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We did it! Last month, in our editorial, we said we were taking that first trail ride after many
Midwest Horse Digest
Rahn Greimann, Publisher, Owner and Editor © 2008 Greimann Industries 35418 90th Street Blue Earth, MN 56013 507-526-5943 Fax 507-526-2629
Advertising Contacts Mark Bahls 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 Please direct all editorial and correspondence, as well as change of address to: rahn@horsedigests.com or call 507-526-5943
months of horse therapy for our advertising representative, Mark Bahls. He is also my husband. We are happy to announce that the goal was accomplished. And what a success it was! Meeting up with Dennis Auslam at the MQHA Benefit ride, September 13, at the Outback Ranch in Houston, Minnesota we proceeded to get Mark ready to mount up and head out. Despite drizzily weather it was a GREAT DAY! Mark and Rahn Greimann, the publisher of Midwest Horse Digest rode for over an hour together. Rahn and I went out for over 2 hours after Mark’s ride, and then Rahn went back out till dark. We kind of wondered if we had lost him for awhile! All in all it was a wonderful day and the turning corner on a new season! Please see the follow up article in this issue on page 10. It is written by Mark’s chiropractor, Arron Kalis. He has done some research on horse therapy and riding and it’s benefits to the brain and the body. Seems that we should all be riding on a regular basis!
Take care, God Bless and see you on the Trail, Peg Bahls
This Month in Midwest Horse Digest Craig Cameron - Trailering Tips Chris Cox - Value of “Soaking” During Training Sessions Ken McNabb - Foundation for Collection Lynn Palm - Exercises on the Longe Line - Rider Position - Part 7 Dennis Auslam - Understanding the Instinctual Behavior of the Horse Jennifer McCormick-Lindgren - Western Pleasure: The “Look of Success” Monty Bruce - Collection: gaining control of your horse’s body Bob Jeffreys/Suzanne Sheppard - The Canter: Advancing Mary Hamilton - Ask Mary, Road Riding Julie Goodnight - Over Reative to Leg Pressure Arron Kalis, DC - Here is Why Horse Therapy and Riding in General is Good for Us! Betsey Berrey - Getting More 10’s on the 6.5 Horse Ask The Vet: Nutrition from the AAEP Upcoming Events Advertisers Index Classifieds Traders Corner Thumbnail Ads Real Estate Press Releases, Events and New Products Ready to Ride Guide
About our cover Meet the Ken McNabb Family, wife DeeDee, and sons, Kurt and Trent. Ken is a clinician and host of one of RFD-TV’s most popular horse training shows. We hope you enjoy this issue of
Midwest Horse Digest! We are proud to be able to publish it for you and ask that you support the advertisers that support this magazine. Thank you!
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pages 39 page 38 page 41 pages 39 page 42 page 38 pages 15, 17,19, 29, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35,40 page 24
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Trailering Tips BY CRAIG CAMERON blow accumulated dust out of their noses. In a slant-load or side-by-side trailer, you don’t have to tie experienced travelers at all. It’s best to tie novice haulers, though, so they don’t cause any trouble.
With Fall, and cooler weather rapidly approaching, more and more riders will be hitting the road for trail rides and other equine events. I decided to remind everyone about some basic trailering tips. These tips will make things easier for you and, of course, your horse. Give your horse a good experience in the trailer and he won’t mind hopping in it for you. His comfort is all-important as you haul him down the road. Here are some tips for traveling. Ventilation-Horses are more hotnatured than humans and would prefer to be a little cool, rather than too hot. They generate lots of heat in the enclosed trailer. Make sure your trailer is properly ventilated. Open the drop-down windows, if you have them, to let in fresh air, even in cool weather. Make sure you have window screens or face cages so your horse cannot put his head outside the trailer risking serious injury. We recommend trailering with fly masks to protect your horse’s eyes from debris, such as dust, shavings, hay and other flying debris and assuring your horse arrives with healthy, clear eyes! Footing-Put rubber mats on the floor of your trailer and follow with shavings. This will help with road noise and heat and it will be much easier to clean your trailer. This will also serve as a cushion between your horse’s feet and the hard floorboards for your road trips. Rest Stops-Unload horses every 4 or 5 hours. Dealing with road vibration is a lot of work for a horse; allow him to rest and relax for a few minutes outside the trailer. Many rest stops even have grassy areas, so let your horse graze a little. These short breaks are great for his mind. Water-Offer water at every opportunity. Many horses won’t drink well on the road, but try to water them anyway. Carry a watering container and bucket and offer your horse water at rest and fueling stops Blankets-If it’s extremely cold, consider blanketing or sheeting your horse. A lot depends on your trailer. It it’s a stock trailer, the wind could howl through the slats and, if you’re traveling 65 miles an hour, a blanket might feel good to your horse. But in a totally enclosed trailer, he might do just fine in his own skin. Tying- Don’t tie too high or too long. You don’t want your horse to get his foot over the rope, but make sure your length of rope allows him to lower his head to a comfortable level. Most horses like to lower their heads to
See you next time and remember “Ride Smart.” - Craig Cameron LEARN WITH CRAIG CAMERON AT THE DOUBLE HORN RANCH There’s no better place than CCU – Craig
Cameron University – to learn about horses, horsemanship, self-confidence. responsibility, and lessons that will carry over into every aspect of your life. To provide the level of education we offer, we can only accept a very limited number of internships. Double Horn Ranch-The Making of Great Horses & Horsemen • HorsemanshipSeminars--Videos P.O. Box 50, Bluff Dale, Texas 76433 254-728-3082 • www.craigcameron.com ornd@lipan.net
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Want to Win Western Pleasure?
The “Look of Success” by Jennifer McCormick-Lindgren
the excitement of hearing our name called, posing for the championship picture, and the drive home with the trophy on the seat next to us. Now back up into that dream and watch yourself riding into the winner's circle. That is the look I want to see when you Enter the class! I want you to “Shine” with so much pride and confidence that you convince me early on who the winner is. You have worked countless hours in the arena, perfecting your horse's performance. You and your horse have become a smooth team. Transitions are flawless, his jog is slow and smooth, he is happy and alert and his head never moves. You are focused, and yet the Judges continue to overlook you despite the quality of your performance. Why, why, why, are you left out of the ribbons? At every show, I am faced with explaining the importance of “the look” to heartbroken competitors with excellent rides yet flawed presentations. Competitors get frustrated and personally hurt when you try to explain that it is their presentation that holds them back. Because competition is the toughest it has ever been, today's winning competitors have more than just excellent horsemanship skills and a great moving horse. Their “Look” captures the Judge's attention early in the class and secures them a place high on the card. If you were in a class of 10 great movers mixed in with 20 average performers, what would set you apart from the pack? What would make you “Shine”?
Develop a winning image. Judges aren't influenced by the shirt on your back, but they will be impressed by the confidence in your eyes. This look will come after long hours grooming and conditioning both the horse and rider. Remember, your appearance in the show ring is the frosting on the
faults do you want to hide? Do you have bad hands or a little tummy that you would like to camouflage? Second, find a flattering color scheme by testing out different colors and taking pictures from across the ring. Choose a color that you like and makes your horse stand out. Third, set a budget and stick to it. You don't have to spend a fortune to look good, but you do have to invest some time to create a winning look that is unique to you. (By sticking with a basic color scheme of tan or black for your hat and chaps, you can reuse them for years.) Finally, get shopping! You have lots of options: make your own shirt or jacket from a pattern, buy custom made apparel, buy used outfits, borrow from a kind friend, or update what you already own.
Ladies, don't fall victim to the f a s h i o n competition and lose sight of what Madison Henn, with Ima Radical Zipper, makes you and proudly models the jacket her Mom Stacy made your horse look with a Suitability pattern, swimsuit fabric, best. We have all and lots of hand glued crystals. seen lots of expenThe sharp white hat finishes her custom look. sive outfits that just cake. When you didn't work well in the ring. It is better to err on look great, you the tasteful side. Remember, more color is not feel great and it always better. I have seen entire outfits in shows. That is canary yellow, hot pink, and lime green. Those why your outfit riders got noticed for all the wrong reasons. matters. What Stick with high quality basics and add your you wear can color and style through the shirt or jacket. The most important investment in give you the extra lift that you your outfit is your hat. It can make or break “The Look need to win a your look. Have it professionally shaped and of Success” is not tough class. cleaned regularly. It should fit snug enough so created by an expenThere are four that you aren't distracted about losing it. A high sive outfit or a saddle steps to creating quality hat will last for many years if you dripping in silver. It a winning image protect it in a carrier. Your hat needs to coordigoes way beyond Hobby Horse Clothing creates winning images for yourself and nate with your outfit by either matching your what money can buy. It at affordable prices. High quality hats and chaps chaps or highlighting a color in your jacket. your horse. is a confidence that in black work great as a base color and will last First, invest The shirt or jacket you choose must be comes from believing through many show seasons. the time and practical and comfortable. You don't want to be in yourself and your Photo courtesy: Hobby Horse Clothing. honestly analyze irritated throughout the class because your horse. It comes after the appearance of yourself and your horse. jacket itches or be embarrassed because your long hours of practice, grooming, and dreaming. We have all imagined ourselves winning, What features do you want to highlight? What shirt accentuates your nervous perspiration.
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Always wear a supportive bra or undergarment for a smooth profile free from bouncing 'assets'. If you don't know where to start to get ideas, go through Breed magazines or try the internet. There are lots of sites online that provide advice on Western riding apparel. The best one I have found is at Hobby Horse Clothing (www.Hobbyhorseinc.com). This site is an invaluable tool full of information on the latest trends and styles. Their clothes are reasonably priced and designed to overlap seasons. Hobby Horse is a great place to start if you need ideas. There are many other sites that offer custom made clothing and sell used custom riding clothes. If you choose to use a local tailor, make sure they understand the unique features of riding clothes before you order. Gentlemen have a much easier time dressing for performance. A well starched shirt in white will always get noticed for its classic, clean look. Why not raise the bar on fashion and choose a colored shirt with a personal monogram and coordinate it with your saddle pad? Always make sure the shirt fits well in the shoulders, is tucked in tightly and has heavy starch to deter wrinkling. Remember, if you are wearing black chaps, black jeans underneath look better and create a cleaner line when viewed from behind. Don't forget about your horse in all the fuss for fashion. He should be groomed and styled (mane and tail) according to the division in which you compete. If the mane needs to be banded, invest the time to make it perfect. If you aren't good at banding, ask someone to teach you and practice, practice, practice. Use highlighter on your horse's face and clean and polish your tack. At a major show, hooves should shine like they've never seen dirt. Today's performance horses are groomed as impeccably as the halter horses. Good Luck, Ride Safe, Smile & Shine. 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 2008 by Jennifer Lindgren.
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Brian Scoggins shows Tamar Stravinsky to another win in Western pleasure. The burnt orange shirt and saddle pad highlight the chestnut color of this Arabian stallion. Rob Hess photo.
Perfectly groomed from head to toe, this duo shines as they enter the ring. This classic look of black and white gets noticed and will work with most colors of horse. Photo courtesy: Quarter Horse Journal.
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Here is Why Horse Therapy and Riding in General Spinal motion and the sensory inforis Good for Us! by Arron Kalis, DC mation it generates not only reinforces the I have had the pleasure of working with Mark and Peg Bahls for the past couple of years foll o w i n g M a r k ’s stroke in November of 2006. During this time together, I have witnessed Mark reach some pretty amazing milestones in his recovery. Many of these really became apparent when he began attending horse therapy. When Mark and Peg first told me that they were doing this therapy I was very supportive of their decision, though admittedly quite unsure of what exactly it was and what the benefit could actually be. Once we began seeing results and I started hearing the descriptions of Mark’s experiences on the horse I began to ask some questions about the mechanisms involved with horse therapy. I found my answers in the world of neurology. Though this can be a very complex and confusing realm to work in, the answers to why Mark has responded so well become very evident with understanding of a few basic concepts. First we need to realize that the brain is an integration organ, not purely a stimulation organ. This means, contrary to many beliefs, the brain cannot tell the body what to do by itself. The brain takes information from the environment, interprets it, then decides the proper course of action to take in the body and signals it to happen. This concept is huge in a case like Mark’s. We have sensors (proprioceptors) for motion, position, and load around all of our joints that send information to the brain to give us awareness of where our body is in relation to our environment. Some of these sensors, for example, are active when you move your extremities such as when you bend your finger or wiggle your toes. This information is sent to the brain and interpreted as the motion that you can feel and see when you watch those structures move. Some of these sensors are so sensitive, however, that we cannot necessarily feel or see the motion or pressure they are signaling to the brain. These position and movement sensors are the main cause of Mark’s response when riding the horse and they surround the joints of our spine. When riding a horse, these sensors send information to the brain at a tremendous rate because of the subtle motions that happen when a person needs to maintain balance and posture on an unsteady, moving object. These spinal sensors have direct connections to a couple of other structures in the brain as well. From the spine this information travels to the cerebellum, which is the major
coordination center in your brain. Activities such as motion, organ function, learning and concentration, and more are regulated within the cerebellum. The cerebellum only makes up about 10% of brain mass, but contains over 50% of the neurons in the entire nervous system. It is a very tightly packed area of your brain that has upwards of 200,000 connections per neuron contained within it. Inside the cerebellum there is a specialized area that helps interpret spinal movements and then sends that information to other areas. It is called the vermis, and it is the major player for a patient like Mark. The vermis integrates information from the sensors that detect and transmit the information regarding spinal position within the environment and utilizes that information to regulate muscle tone, posture, and other spinal movements at individual segments along the spine. This explains why when Mark is on the horse, he is able to sit in a upright posture and looking at him it is hard to detect that he has any outward effects from the stroke. His spinal sensors are stimulating the precise area of his brain that regulate these functions so with the proper information coming in from the environment, the proper signals are sent out to the other parts of his body that control proper posture and muscle tone. Every time he is able to ride, this pathway is strengthened and his neurons begin to have a working “memory” of the results. The need for reinforcing this pathway is the second major principle of our nervous system. This describes the idea of plasticity. Plasticity means the brain/nervous system is able to make new connections between neurons and can learn new tasks or take in new information all of the time, but if those new connections are not reinforced eventually they fade away and the new task or new piece of information is “forgotten.” Being a chiropractor, this information has direct effect on my patients as well. Since my main focus is on the spine and ensuring that all the segments are moving properly, the result of the chiropractic adjustment is stimulation of these same pathways. The adjustment helps reinforce the newly formed connections and helps keep the “memory” of those pathways going strong. In a case like Mark’s it is very difficult, in a clinical setting, to replicate the amount of signals that are generated along this pathway when he rides, so horse therapy is a perfect option. Every time he is on the horse, the signals generated between his spine and his brain reinforce the pathways that control his balance and posture and the results eventually begin to carry over to day-to-day living. Horse therapy, and riding in general, is a great alternative for the population as a whole. Any activity that can repetitively stimulate the spinal sensory pathway mentioned above has wide-reaching implications.
tone and postural control centers of the brain, it also links to centers in our brain that control stress and emotions, and can help to regulate hormonal control of our entire body. When our body is under chronic stress, we produce hormones that put us in the fight-or-flight survival mode. While this is a very smart adaptation in the short-term, it causes many problems when it becomes a chronic phenomenon. Under stress our bodies divert the energy that would normally be used for activities such as growth, development, and immunity and uses it to produce changes that give us the best chance to survive. These changes include increasing blood pressure, increasing certain substances in the blood such as cholesterol, and slowing our digestive processes. When we are able to lessen,or eliminate, the chronic stress response, our bodies are then able to spend our energy rebuilding and remodeling rather than gearing up for a crisis. Exercise in general, and spinal motion in particular, is a very effective way to reduce the chronic stress response and horse therapy fits into this ideal seamlessly. It is easy to see that the physical benefits of riding are great. Factor into this the interaction between handler and animal, small group dynamics, and being outdoors and you can see it would positively impact your overall emotional state as well. I hope this article sheds some light on the many benefits riding horse can offer to your readers. In a case like Mark’s it can be used as a therapy and help to specifically rewire certain aspects of his nervous system. In the general sense, the same mechanisms are at work no matter who is in the saddle and the results will be identical as well. Yours in health, Arron R. Kalis, D.C. About the author: Dr. Kalis recently opened his own clinic, Innate Wellness Center LLC., in Blue Earth, MN after being in group practice for 3 years. He is currently finishing a post-graduate certification in Wellness through the International Chiropractic Association. He can be contacted via phone at 507-526-2211 or via fax at 507-526-3003. (Footnote: In our September editorial we wrote about lifes seasons, in it we talked about Mark Bahls’ stroke and the horse therapy he takes. Mark is one of our advertising represtatives here at Midwest Horse Digest. He has found that horse therapy does some remarkable things to help facilitate his recovery. So we asked Arron to write this article explaining what it does and why it works for all ages. We thank Arron for taking the time to bring us this informaiton and hope you find it as encouraging as we did.) To read the September article visit our Digest archives at www.horsedigests.com
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Collection: gaining control of your horse s body By Monty Bruce
Collection is something we may hear a lot about, but what is it? What does it do and how do we get it? There are two main parts in collection. Most of us hear and think about physical collection of a horse (which is important to performance and in executing maneuvers, but we often overlook the other crucial part of collection, mental collection (which was pointed out to me be my good friend Craig Johnson. First, we will discuss physical aspects of collection. Horses are unique vertebrates because they possess a thoracic lumbar vertebra that acts as a hinge which allows them to pivot the hind quarters up under them. Other large animals, such as cattle, do not possess this trait.This trait not only gives us the ability, but is also the basis of physical collection. The majority of a horse’s natural body weight is in his front 1/3 of his body (his head, neck and shoulders). With a horses natural movement this puts the majority of the weight on the front end of a horse. The objective of physical collection is to move the weight, or point of balance, from the front of the horse to towards the rear end of a horse. Thus, creating a more centered, balanced point. Why do we want physical collection? With physical collection we obtain more balance from the horse. Our horses are softer and their movements are more free, by shifting the weight off a horse’s front end and moving it to a more central point. With the horse’s rear end up underneath them and their weight shifted back to the center the horse can stop harder, they can start faster, turn quicker, and travel smoother. If a horse is not collected or balanced their weight is carried on their front end and they are strung out with their rear end and legs out behind them. Think of an uncollected horse moving. It is similar to a semi tractor without
any trailer behind. If I take my trailor off my semi tractor and drive it around it’s like an uncollected horse. All the weight is on the front end and the rear wheels are way out behind it with no weight over them. It rides terrible rough, I can’t stop fast, and I have no acceleration; because there is no traction. When I put the trailer on, this changes the balance point and puts the weight over the rear wheels, which causes it to ride smoother, stop and accelerate quicker and handle much better. How do we achieve physical collection? Collection is basically, gained by gaining control of the horses body and being able to hold the front end through it’s face (pick up his back and drive his hind quarters under him; packaging or framing him up). By timing and repetition we can teach a horse to hold this frame longer and longer on his own. It doesn’t matter what type of horse, whether it’s a pleasure, reining, gaming, English, or dressage horse; collection and balance is important to performance. The next aspect to collection is mental. We all know if
we don’t have the horses mind we have nothing. We can have the most athletic horse but if we can’t gain control of his mind we can’t get control of his body. As I have mentioned in previous articles, a large part of our training is to teach our horses to focus and to develop there attention span. By accomplishing this, it makes our training sessions much more productive and intense. There are simple exercises we can do to help teach this. For example, trotting circles and teaching our horses to hold the circle without any help from us, teaching them to stay hooked and focused. Mental collection is a must in developing finished horses and showing/ competing with our horses. So as we are training our horses lets remember the two parts of collection we want to achieve, and remember the only way to get either one is Timing, Consistency, and Repetition. 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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Value of “Soaking” During Training Sessions By Cynthia McFarland with Chris Cox of working with horses. Years of working horseback on the ranch near Queensland gave Chris a healthy respect for the horse’s ability and intelligence, and helped him develop his own methods of individualized training. Active in the cutting horse world as both a trainer and competitor, Chris has trained a variety of breeds for different disciplines. He travels the United States, Canada, South America and Australia appearing at expos, conducting clinics and horsemanship demonstrations. His “Come Ride Soaking Time the Journey’ tour When the horse is takes him to cities soaking, you aren’t asking him across the U.S. for anything. If you’re in the sadeach year. Chris offers week-long dle, you have a loose rein and a intensive horsecentered, relaxed seat with your manship clinics at legs relaxed in the stirrups. If his Outback Ranch you are on the ground, your in Mineral Wells, hands should be lowered and Texas. you should Western never have Horseman recently a tight hold released Ride the on the lead Journey, by Chris Quiet hands will allow your horse r o p e . Cox with Cynthia to relax and soak after he’s done Whether McFarland, a 225something right. Being left alone you’re in page, full color for a few minutes tells him he’s the saddle book that details doing what he should be. or on the Chris’ practical Photo: David Stoecklein ground, methods and trainyour body ing techniques. language is not cueing Packed with step-by-step exercises and the horse in any way. color photos, the book will help you improve Think of how your horsemanship skills, no matter what pleasurable it is when discipline or breed you ride.
from several short soaking sessions built into the training period than if he’s just allowed to soak once for a longer period of time. “If you use soaking sessions throughout your training, you will find this has a much more positive effect than if you just pound the horse constantly with schooling,” says Cox. “You might get the horse to accept physically by continually pounding away at him, but not mentally. Without that mental acceptance, eventually he will start to resist and challenge you.”
If you haven’t figured it out by now, horses and humans don’t naturally think alike. That’s why in order to be effective with our horsemanship, we need to learn how to get into the horse’s mind and communicate in ways that make sense to him. “One of the most effective tools I use to help a horse learn is what I call ‘soaking,’” explains horseman and clinician Chris Cox. “We’ve talked about how horses seek relief. What soaking does is allow the horse to be left alone and enjoy that relief for a brief time after he’s done a task or exercise correctly.” You might think that praising and petting your horse after he “gets it” during a training session would be rewarding to him. But because the horse instinctively seeks relief from pressure, he will learn from soaking because he looks forward to the reward of being left alone. He can relax and absorb what he’s just done you’re involved in a projright. When a horse is ect to just get up from the relaxed, he will salivate desk and walk outside for and lick his lips. His head a few minutes. Soaking and neck should also be is a similar reward for relaxed and not tense, so your horse. It tells him in watch for these signs. a way he clearly underLet’s say you stands, “You did good, are teaching your horse to buddy! Now just relax let you open a gate from and take it easy for a You don’t have to be “doing” the saddle by sidepassing minute. You’ve earned it something with your horse up next to it. As the horse every minute. A few minutes of When you give makes a serious effort to “soaking” time after he’s done a horse time to think withrespond correctly to your something right will go a long way. out pressuring him, cues, you can reinforce Photo credit; David Stoecklein which is exactly what a that he’s doing the right soaking session does, thing by letting him soak for a couple minutes. Then go back to work- he’ll start to learn more and perform better. “We should always be teaching our ing on the task at hand. Or perhaps you’re working on collection. As the horse shows that horses in increments, building on what they he is softening and giving when you ask, his already know,” Cox notes. “By adding soaking reward is to soak for a brief time until you ask to your training sessions, you can teach a horse even more than you might expect.” him for collection again. A soaking session may last two Up Close with Chris Cox Ranch-raised in Australia, Chris came to minutes or a little bit longer, depending on the situation. The horse will tend to learn more the United States in 1986 to make a career
Visit www.chris-cox.com or call Chris Cox Horsemanship Company at 1-888-81HORSE for information about the Ride the Journey book, upcoming course dates and appearances, equipment and training DVDs.
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Getting More 10’s on the 6.5 Horse
Betsy Berrey, USEF Senior Judge, Member of the USDF L Program Faculty, Creator of “The Winning Edge” DVD Series This is a topic that has interested me for many years. Although the quality of our dressage horses has increased steadily over the past decade, most riders are still on capable but not spectacular horses. This is fine since many of those superstar horses are hot and more difficult to ride, even when they’ve matured. WHAT IS A 6.5 HORSE? Dressage is a numbers game. Judges can only use whole numbers, 0 to 10, when judging national and international tests. The only exception is in freestyles. Therefore I decided to use .5 when describing the horses we ride. In referring to our imaginary mount as the 6.5 horse, I’m describing the raw material that we have to work with and train. The more correct and thorough the training is, the higher the scores can be. On a good day the 6.5 horse will get quite a few 7’s and maybe an 8 or 9. These horses are likely to receive a 7 on Gaits and perhaps another 7 or two in the Collective Marks. The greatest success comes from riding the test accurately and precisely and showing the horse to the best of his ability. If you are lucky enough to have a 7.5 horse that is correctly trained, you will have the pleasure of seeing quite a few 8’s after a successful ride. These horses frequently earn 8’s on Gaits and Impulsion, tend to be show natural uphill balance, and are easier to put on the bit. On the other hand, if you have 5.5 horse the process will be much more difficult. The 5.5 horse is more limited athletically and can be more difficult and frustrating to train and show. Perhaps he has a lateral walk or a flat canter that lacks elasticity or has little freedom in the shoulder. Don’t be overly impressed by the “auction trot” since the trot is the easiest gait to improve. Dressage horses must have good walks and canters to do well in our sport. Conformation problems can include being croup high, built downhill with shorter forelegs, or a thick throatlatch, which makes it hard to go on the bit. Sometimes temperament, which challenges the rider to create energy and activity or causes tension and inat
tention, is also a factor. If you have a horse like this—one that tends to get lower marks for gaits which then prevent higher scores in the test— you must accept him as he is and understand his limitations. If this is the horse you love and plan to keep, be realistic about your horse’s ability to cover the ground or travel in uphill balance and don’t punish him for what nature has given him. I f you want higher scores and more ribbons in addition to moving up the levels, you may
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need to find a horse that is more suitable for dressage. Basic training is beneficial to any horse, but most horses were bred for particular jobs and can’t always cross the disciplines easily. Would you want to ride over the desert, which is easy for an Arabian, on your Dutch Warmblood? Would you want to rope cattle, for which the Quarter Horse is ideally built, on a Hanoverian or a Holsteiner? Modern dressage and today’s athletic sport horses owe their origins to Germany’s history, in which horses played a significant role. After World War Two it became clear that horses would no longer be needed by the military or for other daily work. In order to maintain their place in German society and culture, the decision was made to breed good riding horses and to promote dressage— as well as jumping, eventing and driving—as goals in training. Each mark on a dressage test has a specific meaning. Ten is Excellent, 9 is Very Good, 8 is Good, 7 is Fairly Good, 6 is Satisfactory, 5 is Sufficient, 4 is Insufficient, 3 is Fairly Bad, 2 is Bad, 1 is Very Bad, and 0 is Not Performed. Most judges will ring the bell and score an error rather than giving a 0 if a movement is not visible to them. HOW TO EARN HIGHER SCORES There are five ways in which you can improve your performance and raise your scores, at any level: continued on page 25
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October 08
Foundation for Collection By Ken McNabb with Katherine Lindsey Meehan
Over the past two month’s articles, you have learned how to teach your horse to soften his face and stop and back up on one rein while staying soft in the bridle. Your horse should be doing these exercises well before you move on to the foundation for collection. First, I want to mention a few things that can be applied across your training. When things are not going well and you feel stuck in an exercise, stop and ask yourself: what was the last thing your horse was doing well? Maybe you’re stuck on the one rein back up, but he was softening his face really well before you moved to the new exercise. If that’s the case, don’t get in to the mindset of making your horse do something. Instead, go back to the place you know you can both win. Work there for a little while, and then go back to the harder exercise. Chances are, you will then be able to do it without the
problem you were having before. Stepping back from the situation and focusing on what works, rather than what doesn’t, will help keep you from getting frustrated. So, your horse is softening, stopping and backing up on one rein. We’re going to start the foundation for collection by taking the one rein back up to a more advanced level. Begin asking your horse to stop without disengaging his hindquarters first. Ride him forward, get him soft on the bridle, sit and say whoa. If he stops, ask him to take a few steps back on one rein and release when his nose is soft. If you don’t get a stop, disengage his hindquarters and get a few steps back before releasing. Work on this until you can get a straight stop and back up on one rein. Now, you are ready to add the second rein. You are going to start by asking for softness on two reins. What you are looking for here is not actual collection, but just for the horse’s nose to be soft on both reins. However, you do want to be sure you are driving the horse forward from his hind end when you ask for softness on two reins because that will start to build collection in to the exercise. Starting at the walk, go back to the circle s’s exercise that you used when teaching softness on one rein. Just add the second rein as you do it. When your horse softens and tucks his nose, release him. Work on changing directions smoothly, without his head coming up. Remember to release regularly so your horse knows he is on the right track. When you can get your horse to
keep soft on two reins nicely, you are ready to start adding the stop and back up on two reins. Get him soft on two reins, then sit and ask for a stop. Don’t pull back on your reins to get the stop, just sit and ask him to stop off your seat cue. If he doesn’t stop, don’t pull back on both reins. Hold pressure on one rein, and increase pressure on the other, bringing him to a stop with just one rein. When he is stopping nicely without bracing and throwing his head in the air, you are ready to start asking for a few steps back. Remember, your feet move his feet. Don’t pull harder to get steps back, drive more with your feet. If he is bracing against you and locks up, offset his head to one side or the other. Don’t release the reins if your horse is pulling on you. If your horse starts bracing badly and you feel you are getting in to a fight, go back to working on one rein for a while, then try two reins again. Remember, find a place where you can both win. Each time you repeat an exercise, look for some improvement and ask for a little more. For example, if your horse gives you two nice steps back, next time ask for three steps. Once you are getting good soft stops and backing on two reins at the walk, move up to the trot. First work on circle s’s, then stops and backing. If you get stuck, go back to the walk for a while, then move back up to the trot. It is really important to remember that all you can ask of your horse is for him to try. If he has given you a good honest try, you need to give back to him with a release. Even if he’s not doing the exercise perfectly, all you can ask is that he’s trying. If he tries and tries, and never gets a release and a reward, he will stop trying because there is no place he can win. You need to make sure that you always give him a place where he can win so he stays motivated and keeps trying for you. Once your horse knows that there is a release somewhere, you will see him start searching for it when you start a new exercise. He will try the answers that have worked in the past, then when you don’t release, you will see him start trying new things, because he knows there is a release somewhere. Your consistency will teach your horse to look for the place where he wins, because he knows it is there. When you are ready to quit for the day, wait until you feel that your horse has given you a good, honest try. Then release, pet him, and put him away. A good try is always a positive place to quit. 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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Dakota Classic Cutting Futurity Results TheDakota Classic Cutting Futurity held it’s first horse sale in Huron South Dakota on September 12, 2008 in conjunction with the Dakota Classic Cutting Futurity. A limited number of yearling and two-year olds of the thirty subscribed stallions were eligible to be sold. The horses sold are all eligible to compete for $25,000 added Futurity money in 2009 and 2010. Lot # 9, Sneakin Josie consigned by the Strain Ranches, Don & Kathy Strain of White River South Dakota captured the highest selling two-year old raising $2,900. The sorrel mare was sired by Sneakin Lena out of Dam, Poppin Smart Josie will make home with Shannard Husted of Fort Pierre South Dakota. Red Hot Peppy Whitch, Lot #3 was purchased by Terry Correll of Tryon Nebraska as the high selling yearling. Consigned by the Whitcher Ranches, Jim & Ethel Whitcher of Scenic South Dakota, the sorrel mare was
Visit us online at www.horsedigests.com for even more info, photo classifieds, community events, training videos and more coming all the time.....
We have many opportunities for you to promote your equine related business. For more information call Mark at 507-943-3355 or email: mark@horsedigests.com Call Peg at 507-943-3355 or email: peg@horsedigests.com Call Andrea Jo at 952-237-5311 or email: andrea@horsedigests.com
sired by Red Hot Quixote out of Dam, Peps Christy Bond. Terry Correll of Tryon Nebraska was the volume horse buyer purchasing three head. The Dakota Classic Cutting Futurity subscribed stallion owners and Lot # 9 members would like to extend a Big Thank You to all of those that attended and purchased horses at the sale. For more information on the Futurity and the Sale visit High selling Yearling Consigned by Whitcher Ranches (Jim & Ethel)
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Scenic SD Lot #3 Sired by Red Hot Quixote - Dam Peps Christy Bond - $1250 - Buyer Terry Correll, Tryon NE Top selling 2 year old Consigned By Strain Ranches (Don & Kathy) White River, SD Lot #9 - Sorrel Mare Sired by Sneakin Lena - Dam Poppin Smart Josie - Sold for $2900 - Buyer Shannard Husted, Ft. Pierre SD
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prepare your aids and ask your horse for an upward transition from the trot. You should stay relaxed with hands down at your sides as your horse strikes off into a canter. You should not hold your horse with your knees, but rather keep your legs “soft.” Your body needs to stay centered. Do a few circles at the canter to give yourself a feel of riding this gait without reins before you begin the following exercises.
“Rider Position, Par t 7, Exercises on the Longe Line This article will conclude the series on exercises to improve the rider’s position. If you have been practicing the exercises from the series, your balance and relaxation, as well as confidence while riding, should have improved. The exercises in this article will be done on the longe at the canter. If you do not feel that you are ready for them now, keep practicing the exercises from previous articles until your balance and relaxation improves. Once again, you will need a consistent, well-schooled horse tacked up with saddle, a halter with longe line properly attached, and leg protection. Your helper should know how to longe a horse. Do exercises on the longe in a large enclosed area such as a paddock, corral, or arena to give you and your horse more security. Remember the key words from the previous lessons: Do each exercise SLOWLY.
BREATHE because it encourages relaxation. Think “CENTER-SQUARE-BALANCED.” STOP if you experience any pain or have medical conditions that could be complicated by doing any of these exercises. Warm up yourself and your horse by doing exercises at the walk, jog or trot, and extended jog or trot. As before, I will explain these exercises as if you are riding in a Western saddle. Your reins are knotted and the knot is looped over the saddle horn. Remember the rider is responsible for keeping the horse out on the circle and for speed control through the use of her seat, leg, and voice aids. Working at the canter will be more challenging. At the same time she is performing theses exercises, the rider must effectively use her aids to keep her horse from breaking from the canter to the trot. When you and your helper agree that you are prepared for longe work at the canter,
Arm Extensions: While at the canter, extend one arm and then the other so that both are straight out in front of you at should height with the palms facing downwards. Hold them in this position for several strides, and then open your arms so they are extended out to your sides. Hold this position for a few strides. Now bring both arms back to the starting position in front of you. Tip: Be sure to keep your chest up, open, and shoulders back. Do not slump! Keep looking ahead while doing this exercise. Four-Point Arm Circles: You have done this one before at the walk and trot. Start in the same position as in the Arm Extensions with arms extended straight ahead at shoulder height. As you keep the left arm in the starting position, rotate the right arm with the palm down so it extends overhead. Rotate the shoulder so that the arm makes a big circle until the arm is behind you. Continue the arm circle by bringing the hand down to your side. Finish with the right arm back at the starting position. Do the exercise with the other arm. Do these arm rotations slowly. Behind Your Back: Place both hands behind you on the small of your back. Do several strides of the canter in this position. Now bring your arms above your head, keeping the elements of your form in proper position. Finish by bringing the arms back down to your sides. Remember to breathe and relax! Straight Arm Swings: Hold the left arm down at your side. Slowly swing the right arm forward in front of you with the palm down and elbow straight until it is at shoulder height. Next, slowly swing the arm back behind you. After you do several repetitions, change arms. Bent Elbow Swings: Hold the arm that is toward the inside of the longe circle down at your side. Bend the elbow of the outside arm in a 90-degree angle. Slowly swing the bent arm forwards and backwards. Look to the inside of the longe circle as you do this exercise. Do several repetitions. Switch arms, and look toward the outside of
October 08 the longe circle while working the inside arm. To finish the exercises at the canter, untie your reins without looking. If riding Western, bring both reins into the hand that you normally use to hold them. By putting more weight in your seat and using leg and voice aids, bring your horse back to the trot. Keep your shoulders back and weight in your seat to make the transition to the trot. Trot a couple of circles and ask for the downward transition to the walk. Then halt. Exercises on the longe at the walk, trot, and canter are fun and extremely beneficial to build relaxation and to improve your riding form and balance. Use these exercises as often as possible in your daily schooling or in a warm-up before a competition. Be creative and mix and match the exercises to develop your personal warm-up and flexibility routine. Remember to do them in various gaits and varying speeds within each gait. Note: In order to benefit from these exercises, you must have a horse that is quiet and reliable. You cannot learn the exercises if you always are worrying about your horse. You need to be able to concentrate on yourself. If you are unsure about your horse or if he gives you any problem while doing theses exercises, move to a more enclosed area like a round pen. For information about my book, Head to Toe Horsemanship and my visual series, Dressage Principles for the Western and English Horse and Rider, as well as other training products, visit www.lynnpalm.com or call 800-503-2824.
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Join us at the Minnesota EquiFest —A New Fall Tradition The Minnesota EquiFest is being Minnesota Farrier’s Association. Come learn held October 11-12, 2008 at the Minnesota about equine training, dressage, gaited horsState Fairgrounds, St. Paul, MN, in the Warner es, bits and bitting, pasture and manure manColiseum, Horse Barn, and Judging Arena. agement, grooming, hoof care, saddle fitting, Show hours are Saturday, 9 am – 7:00 pm and braiding, lameness, and much more. There will Sunday 9:00 am – 5:00 also be a special equine performpm. Parking is free and ance on Saturday. overnight parking is availPony rides will be available for a fee. able for the kids, as well as roping Plan now to demonstrations offered by the North attend this great fall Central Little Britches Rodeo equine get together. Association. Horse stalls are being There will be lectures by offered this year to showcase horse nationally known clinibreeds by hose associations, breedcians, equine demonstraers or stallion owners. tions, horses, activities for Join the fun and begin a the kids, and shopping at fall tradition by attending the many different vendor Minnesota EquiFest. Sponsors of booths. New this year is a the event are the Minnesota School tack sale for the benefit of of Horseshoeing, Midwest Horse the Minnesota Hooved Digest, and Dahl Graphic Design. Animal Rescue Foundation (no consignThis event is presented ments). by Duggan Companies of Ramsey, Featured clini- Richard Shrake Headlines at MN, who have been long-time Minnesota Equifest 2008 cians are Richard Shrake, supporters and contributors to our Dr. Tom Tweeten, Dale wonderful Minnesota horse Froyum, Mari Monda community. For show information Zdunic, Tracy Porter, and TJ Clibborn. and information on vendor booths or Lectures will also be presented by staff mem- volunteering, please contact Robert or bers of the Minnesota Veterinary Hospital, Nancy Duggan, 763-421-5750 or visit Rochester Community College, and the www.MinnesotaEquiFest.com.
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Mary Hamilton answers y r a M your training questions! Ask Ask Mary: I ride my horse along the road occasionally. How do I do this safely? Even in rural areas there is no question traffic levels are increasing. Worse yet, people are often distracted from their driving by cell phones, texting and a hectic lifestyle. Most motorists are not educated about horses. Driver’s have blown their horn, released their air brakes with a loud “psssttt” and even shot my police horse with a slingshot as they drove past. Clearly these drivers had no idea how dangerous this was for the horse and rider. How can you increase your safety while road riding? These three safety concepts, “be seen”, “be safe” and “be aware” help you prevent an accident. Be Seen Bright reflective clothing for the rider is a must when road riding. Reflective leg wraps, brow bands, breast collars and stirrup bars make your horse visible from all four sides. I highly recommend attaching a LED safety light to your saddle or person. These inexpensive blinking red lights are designed for bicyclists but work well for the rider too. The intermittent flash of the light attracts a driver’s attention. These items make you more visible to drivers.
Be Safe Before venturing out onto a roadway, ask yourself, “Am I ready?” Are you a competent rider capable of handling a problem on the road? Evaluate your horse. “Is he reliable and road ready?” Has he been desensitized to the noise and movement of traffic? If not, invest in his education. Find the time, a trainer or a clinic to help prepare you both for road readiness. When riding with friends, consider the readiness of their horses to adapt to the challenges that may happen on the road. Fear and nervousness can be transferable from horse to horse. When crossing a roadway select a safe spot to cross. View every bend in the road, intersection, crest of a hill or construction zone as a hazard. Choose an area to cross where approaching cars are easily seen and heard. Stop… before crossing the road. Get your horse’s focus and full attention before asking him to cross. Use all your senses. Be aware of everything going on around you. If you are riding in a group, wait until everyone is ready. Then cross as a unit, walking single file. Keep the “herd” intact for safety. Never try to stop traffic to cross. Look… all ways. Check both directions for oncoming traffic. Check in front to what’s ahead and behind for any potential hazards. Look at the road surface to assess its
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footing. Things like mail boxes, flags or garbage tossed in ditches could startle your horse. Evaluate what you see to determine whether this is a good location for you to cross. Listen… for approaching cars. Engine sounds give you clues on what type of vehicle is approaching and the speed it is traveling. Pay attention to where your horse is listening. They use their ears to focus on sounds and may hear something before you do. Be Aware Awareness begins by knowing the laws in your state regarding riding on the roadway. Check with your state motor vehicle office for rules regulating where you can ride and whether you ride with traffic or against it. When safe to do so, I prefer riding against the flow of traffic. This gives me a better picture of oncoming traffic. Your horse is less likely to startle if he can see the traffic next to him as opposed to cars zipping up directly behind him. Rider tension and nervousness is transmitted to your horse. If you anticipate a problem and tense up every time a vehicle approaches, your horse will too. Relax and stay cool, calm and centered for your horse’s benefit. He looks to you for confidence and leadership. Be aware of road surface dangers. Asphalt roads can be very slippery especially when wet. Gravel roads with large stones can cause “stone bruises”, tender footedness or your horse to stumble. Riding on these road surfaces require special shoeing considerations. When you choose to ride along a roadway, select one with minimum traffic levels, lower speed limits, good solid footing and a wide shoulder. This gives you maximum response time and room to maneuver when you need to. To make your ride as safe as possible, remember to “be seen”, “be safe” and “be aware”. Mary is a Mounted Police insturctor and a fully insured ARICP certified 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
October 08 (Madison, WI – September 2008) The Midwest Horse Fair®, one of the top three-day horse fairs in America, welcomes 11-time Women’s Professional Rodeo Association World Champion Charmayne James to the 2009 event. Held in Madison, Wis. at the Alliant Energy Center, the Midwest Horse Fair® has been growing and going strong since 1979. This three-day event features numerous world class equine clinicians, provides promotional opportunities for equine-related businesses, and promotes the importance of the equine industry in the Midwest. Charmayne James won her first World Champion Barrel Racer title at the age of 14. She earned National Finals Rodeo qualifications for 19 consecutive years, beginning in 1984. She was National Finals Rodeo
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MILLION DOLLAR COWGIRL to be at 2009 Midwest Horse Fair®! (NFR) Average Champion seven times, and was inducted in the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame in Fort Worth, Texas in 1992.
ics and making appearances at equine events, and she recently finished writing a book, Charmayne James on Barrel Racing, for Western Horseman.
In 1990 James became the first Million Dollar Cowgirl, and holds the honor of being the all-time leading money earner in barrel racing. James is the holder of more World Championships than any other woman in professional sports. In 1996, James’ h o r s e "Scamper" was inducted into the Professional Rodeo Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs, Colo. Since retiring from mainstream rodeo competitions, James has been devoting her time to riding, training and raising horses at her Running Bay Ranch in Athens, Texas. She also travels around the country giving clin-
James believes that having the ability to train a broke solid horse will make for a more successful barrel racer on any horse. Because of this belief, James incorporates horsemanship into her clinics. She shares the knowledge, techniques and care that helped her to become a champion. The demonstration by James at the 2009 Midwest Horse Fair® will focus on barrel racing. To find out more information on James’ presentation, or for a listing of other clinicians scheduled for the three-day event, visit www.midwesthorsefair.com. The Midwest Horse Fair® is owned by the Wisconsin State Horse Council, Inc. 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. Please contact us via phone at (920) 623-5515 or email manager@midwesthorsefair.com
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The Canter: Advancing By Bob Jeffreys & Suzanne Sheppard
Let’s start with a simple lead change. Your horse must have been taught to recognize your cues for a lead specific canter departure before beginning the next lesson. Work in an arena or confined area that allows room for at least two side by side 60 to 70 feet circles connected by a straight line. Simple Exercise
Lead
Change
Begin riding your 60’ - 70’ circle to the left on the left lead.As you approach the middle of the arena and the start of the straight line, transition down to the trot Trot down the straight line Then show your horse you’re going to circle right and cue for the right lead. Circle around until you approach the straight line again, transition down to the trot and then request the left lead again as you begin a circle to the left. Repeat many times until your horse has learned the lesson. Some folks use a variation of this
lesson to teach the flying change by gradually decreasing the allowed trot time until the trot is eliminated. The flying lead change is something all horses instinctively know how to do and you can see foals change flawlessly while at play out in the field. But the additional weight of a rider, poor timing in the request or other rider mistakes such as shifting or leaning can create a myriad of problems, and may even cause our horse to resent this maneuver. So before attempting the flying change your horses should be familiar with sidepassing, traveling with haunches in or haunches out and able to pick up specific lead canter departs from the stop with only a few walking steps. Flying Lead Change Exercise Return to your two circles connected by a straight line. Canter left in the left lead around your circle. Halt halfway down your straight line. Immediately sidepass a couple of steps to the left while bending your horse slightly to the right. He is now in a good frame to pick up the right lead, so apply your diagonal aids for the right lead and use your voice (kiss) and seat to “push” him into
the right lead. Canter around your circle to the right. Continue half way down your straight center line and halt. This time sidepass to the right while bending your horse slightly to the left (setting him up for your left lead departure), etc. After many repetitions of the exercise you can eliminate the stop and simply ask your horse for a few (somewhat sideways) steps while cantering down the center line, changing the bend in your horse with your reins and “pushing” leg (the leg which is requesting the somewhat sideway movement). Then apply your opposite lead diagonal aids to accomplish the “flying” change. As your horse becomes better and better you can simply brush him with your “pushing” leg (without actually going somewhat sideways) before applying your opposite lead diagonal cues. The brushing becomes a precue that you want a change. Some trainers actually use it as the sole cue for the change. The “counter canter” refers to a horse traveling to the right in the left lead or visa versa. It is deliberately requested in order to strengthen and supple horses. It is difficult for a horse to maintain the counter canter because he has to work harder. Therefore it can also be used to encourage a horse to perform the “flying” change because he will want to do it anyway. When your horse is performing at this level, speed control also becomes easier. Speed Control in the Canter When requesting a fast canter lean slightly forward from your waist moving your hand or hands a bit forward while pushing your seat faster. It also helps to open up your circle and make it larger (70 feet minimum diameter). When attempting to transition to a slow canter or lope sit back a little while bringing your rein hand back ever so slightly and simultaneously slowing down your seat; making your circle smaller (30 or 40 feet diameter) will also help. You can also use this slow small circle to help develop collection in the canter by driving with your seat as you bring the circle size down even further. You horse will have to use his hind end more and reach further underneath himself. You now have some useful information and a couple of fun exercises to help you with your canter. Until next time…ride safe and enjoy. © October 2008. For info about Bob & Suzanne’s Wind Rider Challenge, DVD’s, books, Horsemanship Ed Courses or ProTrack™ Trainer Certification Program call (845) 692-7478, or visit www.TwoasOneHorsemanship.com.
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Issues from the Saddle
Over-reactive to leg pressure by Julie Goodnight
Question: I have a 4-yearold bay breeding stock paint gelding. He is broke for western pleasure and does really well. His only problem is that he completely goes crazy if I put my feet on him for any reason. If I bump him he will just take off running. So there is no way that I can get him to move away from the pressure I put on him w/ my feet. He will trot and canter just by clucking and kissing and he does just fine this way. As soon as I even slightly touch him
w/ my feet he will just get flustered and is ready to go. He is not dangerous at all just ready to go. He has lots of energy too, which I like. He would be an excellent barrel prospect, and I have even thought about doing barrels w/ him, but I want him to know the difference between pleasure and barrels. Could you please tell me a way to get him over him going crazy when I put my feet on him and what is the best way to train him so that he knows the difference between western pleasure and barrels?? Thank you so much, Doug Answer: It sounds like you have a horse that is very forward and sensitive in his sides. These are not necessarily bad qualities, although very forward horses don't often make good Western Pleasure mounts. Your horse simply needs to be desensitized to leg pressure and you need to use your legs more effectively. To desensitize your horse to leg pressure, first make sure you keep you leg in contact with the horse's barrel all of the time, with your legs in correct position, hanging straight down underneath you with your calf in contact with the horse's sides. It is very tempting when riding a forward or sensitive horse to stiffen your leg and hold it off the horse's sides. This will always make a sensitive-sided horse worse. Because every time you go to use your leg, it becomes a big movement and because the horse is not used to the feel of your leg against his side so it comes as a shock to the horse when your leg comes in contact. You want to
keep what is called a "warm leg," which means that your calf is very close to the horse's barrel. To desensitize your horse to leg movement, keep your legs very loose and relaxed and move them slowly and gently back and forth on your horse's barrel, first at a stand still and later at a walk. If your horse tries to pick up speed when you do this, gently sit back and pick up on the reins to let him know that you don't want him to go faster. Once your horse is desensitized to the leg, you'll have to improve the technique you are using to cue him with your legs; my guess is that you are simply over-cueing him. You shouldn't have to bump to make him go, you may not even need to use your legs at all. Instead, try cueing him with your weight aid to go and stop, which is probably all you need. There are articles on my website about how to use your aids effectively and my videos do a great job of explaining how to use your aids correctly. I have ridden thousands of horses in my lifetime, many of them very sensitive and forward horses. I have yet to encounter one that didn't accept leg cues when they are applied properly. You probably just need to correct your leg position and lighten up on your aids. As for your other question, it is not easy to use a horse for both barrels and pleasure since they are such opposite disciplines and the talent required of the horse for each event is much different. A horse that is good at one, would probably not be that great at the other. However, there is no reason that you can't try both and there are some horses that can do both disciplines quite well. When working on your barrel training, make sure that you train at slow speeds a lot, working on flexing and bending the horse and strategic positioning around the turn. Only work at speed on occasion (this is true of training any barrel horse). Another good idea any time you are training a horse for more than one thing, especially when he may be expected to act very differently in the two things, is to use different training context. For example, use different bridles for the two events and also do your training in two separate areas. That way, the horse will learn that when he has on one bridle he is expected to do one thing and when he goes to a certain area, he will be training only in that discipline. Good luck to you! Julie Goodnight Trainer and Clinician Julie Goodnight Natural Horsemanship TrainingTM Goodnight Training Stables, Inc.TM PO Box 397, Poncha Springs, Colorado 81242 Phone: 719-530-0531 • 800-225-8827 • fax: 719-530-0939 www.juliegoodnight.com
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M idwest H orse D igest 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
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.; 618-275-4440, 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.
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, 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.; 218-894-0056 Outback Ranch, Inc., Houston, MN.; 507-896-5550, www.outbackranch.com Overnight Stabling Outback Ranch, Inc., Houston, MN.; 507-896-5550, www.outbackranch.com Public Lands Arrow Head State Park, Tower, MN.; 218-753-6256 Chippewa National Forest, Deer River, MN.; 218-246-2123 Heartland State Trail, Nevis, MN.; 218-652-4054 Lake Louise State Park, LeRoy, MN.; 507-324-5249 Maplewood State Park, Pelican Rapids, MN.; 218-863-8383 North Shore State Trail, Two Harbors, MN.; 218-834-5238 Pillsbury State Forest, Brainerd, MN.; 218-828,2557 Taconite State Trail, Tower, MN.; 218-753-2580 ext.250 NORTH DAKOTA Trail Rides Badlands Trail Rides, Killdeer, ND.; 701-764-8000, www.badlandstrailrides.com
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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.; 701-9734331, www.littleknifeoutfitters.com Public Lands Fort Ransom State Park, Fort Ransom, ND.; 701-973-4331 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: 605-578-1142, 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;715382-4574 Token Creek County Park, Madison,WI.; 608-246-3896 Wild Rock Park, Neilsville, WI.; 715-743-5140
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Betsy Berrey... continued from page 13. For example, The Purpose of Training Level is “To confirm that the horse’s muscles are supple and loose and that it moves freely forward in a clear and steady rhythm, accepting contact with the bit.” The Purpose of Second Level is “To confirm that the horse, having demonstrated that it has achieved the thrust (pushing power) required at First Level, now shows that through additional training it accepts more weight on the hindquarters (collection), shows the uphill tendency required at the medium gaits and is reliably on the bit. A greater degree of straightness, bending, suppleness, throughness, balance and self-carriage is required than at first Level.” The Purpose of Fourth Level is “To confirm that the horse has achieved the requirements of Third Level. These are tests of medium difficulty designed to confirm that the horse has acquired a high degree of suppleness, impulsion, throughness, plus a clear uphill balance and lightness while always remaining reliably on the bit and that his movements are straight, energetic and cadenced with the transitions precise and smooth.” Here is some additional reading material that will help to clarify issues and answer many questions about dressage. The current USEF Rule Book, Dressage Section , USDF Glossary of Terms, “Riding Logic” by Wilhelm Museler , “The Principles of Riding” and “Advanced Techniques of Riding” both by the German National Equestrian Federation. There are many other books out there, but I tend to prefer the classic ones that emphasize correct basic training. Although they are now more athletic, horses are still horses and you can’t go wrong with the time-tested techniques of training. 2. Learn to ride the “simple” or “non-brilliant” movements very well. This includes halts, rein backs, turns on the haunches, walk pirouettes and corners. Any horse can learn to ride these movements accurately. After Training Level there are 3 halts in every test. Here is a great opportunity to earn 3 high marks whatever type of horse you have. The same is true of rein backs which begin in Second Level. When 4 steps back are required learn to count accurately, be precise, and be sure that your horse is straight. Mastering turns on the haunches, with correct bend and balance, will prepare your horse for walk pirouettes since the only difference between the 2 movements is size. As you move up the levels corners become increasingly important for suppling your horse and preparing for upcoming movements. First Level requires 10 meter circles so use this as a guide for how deeply you ride the corners throughout the test. The short side of the arena, from corner to corner, is also an ideal time to show off your horse, his outline and his basic gaits to the judge.
M idwest H orse D igest 3. Ride accurately from letter to letter, with correct geometry and clear transitions. The judge arrives at a score by using the formula B + C +/- M = S. This means that the judge looks at the Basics (Rhythm, Suppleness, Contact, Impulsion, Straightness and Collection) plus the Criteria (requirements of that particular movement) plus or minus the modifiers (including size, accuracy, geometry and corners.) Modifiers can move the score up or down so they are important when riding any test. Be sure that you ride correct geometry on all figures and that every transition is clear and well-marked. On a circle, whether it is 20 meters or 8 meters, the horse needs to be correctly bent on a curved line and the circle needs to be round and even, not square or oval. A circle should not have straight sides so if your horse is on the track for more than a stride or two the circle will not be accurate. It is also important to know the correct distances in the arena. All of them are measured in meters and this will help you in riding accurately. The distance between H, G and M from the end of the arena is 6 meters. The same is true of K, D and F. All of the other letters are 12 meters apart. Therefore when riding a 20 meter circle at B or E you should cross the centerline 2 meters inside of I and L. Drawing a diagram or walking this in an arena will help with the geometry. The Old Masters said “Ride your horse forward and make him straight.” Since all horses are stiffer to one side your goal in training is to make the horse as evenly supple to the right and to the left as possible. Then circles in both directions, as well as turns, loops, serpentines and lateral work will be similar if not exactly the same. 4. Diagram the tests you plan to ride. This will help you to understand where each movement begins and ends. There are no gray areas in a test – every stride is counted in one movement or another. If a problem occurs you may be able to confine it to one movement so it doesn’t spill into the next one.
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Then you need to recover and go on! The same is true if you go off course. It only costs two points but you must regain your composure and ride confidently for the rest of the test. There are several ways to diagram the tests. You can use small drawings of the arena and do each movement in one color per level or in different colors for walk trot and canter. You can also put diagrams of the movements in the comment boxes on a copy of the test. This will help you to see that some movements are quite long as in Training Level Test 2, #2 which goes from the right turn at C down the long side, including a 20 meter circle at B, and continues all the way to K. In the same test there are 2 separate scores for 12 short meters of medium walk in movements #7 and #9. 5. Compare all your tests over a season of competition. Set aside the high and low scores and look at the ones in the middle. You will then have a clear picture of you and your horse’s strengths and weaknesses. Then you can plan future training based on past results. Today most judges have been to the “same school” and are looking for very similar things on each test. However sometimes one judge is more bothered by seeing the nose behind the vertical or seeing extravagant front legs than another judge. Rides can also look quite different when judged from the side, at B or E, than from C. If all of the judges came up with Identical scores we wouldn’t need to be sure that scores for awards came from different judges. Each one of us may see movements a little differently or emphasize certain modifiers more than others. Therefore it is best to look at the tests which are in the middle range of scores to see how the majority of judges viewed your horse and your tests. There will be general agreement about your strengths, for example medium paces, and weaknesses, the transitions into and out of those mediums. This will be very helpful as you work to improve your scores and the overall picture that you present when riding a test. continued on page 31
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Visit www.UBRA.org for latest information including upcomingevents, results, current standings, classified ads and more!
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www.UBRA.org Promoting Barrel Racing Fun for Everyone! info@ubra.org (715) 857-6343
UBRA Series Producers: Arrowhead Arena Cowboy Moon Arena Dancing Sky Ranch High Island Arena Houck Horse Co. JJ Arena NBHA MN01 & MN06 LD Ranch Welcome to the United Barrel Racing Association 2009 Season! We hope your enjoy your monthly copy of the Horse Digest magazine. The November issue will feature 2008 Champions and the December issue will start again with the current standings for the 2009 season. Check out the UBRA website for latest news, upcoming events, results and current standings (www.UBRA.org). UBRA eNews will be sent the 1st of each month via email. Make sure and get your 8 UBRA shows in to compete at the 2009 $10,000 ADDED UBRA World Finale. Let us know about the events in your area that you would like to see UBRA certified so that you may qualify for the World Finale and earn points towards year end awards. For complete UBRA Rules – visit the UBRA.org website and click on the “Rules” link. Best of luck with the 2009 season! UBRA.org Reminder: UBRA point and memberships run from 10/1 to 9/30 of each year.
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October 08
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whole issue of the horses’ instinctual behavior. Because you are dealing with a prey by Dennis Auslam animal you will never take the flight instinct out of them. If you, as a horse owner, can grasp that one bit of knowledge it will open up the door to understanding why it is so important that you gain the respect of your horse. Once that knowledge is gained you are on your way to having a trustworthy, enjoyable horse to ride. We often help find the right horse for people looking for that perfect horse. Matching a horse and rider can be quite a feat and I always encourage a new horse owner to let us help them get used to the horse with some lessons for both horse and rider. All horses will test you. This again goes back to the herd instinct. They want to know if you are going to be the herd leader or if they have to become the leader. It is only natural for them to do this. So even an older horse will test the waters, so to speak, and see what you know. They are trying to find out if you are going to be their place of safety. You can become that place if you gain their respect that is why it is so important to learn how to correct them. Being aware of unwanted behavior, and correcting it when it happens, is the only way you will gain their respect. You cannot ignore it when they walk into your space or push you around, so if you correct it you will find that you are going to end up with a safer horse and a happier horse because he then learns that you are his place of safety. We will be bring you more tips on how to gain the respect of your horse in future articles so don’t miss an issue. Take care, God Bless and stay safe!
Understanding the Instinctual Behavior of the Horse
Training horses for about as many years as I am old, which is a subject I won’t go into, you get to really learn how the horse behaves and thinks. When you train for a living, and you have done it your whole life, it becomes instinctive to notice good behavior and reward the horse and unwanted behavior, which you react immediately to correct. It becomes kind of like a built in switch, but it actually comes from years of learning and watching, not to mention making mistakes that often get you hurt and not wanting to repeat those episodes again. That quick correction is what appears easy for us as trainers and what is often difficult for the average horse owner who doesn’t spend all day, everyday, working with their horse. Something I have noticed, as the horse industry has grown and so many new horse enthusiasts have joined the ranks of
horse ownership, is the undesired behavior is often overlooked or not noticed. All this really is, in most instances, is a lack of understanding horse behavior and that is something that can be overcome with instruction and study. Learning that the horse is a prey animal and understanding the instinctual behavior that is built into a prey animal is your first step to becoming aware of what your horse is doing and why it is doing it. This can be a hard issue to grasp if you have not been around horses or grown up with them. But failing to grasp this concept is not only going to cause you confusion and aggravation, it can endanger both you and your horse. When a horse learns that you are not paying attention to or correcting the behavior he exhibits that should be unwanted, he will search for or try to become the leader. His behavior, left unchecked, will get worse. Small problems that are ignored will build into big problems and often grow into dangerous behavior. This means you are going to get hurt and your horse is probably going to get hurt also. I love horses and always have. Or I would not be doing what I do. I also gain great enjoyment and satisfaction training and teaching both the horse and rider. It is a passion for me! I want to see people enjoy their horses and learn how to handle them. It always brings a smile to my face when I see the light bulb of understanding go off and a new skill learned and developed, whether it is in the horse, the rider, or both. In our last few articles I have talked quite a bit about respect issues and tried to teach on some techniques you can use to develop that respect from your horse. But one thing I would like to try and convey to you is the
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 and has recently added an Extreme Trail Course to his facility. You can contact him at 507-430-0342 or visit his website at www.redwoodstables.com
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SUNDANCE 500 INTERNATIONAL, INC. CELEBRATES 35 th ANNIVERSARY Who was Sundance? Sundance F500 was an Appaloosa Stallion foaled in Northern Colorado in May, 1932 about 10 miles west of Estes Park. His dam, Cheeco was a small black mustang that had been caught wild in the Four Corners Area. In 1931, Phil Jenkins bred Cheeco to the chestnut leopard, Daylight, son of Starbuck Leopard. A year later, Jenkins rode up Mt. Chiquita looking for Cheeco and found a week old colt with a snow white coat covered with a thousand blood red spots. He was named Sundance. Sundance displayed high intelligence and a gentle nature. Jenkins taught him many tricks and he also became a using ranch horse. He could race the half mile in 49.7 seconds, rope a coyote, yet was gentle enough for a child to ride. He sired many foals but only 13 were ever registered with the Appaloosa Horse Club. Sundance was sold to John Whisanad and was used as a remount stallion from New Mexico to Wyoming. In 1947 or 1948, P.S. “Doc” Edwards traded some cattle for Sundance and his son, Woodrow Sheik, F-502. Doc was convinced to register Sundance and his son with the new Appaloosa Horse Club. The Appaloosa as a colorful, athletic breed was little known then. Doc and his sons used Sundance as a stock horse, herd sire and playmate. Of course, visitors always wanted to ride him, as this Red leopard stallion had quite a fan club. But the story does not end, as Sundance’s progeny began many outstanding lines in racing (Wego Melody), English (Shavano’s Pride), western (Patchy, Jr.) and halter (Ha-Dar Shado). In 1988, Sundance F-500 was inducted into the Appaloosa Hall of Fame. Today, whether a Sundance bloodline horse owner, breeder or friend, the spirit of this red leopard Sundance F-500 lives on with colorful, athletic, versatile Appaloosas. The spirit lives on in the history of the Appaloosa and in the sharing of its future. What is Sundance 500 International? Sundance 500 International is a non-profit organization which celebrating its 35th anniversary in 2008. It is the oldest by bloodline registry, to our knowledge, in the United States. Sundance 500 was established to provide information, to preserve the history of the Appaloosa and Sundance F-500; to continually discover and exchange ideas; and to encourage good
relations among Appaloosa clubs and friends throughout the world whether they own an Appaloosa or just simply love the Appaloosa. Today, it is a worldwide organization of people who own or breed not just the Sundance bloodline but other bloodlines as well. It is an organization of people who love the Appaloosa, whether they own one or not, whether it is Sundance Appaloosa or not—IT IS AN APPALOOSA! Sundance 500 assists members in marketing and promoting their Appaloosas and provides continuing education on care (i.e. West Nile Virus), training and development of the Appaloosa through national and international organizations. Its newsletter contains articles of interest on the old and present day breeders, Pedigree
articles and other items. Further, it has photo contests throughout the year for their members and a yearly “Foal of the Year” contest. Sundance also publishes a Stallion Directory every other year. Sundance 500 encourages its member breeders to improve the quality of their stock and provides incentives for each member to act in the spirit of Sundance with mutual cooperation, brotherhood and good will. For additional information you can visit our website at http://sundance500.com or for a sample of our Stallion Directory, contact the Sundance Secretary at 16211 Woodville Road, Brandywine, MD 20613 or deansbrf@yahoo.com
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Questions for an Equine Law Practitioner
You Have a Corporation Can You Be Personally Liable? Julie I. Fershtman, Attorney at Law www.equinelaw.net Dear Ms. Fershtman: My wife and I have a riding lesson business. Our friend recommended that we set up a Limited Liability Company. Does this mean my wife and I can't be sued anymore? – R.M. (No state specified) Equine businesses have every incentive to consider establishing a corporation or Limited Liability Company ("LLC") because the business entity can serve as a powerful shield against personal liability of the business owners. That is, when people like R.M. and his wife properly set up and manage a business entity, such as a corporation or LLC, they typically should not be personally liable for debts or liabilities of the business. This protection is especially desirable if the business runs the risk of a lawsuit that could exceed its liability insurance limits. Because R.M., and his wife are in the riding lesson business, they unquestionably face the risk that a student could be severely injured and later sue the business. (In a lawsuit I worked on nearly 12 years ago, a student fell from a horse and suffered a severe closed head injury; her medical bills the first year, alone, were over $500,000.) The problem is, R.M. believes that people who set up corporate entities can never be sued personally. Sometimes they can. This article offers some suggestions to help avoid this problem. How Corporate Officers and Shareholders Could Be Personally Liable The legal phrase "piercing the corporate veil" means that a court might disregard your corporation or LLC as though it never existed and hold its owners or shareholders personally liable for the business debts or obligations. These issues rarely arise, but they can happen to those who fail to take their business seriously. If R.M. merely set up a corporation but continued to operate, as he has always done, under his personal name, with no business documentation, and with no attention to detail, he is at risk. Suggestions to Avoid Personal Liability Here are some measures you can take to prevent the "piercing the corporate veil" problem from happening to you: Get a Federal Employer Identification Number. A Federal Employer Identification Number (known as a "FEIN"or "EIN") is comparable to a Social Security number. Businesses need the FEIN before they open a bank account, file a tax return, send invoices, make a tax deposit, or hire employees. The Internal Revenue Service offers Form SS-4, Application for an Employer Identification Number, online at www.irs.gov. Separate Banking. In the eyes of the law, a properly established business entity,
such as a corporation or LLC, is separate from its owners or shareholders. Consequently, if R.M. deposits his riding stable income directly into his personal bank account, rather than into a business account first, this could be trouble. The same rule applies to expenses, such as payments to the feed or tack store. Use business funds to make these payments, Or, document that one of the owners gave the business a loan to pay its bills. This can be done through a contract, such as a promissory note. My book, MORE Equine Law & Horse Sense, explains elements of these agreements. Keep the Corporation's Accounts Reasonably Funded. Keep the business bank account funded with reasonably sufficient funds to meet its expected debts. R.M.'s riding stable would be suspicious if it only maintained a constant bank balance of $100 yet paid over $2,000 a month to lease its property. Operate the Business Under the Corporate Name (or A Properly Established Assumed Name). Businesses often operate under names that differs from the entity's name, such as J.M., Inc., d/b/a Ride Rite Farm. "Ride Rite Farm" is called a "fictitious" or "assumed" name. If the business entity transacts business under an assumed name, it should find out whether the state of the incorporation requires an assumed name filing. States often keep these records and it can help prevent the problem of another business operating under the same name. File Annual Reports.State governments typically annual reports from the corporation or LLC. Those who fail to submit one over a designated period of time risk having their corporate authority revoked. Sign Contracts Properly. Make sure that people with whom you do business know whom they are dealing with. Contracts can state, for example: XYZ, Corp., an Ohio corporation
By: _____________________________ Jane Doe, President Stay Adequately Insured. If the business has proper liability insurance with adequate limits, this can significantly lessen the chance that someone will bring a "piercing the corporate veil" challenge against the business owners in an attempt to collect money. Consequently, people like R.M. should make sure they have proper business-related liability insurance for the business activities, not merely a policy of homeowner's insurance. Discuss your insurance carefully with a knowledgeable insurance agent or lawyer. 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 22 years, is one of the nation's most experienced Equine Law practitioners. She has achieved numerous courtroom victories, drafted hundreds of contracts, and has lectured at the industry's largest conventions. For more information, visit www.equinelaw.net and www.equinelaw.info. Julie Fershtman's books , MORE Equine Law & Horse Sense and Equine Law & Horse Sense, can help you avoid disputes. They are easy to read and are required reading at several equine studies programs across the country. Order both books for $42.90, firstclass shipping included. For more information, or to order, call 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.
October 08
M idwest H orse D igest 20 Year Old Rocks the Jumper Crowd-
Wonderful Walden Dances With Jumps exhibition at the show. Walden’s musical freestyle exhibition was to provide the spectators with another form of equine entertainment prior to the $50,000 Grand Prix Jumping Classic. Sell and her 20 yearold Hanoverian were an immediate hit as they demonstrated upper level dressage moves around the jumps to the music of Led Zeppelin. Their piaffes, pirouettes and passages thrilled the audience as they pranced across the course to the lively beat of the music. “Walden was in his glory,” said Rebar Sell. “After a summer of R & R he was all puffed up and proud to show off what a Grand Prix dressage horse can do. He loved being in front of an audience again!” Last season, Walden, who still exhibits the
Betsy Rebar Sell and her famous FEI dressage horse, Wonderful Walden, thrilled the crowds as they exhibiedt dressage moves around the Grand Prix jumps at the North Coast American Jumper Classic in Cleveland, Ohio.
Wonderful Walden, a Pan Am Dressage Gold Medal winner and a top finisher in Grand Prix at the 2007 USEF Festival of Champions at Gladstone, headed for the grand prix jumper ring at the North Coast Jumper Classic in Cleveland, Ohio last week. Walden and his eleven-year dressage partner, Betsy Rebar Sell, rode in FEI grand prix style around the grand prix jumps for a special
Betsy Berrey.... continured from page 25 Another valuable resource is “The Winning Edge” series of DVDs which I created along with Pan Am Gold Medalist Christopher Hickey. Volumes 1 and 2 cover all 18 of the 2007 USEF Dressage Tests. Volume 3 focuses on the Young Horse Tests for 5 and 6 Year Olds and Volume 4 includes the Young Rider Team Test, Prix St-Georges and Intermediaire 1. They can all be ordered easily on our website www.dressagedimensions.com I hope this information has been interesting and useful. As Wilhelm Museler wrote in “Riding Logic,” 1937, “The end of all schooling and dressage is perfect harmony between man and mount – Beauty. The horse must show that he feels comfortable and rider must not betray how hard it is to achieve this!” Betsy has been a USEF Licensed Dressage Judge for more than 20 years and has held a Senior License for 8 years. She has owned and competed a variety of warmbloods through the FEI levels, earning her Bronze and Silver Medals along the way. She is also an active member of the USDF “L” Program Faculty and its Standing Committee. Betsy judges and teaches an average of 20 weekends per year both at home in Wellington FL and around the country. During the winter show season she conducts Ride-a-Test Clinics for horses and riders at all levels, carrying on a tradition that was started many years ago by one of her mentors, Edgar Hotz. In 2006, along with trainer and FEI competitor Christopher Hickey, she founded Dressage Dimensions to provide continuing education for riders and judges. The “Winning Edge” DVD series now has 4 volumes. Volumes 1 and 2 cover all 18 of the 2007 USEF Dressage Tests, Volume 3 focuses on the 5 and 6 Year Old Young Horse Tests and Volume 4, a 2 disc set, includes the Young Rider Team Test, Prix St. Georges and Intermediaire 1. “Judging is an ideal way to improve and guide our sport in the 21st Century. Dressage is always a team effort and the sport can only flourish when we all come together, committed to the best interests of our horses, their training and their competitive careers.”
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light and defiant extensions of a much younger horse, was impressive enough to attract a feed sponsorship from Triple Crown feed. “Walden maintains a regimen of Triple Crown Senior feed and their new product, Safe Starch Forage,” said Rebar Sell. “He has never looked or acted better and is very ready to compete on the 2009 Florida circuit this winter.” At Dressage at Devon, Rebar Sell will team up with her “second partner” co-owner of Show Clothes, Michele Hundt, at their mobile boutique. This is the first year Sho Clothes has taken the mobile boutique to Devon. “We want to be at the shows for every riding need our dressage clientele may have,” enthused Hundt. In October, the Sho Clothes mobile boutique, Hundt, Rebar Sell and Walden will head south for Florida winter circuit again in 2009. Dressage enthusiasts in Florida can also visit the Sho Clothes Sho Room in Wellington, Florida, where photos of Wonderful Walden and other dressage greats line their “wall of fame.” Visit www.shoclothes.com for more details.
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Wisconsin’s Veterinary Medical School Gets Equine Laser Surgery MADISON – Lasers are changing the options available to horse owners whose animals need surgical procedures. “Laser surgery can not only save horse owners money for certain procedures, it can also be more effective than traditional surgery, with fewer complications,” says Dr. Sabrina Brounts, a veterinary surgeon at the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine in Madison. The school’s Large Animal Hospital recently obtained both CO2 and diode laser surgery instrumentation in order to provide clients with new options for treatment of upper respiratory (roarers, dorsal displacement of the soft palate), urogenital (uterine cysts), musculoskeletal (joint fusion), and skin problems (tumor removal, or wounds that don’t want to close). Dr. Brounts notes that laser surgery is minimally invasive and does not always require general anesthesia. Equine Laser Surgery — 2 “This means a procedure can be performed standing, which is less risk for a horse because recovery time is quicker,” she says. “Sometimes a procedure can even be
done as an outpatient, where the horse comes in and goes home the same day.” She points out that lasers seal small blood and lymph vessels, thereby decreasing edema (or swelling) after surgery. Lasers also seal small nerves in the tissue, which decreases pain after surgery and makes the patient more comfortable more quickly. All of these factors mean that there is less risk of complications, so some surgeries that are not practical with conventional methods can be undertaken with laser. For example, recently a 22-year-old Paint horse that had developed a rapidly-growing squamous cell carcinoma just below its anus was referred to the School of Veterinary Medicine in Madison. Traditional surgery was not an option because removal of the growth would have interfered with nearby sensitive tissues. But laser surgery combined with injected-bead chemotherapy left the horse comfortable again and able to be ridden. The school’s surgeons used a CO2 laser to provide a precise, concentrated, high-power light source with minimal thermal damage to surrounding tissue. CO2 laser is used primarily to remove tumors and masses
Weber Wins the Dressage and Culminates With a Silver Medal at the World Championships Weber’s team never broke concentration. “It B e e s d , T h e surely added impulsion and engagement to Netherlandsthe performance,” said Weber shaking his U.S. Four-in-Hand head. The USEF National Champion clearly Driving Champion, impressed the judges and was firmly in the Chester Weber,has lead of the provisional standings after the first finished an extraordinary strong summer cam- dressage day. paign in Europe by winning the dressage An elated Weber signaled out two of his phase of the World Driving Championships in horses, “Jamaica, Beesd, The Netherlands. With my lead horse, a win and a strong marathon and Para, a behind him, Weber attacked wheel horse, the last phase and won the worked hard all Individual Silver Medal. This three days. My is the first time an American 17 year-old driver has won an Individual Jamaica gets Medal with a Four-in-Hand at the MVP from a World Championship. me. He has “Winning the dressage was been in dresvery special to me as I broke sage at four a world record in Riesenbeck W o r l d and then broke my own record Photo: Chester Weber shows off his Championships at the World Championship,” said winning dressage form and has two wins, one a broadly smiling Weber. “It was at the World Driving Championship second and one third great, I am so privileged to be able in Beesd, The Netherlands. to show for it. And to work with such a spectacular (My Elisabeth Weber) there he was, fresh team of horses and people.” and bucking before His fired up team of KWPN geldings hit their the prize ceremony on Friday!” stride in the dressage performance scoring a Navigators Olof Larsson and Taren Lester record breaking 32.13 penalty points. In spite were with Weber turn for turn and step for step of two heart-stopping moments when a Dutch throughout the entire competition. Their military jet flew very low over the arena twice, dreams were on the line as they steadied the
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associated with the skin. “Tumors are easily removed with the CO2 laser,” Dr. Brounts points out. “The CO2’s beam allows tumorous tissue to be shaved away with great precision, avoiding damage to other surrounding tissue. This means there is less chance of a recurrence of tumors such as sarcoids, melanomas or fibroid papillomas.” Equine Laser Surgery — 3 A diode laser, on the other hand, has a lower wavelength than the CO2 lasers. Its beam is transmitted through a flexible fiber, which can be passed through the biopsy channel of an endoscope or used in conjunction with a laparoscope or arthroscope. It is generally used to treat upper respiratory conditions such as ethmoid hematomas (nasal bleeding), soft palate problems, guttural pouch conditions, or urogenital problems such as uterine cysts. Diode lasers can also be used to help fuse joints (such as the lower joints in the hock) if traditional joint injections are no longer working. Laser treatment speeds up the fusion process, allowing the patient to find relief from pain more quickly. Horse owners who would like to know if laser surgery might benefit a condition in their horse can call the school’s Large Animal Hospital at 608/263-7600.
carriage through hazard 2, the treacherous C turn and the deep-water hazards at 3 and 7. But once again Team Weber proved itself a synergetic engine when the clock started. Preparing for the Marathon has become a major part of Team Weber’s training. Koos de Ronde has been an invaluable source of help in conjunction with Michael Freund’s coaching and mentoring. Weber has clear goals for the future; Two gold medals in Kentucky in 2010, team and individual. He has two strapping four year olds ready to take over the responsibilities of joining the Weber Team. Will Jamaica be able to compete at 19? “Time will tell,” Weber smiled. “I wouldn’t put it past him.” This 2008 World Four-in-Hand Driving Champion-ship was highly significant in the history of the sport of combined driving. 90,000 spectators surveyed the perfectly organized venue during the five days of intense competition. Weber has represented the USA in seven Word Pair and Four-in-Hand Championships enthused, “The atmosphere in Beesd was fantastic, it was like the World Equestrian Games or even better!” Driving is the oldest known competitive equestrian sport and became an FEI discipline in 1970. The Four-in-Hand World Champion-ships are held every two years, with every second edition coinciding with the FEI World Equestrian Games. The last World Driving Champion-ship was held in Aachen, Germany during the 2006 World Equestrian Games. Beesd proved a wonderful venue for the 2008 World Driving Champion-ships, but Chester Weber is already looking forward to the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Kentucky.
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Revolutionary Bareback “Saddle” Gains Popularity Middleburg, VA- This season’s best hybrid product is not a car, but it packs plenty of horsepower! L’Apogee Saddlery has introduced an innovative Bareback “Saddle” that is gaining popularity in a number of applications, and for good reason. The bareback “saddle” designed by Kitty Garrity of L’Apogee Saddles is really a hybrid. It functions like a bareback pad but has the stability of a saddle. The comfy L’Apogee Bareback Saddle is handcrafted in Austria out of premium medical grade lambskin. This premium grade sheepskin acts as a semi-electrical conductor that increases blood circulation, which is why it is used in hospitals worldwide. For equestrians, this breathable sheepskin is popular because it maintains and regulates temperature. It is also very durable and can be hand washed. The medical grade sheepskin also has antibacterial properties and neutralizes acids. Created for the comfort of both horse and rider, the Bareback “Saddle” is used in training sessions on an increasing basis by many top professionals and amateur horse owners. The Bareback Saddle has quilted fenders that are underlined with the same medical grade sheepskin, allowing the rider maximum contact with the horse. Its supportive foam lined cantle offers riders a unique back support. The L’Apogee Bareback Saddle, designed to be used with a dressage girth, adds to the saddle’s stability and the horse’s comfort. There are also handy “D” rings for attaching stirrup leathers. The D rings are carefully set lower on the saddle so there is no interference with the rider’s leg contact. As the rider sits in the Bareback Saddle the heat generated reduces the muscle tension and heat build up in the horse’s back, thus increasing the animal’s normal blood flow. The comfort level for horse and rider is maximized, enabling the horse to be more inclined to move freely and correctly. The L’Apogee Bareback Saddle is popular with competitive riders who use it to improve their core muscle strength, balance and contact. It is equally appreciated by trail and pleasure riders. Lightweight and easily portable, it makes tacking up quick and easy. The Bareback Saddle is also a wonderful tool for horses who have been laid up and lost their top line muscle. At this point, their own saddles will often be ill fitting and uncomfortable. The L’Apogee Bareback Saddle allows the horse to move freely and develop these muscles during rehabilitation. When their top line is restored they can once again fit comfortably in their conventional saddle.
The sheepskin Bareback Saddle is also a great benefit to therapeutic riding schools where the comfort level of the rider is of utmost importance. Spinal cord injured riders experience a reduced flow of blood in their legs. Riding in a leather or vinyl saddle often is very abrasive on their sensitive skin. But the softness and warmth of the sheepskin is stimulating and makes the activity pleasant for both horse and rider. Handicapped riders can become effortlessly involved in the horse’s movements through the intimate contact they have with the animal. Garrity trained with Olympic dressage riders while she earned her Bachelor of Science degree at the University of
Massachusetts in pre-vet and equine science. After 20 years of fitting saddles for top performance horses, Garrity launched L’Apogee Saddlery in 2003. “It is extremely important that the saddle is comfortable for the rider as well as the horse,” explains Garrity. “The condition of a horse’s back is extremely important. Anything less than a properly fitted saddle will remove the horse from competition or serious work.” Garrity returned to her drawing board this year and developed the L’Apogee Bareback Saddle to fill the gap between conventional saddles and bareback pads. The result is an innovative hybrid that is a much-needed addition to the equestrian market. It comes in fours sizes from toddler, “Shettie” Bareback, Pony Bareback, Full Bareback to Adult Bareback. For more information about the L’Apogee Bareback Saddle visit www.LapogeeSaddles.com
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Tulsa, Oklahoma The American Miniature Horse Registry (AMHR) National Championship Show announced the two winning young authors of the Youth Essay Contest in Tulsa, Oklahoma this month. The 2008 winners were Katherine Richey and Allison Payne, each of who was awarded a miniature horse for their efforts. The Youth Essay Contest was open to all current Junior Members of the AMHR. In the 13 to 17 age group Photo: Youth Essay Contest winners flank The AMHR National’s Princess, Katherine Richey from Kaylee Caldwell. Katherine Richey (L) holds her precious new weanling, Meridian, MS wrote a Cross Country’s Born on the Bayou, and Allison Payne takes charge charming piece on why of her beautiful trained driving horse, COH Baccarra Grand Prix. (Washburn Photography) she would be the best person to win the miniature-weanling buckskin colt. Richey, already well known in her community for rescuing animals, has decided to become a veterinarian. She recently lost both a mare and a foal promised to her by her aunt. This unfortunate event led her to write a compelling essay about why she wanted to win the weanling colt, Cross Country’s Born on the Bayou. "When I win Bayou, we will train him be a show horse at my aunt's farm.” Richey said with emphasis. “One day, I hope to return with Bayou to AMHR Nationals.” In strong support of the Youth Essay Contest, Belinda Bagby, of Cross Country Farm and a member of the Board of Directors for the ASPC, donated Cross Country’s Born on the Bayou, a smart looking buckskin-weanling colt for the essay contest. Babgy has donated several top horses to the AMHR essay program over the past few years. In the 12 and under age group, Allison Payne from Degraff, MN, submitted a clearly defined essay on why she very much wanted a driving horse. Tears flowed from the eyes of the announcer, Mark Bullington, as he read her essay to the audience. Little King Farm graciously donated a trained 5-year-old black driving horse, COH Baccarra Grand Prix, to the Youth Essay program. Clutching the lead shank tightly, Payne exclaimed, “When I heard I won I was happier that I ever imagined I could be. Minis have given me happiness and opportunities that I might not have otherwise had.” The two Youth Essay winners wrote with insight about their futures and the part they want to play in owning and showing their small charges. “The Youth Essay contest has become a very special part of our program,” said Zona Schneider, Operations Director for the AMHR. “We don’t announce the winners right away. Instead, we have the winning essays read aloud. It is marvelous to watch the faces of our young authors as they realize their essay is being read and they have won.”
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Two Miniature Horses Awarded to Youth Essay Contest Winners at the American Miniature Horse Registry Nationals This year the 2008 AMHR National Championship was televised for future programming. “As in 2007, we again take this opportunity to show the world how versatile and fun our miniature horses are,” said Johnny Robb, Marketing Director for ASPC/AMHR. “Our youth essay winners really tug at your heart strings. We are so grateful to Belinda Babgy of Cross Country Miniatures and Marianne Eberth and Robin Mingione of Little King Farm for their generous donation of these quality horses.” AMHR youth information, awards, activities and youth award applications can be found www.aspcamhryouth.com. For more information about the American Miniature Horse Registry, visit www.shetlandminiature.com.
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Programs announced for Chicagoland Equestrian Lifestyle Expo & Holiday Market Programs announced for Chicagoland Equestrian Lifestyle Expo & Holiday Market set for November 22-23 at Arlington Racecourse Dr. Randall Raub, PhD, head of equine research at Purina Mills’ 1,100-acre 75-horse research farm, will join equine industry leaders in presenting programs at the Horsemen’s Council of Illinois’ new Chicagoland Equestrian Lifestyle Expo & Holiday Market November 22-23 at Arlington Park Racecourse. Purina is a sponsor of the Expo. In addition to giving attendees the opportunity to meet with experts, the expo will present “everything equestrian,” for current horse owners and the one in three households wanting to own or ride a horse in the future, according to Horse Industry Alliance research. Program details – topics, presenters, times – will be available at the Expo website www.HorsemensCouncil.org.
“Whether you’re looking for feed, tack, togs, a barn to house them – or just a good time learning more about horses and every aspect of the equestrian lifestyle – you’ll find it at Equestrian Lifestyle Expo,” said Joy Meierhans, manager. “There will be great shopping on the main level of the grandstand with learning opportunities and lots of fun activities in four seminar and game areas on the upper level,” Meierhans said. “This is ‘not your father’s’ horse fair; we’re including programming you just won’t find elsewhere,” she said. Vendors will offer English and Western tack, clothing for all breeds and disciplines; feed, supplements, health care products; facilities, equipment and stable supplies (barns, stalls, fencing, generators, waterers). Holiday gift items will include jewelry, art, books, stationery, home/barn/lounge accessories – even chocolates in the shape of horse heads.
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Just for the fun of it, Expo will offer equestrian collectibles appraisals – paintings, prints, sculpture, figurines, etc. Presentations will be given on incorporating your passion for horses into home décor, the horse in art, animal communication and more. There also will be contests testing horse knowledge – sort of Hippology for all ages – with prizes for adults and youngsters. “In addition to the nutrition, business and training educational programming at Expo, there will be a fascinating look into the psyche of horse and rider,” Meierhans said. Speakers will include animal communication practitioner Asia Voight, whose uncanny insight into what a horse is thinking amazes owners; sports psychologist Dr. Morgan Wolin, who has helped prominent teams and players develop a winning attitude, as well as helping equestrians deal with mental blocks; ASID designer Susan B. Behringer, who will inspire listeners with her “how to” presentation on incorporating your passion for horses into your home. Part of Expo’s programming format will be seminars and roundtables – literally – where attendees can spend 20 minutes at a table with an expert before moving on to the next table, topic and expert. Think of it as speed dating with the pros. Subjects will include how to buy your first horse, drafting your own liability release to reduce legal risk in equine activities, equine mortality and medical insurance, current health issues, how to manage small acreage horse pastures and paddocks, what to do until the vet arrives, leg wrapping, how to recognize quality in selecting young performance horses, and many more. Arlington Park is 20 minutes northwest of Chicago's O'Hare Airport and is accessible from all major expressways, interstate routes and commuter trains. It has 7,814 parking spaces. All tickets are $6 per day, available on the web site or at the door. For visitors who wish to extend their weekend, Chicagoland has lots to see and do. Expo also has arranged preferred rates for attendees at four hotels in Arlington Heights and adjacent Palatine: $79 at the Hotel Indigo, boutique hotel opposite Arlington Park; $69 at the Courtyard by Marriott North; $63 at Jameson Suites; and $49.99 at Red Roof Inn. For information on Expo visit www.HorsemensCouncil.org or call toll free 1-866-384-9161. For information on exhibiting, contact Joy Meierhans at (630) 557-2575 or JM@TheMeierhans.com. Horsemen’s Council of Illinois, voice of the horse industry in Illinois, is affiliated with the American Horse Council and is the statewide association of equine organizations and individuals working to provide centralized leadership for Illinois’ 77,000 horse owners, 213,000 horses and its $3.8 billion industry, which provides full-time employment for more than 15,000
people.
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M idwest H orse D igest pound of Equine Senior feed pellets, good quality grass hay, and 4 to 6 hours of good quality pasture each day. When we noticed a significant weight loss, we had her vet checked and had her teeth floated, although that did not appear to be the problem. We were told to increase her Equine Senior and try to get some weight gain on her before winter. We have had to increase her feed at an extremely slow rate as the diarrhea worsens each time we add too much too fast. At this time we are feeding her four pounds of Equine Senior and have also added about a pound of plain oats and a flake of alfalfa twice a day. Her weight has picked up some, but she still needs to gain a good 50 to 75 pounds. Our vet is concerned this may be a case of chronic diarrhea and that it might be an uphill battle that we won't be able to win. Is there anything we can give her that will give us the nutrition she needs without causing the diarrhea to worsen? Answer: As sensitive as your horse’s digestive tract seems, I would be concerned that she may have some underlying intestinal problems. Has your veterinarian done any additional tests along with her physical exam? Is your mare’s blood work normal, especially her total protein/albumin? A glucose absorption test can help determine if her small intestinal tract is functioning normally. As far as nutritional modifications that may help her gain weight without the diarrhea becoming worse, it will be a trial and error process. Other feedstuffs that you might try are: soaked beet pulp, soaked hay pellets/cubes and some complete feeds other than equine senior. Also, try adding a couple of ounces of corn oil to her senior a day to provide more calories. Make any changes slowly and only one at a time to determine if her digestive tract is tolerating the change.
Ask The Vet: Nutrition American Association of Equine Practitioners AAEP Question: There are a lot of options on the market for probiotics/prebiotics. Ratios can be as confusing as well as the ratio for proper colonies. What should we be looking for? Also, can you give any advice in how to decipher the guaranteed analysis on the labels? (Per pound, per serving?) Can there ever be enough probiotics/prebiotics that occurs naturally, when fed hay year round? Or with pasture? There is also the additive place on hay, but I'm referring to what can occur naturally. Do probiotics really have significant regulation effects on the PH of the gut, if so how dependant? Is daily fed probiotics/prebiotics something beneficial in research or theory? Is there any research about feeding only in stressful situations? If it is beneficial to be fed daily, are there any negative effects? What if the horse is taken off the daily ration? What other benefits or negative effects can daily fed probiotics/prebiotics have on any equine? Answer: Currently, the benefits of probiotics are theoretical, as research has not shown any benefit. They are unlikely to cause any harm, but no blinded studies are available to prove efficacy. Although they are used extensively, in a normal horse, on a normal diet, the large intestinal tract has a very stable, healthy microflora. Question: We own a 25-year-old Quarter horse mare that we have had for 20 years. She has always been as easy keeper until this summer when she developed problems with diarrhea. Her diet, at the time, was about one
Question: My 18month-old stud colt has developed slobber due to w h i t e clover. This started the third week o f September. He showed no sign in
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spring or summer in the same pasture. We stalled for 24 hours and mowed the pasture problem went a way for three days, now its back. Can this be passed down genetically to his offspring? Is their any other health issues this can lead too such as dehydration, stomach or breathing issues? Answer: “Slobbers” is caused by a mold on the clover and is unrelated to the genetics of your stallion. Under certain environmental conditions, usually warm and moist (lots of dew), the mold can develop. Mowing the pasture allows the pasture to dry out and reduces the risk of the mold; however, this may not be totally successful, especially if the pasture is rapidly growing with plenty of moisture present. If the salivation is excessive, dehydration and electrolyte disturbances can occur; therefore, keep the stallion of the pasture anytime symptoms re-appear. Question: My horses have at least 4 hours of grazing, 3 to 4 flakes of hay daily and a 1/2 scoop of grain. I feel the grain is over done, however, they are waiting at the barn, starving...they have pasture during that time but they still leave the pasture to wait at the barn for grain. Is this any indication that they need or want the grain? My vet says they look good, says they are healthy, and that they look better than most around here, claiming most horses are a little "ribby", on the thin side. I give a 12 percent pellet in the summer, and during the winter I give a 10 percent (or less) sweet feed and feed timothy hay morning. I will feed an orchard grass and grass hay during the evenings. Do you think I should cut back to a less protein percent? I am so confused as I was told by a trainer that my horses should not get grain at all. I ride pleasure 3 to 4 times weekly and compete about three times a month. When our other pasture is established I will let them graze more. I still feed the same grain, but I do increase to a full scoop during the winter. Answer: All horse diets should be composed of as much roughage (hay and pasture) as possible. If you have enough roughage of adequate quality, they can eat 100 percent roughage without any grain. An appropriate trace mineral salt should be given free choice. However, if not enough roughage is available, or the horses are using more calories than the roughage provides, grain will be needed. Always adjust your feeding program to keep your horse at a body condition score (BCS) of about 5/9 (can easily feel ribs, but not see ribs). Since it sounds like your horses are doing fine as confirmed by your veterinarian, I would continue your feeding program. Question: Have there been any studies to determine how much an average horse consumes on pasture in an hour. My horses are out on pasture for about 8 hours a day and I'd like to know how many "flakes of hay" they're consuming. The pasture is about 30 acres and has decent grass, so using muzzles and monitoring safety is almost impossible.
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Question: I was given a gorgeous registered 19-year-old Morgan broodmare. She and her 3rd (and last) foal will be weaned sometime mid-Oct. at which point she will be moved to another location. She has a problem with her hind legs that was diagnosed as "DSLD" although she doesn't seem that uncomfortable. Since I am a "first time owner" I want to give her the best care I can without totally breaking the bank. She is currently on "Demand" and a vitamin supplement. What would you suggest as feed and something to ease her discomfort without filling her full of alot of different supplements/pills, etc., for a 'retired' broodmare with a condition such as this? If I ride her at all, it will be briefly using a bareback pad. She will have lots of pasture to walk in. Answer: The best thing for your new mare is to keep her at a body condition score of about 5/9 where you can easily feel the ribs, but not see them. Just as in people, excessive weight puts excessive stress on joints, tendons and ligaments. Also, keep the mare’s feet trimmed to prevent excessively long feet increasing stress on her legs. If the mare becomes uncomfortable, consult with your veterinarian to determine if pain medications may help relieve her discomfort. There are no supplements that will slow the progression of the mare’s DSLD.
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If I knew a consumption rate, I could ration pasture time accordingly. Answer: I’m not aware of any studies that determine how much a horse can consume in 8 hours on pasture. Also, factors can affect the amount consumed, such as what forages are available, and what is the maturity of the forage. Monitoring your horses’ body condition scores (BCS) is the best way to determine if your horses are receiving adequate pasture or if the pasture time should be changed.
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10/3-10/5 - SD, Huron - “Barrel, Futurity “ “Northern Region Futurities, United Barrel Racing Association “ - 10th Annual Bold Heart Futurity, Derby, Breeder’s & Open Barrel Race - (605) 543-5797 - Added Money: $15000 info@boldheartinc.com
10/19/08 - Showtime Arena, LLC, Barrel Racing & Pole Bending Series, Deerfield, WI 53531, 3845 Oak Park Road, 608-764-5555 www.showtimearena.com SHOWTIMEAR@aol.com
10/4-10/5 - NE, Fremont - Barrel - Purina Mills Saddle Series - (712) 545-9152 10/5/08 - 9:00 - MN, Lindstrom - Horse Show OPEN FUN SHOW - (651) 257-4642 10/10-10/12 - CO, Loveland - “Barrel, Futurity Spin 3 A Mile Hi $5,000 Added Futurity $1,000 Added Derby - (720) 530-4159 -MileHi@westernattitude.com 10/10-10/12 - MN, Verndale - “Barrel, Sales, Spectator Events” - United Barrel Racing Assoc. UBRA World Finale $5,000 Added Min. Open, Futurity & Youth Weekend Awards. (715) 857-6343 - Added Money: $5000 info@ubra.org” 10/10-10/12 - NE, Lincoln - Barrel Double B Productions - Petrol Jeans Barrel Bash - (641) 743-8223 - bolling@iowatelecom.net 10/11/08 - Showtime Arena, LLC, Halloween Open Horse Show, Deerfield, WI 53531, 3845 Oak Park Road, 608-764-5555 www.showtimearena.com SHOWTIMEAR@aol.com 10/11-10/12 - MN, Verndale - “Barrel, Futurity, Sales, Spectator Events “ - “Northern Region Futurities, United Barrel Racing Association “ JJ Classic Futurity and Derby w/ Breeder’s Incentive. $2,000 Added Futurity $1,000 Added Derby + $7,000+ JJBI - (715) 857-6343 - Added Money: $3000 - info@ubra.org”
10/26/08 -Showtime Arena, LLC, Team Show Cometition, Deerfield, WI 53531, 3845 Oak Park Road, 608-764-5555 www.showtimearena.com SHOWTIMEAR@aol.com 10/28/08 - Showtime Arena, LLC, Holloween Open Horse Show, Deerfield, WI 53531, 3845 Oak Park Road, 608-764-5555 www.showtimearena.com SHOWTIMEAR@aol.com 10/18-10/19 - NE, Fremont - Barrel - Purina Mills Saddle Series - (712) 545-9152 10/18/08 - MN, Brook Park - Roping, Team Roping /Breakaway Roping - Enter at 8:30 am, Rope at 9:00 am. Buckles will be awarded at EACH roping for the 1st place winner of the Ladies Breakaway Jackpot. A saddle will be presented to the winner of the Ladies Breakaway Series! - (763) 258-4815 10/21 - MN, Stillwater - Friesians/Crossbreds Inspection - Contact: Sandra Adams, 651-4915378 10/24-10/26 - MN, Sherburn - Barrel Double B Productions - Petrol Jeans Barrel Bash - (641) 743-8223 - bolling@iowatelecom.net 10/25-10/26 - SD, Platte - “Barrel, Futurity “ “Northern Region Futurities, United Barrel Racing Association “ - Heartland Futurity & Derby $500 Added Futurity $500 Added Derby - (605) 796-4618 - amdahl@santel.net
10/16/08 - WI, Balsam Lake - “Barrel, Game Show United Barrel Racing Association - JJ Arena Fun Show & UBRA Barrel Race - (715) 857-5505 - Julie@JJArena.com
10/25/08 - 9:45 - WI, Balsam Lake - Barrel, Game Show- United Barrel Racing Association JJ Arena Fun Show & UBRA Barrel Race Always the last Saturday of the month! - (715) 857-5505 - Julie@JJArena.com
10/17/08 - Showtime Arena, LLC, Friday Night Fun Show, Deerfield, WI 53531, 3845 Oak Park Road, 608-764-5555 www.showtimearena.com SHOWTIMEAR@aol.com
10/31-11/2 - MO, Carthage - Barrel - Double B Productions - Petrol Jeans Barrel Bash - (641) 743-8223 - bolling@iowatelecom.net
10/17-10/19 - MN, Fergus Falls - “Barrel, Futurity “ $8000 Total added money PLUS MCA Incentive Money for eligible futurity horses.(701) 541-3930 - jess@mnlakes2008.com 10/18/08 - Showtime Arena, LLC, Barrel
10/31-11/2 - MN, Fergus Falls - “Barrel, Futurity, Sales, Spectator Events” - “Northern Region Futurities, United Barrel Racing Association “ “” 2008 NRF Tour Finals. Open to ALL NRF TOUR HORSES. $$$$ & AWARDS - (715) 857-6343 - Added Money: $2500 - info@ubra.org
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10/31-11/2- MN, Fergus Falls - Barrel, Futurity United Barrel Racing Association - UBRA Tour - ADDED $$$ & CLEAN SLATE WEEKEND AWARDS. Open 4Ds, Youth, 2D Futurity, PeeWee - (715) 857-6343 - info@ubra.org 11/1/2008 -Fergus Falls, MN - Barrel, Futurity Northern Region Futurities, United Barrel Racing Association - $6,550 Hiro Energy Challenge SLOT RACES. $4750 Purse OPEN 2D HALF SECOND. $250 ef. 25 slots. $1800 Purse YOUTH 2D Half Sec. $150 ef. 15 slots. - (715) 857-6343 - info@ubra.org 11/1/2008 - WI,Balsam Lake-Auction, Farm & Equip Auction, Horse Sale & Auction, Sales -JJ Arena Select Horse Sale ~ Hay, New & Used Tack & Equipment Auction - (320) 2373831 - randyisham@yahoo.com 11/4/2008 - IA, Greenfield - Barrel Double B Productions -EXHIBITIONS 7:30 $3 EACH OR 2/$5 OPEN 3D JACKPOT 8 PM ENTRY FEE $20 AWARDS FEE 1X PER HORSE/RIDER FOR SERIES $10 AWARDS FOR 1ST AND 2ND EACH DIV 1D-2D-3D POINTS 5-1 EACH DIV-(641)743-8223 - bolling@iowatelecom.net 11/8-11/9- NE, Fremont-Barrel -Purina Saddle Series - (712) 545-9152
Mills
11/11/2008 - IA, Greenfield - Barrel Double B Productions - EXHIBITIONS 7:30 $3 EACH OR 2/$5 OPEN 3D JACKPOT 8 PM ENTRY FEE $20 AWARDS FEE 1X PER HORSE/RIDER FOR SERIES $10 AWARDS FOR 1ST AND 2ND EACH DIV 1D-2D-3D POINTS 5-1 EACH DIV (641) 743-8223 bolling@iowatelecom.net 11/14-11/15 - IA, Greenfield - Barrel Double B Productions - Fall POWER BARRELS Barrel Jackpot (14th exhibitions 7:15 pm Jackpot 8 pm) (15th exhibitions 9:30 am Jackpot 10 am) Open $15 ef youth 3D $10 ef. Power Barrels $600 added sidepot $20 641-743-8223 call before you haul! (641) 743-8223 bolling@iowatelecom.net 11/15-11/16 - NE, Fremont- Barrel OnLine Flyer ~ Purina Mills Saddle Series (712) 545-9152
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M idwest H orse D igest are built with strong walls, but the roofs usually are not built to withstand more than normal snow loads and lightweight people occasionally moving about on them. The system is mounted on the sides of the trailer, thus transferring weight-bearing loads to the sidewalls – off the roof. This design provides the strength to safely transport essential supplies and extra cargo on top of the trailer, adding much needed cargo capacity. Flexibility - HayRak’s™ goal is to make it easy, safe and economical to transport all essential supplies including, bulky, unwieldy, or messy items on the roof of your trailer , such as: Feed – transport your own feed by storing it on top of your trailer in HayRak™, gaining you the security of knowing what’s in your hay and where it was grown. Generator – store your generator on top of your trailer and out of the way until needed. Water – store additional water on top of your trailer. CAUTION: we advise to always check for trailer’s specifications and weight limitations before storing water.. Uncompromising Value:- HayRak™ provides a distinct value to the customer because you select the size you need to meet your exact transport requirements. Every HayRak™ comes with an all-aluminum fold-out ladder kit, for safety while climbing. A customized ladder is available. Spirit Industries, Inc. is a privately held corporation that was founded to produce the HayRak™ and other options that were envisioned by the founders. It was determined that it would be developed with values determined by the Biblical principal of the “Golden Rule,” “do unto others as you would have them do unto you” as well as “The Code of the West”. The daily operations are to be conducted according to these standards. For more information, call toll free: 1-866-926-1117, email at info@hayrak.com or visit their web site at www.hayrak.com. Spirit Industries, PO Box 7, Pittsfield, IL 62363.
Spirit Industries, Inc. Announces Availability of HayRak™ Modular Transport System Spirit Industries, Inc. recently introduced HayRak™, the first fully modular hay transport and storage system. Features include powder coated all-aluminum construction, fully modular design, 9 sizes to choose from utilizing a flexible telescoping design that fits virtually every make of horse trailer for transporting hay, generators, water tanks or any items needing transport. Founder and developer Dr. Dan Mefford said, “We found the biggest challenge thus far not to be the development of an affordable hay rack, but rather designing the components so that they could be easily assembled with no welding by anyone who is handy with common tools such as a drill a few wrenches and measuring tape. The second challenge was to come up with a design that would incorporate special features such as our Universal Mounting System, which will allow the HayRak™ to fit many brands of trailers.” Some of the features we deemed as essential to our design include the following: Superior Engineering and Design - What makes the storage system different is its Universal Mounting System design. The key components are constructed of high temper, aluminum alloys. The original mounting system design provides the flexibility that allows it to telescope to fit any width trailer from 6 feet to 8 feet 2 inches (98”), and sizes in between. At the request of customers, the system can now extend to 103” to fit the largest trailers on the road today. All components attach to an extruded aluminum T-Slot Track system, making it easy to assemble, adjust and add on additional components as you need them, without any welding. Today's modern trailers
October 08
Take advantage of the Benefits in the Economic Stimulus Act for Horse Industry President Bush signed into law the Economic Stimulus Act on February 13. The bill is intended to provide a jump-start to the lagging U.S. economy. “The new law includes two tax incentives that would allow a much bigger write-off for horses and other depreciable property purchased and placed in service during 2008,” said Jay Hickey, President of the American Horse Council. “This should provide an additional incentive for people to invest in more horses for racing, showing and breeding as part of their business activities.” The first incentive would increase the socalled Section 179 expensing allowance for horses purchased and placed into service in 2008 from $128,000 to $250,000. This expensing allowance also applies to farm equipment and most other depreciable property. Once total purchases of horses, and other eligible depreciable property, during 2008 reach $800,000, the expense allowance goes down one dollar for each dollar spent on eligible property over $800,000. “The horse industry almost lost the Section 179 expense deduction in 1996. The House of Representatives passed legislation taking this deduction away from the horse industry,” said Hickey. “But we were able to convince the Senate to remove this restriction before passing the final bill and the deduction was preserved. It was worth $17,500 then. Over the years it has been increased and will now go up to $250,000 for 2008. That is a real benefit to horse owners.” To illustrate the expensing allowance, assume a horse business purchases $750,000 of depreciable property in 2008, including $650,000 for horses. That business can write off $250,000 on its 2008 tax return and depreciate the balance. If instead, purchases were $900,000, the expense allowance would go down by $100,000. In either case, the amount of the purchases not expensed may also be eligible for bonus depreciation, which is reinstated for 2008 in the new tax stimulus package.
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October 08
M idwest H orse D igest
In either case, the amount of the purchases not expensed may also be eligible for bonus depreciation, which is reinstated for 2008 in the new tax stimulus package. The second incentive brings back 50% firstyear bonus depreciation for horses and most other depreciable property purchased and placed in service during 2008. “Bonus depreciation was first passed in 2002 as a way to stimulate the economy. It phased out at the end of 2004,” noted Hickey. “It was a benefit for the industry then and it should be again.” It does not apply to property that has a depreciation life of over 20 years. Also, as was the case when bonus depreciation was available in 2003 and 2004, the property must be new, meaning that the original use of the horse or other property must begin with the purchaser for the property to be eligible. “Original use” means the first use to which the property is put, whether or not that use corresponds to the use of the property by the purchaser. “There is no limit on the amount of bonus depreciation that can be taken, as there is with the expense deduction,” noted Hickey. To illustrate bonus depreciation, assume that in 2008 a business pays $500,000 for a colt to be used for racing and $50,000 for other depreciable property, bringing total purchases to $550,000. The young colt had never been raced or used for any other purpose before the purchase. The business would be able to expense $250,000, deduct another $150,000 of bonus depreciation (50% of the $300,000 remaining balance), and take regular depreciation on the $150,000 balance. As the national association representing all segments of the horse industry in Washington, D.C., the American Horse Council works daily to represent equine interests and opportunities. Organized in 1969, the AHC promotes and protects the industry by communicating with Congress, federal agencies, the media and the industry on behalf of all horse related interests each and every day.
Classifieds PRODUCTS Conchos - Horse Hair Tassels - Bling for Shows Parades and Everyday Riding. 503630-3744 Info@NaturesBalanceCare.com Quicksilver Designer Beaded cable show halters XS mini - Large Horse sizes. www.picturetrail.com/qsmom 417 548 0055 email sskyla@hotmail.com
FOR SALE 08 Zippo Pine Bar X Rugged Lark, $900.00 Bay colt with a star & snip.Incentive Fund Eligable. Very correct conformation and a disposition that one cant beat. Saxon, WI 5 4 5 5 9 - 7 1 5 - 8 9 3 - 2 3 0 1 , lkoivisto@centurytel.net Stunning Pinto Miniature Gelding, $2,000.00. 6yr old, Pinto (Chocolate(black) and White) even color. He is currently being started in the cart, 586-784-4368 us@serenitystables.com Sport Horse Prospect! $7,500.00. General Xenophon has fantastic movement, well bred, & willing to please. He will be perfect as a top show competator. 586-784-4368 us@serenitystables.com. Homoz Black Appaloosa Extreme Curly Colt with Blue eyes ! WOW $2,500.00 hould get up to 15H, ties, leads, loads, ok feet, nice fellow and something your not going see just every day. 509-218-7811 redhawkranchlady@aol.com CC EVER DREAMIN , 99.6% Arabian, Rare Black&White Pintabian Mare. Dreamer is a rare black & white Pintabian mare who has great ENDURANCE/SPORT HORSE potential. 701-859-3221, lbrubaker@dia.net Flashy, Friesian/Thoroughbred Mare by Nero - Started Riding & Driving! Nala Rox: born 9/24/02 Friesian/Thoroughbred Mare sired by Nero. Solid Black - no white.320-2724099, legendwoods@msn.com Black straight egyptian mare - $3,500.00
Visit us online at WWW.HORSEDIGESTS.COM for even more info, photo classifieds, community events,training videos and more coming all the time..... We have many opportunities for you to promote your equine related buFsiOnResM s oOnRlEinIeNoFrOiRnMpAriTnItO! N CALL: Mark or Peg Bahls at 507-943-3355 Email: mark@horsedigests.com peg@horsedigests.com or Call Andrea Jo Kroening at 952-237-5311 Email: andrea@horsedigests.com
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beautiful, 14.3h, has produce 4 black fillies in a row for me. Easy breeder, no foaling problems. Thee Desperado grandaughter, with close lines to Alidaar on sire side. Triple *Anstata Ibn Halima on dams side. 913-5796276 email: arabarmi@yahoo.com Friesian/Paint Gelding by Novi - Started Riding & Driving - GREAT Temperament! Legend Woods Tovi: born 8/30/04 Friesian/Paint Gelding. Solid Bay. 320-2724099, legendwoods@msn.com Wonderful Brood Mare, and lightly Undersaddle.Grey Lady is a wonderful Broodmare, she is registered American Saddlebred, who is started lightly undersaddle, walk/trot/canter, with quick solid whoas. 586-784-4368, us@serenitystables.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 - 586-784-4368, us@serenitystables.com
STALLIONS CAZAR Bay PRE Andalusian 16.1 by Indiano XVIII. Cazar is Benitez/Guardiola breeding , has many foals of all colors. Very sweet, Champion Halter & Preformance. Stud fee's $2,000 andalusian $1,000 other. 360273- 6849, RLP25@juno.com Magnificent Friesian Stallion for Stud Hannibal of Valhalla. Hannibal is a 2002 Friesian stallion born of KFPS Dutch Approved Stallion Sibald 380. 484-646-9010 valhallafriesian@aol.com Homozygous! Exotic, tall & stretchy, with trot! Intro stud fee for 2008. Sweepstakes nom.Spotz Sensation is a gorgeous black & white tobiano stallion. 715-210-5371 Clearcreekarabians@yahoo.com Homozygous! The Color of Fame son who can trot! He is a direct son of the nationally known stallion, The Color of Fame. 715-2105371 Clearcreekarabians@yahoo.com 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 Classic Champagne 1/2 Friesian 1/2 ASB , UKIAH. 2008 introductory fee is $500 to approved mares. 320.679.4765 norsk4765@yahoo.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.
WEBSITE AND GRAPIC DESIGN Professional Website and Ad Design. Rosebud Productions. www.rosebudpro.com 507-943-3355 rosebudpro@bevcomm.net
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For Sale Homoz Black Appaloosa Extreme Curly Colt with Blue eyes ! WOW $2,500.00 Should get up to 15H, ties, leads, loads, ok feet, nice fellow 509-218-7811 dhawkranchlady@aol.com Sport Horse Prospect! Price:$7,500.00 General Xenophon has fantastic movement, well bred, & willing to please. He will be perfect as a top show competator 586-784-4368 us@serenitystables.com.
Stallions and Stallion Auctions Nanning 374 - IALHA Stallion Auction exquisite bloodlines and a record of producing the highest quality offspring. 888-838-0877 nanning374@yahoo.com More pictures online at www.horsedigests.com Ironman - $1,500.00 - Oldenburg One the most versatile Sporthorse sires in the U.S.17 Hand Oldenburg stallion with a world class pedigree 262-707-8408 nmaloney@nconnect.net
L’Chaim Chandra - Cr Sertticied x Brandy B Goode - Bay overo pinto mare, 15.1H, 8 yrs. trained western: Arab/ Paint cross, level headed, sweet disposition sporthorse potential. 262-782-7198
L’Chaim Jabez - 2003 Bay Morab gelding 13.2 H green broke, quiet under saddle: $950 OBO, imprinted, very people oreinted. 262-782-7198
LC Seraph Danecer - Secretariat granddaughter solid mare, 5yrs. 15.1H, by Man O’ Peace JC out of chestnut overo Paint mare: green broke going well under saddle, sporthorse potenteal, athletic, quick learner. $2800 262-782-7198
Services and Products Professional Graphic Design and Website Design - Ad design, website design, custome logos, brochures, newsletters, postcards.. 507-943-3355 rosebudpro@bevcomm.net Equine Appraisals, Horse Show Judge, Rehabilitation Therapist Quail Ridge Equine Unlimited Lynette Schneider P.O. Box 24367 Belleville, IL 62223 Phone: 618-979-3192 QREquineUnltd@aol.com
More Photo Classifieds online at www.horsedigests.com For a limited time you can place you photo classified online and receive a free print photo classified for one month.
October 08
Visit us online for more photo classifieds and view our flipbook magazine archives We invite you to view our flipbook magazine online. Every issue is archived online and you can veiw it in a flip through magazine format. Just go to www.horsedigests.com and click on digests. You will find more photo classifieds for Horses for Sale, Stallions, Equine Products and Services and many other categories. Traffic is growing every day so be sure to place your classified there today. Have an event, put it online in our event section! Horsedigests.com is NOW adding more articles online and training video too! You will want to bookmark our site so you can go back regularly to read more articles and we will soon be offering training videos right online. Right now you will find articles from Lynn Palm and Craig Cameron! We are excited to be able to bring this service to the equine community and hope you enjoy the website along with each and every issue of the magazine, whether you view it online or in print. If you are an association you will want to check out our Breed Assoication Afflilation Program. Just register your assoiciation, it’s free, promote it to your members to use www.horsedigests.com for their advertising needs and make money for your association. For details click on Affiliate Program and see how you can earn cash for your association.
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Oct 31-Nov 2, 2008
Bold Heart PF Baltic, SD BoldHeartInc.com Northern Lights Futurity & Derby Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada NLFuturity.com MBRA Futurity Verndal, MN MBRA Futurity Bold Heart Futurity Huron, SD BoldHeartInc.com JJ Classic Futurity & Derby Hinckley, MN JJClassic.com S.D. Heartland Futurity & Derby Platte, SD S.D. Heartland NRF Tour Finals Fergus Falls, MN NRFTour.com Contact us to have your futurity listed here!!!
Fergus Falls, MN Join us at the 2008 Northern Region Futurity Tour Finals Red Horse Ranch Arena Hundreds of cowboys and cowgirls will be competing for thousands of dollars in cash and prizes. Come out and enjoy the show, festivities and vendors. Businesses are invited to advertise in the printed programs and/or set up booths at the event. Advertising will reach millions via print, online, email and event promotions. There will be a barn(120x120) for vendors as well as a few arena side booths. Booths may include sportsman, craft/home goods, Avon, Mary Kay, Tupperware, etc. Non-profit organizations are welcomed to set up tables for bake sales, fundraising, Girl Scout cookies, etc (contact for special rate). Please, no fleamarket/garage sale items. Luck Saddlery & Outfitters is the exclusive tack & western store for the event. Friday night we will be encouraging ri ders to dress in Black, Purple and Orange or wear costumes. There will bea Trick or Treat line for the kids. We are looking for an organization/group toset up a “Haunted House� to be open Friday-Sunday. Other activities include kids boot races, dog races, slot races, apple bob and more. We look forward to seeing you there! Event Contact: Jessica Beauvaisjessica@ubra.org 715-857-6343 Websites: www.NRFTour.com and www.UBRA.org Friday October 31st ABSOLUTLEY NO arrivals before 1:00. There will be no open arena time. 2:00 Office Opens 3:00-5:00 pm 30 Min. Warm-Ups $10 each 5:00-6:30 pm Exhibitions $4 or 3/$10 5:00-6:30 NRF Tour check in 7:00 pm Youth 4D: UBRA Division & Weekend Awards Open 4D: UBRA sidepot $750 Added, Division & Weekend Awards 2D Futurity Sidepot: UBRA Division & Weekend Awards
Northern Region Futurity Tour 960 Bunyan Ave. Balsam Lake, WI 54810 info@ubra.org (715) 857-6343
Saturday November 1st 7:00-8:00 am 30 Min. Warm-Ups $10 each 8:00-9:30 am Exhibitions $4 or 3/$10 8:00-9:00 am NRF Tour check in 10:00 NRF Tour Finals $5,000 Added Futurity 1st Go followed by $2,500 Added Derby 1st Go Noon Silent Auction Opens 12:30 (not before) PeeWee 10 & Under Prizes Youth 4D: UBRA Division & Weekend Awards 1st Open 4D: UBRA sidepot $1,000 Added, Division & Weekend Awards 2D Futurity Sidepot: UBRA Division & Weekend Awards 2nd Open 4D: UBRA sidepot $250 Added, Division & Weekend Awards 7:00 pm Hiro Energy Challenge Fun Night FRIDAY NIGHT: Youth & Open Slot Races $6,550 Purse Wear Orange, Purple 2008 NRF Tour Awards presentation or Black or costumes. Silent Auction Closes. Kids Boot Race, Calcutta & Dog Races
Adults - bring candy Sunday November 2nd for Trick or Treat line. 8:00-8:30 am 30 Min. Warm-Ups 9:00 NRF Tour Finals $5,000 Added Futurity 2nd Go followed by $2,500 Added Derby 2nd Go 2008 NRF Tour Finals Awards Presentation (15. min. after Derby) 11:00 (not before) Youth 4D: UBRA Division & Weekend Awards Open 4D: UBRA sidepot $500 Added, Division & Weekend Awards 2D Futurity Sidepot: UBRA Division & Weekend Awards
Event Contact: Jessica Beauvaisjessica@ubra.org 715-857-6343 Websites: www.NRFTour.com and www.UBRA.org