event stronger. This is particularly important in racing, eventing, cutting and other activities that require high performance over time.

Horses trained in hot, humid environments show improvement to heat tolerance because fat supplemented rations generate less heat as a by-product of digestion. This becomes important in the Southwest where heat is prevalent. A shiny hair coat is important to horse owners who are showing or selling horses.

Higher fat levels, especially those that contain a balance of omega three and omega six

Fat Sources Vegetable oils and animal fats are both available fat sources. Animal fat is seldom used because of public perception and decreased palatability compared to vegetable sources. Corn oil, soy oil, rice bran and flax seed are the most popular fat sources for horses. There are advantages and disadvantages of each.

Corn oil is palatable and digestible, but it does not have a favorable balance of omega three and omega six fatty acids compared to soy oil or flax seed. Soy oil may not be as palatable as corn oil, however.

Raw rice bran is unstable and becomes rancid quickly, especially in hot weather. This is due to the enzyme lipase, which is present naturally.

Rice bran can be stabilized by heat treating, which deactivates the lipase. During storage, raw rice bran progresses rapidly to rancidity and palatability suffers unless it’s processed quickly.

Rice bran also has low calcium and a high level of phosphorus. This inverted calcium to phosphorus ratio can be detrimental for both young and high performance horses.

Most livestock fitters know that flax seed and the linseed oil that it contains produce a shiny hair coat. It’s also known widely that flax seed contains a high proportion of omega three fatty acids to omega six fatty acids. The process of extrusion during feed manufacturing stabilizes rice bran and flax seed, increasing shelf life with resultant increases in palatability and digestibility.

Indiscriminate fat supplementation can create deficiencies of other nutrients. This is known as empty calories; where energy levels are adequate, but protein, lysine and mineral levels are not. Developmental bone problems can result which may precipitate injuries in young horses.

There also is a period of adjustment of about three to four weeks for horses to receive benefits from added fat. Any change in diet should be done gradually over seven to10 days to avoid the possibility of digestive upsets.

A balanced diet, tailored to the use and age of the horse, is the most important consideration.

A trained nutritional consultant can make recommendations that will best fit your horse and the activity involved.

About the author: Jim Ward D.V.M., a 1965 graduate of Texas A&M University, is an equine Management Consultant for Cargill Inc, a position he has held since 2000. He is a Member of the Cargill Product Development Team and the Cargill Global Equine Team and currently serves as the general manager for Millennium Farms at Moon Lake, a Thoroughbred facility in Elm Grove, LA. Under Ward’s direction, Moon Lake Farm has been the location of several feeding trials conducted in association with Cargill.

MIDWEST HORSE DIGEST

Ken McNabb Wins Mane Event Trainer's Challenge in Red Deer Ken McNabb has claimed his third Trainer's Challenge with a win at the Mane Event in Alberta, Canada. Competing against Brent Trout of Alberta and Tom Forehand of Colorado, McNabb had no regrets about the performance with his threeyear-old sorrel g e l d i n g , "Remedy".

The Mane Event Trainer's Challenge is judged 10% on the horse, 60% on the trainer's work with the horse and 30% on how well the trainer communicates and educates the audience. McNabb says that the education aspect has not only been a great way to teach the audience, but has been an excellent learning tool for himself.

"The judges at the event are wonderful Canadian horsemen and ranchers. Each time I've competed at Mane Event, it's been important for me to see how they scored my ability to educate the audience. It's given me a chance see where I need to tune-up my teaching," says McNabb.

He says that his goal, whether training or teaching, is to walk away without any regrets.

This "no regrets" policy is something that McNabb says he strives for in his daily life.

Staying true to the process that he uses at home, McNabb left out no steps, taking an A to Z approach.

"I definitely had no regrets when working with my gelding. I stayed true to him, myself, the judges and the audience. He was a sensitive and feely type of horse. One that you really enjoy working with," says McNabb.

McNabb says that putting a solid foundation of groundwork on the gelding was very important and that the horse, although somewhat emotional, was very trusting and responsive.

"Our biggest obstacle was spookiness and he had an issue with his right hip but we were able to overcome the problem. He was excellent in the final and all our hard work paid off. We walked and trotted both directions around the arena and even loped both directions on the correct lead. He loaded onto the trailer faultlessly and took all the obstacles without hesitation. He spooked a little bit in the log pull, but we were able to go back and work on it in our freestyle.

Overall he was an excellent colt," says McNabb.

For more information on Ken McNabb Horsemanship, visit www.kenmcnabb.com or call 307-645-3149.

June 2010 33

Trail Horse

www.horsedigests.com pads. Get them out and do a good cleaning on them, too.

Use lots of water, some shampoo and a brush to get them clean. If you can run them through a washing machine that is even better.

When it comes to selecting cinches and saddle pads there is no substitute for natural fibers. If your want to take good care of your horse and be sure he is comfortable you have no other choice. Use cotton, mohair, alpaca, or horse hair cinches and wool, cotton or felt pads and blankets to keep your horse happy.

There are lots of artificial products available and most, if not all of them, are of no benefit to your horse. Think about it; we wear cotton and wool for lots of good reasons. I have yet to see anyone wear a shirt made of rubber or neoprene in the summer sun. If you wouldn’t wear it why put it on your horse?

Saddle bags are part of any good trail package, so let’s make sure we have checked them out for good repair and most importantly their contents. A basic first aid kit for you and your horse should be a priority. If you have special needs such as an eppy pen for anaphylactic shock, carry one, don’t depend on someone else! Keep a blood stopper, 4x4 bandages and vet wrap with you in case your horse becomes injured. Carry a bottle of hydrogen peroxide to clean and disinfect wounds. Always have plenty of fresh water with you and a snack for yourself no matter how long you think you may be on the trail, you never know when you might need those things.

Navigation is also important so always carry a compass, maps of your area, and flash light (I like the rechargeable wind up kind). GPS equipment is good and in some areas cell phones can be good, too. Don’t count on the new tools of the trade, make sure you know how to use a compass and a map; there is no substitute.

Always be prepared for the worst that can happen and “It’ll Be Fine”. If you are not prepared Murphy’s Law kicks in and you will have a wreck ten miles from home with no way to manage it.

I know many of the points I have talked about in this article seem very elementary. I believe that is why so many of us forget the importance of inspecting, cleaning, and oiling our tack. To be safe we must have a good horse, tack, navigation tools, and first aid to deal with incidents on the trail. By following through with all of the little things I’ve talked about you will be able to enjoy the trail and return home safe and sound and ready for your next adventure.

Doug and Jody Lindgren own and operate Hay Creek Hay Creek Ranch near Nemo, SD. Doug rides 2-10 Ranch hours every day, spring, summer and fall, training horses to be great trail horses. You can visit their website at www.haycreekranch.net

IT’LL BE FINE! Article IV

by Doug Lindgren

Winter is well behind us, warm sunny days are present and miles of trails are calling. We finally get to head to our favorite camp or trailhead to do some serious riding after months of waiting for winter to loosen its’ grip. Our stock is ready for the trail. We have the coggins test back from the vet, vaccinations and deworming are done, feet are trimmed and shoes are on, so let’s hit the trail. Whoa, not so fast, what about the tack?

Let’s be certain our saddles and all of the parts of it are in top shape. Check that the latigo, billets, cinches, stirrup leathers, and rigging are all in good condition. Check headstalls, reins, curb straps, and bits to be sure you have brakes and steering. Riding down the trail is not a good place to have your bridle end up in your hands and have nothing on your horse’s head to guide him.

To condition your leather, saddles, head-

34 June 2010

stalls, reins, etc. use a good vegetable oil product, not petroleum based. Petroleum products will damage your stitches and degrade your leather.

Olive oil right off of the grocery store shelf is as good as it gets. Olive oil is great to work with, is good for the leather and leaves it cleaner than a lot of other products.

I like to take all of my tack out of my tack shed and arrange it on my hitching rails and fences in the warm sun. Doing so allows the leather a chance to become warm. The leather will absorb the oil faster and will dry quicker.

I apply two to three coats of oil to really get it soft and supple. Be sure you disassemble as much of your saddle and tacks as you are comfortable doing. This will make oiling all of the parts much easier and more effective.

Remove the latigo, rear cinch, billets, stirrup hobbles, stirrups, etc. Put a good amount of oil in a pail and begin soaking the parts by dragging them through the oil, removing the excess with your hand and letting it drain back to the pail. For the large parts of the saddle use a brush, rag or squirt bottle to apply the oil. Lift the jockeys and skirts; apply liberal amounts of oil with a squirt bottle to get it into the tight, hard to reach places. Use a rag to apply a generous amount of oil to the outside of your saddle, multiple coats also. Do an extra good job on the fenders and stirrup straps (lots of oil) so you will have them soft and supple, this will help them hang free, giving you more comfort for your legs, ankles and knees when you ride. Once the oil has dried, use a soft cloth or sheepskin to polish your saddle.

Check and clean your cinches. Be sure there are no broken strands in the braiding. If anything looks bad on your cinch replace it. It is not going to wear well on your horse and it could break while you are riding. Don’t forget your saddle

MIDWEST HORSE DIGEST

Gitty Up-Dutch

ACHTA RIDE FOR THE GUINNESS® WORLD RECORD!

Howdy Folks, June 13, 2010 will be a day that will affect thousands of horses nationwide. That's the day thousands of riders will step into the stirrup to compete in close to seventy ACTHA sanctioned CTC's across the USA and – RIDE FOR THE GUINNESS® WORLD RECORD! Why? Just to break a Guinness World Record? Sure that's part of it. But the most important part is the impact it will have for homeless and unemployed horses nationwide. The true intent of this nationally organized ride is to focus attention on the magnificent trail horse, and raise money for horse rescues. ACTHA hopes to raise over $100,000 for horse rescues on this one day!

Being curious as to how such a wonderful thing came about, I called Norma Safford Vela. It seems Tom Scrima, ACTHA's General Manager, had been kicking around doing something on a national level. Norma had been toying with the idea of breaking a world record with a horse event. She even knew some of the Guinness requirements. Tom contacted Guinness.

Well folks, you gotta know Tom. After the initial contact with Guinness it was, Katie bar the doors. The goal was at least one ride in each of the fifty states. Norma said ACTHA is beautifully organized and they sent out a mass emails to established Affiliates first, just to see what the reaction would be. The response was overwhelming. So they went wider and began to contact all members and ask them to be part of it. Within thirty days fifty Affiliates across the United States had already signed on! And these Affiliates are donating all their time for this wonderful effort! That's the kind of folks ACTHA members are.

But that was just the beginning. The infrastructure of ACTHA was already being tested by the phenomenal growth it was experiencing in its second year, and each of the RIDE FOR THE RECORD Affiliates would be required to go through ACTHA's normal channels of approval and registration. And to qualify as a ride for Guinness each ride must have at least twentyfive rider and horse teams. For fifty certified rides that totals a minimum of 1,250 horse and rider teams! Holy cow the logistics of it all! Especially when the folks at ACTHA expect many more than this.

But by golly the heavy lifting is being done by ACTHA members, staff, Affiliates, sponsors and most importantly VOLUNTEERS! All the pieces

are coming together. Unnamed volunteers, unrecognized contributors, and unsung heroes from coast to coast are working hard every day as the big day approaches. Every single individual leaning into the collar and straining to pull the load to make this happen is donating their time! Every penny raised in this event goes directly to horse rescues and rescue programs. Each Affiliate has the option to identify the Rescue of their choice.

Sponsors who already do so very much to help make ACTHA a fun sport, and to help horses, have kicked it up a few notches and are making sure the horse and rider teams have great prizes to take home. Speaking of taking something home – Molly's Custom Silver has made Commemorative silver buckles that anyone involved in the RIDE FOR THE RECORD can purchase at her cost. Go to www.mollyscustomsilver.com and have a look at them! Cavallo Horse and Rider is contributing custom ribbons and special awards. Thanks to Cavallo every competitor and volunteer will receive momentos of this historic day. Robart Bits is donating free patented bits for winners, Muddy Creek Rain Gear is donating hundreds of their famous “doggie raain coats”….get this…Trail Town USA is giving a free $60 annual membership to all participants and volunteers….it just keeps growing. And this is all on top of ACTHA’a standard $1,200 of prizes for every event it holds!!!

There simply is no room to list all the incredible people who are doing so much to help in this herculean effort – But I'd like to toss out a big ol' public THANK YOU! And thank you, too for everything each of you are doing to help ACTHA help horses! ACTHA means many things to many folks. It was born out of the dream to create a

MIDWEST HORSE DIGEST

sport which could not only offer enjoyment to horse owners and horses, but could make a difference in the lives of unemployed horses all across the USA who are in desperate need of our help. Everything about ACTHA is for the horse.

The fabulous horse, our best friend, our teacher, our nurse. Our confidante. Sure we all get to have fun competing and winning, and visiting and seeing places we may not have traveled to. But that's all a bonus, because the horse is the real winner.

You see when Carrie and Karen put the first dream together that would become ACTHA; their dream was, "to make a dent in the unemployed horse world and to help those horses who really need help. We'd like to know that ACTHA can tangibly feel and know that they made a difference in the world of the unemployed horse." It is Tom's dream to make horse ownership so much fun that there are no more homeless or unemployed horses. He says, "The underlying thinking beyond ACTHA is to help make horses economically viable… It makes sense to own a horse because you get so much fun out of it. We at ACTHA work every day to see to it that everybody can have fun with their horse."

As I write this on May 10, many of the sixtyone rides have met or exceeded all requirements, but some still need riders. Please visit www.actha.us and go to the Ride & Location Page or click on the 'Ride for the Rescues' banner on the homepage to find the ride in your area, and sign up. You can be a part of history!

At the end of the day thousands of dollars will have been raised – hundreds of riders and horses nationwide will have discovered ACTHA, and word will begin to spread that owning and loving a Trail Horse is well worth the effort. And Tom, I think at the end of the day there's going to be a lot less hungry horses…And a few less unemployed horses.

Gitty Up! Dutch Henry

June 2010 35

www.horsedigests.com

Trail Horse

y r a M Ask

Mary Hamilton answers your training questions!

Ask Mary: How do I open and close a gate on the trail from horseback?

Being able to open and close gates from horseback can save a lot of time and effort, mounting and dismounting. Plus it’s a great sensory obstacle to work with your horse. It teaches them to listen and respond to cues one step at a time. This means more control for the rider. The horsemanship skills your horse needs to know before you work gates are the following: leg cues (you can move his hindquarters to the left and right using your legs), backing a step or two, stopping and standing quietly and side passing.

To be successful opening and closing gates with your horse, take your time and break the task into manageable steps. Reward your horse after he has completed each step. That gives him incentive to keep trying for you.

Step 1: Ride your horse along side of the gate and stop with your leg at the latch. You should be parallel to the gate. Let your horse stand and relax at the gate. Then ride off.

Practice this several times, so he becomes comfortable standing next to the gate.

Step 2: While your horse is standing next to the gate, put both reins in one hand. Reach down with your free hand and rattle the latch a few times. Then ride off. You want your horse to get comfortable and stand quietly when he hears the latch rattle.

Step 3: Open the gate latch. Back your horse a few steps (parallel to the gate) as you slide your

hand along the top rail of the gate. Stop when his head is at the latch.

Step 4: Swing the gate away from the horse until it is partially open. Walk your horse forward through the opening until his shoulder is at the end of the gate. Sliding your hand along the top gate rail as he moves.

Step 5: Do a turn on the forehand (using your leg cues rotate his hindquarter around his fore) until you are parallel to the opposite side of the gate.

Step 6: Side pass your horse to close the gate. Stand and secure the latch. Then ride off .

Take your time with this at first. Be slow and deliberate with your cues. This will keep your horse calm and prevent him from rushing through the gate. He may take a misstep and move away from the gate. Simply halt him and reposition him where you want him. It’s all part of the learning process. With a little practice, before you know it

you and your horse will be opening and closing gates like the pro’s.

Mary is a Mounted Police instructor and a fully insured ARICP riding instructor. She devotes her creative energy to developing customized training programs to improve show ring performance, mount obedience and despooking trail horses utilizing training methods used in training police horses.

Mary does Horsemanship Clinics, Trail Safety Clinics and also Mounted Patrol Clinics, She also does indiviual instruction and has interactive DVD and Interactive CD-Rom training available. Visit her Website at www.riderselite.com or email your questions to mary@riderselite.com If you have a specific question you would like her to answer in her column please email her at mary@riderselite.com

Largest Horse The tallest documented horse was a shire gelding named Samson. He was 21.2 1/2 hands tall, and weighed 3,360 pounds. He was bred by Thomas Cleaver of Toddington Mills, England, and was foaled in 1846.

Smallest Horse Little Pumpkin is the smallest known horse.

He stood only 14 inches tall and weighted only 20 pounds on Nov. 30, 1975. He was foaled in April 15, 1973 and was owned by J.C. Williams Jr. of Della Terra Mini Horse Farm, Inman, SC.

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MIDWEST HORSE DIGEST

booth at this year’s Midwest Horse Fair to promote the electrification project. Steak fry tickets, T-shirts and tote bags were sold to help fund electrification. SKMHTA also provided information about membership, the trail system and its 2010 calendar of events, as follows: Wilton Road Rest Stop Dedication and

New Options for Featherlite Horse Trailer Model 8533 Steaks sizzle at Horseriders Campground, where Lake County (Ill.) Mounted Posse served 270 dinners, raising more than $7,000 to electrify campsites.

Featherlite Trailers unveiled several enhancements to their existing trailers during its recent International Dealer Meeting. Among these are a greater selection in the sizes of dressing rooms and living quarters of the Model 8533 all-aluminum gooseneck horse trailer.

The Model 8533 is already known in the trailering world for its durability and attractive price point. Now, customers have the choice of a 74”, 96” and 124” dressing room package. Customers may also select the standard 46” dressing room package.

“Different horse owners have different space requirements,” Randy Lewis, Featherlite’s National Sales Manager, said. “These expanded dressing room options mean that customers don’t have to buy more trailer than they need.”

For horse owners who want to spend a weekend riding, Featherlite also offers three new Sierra living quarters packages. An 8’ living quarters package and a 10’ living quarters package are available. The 10’ living quarters package comes with or without a 6’ slideout.

“The well-appointed living quarters option is designed to make the Model 8533 the most attractive horse trailer at this price point on the market,” Lewis said.

The 8533 comes in a standard 6’7” width with an inside height of 7’0”. It comes in lengths ranging from 14’10” to 28’4”.

All 2011 models are available for order at any one of Featherlite’s 180 dealerships. For more information about all of Featherlite’s 2011 horse trailers and features, call 1-800-800-1230.

Steak Fry Swells Funds to Electrify Campsites for Horseriders PALMYRA – Electrification of 23 campsites at Horseriders Campground took a big step toward completion with more than $7,000 raised at a recent steak fry sponsored by Lake County (Ill) Mounted Posse.

LCMP has joined Southern Kettle Moraine Horse Trail Association’s effort to raise $23,000 for the electrification project. The trail group assisted with parking, food service and cleanup at the May 2 event.

Forest staff made additional parking space available for cars, and all campsites were reserved , with riders, horses and patrons making the campground bustle with activity .

“Paul Sandgren, Don Dane and the whole

DNR staff were so helpful and supportive,” said Annette Mayfield, SKMHTA president. “Things could not have gone better.”

Sandgren is SKM Forest supervisor, and Dane is Forest trails coordinator.

“We sold around 300 tickets, but about 270 people actually showed up to eat,” said Pete Jackson, Posse fundraising chairman. “Some people just bought tickets to support the cause and never really planned on attending.”

Raffle proceeds totaled $1,300, and a poker ride raised $300. Steak fry tickets, $25 each, included baked potato, baked beans, pasta salad and “endless” desserts, A poster on the campground which occupied a kiosk, created by Deborah six-table lineup Davis, SKMHTA vice president, details the and were donated electrification project.

by SKMHTA and LCMP members and friends.

“The lady [Page Webb] who won the grand prize in the poker run – over $100 – turned right around and handed me the money as a donation to the fundraising effort,” Jackson said.

“I thought . . .that summed up the whole experience . . .so many people were so giving of their time, effort, hard work and money.”

Raffle items were donated by Little Foxes; Main Street Family Restaurant, Palmyra; John Pinkley, Mike Squire – Squidy’s, Palmyra; Susan B Designs; Genoa Pizza; Summer Snow Art; Suhmer’s Saloon & Restaurant, Eagle; A horseshoe on a sign Grayslake Feed designed by SKMHTA Sales, Scott member Gary Press marks funds raised for Horseriders Dooley – Coyote Campground campsite Canyon; Farm & electrification project.

Fleet – Sturtevant; Palmyra True Value; Richmond Saddlery and Home Designs; The Country Store; Wadsworth Feed and Saddlery; Quality Farms – Kelly Olson.

Posse members helped staff SKMHTA’s

MIDWEST HORSE DIGEST

Paul Sandgren, Southern Kettle Moraine State Forest supervisor, staffs entrance to Horseriders Campground during the steak dinner fundraiser.

Barbecue, June 26, Fun Show at Winterhorse Park, Eagle, July 31; Speed/Fun/Drill Show, West 20 Ranch and Saddle Co., Aug. 14; Camping and Pig Roast, Horseriders Campground, Sept. 11; Trail Ride and Potluck, Horseriders Campground, Oct. 9; and Holiday Gala, Duck Inn, Delavan, Nov. 13.

In addition to a $3,000 grant for the electrification project from Wisconsin State Horse Council, SKMHTA has also submitted a grant application to WSHC Equine Foundation and plans to apply for a Stewards for Trails, Education and Partnership grant from the American Quarter Horse Association.

SWANA Expands Awards Program SWANA has expanded its USDF Awards to include Dressage Sporthorse breeding (DSHB) awards and FEI Five and Six year old classes.

The DSHB and FEI Five and Six year old classes join their Awards Program which also includes: USDF All-Breeds, Jumpers (Adult/Amateur-Childrens, Junior-Amateur/ Owner, Grand Prix Jumpers), Hunters (Childrens-Adult/Amateur, Junior-Amateur/ Owner, and Open Hunters) and USAE/USEF Eventing Awards. To be eligible for an award, horses must be registered with SWANA, and owners must be SWANA members for the year of the award and official owner of record with SWANA. Visit http://www.swanaoffice.org to learn more about SWANAs Awards Program. Also, you can see the results for the 2009 USDF Awards at http://www.swanaoffice.org/page_2009USDF.aspx, and the 2009 USEF Awards at http://www.swanaoffice.org/page_USEF2009.aspx.

About SWANA: SWANA is the official Swedish Warmblood registry of North America and operates with the full support and authority of ASVH, the Swedish Warmblood Association in Sweden. Contact: Carol Reid, Director SWANA 575-835-1318 http://www.swanaoffice.org

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Equine VIP

Lucas and Karen talk with Equine VIP

by Susan Ashbrook,, owner Equine VIP

LUKAS AKA ““JUST ASK MIKE”” NEVER HAD MUCH OF A CAREER AS A THOROUGHBRED. TELL US HOW YOU FOUND LUKAS? After three unmemorable races and two bowed tendons as a two year old, Lukas left the track and changed hands several times. I saw him listed for sale in the local Horsetrader magazine as a “Green project horse. “ His then owner had rescued him out of a yard out of pity.

She described him to me as neglected and emaciated and his tail being a “solid bat of mud and debris.” Her plan had been to rehabilitate him and incorporate him into her amateur jumping program, but after almost two years “he still wasn’t fitting in.

DID YOU KNOW HE WAS ““THE WORLD’S SMARTEST HORSE”” WHEN YOU FIRST MET LUKAS? Not exactly - he was quite a handful to begin with (which is why I let his mane grow long, a natural bucking strap!) What I did notice was an intense curiosity, endless eagerness to learn and a total absorption in our games. All of our lessons being at liberty (free/no equipment), he showed that he preferred learning to even eating. When I bring out his desk he nickers, when he gets an answer right and feels especially proud of himself he’ll actually quiver and pose as if to say “Look at me - I’m great!”

He defers the treat while he’s basking in his accomplishment - something I haven’t seen before in a horse.

YOU WERE A PHYCHIATRIC NURSE FOR 25 YEARS, DID YOUR CAREER PROMPT YOU TO TRY AND TRAIN LUKAS TO DO TRICKS? My background has certainly influenced my approach: the positive effects of eliciting cooperation in a gentle, non-coercive manner while maintaining the dignity and individuality of others is extremely important, in my opinion. The tricks evolved from our play - it was a matter of finding

38 June 2010

things that we both enjoyed doing and your results will be strongly impacted by your were mutually fun. They are a natural out- abilities to develop a systematic yet fluid come of happy exploration - a program. I use shaping, clicker trainvery reciprocal and intering (my voice and whistles active activity - not being the clicker) and really an end in positive reinforcement T h e b o n d b e t ween Karen themselves. along with intermediWith a solid ary markers that Murdock and her horse, Lukas The foundation signal the direcWorld s Smartest Horse , is abundantly of trust, tion that I want. clear. Lukas has an extreme desire to please confiThis combinaKaren and Karen considers Lukas a dear dence tion has the and love friend. If they were a married couple, they would advantage of you can finish each other s sentences! Karen bought Lukas c o m b i n i n g t h e n two major as a project horse and quickly discovered he teach training comhad a natural curiosity to learn tricks, all at anything ponents into in a very the most powerliberty. Lukas and Karen have appeared effortless ful and effective on NBC, CBS, ABC, CNN, HLN and and spontasystem that I have are our featured Equine VIP neous way. ever seen. I develthis month.

Being an all-positive trainoped this style over er promotes a bold and curimany years after studying ous nature in students - there are everything from circus to jumping, no concerns about mistakes or worries about barrel racing to Dressage and across all punishment and this makes for a very rapid and species including dogs, birds, marine mammals effective program. and zoo animals.

PATIENCE AND LOVE ARE YOUR TWO BIGGEST TRAINING TOOLS. CAN YOU EXPLAIN HOW THOSE HAVE WORKED WITH LUKAS? Yes, very important - patience and love form the basis of this system, but not in a conditional or calculating way whatsoever. The patience is to allow the animal (or person!) time to absorb and process the lesson - in this manner the learning is internalized and the student learns to learn. The beauty becomes apparent in subsequent sessions: you can pick up where you left off without tension and the progress is genuine and lasting.

The love has to do with having the best interests of others at heart - definitely sensed by other creatures. The techniques that I use should also be mentioned here to give a clear picture that

WHAT IS HIS REPERTOIRE OF TRICKS? Smile, Yes, No, Kiss (dry and “wet”), Fetch, Pose, Blindfold, Catch, Yawn, Wave, Pedestal Work, Spanish Walk (forward and backward), Stay and Come, Going to a Mark, Jambet (three legged pivot), Obeissance, Passage, Bow, Crossing his legs (front), Lay Down (and I sit on him), Feet Together (front and back), Hide and seek, Acting Lame, Pushing a Cart, Rear, Spelling, C o u n t i n g , Identifying Shapes, Discriminating Colors, Object Permanence, S p a t i a l Relationships, Proportion (bigger/smaller), Same/Different, Absentness. What is most amazing to me are not the tricks themselves, but Lukas’ extreme desire to please me and his ability to do

MIDWEST HORSE DIGEST

SHARE WITH LUKAS AND IS A TRAINING GUIDE. TELL US WHERE WE CAN FIND AND READ THE BOOK? “Playing With Lukas” is available at Lulu (www.lulu.com) as an e-book or a print version. It is a tribute to horses, hope and happiness. I am currently working on the Training Manual and expect to have it finished this summer.

everything at liberty (free/without any equipment). I don’t really think of him as a “trick horse” - more as a very willing friend that I can always count on.

LUKAS IS AN AMBASSADOR FOR THE CALIFORNIA THOROUGHBRED BREEDERS ASSOCIATION. WHAT IS HIS ROLE AS AMBASSADOR? Lukas is the Spokeshorse for TROTT (Training Horses Off The Racetrack) and the poster-boy for the California Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association (both non-profits). In these roles, our mission is to educate and promote awareness and responsible horse ownership.

LUKAS IS THE STAR OF AN EDUCATIONAL VIDEO? WHERE CAN WE SEE THE VIDEO? Oak Tree Racing Foundation funded a grant to the C.T.B.A. for an extraordinary web segment on Lukas and interview session with me. It is currently being edited and will be posted on the new C.T.B.A. web-site in the near future.

In the meantime, Lukas’ you-tube videos (www.youtube.com/profile?user=PlayingwithLuk as#grid/uploads) are all available for free public viewing and enjoyment.

YOU AND LUKAS HAVE BEEN ADVOCATES FOR EXPANDING HORSE AWARENESS AND OWNERSHIP. WHY IS THIS SO IMPORTANT TO YOU? Our mission has several purposes: to show the happy results of kind training and how wonderful and smart animals are, and to include children as they are our future. This calling has to do with my firm belief that we are made kind by being kind and my hope is for Lukas’ message to go far beyond the barn. By practicing being responsible and respectful this will create the qualities that are necessary to enhance and improve our lives and that of our fellow inhabitants.

DO YOU HAVE A WEBSITE WE CAN FOLLOW TO LEARN MORE ABOUT WHAT YOU AND LUKAS WILL BE DOING IN THE FUTURE? Lukas’ Home Page: www.playingwithlukas.com E-mail: info@playingwithlukas.com Lukas’ Videos: www.youtube.com/profile?user=PlayingwithLuka s#grid/uploads Lukas’ Facebook Fan Page: www.facebook.com/playwithlukas Lukas’ Twitter Page: www.twitter.com/playingwlukas

LUKAS HAS QUITE A FOLLOWING ON YOUTUBE AND FACEBOOK AND HAS APPEARED ON A NUMBER OF TELEVISION SHOWS. CAN YOU TELL US SOME OF THE SHOWS AND APPEARANCES WHERE LUKAS HAS PERFORMED? HAVE YOU BEEN SURPRIZED BY THE INTEREST IN LUKAS? Thank you, yes, Lukas has been on NBC, CBS, ABC, CNN, HLN, Equisearch, RFD-Radio, Pet Life Radio and the Associated Press released a feature story on him. His story has also been in countless magazines, on-line sites, newspapers and newsletters, blogs and forums. He has appeared at the Grand Prix HITS Desert Circuit Horse Show, The Equine Affaire, and our next scheduled event is at the America’s Family Pet Expo at the Orange County Fairgrounds April 16 - 18. We have been invited to Kentucky and Florida as well, but we’ll need to come up with a business partner/sponsor to manage such expenses in the future.

BESIDES BEING AN EQUINE PERFORMER, WE UNDERSTAND LUKAS IS AN AUTHOR AS WELL. ““PLAYING WITH LUKAS”” REALLY SHOWS THE UNIQUE BOND YOU

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Ace Tack & Outfitters ACTHA Alpha Buildings Arena Fenceline Auto Body Art Bakko Industries - The Jug Bale Buddy Blairview Bloomquist Law Firm Cannon Falls Trailer Sales Carlson Wholesale - Ritchie Classifieds & form Clinton Anderson Conway Arabians Custom Panel Doors Donn’s Leather Works Equi-Spot Farnam Flysect Super-7 Farnam Federated Coop Haycreek Ranch Holistic Horse Fair Horse Fly Net I90 Expo Center Horse Portraits Ivanhoe fQ JJ Paints Julie Goodnight KCB Equine Center Ken McNabb K Fence Laser Sheen Farnam Lincoln Sales Lynn Palm Midwest Cremation Mimbach Fleet Supply Minnesota Horse Council MN Hooved Animal Rescue MN School Of HorseShoeing More Custom Leather Northland Buildings Nutrena Pleasant Hills Saddle Shop Photo Classifieds Ralco Nutrition Real Estate Century 21-Atwood Lakes Realty Redwood Stables - Stallion R.T. Duggan Square Meal Feeds Subscription Form Super Mask Farnam Tak Shak The Boot Lady The Natural Gait Tri-Tec 14 Farman Triple Cross Design Twin Cities Featherlite UBRA Vertolin Farnam Westwind Shelters www.HorseDigests.com

page 7 page 35 page 39 page 11 page 11 page 12 page 14 page 11 page 45 page 3 page 8 page 42 page 9 page 28 page 45 page 45 page 12 page 23 page 39 page 30 page 28 page 19 page 36 page 14 page 29 page 43 page 32 page 45 page 6 page 27 page 5 page 45 page 20 page 26 page 45 page 22, 45 page 28 page 27 page 45 page 39 page 25 page 14, 45 page 43 page 10 page 41 page 43 page 28 page 45 page 31 page 30 page 47 page 45 page 14 page 30 page 2 page 45 page 17 page 46 page 15 page 34 page 48

Real Estate

Adertiser Index

2010 IBRA NATIONAL FINALS 16 Trophy Saddles – 80 Finals Jackets - 20 Wild Cards The IBRA is excited to announce that the 2010 National Finals will be held at Roberts Arena in Wilmington, Ohio. The Finals will be held during the same week in October as last year with the dates set for October 4-9, 2010.

Several important factors played a key role in making the decision to move the National Finals location. The IBRA Finals is experiencing exceptional growth which could no longer be accommodated at the Tennessee Miller Coliseum. Two of the main factors in IBRA’s decision are scheduling and stalls.

Last season, an extra day was added to the schedule to compensate for the growing number of entries. Due to previously scheduled annual events at the Tennessee Miller Coliseum, the IBRA had no choice but to add the extra day to the end of the weekly schedule, making the finals short go held on Sunday. This change caused a hardship on many contestants.

The last few years the IBRA National Finals has sold out of stalls and portables had to be brought in to meet the needs of the contestants.

Poor weather conditions caused some of the portables to flood. The move to Wilmington, OH will eliminate this problem as Roberts Arena has more stalls and more suitable grounds for portables.

The IBRA is excited about the move and is getting a lot of positive feedback from those who are familiar with the Ohio facility and looking for-

MIDWEST HORSE DIGEST

ward to once again competing in the “Lamar” arena. Lamar is the main arena that has hosted a number of prestigious barrel races in past years. Extra measures are being facilitated to prepare for the IBRA’s largest expected National Finals to date. New dirt has been purchased and is being brought in to improve the footing for the National Finals.

The point system implemented last season allows any member with 100 points or more to be considered a State Qualifier. Any member or non-member can enter the finals and run for part of the go-round money, but you must be a State Qualifier to have an opportunity at making the Finals Short Go. There is still plenty of time to join and get qualified for the 2010 National Finals in your state or by winning a Wild Card. Wild Cards can be won at your state finals or any IBRA preferred show. The next preferred show will be the IBRA Match Barrel Race held June 25-27, 2010 in Cloverdale, IN, awarding 24 Wild Cards!

Mark your calendars and join the IBRA for great family fun.

$40,000 + ADDED Contact Us: Karen@ibra.us 502-239-4000 office 502-239-4100 fax Mail Entries To: IBRA - P.O. Box 91298 Louisville, KY 40291

Visit Us: www.ibra.us June 2010 41

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Classifieds BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY Horse Lovers! Would you like to own your ownbusiness helping horses, working your own hours and make about $75 an hour plus excellent sales commissions? 7 Year old company needs reps for US, Europe, Australia, etc. Our success rate is amazing, and we can show you what to do and how to do it. No pushy sales people, please. Ifyou love horses, PLEASE visit the THERAPY page at www.sumereltraining.com to learn more. In 2 weeks you could be in a new career. Part or full time. $5,000 covers all equipment. Exclusive territories and excellent company support. If you already work with horses, this could help you as well. 540-384-6220 ASSOICATIONS International Spotted Horse Registry Association.

Color registry for horses of color patterns. Drafts to Miniatures, Grade to Pureblood, Sponsoring 2010 Online Photo Horse of Color Show! 300 different classes. January to November 1st.

866-201-3098 ISHRPPA@AOL.COM BOARDING www.sunsetridgeranch.com: Heated/cooled indoor - outdoor - roundpen: pasture/boxstall board-training and lessons. Clearwater, MN 320-558-2980.

10/10 EQUIPMENT & PRODUCTS Top quality Animal gifts and collectibles. Vintage style kitchen linen. Equine office decor. Figurines galore! Something for everyone. www.1000figurines.com 10 box stalls,- 1-x1- - Brand new, no wood.$13,000. Choose your color. Contact 507-527-2914. Will sell individually.

New leather harness, 3rd generation business.

Team, work, complete with hames, collars extra.

Draft $802.00. Qtr. horse $757.00. w 3 hip - Draft $882.00. Qtr. horse $812.00. Buggy breast Qtr $220.00, Pony $140.00. (651) 222-5616. Website - stpaulsaddlery.com Catalogue - St Paul Saddlery, 953 W 7th St., St Paul, MN 55102 Master Saddler offers complete saddlery repairs.Trees replaced, complete reflocks, new seats,billets, tree alterations on Kieffer and Prestigesaddles. Appointments booked for quick turnaround. Skilled repair of driving harness andsidesaddles. Custom accessories for side saddle competition. Bridles sewn in. Contact Michael 847-776-6700 or email master_saddler@saddlersrow.com Website www.saddlersrow.com EVENTS SAVE THE DATE:3 day Equine-Assisted Learning Clinic. Oct 22 & 23, Nov 6. Black Creek WI pegasusleaders.com 920 420 3825

HORSES FOR SALE Registered Fox Trotters, good sound minded trail horses, mostly spotted. Homozygous broodmare, open resonable, also breeding stallion, well-mannered, easy to handle, young stock. Call for details. 763--689-2596 evenings 6/10

STALLIONS Dakota Gambler Rare Black and White Pintabian At Stud: Proven 99.6% Purebred Arabian.

Athletic, Correct, Beauty, Elegance, Kind disposition with awesome movement.

Registration Numbers: 320-283-5933, spruchlo@gctel.com

2001 daughter of Dash for Perks. Proven 2D barrel horse with limited hauling! Super broke with all the fun buttons and she can FLY!!

763-226-9810 huverhorses@msn.com

REAL ESTATE 165 Acres, Farmhouse & Horse Barn in Elk River, MN for $699,000. Located next to 2,700 acre Sand Dunes State Forest which has 29 miles of Horseback trails and the Bob Dunn Horse Campground.

Contact Brian 612-532-1164

Beautiful Buttermilk buckskin Mare!! Smart, willing, and really sweet, broke to ride outside or in an arena. Needs a intermedite ridder!! She is built for speed but could be just a nice trail or ranch horse if someone is willing to put time into her, up to date on shots, worming, and trimming 920-566-0241 .

Custom built french country home on 40 acres.

3600 square feet; 3 bedroom 4 bath; gaited entrance; 3 bay shop with living quarters; 2 stall horse barn with automatic water and vinyl fencing. Paved driveway and lots more.

417-326-9784, mrparsons@windstream.net Springfield, MO

Lela BA ******* 2008 Bay futurity nominated Spanish/Portuguese Filly. Beautiful young mare with lots of potential for Halter and Performance classes. 262-325-0283, selwoodp@idcnet.com

TRAILERS New & Used. Horse • Stock & Flatbeds.

Steel/Alum. Bumper/Goose. Slant, Walk-Thru, Custom. Trailet, Exiss, Corn Pro & more! Full Service. Trades & consignments taken.

Helenville, WI 920/699-8048. www.thecorralinc.com

2005 Sun Frost / Easy Saint granddaughter quick and athletic! 15.1 hand chestnut mare, good conformation, friendly disposition, started under saddle last summer, was lightly started on barrels and shows lots of natural talent. 218-6662118 melissamcave@gmail.com

VACATIONS The first Montana High Country Cattle Drive of 2010 will be a singles drive. If you are into horses and romance, please visit our website at www.montanacattledrive.com. or call 1-800-3459423 for more information.

SERVICES Affordable Website Design & Hosting. Stallion listings, Banner ads, classifieds, Country Kitchen, Rural Singles. www.stallionstation.com 952.472.1438

CLASSIFIEDS WORK! $10.00 per month for 20 words, $.15 for each word over 20. Send your classified in with your check or credit card to: Midwest Horse Digest, Attention: Mark (classified) 40694 30th Street, Elmore, MN 56027 or call 507-943-3355 Name:______________________________________ 20 Words = $10.00 Address:____________________________________ # Extra Words ___x $.15 = ______ City:________________________St:_____Zip:_________ Sub-Total: ______ Credit Card#____________________________________ # of months to Run x: ______ Type:________Exp. Date:_________3 Digit Code:______ Total: ______ Phone:_______________Email:______________________ Number of Months to Run:______ AD Category:_________________ Classfied:_____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________

FRIESIANS,FRIESIANS,FRIESIANS www.excaliburbreeding.com 218-678-4125

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MIDWEST HORSE DIGEST

Place your photo classified here for $20.00 per

Thumbnail Photo Classifieds month just call 507-943-3355 for more info Plus you can also place your ad online at

www.HorseDigests.com Equipment For Sale ZINNIA BA ANDALUSIAN MARE (Despierto x Zinnia) US Reserve National Champion Andalusian Mare $15,000. Well started under saddle, Great Broodmare, Proven Show Horse 262-249-887 selwoodp@idcnet.com

IOWA GOLD STAR AUCTION NOMINATED! Half-Arabian 2009 Purebred Chestnut gelding.

Momentum NA x OFW Veronyka (RSD Dark Victory) 816-678-5807 smc1776@embarqmail.com

2002 Elite GN 8’X28’X7’ Dlx 4 H w/11’ Outlaw LQ, Solid Oak Western Pkg, Leather Sofa w/Table, 2 Burner Stove, Microwv, Ducted AC & Furnace, 6.5 cu Refg, AM/FM/CD Player w/Int.& Ext Speakers, Lg Dbl Hanging Closet, , 888-263-7212, www.cannonfallstrailers.com

Services and Products WISH UPON A STARR- HALF ARABIAN, IOWA GOLD STAR AUCTION NOMINATED - Sir Spattson x Greta Starrbo TM (GG Bask Starr) Extremely nice mare, lively, well-mannered!

BLACK with 4 whites!

Pprofessionally trained. Shown in Halter and Western Pleasure.

816-678-5807, smc1776@embarqmail.com HALF- ARABIAN / NATIONAL SHOW HORSE/ Sweepstakes Nominated Angel Kisses Regal Basque+/ x Contessas Wine 2001 National Caliber Mare Suitable for a Junior Rider/Driver or Equitation.

816-678-5807 smc1776@embarqmail.com

NORWEGIAN FHORD HORSES Beautiful, family horses 1 Grey mare, 4 years old, Registered P.S. Emmie.

Broke to ride, started driving, beautiful! 1- 3 year old brown dun gelding, started riding and driving. 2 coming 2 year old geldings. 1 grey and 1 brown. Ready to start.

All excellent breeding, family raised.

515-243-3807 days, 515-238-2745 cell pantherstables@aol.com

Stallions

For Sale - WAGON - Saw-mill Lumber - Small case running gear, Excellent condition. Set of harnesses - fits quarter horses, all leather, Various Carts and harnesses.

1 high wheeled cart, harness.

515-243-3807 days, 515-238-2745 cell pantherstables@aol.com

Riding Horse Sale/Auction Sat. June 19, 2010 AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE: BAILADOR DG. GREY SON OF SANTENO KDW Lots of action in the front and push from behind. This is a colt with substantial bone and an upright neck.

Perfect for Dressage 972-746-1457 vintageandalusians@hotmail.com

SPOTZ SENSATION, Homozygous! Exotic, Tall & stretchy! Only known grandson of both Hot August Nite & Chubasco! Great motion, fantastic temperament, Multi Championship Winner.

715-210-5371

at J & J Paints and Quarter Horses, Dodgeville, WI. 40 top quality Trail & Show. APHA/AQHA Horses & ponies riding/driving.

Call for Catalog (608) 341-8144, www.jjpaintsandquarterhorses.com

clearcreekarabians@yahoo.com

AA DESPIERTA, Elite Winner of the GANADOR Trophy, (Despierto x Ardorosa del Greco) $15,000 Andalusian In foal to US National Champion 3rd level dressage horse "Legado".She is carrying a "sexed" male foal.Available in utero for $10,000 262-249-8870 selwoodp@idcnet.com

URGEL III. PROVEN PRODUCER OF MOVEMENT! ANCCE Revised, 16.1 hands (Danes III by Maja VII). His foals are of consistent quality and have his conformation, power, movement, kindness, and love for people. 940-6860910 ranchoandalucia@earthlink.net

8 YR. MARE, Gorgeous, Beginners Dream Horse!

Barrel racing and trail. $4,000 Pinto-Beginners, young or old, this is the horse for you. Gentle, smooth, and a nice barrel horse, great on trails too. Call 605-670-9098 harttraining@hcinet.net

FAMOUS ECHO SCA - 2001 Bay Tobiano American Saddlebred Champion Stallion, direct son of Saddlebred stallion, The Color of Fame.16 HH, Tested Homozygous, Double registered ASHA and PtHA .

715-210-5371 clearcreekarabians@yahoo.com

MIDWEST HORSE DIGEST

ORIGINAL HORSE PAINTINGS Artist Lisa Kosmo 218-834-3482 or lslkosmo@usfamily.net Each painting is drawn directly on canvas then painted with acrylics.

Real Estate RARE OPPORTUNITY! 67 acre dream property, just west of Alexandria, MN. Commercial horse stable.

Possibilities- horse stable,camp ground, mixed use development. $499,000 218-943-9180 Mn. Lakes Realty of Alexandria http://www.flexmls.com/link.html?req94qdfymp,4,1

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Upcoming Events Remember, call before your dirve 6/5-6- Pelican Rapids, MN - Bismarck Maplewood West - Charlotte Tuhy, 701-5263734, chart@loretel.net June 5-6 UMBHA-IBHA showJackson County Fairgrounds, Black River Falls, WisconsinAQHA Special events, Heading, Heeling and Tie-Down roping. Contact Michele Giraud 608 343-5690.

June 8 - Simon Arena - Cannon Falls, MN 507-263-4200 - www.simonhorsecompany.com Summer Special All Breed Horse & Tack Sale EAU ClAIRE BIT and SPUR OPEN SHOW SCHEDULE - 10409 West Cameron St, Eau Claire, WI - June 12&13, July 10&11, August 21& 22. Sept. 11& 12 - www.eauclairebitandspur.com , 715-833-2086 June 12 & 13 - Simon Arena - Cannon Falls, MN - 507-263-4200 - www.simonhorsecompany.com Summerfest Saddlebred Horse Show 6/13, 2010 - Minnesota Walking Horse Assoc.

Open House and Horse Sale,Crow Wing County Fairgrounds - Brainerd, MN \abragstad@hotmail.com or 218.568.4153 June 18th & 19th - Minnesota High School State Finals Rodeo - 3 Performances - 7 pm, 20th 12 pm (noon) - Hugo MN - Dead Broke Arena (between Hugo and Forest Lake MN on Hwy 61) - Free Cowboy Hats first 100 kids, Free pony rides - Free hay rides - Bareback & Saddle Bronc - Roping - Barrel Racing- Bulls and more. $7.00 daily gate price - kids 5 and under Free Rain or Shine! 651-464-6460 dunsmore_flmn@msn.com 6/18-20 -Upper Midwest Endurance Ride, Forestville, MN, SE Minnesota, Dianne Schmidt, 507-545-9937, schmidt.dianne@mayo.edu 6/18-20, 2010 Newcastle, WY Today’s Horse NVRHA clinic & competition, clinicians Bob & Dolly Wallace Bosque Farms, NM Contact: Deb Black 605-716-5000 or 390-3410 dblack@todayshorse.net 6/19-20/2010 NE, 20th Annual Ride the Ridge Trail ride - historic Fort Robinson, NE, (308) 432-3841, don.huls@yahoo.com 6/19th, 2010 - J & J Paints and Quarter Horses, Dodgeville, WI. - Riding Horse Sale/Auction.Phone bidding welcome. Sale catalog - June 1st. www.jjpaintsandquarterhorses.com 608-341-8144 June 19 & 20 Simon Arena - Cannon Falls, MN - 507-263-4200 - www.simonhorsecompany.com .MPHA Horse Show 6/19-20 - Upper Midwest Endurance Ride, Prairie Smoke, Bismarck, ND, Deb Kolegraf, 701-258-6347, debkimk@msn.com

44 June 2010

6/19-20, 2010 Valley City, ND NVRHA clinic & competition, clinician: J.J. Ryberg contact: Wyatt Zaun, wjzaun7@hughes.net 701-8400104

night at 7:30 p.m. . Free admission to the show but Stampede Park parking fees apply. For more information or for a prize list contact Charlene 403-932-5992 charlene@wildroseinternet.ca

6/25 - 27 - Cowgirl Tuff Barrel Bash - Cedar Rapids, IA Double B Productions bolling@iowatelecom.net 641-745-5845

July 30, 31 & August 1…Mid Summerfest Saddlebred Horse Show - Simon Arena Cannon Falls, MN - 507-263-4200 - www.simonhorsecompany.com

June 26 – Southern Kettle Moraine Horse Trail Association Wilton Road Rest Stop Dedication and Barbecue, noon – 2 p.m. Contact Annette Mayfield, 262-495-8898 or mayfields22@yahoo.com.

August 10 - .All Breed Horse & Tack Sale Simon Arena - Cannon Falls, MN - 507-2634200 - www.simonhorsecompany.com

6/ 25, 26, 27 - Jefferson, WI - Wisconsin Buckskin Horse Assn / IBHA / NSBA, Kathy Yager 920-568-1111, sales@premierawards.com 6/30 - Blazzin Barrels & UBRA Approved. UBRA high point series awards for UBRA members donated by the UBRA.- Stone Pony - Salem, SD - 6052473240 canchaser03@hotmail.com 7/ 3, 4, 5, - Illinois State Buckskin Association 2010 Heartland Holiday Circuit Shows, 8:00 am.

Contact Dan Vincent 815-562-9552. Open classes offered for non-IBHA horses. PAC Approved. www.freewebs.com/illinoisbuckskin July 10 & 11 - 4-Star Challenge Barrel Race Simon Arena - Cannon Falls, MN - 507-2634200 - www.simonhorsecompany.com July 10 - UMBHA-IBHA Show Jackson County Fairgrounds, Black River Falls Wisconsin.

Contact Michele Giraud 608 343-5690 7/17 & 18 - Jefferson, WI - Wisconsin Buckskin Horse Assn / IBHA, FIVE JUDGES, Kathy Yager 920-568-1111 or sales@premierawards.com July 10-11- UMBHA-IBHA Show - Jackson County Fairgrounds, Black River Falls Wisconsin. Contact Michele Giraud 608 3435690 July 13..All Breed Horse & Tack Sale - Simon Arena - Cannon Falls, MN - 507-263-4200 www.simonhorsecompany.com July 17 &18-MPHA Horse Show-Simon Arena Cannon Falls, MN - 507-263-4200 - www.simonhorsecompany.com 7/24-25, 2010- Wessington Springs, SD NVRHA clinic & competition, clinicians: Don & Elise Ulmer contact Kamber Ulmer 605-890-2188 dkulmer@venturecomm.net, Bill Krech, 605291-9398 b.krech@yahoo.com 7/21-22- Nevis, MN NVRHA clinic & competition, Strait Rail Ranch, clinicians: Jay & Jena Henson contact: Greg Booth and Vickie Kettlewell 218-828-8895 greg@sunupranch.com, Susan Heyvaert, 763-479-1895 heyvaert@frontier.net July 31 & August 1, 2010 - Western Canadian Miniature Horse Club Show, AMHA sanctioned show.

Stampede Park, Calgary, AB Classes include halter, driving, obstacle, jumping, liberty and showmanship.

Special classes for exhibitors under 7 years and horses over 20 years. Canadian Futurity Gala Saturday

Aug 28-29UMBHA-IBHA SHOW - Jackson County Fairgrounds, Black River Falls, Wisconsin. Contact Michele Giraud 608 3435690.

9/1-12 - Nevis, Minnesota NVRHA clinic & competition, Strait Rail Ranch, clinician: Mike Major contact: Terry & Shirley Lund, 218-389-6069 moosehornranch@msn.com, Susan Heyvaert, 763479-1895, heyvaert@frontier.net October 2-3 - UMBHA-IBHA show - Jackson County Fairgrounds, Black River Falls Wisconsin. AQHA Special Events, Reining, Heading and Heeling.

Contact Michele Giraud 608 343-5690 Wazee Riders Horse Club 2010 Open Pleasure Show June 20 8:30 am start 2010 Game Show dates - Sunday Game/Fun shows Noon on,June 20 & Sept 19 - Game shows 5:30 pm Thursday afternoons: June 10 & 24,July 8 & 22, Aug 5 & 19, Sept 2 & 16 All shows held at Jackson County Fairgrounds, Hwy 54 West, Black River Falls WI Rain or Shine, We have indoor and outdoor arena, Information: wazeeriders@hotmail.com or 715-284-7004 Minnesota Pinto Horse Association Show Schedule July 9-11- 3 days, 4 Judges - Red Horse Ranch, Fergus Falls - *WIN A KENSINGTON BAG SET* Field Representatives - Mahlon Bauman - 612508-6832 & On Site PtHA Abby Duncanson - 612-877-0338 - Registrations Mary Noonan 402-920-0455 August 6-8 - Jubilee of Color Show - MN Equestrian Center, Winona *CO-PRODUCED WITH MIN-I-KOTA PINTO* - Jubilee Show Committee Christine Peterson 320-493-3435 - * Special Awards * 3 FULL DAYS * 3 judges * 4 sets of points September 11 & 12 2 days, 4 Judges - Red Horse Ranch, Fergus Falls - *WIN A MIKE BRAY SADDLERY MIRROR* Stabling Ron & Karen Clark - 763-682-5324 - Show Office Manager - Ed Neu 763-477-5027 - Visit our website www.minnesotapinto.com OCTOBER 9 American Competitive Trail Horse Association Ride (as seen on RFD TV). El Rancho Manana, Richmond, MN. Sponsored by Friends of Sherburne County Mounted Patrol. Entries close October 7 Details www.actha.us. Frieda Bruck 612.481.3567 Please email your event listing - typed into the body of your email or a word document.

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