MIdwest Horse Digest December 2008

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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

aving the ability to walk into my barn in the evening and feed the animals is a blessing, big horses, little horses, goats and cats - a blessing. Giving them a pet and a scratch always puts a smile on my face. Sometimes I will sit down on a bale of hay and in less than a second there will be a cat in my lap, purring and asking for a rub. It is my heaven here on earth.

Coming back into the warm house is another blessing, especially if there is a fire going in the fireplace. It sure helps you warm up fast and as I rub my hands together I look around, the dogs look at me with accusing eyes - “you didn’t take us with you.....” Another smile comes to my face because I know if I just reach out my hand there will be at least one dog that will be right there for a pet or a hug and I am instantly forgiven. Dogs, another blessing!

I have noticed for quite some time now that the sunrises have been gorgeous, another blessing. The nights have also seemed to be warmer than the days at times, I find that to be a blessing as I let out the dogs.

My freezer is full, a blessing, my wood pile is high, another blessing, the list is endless..... So in these uncertain times it may be time to count your blessings and be thankful. The greatest blessing is coming up December 25th with the remembrance and celebration of a truly miraculous gift. It is our hope that you have a wonderful Christmas and we hope you can find the blessings in your life! Sometimes you have to look and contemplate, but we guarantee you, they are there, and remember to share!

From all of us at Midwest Horse Digest

This Month in Midwest Horse Digest Craig Cameron -

Theories and Philosophies of Horsemanship - part 2

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

Bob Jeffreys/Suzanne Sheppard page 6

Chris Cox -

Make Your Horse Easier to Catch

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Learning to Side-Pass....

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Horse Turns & Faces....

Monty Bruce Winter Tune Ups Upcoming Events Advertisers Index Classifieds

Julie Goodnight page 22

The Future Looks Bright

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Ask The Vet: Nutrition Fall and Winter Feeding Marketing Your Horse Business

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page 5 page 28-29 page 33 page 32-33

On the cover: Monty Bruce competing at the NRCHA Stallion Stakes Derby in Nampa ID. Riding 'Chics On Side Kick' winner of $20,000+, owned by Sue Nash.

For more info, www.NCRCHA.com and www.MontyBruce.com check out the Winter Show and Clinic series.

We hope you enjoy and learn from 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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Dennis Auslam Girls & Horses - A Special Connection

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Western Pleasure Jennifer Lindgren -

Lynn Palm Communicating with Your Aids - part 2

Pressure - the Key to Everything

Mary Hamilton -

Ken McNabb Rollbacks and Spins

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.

Merry Christmas

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North Central Reined Cow Horse Association’s Shows are Growing

By Monty Bruce Futurity champions. We need to sincerely thank sponsors like Nutrena and Double C Saddlery for their support.

’08 has proven to be a great year for the North Central Reined Cow Horse Assn. Despite the tough economic times of our country, and a tough horse market, the Reined Cow Horse event is thriving. From the NCRCHA monthly club shows to our Premier event, the fall Futurity and Derby, to business, clinics and horses in my own barn the cow horse is very healthy.

The NCRCHA has shown yet another year of increase in its general membership. Numbers of entries at the association club shows have increased substantially with the majority of growth coming from rookie classes but also showing growth in the non-pro as well as the open classes.

The fall futurity and derby put on by the NCRCHA was another very successful event. We had contestants that came to compete from nine different states across the country. With the price of fuel and the economy the association’s Board of Directors were a bit apprehensive about the fall futurity and derby, hoping the number would at least be up as much as the previous year. We were pleased to see that entries were up 20% from last year.

There was also a 22% increase in the added prize money. This incentive made the long drive for some well worth the drive.

Sponsors of the association got behind us strongly with added money and prizes, and saddles going to the Non-Pro and Open

’08 has been a great year for the NCRCHA and I have talked too many of the members picking their brains as to why they think the reason of success within these tough times. The feedback I have gotten, and my own personal opinion, is great leadership from the NCRCHA’s president, Steve Mattson, our Board of Directors, and all the volunteers; from committee work, cattle handlers, gate openers, and riders.

The bottom line is… the people. The, friendly, helpful, supportive people combined with “the most fun and exciting horse event” is the reason for the continued growth. This is what makes the NCRCHA something great to be a part of and why the growth continues

Hope to see you at a show!

Monty Bruce You can email Monty with your horse quetions or for training information at mbtc02@msn.com

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Theories and Philosophies of HORSEMANSHIP part 2

BY CRAIG CAMERON More on this topic and others can be found in Craig’s book, “Ride Smart”.

Quote from Craig “On the road to becoming a good horseman, you must first develop a good relationship with your horse, based on trust, respect and understanding.”

As we continue to look at the pieces that come together to evaluate good horsemanship, we should consider the following aspects of our own self control.

Attitude Develop a positive attitude about riding and horsemanship. It makes no sense to walk out to your horse’s pen if you’re looking for a fight. Consider yourself lucky and privileged if you get to ride only once a week or once a month. You’re lucky to be around horses.

Your attitude has to be positive because your horse has the ability to pick up on your attitude. He has that awareness, the ability to sense whether you’re feeling aggressive or mean or unsure. If you’re having a bad day and having trouble adjusting your attitude, make sure you do something with your horse that’s easy for you and your horse to do. Don’t push the situation by tackling some difficult task.

Whatever you do, don’t get angry at your horse; it will only get in your way. Don’t get frustrated; frustration will only get in your way. You have to have more discipline and maturity than the horse. You can work your horse through inspiration or desperation. It’s up to you. The greatest horsemen in the world get the most out of every horse because they have the right attitude.

Remember, horsemanship is a thinking and a working man’s game. You’ve got to be able to work at it and outthink your horse. When a problem arises with a horse, stop and think it out.

Look for the Try

What you look for in horsemanship is the try on the part of the horse. I’ll accept anything but the quit from a person or a horse.

I can’t stand the word can’t. Don’t give me the can’t; give me the try.

Don’t always expect 100 percent from your horse as long as he’s trying. Be willing to accept only 75 percent of what you know he’s capable of because you know he’s trying.

Maybe he’s just having a bad day. Horses are going to have good and bad days, just like you and me.

Maybe your horse doesn’t feel well today.

Maybe he’s hurting in places you’re not aware of. If you accept your horse’s 75 percent today, maybe he’ll give you 110 percent tomorrow.

Always give

something back to the horse. The best things are release, relief, relaxation, reward or a pat on the neck. Do something to let your horse know when he’s doing right.

Communication and Control Horsemanship is all about communication and control. You need control of the whole horse - head, neck, shoulders, rib cage, hindquarters, all the way through to his feet. And then you need to communicate so he’ll understand the game you’re asking him to play. He shouldn’t fear it or hate it; you shouldn’t have to drag him into the arena to do it. If you could do it right, I think most horses would love the sports we ask them to do.

A great barrel horse understands his job; he runs from his heart. A great cutting horse likes to cut cattle; he dares a cow to get past him. The ones that quit and run off on the ends are sometimes seared to death. Horses that have bad reactions to performance are afraid of what they’re doing. Many times it’s a loss of confidence and trust. They don’t understand it and were probably pushed too hard and too fast to perform. A loss of confidence can be bard to regain.

If you can get past the fear to the

December 08

understanding, then you’d have total control of your horse because he’d understand the game you’re playing.

Give horses a year or two to understand your game, not 30 days. By not progressing too hard and fast, you avoid the element of fear. There are times when your horse will get a little nervous and unsure about what you’re doing. Right then, stop and go back to something the horse understands.

When he regains his confidence and calmness, return to the lesson and start over again.

Learning to Learn Allow your horse to learn. It’s a time consuming process. For example, don’t try to get your horse spinning very quickly until he learns how to give to pressure, follow his nose, and place and move his feet. Just like fine wine, learning takes time. Anything that’s worthwhile usually takes time. Give your horse the opportunity to learn. He didn’t come into the world knowing what you want.

You train horses to learn by going through a series of basics. For example, in teaching a horse to turn around or spin, like reiners do, first you ask for a little bend or yield, then a circle; then you get a quarter-pivot or turn. Be happy with that, recognize and reward it. Before long you’re getting a half-pivot, then a three-quarter pivot; then your horse turns all the way around one time.

Horses are capable of latent learning. That means it might take a few days or weeks for something to click mentally for a horse. You might not think he understands when you’re training him one day, but then the next day or in a few days, he’s got it. Give the horse a chance to solve it, soak it in, to pick it up, to mentally process what it is you’re trying to tell him. Some pick things up right away; others take longer. Some horses are just slower learners.

Be Willing to Change Be willing to change, to let go of your ego and pride. The horse doesn’t have an ego or pride like a human does, which is one reason he’s easy to teach. So if you find something that’s not working for you, be willing to change. It doesn’t matter who taught you your dad or granddad or the world’s latest champion. If you try a method or technique with your horse and he isn’t getting it, try another approach. Read another book, watch another video, take constructive criticism, but find another approach to help your horse understand what it is you’re trying to teach him. You’ll know when he’s confused because he’ll start to show signs of nervousness and what you might take for belligerence. Actually, he just doesn’t understand “,hat you’re asking of him.

Remember: If you can’t change, then you can’t grow. If you can’t grow, then you can’t be your best. And if you can’t be your best, what else is there?

In the next issue we will discuss Horseman Versus Trainer, Enough is Enough, and Goal-Setting.

Get Graig’s book and DVD’s at www.CraigCameron.com

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Girls and Horses,

Developing that Special Connection what path a young person chooses to go down. Often it can even help change the direction they might already be headed.

Over the years I have been blessed with the opportunity to work with a large number of young people, both boys and girls.

I truly enjoy being able to teach and train these young people and watch them grow and mature into responsible horsemen and horsewomen. I have gotten to see firsthand how horses can help kids grow and learn responsibility.

Kids today are bombarded with messages that promote trouble. Drugs, acohol, sexual promiscuity, violence and more. It is everywhere, everyday and if they chose not to participate then they are ostracized by their peers. The peer pressure is unbelievable today. It is here that the horse can really make the difference as to

Though I stated both genders in the beginning of this article, where I have personally seen some miraculous turnarounds has been in young gals. I don’t think this is unusal though, as I have come to the conclusion that girls and horses seem to make a real heart connection..

There seems to be a deep down desire there and I think that is one of the reasons we see so many women in there 30’s and 40’s entering the horseworld and realizing that dream of the horse that was probably there when they were young.

I encourage parents to look into horses as a way to give their children a healthy alternative that can teach them responsibility and help them develop confidence and self esteem. The horse is just a wonderful tool for this.

That does not mean a parent should run out and buy a horse and saddle and get into a lot of expense. If you see your child exhibiting such a desire I would first suggest you get them into that positon with a reputible trainer. Take your time checking this out, not all trainers are going to be good with kids and willing to take the time and have the patience to teach them everything they need to know.

This is not just about riding a horse.

We have put the horse today in a position where they are reliant on us for care, so that is one of the many things that a reputible trainer will educate them on. Teaching the how to’s of feeding, brushing, cleaning the stall, picking the hoof are just a few of the many things that they will need to learn. So you really need to check carefully that the child will get more than just riding lessons. Riding lessons are great and help with confidence, but I think that these kids need the whole ball of wax, learning every aspect of caring for the horse, to really develop that strong emotional connection. It is that connection that leads to a passion for the horse and changes their whole life.

The benefit of this is many times beyond words, and will last a life time if you get your child into the right program. I have seen how well the horse will listen to the largest heartaches when a young women is brushing them. The horse is incredible when it comes to emotional therapy. Even picking stalls gives a youngster time to think and contemplate while at the same time they are

learning responsibility.

One young gal at our stable came with a group of 4H students. This was a few years back. She was into the goth look, kind of scary, and though there was interest in the horse it was mostly in riding. She came back for some lessons and learned that she was going to have to learn to take care of the horse also. At first it was difficult, and the care part was done grudgingly. Gradually things started to get better but it was probably a year before we saw a miraculous turn around.

Today this young gal works with me almost everyday. She does everything and is a real asset at the stable. She has become an excellent rider and helper and is on her way to becoming a really good trainer. So what started out as a begrudging interest in horses sparked and became a burning passion that completely changed her life.

It was interesting, because we looked at the goth look for quite awhile and then one day she just showed up in new jeans, new boots, clean face and blonde hair. It was like an overnight revelation. Next year after graduation she is moving on to college and has been accepted into an equine program.

This is the outcome you hope for and I can tell you I have seem this happen again and again.

Can this happen for all kids? Not necessarily, but if you take the time to check out the trainer and make sure you get them into a good program and then make a commitment to keep them in it your chances for change greatly increase.

As a trainer I think it is important that we be aware of these kids on the edge. It can take awhile for these kids to come around even when the desire to learn is there and even though the trainer is not there to be a babysitter he should be aware that there is a responsibilty there to teach and nuture this little flame.

Have a Merry Christmas, God bless and stay safe!

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 a Challenge Trail Course to his facility.

He has been a clinician at many midwestern horse fairs and expos and does outside clinics also You can set up a clinic at your facility with Dennis by contacting him at 507-430-0342 or email him at redwoodstables@redred.com.

We invite you to visit the website at www.redwoodstables.com for more information.

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Cowgirl U Trail Trials Teaches and Challenges Clinic followed by friendly competition T h e National Cowgirl Museum's Cowgirl University brings a bit of pizzazz to America's favorite equine past time, trail riding, when it hosts a two-day Trial Trials event in the Fort Worth, Texas area April 18-19.

This fun and educational Cowgirl U event tests the abilities of students and their horses in a natural setting. Spend time with Hall of Fame Honoree Terry Stuart Forst and take part in a trail clinic prior to the trials through a partnership with the American Quarter Horse Association. Both days include a trail ride, with the trail clinic held April 18 and Trail Trials held April 19. Buckles will be awarded. As one past student said, "Trail Trials was a wonderful experience. The clinician and support staff made it enjoyable for all riders no matter their level of skill." Enrollment is limited to 30. Own horse required and no hookups or camping is available. Cost is $115 for National Cowgirl Museum members and $125 for non-members and includes lunch. For more information, go to www.cowgirlu.org or call 817.509.8967.

The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame honors and celebrates women, past and present, whose lives exemplify the courage, resilience, and independence that helped shape the American West, and fosters an appreciation of the ideals and spirit of self-reliance they inspire.

Located at 1720 Gendy Street in Fort Worth's Cultural District, the museum includes interactive exhibit galleries, three theaters, a retail store and a grand rotunda

housing the Hall of Fame.

The museum is open seven days a week – 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sunday.

Adult admission is $8 and $7 for children ages 3 to 12 and seniors ages 60 and up.

Please visit www.cowgirl.net or call 817/336-4475 or 800/476-FAME (3263) for more information.

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Want to Win Western Pleasure?

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Western Pleasure: by: Jennifer Lindgren with: Jody Strand and Vicki Pitts

trust in the handler, but also his balance and quality of gait.

No matter which Breed they show, the country’s top trainers use similar principles when schooling their horses. They start their programs with a focus on creating balance, suppleness, responsiveness and collection. To help you develop better techniques for schooling your horse at home, I asked two of the country’s top western pleasure trainers for help. Both were more than willing to take time from very busy training and clinic schedules to provide useful tips and suggestions.

Jody Strand of Strand’s Arabian Stables in Toddville, Iowa is the Midwest’s top western pleasure trainer on the Arabian circuit. He has

Jody emphasizes the pleasure in Western pleasure and focuses on creating horses that are both a pleasure to ride and

No matter which type of Breed show I am attending, I am always impressed when the Western pleasure horses jog through the gate. From Quarter Horses and Paints to Arabians and Saddlebreds, the country’s top western pleasure horses present the epitome of quiet, collected, controlled, smooth and slow. These athletes (and the trainers who created them) set the standards and influence the trends that shape the western pleasure market from the national level on down through the local Jody Strand with National Champion shows. At present, Azavachae, owned by Laura Koch. Ferrara there is an across photo.

Breed focus by both Judges and associapleasant to watch. He doesn’t allow his horses tions which to ‘shut down’ while moving slow. They stay emphasizes quality collected, cadenced and forward. He advises of movement over that not all horses are ideally suited to win slowness of gait. western pleasure and smaller horses don’t The horses winning always have the advantage of slower gaits. today display more The horse needs to have the physical ability to balance, collection, maintain balance and control, the mental style, and cadence stamina to withstand the pressures of training, than we have see in and the desire to perform. the past. Yet, they Jody advises against bringing are still extremely the bridle back into the horse, a mistake smooth and slow.

Jody Strand and Remington Magnum (Magnum Psyche x Kashmir). he sees often as a trainer and a Judge. Many Achieving Jody coached owner Joe Frizell to win the 2007 Canadian National riders build their horse starting with the such a high quality of Championship in both Western Pleasure AATR & AAOTR. head and then move back to the hindquarters. gait in your horse Stuart Vesty photo. while keeping him smooth and slow becomes a delicate balancing act. Horses earned countless National and Regional western pleasure and has don’t desire to move this slow, it isn’t natural Wins in for them. As herd animals, they know that the coached his amateurs to Top honors in last horse in the group is the one the predator even more. For 50 years, the Strand will catch. Teaching them to place all their trust Family has produced high quality pleasin you is as much mental as it is physical. ure, performance and halter horses.

And, it doesn’t come easy. Success in the Everyone who has worked with Jody, colleagues, and amawestern pleasure ring takes time, patience, (apprentices, excelcommitment, and work. The best trainers don’t teurs, and youth) credits his rely on quick fixes that jam their horses into lent communication skills to his ongoing frame and shut them down. We’ve all seen the success. Jody is clear, consistent, and impatient rider yanking and snatching at their patient with both his horses and his stuhorse’s mouth believing they are ‘training’ it. dents. Jody’s riders do more than sit on The Strand Family at their training facility in Instead they develop a relationship based on perfectly schooled horses looking Toddville, Iowa. From left: Jody, Aminah Megan, intimidation, uncertainty, and fear. While the pretty, they are taught how to feel and Shea, and Janice (pregnant with son Justin who is horse may slow down in the short term, the maintain collection and balance in their now 2 months old). Stuart Vesty photo. long term result destroys not only the horse’s horses.

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Smooth and Slow focusing on western and hunt seat horses and offer an online training program for those unable to travel to their facility.

The Pitts stress the importance of developing balance, softness, impulsion, and straightness in your horse before you focus on schooling him to slow down. Slowing down a pleasure horse does not happen overnight and the horse must be both willing to Bailey Pitts with Absolut Martini Girl, 2007 Congress Champion in both NSBA 14-18 Novice Western Pleasure and Youth and capable of going slow.

Performance Mares. Trained by Brad and Vicki Pitts of P5 Many horses that are not Equestrian Center in Evansville, IN. Jeff Kirkbride photo. suitable for western pleasure have very successful takes time and practice, and lots of repetition. careers in other divisions. Some horses are To develop straightness, use the better suited to pattern classes which allow for diagonal lines in the arena. It may help to place more rein contact. Remember, the basics that cones as markers in the corner of the arena you teach of balance, collection, and control when you first start. Ask the horse to move are essential no matter which class you straight ahead with an even amount of weight choose to compete in. in both seat bones, keeping your eyes focused Brad and Vicki recommend that all forward, exerting even rein pressure on both training start in a snaffle with a sides. Ask the horse to go martingale or a small correction straight into the corner (or to the bit (small port will provide tongue cone) and then ask for a relief). Curb bits should only be balanced stop by squeezing with used on older horses. your legs, sitting deep in the Build a strong core saddle, and raising the reins with exercises that slightly. The wall will help stop improve communicathe horse without heavy rein tion and control pressure. This exercise also between you and helps introduce your horse to your horse. Once you collecting with leg pressure. As master them at the the horse begins to anticipate walk, move up to the the stop, use it to your advanjog and then the lope. tage by asking him to slow down Vicki likes to start a Brad and Vicki Pitts own before he reaches the corner. If and operate new horse by having P5 Equestrian Center in your horse slows down by him follow his nose. becoming heavy on his forehand, Evansville, IN. She uses an opening They are well known on raise your hands slightly and rein towards the the Quarter Horse circuit bump with your heels or legs as middle of a circle and for developing winning needed to return to a balanced western has the horse create gait. pleasure horses. an arch in its body These exercises can be RL Pick a Sudden, owned and shown by Erica Mehringer, from poll to tail. This mixed in with rail work to refresh under the guidance of P5 Equestrian Center, was 2007 helps limber the horse and reduces even finished show horses. Successful training Congress Top Ten in Novice Western resistance. As the horse relaxes in of a horse requires the building of knowledge Pleasure. Jeff Kirkbride photo. this exercise, ask him to move his for both horse and rider. If you feel you aren’t ribcage out of the circle using moving forward in your program, go back to pressure with the inside leg. Changing your the basics to refresh yourself and your horse.

Brad and Vicki Pitts, owners of P5 bend often will help loosen the horse through For more advice on the P5 program for Equestrian Center in Evansville, Indiana have his poll and sternum. To establish body control, success, visit their website at trained, shown and owned numerous AQHA move the horse’s shoulder in and out of the www.P5equestrian.com.

World Champions, Reserve World Champions circle while keeping his hip steady. Once you GOOD LUCK & RIDE SAFE and Congress Champions. Their winning master the shoulder movements, hold steady western pleasure horses are well known on and focus instead on moving the hip in and out Jennifer Lindgren has been an All-Breed Judge the circuit because they are balanced, relaxed, of the circle. Developing body control will since 1985. She is an experienced competitor well mannered, happy, great moving, and enable you to hold the horse straight or bend who has earned Regional and National awards in slow! They credit their ongoing success to the him in the shoulder or hip as needed. All Halter, Western, Equitation and Hunter. She P5 Equestrian program of practice, patience, training begins with the walk, so don’t move up loves all Breeds of horses and keeps her private persistence, professionalism and pride. They to the jog with this exercise until you have collection in Grant Park, IL. have developed a premier equine facility complete control at the walk. Be patient, it Contact: jenlind22@msn.com Instead, the horse should be trained from the tail forward to the head, allowing the horse to move comfortably forward into the bridle. He calls the headset “the frosting on the cake”.

Jody spends most of his training time teaching the horses to shift their weight off of their shoulders and onto their hind end. He finds this ‘re balancing’ is a very difficult maneuver for amateurs to master. Roll backs followed by lope departures help teach a horse to use his hind end more without realizing they are doing it. He also teaches his horses to tip slightly to the inside while moving straight and true through the head and neck (as in Dressage). While difficult to do, this unnatural step will encourage the horse to collect his hindquarters. Once a horse comfortably works off his hind end and you can move his hip and shoulder, you will be able to teach him to relax and slow down.

If you are serious about winning at the National level, Jody advises youth and amateurs to send their horses to a professional trainer, ride as often as they can, and work hard. Once they learn the program, many amateurs can take their horses and maintain them at a quality level of performance. For more information about the programs at Strand’s Arabian Stables or to purchase Jody’s “Unbridled” training DVD, visit their website at www.strandarabians.com.

Copyright 2008 by Jennifer Lindgren.

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Make Your Horse A lot of horses try to avoid being caught

“The secret is to release the ‘pressure’ caused by your presence in coordination with the horse’s response to you,” explains Cox. “Horses are by nature curious animals. You will automatically build his confidence and his desire to approach if you can show him that you won’t get in his space because without his permission.” they don’t Now that the horse’s attention is want to have focused on you, you want to invite him to come to work, so don’t towards you by keeping that attention and just catch your horse controlling his body movements. You can when you want to ride or need him cause the horse to move his hindquarters, for a specific reason, such as a which effectively controls his entire body, blacksmith or vet appointment. simply by using your body language, as we Make it a point to occasionally walk discussed in our last article. out to his paddock, field, corral or When you are still standing a ways stall just to “visit” a few minutes and off from the horse, make him move his leave without even putting a halter hindquarters to both the left and right. Do this on. If you just “visit” him from time to by keeping your visual focus on his hip, and by time, he’ll realize that every time he stepping in the opposite direction that you sees you it doesn’t mean work. want him to swing his hind end. For example, When you do want to catch your when you step to the right, if the horse is How many times have you heard someone say, “He’s a great horse…..once you horse, never just walk right up to him. facing you he’s going to swivel to keep facing catch him,” or “Sure, he’s a good horse; he’s Remember, you want to teach him to be you, which means he will move his hindquarcaught, not just catch him. ters to his right. When you step to the left and just a little tough to catch.”

Don’t hide the halter and lead rope the horse is facing you, he will swivel his hind Many people try to catch a loose horse at pasture by cornering him and hiding behind your back; just carry it as you usually end to his left. This way you are controlling his the halter and lead rope behind their back. would and let it hang over your arm. Instead of movement even though you aren’t close Some owners rely on a bucket of grain or walking up to your horse, walk into the area enough to touch him. where he is and step in front of him to capture “Don’t look the horse in the eye at some kind of snack to capture their horse.

Horseman and clinician Chris Cox his attention when you are some distance this point,” says Cox. “That can be intimidating doesn’t believe in sneaking up on a horse or in away. As soon as the horse notices you and to him. Your visual focus should be on his hindquarters as you bribing him. make him move, and “Instead of catching his attention should be my horses, I prefer totally focused on you to teach them to be even though you still caught,” he says. haven’t gotten close “Once the horse enough to touch him or learns you’re not put a halter on him.” out to ‘get him,’ he If a horse is will become easy to difficult to catch, you catch, whether he’s may have to spend in a stall, a paddock more time in the or a huge pasture.” beginning gaining his Making a confidence and horse easier to attention. It won’t take catch has nothing long for him to realize to do with leaving a you’re giving him time halter on him. It’s to respond and not potentially dangerrushing to catch him. ous to leave a halAfter you’re ter on a loose controlling the horse’s horse, as it can body movements as hang up on somedescribed above, turn thing and cause the away from him again horse to get injured, and begin walking to sometimes badly. the gate. The horse will Horses have killed Here, Chris approaches the horse, but stops before he gets close. Notice he isn’t start following you. Don’t themselves or had to hiding the halter and lead rope behind his back and is just carrying it as he put the halter on him until be put down usually would and letting it hang over his arm. he comes up to you. because of severe photo courtesy Chris Cox Horsemanship Co. Use this injuries from getting method every time and their halter caught, so for safety’s sake, don’t leave a halter on puts his focus directly on you with both his your horse will soon start coming to be caught eyes and ears, stop and turn away from him. instead of you going to catch him. your horse when you turn him out.

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Easier to Catch

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by Cynthia McFarland with Chris Cox

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 the Journey’ tour takes him to cities across the U.S. each year.

Chris offers week-long intensive horsemanship clinics at his Outback Ranch in Mineral Wells, Texas.

Western Horseman Once he has captured the horse’s attention and can recently released Ride the control his body movements by his presence, Chris Journey, by Chris Cox with Cynthia turns away and begins walking to the gate with the McFarland, a 225-page, full color horse following willingly. photo courtesy Chris Cox book that details Chris’ practical Horsemanship Co. methods and training techniques.

Packed with step-by-step exercises Up Close with Chris Cox photos, the book will help you Ranch-raised in Australia, Chris and color came to the United States in 1986 to make a improve your horsemanship skills, no matter career of working with horses. Years of work- what discipline or breed you ride. ing horseback on the ranch near Queensland Visit www.chris-cox.com or call Chris Cox gave Chris a healthy respect for the horse’s Horsemanship Company at 1-888-81-HORSE ability and intelligence, and helped him devel- for information about the Ride the Journey op his own methods of individualized training. book, upcoming course dates and appearances, equipment and training DVDs.

Halter Use - If you aren’t accustomed to a rope halter, learn how to handle and tie it correctly so you can use it safely.

When haltering your horse, put the lead rope under his neck, then over.

Hold the tail of the rope with your right hand and hold the halter with your left hand.

Scoop the horse’s nose as you slip on the halter and then tie the halter knot.

When tying the “sheepshank” knot, the tail of the rope goes under the halter eye and around to the right. Take the tail back around through the loop you just made and feed the tail through. When you’re done, the tail of the rope should face towards the tail of the horse.

When removing your halter, always keep the rope around the horse’s neck for control as you slip off the halter.

Don’t leave a halter on a loose horse! It’s dangerous and unnecessary.

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December 08

Rollbacks and Spins

By Ken McNabb with Katherine Lindsey Meehan If you ride reining horses or cow horses you know that rollbacks and spins are important exercises to teach. But if you are a trail rider or a dressage rider, you may think there is no reason for you to read this article. However, I believe that these exercises are beneficial in all types of riding. If you are a dressage rider, the spin incorporates many of the aspects of the pirouette. You are just changing the speed and elevation. I hear many people say that

their horse turns too quickly on the trail, or that they have trouble getting him to turn when they want him to.

This exercise will give you precise control of your horse’s turns, and therefore help you be safer out on the trails. The lateral movement exercises from last month’s article are the foundation for these exercises, so be sure to review them with your horse before starting to teach rollbacks and spins.

To start, ride your horse in a circle, controlling his direction with only the inside rein.

Make the circle smaller and smaller as you go.

You want to make the circle so small that your horse stops his hind end while his front end keeps moving. When he does, have him take a few steps around with his front end and ask him to walk out of it. It is very important that you always have your horse walk forward out of the turns at this point in the exercise. Like lateral movement, these are forward motion exercises, and you need to keep your horse thinking forward from the beginning. Work circles in both directions until you can do a full three hundred sixty degree turn from the front end without the horse’s hind end moving. Your goal is to have your horse understand the exercise so it becomes his idea to take more and more steps around with the front end. At this point, I don’t worry about my horse being on the correct pivot foot. Just get his shoul-

ders moving correctly with the hind end staying basically in one place.

Your body position is very important in this exercise. Don’t lean to the inside of the circle.

If you do, all your weight is over your horse’s inside front leg, and that makes it very hard for him to pick it up and move that shoulder over.

You need to sit right in the center of your saddle and ride your horse through his inside ear. By that I mean that your focus should be diagonally out over your horse’s inside ear.

This will keep you sitting straight while still positioning your seat to cue your horse in the correct direction.

The next step in this exercise is to make a circle guiding your horse with two reins. Ride a big circle, get your horse soft in the bridle, stop him, ask him to step over, and ride off.

This is the beginning of your rollback. As you ask your horse to step over, open your inside leg and inside rein, while you guide him with your outside rein. This is a very important piece. Don’t try to pull your horse through the turn with the inside rein. Just open that rein and carry him through the turn with the outside rein. Work this exercise in both directions until your horse is moving through the circle, stopping, and turning over his hindquarters nicely.

Now, you are ready to come off your circle and start teaching the rollback. I like to work this exercise as if I am drawing a star. Ride your horse on a straight line across the star, stop, and roll back over his hindquarters on one of the “points” of the star. Then ride him off on a straight line to the next point of the star, stop, and roll back. You will be rolling back slightly less than a full one hundred eighty degrees. Come out of each rollback faster than you went in. This encourages your horse to power off his hind end throughout the entire rollback. Be careful not to start rushing, though. Get your horse set up correctly with his face soft, stop, give him a moment to collect his thoughts, roll back, and ride off.

Last, come to the center of your star. Ask your horse to turn around his hindquarters. If he walks out of the turn, back him up to the center of the star and ask him to turn again.

Repeat this every time he walks off. Here, you are building the three hundred sixty degree turn that will become your spin.

Practice this both directions.

If you run in to trouble at any point in this exercise, go back to the last thing that was going well and practice that some more.

After you have reinforced your foundation, you can go back to the part that was giving you trouble and it will probably be much easier.

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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Ask The Vet: Nutrition

is functioning normally.

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 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

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.

Question: My 18-month-old stud colt has developed slobber due to white clover. This started the third week of September. He showed no sign in 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

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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.

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December 08

be standing above his topline, he may need some time to accept you in this new elevated position.

He also may move, anticipating that you will be mounting and that he will need to balance himself. If he moves, calmly reposition him and repeat this step.

Take time for this step, and do not proceed until he is relaxed.

Practice the mounting procedure using the block, and, at the same time teach your horse that mounting does not mean for him to move forward. Position him in the mounting spot and ask him to “whoa” by putting a slight tension on the reins. Place the reins over his neck, being careful to maintain the same amount of tension in each rein. Riders have a tendency to pull on the left rein while mounting, causing their horse to circle towards them. This makes getting on even more difficult.

To prevent pulling on the reins, keep your hands in front of the saddle. If the horse wants to move as you attempt to mount, avoid walking him in a circle to get back into position as this will only reinforce that mounting means it is okay to move forward. Instead, stop him and back him up to the block or reposition the block next to him.

Once your horse is in position, step up on the block and gather up the reins by sliding your left hand on the horse, starting at the buckle and moving up on the horse’s neck.

While holding the reins, move your left hand so it is grasping the front of the saddle as you place your right hand on the saddle’s cantle.

Put your left foot in the stirrup and start to mount, but just swing your leg halfway over his back, and then dismount. Praise your horse when he stands still. Do this several times. You may need to repeat this lesson over several days or weeks until he understands that mounting does not mean for him to move forward.

When your horse shows that he is willing to stand perfectly still for the half mount, swing your leg over his back. As you do, transfer your right hand from the cantle to the saddle’s pommel to help you balance. Then, sit down on his back as softly as possible. Mounting in this manner, without pulling the saddle across his back, will encourage him to stand still.

Use the mounting block until you build up the strength in your arms and legs that will allow you to mount from the ground. Most mounting blocks have two steps. Practice mounting from the top step, and then graduate to the lower step as your strength improves.

Eventually, you will be able to mount from the ground, but continue to use the same mounting spot so that your horse understands to stand still.

“Communicating with Your Aids Keys to Success”- Part 2 This month’s article is the second in a series based on the second videotape in my five-part series, “Dressage Principles for the Western and English Horse and Rider.”

This series is titled “Communicating with Your Aids…Keys to Success” because I believe that it contains the lessons every rider needs to create a responsive and willing horse.

Last month, I discussed the importance of a horse that stands still while the rider mounts and the rider’s responsibilities during the mounting process. In this article I will give you more advice on how to mount safely.

A horse that does not stand still for mounting can be a safety problem! If he jigs around when you want to mount, he may be thinking too fast and walking away in anticipation of your cue to go forward once you are mounted.

More likely, however, he is trying to catch his balance because you are not mounting him properly.

I suggest that you start using a mounting

block. These are inexpensive, plastic step-like platforms made to give a rider an elevated surface from which to mount. Because the mounting block will put you higher off the ground, it will be easier to swing your leg over the horse to mount. Mounting blocks also decrease the stress put upon the horse’s back from riders who pull themselves up into the saddle. They also are helpful for smaller riders when they are mounting a large horse.

To reinforce the mounting lesson, mount your horse in the same location every time you ride. Choose a spot where you can position the horse between a fence and the mounting block. The fence will help him stay straight and focused. Ask him to stand “square.” This means positioning him so that his weight is equally distributed on all four legs and his hooves are like the four corners of a rectangle.

Ask your horse to “whoa,” and step up on the mounting block as if you were going to get up on him, but do not mount. Because you will

In the next article, I will cover including a warm-up session in your routine.

For more information about Palm Partnership Training™, call 800-503-2824 or visit our website at www.lynnpalm.com.

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Fall and Winter Feeding ~ Keeping them healthy and warm! By: Kelly Ann Graber B.S., P.A.S.

Fall pasture management Fall is upon us. Harvest is in full swing, pumpkins and corn stalk towers are showing up on yards, and Christmas products have arrived in many stores!! What fall also means is that our pastures aren’t supplying our horses what they did only a month or two ago.

I get many questions during fall seminars, about when is the best time to start putting hay out for horses. My answer usually is this: Put some hay out in a feeder in your pasture and let your horses tell you if it is time or not!

The great majority of horses would prefer to eat fresh vegetation over hay if they can, so if they are going to the hay feeder, than those pastures probably aren’t what they once were.

If they leave the hay alone, than your pasture is still in good shape.

Fall is also a good time to mow pastures down so you have nice, uniform growth in the spring. You may also want to consult your local extension service or agronomist about fall fertilization. In addition, this is also a great time to harrow down manure piles that have accumulated through the summer. The more you can do now… the better pasture you will have next spring and summer.

Remember, your pasture is probably your most economical feed source and is what mother nature intended your horses to eat!

Evaluating Your Horse Fall is also a great time to properly evaluate your horse to make sure you are meeting his needs before you go into the winter months.

Check on the status of his teeth to make sure there are not problems in this area. You don’t want to be caught off guard in the dead of winter with a horse losing weight due to teeth problems that weren’t caught earlier in the year.

I also recommend doing a preliminary body condition score on your horse before he grows his winter coat. This will give you an idea if you need to start increasing calories or not in order to keep him in the proper condition through the cold months. Horses generally need more calories in the winter as they burn more energy trying to keep warm. It is not a good idea to go into winter with a horse that is already existing in a low body condition score.

I highly encourage you to “keep your hands on them” all winter long to make sure that they are not losing weight. Get yourself a body condition scoring chart and make sure you

maintain the score that you took in the fall all winter long.

Meeting His Calorie Needs If you find your horse in need of some additional cover, you need to increase the calories in his diet one way or another.

First, I would evaluate the forage in your horses diet. Forage is the foundation for feeding horses, so I would first make sure he is getting enough hay. If he is on pasture, he will free choice forage himself through grazing all day long. If he is in a dry lot or stalled situation, I would recommend giving him enough hay at each feeding so that he hasn’t quite cleaned it all up when you go to feed again. This assures you that he is also on a free choice forage program and can graze all day, just as his pasturing counterpart does.

If this doesn’t address his low weight issues, I would then evaluate the concentrate (grain/supplement) portion of the diet. Do I need more grain? Possibly, but don’t feed more than 5 lbs per feeding to a 1000 lb horse, or essentially, no more than 1/2% of their body weight in concentrate (grain/supplements) per feeding. Check the ingredient listing on the tag or bag, if ingredients are listed as terms like “roughage products, forage products, grain by products” you may need to find a higher quality grain mix that you can feed less of to accomplish the same thing.

Look for a fat level of, at the very least, 3% and a fiber level of no more than 10%, this assures that there is only grain in your feed, and not fillers. Another option is using fat as an energy source instead of grain. There are many fat supplements on the market that can replace grain and add calories in a much more efficient and safe way. Look for fat supplements with vegetable fats, Flaxseed and Soy Oil are two of the best. An extruded fat prod-

uct like Progressive Nutrition’s Envision Classic product allows for absorption in the small intestine and significantly reduces any chance of digestive upset. In addition, keeping fat in your horses’ diet through the winter can aid in shedding that hair coat in the summer.

What About Hot Bran Mashes?

Hot bran mashes are commonly used in the winter to either add more water to the diet and/or take the chill off. Remember that bran acts as a laxative which will increase the rate of passage. If fed in excess, bran can actually become a gut irritant, draw water from the digestive system and potentially dehydrate the horse. The increased rate of passage can also loosen the stools, causing compromised absorption of many other important nutrients.

Try just having them drink hot water to take the chill off. If you must use bran, use no more than about 4 oz per day and pay special attention to calcium levels in your total diet as the phytates in bran can cause a calcium deficiency.

Fueling the Internal Furnace Most important to remember is this: What really keeps a horse warm and produces internal body heat is fiber digestion. Corn is 2-3% fiber, Oats are 10-12% fiber, but most forages (hay) is about 25-45% fiber.

Thus… what will really do the best job of keeping your horse warm in the winter is finding the best quality hay you can find, and feeding him as much as he’d like to eat!

Kelly Ann Graber B.S., P.A.S. Equine Nutrition Consultant for Progressive Nutrition.

To request a seminar or simply ask a question: Contact Diane Logue at tizmarequine@hotmail.com

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December 08

Pressure – the Key to Everything

By Bob Jeffreys & Suzanne Sheppard

All horse training, either on the ground or under saddle, involves the application and release of pressure. Pressure from the rider/handler (for example, when we squeeze our horse forward with our seat and legs into the trot) causes a reaction from the horse, and when the correct response is given, we reward the horse by releasing the pressure (in this example, relaxing our legs/seat and just flowing with his movement). The tricky part is knowing just how much pressure to use, and when to release.

The release of pressure is crucial because in effect, it says to the horse, “Thanks!

That was the right answer!”, therefore pinpointing and rewarding the exact behavior we want.

As to the right amount of pressure to

use, we’ve found that you should always use as little as possible but as much as you need to be effective. To illustrate this idea further we can use Bob’s “Vowel Method of Applied Pressure” as an easy way to remember the phases of gradually increasing pressure until the desired result is achieved. We all remember the vowels (A E I O U). In this application they stand for: • Ask • Encourage • Insist • Order • Undo Let’s say you’re asking your horse to move forward while you’re on the ground. You have a lead rope in your left hand, a dressage whip in your right hand and you’re standing by your horse’s left shoulder facing it. You could ASK him to walk forward by clucking or kissing to him as you point your left lead rope holding hand in the direction you want him to go. If he goes, stop kissing and pointing and walk with him. If he does not move forward within two seconds maintain your cues but ENCOURAGE him forward by adding pressure by pointing your whip a the point of his hip. If he goes forward release all cues but if he does not, INSIST that he do so by maintaining all previous cues but now instead of the whip just pointing at the hip bone you will start tapping it

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rhythmically. Once again as soon as he moves, release or UNDO all your cues but if after two seconds he has still not moved forward you shall be forced to ORDER him forward by increasing the speed and intensity of the whip tapping until he com-

plies. As soon as he moves forward UNDO all the pressure and praise your horse.

When you transfer this “Move” cue to work under saddle, you would ASK with a kiss or cluck combined with a slight squeeze of your calves. Your ENCOURAGE would be to add rhythmical bumping with your heels: INSIST would be to raise your dressage whip in an assertive manner; ORDER would be to actually use the dressage whip (a cue that he already knows) and again, UNDO all the pressure when he does move.

Remember to always begin with the ASK and always end with the UNDO. What you need in between will be determined by the horse. What we mean here is, if you assume you’ll have to reach say the “INSIST” stage before you get a response and therefore you skip ASK and ENCOURAGE, then you’ll always need the INSIST stage motivator because you’re not giving your horse a chance to get lighter or to responsive to less.

Horses learn by repetition, and think in a “cause and effect” manner. So, over time and with practice you can and will teach your horse to respond every time you ASK, and you’ll have a lighter, more responsive and willing partner! Ride safe. © December 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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Finding the right Facility:

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benefit. Is the organization an entity exempt for federal tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code? Does it file IRS Form 990 and forms required by the state? As for your horse’s benefit, there are many great facilities that are not tax exempt, so you shouldn’t overlook sending your horse there for that reason.

Finally, there are basic principles of horse care and management that apply to equine needs, regardless of the organization. Care can vary to some extent depending on specific factors such as region and climate. The American Association of Equine practitioners have laid out general guidelines for operating facilities called “Care Guidelines for Rescue and Retirement Facilities” prepared by the American Association of Equine Practitioners.

These guidelines cover everything from Nutrition and basic hoof care to horse welfare and euthanasia. You can access this resource, as well as the Unwanted Horse Coalitions “Own responsibly” handbook by going to www.unwantedhorsecoalition.org

What you should ask before Adopting or Donating a Horse Making the decision to part with your horse is difficult decision. While there are many reasons one can no longer keep their horse, most struggle to find the right home for them. As a responsible and concerned horse owner, you want to make sure they will be well cared for and happy in their future endeavors. If you happen to be in the lucky position to adopt a horse, you also have concerns regarding the facility you are adopting from, as well as the horse’s history.

There are many options out there if you are adopting or donating a horse, but before you settle on one you must know the right questions to ask any organization. It is YOUR responsibility to ask these questions.

First, make it a point to visit the facility and have a look around. What are the physical characteristics of the facility? Does the facility provide horses with ample room to move about and graze? Do the horses have easy access to suitable drinking water? What type of shelter is provided for the horses? Every facility will not be picture perfect, but having your horse’s basic needs provided for in a safe environment is what matters. As you’re looking around, write down any questions you might be concerned with.

You should know an organization’s mission statement. See if they have a website and check it out. If so, how does the website compare with your first hand visit to the facility?

How long has the facility been in operation?

Do they have a board of directors? If so, who are they? Have any welfare charges been brought against the facility? You must know an organizations specific means and goals. Also, does the facility provide routine and emergency veterinary and dental care and farrier needs?

Not all facilities of a general type are the same. For example if you choose to go to a horse rescue facility, some may only take Thoroughbred horses off the track, some may not accept horses that are “owner initiated surrenders” and some may be a horse sanctuary only. Make sure you understand what type of organization the facility is. If you know of a facility near you and can not donate, or adopt a horse from them, it is still a good idea to ask them for helpful suggestions subject to your area if you need it and some facilities have been known to make exceptions.

If the organization is an adoption facility, ask if they will try to place your horse into foster care. If the facility uses foster care, ask how the homes are screened. If the facility only adopts horses out, what the requirements are for adoption? Does the facility follow up with the new owners to ensure the horse is being properly cared for? What becomes of the horse when the adopter or the foster care giver no longer wants the horse? You may want to visit your horse from time to time. Ask if this is

allowed and if they will let you know when your horse is transferred to a new owner. Also, there may come a time when you are able to have a horse again. Find out what their policy is on an original owner taking their horse back.

If the facility can not place your horse in a new home, will they euthanize the horse? If so, will you be notified before hand?

Does the organization train/re-train their acquired horses and then sell for profit? While there is nothing wrong with this, it is something you should definitely know. Many organizations must sell a horse for profit after they put the time, money and energy into rehabilitating your horse. If they don’t necessarily re-sell the horses, most organizations must charge a low adoption fee which covers the horse’s basic care cost. It is also very important for you to ask if the facility has a policy against breeding, or do they restrict the horse’s use in any way.

What is the facility’s post adoption policy on breeding and use? If it is an adoption facility, are stallions gelded upon entry and before adoption? Over-breeding horses for profit is not responsible ownership.

While it doesn’t always matter if a facility is tax exempt, you should ask them for your own

Remember, knowing the facts is your full responsibility before you donate or adopt a horse.

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December 08

Issues from the Ground

Horse turns and faces when I ask him to longe

by Julie Goodnight

Question: Hi Julie I am facing a problem with my horse that I have not seen advice for. I have an 8 year old paint gelding who generally is a very obedient, respectful and willing horse.

I have practiced your Lead Line Leadership exercises with him, and he does them willingly. But several times I have longed him for 10 minutes or so and then been interrupted by someone coming over to talk with me. After a few minutes of conversation, I try to go back to longing, but my horse decides that he's done.

(I use a fairly long longe line and longe whip, by the way.) When I try to start up again and move him into a circle, he faces me and backs

up. If I try to get behind his drive line, he just moves his hips away from me and backs up again. I'm a little nervous about getting closer to his hip when I do this, and I have in the past just backed him up vigorously for refusing to go around me. After about 10 minutes of this, he finally gives in and goes in a circle.

My instructor has recommended that I get angry and hit him with the whip and run at his hip...she says he is disrespecting me with his attitude and I need to act angry and aggressive to get him to respond. But there has to be a better way to get him to respect what I'm asking him to do without harming him or me! I have always 'outlasted' him in these instances, but wondered if there's a better way to get him to move around me.

Thank you, Anne.

Answer:Anne, Yes! There is a better and a safer way to assert your leadership over the horse, rather than run aggressively at his rear-end—that’s a good way to get kicked. Remember, the kick is a defensive behavior of the horse for use when he is attacked by a predator or by a more dominant horse--the horse kicks and runs.

Kicking buys him a little time to hopefully gain some distance from the attacker. Coming at the horse aggressively toward his flank or rear would naturally cause him to kick.

That’s why you a l w a y s longe/ground drive with some sort of “weapon” like a whip or flag to extend your reach and keep yourself out of the kickzone.

In this instance, your horse knows exactly what you are asking him to do and is being willfully disobedient; you need to make your point in a more controlled, more strategic way. The good news is that your horse is obedient to you most of

the time. It is only when you take a break and he thinks you ought to be finished that he challenges your authority. No doubt, he has had what he believes is success in refusing you (even if he only got to avoid working for 10 minutes) and so he challenges you again the next time the situation arises.

Your instructor is right that you need to insist on his obedience and you need to muster some assertiveness, but you need to out smart him, not get angry. Most horses are quick to figure out that all he has to do is face you and you’ll never get behind his drive line and be able to make him move forward. Pretty soon, every time you take a step toward his hip to move him, he faces you—next thing you know, and he is standing effortlessly in the middle with a smug look on his face while you are running circles around him.

Although horses make a game out of facing you when you try to longe them (they call it “stump the chump”), it stems from a natural behavior. Horses are very well equipped to defend themselves from the front—their teeth and the lightening-quick front feet are both deadly forces. It’s the flank area of the horse that is most vulnerable to attack and that is the last area where he will let you touch him—he has to build up a lot of trust in your before he’ll let you into his flank, but he’ll let you touch his forehead early on. A horse that does not trust you fully will turn to face you as you try to move toward his flank.

In your case, there is no trust issue—he has simply modified this natural behavior (instinct) into a learned behavior (stump the chump) that he has been rewarded for in the past. Like all things in training, it is important to understand the origin of the behavior before deciding on an effective means to change the behavior.

Whether your horse is facing because of trust issues or in avoidance, the solution is the same.

Rather than trying to reposition yourself and run toward his rear end, you simply need to move your horse’s front end. If he is facing me and I want him to move in a circle around me to my left, I will pick up my right hand (holding the lead) and point and look in the precise direction I want my horse to go and tell him to move with a cluck—that is his cue to go the work. If he doesn’t hop right to it in a yesMa’am frame of mind, I will then use my right hand (holding the flag) to reinforce my cue and move the horse.

If he is facing me, it is not the hindquarters that I need to move, but the forehand—I need to move his nose and shoulder to the right, away from me, to put the horse on the correct track for the circle left. Once I do that, I’ll be conveniently positioned behind his drive line and able to drive him forward.

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To move his forehand away from you is quite easy. Pointing with your ‘lead hand’ (which is the left hand in this instance) to gesture to your horse where is he is go, pick up your right hand (the ‘whip hand’)and wave your flag (or whip or stick) directly at his nose as you advance toward his head. Advance toward the horse with your flag waving vehemently right at his nose—if he doesn’t move it away from you, he’ll get in the way of your stick and get hit (it’s important that you convey this message strongly with your body language—if he gets hit, it is his fault—he had ample opportunity to move out of your way.) Once his nose moves away, point your flag and your body at his shoulder until it follows the nose and the horse is pointed away from you ready to trot a left-hand circle.

Your horse will probably back-up as you approach his head at first—but that’s okay. Now you are walking forward and he is backing up sideways as you move his nose to the right.

You’ll easily be able to out-pace him and he’ll get tired of backing up real soon and forward will look like a good idea to him. As soon as he moves forward, you back off and signal him to continue around the circle.

No matter how bad your horse’s habit is of turning and facing you when you are asking him to go to work, once you get in the habit of moving his forehand away from you first, he’ll quit playing this game. Since he’s had a lot of success with this facing technique already, it may take you a few extra times before your horse gives it up entirely.

As you know, there’s lots of info on my website that relates to this and it is also addressed in my ground work videos. Sounds like you have done a lot of great work with your horse and you have a pretty good idea of your relationship with him and where the holes in your authority are. This facing game is an issue in every single clinic I do. Many people have this problem; so don’t feel too badly. This is a little easier to demonstrate than than it is to explain in an article, but hopefully you get the gist.

Don’t try to change your position—just reposition your horse (make him do the work).

Good luck, Julie Good luck to you!

Julie Goodnight Trainer and Clinician Julie Goodnight has more than a quarter-century of horse training experience. Her varied background ranges from dressage and jumping to racing, reining, colt-starting, and wilderness riding. She communicates clearly with horses and riders in any discipline and travels coast-to-coast and beyond to film her television show, Horse Master, and to appear at horse expos, conferences and clinics. Her training and teaching techniques are frequent features of Horse & Rider, Perfect Horse, The Trail Rider and many other excellent equine publications and websites.

Visit www.JulieGoodnight.com.

Julie Goodnight Natural Horsemanship TrainingTM Goodnight Training Stables, Inc.TM PO Box 397, Poncha Springs, Colorado 81242 Phone: 719-530-0531 • 800-225-8827

Equine science students get lessons in 'gentle art'

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having students come through the door telling me what a marvelous teacher he is and asking if we could keep him," says Sheryl S. King, an CARBONDALE, Ill. -- He doesn't really whis- animal science professor in the College of per to the horses, he just has quiet conversa- Agricultural Sciences who developed the protions with them. And now Mark W. Schwarm is gram from scratch. teaching that gentle art to a new generation of "They are learning so much. A whole new world is opening up for them, and they're makhorse trainers at ing breakthroughs Southern Illinois they have never made University Carbondale. before. I gave Mark a Actually, Schwarm list of our horses and prefers to think of his their problems, and I students not as traindon't think there's a ers but as horse "edusingle horse on that list cators." that has that problem "I have learned that any more. He's gone working from the through the entire herd horse's idea is much and had the students easier," says fix them all."

Schwarm, a soft-spoMelissa G. Gurga, a ken man, the owner of sophomore from Win-Thru Farm and a Horse sense -- Freshman Stephanie M. says brand-new graduate Forbes (left) and sophomore Melissa G. Schaumberg, Gurga listen hard as graduate student Schwarm is "a great student in SIUC's Mark W. Schwarm gives them some pointequine science pro- ers during his class in advanced horse- teacher…easy to talk to…always willing to gram. manship at Southern Illinois University "I can't make the horse Carbondale. Schwarm, owner of Win-Thru share his experiences do anything; I just let Farm in Marion, is known in the national and just fun." horse world for his work in natural horse- Gurga's no stranger to my idea become his manship, which emphasizes communicaidea. The more I have tion, cooperation and partnership. (Photo horses. She plays polo and rides with the learned, the less I do,

by Jeff Garner) University's equestrian and the horse is just team. Still, after just a fine with that -- the few weeks in horse just wants to get Schwarm's class, she began to change her along."

If you've been around the horse world much, approach. you might recognize the "let my idea become "Before, I was more concerned about how I his idea" phrase as one originated by the leg- looked or what I was doing," she wrote in an endary Ray Hunt. A pioneer in the horse-han- e-mail. "Now I know that I need to react with dling method known as natural horsemanship, the horses and think with them. The horses Hunt was one of a trio of horsemen who gave will take care of themselves; they are just the author of the novel-turned-movie "The waiting for us to catch up."

Horse Whisperer" an idea of what "whisper- While Schwarm clearly excels as a teacher, becoming a student again, 18 years after he ing" was all about.

Schwarm, a former old-style horseman whose earned his bachelor's at SIUC, has chalfather and grandfather bred and trained race- lenges beyond graduate-level statistics and horses, met Hunt in the early '90s at a horse finding a place to park. clinic and gradually fell under the whispering "I worked for myself for a long time, and I spell. He went from what he calls "ramming found I was more set in my ways than I realand jamming" to trying to see things the way ized," he says with a grin.

"And shaking off the cobwebs -- it's pretty horses do.

"If you present something so they can under- dusty up there in some areas. I thought it stand it, they will help you get it done," says would be easy -- I know a lot about horses -Schwarm. "It's not us dominating them or but it's taking a little more than I expected. them walking all over us -- it's just the two of The time I have spent studying…"

He shakes his head. "I don't know if I didn't us doing the job."

These days, as a graduate student instructor, study enough when I was younger or just forhe's trying to pass that knowledge on to SIUC got, but there's quite a lot of it." students enrolled in his advanced horseman- Still, he says, he loves teaching and is thrilled ship class, although, he claims, "The horses to be as old as he is and still learning. When are the best teachers -- I just have opinions." the frustrations come, he can fall back on one Those opinions, the expertise underlying of the things he tells his students as they them and years of running his own horseman- struggle to let their ideas become their horses' ship clinics make Schwarm a perfect fit for the ideas. equine science program, where the curricu- "This may be the best day of your life -- you lum long has relied on the principles of natu- just don't know it yet," he says cheerfully.

"It's not always sugar and cream -- there are ral horsemanship.

"Two weeks after classes began, I started things we have to learn from."

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December 08

A Sleek Alternative for the Show RingThe New ThinLine© Trifecta Saddle Pad ThinLine LLC introduced their new Trifecta half pad with sheepskin trim this month. This half pad is the perfect choice for riders who like the look of sheepskin without the added bulk or maintenance of a full sheepskin pad. Best of all, the sleek Trifecta offers all of the stability and shock absorption that ThinLine is famous for. “It gives the rider fit, function and fashion,” said Elaine Lockhead, president of ThinLine, LLC. ThinLine is known worldwide for innovation, effectiveness and simplicity. The unique ThinLine technology has resulted in the development of an advanced line of shock absorbent saddle pads that are renowned for improving the comfort of both horse and rider.

The Trifecta combines Ultra ThinLine technology with a high quality cotton half-pad and sheepskin trim.

The Trifecta design has a spine free channel allowing the quilted cotton base, covered with the Ultra ThinLine shims, to rest directly on the horse’s back. While show riders love the look of sheepskin, many

do not like the bulk it creates.

ThinLine has developed this pad to give horses and riders the fashion appeal of sheepskin in a shock absorbing The new Trifecta Half Pad from ThinLine, LLC is a winning solution for riders who want protection without bulk. (Courtesy of ThinLine, LLC) spine free product. Riders can now have a pad that provides the shock the Trifecta molds to the horse’s body as the absorption they and their horses need without horse warms up, creating the customized the bulk, high maintenance or cost of a full ThinLine fit and feel. In addition, this pad is “shimmable” with ThinLine shims for any addisheepskin pad.

The Trifecta fits under custom and tional saddle fit needs. off the rack saddles, and because of the pad’s “Our newest addition, the Trifecta saddle pad, sleek design, it will not affect custom fitted will keep you close to your horse while adding saddles. The design also offers no interfer- a little style,” said Lockhead. “For riders who ence for riders who prefer close leg contact like the look of sheepskin but would rather with their horse. In addition, the Trifecta pad avoid taking care of it, our new Trifecta pad is will be available with or without the sheepskin the answer.

For more information visit www.thinlineinc.com trim.

Like the entire ThinLine collection, or call 1-888-401-9101.

Rum River Equestrian Farm Earns Minnesota Horse Councils Certified Stable Program Designation

Sheriffs Youth Programs of Minnesota is pleased to announce that Rum River Equestrian Farm is now a Minnesota Certified Stable. Donated by Mr. Robert Ratte and Ms. Kim Ratte-Bunten in 2007, the 40 acre horse farm located in Princeton Minnesota is now home to the Rum River Equestrian Farm. This location owned and operated by the Sheriffs Youth Programs of Minnesota provides an Equine Experience Program to the children served by the agency, as well as serving the public as a horse boarding and arena rental facility.

Currently the Equine Experience Program serves the Isanti Campus and the St Cloud Group Home by providing a weekly experience for the youth to learn horsemanship, barn management and riding. For many of the youth this is the first and maybe only

experience with horses that they will ever have. Several have overcome the fear of being close to such large animals and have become excited to groom and work with the horses here on the farm.

The Equine Experience Program offers youth in our care the opportunity to work with, care for and come to know the gifts that horses bring to people.

We are in need of a few safe, sound horses to add to our Equine Experience Program. On a selected basis, we would be open to accepting the donation of horses that we feel would be a good fit for our young people. We also would appreciate donations of tack and grooming supplies. Sheriffs Youth Programs of Minnesota is a 501©3 nonprofit organization.

Planned for next summer are day camps for our additional group home locations as well as weekly day riding camps for the public. Rum River Equestrian Farm is also open to the public for arena riding.

Public boarding funds part of the program and

the farm boasts a 24 box stall heated barn with an attached 60 x 200 heated indoor arena. A lounge overlooks the arena and provides a meeting place for the boarders to socialize, observe clinics and watch lessons.

The property also has an addition insulated barn with 27 box stalls. There are 6 pastures and woods located on the farm that provide pasture boarding and a place to ride outside.

We have a qualified staff to provide profession and nurturing care for our boarders, and a manager who resides on the property.

We are planning a fund raiser in March with Mary Hamilton offering a despooking clinic. Visit our website for more information on this upcoming event in early 2009.

We look forward to a long and mutually satisfying relationship with the Minnesota Horse Council and invite all interested to come and see our facility. Please call ahead to make arrangements for a visit. You can contact us by phone @ 763-389-4468, by email address at rumriverfarm@sypmn.com, or visit us on the web at www.sheriffs-youth-program.org under the SERVICES button.

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October 18th Mondovi, WI

L&M Horse & Cattle Company Sponsored a Cowboy Classic Race Under a Pleasant Fall Sky

by Ellen Waukon ellen@horseschedule.com Owners Larry & Mary Kilness allowed a walk thru of the course, provided a demonstration and explained the rules of the race, giving everyone an understanding of what was expected and an opportunity to ask a questions.

Chris Chapman going through the tunnel obstacle on the way back from the jumps.

The course was challenging with many opportunities to test horse and rider.

The list of obstacles to master were water crossing, gates, moving cattle, running a barrel pattern, picking up all four feet, a tunnel, jumps, steep sand hill, two 3.5 ft retaining walls, moguls, backing through gate, tunnel, move bales, circles on correct lead, poll weaving, backing figure 8, narrow bridge, loading your horse and run to the gate.

To be successful you needed a great deal of control not only of your horse but also of yourself. An example is to run the barrel pattern and then 20 to 30 feet later bring your horse to a complete stop in a box drawn on the ground, get off, lift all 4 feet, without the

Whitney working with her horse to go through the water crossing which was cut in the arena ground about 2.5 feet, lined with a tarp and the in and out having a rubber mat to reduce slipping.

horse leaving the box, remount and continue the course as fast as you can . The ability to open and close gates exhibits control of the horses individual body parts The horses prior training and confidence in his rider really become apparent when we realize these horses have not practiced the course. Riders weren’t allowed to use whips or bat’s of any

kind. You could use spurs or reins for encouragement.

The course was set up with different skill levels in mind from novice to advanced. The majority of riders were women ages 19 to over 60. There were 3 men contestants and Larry is looking for more men to participate in the Spring. The horses that were participating ranged from a three year old colt to an aged mare.

Contestants were Participants watching and studying the course. judged on horsemanship, navigation of obstacles and speed. verdict: FUN. There were 3 judges strategically placed on Dan Petschow, 30-40ish, Cowboy the course. Bob Kelly, who was judging the contestant from Mondovi called the course arena for the Cowboy and Cowgirl classes, exciting, challenging and a great learning looked at attitude of both horse and rider calm- opportunity for both him and his horses. He ness and willing attitude through, over or under recommends that everyone give this type of the obstacles. event a try. He felt that training and participating helps keep him and his horses balanced There were 4 classes. Cowboy, Cowgirl, and grounded in addition to providing Novice and Open. understanding of their strengths and The results were: weaknesses. Dan felt that the retaining walls Cowboy- 1st Jamie Dallman, 2nd Dan gave him a real rush. He stated “I would like Petschow, 3rd Dan Petschow – different horse to see an even larger course”.

Cowgirl- 1st Robin Weir & Kendra Show tied, Dan and Tybie hope that this really 3rd Kate Lessard takes off and encourage everyone who thinks Novice- 1st Bridgette Stafford, 2nd Tom Boldig, their horses are really good to try it.

3rd Amy Boldig COWBOY RACE was interesting Open- 1st Chris Chapman, 2nd Cathryn Linn, to spectators also. There were only a couple 3rd Whitney Winger of minutes that you couldn’t see a contestant.

The typical runs were approximately 10 Cowgirl contestant Tybie Price, minutes each. confessing to 50+, who came from Claghorn, If you are interested in the enjoyed the course and recommends this Spring Cowboy Race or other events at L & M event to everyone. Tybie felt that this gave her Horse & Cattle Co. contact horse something new to think about and an lmskibums@sbcglobal.net or call and leave a opportunity to challenge herself. She and her message at 715-835-1940 to get on their horse performed very well and is an inspiration mailing list. to the rest of us in that age group. Tybie’s

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December 08

y r a M sk Hamilton answers AMary your training questions!

I would like to learn how to side pass my horse. How do I cue him to side-pass?

Side passing is a very useful exercise. Being able to move your horse sideways is a great way to open and close gates, get the mail or move your horse away from an unruly trail partner. When side passing, your horse moves horizontally in a line instead of forward or backward. It is easier to learn the cues to side

pass on a horse that already knows how to do it. If your horse has not side passed before he must already know leg cues (when you apply leg pressure on the left side of his barrel 3 inches behind his girth his hindquarters should move away from the pressure to the right) and be able to move his shoulders right or left with your rein cues. These are both sideways movements not forward movements.

Side Passing is a three step process. Make these three steps distinct and don’t hurry. Just go one step at a time. Reward your horse with a pause after each successful step.

es the door for any forward movement and helps your horse think sideways. Your horse should be straight or perpendicular to the wall.

To side pass to the right use your right hand in a vibrating motion to tip his head and nose just slightly to the right. You want your horse to be bent in the direction he will be side passing.

Step 2 - Move your horse’s shoulders to the right by bringing both of your hands to the right. Your right rein opens the door for his shoulders to move right. Your left rein lies against the neck almost as if you were neck reining. When your horse takes a step right with his front end, relax your cues (stop pulling on the reins) to reward him.

Step 3 – Move your horse’s hind quarters to

Step 1 - Start the side pass by having your horse face a fence or wall. His face should be about a foot away from the wall. This wall clos-

the right by sliding your left foot 3 inches behind the girth and applying pressure there until he moves it sideways. If your horse ignores your leg cue and stands there, give him a little bump with your heel until he moves.

Common Mistakes If your horse hasn’t side passed before he may become confused and offer to back up instead. Just apply pressure with your legs and walk him forward back into position a foot from the wall. If you forget to let up on an aid, let’s say you keep pulling the reins as you also cue with your foot your horse will become confused. Stop and regroup if you run into a problem and break side passing into it’s three steps. Work on achieving each step individually. Get your bend (nose tipped to the side), move the shoulders sideways with your hand and rein aids then move his hindquarters with your leg cues.

When you are first learning side passing, just ask for a step or two. Don’t expect your horse to side pass down the whole arena.

Take your time and be patient, soon you will be side passing like a champion.

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

Visit her website at www.riderselite.com EMAIL YOUR QUESTIONS TO MARY AT: mary@riderselite.com

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Stacy Westfall - FEATURED CLINICIAN AT MINNESOTA HORSE EXPO 2009

Stacy Westfall will be a featured clinician at the 27th a n n u a l Minnesota Horse Expo to be held April 24-26 at the Photo: Tanya Corzatt.

Minnesota S t a t e Fairgrounds in St. Paul. Sponsored by the Minnesota Horse Council, the Minnesota Horse Expo is the largest gathering in the state of nationally known speakers, representatives of horse breeds/registries, and vendors

featuring horse products, services and equipment. Profits from the Expo are returned to the equine community by the Horse Council in the form of scholarships, grants, trail funding and more. For more information, please visit the Minnesota Horse Expo website at www.mnhorseexpo.org or call 1-877-462-8758.

Great insight and effective teaching style has made Stacy Westfall one of the most sought-after clinicians in the industry. She developed her natural horsemanship techniques while advancing her horses for reining competition. Stacy is an AQHA and NRHA Freestyle Reining Champion.

Her goal in her training her reining horses was to make the reins unnecessary — literally.

And she succeeded, stunning the reining world by going undefeated for two straight

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years in major freestyle reining competitions.

Stacy’s highlight was winning twice while riding bridle-less AND bareback. Her famous 2006 Freestyle Championship ride, seen by millions on the internet, also lead to her appearance on the Ellen Degeneres show, in 2008.

Stacy is the only woman to have won the Road to the Horse colt starting competition. Her training approach is proven, and it works.

As a wife, businesswoman and mother of three young boys she continues to be a top training clinician and a winning competitor.

These days Stacy has one simple goal –to inspire, and teach people how to build a better relationship with their horse. With her husband Jesse, she offers clinics and other educational tools to improve communication between horse and rider.

Just as a reminder, no videotaping is allowed during this presentation.

What do picky ponies want for a treat?

Capstone’s Horse Treats!

Capstone’s Horse T r e a t s began only a little over a year ago.

Longtime equestrian (and USEF judge) Diana Cappellanti of Ashland, VA complained to her husband of almost 30 years, Alfred, a middle school principal, ( known as “Al”) that her “picky ponies” would not eat the treats that she bought. So, Al, whose family are chefs in Rome, Italy, went to the kitchen and Capstone’s Horse Treats were created.

As word of these treats spreadfrom Diana’s trainer, vet, farrier, friends, and then to horse shows- a business was born.

What is so appealing about Capstone’s Horse Treats is that they do not contain preservatives, smell great, (even dogs love them- and a few humans have eaten them, as well!) and are made with only the best ingredients the old fashioned way- handmade and homemade!

The treats are offered in four flavors- apple, pear, banana, and peanut butter. The fresh fruits are pureed- no artificial flavors, candy or sugar added. They are full of fiber and protein, (guaranteed analysis) but LOW in fat. The treats are moist enough to break and share with other equines, yet do not contain ingredients which easily mold or attract insects. They have a nice shelf life-but won’t stay around long with grateful horses/ ponies! Customer testimonials attest to the company’s motto- “Picky ponies love these treats; yours will, too.”

The treats are personally inspected, and then placed in eco- friendly bags. They

are also available in bulk- 5 and 10 pound bags, and custom orders are always welcome.

For Christmas, we are offering Christmas stockings full of almost a pound of yummy treats.

Capstone’s Horse Treats are available in fine stores and tack/ saddlery shops.For more information on Capstone’s Horse Treats, visit www.capstoneshorsetreats.com or email: showponyz2@aol.com or call (804) 798-1322.

Don’t forget to visit us online!

www.horsedigests.com

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UPCOMING EVENTS 12/4/2008 - WI, Prescott - Roping Roping Practice 7-9pm - (715) 262-3898 12/6/2008 - 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 12/6/2008 - NE, Lincoln - Barrel Double B Productions-WPRA/BBR co-approved open to everyone. Lancaster Event Center(pavilion 3) $500 added Open 4D <1/2 sec split> $30 entry fee (1x office fee/day $5/rider) Youth 3D <1 sec split> $10 entry fee. - (641) 743-8223 12/6/2008 - NE, Lincoln - Barrel Double B Productions- 6 PM Pick and draw team roping jackpot. $75/roper (enter 1, Draw 2 OR Draw all 3) 3 hd prog on 1 (#13 1 sec added) (#12 straight time) (#11 1 sec off) CASH ONLY (712) 309-2971 12/7/2008 - NE, Lincoln - Barrel Double B Productions -WPRA/BBR co-approved open to everyone. Lancaster Event Center(pavilion 3) $500 added Open 4D <1/2 sec split> $30 entry fee (1x office fee/day $5/rider) Youth 3D <1 sec split> $10 entry fee. - (641) 743-8223 12/7/2008 - WI, Prescott - Roping Roping Practice & Jackpot 1-5pm - (715) 2623898

12/7/2008 - MN, Sebeka - Barrel UBRA 10:30:00 AM - LD Ranch Winter Series. Open & Futurity Classes. - (218) 472-3402 betsykuschel@hotmail.com 12/8-12/13/2008 - OK, Oklahoma City Barrel, Futurity - BFA World Championship Barrel Futurity - (405) 364-0274 12/11/2008 - Showtime Arena, LLC - Deerfeild, WI - Ranch Sorting Practice www.showtimearena.com showtimear@aol.com - 608-764-5555 12/11/2008 - WI, Prescott - Roping Roping Practice 7-9pm - (715) 262-3898 12/12/2008 - WI, Balsam Lake Barrel, Game Show, Horse Show -7:00PM JJ Arena Open Fun Show - Open to everyone who wants to have fun on a Friday night! : ) (715) 857-5505 - Julie@JJArena.com 12/13-12/14/2008 - WI, Balsam Lake Barrel, Game Show, Horse Show WSCA WSCA 2008 FALL GAME SHOWS - (320) 237-3831 randyisham@yahoo.com 12/14/2008 - WI, Prescott Roping Roping Practice & Jackpot 1-5pm - (715) 2623898

December 08

12/13/2008 - 11:00:00 AM - MN, Monticello Roping - Team Roping - (612) 817-6359 12/14/2008 - WI,Prescott - Roping Roping Practice & Jackpot 1-5pm (715) 262-3898 12/18/2008 - WI, Prescott - Roping Roping Practice 7-9pm - (715) 262-3898 12/18/2008 - Showtime Arena, LLC - Deerfeild, WI - Ranch Sorting Practice www.showtimearena.com showtimear@aol.com - 608-764-5555 12/19/2008 - Showtime Arena, LLC - Deerfeild, WI - Friday Night fun Show www.showtimearena.com showtimear@aol.com - 608-764-5555 12/19-12/20 - MO, Columbia - Barrel, Horse Expos & Fairs, Spectator Events - WILD WEST CHRISTMAS FEST - (573) 860-4010 rawhidendusty@aol.com http://www.rawhideanddusty.com/images/wildwestchristmasfest.jpg 12/20-21/2008 - Showtime Arena, LLC Deerfeild, WI - Barrel Racing & Pole Bending series - www.showtimearena.com showtimear@aol.com - 608-764-5555 12/20/2008 - MN, Monticello - Barrel, Futurity UBRA - Arrowhead Arena Barrel Race. Open 4D's, Youth & Futurity classes - (763) 8781554 12/21/2008 - WI, Prescott - Roping Roping Practice & Jackpot 1-5pm - (715) 2623898 12/27/2008 - NE, Lincoln - Barrel Double B Productions - WPRA/BBR co-approved open to everyone. Lancaster Event Center(pavilion 3) $500 added Open 4D <1/2 sec split> $30 entry fee (1x office fee/day $5/rider) Youth 3D <1 sec split> $10 entry fee. - (641) 743-8223 12/27/2008 - NE, Lincoln - Barrel Double B Productions - 6 PM - Pick and draw team roping jackpot. $75/roper (enter 1, Draw 2 OR Draw all 3) 3 hd prog on 1 (#13 1 sec added) (#12 straight time) (#11 1 sec off) CASH ONLY - (712) 309-2971 12/27/2008 11:00:00 AM - MN, Monticello Roping - Team Roping - (612) 817-6359 12/28/2008 - NE, Lincoln - Barrel Double B Productions - WPRA/BBR co-approved open to everyone. Lancaster Event Center(pavilion 3) $500 added Open 4D <1/2 sec split> $30 entry fee (1x office fee/day $5/rider) Youth 3D <1 sec split> $10 entry fee. - (641) 743-8223 1/1/2009 - WI, Prescott- Roping New Years Day Jackpot 1pm - (715) 262-3898 1/11/2009 - WI, Prescott - Roping - Roping Practice & Jackpot 1-5pm - (715) 262-3898

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1/1-1/30 - Auction, Barrel, Futurity, Rodeo, Spectator Events , Store Specials - Northern Region Futurities, UBRA - JJBI Stallion Service Auction: Sons of Frenchmans Guy, Firewater Flit, Oklahoma Fuel, Lucks Lucky and more STARTING AT $250!!! Ends 6:00PM Friday January 30th. - (715) 857-6343 info@ubra.org 1/1/2009 -11:00:00 AM - MN, Monticello Roping -Team Roping - (612) 817-6359 1/1/2009 - WI, Prescott - Roping New Years Day Jackpot 1pm - (715) 262-3898 1/8/2009 - WI, Prescott - Roping - Roping Practice 7-9pm - (715) 262-3898 1/11/2009 - Open Hunter/Jumper Show indoors - 100'x300' arena with heated viewing areas - Fields & Fences, Gurnee, IL - Contact: Anita Schadeck 847-244-4121 or email Anita@FieldsandFences.com 1/15/2009 - WI, Prescott - Roping - Roping Practice 7-9pm - (715) 262-3898 1/18/2009 - WI, Prescott - Roping - Roping Practice & Jackpot 1-5pm - (715) 262-3898 1/22/2009 - WI, Prescott - Roping - Roping Practice 7-9pm - (715) 262-3898 1/25/2009 - WI, Prescott - Roping - Roping Practice & Jackpot 1-5pm - (715) 262-3898

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 or Peg at 507-943-3355 email: mark@horsedigests.com or peg@horsedigests.com or call Andrea Jo at 952-237-5311 or email: andrea@horsedigests.com

Our

Ready to Ride Guide will be back in February 2009

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December 08

Marketing & Promoting Your Horse Business

Business Cards: The Calling Card Of Your Horse Business trailer dealerships make sure to include days of operation and hours.

Photos: Only use a photo if it is a great photo. In addition, it should only be used if it helps to tell the story of what you do. If you train hunter/jumpers a nice shot of a horse and rider clearing a jump might add to the card. For stallions and because the size of a business card â&#x20AC;&#x201C; unless you do a vertical layout, a head shot would be more effective than a full shot (which would be very small on a horizontal card.).

By Laurie A. Cerny A business card is essential for any horse business. In reality it is the calling card for a breeding operation, a training facility, and a boarding stable, as well as for an equine related service including blacksmithing, massage therapy, dentistry, etc.

Having a great business card can be one of the most cost-effective marketing tools a horse business owner can have. It can send a positive message of professionalism about both your products and services.

In today's tough business climate it is crucial to not only have a card, but also that the card work for you. Out of a dozen business cards I picked up while recently attending one of the top national all-breed shows in the country only three were extremely well done.

Another two cards were pretty good. Several of the cards would have been better if there were a stronger contrast between the background color and the color of the type.

One card was done on flimsy paper, and another had too much information on it.

What to include on your business card: Your business name: Include the full name of your business, however, if you have more than one business have a card for each one.

Your business's contact information: Make it easy for potential customers/clients to contact you. This means phone numbers, website address (if your have one) and e-mail address and cell phone number if you wish potential clients and customers to have round the clock access to you. If you are an operation where customers would physically patronize like a tack/feed store, boarding stable or training facility, include your street address. If you are a service like a blacksmith, vet, massage therapist include the city and state and/or area serviced. As a stallion owner/breeder you will want to at least include city and state so that potential breeders will know the locale of the stallion if they are breeding via live cover.

Your business hours: For storefront businesses like tack shops, feed stores, and

What not to include on your business card: Coupons or discounts. Only offer a discount card or coupon if your card is a fold-over design. Design the card as a traditional business card on the topside and the coupon or discount offer on the backside of the card, which can be removed and returned for the offer.

Contact information that may be obsolete in the near future like fees for training, boarding, and stud fees. If you change emails and cell phone numbers often you may not want to print them on your card.

Too much information. Include only pertinent information like your business name, address, phone numbers, e-mail and website address.

Here are some additional tips for creating a great looking business card: Communicate the focus of your business.

If your business name is your farm name, but you stand stallions, train, and give lessons, you need to develop a statement objective that summarizes the scope of what you do. For example: Back Twenty Ranch (the business name) "Your Full Service Equine Facility" (statement objective). In addition, when you offer several services consider using a double-sided business card; use the front of the card for the name of your business and the backside of the card to list your services. Printing a double-sided card will cost more, but will allow more space and help to keep the front of the card readable and uncluttered.

Pick a good paper stock. The feel and look of paper speaks volumes about the business it represents. Choose a heavier stock. You can also pick a textured paper to give your card a rich feel.

Pick good colors. Make sure there is a good contrast between the color of the card paper stock and the color of the type. Don't choose a dark paper and then use a dark color for type like a dusty blue background with navy or midnight blue type.

Do something different. The majority of business cards are horizontal in layout.

Select a readable standard font like Times New Roman, Garamond, and Century Schoolbook. Italics, capital letters, and script type should be used sparingly.

Consider embossed type. It costs more, but will give your card a more upscale look.

If your business name is relatively short consider doing a vertical layout. A foldover card is another option that will set you card apart from others. It's also a great way to include additional information including services offered if you are a boarding/training stable, or the pedigree of your stallion.

Do not print your business cards from your home computer/printer. They look and feel unprofessional, no matter how attractive the perforated business card stock is. Virtually every community has a local print shop or office supply store that probably offers services to set up and print cards. Large office supply retail stores also do a good job with business cards. In addition, there are several mail-order companies that do a nice job for reasonable prices and about a 2-3 week turn around. Costs range from $9.95 to $16.95 for 250 cards. These include Colorful Images (800) 458-7999, or at www.colorfulimages.com, and Current (800) 848-2848, or at www.currentcatalog.com/.

Make sure that you check, double check, and then check one more time all of your information on the card. If possible, have someone else check you card before it goes to print. It is very easy to make mistakes â&#x20AC;&#x201C; especially with phone numbers, e-mail addresses and street numbers.

Laurie A. Cerny is the author of Horsin' Around The USA Guide To Marketing & Promoting Your Horse Business (iUniverse/One Horse Press). Her equine marketing advice has been featured on Stable Scoop (Horse Radio Network), and as a lecturer at 2009 Midwest Horse Fair, and 2009 Michigan Horse Expo. She has over 20 years experience in the horse industry as a journalist and communication professional. She is a member of American Horse Publications, American Quarter Horse Association, and Michigan Horse Council. Horsin' Around the USA Guide To Marketing & Promoting Your Horse Business can be ordered for $12.95 plus $2.00 for S/H. Mail check or money order for $14.95 to One Horse Press at 70883 39th St., Paw Paw, MI 49079.

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Thumbnail Photo Classifieds

Place your photo classified here for $20.00 per month or for a limited time place it online at www.horsedigests.com and receive one month in print FREE. For Sale Huge Black PRE Andalusian Geldin, Navarre son 16.3 h - $12,000.00 - 9yrs. has shown training level dressage Loads, bathes, clips The Horse Power Ranch Phone: 501-269-2094 hpranch@tcworks.net

Registered Sonny Dee Bar Paint Pony $850.00 -full brother to "MKK Crescents on First", who is consistently winning in MN Pinto Potential heighth will be 54-56 inches.

507-485-3510 mknutson@rconnect.com

Stallions and Stallion Auctions Sky- 9yr old Thoroughbred Mare, Schooling Dressage, $6,000.00 Suitable for an advanced beginner. Sky is sound, UTD on Shots, worming, teeth, and is currently wearing shoes.

586-784-4368 us@serenitystables.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.

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

Services and Products 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

MN PINTO YOUTH TEAM STALLION SERVICE AUCTION * 1/17/2009 two premium Pinto stallions: TC DUNNIT (APHA & PtHA) and LA SHAWNEE RIVER (PtHA & Half Arabian)2009 MN Pinto Banquet in Becker, MN. 612-508-6832 mahlonb@juno.com

Professional Graphic Design and Website Design - Ad design, website design, custome logos, brochures, newsletters, postcards..

507-943-3355 rosebudpro@bevcomm.net

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

Training the Whole Horse DVD Series I $79.95 Clinic Highlights Training the Whole Horse Five Fundamentals Shop securely at www.Shop.WHolisticHorsemanship.com or call for your FREE catalog 1-866-821-0374

nmaloney@nconnect.net Nanning 374 - IALHA Stallion Auction exquisite bloodlines and a record of producing the highest quality offspring.

888-838-0877 nanning374@yahoo.com

dhawkranchlady@aol.com Black straight egyptian mare - $3,500.00 Thee Desperado grandaughter, with close lines to Alidaar on sire side.

Triple *Anstata Ibn Halima on dams side.

913-579-6276 arabarmi@yahoo.com Quality Trakehner horses - young prospects, horses under saddle, and proven broodmares.

Human health forces sale and all prices are negotiable. www.atrakehner.com 231-275-3355 info@atrakehner.com

More Photo Classifieds online at

www.horsedigests.com

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 online or in print!

FOR MORE INFORMATION 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

Page 32

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

Classes targeted for Breeders/Owners and Vets.

More Info: www.ansci.wisc.edu/equine.html

MAGAZINES Friesian Blood and Baroque Horse Magazine. The only full color magazine on Friesian's, Gypsy's, Drums, Andalusian's and the Baroque Breeds. Fantastic articles, great tips, and beautiful pictures. See a sample at http://issuu.com/bjohnson/docs/Apr_may_08 or call 218-678-2477

PRODUCTS New leather harness ,3rd generation business. Team, work, complete with hames, collars extra. Draft $802.00. Qtr. horse $757.00. Show 3 hip-Draft $882.00. Qtr. horse $812.00. Buggy breast Qtr $220.00 Pony $140.00. Catalogue - St Paul Saddlery, 953 w 7th St., St Paul, MN 55102 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 Homoz Black Appaloosa Extreme Curly Colt with Blue eyes ! WOWExtreme Curly, will maintian mane/tail hair. Snow capped homoz black colt with blue eyes, ties, leads, loads, ok feet, nice fellow and something your not going see just every day.

509-218-7811 â&#x20AC;˘ redhawkranchlady@aol.com Registered Sonny Dee Bar Paint Pony.

Correct conformation and very straight legs.

Excellent personalities, full brother to "MKK Crescents on First", a consisten winner in MN Pinto Potential heighth will be 54-56 inches.

His pedigree will go back to "Sonny Dee Bar" on the Dam side. Pinto World calibur in the "stock type" pony classes. 507-485-3510 mknutson@rconnect.com 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 5455, 715-893-2301, 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.

M idwest H orse D igest

December 08

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

4099, 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

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

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

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 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. 320-272-

STALLIONS Friesian's, Gypsy's, Drums. OH MY. Excalibur has the largest selection of FBHR Approved stallions in the nation. Friesian Stallions, Keefe, Lord Balrik, Kaspar, Nanne, Divo, Gypsy stallions, Zoltar and Profit.Visit us at www.excaliburbreeding.com or call 218-678-4125 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. 360-2736849, RLP25@juno.com

December 08 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.

WANTED William Woods University a private instituion, occasionally accepts show quality, trained horses over the age of 3. contact Gary Mullen, gary.mullen@williamwoods.edu

WEBSITE AND GRAPIC DESIGN Professional Website and Ad Design.

Rosebud Productions. www.rosebudpro.com 507-943-335 rosebudpro@bevcomm.net

M idwest H orse D igest

THANK YOU AND MAY YOU HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A BLESSED NEW YEAR. As horse people, we are excited to be able to bring you Midwest Horse Digest each and every month.

Our desire is to provide you with useful information that you can utilize in your quest to be a better horseperson. We would love to hear from you on various topics you are interested in or how we may better serve you.

If you want to make sure you don’t miss another issue of Midwest Horse Digest you can subscribe and have it delivered right to your home. Just cut out the subscription form that is on the back cover in this issue, fill it out, and mail it in with your check or credit card and we will get that set up for you.

Remember, we want to hear from you!!!!!!! Our email addresses are on the contents page. Drop us a line today with your favorite horse story or horse info you would like to see in the magazine.

ADVERTISERS INDEX Agstar Arena Fenceline-Service Equipment Ark Agengy Arena Trailers Blairview Bob Jeffreys/Suzanne Shepard Cannon Falls Trailer Sales Cleary Buildings Dennis Auslam - Redwood Stables Federated Coop I90 Expo Center J&B Western Store Julie Goodnight Ken McNabb HKL Stables Lazy L Trailers Lynn Palm Midwest Cremation Minnesota Horse Council MN School Of Horse Shoeing

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page 34 page 29 page 9 page 18-19 page 13 page 20 page 2 page 18 page 8 page 26 page 13 page 5 page 22 page 14 page 33 page 17 page 16 page 32 page 13, 34 page 32

We created AgMax specifically to serve the unique needs of highly specialized, commercial agriculture operations, including: • Growers who process or retail their production • Animal producers who direct market • Equine operations, including boarding, breeding and training • Agritainment operations such as pumpkin patches, corn Wade Scott mazes and petting zoos 24 S Olive St • Hunting and guiding activities Suite 301 on your farm Waconia, MN Call today to learn more.

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M idwest H orse D igest

FINANCING

December 08

TRADERS CORNER

SADDLES AND TACK

HORSE COUNCILS

WEB AND AD DESIGN HORSE SUPPLIES VISIT US ONLINE AT

www.horsedigests.com INSURANCE

Advertise in the

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Traders Corner

for as little as 17.00 per month call 507-943-3355

Traders Corner

for as little as 17.00 per month call 507-943-3355

December 08

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