Midwest Horse Digest June 2009

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Midwest Horse Digest

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

Advertising Contacts Mark Bahls 507-943-3355/Fax 507-943-3352 mark@horsedigests.com Peg Bahls 507-943-3355/Fax 507-943-3352 peg@horsedigests.com Andrea Jo Kroening 952-237-5311 andrea@horsedigests.com Midwest Horse Digest is distributed FREE at equine-related 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 800 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

Hi All, The show season seems to be off to a good start. Everyone we have been hearing from is saying attendance is very good, which is certainly wonderful to hear after all the gloom and doom on the news and such a long winter.

Horse people are hardy people though and seems they are very loyal to their love of horses and all things relating to horses. And.... we still hear, on a regular basis, of many new people buying that first horse. So maybe all isn’t lost!

On a different note, we had a wonderful testimonial from Roger at American Wood Fibers. Roger told us that he has gotten very good response from his advertising in Midwest Horse Digest. We are excited to hear from our advertisers and this was, of course, exactly the type of comment we aim for.

We will have some new equine trainers and clinicians joining us on and off through the rest of the year and know that they will provide you with some excellent information. That too is our goal, to provide you with interesting and informative equine related information.

In this issue, you will find some good information on roping, Chris Cox talks about putting a good foundation on a horse for working with cattle and roping. Dennis Auslam talks about ropes and learning to rope and Terrell Kroening relates his recent experience and take on a Rickey Green clinic he just attended. Plus we have packed this issue with other interesting articles from our regular trainers and there is a ton of good information there and a bunch of little tips and tidbits.

We always like to hear from our readers, what you are interested in, what you like to read about, what we can do to make our magazine even better. We are always looking for ideas and want to give you what you are looking for, as best we can!

We also always encourage you to utilize the advertisers in Midwest Horse Digest. They help bring you this magazine and it is always a good idea to support your local businesses as much as you possibly can. We live just outside a little town in southern Minnesota and just lost our last gas station - it is for sale so we are hoping someone steps up to the plate and buys it. It really is inconvenient to have to drive 10 miles to get gas for a lawn mower or to go gas up a vehicle and so in today’s age it is more important than ever that we support each other as much as we possibly can. Use it or lose it......

We hope you have a wonderful summer and look forward to hearing from you, just send us an email!

From all of us here at Midwest Horse Digest

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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Horse Digest

Contents Articles

8 Starting the Young Horse

by Chris Cox with Cynthia McFarland

12 Is My Horse Too Fat?

by Ken McNabb with Katherine Lindsey Meehan

14 Common Trail Riding Problems, part 3

by Bob Jeffreys & Suzanne Sheppard

16 Catch a horse that has gotten loose and is running free?�

Of Interest 10 Managing Your Horse in Hot Weather

13 Roping with Rickey Green 19 Super 2009 Midwest Horse Fair

23 Unwanted Horse Veterinary Relief Campaign

by Mary Hamilton

25 Equine Law Practitioner 34 Stretches for the Equine

18 READING The HORSE

Athlete

by Craig Cameron

20 Communicating with Your Aids...

Keys to Success, Part 8, Bending Aids and Exercises Special Sections

by Lynn Palm

22 Western Dressage

by Jennifer Lindgren

24 More Cow Work and Stopping, Stopping, Stopping

by Monty Bruce

26 The Difference in Rein-aids Between English and Western

by Julie Goodnight

28 So You Want to Rope....

by Dennis Auslam

About Our Cover and Issue Highlights Our Cover photo is by Jeanne M. Hatch.

In this issue Chris Cox talks about the horses foundation and starting them on cattle and roping.

Dennis Auslam talks about learning to rope and Terrell Kroening relates his experiences at a Rickey Green roping Clinic.

We hope you enjoy this issue of

Midwest Horse Digest!

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! VISIT OUR WEBSITE: WWW .HORSEDIGESTS.COM www.horsedigests.com

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

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Starting the Young Horse

By Chris Cox with Cynthia McFarland

Whether I’m starting a horse for roping, cutting or any other discipline, I use the same methods. Bottom line, I always want to build a solid foundation on the horse before I ever introduce anything specific to a discipline. If the basics aren’t in place, the horse is going to be in trouble down the road.

While many Futurity horses are started under saddle in the fall of their yearling year, I prefer to wait until my horses are actually two years old. Some bloodlines mature earlier than others, but I think those few extra months help them mature physically and mentally.

A lot of people underestimate the stress involved in training – even when everything is done right. These horses are still babies at two years of age, so you need to progress step-by-step so the horse learns gradually and doesn’t get confused or exhausted. I don’t like to put extensive physical pressure on a young horse, but I can build a very solid foundation and teach the horse a great deal without stressing his joints and bones by asking for too much too soon.

Teach in Steps Any time you’re starting a horse, you must give him time to think and “soak” so he can learn. This is especially vital in the early stages of training. You can’t continue to push new things at him without building his skills in steps and giving him time to accept instruction.

If you push him too hard too fast, you lose ground, rather than gain it.

I never step up on a colt until I’ve prepared him thoroughly with groundwork. I want him to be focused on me and yielding his hindquarters easily in both directions.

If he’s resistant on the ground, he’ll be the same with me on his back.

I use a lot of repetition because this reassures the horse and lets him know there’s a beginning and an end to everything I do. For example, in the beginning I’ll put on the saddle and pad and then pull them off several times before I ever tighten the girth.

I’ll also step up in the stirrup and then get down numerous times before I actually swing a leg over the horse’s back.

My training methods are designed to continually give the horse relief and to build progressively on steps he’s already learned.

This keeps the horse from fretting because I constantly come back to something he’s comfortable with, something he understands, and there always is a release of pressure. Relief from pressure is absolutely critical to a horse’s ability to learn and gain confidence. Once he understands that relief comes from you, he will always look to you for relief.

For the first few rides, I only have the horse in a halter and lead. Once I have softness and lateral control, I will put the horse in a snaffle bit. I used a fixed D-ring snaffle with a contoured copper-inlaid mouthpiece I’ve designed myself.

Introducing Cattle & Roping

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Whether a horse is destined to be a working ranch horse or competition horse, I like to have about three to four months of riding on him before introducing cattle. He should be soft, responsive and give laterally through his whole body. I want to have good control and handle on him before bringing something else into the picture.

Whether I’m starting a rope horse or a cutting horse, I work them in a similar fashion in the early stages with cattle. I’ll start the horse on the same mechanical cow I use with a cutting horse so he learns to rate. I want him to learn to track, stop and turn, and stay parallel to the cow in these early stages. Then I move on to tracking and following live cattle and make sure he knows how to stop, back, turn and really read the cattle. The odds are definitely against you if you start trying to rope a steer before the horse has learned to rate and read cattle.

It’s important for a rope horse to learn about cattle, as well as to get on his hocks with his hind end underneath him.

Whether you’re going to head or heel, your horse needs to know about cattle, how to use his body to stop and turn around, and what leads to use when. This doesn’t mean he needs to be a cutting horse, but he should be a working horse that understands cattle, not just an arena horse. I believe a rope horse needs to be able to go do a job first before going into the arena. He needs to have that foundation before he ever has the pressure of the roping box.

For the first roping lessons, I will use a roping mechanical cow to teach the horse how to get in correct position, use his body, and be able to pick his shoulders and his ribcage up.

Before I ever actually rope out of the box, I will work the horse in the roping box. I want him to realize I have control of him at all times in the box. I get him to where he can turn around, roll back and back up in the box; I want him to realize I can put his body in any position I want to in the box.

A common mistake I see with roping horses is that they go to that roping box way too quick before the rider really has good control and handle on them. The horse needs to be more mature minded before he gets into the box and has that pressure on him. I’m a believer that people often take the horse to the roping arena without preparing him and giving him experience. That early foundation work is crucial.

You want to be able to control the horse thoroughly and have him reading and rating cattle before you ever go to rope off him.

He must be steering and guiding well; that means he should understand and be responsive to neck reining because you’re going to have a rope in one hand and your reins in the other. The horse has to be able to follow his nose when you put that outside rein on his neck. You use your legs, hands and seat to teach the horse to lead with his nose.

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I may use my outside leg to help bring him the horse responds positively and does somethrough a turn, if necessary, but I’ll never move thing he knows, and then call it a day. Drilling on to roping until this steering/guiding lesson is and drilling on a horse is not the answer. fully learned.

My goal is always to gain the I introduce the rope itself in small horse’s respect without taking away his digniincrements after the first two or three months ty; I want the horse to keep his confidence and of riding, and only after the horse is soft and pride. I give him choices and create situations responsive. I also teach a so that being with me horse how to accept the and working with me rope around his legs, under become his choice. This his tail, and around his rump helps keep a horse very early in training. You’ll fresh and keeps him often see a horse become thinking. I set up every“over active” in the roping thing so the horse wants arena when a rope gets to try his best to please under his tail or around his me. hindquarters. I like to introduce this early on so the Up Close with Chris Cox horse learns to relax rather Born in Florida and than overreact. ranch-raised in I don’t move the Australia, Chris returned horse up from a snaffle to a to the United States in short-shanked broken curb 1986 to make a career bit until all the foundation of working with horses. lessons are in place. He Years of working horsemust be completely soft back on the ranch near through his poll and rib Queensland gave Chris cage. Just putting a horse in a healthy respect for the a stronger bit won’t make A young horse needs a basic foundation on horse’s ability and intellihim give if he isn’t already gence, and helped him him before you introduce cattle. supple and yielding in a develop his own methphoto: John Brasseuax milder bit. ods of individualized Any time you’re training. working with a horse, make sure to end the Active in the cutting horse world as both training session on a good note. Finish when a trainer and competitor, Chris has trained a

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variety of breeds for different disciplines. He also loves to rope, having been into calf roping in the past, and in more recent years, team roping.

He participates in the Reno Invitational each year, and beginning in 2009, plans to host an annual invitational roping at his own ranch. He will also be holding horsemanship clinics for team ropers designed to prevent and solve problems with rope horses and to help riders better maintain the competition rope horse.

Chris travels the United States, Canada, South America and Australia appearing at expos, conducting clinics and horsemanship demonstrations. His “Come Ride the Journey’ tour takes him to cities across the U.S. each year. This two-time Road to the Horse Champion offers week-long intensive horsemanship clinics at his Diamond Double C Ranch in Mineral Wells, Texas, and has a regular horsemanship program on RFD-TV. In 2008, Western Horseman released Ride the Journey, by Chris Cox with Cynthia McFarland, a 225-page, full color book that details Chris’ practical methods and training techniques. Packed with step-by-step exercises and color photos, the book will help you improve your horsemanship skills, no matter what discipline or breed you ride.

Visit www.chris-cox.com or call Chris Cox Horsemanship Company at 1-888-81-HORSE for information about the Ride the Journey book, upcoming course dates and appearances, equipment and training DVDs.

Nutrena partners with Chris Cox for 2009 Ride the Journey Tour Nutrena® brand equine feeds will partner with Chris Cox to sponsor his 2009 Ride the Journey Tour and horsemanship clinics. The Ride the Journey Tour is a special opportunity to meet and learn from the RFD-TV star and two-time Road to the Horse Champion.

Chris Cox was raised on a cattle ranch in the wilds of Australia and spent years perfecting his horsemanship skills on ranches across America. With a strong background in both Western and English disciplines, Cox has created a style and technique that has universal effectiveness. His common-sense, straightforward approach enables riders at all levels to gain insight into horse behavior that leads to a safe, versatile partnership with their horse.

Cox’s safe, common-sense approach extends to the horse feed he chooses. “I feed SafeChoice® at my Diamond Double C Ranch in Texas and I’m proud to have the Nutrena brand as a sponsor,” says Cox. “Its controlled-starch formula is scientifically balanced for horses in all life stages and it provides the fiber, fats and protein needed for healthy digestion and reliable performance.”

Chris Cox’s 2009 Ride the Journey Tour features two-day horsemanship clinics where horsemen and women of all ages and skill levels will learn the secrets to a safe, effective partnership between horse and rider. Each weekend tour stop provides a remarkable learning opportunity in a relaxed, entertaining setting.

Participants will learn techniques that build confidence and increase horse handling skills, from the foundation of ground work to the refinement of advanced techniques. Cox will also work with local problem horses and conduct demonstrations featuring his personal horses. 2009 Ride the Journey Tour dates include: May 30-31, Claremore, Oklahoma October 10-11, Billings, Montana December 19-20, Cloverdale, Indiana “Chris Cox is the ideal partner for the Nutrena brand,” says Deb Correll, Nutrena brand manager. “His safe, common-sense approach mirrors our own commitment to creating horse feeds that are safe, simple and effective in giving the horse exactly what it needs.”

For more information about Chris Cox, visit www.chris-cox.com. For information on Nutrena®, visit www.nutrenaworld.com.

About Chris Cox Horsemanship Co: Chris Cox is a successful clinician, trainer and competitor at the highest levels of cutting horse competitions. At his Diamond Double C Ranch near Mineral Wells, Texas, Cox often has more than twenty horses in training even as he juggles his demanding clinic, touring, and competition schedules; films TV programs; designs new products; writes books; and creates his no-nonsense horsemanship DVD library that consumers can relate to. At his ranch, Cox offers progressive, six-day horsemanship clin-

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ics throughout the year; in addition, he conducts three-day clinics throughout the U.S. to make it easier for horsemen to get first-hand instruction directly from him. For more information on the Chris Cox Horsemanship Company visit www.chris-cox.com or dial (888) 81HORSE. About the Nutrena® brand: Cargill, Incorporated, through its Animal Nutrition business unit, manufactures and markets a complete line of Nutrena® brand feeds and supplements that help horses and all classes of livestock maintain optimal health throughout all stages of life. Using the highestquality ingredients and the most up-to-date nutritional technology, Cargill is committed to the health, well-being and safety of its customers’ horses, livestock and pets. For more information on its Nutrena® brand products, visit www.nutrenaworld.com.

About Cargill: A business unit of Cargill, Incorporated, Cargill Animal Nutrition (www.cargillanimalnutrition.com) is a customer-focused organization working to bring product and service solutions to producers.

Cargill is an international provider of food, agricultural and risk management products and services. With 160,000 employees in 67 countries, the company is committed to using its knowledge and experience to collaborate with customers to help them succeed. For more information, visit www.cargill.com.

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Managing Your Horse in Hot Weather From your friends at Nutrena Horses really suffer during extremely hot weather. The thermal neutral zone is a range of ambient temperatures where horses are most comfortable and do the best. Horses’ thermal neutral zone is lower than ours. We are most comfortable in the 50s thru 70s whereas horses are 20 to 30 degrees lower.

When any animal is within their thermal neutral zone they are more efficient at maintaining body temperature. When they are outside that zone they must burn more energy to warm themselves in cold weather or cool themselves in hot weather. So they feel better and operate better within that thermal neutral zone. The problem is that for folks competing, many competitions are held in the summer when horses are usually operating at high ambient temperatures. Add to that the heat that is generated during muscular activity, which is a problem in hot weather. The relative humidity also is a big factor. Lack of air movement can contribute to the problem.

The horse produces a tremendous amount of heat during exercise. Within muscle, the conversion of stored energy (for example, glycogen) into mechanical work (muscle contraction) is very inefficient, resulting in heat accumulation. The rate of heat production is related to the work effort—the faster the horse runs, the greater the rate of heat production.

Similarly, steep terrain, difficult footing, and weight carried (rider and tack)—all of which increase effort level—will increase the rate of heat production. At any given work level, the total amount of heat produced depends on the duration of the exercise.

Physical conditioning and heat acclimatization also influence tolerance to work in the heat. A poorly conditioned, overweight horse can be at high risk for overheating if worked too hard in hot conditions. For one, body fat acts as an insulator, impeding heat loss.

Second, physical conditioning results in a

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number of adaptations that improve temperature regulation during exercise. With training, muscles work more efficiently and produce slightly less heat. The cardiovascular system is also better able to move heat from the site of production (muscle) to the skin. Training also increases the efficiency of sweating.

Therefore, it is imperative that your horse undergo a training program that is appropriate for the work he will be doing.

Horses dissipate heat mainly by sweating (evaporative cooling) and they lose a lot of water and electrolytes. Horses exercising in hot weather can lose 2-4 gallons of water per hour. So their water and mineral consumption must increase to meet normal requirements, plus the losses that have occurred as a result of performing during hot weather. Without adequate replacement of those losses, a horse’s performance will suffer, plus there can be dire medical consequences during or after exercise. A horse is composed of about 65% water.

So a 1000 lb horse is carrying 650 lbs of water.

This includes all the water in the digestive tract, the fluids in the vascular (blood circulation) system and that in the extra vascular system (intracellular and interstitial). A loss of 15% water is fatal. Losses of 5 to 10% are serious and if not corrected can lead to problems.

Horses at maintenance will drink 10 to 12 gallons of water per day. A lactating mare will drink twice that amount. Horses that are exercising during hot weather may drink 30 to 40 gallons per day. So this is extremely important to your horse’s health; keep plenty of clean water available.

Minerals that are lost in sweat are called electrolytes; sodium, chloride, potassium, calcium and magnesium. These electrolytes are important in regulating fluid exchange as well as nerve and muscle function. Electrolyte deficiencies or imbalances can certainly affect performance and general health as well.

So how do we feed and manage a performance horse in hot weather?

Research has shown that horses should be maintained for best performance at a Body Score of 5, regardless of the time of year.

Anything below this will cause a horse to decrease performance. Anything above this can cause a problem with heat dissipation. So we have an optimum body condition that we should monitor and maintain. It is also important to monitor body weight. One may use a scale or a formula to calculate weight. (For details on Body Condition scoring and calculating horse weight, see www.nutrenaworld.com).

We need to start with a good diet that is appropriate for hot weather. To understand that, one should first consider the ingredient composition of the diet and how it relates to performance in hot weather. Horses must have energy (caloric intake) to maintain and to perform work. There are four dietary sources of energy; soluble carbohydrates (starch and sugar) as are found in cereal grains and molasses, fiber, fat and protein. Protein is not a good source of energy as it causes more heat to be given off as it is metabolized.

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Horses are designed to eat fiber. Fiber is obtained from hay, pasture and the concentrate portion of the diet. There is also more heat given off by fiber digestion than with soluble carbohydrates or fat. Fiber must be present in the diet, as digestive problems can result if not fed in adequate amounts. We can lower the amount of heat that is produced by the fermentation of fiber by selecting high quality fiber and restricting fiber intake to 0.75% to 1% of body weight. Research has also shown that horses can utilize fat very efficiently. Fat is used during aerobic metabolism, which occurs at a heart rate below 150 beats per minute. Fiber is also used during aerobic metabolism except heat is a by-product of the fermentation necessary to digest fiber.

To sum up management of a horse in hot weather the following are recommended practices: Try to dodge the hot times of day if possible, when exercising your horse.

Do not feed within three hours before or after exercise.

Feed a balanced diet with added fat.

Restrict hay intake to 1% of body weight.

Do not feed a high protein diet.

Maintain a body score of 5 – a score higher causes heat dissipation difficulties.

Keep your horse physically fit. Don’t exceed a horse’s level of fitness – it takes about three weeks for a horse to develop fitness and exercise should be increased gradually.

Water your horse frequently during a break in activities. It is a mistake to withhold water.

Allow a horse to drink 1-2 gallons at a time and then offer water again in 15 minutes.

Spray your horse with water to assist in cooling.

Fans, especially water-cooled fans, are very effective.

Salt should be available on a daily free choice basis, preferably in the loose form in a stall or paddock Horses can be trained to drink water with electrolytes; there are also some paste electrolyte mixtures that can be given orally. Offer water with and without electrolytes; one can stop a horse from drinking by a different taste of water.

It is a good idea to take your horse’s temperature with a rectal thermometer. Normal is 99100 degrees. You should also learn to take the pulse (40 bmp) and respiration (20 per minute). It is not unusual to see the heart rate and respiratory rate exceed 100 per minute.

These vital signs are important, particularly when exercising at high temperatures. A normal horse will recover in 20-30 minutes following exercise.

Should a horse not recover in a prompt fashion, one should seek veterinary attention.

A few feeds ideally suited for horses performing heavily in very hot weather include: Farr XTN, Vitality Ultra, EnergX Enriched formula, or the addition of Empower to any Nutrena premium performance feed.

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American Paint Horse Association prepares for best-ever Summer World Championship Paint Horse Show The American Paint Horse Association is gearing up for its ever-popular World Championship Paint Horse Show Series., including annual shows in the summer and fall, and featuring the finest American Paint Horses in the world.

Who: Hosted by the American Paint Horse Association (APHA). The organization will host an expanded slate of Novice Youth and Youth events, along with Open and Amateur Cutting, Reining, Roping, Team Sorting, Team Penning and Working Cow Horse. What: The first APHA world-class event for every year is the Summer World Championship Paint Horse Show, featuring all Novice Youth, Youth and select Open and Amateur events. The second installment, featuring all other Open and Amateur events, will take place in the fall. When: June 24 through July 4 Where: Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth, Texas Why: Dubbed as the “largest Paint Horse Show on earth,” the show is the premier site for the world’s best Paint Horses to display their talents. Last year the event saw 1,289 Paint Horses and 4,021 entries from across the world to vie for prestigious World Championship titles. All events are free and open to the public.

For more information about the Summer World Championship Paint Horse Show, please visit aphaworldshow.com. ©2009 American Paint Horse Association P.O. Box 961023 • Fort Worth, Texas 761610023 (817) 834-APHA (2742) • Fax (817) 834-3152

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AYHC’s Youth Leader’s Manual Now Available on The American with Safety Manual are Searchable CD Youth Horse Council is available for purchase at pleased to announce that one of it’s popular publications “The Youth Leader Manual” is now available in a searchable CD format. This will allow youth leaders to have a more portable product and search the content by subject matter according to the lessons they want to share with their students. The project was made possible by an educational grant from the University of Louisville – Equine Business School.

The Youth Leaders Manual is indispensable to the leader of youth horse programs. Authored by Ashley Griffiths and Craig Wood, this publication has something for every level. Filled with 60 lesson plans on beginner, intermediate and advanced levels to teach responsible horse care and valuable life skills to all breeds and disciplines. All of AYHC’s publications including the Youth Leaders Manual, Horse Industry Handbook and Start

Difference Between Paint and Pinto There is a big difference between Paint and Pinto. It is not at all controversial, it is fact. Pinto is a color, Paint is a blood breed (as opposed to a color breed). To qualify for the Paint registry, a horse must be descendent of either a Thoroughbred, Quarter Horse or registered Paint, and have qualifying color (I believe it is at least 3-5 square inches of white above hocks/knees or outside of the line between eye and mouth). A solid colored horse with appropriate breeding can be registered as "Breeding Stock Paint." The term Pinto simply refers to color and the horse might be of any breed. For instance, if you had a half Arab-half QH with the right color, it would be a Pinto, not Paint. The Paint registry will not allow any other blood into the registry.

Color breeds are the breeds that qualify horses for their registry by meeting color requirements, such as Appaloosa, Palomino, Buckskin/Dun, etc. In some instances, a horse may be double registered, such as Palomino/QH. - Julie Goodnight

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www.horsebooksetc.com. The price of the Youth Leaders Manual CD is $29.95 for nonAYHC members and $24.95 for current AYHC members.

For more information on the Youth Leaders Manual or any of AYHC’s publications or programs, call them at 800-try-ayhc or email at info@ayhc..com or on the web at www.ayhc.com.

The American Youth Horse Council (AYHC), established in the early 1970’s, is the umbrella organization providing encouragement, communication, leadership and resources to serve and promote the youth horse industry.

AYHC promotes education through the development and distribution of quality educational materials and by providing ongoing training opportunities to those looking help kids connect through horses!

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Is My Horse Too Fat?

By Ken McNabb with Katherine Lindsey Meehan

How do you judge your horse’s condition and weight?

Being too fat or too thin is not good for a horse, and either extreme can lead to health problems. This month, we will discuss evaluating your horse’s condition, and what to do if you determine that he is over or under weight.

There are a few areas to look at when evaluating a horse’s condition. First, check the crest of your horse’s neck. If it is thickened and has fat developing along the top, your horse is probably getting too heavy. The crest

should be firm and free of fat deposits.

Next, look down the spine along your horse’s back. The spine and back muscles should lie flat, with the spine neither protuding above or sunken down below the muscles. If the muscle is falling away from the spine, and the spine sticks up, your horse is probably too thin.

However, if the spine is sunken below the muscle, creating a groove in the center of the back, your horse is probably too fat.

Check the base of your horse’s tail and muscles on either side of the tail for lumpy fat deposits. Overweight horses will start developing fat in this area.

Then run your fingers along your horse’s side to feel his ribs. You should be able to feel the ribs when you press firmly. You don’t want ribs sticking out where your hand bumps along them easily, but you do want to be able to feel them when you press with your fingers.

The reason you need to beware of getting your horse too fat is that overweight horses can develop insulin resistance. If he becomes resistant to insulin, your horse will just keep gaining weight and gaining weight. The obesity that results can lead to Cushing’s disease and other potentially life threatening problems.

Now, if you live in a cold climate, there is nothing wrong with your horse carrying a little

extra weight through the winter months.

Especially if he lives outside, some extra weight will help him winter much easier.

Whether your horse is thin or fat, you can moderate his weight by changing your feeding program. I like to feed plain whole oats, not pre-mixed grain, and an alfalfa-grass mix hay.

When I want to change my horse’s weight, I change the amount of hay he is getting, not the amount of oats.

It is very important to remember that you should never make a sudden change in your horse’s diet. Changing his weight will take time, and his diet should be adjusted slowly so his system has time to acclimate.

My rule of thumb for my horses is to feed 2% of their body weight in hay per day. So, a 1,000 pound horse would get 20 pounds of hay per day. But, I am feeding mostly quarter horses. If you have a thouroughbred or a horse that is especially anxious, you will have to feed more to make up for the energy they burn worrying all day.

Many people ask me what type of hay is the best to feed. There is pure grass hay, grass-alfalfa mix, and pure alfalfa. The most important thing is that your hay is free of mold and dust. Whatever you can get in your area that meets this criteria is the best hay for you.

Grass hay has less energy than alfalfa, so if you are feeding 100% grass you will need to feed more than you would if you were feeding alfalfa or a mix. However, you can’t hurt a horse feeding too much grass hay, and because alfalfa can have such a high protien content, you do need to be more careful when you are feeding that. If you feed too much high protien alfalfa hay, you can run in to problems with founder and colic, just like the problems you would have if you fed too much high protien grain.

Remember, each horse is different, and their needs will vary based on how much you are working them, if the weather is cold, if they are blanketed,how old they are, their breed and personality, etc. Your best gauge is to visually evaluate your horse’s condition each day, and make little adjustments to your feeding program as you see the need arise. If your horse is blanketed in the winter, be sure to take his blanket off regularly to check his condition. It’s easy for a horse to gain or lose a lot of weight under that blanket without you noticing.

What I have given you here is some general advice and rules of thumb. Use your judgement and consult with your veterinarian to get the specifics figured out for your particular horse.

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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June 09

midwest horse digest

If life is a highway, such as the song by Rascal Flatts suggests, then life with a horse is a highway under construction. While traveling this road, there are unexpected road blocks, detours and setbacks which can lead to inevitable frustration. Life with your horse will lead to delays in progress and the only way to successfully overcome these challenges is horsemanship. True horsemanship is something of a 50/50 proposition, with both you and your horse as equal partners. Your interactions with your horse will certainly reflect in his behavior, and, each time you work together will either make your horse that much better, or that much worse.

In early May, I was able to attend a roping clinic at Kevin and Cynthia Tyvoll’s Oak Hill Ranch in Prescott, Wisconsin, which provided a fun-filled, safe environment for working cattle. The clinic was conducted by the leading team roping clinician in the world, and holder of numerous rodeo and roping championships, Rickey Green. While the intent of this clinic was tailored around roping, Rickey’s training emphasis was structured very much around horsemanship. While a good amount of the clinic was based on our horsemanship skills, Rickey highlighted the potential of any horse being capable of handling, and excelling in a variety of activities.

For example, competitive roper Clay Cooper borrowed Johnny Ringo, a grey old-foundation quarter horse, from Rickey when his regular horse came up lame. The pair then won $100’000 dollars in 70 days.

Rickey’s fourteen year-old daughter, Whitney, now rides this same horse, which was hers from the very beginning, in the Wrangler Youth Series Rodeo competing in barrel racing and poling events. Whitney and Johnny Ringo have since qualified for state final competitions coming up in June. This horse isn’t necessarily a diamond in the rough either. Charmayne James, eleven time world champion barrel racer, as part of her training exercises, also ropes off her barrel horses. Many other competitive barrel racers actually track calves out of the chute to provide their horses with something else to do, other than just barrels.

Because of that effort, many barrel racing horses perform better come crunch time.

These examples do relate to you and your horse. Even if roping isn’t your long term goal, diversifying your experiences on your horse will take some of the boredom out of your horse, challenge the both of you, and build your confidence as a rider. Your confidence will emanate into your horse and make you a much better team. In order for horses like Johnny Ringo, or Charmayne James’s Scamper to perform as such high levels they need to be athletes; athletes performing to the best of their ability. Such performance is much more than physical, it’s mental. If professional riders like Rickey Green, Clay Cooper and Charmayne James diversify how they train and ride their horses, in an effort to be sure their horses are both physically and mentally fit, it only makes sense, if you truly want the best out of your horse and yourself to vary how you

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Roping with Rickey Green

by Terrell Kroening ride your horse.

“God made horses for Cowboys and Indians to ride,” Rickey said, “so he made them simple.” While horses are relatively simple, we as riders are not. It is much easier for us to find fault in our horses, than it is to find fault in ourselves. If you are willing to accept the responsibility for the things your horse does, you are well on your way down the lifetime path of finding true horsemanship.

If trail riding is your thing, as it is for many of us, even during those relaxed rides, situations can and do happen which may demand quick action or a more aggressive style of riding. One way to ensure you and your horse communicate well enough to either handle the situation before it escalates or deal with it when it does, is to diversify how you ride by experiencing more than just a trail ride. Going to a roping clinic or even getting into leisure roping, can not only show you what you are capable of, show you the communication you can achieve with your horse, but also show you how much of an athlete your horse can be.

The time you spend on your horse shouldn’t really be all about performance and challenging your teamwork either. Rickey also said we do need to just walk, trot or lope our horses around the arena in a relaxed mode now and then so they learn we are not going to ask them for 100% every time we are on them.

This type of interaction builds trust. However,

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if all you do is ride in a relaxed mode now and then, your horse may just get bored and mentally not in tune.

You don’t need to have a roping horse under you to attend and learn from these types of clinics, so don’t be intimidated by the thought of trying it. The twenty riders at the clinic I attended, both men and women ranging in age from eighteen to fifty something, sat atop Paints, Palominos, Quarter horses, Appaloosas and even an Arab. By the end of the second day, through Rickey’s instruction, the rhythm between horse and rider, for everyone there, was ten times better than when we first saddled up. Rickey’s emphasis was horsemanship first and roping second. His teaching methods challenged each of us to be a better horseman, and certainly brought each of us, and our horses, to another level.

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June 09

Common Trail Riding Problems and Solutions Part 3

By Bob Jeffreys & Suzanne Sheppard Hello again; we hope you’ve all had success in dealing with obstacle crossings, stopping your horses from rushing home and curing any barn or buddy sour issues. In this final installment of this three part series we’ll discuss spooky horses, horses that kick other horses, and horses that won’t stop or won’t calm down while cantering. We’ll also talk about the “Energizer bunny” type horse who is wound up the instant your foot hits the stirrup and stays that way for the entire ride.

Horses spook because they naturally have flight reactions to danger, whether the danger is real or perceived. Some have bigger reactions than others. To be safe we must initially change this “spin-bolt-get out of Dodge” reaction to one of “stop your feet and look at what is frightening you”. We are not talking about desensitizing horses to various objects here, but rather what to do when they do become afraid. There is absolutely nothing wrong with desensitizing; in fact, the more things you can desensitize your horse to, the better off you’ll be. But there are just too many things in the world and it is therefore impossible to desensitize him to everything. So teach him to stop his feet when he’s scared.

Start off by outfitting your horse in his halter and attach a rope that is approximately 20’ long. Ask your horse to stand while to stand while you face him and back away the length of your rope. Then gently say “Boo!”; if

he doesn’t move, then pet him. Progress by introducing scarier sounds and objects. Add a little more zest to boo, and then change to a “poof” sound, or raspberry noise. Graduate to shaking a feed bag at him and build up to shaking a tarp. Each time he stands drop the bag or tarp, and go up and praise him..

However ,if he tries to run, keep doing whatever it is that scared him (let’s say he took off when you shook the feed bag) but lower the intensity and with your lead rope gently encourage him to look in at you and stop his feet. The instant he does, stop shaking the bag, put it down and then walk up to him and pet. This is where the lesson (that stopping his feet and looking at the scary shaking bag causes that stimulation to stop, and the pressure is released) is learned. There are even advanced lessons to teach your horse to “ignore” the scary thing (a subject for another day), but you must begin with this lesson first.

Now let’s deal with the horse that kicks at other horses on the trail. It is the person riding the kicking horse who is responsible for this bad behavior, and simply placing a red ribbon on his tail does not exonerate him/her from accountability. The reason the horse kicks is because he’s paying too much attention to other horses and not enough to his rider. The rider must take the proactive approach to this problem and keep the horse busy doing little things such as giving to the bit, stepping laterally, moving the forehand or the hindquarters, or just about anything else that requires him to think and act. If you continuously give him jobs to do then pretty soon this type of horse will not have time to think about kicking and eventually that bad habit will go away.

The horse that goes into overdrive as soon as you mount, the horse that won’t stop on the trail, and the horse that stays hyper after the first canter are all showing symptoms

of a lack of emotional training. Most of us take care of the physical and mental requirements of our horses, such as proper feed, shelter, care and control, but we neglect their emotional training. By this we mean we must acknowledge the existence of a higher level of distraction- the more stimulation/distraction, the more excited horses can get. For example, when we trail ride we usually have to leave the comfortable confines of our own arena and adjust to new surroundings, unfamiliar horses or an increased number of horses. We ourselves might be (and probably are) a little anxious in this type of situation, which can further upset our horses. But with proper emotional training we can resolve all of these problems.

Begin by taking your horse on small trips away from home often, even if in the beginning you don’t ride him when you get there. When at home work on getting better stops, more bending and giving, but now start adding speed to your exercises. Do this in a way that actually helps to train your horse and yourself emotionally. Most typical training sessions start with the horse warming up at a walk, and then some trotting or gaiting and finally a canter. Then we cool our horse down and put him away. What we’re doing in this scenario is training mentally and physically, but we’re only addressing emotions in one direction; up. Instead we need to raise our horse’s emotions by asking for speed, but then follow with downward transitions. For example, warm up first, the trot or canter, canter faster, and then walk. You might then follow up with another fast canter down to a slow one, then walk.

Continue with a really fast walk, then trot fast, then slow, then canter fast, then walk again.

Mix it up and get those emotions up and down as often as you can. This way your horse practices not only getting excited, but also settling down and getting calm again. All of this training is also producing a more responsive horse that will be far more tuned in to just haw much you’re pressing the “gas pedal”. When you ask for speed you’ll get it, but when you ease up your horse will respond with a downward transition not only with his feet, but also with his mind and emotions.

We hope that the three articles in this series help you and your horse better enjoy your time together in what is far and away our favorite equestrian activity- trail riding! © Bob Jeffreys 4/09. Bob Jeffreys and Suzanne Sheppard travel across North America teaching people how to bring out the best in their horses. Their home base is Bob’s Two as One Ranch in Middletown, NY. For info about Bob & Suzanne’s Wind Rider Challenge, private horse training lessons, riding lessons, clinics, DVDs, books, Horsemanship Ed Courses and ProTrack™ Trainer Certification Programs please visit TwoasOneHorsemanship.com or call 845-692-7478.

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June 09

midwest horse digest

15

Nerud Joins Greystone’s Cover-All Team Shakopee, MN Greystone Construction Company, a General Contractor a n d Authorized Cover-All Dealer based in Shakopee, MN is excited to announce the addition of Sue Nerud to its Sales Team.

Nerud, a resident and farm owner in Buffalo, MN has over 28 years of experience in the equine industry.

Previous to Greystone, Nerud was the Equine/Specialty Manager for a large farm supply store. Also the previous owner of Horse’n Around, the industries premier region-

al publication, Sue brings her personal experience and knowledge of the inner workings of the equine industry to our firm. Nerud understands the many facets of the equine industry as few do. She is looked to as an industry leader in her field.

Rob O’Brien, Greystones’s CoverAll Divison Sales Manager states, “Sues background in the equine industry will be an added benefit to the equine customers she serves throughout Minnesota. The innovative buildings Cover-All offers are a unique alternative building solution to conventional structures.

The clear-span widths make them ideal for riding arenas/round pens, commodity storage, equipment and hay storage, and also livestock barns.”

O’Brien added, “Cover-All Buildings

Competitive Trail Course Events More exciting news from 3S-Ranch we are currently building not only the Extreme Cowboy Course but a Competitive Trail Course as well. We have joined the next level of equine sport challenges called “American Competitive Trail Horse Association”. This Association was begun by Rick Lamb, of RFDTV and Horse City.com, for the folks who didn’t want to compete in the Extreme Cowboy Racing this is another way to partner with your horse and have a great time too! 3S-Ranch will be hosting two rides this year which will count towards the ACTHA points. The first will be on July 18th and the second will be on August 15. Hope to see you all there.

For more information please see www.3S-Ranch.com and the ACTHA web site as well http://www.actha.us .

Happy Trails!!!

FROM ACTHA WEB SITE: Would your horse enjoy a change of view? Well, we have a trail for you! ACTHA is an organization that feels every horse deserves the opportunity to be recognized for its abilities out on trail.

ACTHA is open to every breed and every riding discipline! We provide trail ride competitions throughout the United States.

They are called 'Competitive Trail Challenges', or CTCs. They are not endurance rides, and they are not timed. They are a 6-10 mile trail ride with judged obstacles along the trail. These obstacles will be mostly natural terrain, like crossing water, going up and down steep hills, opening gates and crossing bridges. Each obstacle has its own judge, alleviating partiality.

ACTHA rides will usually be held on Saturday mornings and should take 2-3 hours. After your ride, come in to camp for lunch and stay for the 'best dog contest' and the awards ceremony (that's the fun part!). All CTCs award cash and prizes for 1st-6th place for all divisions.

ACTHA will keep track of your horse's registry and all of the points it earns from riding in the CTCs Let's give credit where credit is due....the great American trail horse!!

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are utilized throughout all phases of agricultural, industrial and commercial industries. The buildings can be customized to incorporate colors, ventilation, interior layouts, door and end wall options and space requirements to meet the clients’ needs. They are quick to install and offer multiple foundation options.

Greystone also has its own professionally trained erection crews to ensure quality building installations.” Nerud states “Once you’ve ridden in a Cover-All Building, you’ll experience the naturally bright environment and year-round comfort, the ultimate in indoor riding.”

If you’d like more information, please call Sue Nerud at 952-496-2227 or 612-916-5121 or email Sue at snerud@greystoneconstruction.com.

midwest horse digest

16

Ask Mary:” What is the best way to catch a horse that has gotten loose and is running free?”

Nothing incites panic in a horse person like the shout, “Loose Horse!” Images of dangling limbs from wire cuts or a loose horse running across a busy road flash through our mind. What is the best way to catch a loose horse? Here are some tips and techniques to catch a loose horse as quickly and safely as possible.

Your personal safety is paramount.

Loose horses are excited, unpredictable and may be dangerous. That docile trail horse can run over you in a frightened spook. If you are in his path, raise your arms and slap your sides, make some noise to make your horse aware of your presence. Don’t assume because your are standing there, your horse will stop for you. If necessary, get out of it’s way.

Horses are easier to herd than they are to catch. The harder you chase your loose horse the faster and farther he will run. If you live near a busy road, block their path by staying between them and the road to prevent a bad situation from becoming even worse. Now is the time to think and act calmly. Get some help if it’s available. This task is a lot easier with more than one person. Instead of chasing your horse further and further from the barn, open his stall door or an empty paddock (a place of comfort and safety). Carefully, get in front of your horse, Speak firmly but quietly. As mad as you may be, this is not the time to yell

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at an already excited horse. Slowly and calmly, herd them back toward the barn. Move them in the direction of their stall or your open paddock gate. Once inside, close the gate and you now have your horse in a contained area.

If your loose horse is halterless, grab a halter, lead rope and a feed bucket with a little grain in it. (Your emergency loose horse kit). Even if you catch your horse, without these tools it will be very difficult to lead them back to the barn safely.

Remember; quiet a frightened horse by using a slow, calm voice. Say the words, “Easy” or “Whoa” as you slowly approach.

Remember to look at your horse’s shoulder not directly in his eye. (Direct eye contact is aggressive horse body language, challenging him. He may run away instead of standing for you to approach him). Shake your grain bucket to encourage his interest. Food is a great motivator for a horse. Reach out and offer the grain bucket for them to eat out of. Slide your lead rope around your horse’s neck as he eats out of the bucket. Clip the snap of the lead rope around itself so you have a secure loop you can handle with one hand. Put the halter you carried with you on your horse. Then clip the lead rope to the halter ring and walk back to the barn. If the horse is jittery it helps to walk them in circles in the direction of the barn as it helps them get their nervous energy out is a safe way.

What if more than one horse is loose/ I’d recommend trying to catch the “Leader” of the herd first. Often caught and calmed, the other horses will follow their leader back to the barn.

Whenever you have a loose horse, be very alert to all that is around you. For example if there are children near by, get their attention and get them to move out of the way quickly. They may not realize the danger of a loose horse. Are there dogs or other animals around? If possible, have others remove them as a barking dog can escalate the situation.

That loose horse is not only your responsibility but also your liability. If it damages other people property or injures someone, you will be held responsible. The best way to prevent a loose horse scenario is to be vigilant about the following: •Eyeball your fence lines daily, are they in good repair, especially check your steel fence posts as they have a tendency to rust at ground level, become weakened, and even snap off over time •Check your gate chains, latches, posts and hinges, if they are loose you can be sure it is only a matter of time before you have a loose horse •Check your halters, are they too loose?

Wearing out? Replace them immediately •Use a halter and lead rope when leading your horse, don’t take unnecessary

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June 09

chances such as leading your horse with a lead rope around it’s neck without a halter •If folks on your property have a tendency to leave gates open, put signs spray paint the gates red or some other?color to help remind people to close the gate!

•Sometimes double gates are necessary in situations where you have heavy traffic in and out of a paddock or fenced area. There are many ways to create walkthroughs for humans that minimize the need to open gates.

•When integrating a new horse into your herd, do so over time instead of just putting him in the pasture with all the other horses •Be aware that portable fencing is a wonderful convenience but it is not designed to contain a horse for any length of time, never put a horse in such temporary fencing without a halter, and keep the horse under your vigilant surveillance at all times •Overall, minimize the risks, prepare and plan for the unexpected, show others what to and not to do, and you will likely never experience the terror of the call “Loose Horse”!

Emergency Loose Horse kit contents: •Plastic gallon ice cream bucket with cover and handle •Halter •Lead rope •Plastic sandwich baggie containing oats Another solid strategy is to keep a loose horse emergency kit read to go in your barn. I carry an emergency horse catching kit in my squad car as well . I use a plastic gallon ice cream bucket with a cover and a handle. Inside the bucket, I store a halter, lead rope and a sandwich baggie full of oats. Any time I need it; I open the bucket, remove the halter and lead rope. Then I empty the oats into the ice cream bucket and I have my own portable grain bucket. This emergency loose horse kit could save valuable time.

Minimize the inconvenience, liability and potential for injury, of a loose horse by these common sense steps. Regularly inspect your fences to ensure they are safe, strong and functional. Use a halter and lead rope when leading your horse. Don’t take short cuts like leading the horse by the halter or looping the lead rope around it’s neck.

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. Visit her website at www.riderselite.com or email your questions to Mary at:mary@riderselite.com

June 09

midwest horse digest

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AQHA Releases New Western Pleasure DVD “Showing to Win: Western Pleasure” is a comprehensive look at the standards for the western pleasure class.

The American Quarter Horse Journal, May 19, 2009 – AQHA has released “Showing to Win: Western Pleasure,” an indepth look at one of the most popular western show classes, geared for all western pleasure exhibitors, trainers and judges.

AQHA Professional Horseman and world champion exhibitor Dave Dellin and National Snaffle Bit Association Executive Director Dianne Eppers go through the basics of the expectations in the western pleasure discipline through the eyes of an AQHA or NSBA judge. The DVD covers topics such as over-canting, taking gaits in a timely manner, passing and more.

The DVD’s chapters are “Cadence and Rhythm,” “Consistency of Performance,” “Topline and Expression” and “Presentation.” It gives examples of the same horse presented in two different manners – credit-earning and noncredit-earning – and includes video clips from AQHA World Championship Show performances along with footage specially filmed for this project.

AQHA and the National Snaffle Bit Association worked with some of the top-100 riders in the western pleasure discipline in the development of this DVD. In an opening montage, leading western pleasure trainers express their image of the ideal western pleasure horse.

Retailing at $24.95, AQHA members receive a $5 discount and can purchase the video for $19.95. The DVD can be purchased online at Quarter Horse Outfitters, www.aqhastore.com/store/product/12546/DV D-SHOWING-TO-WIN/. AQHA and Quarter Horse Outfitters are donating a percentage of the proceeds to the AQHA Professional

Through the generosity of The American Quarter Horse Journal, AQHA judges will receive a free judge’s copy of the DVD for review.

“We think this DVD will be informative to help all western pleasure exhibitors, amateurs and professionals understand that correct presentation and showing by the rules of the class will enhance the performance of their horses and, ultimately, their final placing,” said Alex Ross, AQHA Executive Director of Judges. “We also hope it will help them to know the judges’ expectations. We think if the exhibitors understand how they will be judged, they’ll have a better understanding of how to correctly present their horses.”

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Horsemen’s Crisis Fund.

To preview the video, visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=TseJrS6FWD0.

This DVD is the first in a series presenting the standards expected in AQHA’s most popular classes. Watch for more class DVDs in the Showing to Win series to be released by AQHA. AQHA news and information is a service of AQHA publications. For more information on The American Quarter Horse Journal, The American Quarter Horse Racing Journal or America’s Horse, visit www.aqha.com/magazines.

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June 09

Move your horse’s hindquarters away and warn the rider behind you. Don’t just be a passenger on your horse, be a proactive rider.

Horses can point their ears in two different directions at the same time. One ear might be pointed forward, paying attention to, what’s ahead, and the other ear might be pointed backward, monitoring the rider or what’s behind.

Tail

READING the HORSE

by Craig Cameron

A horse’s body is very expressive; it telegraphs every emotion and thought a horse has. By being able to decipher these “expressions,” and knowing what they are in the first place, you can tell what’s on your horse’s mind. You’ll know what he’s thinking, feeling and even what he’s going to do next. Horses never do something without first preparing to do it, and sometimes that preparation can be lightning fast. But if you know what the “signs” mean, you can prepare for your horse’s actions.

Body Language How a horse holds his body says a lot about what’s going through his mind at the time.

When he stands statuesque, stiff, with his head up, lie’s on guard; he’s alert to something in his environment. His natural instincts tell him to pay attention to potential danger. If he perceives trouble, his feet will start moving and he’ll be out of there. His first reaction is to run; but if be can’t leave, be could charge, bite, paw or kick to defend himself.

When he lowers his head in a relaxed or natural way, he’s turned loose physically, mentally and emotionally. He’s comfortable with his surroundings and sees no danger. Usually at the same time he drops his head he’ll wiggle his ears and lick his lips - all signs of relaxation. A confident horse usually carries his head in a relaxed position. Look at horses in the pasture. Ninety percent of them have their heads down to graze. This is a natural position for them and means they’re relaxed and happy with their world. They’ll raise their beads for something alarming.

When a horse turns his hindquarters toward another horse or a human, it’s a threatening gesture. He’s saying he’s displeased and might kick if the human or that other horse doesn’t back away. He might even lift his leg in a mock kick. He’s just one step away from the real thing when he does that. Be careful.

Ears Horses use their ears not only to listen, but also to talk. They’re like a radio antenna, really, telegraphing what’s going on with the horse, and the different positions a horse can put them in speak volumes about what the horse is thinking.

When you see a horse grazing in the pasture raise his head and gaze in the distance, look where he’s gazing. His ears will be pointed straight forward at whatever has his attention. It might be another horse or coyotes or something, but he’s on the alert, he’s inquisitive, he hears something he thinks he needs to investigate. In the wild or in a pasture situation, an alert horse decides whether to run from danger.

When a horse pins his ears, he’s angry, disgruntled or upset. Pay attention because he might prepare to charge, kick, bite, paw or do any other offensive or defensive move. Pinned ears is a sign of displeasure and a threat. Tne horse is signaling his intention to do something about what’s bothering him.

If you’re trail riding with friends and the horse in front of you pins his ears, watch out. He doesn’t want you that close to him, and he might kick your horse. If you’re riding a horse that pins his ears, be aware that he might kick the horse behind or beside him.

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A horse’s tailbone is actually an extension of his spine, but a horse can express himself through his tail. You can tell what a horse is feeling by watching the position of his tail. A relaxed horse lays his tail against his body in a natural manner when standing still or walking. When being ridden at the trot or canter, he sometimes holds it slightly out from his body as a balancing mechanism. A scared horse tucks or clamps his tail against his body and an excited and generally happy horse lifts his tail high like a flag.

An unhappy horse swishes his tail.

On the trail, a horse might swish his tail at the horse behind him as a warning that that horse is too close. In the show ring, horses that swish their tails are probably unhappy with their jobs or hurting. Some exhibitors deaden their horses’ tails with alcohol or some sort of numbing block, so the tail can’t move or move as well. I think that’s cruel. The tail is important to the horse. Besides helping him balance (since it’s a part of his spine), he uses it to communicate to other horses and to swat flies.

Pay the Consequences The consequences of not paying attention to a horse’s body language, ears and tail can be painful. If you’ve never been kicked, bitten, run over or bucked off by a horse, you probably haven’t handled many horses.

Always look at it as a learning experience.

One of the interesting things about a horse is that when he kicks, bites or bucks you off, he’ll never say he’s sorry. He has no apologies and no regrets. That’s the nature of the horse. You can’t change it. The horse probably said: “Didn’t you see me? I’ve been trying to tell you something and you didn’t listen.” Horses are honest; they don’t lie, but they’ll surprise you.

It’s your job to be aware of what they are trying to tell you.

Walk into a pasture full of mares and foals and watch the mares pin their ears at you to stay away. You’d better beware. If you walk into your horse’s stall and he turns his butt to you, stop. He’s showing his disrespect for you and telling you to leave him alone. If you keep coming, he might kick.

Don’t ignore your horse’s body expressions. Your horse is trying to communicate with you. Be horseman enough to listen, be aware and give your horse the reason to change.

Good Luck & Ride Smart Craig Cameron Get Craig’s book and www.CraigCameron.com

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June 09

midwest horse digest

The 2009 Midwest Horse Fair® wrapped up on Sunday, April 19.

This 30th Anniversary Equine Event was a HUGE success. From the magnificent Mustangs, to the speed and spinning of the reined cow horses, the weekend was educational, entertaining, and downright fun.

Attendance for the three-day event held at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, WI. was approximately 52,000 people. As promised, there was something for everyone from horse professionals, to horse lovers.

Watching the top-caliber clinicians, who traveled from all over the country was a favorite for many of the attendees; most of the seats in the John Deere/Purina Coliseum, Nutrena Arena, Checkerboard Corral and Andis Round Pen were filled. Educational workshops were held inside Nutrena Hall with experts such as veterinarians, trainers, and professional horsemen sharing their knowledge. Walking through the barns to view the many different breeds of horses was enjoyed by horse lovers, families, and first-time Midwest Horse Fair® attendees. The Kids Korral had a steady stream of young visitors who were able to participate in a wide variety of horse-themed activities. Hundreds of exhibitors provided a unique shopping experience, and attendees were sure to find anything and everything for their horses or themselves.

Several special “SuperHorse” features were held during the Midwest Horse Fair®, including The Nutrena Reined Cow Horse $10,000 Shootout. This competition was held as part of the “SuperHorse” Saturday Night event on April 18. A sell-out crowd of over 8,000 people filled the Veteran’s Memorial Coliseum to witness 16 horse and rider teams competing for a total of $13,600 in prize money. This event was sponsored by Nutrena and the Midwest Horse Fair®, and organized by the North Central Reined Cow Horse Association and was sanctioned by the National Reined Cow Horse Association. Tom Neel, of Texas, judged the Nutrena Reined Cow Horse $10,000 Shootout. The event was scored on the quality of reining pattern work and the cow sense, courage, and communication exhibited while working a cow in the arena. First place honors and $4,080 went to Jamie Peters riding Peptomatic, owned by James M. Peters both from Edmond, OK. The popular Midwest Mustang Makeover made a return appearance at the Midwest Horse Fair® for 2009. Trainers from all over the country had invested 100 days of training on American Mustangs that had been rounded up from the remaining wild horse herds located in the Western United States.

The Midwest Mustang Makeover competition was a chance for these trainers to exhibit their training skills and the quality and versatility of the American Mustang. Horses were judged on in-hand skills, condition, and a “Horse Course.” After two days of tough competition and impressive demonstrations of training skills, ten of the 28 competing American Mustangs made the cut to advance to the Midwest Mustang Makeover Finals held in the

rience once again!

The 2010 Midwest Horse Fair® will be held April 16 - 18, 2010 at the Alliant Energy Center, Madison, WI. The Midwest Horse Fair® is owned by the Wisconsin State Horse Council, Inc (WSHC). All proceeds from the Fair are returned to the WSHC and are used to represent and foster a unified equine industry in Wisconsin, promote the equine through leadership, education, service and communication, and to take a proactive role in the future growth and development of the equine industry. To learn more about the Midwest Horse Fair® and the WSHC please visit www.midwesthorsefair.com.

“Super” 2009 Midwest Horse Fair Coliseum. The Top Ten horses in the Finals had four minutes to impress judges, Ken McNabb, Tommy Garland, and Diane Eppers, with their athletic, technical, and artistic skills.

At the end of the night, the 2009 winner of the Midwest Mustang Makeover was the Mustang mare, Pat Summit, trained by Chase Dodd of TN. Chase turned in an impressive ride that showcased his Mustang’s amazing athletic ability and trainability.

Blacksmiths from all over the country gathered for the first regional competition of the 2009 season for the World Championship Blacksmiths, a series of qualifying horseshoeing competitions that lead up to a National Championship. There were 48 blacksmiths who exhibited their talents in this age-old art, and competed in several different categories throughout the weekend. The overall winner was Jim Quick of Longmont, CO. There was so much to see and do at the Midwest Horse Fair® that it was a challenge to get it all in; that’s why the 2010 Midwest Horse Fair® will be a chance to experience the fun of this exceptional equine expe-

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The increased speed of the trot will challenge you to apply your aids properly. Ask your horse to pick up a trot and start with a turn to the right.

Begin turning to the right using your left leg and left rein. Use your inside right leg to keep the horse’s forward movement at the trot, while the right hand lightly positions his head so he is looking to the right as he is bending and turning in that direction. As you approach the middle of the Figure 8, prepare to change direction to a circle to the left. Straighten the horse as you cross the middle, then apply the bending aids to the left.

Apply the left leg to keep the forward momentum, lightly position his head in the new direction, and use the right rein and right leg to turn .

Understanding the Difference between the Turning Aids and the Bending Aids To review, the turning aids are the outside leg and outside indirect rein, supported by the inside leg and inside rein.

Bending is when the horse arcs his body, from the poll (top of the head), through his spine, to the dock (top of the tail). The bending aids are inside leg and inside open rein, supported by the outside leg and outside rein. The inside leg is the bending aid curving the spine from the withers to the dock. The open rein flexes the head inward and curves the spine from the poll to the withers.

It is very important for the horse to have the correct body position on straight lines and curves. This allows the horse to achieve his best balance. The rider keeps the horse straight between her/his leg and hand aids.

The rapport between her leg and hand aids is critical!

“Communicating with Your Aids — Keys to Success, Part 8, Bending Aids and Exercises” In the last article, I discussed the seat and the turning aids. Before going on to the bending aids, I want to give you a good exercise to use to practice your turning aids.

Figure 8s—Circles with Change of Direction at the Walk The goal of this exercise is to complete two equal, medium-sized circles at the walk in a Figure 8 pattern. Start by asking the horse to walk forward. Begin turning him on the first circle to the left. To follow the circle, turn the horse using the right rein against his neck, holding the right leg slightly behind the girth.

The inside leg is active and keeps him moving forward as he bends around it. “Turn the key,” and slightly open the left inside rein to lightly position the horse’s head so he is looking in the direction he is turning.

As you complete the circle to the left, prepare to reverse direction across the

middle of the imaginary Figure 8. Straighten the horse for a few steps while crossing the middle of the Figure 8. Prepare to change the horse’s body position to ready him for a circle to the right. Start the turn by applying the left leg and left rein while keeping him forward using the right leg. Lightly position his head to the right using the inside (right) rein.

Practice this exercise, and then add some challenge by asking the horse to make tighter circles within the Figure 8 pattern.

Remember the same principles apply—outside rein-outside leg to turn. Maintain the inside leg to keep him forward (so he does not stall in the tighter turn), and lightly position his head with the inside rein to keep him looking in the direction he is turning.

Once you feel that you are solid on understanding the role of the turning aids, pick up the pace and try this exercise at the trot.

Aids Sequence for Bending: the inside leg just behind the girth,inside open rein (An open rein is applied by turning your hand as if you are turning a key to open a door or start a car. Then the hand is moved forward and sideways. Your fingernails should point to the sky, as an exaggerated position to get this correct. Later you will not need to exaggerate this as much.), the outside leg to support the horse’s hips from swinging out, and the outside rein to control the head and neck from bending or flexing too far and to keep the shoulder in line of the bend. Here is an exercise to help you practice using the bending aids to keep the horse in proper position on a curve and on a straight line. It uses an elongated Figure 8 pattern made up of two half-circles on each end connected by long, diagonal straight lines. We will start with the aids sequence used when going from a straight line to a turn and returning to the straight line:

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midwest horse digest

start the figure on one of the pattern’s straight lines using even leg aids and rein aids to keep the horse straight, before the turn, use the bending aids (the inside leg, and open inside rein) supporting the bend with the outside leg and outside indirect rein against the neck, as you get to the turn, use the turning aids (the outside leg and outside indirect rein) to direct the horse through the turn, before going straight again, use the straightening aids (the inside leg to stop the bending and bring the horse to your outside open rein), as you get back to the point of going on a straight line again, evenly apply both leg aids and rein aids to keep the horse forward and straight.

The process starts over again before the next turn.

HORSE GROOMING TIPS

* Walk the horse and let it dry. Do not try a groom a sweaty horse. * Let wet mud dry off or hose it off before brushing. Do not try and brush off wet mud. * To help dry off a wet horse in a stable, cover the animal with a breathable material, such as a mesh sheet or string rug. Always use a "breathable" type of material to help dry.

Thatching a horse is also popular. This involves putting a layer of straw along the back and quarters with a rug placed over the top. * A dandy brush or rubber curry comb is best to use to remove dried mud. If mud is in a sensitive area of the horses skin, for example the hindquarters, remove with your hand. * Do not remove rugs altogether when

Do this exercise at the walk to get the coordination of the aids. At the walk, you also have more time to do the figure and feel the horse’s reactions in response to your aids.

When you perfect the exercise at the walk, repeat it at the trot. As you progress, this figure will lend itself to the canter with a simple change of lead in the middle of the straight line.

My visual series, Dressage Principles for the Western and English Horse and Rider will enhance this series on Aids Communication. For more information on this and other Palm Partnership Training ™ products, or information on clinics, go to www.lynnpalm.com or call us at 800-503-2824.

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grooming a clipped horse. This will keep heat from the horse. Just turn his rugs back and forward. * Shake all rugs and blankets out every week. Clean rugs and blankets are essential to keeping the horse clean. * Never stand directly behind a horse. He may get spooked and you may end up very hurt. * Never sit or kneel on the floor to reach a horses lower parts. Always stay in position such as a bend or squat so you can move quickly if the horse reacts. * During daily grooming, keep an eye out for any sores, lumps or bumps, or skininjuries. If anything suspicious is found, seek professional medical advice to avoid impending soundness problems.

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June 09

Western Dressage

© 2009 by: Jennifer Lindgren Two words that just don’t seem to fit together from two worlds that seldom meet.

‘Western Dressage ‘ is not a new concept.

True horseman have always used dressage basics when training their horses, many without realizing it. Dressage has a great deal to teach and if you want to be competitive in today’s western arenas, you had better start learning what the competition already knows.

Incorporating dressage basics into your training regime will improve your horse’s quality of movement, cadence, flexibility, suppleness, response and attitude. It will also improve your communication skills and timing. While not every Dressage exercise is suitable for Western horses, most can be adapted to fit the Western trainer’s needs.

Skeptical? There is a great online video taken at the 2008 Fest de Pferde where the skills of Smart Rattle Snake (QH Stallion, International Reining Champion) are matched against a top level Dressage horse. The video is a must watch! [Log onto youtube.com.

Search either ‘Klassik trifft western Smart Rattle Snake’ or ‘Western vs. Dressage, Horse’.]

Still a fledgling division in the show arena, Western Dressage has made its formal debut this year (2009) at USEF sanctioned shows in the Morgan Horse Division. The class’s intent is threefold: to reopen the competitive door for mature horses to be reschooled and shown in a snaffle bit, to provide the Western horse and rider a “Scored” class where they can advance at their own pace, and to showcase the skills of Western trained horses without the focus on being super slow.

Curious? Yes, you can teach your horse to move lighter on their forehand, increase the strength in their hind end, become more supple throughout the shoulder, and improve response to your aides. Just learn the “Shoulder In/Out” exercise. During this lateral exercise, instead of moving straight and true, the horse moves on three tracks with his shoulder either in or out from the rail. The horse’s weight is shifted to his hind end and over the inside hind leg. This strengthens the hindquarters, stretches the muscles in the chest and shoulder, and increases flexion along the spine from poll to tail. I see many riders use this technique to straighten, balance, or collect a horse in the show ring.

Which horses can learn “Shoulder In”? Any horse that is able to move willingly forward off of your cues can be taught this exercise. It is considered a building block both mentally and physically for more advanced training. It is best to warm your horse up first

How do I do the “Shoulder In”? You will want to ride in a snaffle bit, with two hands.

Remember to master all new skills at the walk long before you move up to the trot. First, make sure your horse is walking straight and true along the rail (on your left side). Using very light rein contact (a small squeeze of the right or inside hand), turn the horse’s head away from the fence. You should be able to see his right eye. Next, take the outside rein (rail hand) and place it against the neck just in front of the withers. This will bring his shoulders over. Your seat should shift slightly to match the angle of your horse’s shoulders.

Your inside leg will continue to drive the horse forward and your outside leg placed behind the girth will hold the hindquarters. The horse’s left front hoof and right hind hoof will be in line, on the same track. To do the shoulder-out (towards the rail) you just need to reverse your cues. It is confusing at first, but with a little practice, both you and your horse will understand fully. If you can’t seem to get it on the straight away, try it out of a small circle.

Walking with the rail on your left, make small circles off the rail to your right. Use your right leg to move the horse forward (cues his left hind) and place your left leg behind the girth to hold the hindquarters in the bend. As you reach the rail, continue to hold the shoulder in for a few steps down the rail. Now, release the pressure, balance your seat and hands and let the horse walk straight forward as a reward and a release. Do this a few times every schooling session. After mastering the “shoulder in/out”at the slow walk and fast walk, increase the level of difficulty, first with a slow jog, and then finally a trot.

Need more help? The absolute best way to learn is from a qualified Dressage trainer who is willing to work with a Western style horse. Since that option is not a possibility for most of us, consider books and videos.

Or go for the free option - Internet! With many articles posted online, and youtube.com posting videos showing the correct way to perform Dressage exercises, you can learn in the evenings when the horses are happily in their stalls.

Dressage can and will improve any horse no matter what its ultimate use in life may be.

Sally O Connor

with bending, stretching, and circles of varying sizes. If you don’t already know the leg-yield, you will want to master that first.

What should I avoid during “Shoulder In”? Some riders get very anxious about teaching their horse a new maneuver and make the mistake of overdoing it. Start slow and be patient. Clear communication and understanding between horse and rider is more important than speed. Your initial goal is to achieve just a few steps correctly during the first session. When your horse steps correctly, reward him and take a rest. Until the horse’s muscles have been stretched and developed, this exercise will be physically taxing.

Remember, just a few steps at a time. Don’t pull the head and neck in with your inside rein.

(Your inside hand should move very little.) This will cause your horse to put his weight onto the inside shoulder when it needs to be on the inside hind leg.

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GOOD LUCK & RIDE SAFE! 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: jenlind22@msn.com Copyright 2009 by Jennifer Lindgren

June 09

midwest horse digest

Unwanted Horse Veterinary Relief Campaign Aids More Than 1,400 Horses Veterinarians and equine rescue and retirement facilities are teaming up to help rehabilitate, revitalize and, ultimately, find new homes for America’s unwanted horses through the Unwanted Horse Veterinary Relief Campaign (UHVRC). Although the campaign was launched only four months ago, the UHVRC already has provided aid to more than 1,400 horses across the nation.

Established in December 2008 by Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health and the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), the UHVRC is committed to protecting the health of unwanted horses by donating equine vaccines to qualifying equine rescue and retirement facilities.

tetanus).

Equine facilities that follow the AAEP Care Guidelines for Equine Rescue and Retirement Facilities and have a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status are qualified to receive support from the UHVRC. To download an application and the AAEP Care Guidelines or to learn more about the UHVRC, visit: www.UHVRC.org.

A portion of all Intervet/ScheringPlough Animal Health equine vaccine sales beginning Dec. 1, 2008, has gone to support the UHVRC. To learn more about Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health’s full line of innovative, high-quality equine health products, visit www.intervetusa.com.

“The Unwanted Horse Veterinary Relief Campaign has been tremendously successful so far in accomplishing the goal of providing equine rescue and rehabilitation facilities with the resources they need to promote the health and welfare of the horses in their care,” says Cynthia Gutierrez, DVM, Equine Technical Services Veterinarian for Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health. “To date, Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health has donated 1,470 PreveNile® West Nile virus vaccines, 1,470 Prestige® V vaccines and 1,380 EquiRab™ rabies vaccines through the UHVRC to equine rescue and retirement facilities across the country.”

The widespread need for a program like the UHVRC is evident from the more-than100 applications received by the program since Jan. 1, 2009, from eligible equine rescue and retirement facilities. Applications for more than 4,500 horses have been submitted by facilities in 35 states.

“It is extremely encouraging to see so many rescue and retirement facilities and veterinarians working together to apply for aid from the Unwanted Horse Veterinary Relief Campaign,” says Dana Kirkland, Industry Education and Development Coordinator for the AAEP. “We are thrilled that we have been able to donate vaccines for more than 1,400 horses in need thus far; however, demand still exceeds supply. We look forward to accommodating more facilities and their horses as the program continues to grow.”

Getting Involved Equine rescue and retirement facilities should work with an AAEP-member veterinarian to complete and submit an application, the facilities checklist and the equine vaccine order form to receive complimentary Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health equine vaccines.

Three of Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health’s equine vaccines are available through the UHVRC program: PreveNile West Nile virus vaccine; EquiRab rabies vaccine; and Prestige V (KY93, KY02 and NM2/93 flu strains, EHV-1, EHV-4, EEE, WEE and

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Here’s a Barn Tip Put a bale-opening tool in a convient spot next to where you open your bales.

There is nothing as frustrating as trying to wreste the twine off a bale of hay and it can be a reall waste of time. If you have a spot to hang a pair of tin snips, a utility scissors or knife or a farrier's knife on a hook or nail next to where you prefer to open your bales. you will be able to easitly cut the twine on your hay bales. Plus you can do it safely. .

Of course you want to be sure that you make a habit of always putting it back in the same spot and not laying it down or putting it in your pocket or you will be right back to being frustrated.

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June 09

More Cow Work and Stopping, Stopping, Stopping

by Monty Bruce

This month we will talk about advancing our horse on the cow work. In last months issue we talked about starting our horse or colt on cattle for the first few times, tracking the cow with as little handling the reins and staying out of his mouth as much as possible. By staying out of the horse’s mouth, we allow the horse to focus and watch the cow, which will allow the horse to start reading the cow or hook up quicker. By tracking the cow, with very little or no help from me, the horse starts showing some expression towards the cow and really looking at them.

It is now time to take them to the next step. Instead of tracking or following the cow we want to start stepping straight up into the cow and teaching the horse to brake with the cow (when the cow jumps and moves off, the horse instantly does too). We want our horse to break with the cow and mirror the cow. Mirroring the cow is just what it sounds like; that move for move the horse must try to stay with the cow. This will take time for the horse to learn what his job is, so keep it simple. By using only one cow in t he pen at a time, it is less intimidating for the horse and makes it easier for the horse to focus.

Stay back away from your cow to keep things slow and controlled and give the horse time to read the cow and think about what he is doing. Keep your horse looking as you step slowly straight in to the middle of the cow. A fresh cow has what you could call a bubble, or a certain distance, that when you step past this comfort zone will go. It’s like two magnets that when turned end to end will repel each other.

When you stop close enough to that cow it will send him off. Using a lot of leg and as little rein as possible, send the horse the direction of the cow trying to maintain or increase the distance between you and the cow. Allow the cow to slow down or stop.

As you are moving parallel to the cow, press with your inside leg or cow side leg as we call it, to

Mirroring the cow is just what it sounds like; that move for move the horse must try to stay with the cow. fade the horse off the cow, or give ground to the cow. You also want to pick up on the inside rein to help hold the horse off the cow and to keep the nose tipped into the cow, so the horse is looking at the cow. When the cow stops moving ask the horse to step towards the cow.

This is when it becomes very

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important that your horse has a good stop.

When you add the elements of a cow and a little bit of speed, sometimes we lose the stop all together. When that happens we need to back up and make sure we work on getting the stop back. In the cow work the stop is everything. We want to teach our horses to stop with the cow. If they don’t stop with the cow and instead run past, then when the cow turns to go the opposite direction the horse is late and cannot get up with the cow in correct position. The horse is then just playing catch-up instead of mirroring the cow and staying in a position of control. If our horse has a good stop and we can stop right with the cow, then when the animal moves off again we are in position to move off with it and be able to move at the same rate of speed instead of trying to catch up with it. Remember with this cow work our goal is to keep everything slow and controlled, to help keep our horses correct and to give our horse’s time to think about what they are doing and to read the cow. The closer we stop to the cow, the more pressure we put on him, and the more movement we will get out of the cow. One very important thing to remember is to keep in mind the cow is a tracking tool to use to t rain your horse. Some times we get so caught up in wanting to cut and control the cow, we let things get too fast, incorrect, and out of control that we are no longer training. The cow can not get away if we are in our training pen, so lets remember to keep it slow, correct and train on our horse giving them time to think, learn and read the cow, and time to get solid before we try to speed thing up too much. Remember find those stops. Cow work is about stop, stop, and stop!

Until next time, good luck and God bless, Monty Bruce If you have any questions or would like more information, log onto Monty’s website at www.montybruce.com

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Questions for an Equine Law Practitioner

In Tough Financial Times – Should You Let the Boarding Stable Use Your Horse for Lessons?

by Julie I. Fershtman, Attorney at Law www.equinelaw.net (C) 2009, Julie I. Fershtman. All rights reserved.

Dear Ms. Fershtman: I’m falling behind on my payments to the boarding stable. The stable has offered to cut my board fee if I allow it to use my horses for its riding lessons. Is this a good idea? - M.V. (Florida) Boarding stables often make arrangements with their customers to trade the use of a boarded horse for lessons in exchange for a reduced board rate to the horse’s owner. To the parties in this arrangement, it sometimes seems like a “win-win” situation because it provides the stable with greater access to lesson horses, while customers receive a discount on their board fees.

What can start out as a beneficial arrangement, however, can sometimes end up with serious negative legal consequences that nobody ever intended. For example, a student in a riding lesson might fall and sue the stable as well as the horse owner. Or, a student might return the horse to its stall too quickly after a lesson, while the horse needs to be cooled down, causing the horse to colic and possibly die.

This article addresses some of the issues to consider before placing a boarded horse in the stable’s lesson program.

Risks of Lending a Horse to the Stable’s Lesson Program Where these arrangements are involved, liability should be the greatest concern. Although 46 states now have some form of an equine activity liability law (as of April 2009), these laws do not permanently end all liability in the horse industry. Most of the states with equine activity liability laws have already seen litigation.

The well-intentioned horse boarder who lends her horse to the stable’s lesson program is most likely unprepared for the risk of being sued. In particular: Liability releases.If the stable uses a liability release (and many surprisingly still do not, even in states that are willing to enforce releases), chances are good that the stable’s release is not designed to protect an individual horse owner. Standardized liability release forms are not written that way; they only protect the stable and its management and staff.

This leaves the horse owner without a key defense that, in several states, could be powerful enough to dismiss any claim or suit outright.

Insurance. Chances are also good that the stable’s liability insurance policy does nothing to protect individual horse owners who provide horses for the stable’s lesson program.

And, worse yet, many horse owners have no

liability insurance coverage that responds to the setting of an off-premises horse used in lessons.

Consequently, the individual horse owner is potentially at risk in these situations.

Careful advance planning can attempt to avoid these problems.

What to Consider To prevent problems like this from happening, horse owners like M.V. can consider the following: Liability Insurance. If the stable will not add M.V. to its liability insurance policy as an “additional named insured” (and show M.V. proof that this was actually done) M.V. can consider purchasing her own liability insurance. One type of policy is a Personal Horse Owner’s Liability Insurance Policy (sometimes called an “Individual Horse Owner’s Insurance Policy.”). Her insurance agent can explain this type of coverage and whether it is available to people who provide horses for lessons. The agent can also explain some of the risks and pitfalls of being added as an “additional named insured” on the stable’s liability insurance policy.

Releases. Nationwide, most states have shown a willingness to enforce liability releases, where they are properly worded and signed. M.V. can ask her lawyer to evaluate the stable’s release of liability and advise her whether it is properly drafted and whether it protects her under the laws of the state. Or, M.V. can require that students sign her own liability release form before they can ride her horse.

Contracts. The stable and M.V. can consider a contract between themselves that addresses their arrangement. Contracts can cover numerous areas, including: dates and times when the horse can be used, the type of lessons (maybe the horse owner does not

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want the horse jumped over a certain height, for example), the experience level of permitted riders (maybe the horse owner does not want novices riding the horse), release and hold harmless language, indemnification language.

The contract might also address who would be required to pay expenses if the horse is injured in a lesson.

This article does not constitute legal advice.

When questions arise based on specific situations, direct them to a knowledgeable attorney.

About the Author Julie Fershtman, a lawyer for nearly 23 years, is one of the nation’s most experienced Equine Law practitioners. She has tried equine cases before juries in four states, has achieved numerous courtroom victories, has drafted hundreds of contracts, and is a Fellow of the American College of Equine Attorneys. She has spoken on Equine Law at conventions and conferences in 26 states. For more information, visit www.equinelaw.net and www.equinelaw.info.

Julie Fershtman is the author of three books regarding Equine Law and Animal Law. MORE Equine Law & Horse Sense and Equine Law & Horse Sense are easy to read and are required reading at several equine studies programs. Order both for $42.90, first-class shipping included. Her newest book, published in 2009 by the American Bar Association, was written for lawyers and provides detailed explanations of the law. For more information, or to order, contact Horses & The Law Publishing at 866-5-EQUINE. Or, send check or money order to Horses & The Law Publishing, P.O. Box 250696, Franklin, MI 48025-0696.

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June 09

Riding Skills

The Difference in Rein-aids Between English and Western

by Julie Goodnight And how do you use these in riding?

Elizabeth

Question: Dear Julie, Please explain to me the rein aids for English and Western. I would like to know which ones to use for each discipline and what is the difference. For example, direct and direct opposition, indirect and indirect opposition?

Answer: Hi Elizabeth, Thanks for the excellent questions. I find this is an area that is vaguely understood, at best, by the average horse person. First of all, as far as the difference in the rein aids between English and Western, to me there are none. The rein aids work the same and the horse responds the same way no matter what style of saddle you ride in. Some might argue that the neck rein is strictly Western, but I like my English horses to know the neck rein too and it is imperative for sports like polo (which may be considered an English discipline, since it is done in an English saddle but with one hand on the reins). All of the other rein aids, d i r e c t , leading/opening and indirect are definitely used both English and Western.

The term "rein aid" refers simply to how the rider moves her hand and the direction of pull on the horse's mouth (up, back, sideways).

The term "rein of opposition" is sort of an old-fashioned term and is most often used with the term "direct rein," as in "direct rein of opposition."

Opposition refers to the forward motion of the horse and whenever you pull back on a rein, you are pulling in opposition to the horse's forward movement. Therefore, it tends to slow the

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horse down.

For the direct rein, the rider's hand moves from the regular hand position (in front of the pommel, straight line from rider's elbow to the corrner of the horse's mouth), directly toward the rider's hip. There is a backward (and slightly upward) pull on the rein and therefore it is a rein of opposition.

An opening rein or leading rein is when the rider moves her forearm to the side and not back and therefore it does not inhibit forward motion. This rein aid is often used as a training rein aid, such as when you are first teaching colts to turn or when you are teaching a horse to spin or turn on the haunches or do lateral movements. It is a leading rein when it is the inside rein (you are opening the rein on the same side as you want the horse to turn).

It is an opening rein when you are using it as the outside rein, when the horse is bending away from the opening rein, but you want to move the horse's shoulder or barrel out (like opening up a circle or leg yielding/two tracking).

There are two indirect rein aids: the "indirect rein in front of the withers" and the "indirect rein behind the withers." The latter is a rein of opposition and the former is not. The indirect rein in front of the withers is a lift up and in on the rein toward the horse's neck (an upward diagonal pull on the rein; from the normal hand position, just turn your pinkie toward the horse's withers without pulling back; the inside rein comes across the horse's neck in front of the withers). The indirect rein in front of the withers moves the horse's shoulder in the opposite direction, while the nose stays bent in the direction of the turn.

The indirect rein behind the withers has some opposition or backward pull, and causes the horse to move his hip away from the rein hand while the horse stays bent toward the rein hand, such as in a turn on the forhand or disengagement of the hindquarters.

The direction of pull on the rein is up and back toward the rider's opposite shoulder, in a motion like crossing your heart (the inside rein comes across the horse's neck behind the withers).

Some important caveats for all rein aids: it is not the amount of pull or contact that causes a reaction in the horse, but the direction of the pressure on the horse's mouth or the movement of the rider's hand (when using the indirect rein aids especially- it is only effective when there is little or no pressure on the horse's mouth). Also, when riding two-handed (as all of the above rein aids require) your hand should never cross the horse's withers.

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If it does, the rein aid you are using is ineffective and may be interfering with the horse's motion (pulling his nose in the wrong direction). All rein aids are supported by leg aids (but that is a whole other subject).

The neck rein is typically used for one-handed riding, but may be used twohanded in combination with another rein aid.

For example, when you are teaching a young horse to neck rein, you may use the neck rein as the outside rein aid and the leading rein on the inside to help control the horse's nose.

Eventually, the horse associates the neck rein with turning his neck and nose away from the rein and you no longer need the leading rein.

Like the indirect rein, the neck rein may be used in opposition or not. The basic neck rein is a gentle touch of the rein against the side of the horse's neck well in front of the withers and has no opposition. The horse is trained to move away from the touch of the rein on his neck and he moves his nose and neck away from the neck rein. If there is a hard pull or the rider's hand crosses too far over the midline of the horse's neck, it will inhibit the horse's movement and turn his nose the wrong way.

The neck rein with opposition (a slight backward pull with the application of the neck rein) is called the "bearing rein" and may be used to turn the horse back on his haunches, such as in a roll back or a pivot on the haunches.

This is a lot of information about how to use the reins effectively and it takes a lot of time and experience before the rider is able to use the rein aids so explicitly and effectively. And it never ceases to amaze me how responsive a horse can be to the lightest amount of pressure and the slightest movement of your hand. One really important thing I have learned through the years about rein aids is that the slower you move your hands, the better the horse will respond.

Julie Goodnight has more than a quarter-century 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-tocoast and beyond to film her award-winning television show, Horse Master, as well as to appear at horse expos, conferences and clinics. Her training and teaching techniques are frequent features of Horse & Rider, The Trail Rider and America's Horse. In 2008 she was named Equine Affaire's Exceptional Equestrian Educator--one of only three awards ever given. Visit www.juliegoodnight.com.

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June 09

So You Want to Rope...

By Dennis Auslam So you are thinking you want to learn how to rope. Here is the first tip I will give you - don't go rushing out and buy a rope without guidance. It would be wise to seek out and utilize a qualified individual to help you make this purchase, as there are many different types of ropes.

There are ropes for team roping and ropes for calf roping, ropes that work better for heading and ropes that work better for healing.

Different types of ropes for different events are also made of different materials, so you can see already that it is not as simple as just going out and purchasing a rope.

Calf ropes are made of different types of material, they can be straight poly or poly blend. Team roping ropes are made of nylon or nylon blend.

There are also different sizes of ropes depending on a persons hand size and what they are comfortable with.

There are different lays.This refers to the lay of the rope, soft, medium-soft, medium, medium-hard and hard. What a person would need here is going to depend on the individuals likes and dislikes and what event they are going to do with the rope.

So choosing a rope is going to be based on personal preference, strength, coordination and the event. We normally start people out with a soft to medium-soft rope just because it is easier to learn how to handle and I always suggest that you get with a qualified instructor to avoid developing bad habits and beoming discourages. In most instances, trying to learn on your own will end up costing you time, money and frustration, and then when you finally decide to go to an instructor you will most likely have a lot of bad habits to get past before you can move forward.

When I start someone out, whether it be instructing them in team roping or calf roping, I start them on a bale of hay. They then can learn the mechanics of the rope without the horse there to frustrate them. Once I get them efficient with the rope on the ground I will move them to a calf tracker while riding the horse.The calf tracker allows us to control the environment and the speed at which things are moving and happening.

Another consideration is the horse.

The horse needs to be desensitized to the movement of the rope being swung over the horses head and thrown out in front of it. We then teach the horse to track a calf tracker and work on getting the horse to be in the right spot to be able to rope the calf.

In learning to rope there are a lot of bits and pieces that have to come together to accomplish becoming effective and successful at it. That is one of the reasons we like to be able to control things at a low rate of speed, step by step, giving the horse, as well as the individual, the time to learn all the mechanics of roping.

Once an individual and his horse has mastered tracking with a calf tracker then I will move them on to live cattle. When going

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to live cattle I do not initially have them utilize the rope. Our goal here is to learn to track the cattle first. Once the individual and the horse are efficient with the live cow, putting the horse in the correct position and riding the horse correctly, we add the rope back into the equation..

Just a note here - not every horse will make a good roping horse!

The horse is a major factor in this whole process and if it is not a seasoned rope horse you can end up putting to much pressure on him and ruining him, which is one of the main reasons I recommend that if you are seriously interested in roping you look closely at buying a 15-20 year old roping horse that is in good condition. This will allow you to get off to a good start and help you learn.

If you are going to buy a seasoned roping horse, again I will suggest taking a qualified professional with you. There are a lot of horses, on first inspection, that will appear to be exactly what you want, but will end up setting you back and not help you move forward, and it is not always apparent to someone who is not seasoned at roping. We offer that service and try to lead you in the right direction.

Roping is a lot of fun, but it does take practice and work. There are clinics you can also attend to increase your knowledge and skill that are well worth the time and money spent.

Take care, God Bless and have fun in you new adventure - Roping!

Dennis Auslam is the owner/operator of Redwood Stables in Morton, MN. He trains both horse and rider through lessons and clinics and runs a regular schedule of clinics in Confidence Building, Horsemanship and Cattle Work, including Roping Clinics.

They have also recently added a Challenge Trail Course to their facility.

He hosts clinics at his facility and also does outside clinics. If you are interested in hosting a clinic please contact us.

Call 507-430-0342 or email him at redwoodstables@mvtvwireless.com. We invite you to visit the website www.redwoodstables.com for more information on upcoming clinics and other events that are happening at both Redwood Stables and appearances by Dennis at events and clincs around the country.

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AAEP Research Fellow Applications Now Being Accepted

Applications are now being accepted for the 2009 AAEP Foundation Past Presidents’ Research Fellow. The scholarship is awarded annually to an AAEP-member veterinarian who is beginning a career in equine research.

The application deadline is July 30.

Established in 2006, the AAEP Foundation Research Fellow emphasizes the importance of equine research while rewarding researchers for their personal contributions.

Acknowledging that there is an increasing need to train future equine veterinary researchers, the Foundation created the Research Fellow to help supplement postgraduate and residency research fellowship salaries and benefits. The scholarship is made possible through the monetary contributions of AAEP past presidents.

“Although it is common for veterinary graduates with an equine interest to pur-

sue residency training in a clinical specialty, it is difficult to get them to the next level of pursing a career in research and teaching mainly due to economic constraints,” said Wayne McIlwraith, BVSc, Ph.D., DSc, FRCVS, Diplomate ACVS, chairman of the AAEP Foundation Advisory Committee. “If our knowledge of horse health is going to continue to advance, we must encourage more veterinarians to become researchers.”

Ideal candidates for the Research Fellow are graduates of an AVMA-accredited school/college of veterinary medicine who have experience conducting equine research and are nearing completion of a residency or

doctoral program.

Applicants who are seeking funding for their research project or have secured funding from other organizations are eligible to apply, as the scholarship focuses on supporting the researcher, not the project.

To download a copy of the scholarship description and application online, visit the AAEP Foundation's Web site Scholarships page at www.aaepfoundation.org.

The AAEP Foundation, Inc., a 501(c) 3 organization, was created in 1994 as the charitable arm of the American Association of Equine Practitioners. The AAEP Foundation’s mission is to improve the health and welfare of the horse through support of research, education, benevolence and the equine community.

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June 09

midwest horse digest

Quick Tip from Julie Goodnight Out of Kick Zone Here's a quick tip for staying safe while doing groundwork with any horse and especially when working around young or green horses. Always keep in mind that a horse can reach to the side as well as behind to kick. To stay safely out of his kick zone, use a flag and stick or another form of extension of your arm so you never have to step too close to your horse. You can use the flag and stick to shoo your horse away or as a barrier to keep a pushy horse from encroaching on your space.

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READY-TO-RIDE GUIDE ILLINOIS - Trail Rides 34 Ranch & Camp, Herod, IL. 618-264-2141 www.34ranch.com Bay Creek Wilderness Rides, Shawnee National Forest, Simpson, IL.; 618-695-2670 www.baycreekranch.com Bear Ranch Horse Camp, Eddyville, IL.; Shawnee National Forest, 618-672-4249, www.bearbranch.com Cedar Lake Ranch, LLC, Vienna, IL.; 618-695-2600, www.cedarlakeranchllc.com Circle B Ranch HOrse Camp, Eddyville, IL.; 618-672-4748, www.circlebranch.com Double M Campground, Junction, IL.; 6 1 8 - 2 7 5 - 4 4 4 0 , www.doublemcampground.com Jim Edgar Panther Creek, IL.; 217-452-7741 Little Lusk Trail Lodge, Harrisburg, IL.; 618-672-4303 One Horse Gap Trail Ride, New Hope Hill, IL.; 618-264-7433, www.onehorsegap.com Riding Vacations 34 Ranch & Camp, Herod, IL. 618-264-2141 www.34ranch.com Hayes Canyon Campground, Eddyville, IL.; 618-672-4751 www.hayescanyon.com Overnight Stabling 34 Ranch & Camp, Herod, IL. 618-264-2141, www.34ranch.com Public Lands Argle Lake State Park, Colchester, IL.; 309-776-3422 Big River State Forest, Keithsburg, IL.; 309-374-2496 Chain Lakes State Park, Spring Grove, IL.;

847-587-5512 Clinton Lake State Recreation Area, DeWitt, IL.; 217-935-8722 Fox Ridge State Park, Charleston, IL. 217-345-6416 Giant CityState Park, Makanda, IL.; 618-457-4836 Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park, Sheffield, IL.; 815-454-2328 Kankakee River State Park, Bourbonnais, IL.; 815-933-1383 Lake Le-Aqua-Ne State Park, Bourbonnais, IL.; 815-369-4282 MatthiessenState Park, Utica, IL.; 815-667-4868 Middle Fork State Fish and Wildlife Area, Collison, IL.; 217-442-4915 Moraine View State Park, Leroy, IL.; 309-724-8043 Newton Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area, Newton, IL.; 618-783-3478 Pere Marquette State Park, Grafton, IL.; 618-786-2156 Rock Cut State Park, Loves Park, IL.; 815-885-3311 Shawnee National Forest, Harrisburg, IL.; 618-253-7114 Weinbrg-King State Park, Augusta, IL.; 217-392-2345 IOWA - Trail Rides Amana Trail Ride, Amana Colonies, Amana, IA.; 319-462-2206, www.amanatrailride.com Overnight Stabling Aunt Reba’s Bed and Breakfast, Larchwood, MN.; 712-478-4042 or 888-282-5349: www.auntrebas.com Iowa Bunkhouse, Audubon, IA.; May-September: 712-773-2737 JM4 Rand, Arena, Horse Hotel, Bed and Breakfast, Crescent, IA.; 712-328-7593,

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June 09

www.JM4Ranch.com Lewis Bottom Farms, Shellsburg, IA.; 319-436-3323, www.lewisbottomsfarms.com MINNESOTA - Trail Rides Bush Wacker Trail Ride Club, Huntersville Fall Trail Ride, Huntersville, MN.; 218-8940056 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

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midwest horse digest

SOUTH DAKOTA - Trail Rides 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: 605-5781142, www.haycreekranch.net Gunsel Horse Adventures, Rapic City, SD 605-343-7608, www.gusdelhorseadventures.com 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.; 715-743-514

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Give a Kid a Leg Up on Life; Donate your Gently Used Cowboy Boots The American The Paint Horse Foundation needs your help to give kids a leg up on life by donating new or gently used cowboy boots for young riders.

The Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving lives through interaction with horses, recently joined forces with Camp Carter YMCA in Fort Worth, Texas, to educate children about horses and get them in the saddle. Safe footwear is an important part of the process, and the boot drive will help accomplish the goal of introducing children to the world of horses.

YMCA Camp Carter saddles up several thousand children each year for horse riding lessons, equine education and trail riders. And, their need for boots is great. For more than 50 years, the camp has been a popular retreat for children of all ages.

Once the American Paint Horse Foundation collects enough boots for the local YMCA, it plans to donate boots to other YMCA and related equestrian centers as well.

Both children’s and adult size cowboy boots, with heels, are needed. Donors can drop their boots off to help this worthy cause either at APHA’s Headquarters, 2800 Meacham Boulevard, Fort Worth, Texas, or during the Summer World Championship Paint Horse Show at Will Rogers Equestrian Center in Fort Worth.

Or cowboy boots can be mailed to: Leg Up on Life 2800 Meacham Blvd.

Fort Worth, TX 76137 For more information on the boot drive, please contact the American Paint Horse Foundation at (817) 834-2742.

More about the American Paint Horse Foundation

Call 507-943-3355 to find out more about our Ready to Ride Guide Special Section

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American Paint Horse Foundation is the heart of the American Paint Horse Association (APHA). It uses the power of Paints to inspire people to better their communities and educate our youth. The Foundation is also dedicated to preserving the heritage of the American Paint Horse and ensuring it remains a healthy, vibrant and respected part of our culture.

For details on how you can become involved in this noble effort to improve lives through the “Power of Paint Horses,” call the American Paint Horse Foundation at (817) 834-2742 • Fax (817) 834-3152 ©2009 American Paint Horse Association P.O. Box 961023 • Fort Worth, Texas 761610023

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June 09

Stretches for the Equine Athlete • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • By:H. Lynette Partridge-Schneider Think of your horse as the athlete, even if that is the weekend warrior. Any athlete needs elasticity of the muscles, tendons and ligaments allowing for more controlled movements to avoid muscle pulls or strains.

Stretching exercises increase the stretch tolerance of the muscles as well as the connective tissue.

Before stretching, warm up the muscles with walking and trotting either through lunging exercises or leading by hand. Five to ten minutes will have most horses warmed up and ready to stretch out before the complete workout. Just as humans have a warm-up and cool-down period before any extended exercise program; so your horse needs this as well.

Equine athletes of all ages can benefit from stretches.

General Instructions: •When lifting the horses legs, use your entire body, not just your back •Hold the horse’s leg throughout the full extension or flexing exercise. Do not bounce the leg.

•If the horse holds the leg in position where it is placed, the stretch is well within the horse’s capabilities and flexibility.

•If the horse moves his leg backward or away from the stretch, the horse is uncomfortable and the horse is letting you know this stretch is beyond his capabilities and flexibility. (This can be improved on as the routine is continued and repeated before each workout program.

•Hold all exercises for a count of five (5).

Figure 2 Neck Stretch or Carrot Stretch Second Stretch • Grasp the halter • Place the free arm midway of the neck • Gently pull the horse’s head toward you • A carrot can be used to entice the horse to follow you toward the shoulder – stretching the neck • Repeat 2-3 times and on both sides Shoulder and Upper Leg (Triceps) Flexion Stretches Figure 3 Shoulder Stretch First Stretch •Grasp the horses leg behind the knee area •Bring the knee directly upward, to the point where resistance is felt •Hold leg for the count of five (5) •Slowly replace leg to original position •Repeat 2-3 times on both front legs

Neck Stretches

Figure 4 Shoulder Stretch and Flex Second Stretch Figure 1 Neck Stretch First Stretch

•Grasp the horses leg behind knee and at the fetlock •Bring knee upwards toward the shoulder •Slowly extend the horse’s knee towards your knees to full shoulder extension •Pull horse’s toe as far in front as will permit •Repeat 2-3 times on both front legs

•Grasp the halter •Place the free arm at the poll or just behind •Slowly move the horses head toward the ground •Allow the horse to bring the head back up •Repeat the exercise, lowering the head more each time

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midwest horse digest

Back Stretch

until resistance is felt.

• DO NOT bounce the limb or jerk the limb – this can cause the muscles to tighten – which is the opposite of the desired result.

• DO NOT stretch an acutely torn muscle. Allow the muscle to heal and contact your veterinarian.

• Flexibility will increase as the stretches are

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be obtained.

The above stretches are from a booklet that I designed and make available in my seminars.

This seminar was on older horses and taught at East Meets West Feed and Tack in O’Fallon, Illinois.

For more information on upcoming seminars or to obtain the booklet contact Lynette at QREquineUnltd@aol.com email or check out the website: www.quailridgeequine.com.

This article recently appeared in “Holistic Horse”.

Photos: Thank you to Betsy Kelleher for the use of Traveller, Rocky and Lady as well as taking pictures for me at the seminar for use in this article.

Figure 5 Back Stretch and Flex Stretch • Run fingers along the center of the horse’s abdomen from its forearm to its naval • Use strong pressure to make horse flex its back Repeat 3-5 times Hip, Buttocks and Rear Leg Stretch

used routinely as

Figure 7 Hip Stretch Second Stretch • Grasp hind leg at hock area • Gently lift off the ground (as done in first stretch) • Slide both hands toward pastern area and stretch leg straight back and hold for count of five (5) Repeat 2-3 times with both rear legs

Figure 6 Hip Stretch First Stretch • Grasp hind leg at the hock area • Gently lift leg off the ground • Stretch back slightly • Repeat 2-3 times with each leg Things to remember: • Stretching should be done in an easy, even and relaxed manner.

• DO NOT pull on the limbs when doing the stretches – this can cause tears in the muscle tissue.

• The stretch should be done slowly and only

a part of your riding routine. It takes time to improve the range of motion and flexibility of the muscles.

Older horses can benefit from these stretches as well as younger horses. Use this as part of your daily warm-up and cool-down routine, your athlete will thank you with improved flexibility.

Note: Equine Massage does not intend to diagnose a problem on its own. When working along with your veterinarian many benefits can

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Clinics and Seminars are available for the following topics. *Massage Therapy *Appraisal Values *Judging Clinics for 4-H’ers *Getting to know your horse through touch Contact Lynette to book a clinic or seminar at your barn or club.

Quail Ridge Equine Unlimited H. Lynette Partridge-Schneider P.O. Box 24367 Belleville, Illinois 62223 618-979-3192 Phone 618-416-2075 Fax

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June 09

Midwest Horse Fair “Making Dreams Come True” Random Acts of Kindness happen every passing day, but Orthoflex Saddleworks and the staff at the Midwest Horse Fair® wanted to recognize some of the people who take time out of their day to make dreams come true. Orthoflex Saddleworks Inc. is the largest custom saddle maker in the world, and the only known manufacturer of Western/Trail, Endurance, English, and Australian saddles, under one roof.

Orthoflex donated a one-of-a-kind saddle, worth $7,269, to be awarded to one person who demonstrated an act of kindness during 2009. Nominations were accepted during the horse fair or through online submissions.

After reading all the wonderful nominations, the staff of the Midwest Horse Fair® selected Michele Macha of Suring, Wis. Michele was nominated by Jill Courchaine of Lena, Wis. Jill wrote on the nomination form, “I watched as an older woman told Michele how it had been her dream to ride a Friesian, but because of Osteoporosis she couldn’t, because if she fell it could be crippling. Michele recruited help from her assistants and they helped the woman mount and in just a few steps the woman was in tears. She told Michele it was the happiest day of her life.”

The Midwest Horse Fair® is all about connecting people with the magic of the magnificent horse, and making dreams come true.

Michele has had her own dreams come true through this special fouryear old Friesian stallion, Redmer Fan Unia State, lovingly known as “Piper.” Michele explained that in 2004 she was diagnosed with cancer and was told she had two years to live. Not content with that prognosis, Michele fought back against the cancer. Two years later her husband bought Piper, who had been imported from the Netherlands at six months old. Michele had first fallen in love with the beauty of the Friesian breed after seeing a stallion named “Sanders” at the Midwest Horse Fair® many years ago.

“I am now sure that the Friesians are truly magical, because of a big, black, beautiful horse named Sanders and a determination to beat the odds and live,” Michele said. “I was blessed with Piper, and through Piper, this big, beautiful, black horse helped not only my dreams come true but also someone else’s dreams come true.

It is just magical. Piper loves attention and people, especially the little

ones, and to see the smiles and the tiny giggles after petting or sitting on him is worth more than all the money in the world.”

The donated saddle is an Original Art Floral Hand Tooled Orthoflex Show Saddle, and is one of a kind. The saddle has hand tooled original art with emboss highlights, silver plated overlay group adornments and conchos, fully leather covered bell stirrups, rear billets, all stainless steel hardware, and DRings and strings. When Michele was informed that she had won the saddle, she was both shocked and excited.

“I cannot tell you how surprised and excited I was all at the same time,” Michele said. “I am truly honored to have been nominated and just like I told the woman, horses really do give us wings and make our dreams come true.”

Michele has owned horses since she was five years old, and currently has a

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herd of 30 at her Electric Jungle Horses farm. While each horse is special in its own way, Michele said that Piper has a way of making dreams come true and bringing out the best in so many ways.

“I could not even imagine one day in my life without the horses,” she said.

“Especially with the world as it is now, life would truly be very depressing. There is so much negativity in this world and I think we sometimes forget to stop and appreciate what we have. I am very grateful that I am able to have and share my horses with people. I wish I could put in words how appreciative I am to Midwest Horse Fair® for such a wonderful event, Orthoflex for sponsoring such a magnificent saddle, and for Jill Courchaine taking the time to nominate me.”

The 2010 Midwest Horse Fair will be held April 16-18 at the Alliant Energy Center, Madison, Wis. Visit www.midwesthorsefair.com for more information.

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SADDLES AND TACK

EQUINE HEALTH Donated to the Florida Carriage Museum and Resort, this picture of a horsedrawn school bus is particularly meaningful for founder Gloria Austin, as this June she celebrates her 50th anniversary of graduation from Troupsburg Central School (grades K-12).

Members of the Class of ’59 will convene in the small country school in upstate New York where 18 accepted their diplomas and set off on lives quite divergent from one another.

Gloria rode in a motorized bus when she attended Troupsburg Central, while not many years before, students would have ridden in this horse-drawn bus. The picture was found by historian Eric Potter and published in a calendar celebrating the good old days in Troupsburg.

Northeastern towns were generally about 8 miles apart because it was a comfortable one hour traveling distance for a horse.

School bus routes were also established to provide travel distances suitable for horses that powered most land transportation and also horses that worked the fields of mostly rural America of the 19th century. In 1812, the New York State Legislature passed the Common Schools Law which would give aid money to school districts that consolidated.

That is when the one-room schoolhouses in New York started to consolidate, finally constructing larger buildings to house more students. The budgets of a small one room school of the mid 1800’s often were about $36.

Small one room schools were gradually replaced by larger buildings and larger budgets, which meant riding in a school bus like this one. With the 20th century came selfpropelled buses - the forerunners of the ones we see today. A school bus today can easily cost $70,000. The operating budget of the Orange County, Florida schools is $1,437,602,139 for 2008-2009.

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Your ad is also in the online version of Midwest Horse Digest Call today 507-943-3355 www.horsedigests.com

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June 09

Thumbnail Photo Classifieds Place your photo classified here for $20.00 per month just call 507-943-3355 for more info Plus you can also place your ad online at

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For Sale

Stallions and Stallion Auctions

6 yr. APHA Barrel Racing Gelding, smart, quick and beautiful.Super barrel racing gelding. APHA. 15 hands. Really fun ride, hunts a barrel, great turns, amazing must see!

Videos available online. 605-670-9098 harttraining@hcinet.net

Spotz Sensation Homozygous! Exotic, tall & stretchy! Grand Nationals nominated for 2009! Black & white tobiano stallion.

Only known grandson of both Hot August Nite & Chubasco! 715-210-5371 Clearcreekarabians@yahoo.com

Lipizzan Elegant and intelligent, this 3YO filly has potential for dressage, driving or as a cherished companion for the trails. Started under saddle and ready to go $6000 7155423742 plumlakedressage@aol.com

Red Buck Barcee - 16H AQHA Buckskin. Two Eyed Red Buck/Watch Joe Jack bloodlines. Cooled Semen/excellent mare care $500.00 Cr Quarter Horses crquarterhorses@tds.net www.crquarterhorses.net

Fantastic Dressage Colt Andalusian, Pura Raza Espanola- round build, sweet temperament,fantastic straight Dressage Movement!, this lovely 2YO colt is ready to start a new partnership! 972746-1457 vintageandalusians@hotmail.com

CR Smokes Midnight - 16H AQHA, Steel Gray - Jackie Bee/Tee Jay Roman bloodlines. Cooled semen/excellent mare care. $500.00 CR Quarter Horses 608.994.2451 crquarterhorses@tds.net www.crquarterhorses.net

Huge Moving son of TWO Imports! Carthusian Andalusian, Pura Raza Espanola Tall, Fantastic Temperament and an AMAZING Trot!!! all the brio and pizzazz to go all the way! 972-746-1457 vintageandalusians@hotmail.com

Ole Skip Classic - Beautiful buckskin AQHA stallion at stud.

Skipper W & The Ole Man foundation bloodlines.Balanced conformation, great disposition, all his colts have his wonderful trot & canter. See more at: 507-764-2010 http://www.angelfire.com/mn2/elmcreek/index.html

Black Bay Filly By Mediteraneo V. Black Bay daughter of 2007 IALHA Grand National Champion Sr. Stallion, Mediteraneo V! Fantastic Movement.

Wonderful Mind. 972-7461457 vintageandalusians@hotmail.com

Famous Echo Homozygous!

World Champ. Halter stallion! direct son of The Color of Fame.2004 Pinto Horse of the Year and the 2004 Pinto World Champion Halter Stallion 715-210-5371 Clearcreekarabians@yahoo.com

CR Lee Bee Buck 2005 AQHA, Two Eyed Jack/ Jakcie Bee bloodlines.

15.2H Dun - Smooth gaits - trail trained, Western show prospec $5,500 608-994-2451 crquarterhorses@tds.net www.crquarterhorses.net

Fiero LFA,PRE Black Andalusian Stallion.

International Champion of Champions international bloodlines, Proven producer, Proven Junior Champion Stallion and USDF Dressage Competitor. 817-205-9268 maryclaeys@cdibb.com

www.horsedigests.com

Equipment FOR SALE: JOHN DEERE 790: LIKE NEW FOR SALE: JOHN DEERE 790: LIKE NEW 27 HP, Diesel, 4WD, 3 pt. hitch, PTO, 300 front loader, adjustable rear grading blade. $13,500 Call John 320-340-0119

Services and Products The Elite Fleet by 3BarL Transport 1*800*982*2208 Horse Transportation Short Description: Affordable Experienced - Reliable - Specialized dispatch462003@yahoo.com Discount prices on the full lines of ThinLine, Skito, and SnugPax products.

Also highest-quality rhythm beads and horsehair items.

207-951-0526

orders@zegifts.com www.zegifts.com

Tack Solutions by Leslie is a 99% consignment store for all your horse needs.

We consign and sell saddles, tack and clothing for all disciplines of riding. Whether you are buying or consigning, we are worth the trip.

Stop by and browse our store. Always accepting consignments from all over the US. 602-404-2165 www.tacksolutionsaz.com

Events New Ventures Wagon Train - We ride for the mentally and physically challenged for Camp New Hope, Friendship Ventures and Eden Wood Center. August 13, 14, 15 & 16, 2009 For more information call Maynard or Jeannie: 763-444-4227

June 09

midwest horse digest

Ace Tack AgMax/Wade Scott American Wood Fibers Arena Fenceline Ark Agency Blairview Buffalo Ridge Cannon Falls Trailer Sales Chris Cox Conway Arabians Dennis Auslam Federated Coop Grassland Solutions Greystone Contstruction Hay Creek Ranch HitchSaver I90 Expo Center Julie Goodnight J&B Western Store KCB Equine Center K Fence Ken McNabb Lynn Palm Midwest Cremation Mimbach Fleet Supply Minnesota Horse Council MN Horse Training MN School Of Horse Shoeing Monty Bruce Cow Horse Clinic More Custom Leather Najlis Photography Natural Plan Stomach Soother New Ventures Wagon Train Northland Buildings Nutrena - Cargill Palma Feed Pleasant Hills Saddle Shop Plum Lake Resort Roger Berg Rosebud Productions R.T. Duggan The Natural Gait Twin Cities Featherlite Two as One Horsemanship UBRA Uncle Bob’s Trailers United Vet Equine Waconia Farm Supply Westwind Shelters Wind-n-Wood Farm www.blackhillsmeadow.com- Real Estate Zephyr Equine

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REAL ESTATE

ADVERTISERS INDEX

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midwest horse digest

40 UPCOMING EVENTS

6/9/2009 - MN, Buffalo - Barrel - UBRABuffalo BarrelBash 2009 @ Buffalo Rodeo Grounds.

Drawingsthroughout the night for FREE Buffalo Championship Rodeo tickets!! - (763) 682-6485 - chris_west@hop-kins.k12.mn.us 6/9/2009 5:00:00 PM - MN, North Branch Barrel Racing Practice - (651) 277-1095 houckhorsecompany@yahoo.com 6/10/2009 SD, Viborg - Barrel - UBRA Anderson Arena Boomgarden Barrel Racing Jackpots.TTT approved. - (701) 214-1055 6/10/2009 - MN, Monticello -Barrel, Futurity UBRA Arrowhead Arena Barrel Race. Open 4D's,Youth & Futurity classes - (763) 8781554 - arrow-headarena@tds.net 6/11/2009 SD, Forestburg- Barrel - UBRA Amdah Barrel Racing Jackpots. TTTapproved.

- (605) 350-0955 6/11/2009 - WI, Deerfield - Barrel - WI 02 2 NBHA Runs @ Showtime Arena - Exhb @ 5pm, 1st Go @ 7pm, 2nd Go @ 8:30 PM 6/12/2009 - IA, Larchwood - Barrel - UBRA Larchwood Barrel Racing Jackpots. TTT approved. - (605) 212-4496 6/12-6/14 - MN, Fergus Falls Barrel Double B Productions - Cowgirl Tuff Barrel Bash $5000 added (deadline 2 weeks prior to event) (BBR) FMI DOUBLE B PRODUCTION - (641) 745-5845 - bolling@iowatelecom.net 6/12/2009 - MN, Hutchinson - Barrel - UBRA Kickin Up Dust Barrel Race ADDED $$$ & AWARDS (320) 583-5807 kicknupdust@gmail.com 6/12/2009 - MN , Clarrisa - Barrel UBRARocking D’Acres Barrel Jackpot rockingd@eaglevalleytel.ne 6/13-6/14 - WI, Rio - Barrel WI 02, Wisconsin NBHAWI-02 Barrel Race - Paradise Stables (920) 992-3171 6/13-6/14 - WI, Viroqua - Working Cow Horse WIFQHA show, aqha cutting and WCH classes (651)755-9376 Zach@QuickDrawEquine.com 6/13/2009 - SD, Balti c - Barrel UBRA Westridge Equine Center Barrel Racing Jackpots. TTT approved. Year End Awards Presentation - (605) 543-5797 June 13- NCRCHA High Island Arena, Henderson, MN - Saturday Club Show- Visit the website www.ncrcha.com for more information June 13, 2009 Golden Oak Leaf Equestrian Center WDCTA recogzined Dressage Schooling Show. 27459 Holland Ave, Tomah WI. Call Jessica Kortbein (608)387-0293 or

email: americ@centurytel.net June 14, 2009 - Chippewa/Interstate Riders SC WSCA Horse Show - Polk County Fairgrounds, St.Croix Falls, WI Judges: Marilyn Carter/Graves & DawnTaylor - Info calls: Mary Jo 715-483-9592 June 15 - July 31 ~ Enlightened Horsemanship Residential Youth Camps at Eagle Valley Equestrian, Fountain City, WI ~ Beginner through Advanced sessions ~ Contact Heather for more info: 608-687-9534 or visit www.learning2ride.com

June 09

6/24/2009 - MN, Litchfield - Barrel - UBRA , Meeker County Flyswatters Cowgirl Tuff Arena Summer Series - (612) 240-3176 - Added Money: $100 June 25-28, 2009 - Blunt South Dakota would like to invite everyone to help them celebrate their Quasquicentennial (125 Years) Activities scheduled:Trail Ride, Cowboy Poets, Reinactments, Parade, Car& Tractor Show, Kiddie Games, Dances, Food.Fun forall ages.

For more information www.blunt125.com

6/17/2009 - MN, Chatfield- Barrel, Futurity UBRA -Gartner's Arena Wednesday Night Summer Series - (507) 259-8105 gart5@hotmail.com

6/25/2009-SD, Hartford - Barrel UBRA -Horse Haven Arena Barrel Racing Jackpots. TTT approved. - (605) 526-3647 6/25/2009 - SD, Forestburg- Barrel UBRA Amdah Barrel Racing Jackpots. TTT approved. - (605) 350-0955

6/17/2009 -SD, Salem -Barrel UBRA -Stone Pony Arena 2009 Summer Series. TTT approved. - (701) 425-2820

6/26/2009 - MN, Clarrisa- Barrel -UBRA Rocking D’ Acres Barrel Jackpot rockingd@eaglevalleytel.net

6/18/2009 -SD, Hartford- Barrel, UBRA Horse Haven Arena Barrel Racing Jackpots.

TTT approved. - (605) 526-3647

6/27-6/28-MN, Sebeka - Barrel, Futurity NBHA, Northern Region Futurities, UBRA - LD Ranch Futurity, Derby & Open Barrel Race.

NRF Tour sanctioned. - (218) 472-3412 betsykuschel@hotmail.com

6/19/2009 - IA, Larchwood - Barrel - UBRA Larchwood Barrel Racing Jackpots. TTT approved. - (605) 212-4496 June 19-21, 2009 2nd Annual Central MN Donkey and Mule Days, Wright County Fairgrounds, www.wright-countyfair.com 6/20-6/21-MN, Fergus Falls - Horse Show Minnesota Palomino Horse Exhibitors Show (218) 736-3000 - rhra@prtel.com 6/20/2009-MN, Sauk Rapids Barrel, Game Show -UBRA, WSCA Someday Ranch WSCA Game Show - (320) 393-2535 barrelracer3279@hotmail.com 6/20-6/21-WI, Pepin - Barrel WI 03, Wisconsin NBHA -Pepin Trailblazers Barrel Race Sanctioned WI 03 & MN 02 6/20-6/21-MN, Chisholm -Barrel NBHA MN06, UBRA - NBHA MN06 Chisholm Arena (651) 335-4418 - taleader@msn.com 6/20/2009-MN, Kimball- Barrel UBRA- MN01 Willow Creek Arena -specks95@hotmail.com 6/21/2009-MN, Princeton - Barrel - UBRA Round Up Riders Saddle Club @ Rum River Arena - (320) 983-2679 info@roundupriderssc.com 6/21/2009-MN, Clarrisa - Barrel UBRA Rocking D’ Acres Jackpot Barrel Race - rockingd@eaglevalleytel.net June 20, 21 & 22 - IBHA& WI Buckskin Show -Jefferson WI, Contact Kathy Yager 920-5681111 orsales@premierawards.com Download showbill & info at www.wbhaonline.net 6/24/2009-SD, Viborg - Barrel UBRA Anderson Arena Boomgarden Barrel Racing Jackpots. TTT approved. - (701) 214-1055

www.horsedigests.com

6/27-6/28-WI, Menomonie - Barrel - NBHA, WI 02, WI 03, Wisconsin NBHA - NBHA WI03 and BBR Qualifiers! $2200 added money! Open 4D run has $1000 added each day! 5D bonus payout for 150+ entries. Stalls available $15/weekend. New/Improved ground! - (715) 556-7092 - angcmur@yahoo.com 6/27/2009-MN, Beroun - Barrel - NBHA, NBHA MN-06, UBRA - Wishes and More Fundraiser Barrel Race at Mission Creek Ranch. $2000 Added, Saddle drawing, buckle awards! (320) 629-3525 - Added Money: $2000 mcr@pinenet.com 6/27-6/28-MN, Howard Lake- Barrel, Futurity UBRA - Kickin Up Dust Barrel Race ADDED $$$ & AWARDS - (320) 583-5807 - Added Money: $1500 - kicknupdust@gmail.com 6/27-6/28- WI, Marshall - Reining, Working Cow Horse - MCRA Show - aqha approved reining and wch - (651) 755-9376 Zach@QuickDrawEquine.com 6/27-6/28-MN, Hinckley -Barrel -NBHA, NBHA MN-06, UBRA -NBHA MN06 Mission Creek Ranch - (651) 335-4418 - Added Money: $2000 - taleader@msn.com 7/1/2009-MN, Chatfield - Barrel - UBRA Gartner's Arena Wednesday Night Summer Series - (507) 259-8105 - gart5@hotmail.com 7/2/2009-SD, Hartford - Barrel UBRA - Horse Haven Arena Barrel Racing Jackpots. TTT approved. - (605) 526-3647 7/3-7/4-WI, Mauston - Barrel - UBRA - Barrel Blowout at Red Ridge Ranch $1000 Added Min.-(608)377-3031 tomisaranch@yahoo.com

June 09

midwest horse digest

7/3/2009-MN, Plymouth - Barrel Minnesota Barrel Racers Association - MBRA Open Jackpot @ Silver Buckle Arena - (612) 2323673 - trisha_jensen@yahoo.com 7/3-7/4-MN, Clarrisa Barrel, Game Show UBRA - Rocking D’ Acres Jackpot w/ Added $ 7P.M & 9A.M - rockingd@eaglevalleytel.net 7/3-7/5-WV, Arbovale Spectator Events - Xtreme Horsemanship Event - (304) 456-1005 - RRRenegade@hotmail.com July 3-4-5 Mid-Western Rodeo - Manawa, WIPRCA Rodeo - -1800-74RODEO www.manawarodeo.org 7/4-7/5-WI, Black River Falls- Barrel -NBHA, WI 02, WI 03, Wisconsin NBHA W I 03 Barrel Race - Jackson Cty Fairgrounds - 03 District Finals - (608) 792-5423 safalbrecht@centurytel.ne

507-839-9507 7/10/2009 - Sunday 7/12/2009 - GLAD Farms 10750 Gage Ln - Soldiers Grove, WI 54655 Centered Riding Workshop by Ann Cummings, Call 608-624-3446 for more info or to sign up, or go to www.gladfarms.com 7/11-7/12- Twin Cities Horse Sales, Cannon Falls, MN -Star Challenge Barrel Race Contact Mark Kusilek 507-263-4488 7/11 & 8/8/2009. 10/13- Team Penning, 10/19- Ranch Sort Jackpot $1500 added. Must have competed in a sorting at Bar 7 this year to qualify. Contestants and guests are welcome. Contact Scott or Mickey Theede, BAR 7 RANCH-320-468-0002 or bar7centurytel.net July 11, 2009 Golden Oak Leaf Equestrian Center WDCTA recogzined Dressage Schooling Show. 27459 Holland Ave, Tomah WI. Call Jessica Kortbein (608)387-0293 or email -americ@centurytel.net

t7/4/2009- MN, Isanti Barrel -NBHA, UBRA Hi Circle Vee Open Jackpot Barrel Race NBHA MN01 - (612)-810-4010 specks95@hotmail.com

7/14/2009 - Twin Cities Horse Sales, Cannon Falls, MN All Breed Horse& Tack Sale 3pm Tack, 6pm Horses (507) 263-4200 www.simonhorsecompamy.com

7/5/2009-MN, Isanti- Barrel UBRA - Hi Circle Vee Open Jackpot Barrel Race - (612) 8104010 - specks95@hotmail.com

July 17, 18 and 19 - Bluff Country Independence Ride. Call Denny’ Trailers.

507-352-5491

7/5/2009-SD, Watertown -Barrel UBRA, Other Independent Barrel Racers Assoc. $1000 Added @ Derby Downs - (605) 345-3944 - ehagen@itctel.com

July 18 - Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch,

7/8/2009-MN, Monticello. Barrel, Futurity UBRA Arrowhead Arena Barrel Race. Open 4D's, Youth & Futurity classes - (763) 8781554 - arrowheadarena@tds.net 7/9/2009-SD, Hartford - Barrel - UBRA - Horse Haven Arena Barrel Racing Jackpots. TTT approved. - (605) 526-3647 7/9/2009-SD, Forestburg, Barrel UBRA- Amdah Barrel Racing Jackpots. TTT approved. - (605) 350-0955 JULY 9-12, 2009 - BRYAN NEUBERT Horsemanship & Colt Start Clinic at Schiferl's WJ Ranch (located near Fordyce, NE or 7 miles south of Yankton, SD) For info(402) 3572102 or www.schiferlswjranch.com July 10-12, 2009 – MN Pinto Horse July Jam, Red Horse Ranch Arena, Fergus Falls, MN, 218-736-3000,rhra@prtel.com www.RedHorseRanchArena.com July 10, 11 & 12th:-I90 Expo Center, Sherburn, Mn Larry Whitesell Clinic; Contact Susan at

Stewartville, MN - NCRCHA Saturday Club Show, visit the website - www.ncrcha.com for info July 24-26, 2009 – MN Barrel Racing Association, Red Horse Ranch Arena, Fergus Falls, MN, 218-736-3000, rhra@prtel.com www.RedHorseRanchArena.com August 1st- I90 Expo Center, Sherburn,.MN Catalog Horse Sale - 507-764-4025 or codi@i90expocenter.com, www.i90expocenter.com August 8th & 9th-I90 Expo Center, Sherburn, MN, Jimmy Vanzant - Bulls and Bikes Concert ONLINE FLYER - www.i90expocenter.com SEPTEMBER 12, 2009 8 p.m. - Schiferl's WJ Ranch Presents WYLIE & THE WILD WEST in Concert. Ranch is located near Fordyce, NE or 7 miles south of Yankton, SD. For tickets and/or info: (402) 357-2102 or www.schiferlswjranch.com NOVEMBER 28-29, 2009 - 8th Annual WJ Ranch Cowboy Christmas. Ranch is located near Fordyce, NE or 7 miles south of Yankton, SD. See www.schiferlswjranch.com EMAIL YOUR EVENT LISTINGS TO PEG@HORSEDIGESTS.COM

Classifieds Work $10.00 for 20 words, $.15 for each word over 20.

Send your classified in with your check or credit card to:

7/5/2009-MN, North Branch -Fun Show - July 5th Sunday Fun Show Starts at 11am $20 cost for the entire day of FUN! - (651) 277-1095 houckhorsecompany@yahoo.com 7/8/2009-SD, Viborg -Barrel -UBRA Anderson Arena Boomgarden Barrel Racing Jackpots. TTT approved. - (701) 214-1055

41

Midwest Horse Digest, Attention: Peg (classified) 40694 30th Street, Elmore, MN 56027 or call 507-943-3355 Name:______________________________________ Address:____________________________________ City:________________________St:_____Zip:_________ Credit Card#____________________________________ Type:________Exp. Date:_________3 Digit Code:______ Phone:_______________Email:______________________ AD Category:_________________ Classfied:_______________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _____ www.horsedigests.com

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midwest horse digest

Classifieds EDUCATION Mare or Stallion Reproductive Management Classes. Learn Basics of AI at UW-Madison.

Classes targeted for Breeders/Owners and Vets. More Info: www.ansci.wisc.edu/equine.html

PRODUCTS 10 box stalls,- 1-x1- - Brand new, no wood. $13,000. Choose your color. Contact 507-5272914. Will sell individually.

809 New leather harness ,3rd generation business. Team, work, complete with hames, collars extra. Draft $802.00. Qtr. horse $757.00.

Show 3 hip-Draft $882.00. Qtr. horse $812.00.

Buggy breast Qtr $220.00 Pony $140.00.

Catalogue - St Paul Saddlery, 953 W 7th St., 1209 St Paul, MN 55102 Master Saddler offers complete saddlery repairs. Trees replaced, complete reflocks, new seats, billets, tree alterations on Kieffer and Prestige saddles. Appointments booked for quick turn around. Skilled repair of driving harness and sidesaddles.Custom accessories for side saddle competition. Bridles sewn in.

Contact Michael at 847-776-6700 or e-mail master_saddler@saddlersrow.com Website www.saddlersrow.com 1209

USED EQUIPMENT Wintec Isabell Saddle 17" black with adustable gullet set, biothane stirrup leathers and irons included. All set and ready to go. I love this saddle but no longer use. Excellent condition. Evening: 715-8326507 Black Dressage Saddle. $850 17.5" Seat.

Panels flocked with wool. Wide tree. Used on Lipizzans, Arabs, and Warmbloods. Excellent condition and extremely comfortable. 319-3295065- Evening: 319-624-2546

FOR SALE Feathered Gold Lily- $12,000.00 - Piebald Gypsy Vanner Filly - Remarkable filly - GVHS Registered GV01427F2 - GLGVHC Futurity nominated - Birth Date: 04-02-2009 - Very Quiet, Feathered Gold Stables, LLC, Ogdensburg, WI 715/445-5345 - Email: info@featheredgold.com Jewel-16 yo bay mare. Bred and raised in South Dakota, does have a brand. This is the real deal, she was a working ranch horse.

Great handle, goes anywhere, no buck, rear, or other stupidity. Ridden by kids and adults.

100% sound, never any health problems. $ 800 319-759-2837 Gorgeous nine year old Arabian-Pinto.

Awesome Canter! Loves attention. Loads, bathes, and is traffic safe. Been on trail rides.

Stands great for vet and farrier. UTD on shots

and dental. Not for beginner. Loves to trot and canter.To see him is to love him! $1,000. Call 608-712-8326 Splash is a sweet, feisty 8 year old mare who needs a new home. My daughter is leaving for the army and I'm not going to have enough time for her and my daughter's mare and foal.

She is great on trail rides, both on her own or in a group. 5072107452 Great little pony! Very calm and does not spook easily. Used to cars, dogs, cats, and anything else. He stands very well for farrier, vet, and clipping. Up to Date on all annual shots including strangles. $500 507-403-1271 Riding Horse Sale/Auction at J & J Paints and Quarter Horses in Dodgeville, WI. Sat. June 20th, 2009 at 11:00 am. Selling 30-40 broke trail and family horses along with some show prospects. (608) 341-8144 website: 5/09 jjpaintsandquarterhorses.com Huge Moving son of TWO Imports! Carthusian bred. Breed: Andalusian, Pura Raza Espanola Tall, Fantastic Temperament and an AMAZING Trot!!! Dressage riders and Andalusian Lovers alike will appreciate this incredible colt. Full siblings show stoppers. 972-746-1457 vintageandalusians@hotmail.com LOOKING FOR A BLACK P.R.E./Andalusian Several to choose from: 10yo revised blk.broodmare, 2 yearling blk fillies (one carries red)w/ANCCE cartas, 2009 blk stud colt. www.walnutcreekandalusians.com KANSAS 5/09 913-375-2866 BROODMARE SUPREME******Especial BA

by DESPIERTO out of FURIOSA A $25,000.00 - Prolific daughter of Despierto in foal to US National Champion Third Level Dressage "Legado" - 262-249-8870, selwoodp@idcnet.com 2009 Azteca colt out of 2008 USEF National Grand Champion, Half Andalusian, $7,500.00 - This 2009 colt is destined for greatness as both his sire and dam are multi national champions in halter and performance.

262-249-8870, selwoodp@idcnet.com Fantastic Dressage Colt for Sale With a Temperament One Dreams For!With a round build, sweet temperament and a fantastic straight Dressage Movement!, this lovely 2YO colt is ready to start a new partnership! 972746-1457 vintageandalusians@hotmail.com 2009 Black,Bay or Black/Bay Purebred Andalusian Colt Sire/Dam National Champion, $9,500.00 - This futurity nominated colt is destined for greatness as both his sire and dam are national champions in performance. 262249-8870, selwoodp@idcnet.com Tresor ***** 2008 Beautiful Bay Futurity Nominated Spanish/Portuguese Filly - $10,000.00 This filly has all the makings of a great show horse and companion. Compact and athletic, plus color. 262-249-8870 -

www.horsedigests.com

June 09

selwoodp@idcnet.com Ariel de la Mar***2007 Grey Spanish /Portuguese Filly by SANTIAGO out of VALENTIA - $15,000.00 - This full sister to the multi Champion mare Chileanna owned by Pedro Segura is now available for purchase.

262-249-8870 - selwoodp@idcnet.com Incredible cobra of bay Spanish/Portuguese fillies or matched driving horses $10,000.00 - Fillies can be bought seperately at $10000 a piece or make an offer on all three for a future cobra or matched driving team/Unicorn. 262-249-8870, selwoodp@idcnet.com Lela BA ******* 2008 Bay futurity nominated Spanish/Portuguese Filly - $10,000.00 Beautiful young mare with lots of potential for Halter and Performance classes. 262-2498870 - selwoodp@idcnet.com Lezada BA ***** 2008 Bay Spanish/ Portuguese Futurity nominated filly - $6,000.00 This filly represents the best of American Breeding. Combining new rare bloodlines from Portugal with Garrison pure Spanish Legacy lines. 262-249-8870, selwoodp@idcnet.com 1/2 Andalusian Sport Horse Candidate, Posh is 1/2 Andalusian 1/4 Arabian 1/4 Saddlebred Gelding. He is registered with IALHA, & can be registered with Iberian Warmblood. Call - 586784-4368, us@serenitystables.com Selwood Park Chloe****** Very Rare Buckskin Spanish/Portuguese 2007 Mare $20,000.00 - Extremely rare Buckskin Andalusian 2007 mare.Futurity nominated and USEF Lifetime recorded. 262-249-8870 selwoodp@idcnet.com Selwood Park Sintra ***** Extremely rare 2006 Buckskin Andalusian Mare -$25,000.00 Sintra has everything plus COLOR and HAIR. This filly is IALHA futurity nominated and Lifetime recorded with USEF and USDF.262249-8870 selwoodp@idcnet.com PRINCIPESSA BA ***** Rare ALL Black Andalusian mare by AMISTAD SL - 12,000.00 - This exquisite black Spanish/Portuguese filly is not only black but has all the mane and tail sought after in an Andalusian Mare.

262-249-8870, selwoodp@idcnet.com

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 Pure Friesian "ROEK" 2nd Premie Stallion.

ROEK has a great pedigree, to match his great intelligence, temperament, and CHARISMA. 218-780-7064, dr.horseslave@yahoo.com.

CALL 507-943-3355 TO PLACE YOUR CLASSFIED

June 09

midwest horse digest

www.horsedigests.com

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