Midwest Horse Digest April 2009

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Where does time fly? We just finished our 1st year and want to thank all of our advertisers for there strong support. Especially over the last few months of uncertainty in the economy. It looks like things are turning a corner just in time for spring and the midwest’s riding season. We also would like to thank all those people who took the time to email us or send us a note on how much they liked the magazine and how helpful the articles were. We are trying hard to bring you useful and pertinent information that gives you valuable pointers and helps you solve problems. We have some absolutely wonderful contributors and really appreciate the hard work they go to to provide this information to us so we can get it to you. It is our strongest desire that you have a great year of riding and a blessed year too. Stay safe and take care, All of us at Midwest Horse Digest

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Midwest Horse Digest

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

Advertising Contacts Mark Bahls 507-943-3355/Fax 507-943-3352 mark@horsedigests.com Peg Bahls 507-943-3355/Fax 507-943-3352 peg@horsedigests.com Andrea Jo Kroening 952-237-5311 andrea@horsedigests.com Midwest Horse Digest is distributed FREE at equine-related businesses in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Northern Illinois and North and South Dakota. No material from this publication may be copied or in any way reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Neither the advertisers nor Greimann Industries are responsible for any errors in the editorial copy.. Greimann Industries reserves the right to refuse any advertising which we deem unsuitable for our publication. No liability is assumed for errors in or omissions of advertisers in this publication. Opinions and views expressed in articles and advertisements are not necessarily those of the publisher, editors or employees, nor does publication of any opinion or statement in Midwest Horse Digest constitute an endorsement of the views, opinions, goods or services mentioned. While every possible effort is made to make our publication accurate and timely, Midwest Horse Digest does not warrant the accuracy of material contained in any article or the quality of goods or services contained in any advertisement.

To all of our advertisers, distributors and readers - we thank you! Pick up Midwest Horse Digest every month at over 800 feed stores, tack shops, veterinarians, farriers and equestrian centers across the Upper Midwest. If your location does not get Midwest Horse Digest call us at 507-526-5943 or email rahn@horsedigests.com Please direct all editorial and correspondence, as well as change of address to: rahn@horsedigests.com or call 507-526-5943


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Horse Digest

Contents Articles

8 Trailer Loading by Ken McNabb with Katherine Lindsey Meehan

10 Choosing the Right Equipment

Departments 26 Feature - West 20 Ranch and Saddle Company

by Cynthia McFarland with Chris Cox

14 Overcoming Show Ring Anxiety by Jennifer Lindgren

18 Getting and Maintaining the Focus of Our Horses Minds by Monty Bruce

20 The Need to Breed by Craig Cameron

The Baroque Horse Society Foaling - The Big Day Road to the Horse Nutrition - Feeding Faux Pas Health - Stem Cell Injections Inspirational - Scottie Stoddard 45 Health Tip - Breeding and Ulcers 9 12 19 36 41 44

22 How Safe is it Out on the Trail?

Special Sections

by Mary Hamilton

24 Kickstart Gets Ready for the Competition by Dennis Auslam

28 Exploring the Emotions of the Horse by Ryan Gingerich

32 Proper Handling of a Foal by Julie Goodnight

48 50 53 54 55 56 57 58

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

34 Communicating with Your Aids... Keys to Success, Part 6 by Lynn Palm

38 Have You Begun Your Endurance Conditioning by Shirley May

38 Trail Riding Problems by Bob Jeffreys & Suzanne Sheppard

We hope you enjoy this issue of

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

About Our Cover April’s Cover is West 20 Ranch and Saddle Company in East Troy, WI. The reiner is a photo by Rick Osteen Photography, Horse- Matt Dillon, Owner- Linda Jacobs, Trainer/rider- Gary Ferguson


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Trailer Loading By Ken McNabb with Katherine Lindsey Meehan

Having a horse that will calmly and safely get in and out of the trailer in any situation is very important. The trailer is a relatively small, enclosed space, where you and your horse can get hurt easily if things go wrong. So it is vitally important that you take the time to work with your horse before you need to go somewhere in the trailer. The day you are trying to get him to the vet for urgent treatment is not the day you want to find out he doesn’t load well. I believe trailer loading problems are caused by two things. One is a legitimate fear of the trailer. This is usually caused by a bad experience in the past. The other is a leading problem. If your horse really leads properly, he should follow you anywhere, including into the trailer, without pushing on you or resisting. For both fear and leading problems, I start with the same exercises to build trust and explain to my horse what the lead rope means. I like to use a rope halter for these exercises. That way there is no hardware or snaps banging on my horse’s head. I highly recommend using

an Equiface Saver as well. This protective headgear will keep your horse from getting hurt if he does throw his head up or bump into anything in the trailer. You will also need a light dressage whip for part of this exercise. Find a safe area away from the trailer. You want to practice the ground work exercises somewhere without the added pressure of the trailer first. Your horse may already know these basic ground work exercises, but even if he does you should review them so they are fresh in his mind. Start by moving your horse’s shoulders away from you as you send him off in a circle around you. Point with one hand, then reinforce the cue by swinging the tail of your lead rope if your horse doesn’t move in the direction you pointed. He should step off, moving his shoulders away from you and not in towards you as he does. If he does push his shoulders in to you, step towards him and drive his shoulders away. When you get a step in the right direction, release the pressure and pet him. Once you can move his shoulders away, review moving his hips. Ask him to step under himself with the hind leg closest to you, crossing it in front of the outside hind leg. When he has taken as many steps as you wanted, release and reward him. Then, practice the head down cue. This is especially important if you are working with a horse that pulls back in the trailer. Put your hand on the lead rope below where it connects to the halter, and put slight downward pressure. Hold the pressure, neither increasing or decreasing, until your horse lowers his head. Release to reward him, and ask again. You want to practice this until you can get your horse’s head all the way to the ground. Now that you have reviewed control of the shoul-

ders, hips, and can put your horse’s head down on cue, you are ready to move to the trailer. Bring your horse near to the trailer, and review the exercises you just practiced. This is to remind your horse that nothing has changed. He still is expected to give you the same responses, and you will give him the same rewards even though you are in a different location. Once you have reviewed things and he is being responsive, bring him up to the trailer door. If you are dealing with a young horse who has just never loaded before and he gets right in, let him, and reward him for it. If you are dealing with an older horse that has some fear issues around the trailer, don’t let him get in. If he does get in, don’t make a big deal of it but ask him to come right out again. Ask your horse to put his head down. He should stay focused on the inside of the trailer, not looking all around. If your horse backs away when you ask him to come up to the trailer, don’t pull on his head. Instead, stand to the side of him and tap his hip with the dressage whip to cue him to move forward. When he does take a step towards the trailer, stop tapping. Work with your horse on the head down cue just outside the trailer door until he is relaxed. There is no sense in asking him to get in the trailer until he is completely calm. You are just asking for a wreck if you do. Periodically back your horse away from the trailer and lead him up to the door again. Next, ask him to load up. Stand outside the trailer door, point with the hand that holds the lead rope, and if he doesn’t go forward tap his hip with the whip. When he gets in the trailer, follow him in and pet him while he stands for a little while. Then, before he makes the choice to back out, you make the decision and back him out of the trailer. If he does start to go backwards on his own, do not pull on the lead rope trying to stop him. If you do, it is likely that he will just throw his head up in the air and hurt himself, making his impression of the trailer worse. Leave the lead rope slack, stay calm, and as soon as he is out of the trailer ask him to get right back in immediately. If you are in a position where you can keep giving him a go forward cue with light taps to the hip as he backs out, do that, but otherwise don’t make divider. When you open the divider, your horse should stand quietly and wait for your cue to get off the trailer. Repeat all the steps outlined in this article hundreds of times until you can get the same response every single time you ask. Teach your horse to get on the trailer calmly every time you need him to. When you have to go somewhere with him, you will be glad you put a solid foundation in place. 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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The Baroque Horse Society and Registry

In the year 1999, as we embarked on the new millennia, The Baroque Horse Society and Registry was formed to fill a void in the equine world. A registry was needed to record, promote and recreate the type of horse used and produced during the Baroque era. To do this, old bloodlines and modern ones, who have maintained a Baroque type will be used. Paintings of these horses hang on the walls of art galleries and museums in all the major cities of the world. The only horses today that resemble these incredible steeds of yesteryear are the Andalusian/Lusitano, the Lipizzaner, the Kladruber, the Knappstruber, the Friesian and more recently some of the Gypsy and Drum horses. Some modern breeds like the Morgan, the American Saddlebred and the National Show Horse exhibit many of the Baroque characteristics and will be used for breeding of the New Baroque Horse. For example; the Palomino, Buckskin, and Pinto coat colours will be reintroduced to the horses of Spanish descent as these colours have almost completely been bred out in the modern Spanish horse. Appaloosa spotted colouring, once prevalent in Iberian horses, will be reproduced using Knappstruppers from Denmark, Tiger horses and American Appaloosas. A gaited division will be maintained and promoted, as at one time, the Spanish Horse was gaited and is the forefather of most gaited modern breeds. Peruvian Pasos, Paso Finos, Tiger Horses, Missouri Fox Trotters, Spotted Saddle Horses and Tennessee Walkers of Baroque type will be used as breeding stock.

The popularity of equestrian sport, especially competition Dressage, has led to the almost exclusive promotion of European warm bloods for all the Olympic and World disciplines. Even the modern Baroque breed registries such as the Friesian, Lusitano/ Andalusian and the Lippizan have started to make changes to their breeding programs to accommodate modern trends. Breeds are becoming much larger in size and their movement is changing to meet criteria similar to most warm blood registries. If we are to preserve Classical Equitation and the Baroque style of horse , it is imperative that

we educate the public and give them an alternative to the modern sport horse and preserve the type of horse from the 16th and 17th centuries that were bred and trained from the Baroque period until the present for classical riding and driving. The Baroque Horse Society and Registry is actively promoting Clinics, Horse Shows and Demonstrations including an awards program through USDF/USEF sanctioned events and a High Point Horse of the Year for those competing at Open Shows. For more information please write: The Baroque Horse, 507 Broad Street, #121, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin 53147, USA .262 3250283 cell* 262 249 8996 Fax * www.Baroquehorse.com (under construction).


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Choosing the Right Equipment By Cynthia McFarland with Chris Cox

Whether you’re building a house or riding a horse, using proper tools makes any task easier. You can have the best theories and skills in the world, but without the right equipment you’re not going to get very far. “I’m a firm believer in the fact that technique and ability are far more important than relying on more equipment. To me, natural horsemanship is using the least equipment necessary to get effective results,” says popular clinician and two-time Road to the Horse Champion Chris Cox. “You need to use the right tools, but the more equipment you have to use, the more you’re getting away from improving your natural horsemanship.” Bits & Basics When starting a young horse,

Chris always makes the first few rides in the halter and lead rope, and makes sure the horse is responding well before moving on to a fixed D-ring snaffle. Chris specifically designed his signature D-ring snaffle bit so that, unlike most snaffles, the “D” is fixed and won’t swivel. The copper-inlaid mouthpiece is contoured so it will rest correctly in the horse’s mouth without pinching the bars of the mouth. “The contour makes this bit especially effective for lateral work as opposed to a straight bit,” notes Chris. “It also discourages the horse from flipping his nose out and at the same time, encourages him to soften and bend at the poll.” Because of the fixed D-ring, a chin strap is optional with this snaffle. The bit can’t pull through the horse’s mouth the way a traditional snaffle can. When using a regular snaffle without a fixed mouthpiece, it’s important to always use a chin strap to keep the bit in place. In addition to the fixed D-ring snaffle, which he uses mostly for training, Chris has designed a loose jaw snaffle and two styles of shank curb bits. He finds many riders want to move on to a shank, or leverage, bit too soon. “You shouldn’t do this until you can accomplish everything you want to do in a snaffle,” Chris points out. “Some people mistakenly think that the more bit they put in their horse’s mouth, the more they can do with him. Results come through hands, knowledge and technique – not the bit. If you aren’t getting results with a snaffle, you’re just going to have

more trouble if you step up to a stronger bit.” For working and general riding, Chris uses a simple harness leather headstall with a sliding browband and a throatlatch. When a horse is further along in his training, Chris uses split leather reins, but when training he prefers a single sport rein made of poly cotton blend round rope. Saddles & Proper Fit Chris typically rides in an all-around saddle he designed that is custom-made to his specifications by a Texas saddle maker. It is the same signature saddle offered for sale on his website. Everything on the saddle, including the tree, is 100% made in the U.S. “My saddles are made with13- to 15-ounce Herman Oak leather, which makes them less heavy, but more importantly, puts me closer to my horse,” he explains. “I like a close contact, centered smooth leather seat without a lot of buildup. This lets me sit as close to my horse’s back as possible for better communication.” Too many riders overlook the importance of proper saddle fit. Just because the saddle feels good to the rider doesn’t necessarily mean it fits the horse. A saddle that doesn’t fit correctly will lead to trouble and compromise the horse’s performance. It can even cause pain and physical problems, such as muscle atrophy, sore back, lameness issues and more. “Your saddle is built on a tree, which is just like a skeleton. If the bars of the tree don’t properly fit your horse’s back, the saddle isn’t going to fit, no matter how pretty it is on top,” says Chris. “If you have any doubts about your saddle fitting your particular horse, you should consult a saddle maker or saddle fitter.” Check for any dry spots on your horse’s back when you unsaddle. The horse’s back should be uniformly sweaty under the saddle. If your saddle doesn’t fit right, too much pressure will be concentrated in certain areas and if used consistently over time this will actually damage nerves (resulting in dry spots) and destroy pigment in those areas. If you see a horse with white saddle marks on his back, this is often the reason why. Make sure you aren’t making the common mistake of placing your saddle too far forward on the horse’s back. If the saddle is too far forward, the tree will actually sit on top of your horse’s scapula, or shoulder blade. This will sore your horse, limit his front end movement, shorten his stride and make him stiff. “The saddle should be placed so that it fits just behind the scapula,” notes Chris. “When you saddle up, always reach under the gullet of the saddle and pull any mane hairs loose from under the pad. Then pull the front of the pad up into the gullet so you create a ‘tunnel’ that allows air to flow under the saddle.”


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Avoid making your horse “cinchy” by not tightening up your girth immediately. Chris adjusts his girth at least three times, gradually tightening it, before mounting. “One problem I see is that riders don’t check their equipment often enough,” Chris cautions. “You should look over your tack every time you ride. A lot of wrecks could be avoided if riders checked their equipment each time they saddle up.” Up Close with Chris Cox Born in Florida and ranch-raised in Australia, Chris returned to the United States in 1986 to make a career of working with horses. Years of working horseback on the ranch near Queensland gave Chris a healthy respect for the horse's ability and intelligence, and helped him develop his own methods of individualized training. Active in the cutting horse world as both a trainer and competitor, Chris has trained a variety of breeds for different disciplines. He

travels the United States, Canada, South America and Australia appearing at expos, conducting clinics and horsemanship demonstrations. His “Come Ride the Journey’ tour takes him to cities across the U.S. each year. Chris offers week-long intensive horsemanship clinics at his Diamond Double C Ranch in Mineral Wells, Texas. In 2008, Western Horseman released Ride the Journey, by Chris Cox with Cynthia McFarland, a 225-page, full color book that details Chris’ practical methods and training techniques. Packed with step-by-step exercises and color photos, the book will help you improve your horsemanship skills, no matter what discipline or breed you ride. Visit www.chris-cox.com or call Chris Cox Horsemanship Company at 1-88881-HORSE for information about the Ride the Journey book, upcoming course dates and appearances, equipment and training DVDs.

World Championship Blacksmiths Begin 3rd Competition Season On April 17-19, blacksmiths from all over the country will gather at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, WI. for the Midwest Horse Fair® and the chance to compete in the first regional competition of the 2009 season for the World Championship Blacksmiths (WCB). Through the ringing of the driving hammers on steel and the heat of the coal forge, the enthusiasm and determination of each competitor shines through. To watch this age-old art being practiced is not only very entertaining, but it is also very educational. World Championship Blacksmiths has produced the first ever series of qualifying horseshoeing competitions that lead up to a National Championship. Travis Koons of Romoland, California was the 2008 National Champion. Daniel Jones was named WCB Striker of the Year. He was awarded a Stonewell Truck Body. The WCB Willcox Competition was held January 29-31, with Billy Reed of Baytown, Texas winning this competition. The international team for 2009 consists of the four top highpoint winners and they include: Travis Koons, Billy Reed, Todd Walker of Johnson City, TX and Chris Madrid of Santa Fe, NM. Competitors in each class received cash prizes which in total exceeded $12,500. This concluded the WCB's second full year of producing educational advancement through competition. While any one of the competitions may look like a carnival atmosphere under the yellow and white striped tent, everyone involved is very organized and determined to make this competition world-class and instructive. At the Midwest Horse Fair® WCB competition, ten stations, complete with all equipment, will be provided for the competitors. This allows flexibility and convenience for horseshoers to travel to any of the qualifying competitions to compete. The Fast and Furious

Forging will consist of a work station set aside for any and all competitors and members who pay a fee to make a specified item – it could be a specific type of horseshoe or another blacksmithing feat. It is a timed event and the participant with the lowest time wins. All fees for this event are returned to winning participants. With approximately 45 competitors for the first rounds, they will make horseshoes from a stock piece of metal to the judge's specification. All events are timed. Each of the competitors will have approximately 60 minutes. Each round of competition will feature 10 competitors, so there will be blacksmithing a minimum of four hours each day. On Sunday, there will be 10 horses for the final rounds, and the competitors will be shoeing a horse. This round is 70 minutes. They will be judged on hoof preparation, the actual shoe (which they again make from a length of stock metal), the fit of the shoe on the horse's foot and they make a specimen. Only the top 40 competitors get to compete in the live shoeing. In addition to the World Championship Blacksmiths competition, The Midwest Horse Fair® offers a full weekend of events for both the professional and amateur horse owners, as well as those families and individuals who just love horses. There are demonstrations, speakers, shopping opportunities, and tons of entertainment. For more information on the Midwest Horse Fair® go to www.midwesthorsefair.com. Visit often as new events and clinicians are added on a regular basis. The Midwest Horse Fair® is owned by the Wisconsin State Horse Council, Inc. All proceeds from the Fair are returned to the WSHC and are used to represent and foster a unified equine industry in Wisconsin, promote the equine through leadership, education, service and communication, and to take a proactive role in the future growth and development of the equine industry.

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midwest horse digest 2. "Activation" – This is actually when the mare goes into "labor." At the time of activation, the membranes rupture (her "water breaks") Things should progress fairly quickly after this point. Make sure to record what time it is! 3. "Expulsion of the foal" (delivery) – The foal is normally presented with the soles of the front feet pointing downward. One foot will generally be 6-8 inches ahead of the other foot. The nose should appear at about the same level as the foal’s knees. If the foal is not in this position, let the mare get up and down a few times. The foal will usually turn itself into the proper position, if not, call the vet! Delivery should take about 15 minutes. If the mare has

Foaling - The Big Day You have been patiently awaiting the arrival of your new foal for a very long 11 months. You’ve given your mare the best possible care, but like most of us, you wonder if everything will be ok. No mare is totally predictable, but the normal foaling process will follow a sequence of events. Being familiar with the normal stages of foaling will enable you to recognize problems if they occur. 1. "Preparation" – This stage usually lasts 23 hours. The mare will be uneasy, and may show signs of colic, frequent urination and passing stools.

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not made any progress in 15-20 minutes, call the vet! When the foal’s head and forelegs are free of the mare, make sure the nostrils are clear, and then let the mare and foal lie still. The foal may receive an additional quart of blood from the mare at this time. The umbilical cord will break by itself when the mare stands up. 4. "Passage of the placenta" – This usually occurs within minutes of foaling, but can take up to several hours. A retained placenta can lead to serious complications, such as laminitis or uterine infection. Your vet should be called if the membranes have not passed within 3 hours. Save the placenta for the vet to examine. The foal should stand within 1 hour after being born, and should be nursing within 2 hours of being born. The mare and foal should be examined thoroughly. The initial exam for the foal is important to identify problems early, and to begin preventive care to ensure a healthy, happy foal. If there are no problems noted, the initial exam can occur 12 hours after the foal has first nursed. This allows us to run an Idexx Snap IgG test to determine if the foal has had an adequate amount of colostrum. If there are any problems during foaling or immediately after, we recommend having the mare and foal evaluated immediately. Please call should you have any foaling questions or concerns. For FREE downloadable Foaling Flow Chart, Post Foaling Check-Off List and Red Alerts During Pregnancy visit our web site at www.clearylakevets.com .

Espree’s Aloe Herbal Roll-On Aloe Herbal Roll-On is a gentle, effective blend of natural botanical oils, aloe, citronella, cedar wood oil and eucalyptus oil, to repel flies. Aloe Herbal Roll-On also contains coat conditioners and sunscreen to promote a healthy coat and add protection from the sun. Use on body, legs, undercarriage or facial area. Aloe Herbal Roll-On may be used on facial areas without concern of running. Reapply as needed. Over the last 20 years Espree Animal Products, Inc. has been dedicated to providing quality natural ingredient grooming products to the equine industry. Contact your local tack shop or distributor for Aloe Herbal Horse Spray or visit our web site www.espree.com. Available in concentrate, ready to use or roll-on. 800-328-1317


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Smart Chic Olena offspring eclipse the $10,000,000 mark in earnings! Jim Babcock, has announced that his preeminent stallion, Smart Chic Olena has now produced over $10,000,000 in money earners in performance horse events. Further, the 1985 sorrel by Smart Little Lena and out of Gay Sugar Chic has become one of only three stallions to have produced over $5,000,000 in NRHA earnings! Smart Chic Olena is the sire of Smart Spook, the 2005 NRHA Open Futurity Champion, Chic Please the 1998 NRHA Open Futurity Champion, Chic’s Magic Potion the 2004 NRCHA Open Futurity Champion, Sonita Lena Chic the winner of $163,638 in the NCHA, and numerous other World and Futurity Champions. “Smart Chic Olena is the only living quarter horse to have sired money earners of over $1,000,000 in reining, cutting, and the cow horse. To have sired over $10,000,000 in money earners is an incredible

All Animals Itch, Lucky Ones Have the Itchin’ Post In 10 years of raising livestock in Hugo, MN, Cherine McKenzie had seen the worst results of desperately itchy animals—torn skin, damaged coats, and infected wounds. She had the idea of creating a molded rubber panel with raised conical points that would provide a more humane and effective surface on which animals could relieve their itch. It had the perfect name: The Itchin’ Post. Made of durable molded synthetic rubber, the scratch pads are built to stand up to the itchin’ of animals of all sizes. Pads are 23.25” wide by 14.88” and are manufactured in three colors: black, blue and yellow, colors most visible to animals. They can be arranged in a variety of ways on just about any sturdy surface including pens, feeding troughs, fences, trees, and walls and they can be mounted flat or wrapped around corners and posts as well. Itchin’ Post pads can provide animals with added health benefits, helping prevent skin injuries by providing a safe place to scratch and are an effective training tool to teach animals to groom in a safe way where they won’t hurt themselves and won’t damage equipment or buildings. For more information or to place an order, visit www.itchin-post.com Or call 1-877-ITCHIN-U (482-4468).

feat. It is one of the great thrills of my life to be associated with such a tremendous stallion”. Smart Chic Olena is himself the winner of $167,471 and a two time AQHA World Champion, having earned the 1990 World Champion Senior Cutting title and the 1993 World Champion Senior Reining title. A member of the NRHA and the NRCHA Hall of Fame, Smart Chic Olena stands at the Babcock Ranch in Valley View, Texas

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April 09

Want to Win:

Overcoming Show Ring Anxiety mind that he picks up a wrong lead. How you handle life’s pressure and anxiety is critical to your success, both in and out of the show ring.

© 2009 by Jennifer Lindgren “The Horse Show”, one defining moment that has been preceded by months and months of practice, countless hours of grooming, the search for the perfect outfit, and a long night packing the truck. And that’s just

Don’t think the jitters are unique to you. It is natural to feel anxious, nervous, intimidated, and even a little scared when you place yourself in a position of scrutiny. No matter the sport, all athletes feel a spike of adrenaline once competition begins. Adrenaline helps the mind and body kick into high gear, increasing our awareness and our alertness. Unfortunately, this also increases our heart rate, blood pressure, sweat glands, nervousness, etc. Sensitive to these changes and feeling a difference in our behavior and cues, our horses sense that

five judge panel, unanimous decisions are rare. This means that trained and tested Judges don’t always agree on who is the best in the class! I have been to judge’s conferences and watched experienced international judges argue about how to place a class. While strict standards comprise the

Building confidence in young riders is critical to their future success. Enter them only in classes they are fully prepared for and remember that proper tack and attire is important to even the littlest contestants. Here, Bryce Haemker proudly models his leadline outfit before his class. Kryl Sadowski photo.

majority of the decision making in placing a class, there is a slight influence of preference and vision. Remember, Judges cannot see everything. Gabby Mueller wears comfortable clothes and warms up Ima Bodacious Dee early, giving both of them a chance to cool down before her class. Stay out of the sun as much as possible and give both horse and rider plenty of water. Lindgren photo.

the beginning. Next comes the pressure, anxiety, fear, elation, excitement, & often disappointment. Horse competitions bring on a flood of emotions and often drain our energy. While some competitors can’t wait for the next opportunity to show off their skills, other competitors get so overwhelmed with the preparation and pressure required to compete, that they fail to meet the goals they had set for themselves. Over the years I have seen it all. From the seasoned amateur competitor who breaks down in tears after a failed pattern, to the hardworking underdog who doesn’t come forward for the championship ribbon because they don’t believe it was their number that was called, to the trainer who has so much on his

danger is near and become more aware of the distractions of the show ring. You can expect your horse to be “on” when you are “off”. Winning riders learn to refocus and redirect their energy to turn butterflies into blue ribbons. Take steps now to make sure your nervous energy doesn’t ruin all your hard work and excitement. Realize what a Blue Ribbon Really Means: Winning a class only means that one person believed you and your horse were best at meeting class requirements on that particular day. Not winning does not mean that you have failed or that you have an inferior horse. At major shows where there is a three judge or a

Enter Classes You are Ready For: Don’t push yourself or your horse into a division you aren’t fully prepared for. It is not fair to you, to the other competitors or to the Judge. If you have never done showmanship, try a halter class first to get both of you used to the pressure of the show ring. Open shows offer walk/trot for many age divisions. These large classes will help you learn to navigate around multiple horses, maintain rail position, and deal with nerves. Successfully completing the class, not winning, should be your entire focus. Once you conquer the pressures at one level, move on to a tougher challenge or a more difficult class. Care for Yourself on Show Day: Do as much preparation as you can before the show (pack your trailer, organize your clothes, list your classes, etc.). Get a good night sleep and eat


April 09 breakfast! (A donut and a can of soda are not nutritious.) You can’t expect your horse to do well if he hasn’t eaten so why deny yourself a nutritious meal? Wear comfortable clothes and shoes to run around and warm-up your horse. Save your clean boots, hat and show shirt for the show ring. Keep out of the sun and take a break whenever you can.

Amanda Beall, age 10, crates a quiet moment amidst the chaos in the warm-up ring to think about her upcoming class. Learn to shut out the distractions and focus only on the task before you. Photo courtesy: Laura Beall.

Give Your Horse and Yourself some ‘Down Time’: Bring along a favorite book or CD and after all your chores are done, relax for a few minutes before your class. Allow your horse to relax, too. Bring enough hay for him to eat. Once you are tacked up for the class, take a quiet little walk alone with your horse, away from parents and friends. Tell him what you are nervous about and what your plan is to overcome it. Might sound silly, but it works. If you can’t get away from the chaos, take a quiet moment for yourself to think about your ring

Elizabeth DeSarle knows that a happy rider creates a happy horse and a winning image. Leave all your frustrations, nerves, and insecurities at the in-gate. Photo courtesy: Elizabeth DeSarle.

midwest horse digest strategy and goals. Control Your Circle of Influence: In any aspect of life, only you determine who can influence your behavior. All that matters once you enter the show ring is one team, you and your horse. All your other relationships (mother, boyfriend, barn buddies), should cease the minute you enter the warm-up ring. Learn to ignore the rail chatter. If you need a rail coach, ask one, positive, person to be there for support. I know from experience that nothing is more frustrating than having a Mom yell smile when you are doing all you can to keep it together. If your boyfriend or Grandma makes you nervous and they aren’t willing to skip the show, ask them to leave you alone to concentrate while you are getting ready, warming up, and competing. When competing, we all want

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to impress everybody watching the class but that is impossible. Stop caring what ‘everybody’ thinks and use that time to focus on improving your performance. Always remember, if you are proud of yourself and the way you communicated with your horse, than your competition was a success! Blue ribbons are great, but they aren’t the reason we fall in love with our horses. GOOD LUCK & RIDE SAFE! Jennifer Lindgren has been an All-Breed Judge since 1985. She is an experienced competitor who has earned Regional and national awards in Halter, Western Equitation and Hunter. She loves all breeds of horses and keeps her private collection in Grant Park, Il. Contact: jenlind22@msn.com Copyright 2009 by Jennifer Lindgren


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Farnam’s Platform® Feed Renews Sponsorship with ASPC & AMHR Bigger isn’t always better according to owners of American Shetland Ponies and Miniature Horses who instead prefer their Farnam Companies, Inc. Senior that Vice President, Chris Jacobi and equine comASPC/AMHR Director of panions come Operations, Zona Schneider shake hands on the 2009 sponsorship in smaller size agreement at the recent USEF p a c k a g e s . That’s why Annual Convention. owners of small equines appreciate Farnam Companies, Inc., a company that focuses on small equines. Farnam Companies, Inc. has renewed its sponsorship with the American Shetland Pony Club and American Miniature Horse Registry for 2009 as part of their continued commitment to supporting the needs of small equines. Farnam’s Platform® Miniature Horse and Pony Feed is specially formulated for the more efficient digestive systems of the miniature horse and pony to help reduce nutritionally-related problems such as obesity and has been well received by the small equine market. In addition, Farnam developed the SuperMask® Miniature Horse Fly Mask which is available in two sizes and three styles for small equines. “The products that Farnam has developed for small equines are really beneficial and the ASPC and AMHR are thrilled that Farnam will continue our mutually beneficial agreement in 2009,” said ASPC/AMHR Marketing Director Johnny Robb. “The development of the feed and the fly masks filled a void in the market and owners of small equines across the country have come to rely on Farnam as a leader in the small equine industry.” Farnam will also sponsor the Vetrolin Grooming Awards program that the company instituted with the ASPC and AMHR three years ago. “We recognize that Shetland Pony and Miniature Horse markets are an important segment and are pleased to be able to support them again in 2009,” said Heather Hoff, senior vice president of Farnam Horse Products. “Farnam has supported the ASPC/AMHR national shows since 2006, the partnership is a natural fit.” ASPC/AMHR Director of Operations Zona Schneider explains. “The American Shetland Pony Club has been in existence for over 120 years and Farnam has been a leader in the horse care industry for more than 60 years, so we are especially pleased that these two industry icons are working together.” For more information visit www.shetlandminature.com and www.farnamhorse.com. Platform, SuperMask and Vetrolin are trademarks of Farnam Companies, Inc.

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midwest horse digest

COWBOYS SADDLE UP FOR A CAUSE AT THE 2009 MIDWEST On April 17th, more information, call HORSE FAIR®! For 2009 the Dodge World’s 920-623-5515. Toughest Bulls and Broncs will Saddle Up with Ronald McDonald House Charities of Madison to help raise funds for families and children in a time of need at the 2009 Midwest Horse Fair®. The cowboys and cowgirls will ride for the cause and help raise awareness and funds to achieve the goal of $10,000 to sustain the much needed support for area children and their families. Through the sale of $5 Cowboys for Kids “Rowdy Rag” bandannas, the event proudly sponsored by Z104-FM (WZEE-FM 104.1 Radio Station) and the Midwest Horse Fair will give all proceeds from these fund-raising activities to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Madison. “Rowdy Rags” will be available at any Mounds Pet Food Warehouse and at the Kids Korral during the Midwest Horse Fair®. A $5 Rowdy Rag will also provide admission into the McDonald’s Cowboys for Kids PreShow in the Nutrena Arena from 5:45p.m. – 7:00 p.m. for FREE horseback rides, cowboy and cowgirl meet and greets, back stage tours, see their animal superstars up close and personal, photo opportunities, meet Ronald McDonald…and much much more! McDonald’s will make you “Love It” a little more when you bring in a McDonald’s receipt & save $3 off admission at the gate to the Midwest Horse Fair®. Don’t forget your $5 Ronald McDonald House “Rowdy Rag” bandanna - your ticket to come early for great activities for all ages to get you warmed up for exciting rodeo action. Get your FREE McDonald’s autograph poster and come down on the dirt. It’s fun and games and giveaways all compliments of McDonald’s. That’s not all, that Rowdy Rag will prove to be $$$ Valuable in the Bonus Round too. Ronald McDonald House Charities of Madison is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing families with a "home away from home" while their children are receiving treatment at Madison area medical facilities. The Madison Ronald McDonald House has welcomed more than 6,500 families since opening its doors in May of 1993. Ronald McDonald House Charities of Madison also supports the delivery of free dental and medical services on the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile in south central Wisconsin and northern Illinois. The chute gates swing for the Dodge World’s Toughest Bulls and Broncs Pro Rodeo event at the Midwest Horse Fair®, Friday, April 17th at 7:30 p.m. Gates open for the McDonald’s Cowboys for Kids Pre-Show in the Nutrena Arena from 5:45 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a Ronald McDonald House “Rowdy Rag” bandana. Come early – Pre-Show arena closes at 7:00pm. The two hour show will bring the Madison area the best in Bareback Riding, Saddle Bronc Riding, Bull Riding, Barrel Racing and exciting rodeo entertainment. For best seats get your tickets NOW! Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com or at www.midwesthorsefair.com.

In addition to the World’s Toughest Bulls and Broncs rodeo, The Midwest Horse Fair®, held April 17-19, 2009 at the Alliant Energy Center, offers a full weekend of events for both the professional and new horse owners, as well as those who just love horses. There are demonstrations, speakers, shopping opportunities, and plenty of entertainment. For more information on the Midwest Horse Fair® visit www.midwesthorsefair.com, 920.623.5515 or manager@midwesthorsefair.com

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Getting and Maintaining the Focus of Our Horses Minds

by Monty Bruce Getting and maintaining the focus of our horses can be a difficult task at times, especially if you can't ride/train with them consistently. Coming out of the winter months can be especially hard because our horses have had so much time off. It is imperative that we have our horse's attention and focus if we expect to get much out of our training sessions. If our horse is always looking somewhere else, whinnying, unresponsive to our cues, going and doing as he pleases, then we know we have a problem. Our horses cannot learn or retain the things we are teaching if we do not have their focus and attention.

Have you ever been in a conversation or meeting when your mind starts to wonder? You are there physically, but not mentally, and you have no idea what the person talking to you just said. It is the same way with our horses. Some other situations that would make it hard for us (and our horses) to focus. A. If we were wound-up with excitement or energy, such as our horse just coming out of his stall. B. If we are stressed or uncomfortable with our surroundings, such as a horse in an unfamiliar place. These are the things that make it tough to learn and focus. How can we get focus and attention from our horse when we are on their backs? (So we will have a successful training session) First, we need to take the excess energy off by trotting some circles. You want to be able to trot nice slow, controlled, and round circles. If you feel your horse is gawking, whinnying, or taking a hold of the bit and pulling you around, you will reach down one of your reins and pull his head around to your knee bumping him with your legs to get him to break free and soften up. Normally they will pull very hard on the rein, but you need to keep it up and until he quits pulling on your

hand, then release him and go back to what you were previously doing. by doing this you are getting several things accomplished. Each time they take there focus off of you and what you are doing try bringing their head in and going into a tight circle, they have no choice but to think about the situation... so you regain their focus. 1. By bending their neck and body and bumping with your legs until they relax their face and body. You are getting them to soften up, which most all horses need anyway. 2. You are making the right thing easy by letting him out of a tough position (that you have put him in) by leaving him alone when you have his focus; and making the wrong thing hard by putting lots of pressure on him and making him work under tougher conditions by bending him in a small circle when he does the wrong thing (which all takes his attention away from you). This process is not a one time immediate cure, after repetition and several other sessions you will see results and be able to maintain attention, focus and control of your horse enabling you to have much more productive training sessions or a more relaxing pleasure ride with your horse. Until next time good luck and god bless, Monty Bruce Visit our website:www.montybruce.com


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Richard Winters Captures Road to the Horse Title/ Fort Dodge Charity Challenge Richard Winters of Ojai, California was crowned Road to the Horse Champion in Franklin, TN March 15, 2009. Winters, John Lyons and Tommy Garland competed for the coveted title in front of a sold-out crowd of 6,000 spectators including guests from as far away as Finland, France and Paraguay. The one-of-a-kind event, which matches three top clinicians with three unbroken colts, gives each competitor three hours over two days to start their colt using their own unique natural horsemanship training techniques. Winter's explained to the live crowd at the event that his training approach was to train his chosen 2006 AQHA bay colt, Plenty Brown Hancock, just like he would in any other setting on any other day. For Winters this included riding his colt in the obstacle course and freestyle performance in a halter rather than a bridle and bit, making him the first champion to ride his colt to victory bitless. “I start all my colts in just a halter and not a snaffle. I decided right away to ride him in a halter during the obstacle course because you don't need to be pulling on their mouth at this stage,” says Winters. In another Road to the Horse first, Winters asked for a calf to be let into the arena during his freestyle. He explained it is important to him to cultivate curiosity and confidence in his young horses by introducing them to new experiences such as tracking cattle. “When they kicked that calf out into the arena for the freestyle it worked out really slick. My colt saw the calf and he really freed up and started tracking it. Hat's off to the Bath Brothers for raising really great cow horses,” he says. Randy and Laurie Dunn, owners of Bath Brothers Ranch in Laramie, Wyoming said they were proud to show off their horses' natural ability by providing the 10 colt remuda for the event. “I think Richard really sold the crowd with the tracking of the calf and showcased the horses and their capacity and keenness of mind and ability to adapt to situations. I'm really glad that I was able to bring my horses into this venue and with this high caliber of trainers,” said Randy Dunn in an interview after the event. Winters who is the horsemanship instructor in residence at the Thacher School in California is also a champion reined cowhorse competitor and an “A” rated NRCHA judge. He was accompanied at the event by his wife Cheryl, daughter Sarah, and son Joseph. Winters chose his daughter, a champion reined cowhorse trainer in her own right, as his Road to the Horse pen wrangler. Road to the Horse not only featured high caliber horses and trainers, but the crème de la crème of the equine industry who were chosen to judge the event and lend their superior expertise in determining the 2009 Road to the Horse champion. Senior judge Bob Moorhouse was joined by returning judges Jack Brainard, Dr. Robert Miller and Toni

Warvell. Dr. Jim Heird from Colorado State University and Marian Buehler of Dallas, Texas joined the judging ranks for the first time at this year’s event. Shelley Mix announced the winner on behalf of Horse & Rider Magazine, the official publication of Road to the Horse. Fort Dodge Animal Health, a world-wide leader in equine health solutions, had Director of Equine Sales Laura Primm on hand in the winner’s circle to present a check for $15,000 to Winter's charity of choice – Focus on the Family. The organization is dedicated to serving and strengthening family bonds worldwide. Winters says that he chose the charity due to the immense help that they have provided his own family and families across the world. “Focus on the Family has helped me in raising my own children and strengthening my own marriage. When families are strong and healthy, opportunities are more available for young people to participate in horse shows and junior rodeos and be involved in great organizations such as 4-H and FFA. When families suffer, the result is often horses being sold, cutting back on equine activities and moving away from a rural lifestyle,” he said in explaining why he chose the charity. Winters also received a check for $10,000 from Road to the Horse producer Tootie Bland, a memorial Steven “Dookie” Bland trophy saddle provided by Martin Saddlery featuring conchos by Gist Silversmiths, and an original painting by artist Peter Grant entitled “On the Road” which was featured as the cover image of the event’s souvenir program. As Road to the Horse host Rick Lamb said Saturday evening at the event, “Day two can change everything”, and this year's Road to the Horse was no exception. After a challenging first day of competition, all three trainers and their colts stepped into the round pens and onto the obstacle course on Sunday with new attitudes and a renewed sense of purpose. Garland's colt (a grullo named Blue Leo Bonnet), though it did not want to move out in the round pen and offered to buck, was

able to successfully navigate the obstacle course which was constructed with poles, jumps, bags of shavings from Guardian Bedding and sacks of Nutrena SafeChoice™ feed. The obstacle course required everything from rail work to dragging a log to a mystery obstacle which entailed the clinicians getting their colts as close as possible to a cage which held two live chickens. In addition, Garland showcased the confidence he had built in his colt by standing on his horse’s back while swinging a rope, crawling underneath his colt .......continued on page 21


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midwest horse digest

The Need to Breed by Craig Cameron As all-around riding mounts, geldings make the best choice because they're consistent day in and day out. That's one reason why many ranches prefer them. You'll find that even in a mixed herd of geldings and mares, squabbling will take place. The eons-old herd social structure takes over and there usually will be one dominant gelding and one dominant mare. Although geldings are usually more dependable, some do act like stallions their whole lives. The desire to propagate is great in all species, and you can't ignore that fact when it comes to horses. Often, when hormones take over and horses feel the need to breed, their personalities change and that can make them less reliable as riding partners. They can be different one day to the next. It's another one of those facts about equine nature that won't change, so you'll have to learn to deal with it. The breeding instinct in a stallion is very strong. Never underestimate his powerful

urges and dominant tendencies. The sweet horse you own and love can turn into a totally different animal when nature calls. Never turn your back on any stallion. One of the most important things to teach a stallion lion is when to breed and when not to breed. When a mare cycles, generally every 21 days, her personality might change, just like the stallion's, from day to day. Some mares never seem bothered by hormonal changes, but enough are that it warrants your investigation and understanding.

Remember, though, when it comes to performance, you also get a little more "life" or energy with stallions and mares. Witness the high number of stallions and mares that populate the futurity finals of high-caliber performance events such as cutting, reining and working cow horse. Also, note that the vast majority of amateur and non-professional riders are mounted on geldings. A related note on breeding: When you breed a mare to a stallion, you should look for the best traits of each - mentally as well as physically. Although the foal gets 50 percent from each parent, he lives the first 6 months of his life with his dam. He'll pick up a lot of the mare's personality characteristics. If the mare is bossy or has a poor disposition toward people or other horses, many times the foal will pick up on that. He'll imitate the mare, even learn to assume her place in the pecking order. You can see this at the watering hole. The dominant mare always drinks first and her foal will bat his ears at any intruders until she's done drinking. The foal thinks that's the natural way of things. Him first, other horses second. Try to select broodmares who have good dispositions, good minds, who relate to people and other horses in a good way. Good Luck & Ride Smart Craig Cameron Get Craig’s book and www.CraigCameron.com

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April 09 Road to the horse...continued from page 19 and navigating a pool noodle obstacle he said approximated trees brushing against his colt out on the trail. John Lyons, who was supported at the event by a large extended family including wife Jody, son Josh (who acted as his pen wrangler) and daughter Brandy (who participated in her father’s clinic presentation on day 1), chose a sorrel colt named A Dunn Wiggy. Lyons explained that it was important to him for any horse to be inquisitive and want to please the trainer, but not to require babysitting. To illustrate his progress in this area, after successfully completing the obstacle course portion Lyons asked his horse to ground tie. Lyons, who recently underwent knee replacement surgery, gave the crowd a start when he seemed to be positioning himself to perform the ever-iconic Road to the Horse move of standing on his horse’s back. Instead, in signature fashion he good naturedly teased the crowd for falling for his ‘gotcha’ moment. “It was a privilege to ride with John and Tommy and I appreciate what they're doing for horses and horse people. I felt like I had already won before the event even started just because I had the opportunity to participate in such an amazing event. It's really given me a leg up and I truly believe this event is a great thing. Not only has it given me national exposure to people who have never heard of me before, but it has allowed me to share the California and vaquero brand of horsemanship and reined cowhorses to people across the world,” said Winters. Road to the Horse Road to the Horse is unlike any other event in the equine or entertainment industry. It is “the original colt starting challenge”. The two-day sold out event matches three of the country's best horse trainers and clinicians of today against one another as they train unbroken colts to ride in just a few short hours in front of a packed live audience and television cameras. By combining education, edge-ofyour-seat suspense, entertainment and the love of the horse, Road to the Horse has been responsible for solidifying the position of today’s horsemanship heroes and launching the careers of tomorrow’s hottest new stars. In the process, the event itself has become a catalyst for the advancement of natural horsemanship. Hosted by Rick Lamb, of RFDTV’s The Horse Show with Rick Lamb, spectators are guaranteed not only to have a good time, but also to walk away with training knowledge that will improve their relationship with horses. Road to the Horse is proud to partner with many outstanding companies including Horse & Rider, Fort Dodge Animal Health, Mustang Makeover, Cinch, Cruel Girl, Gist Silversmiths, ABI Equine and John Deere. For more information on the 2009 Road to the Horse visit www.roadtothehorse.com or call 325-736-5000.

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Ask Mary: I do a lot of trail riding. How safe is it? What should I do if there is someone on the trail that wants to harm me? How safe is it out on the trail? As a police officer I have responded to calls from riders who have come upon criminals who have stolen cars and were driving them on horse trails, criminals who were hiding from the law living in the woods, criminals who were out cultivating marijuana plants and infrequently a personal attack. It is not common but it does occasionally happen. I like the Boy Scout motto, “Always be prepared.” Being prepared means having a plan of action and knowing you and your horse are competent enough to execute it. Being prepared gives you a sense of empowerment. You don’t have to be a victim. You can do something positive to help yourself out of a bad situation. Here are some self defense techniques to keep you safe on your trail ride. Be Alert and Aware Real criminals target or select victims that are preoccupied and oblivious to what is going on. It’s easy to get lulled into a false sense of security on a trail ride. After all, you are in the country not the big city. But, not all criminals are in the big city. Methamphetamine use has spread to the country. It can cause people to behave in dangerous and unpredictable ways. Being alert and aware doesn’t mean you need to be paranoid or fearful. It means you need to be relaxed by alert. Cautious but not tense. Maintain 360 degrees of awareness around

you. Look for people, places, things and action that seem odd or out of place. What are you looking for? Look for anything that is unusual, out of place or just doesn’t fit. Emily was out trail riding and saw a new truck stuck on the horse trail. There were two men shabbily dressed trying to push it out of the mud. She asked herself,” What wrong here? Does this make sense?” No it didn’t. She turned around, rode to a safe place and called 911. She was right. The truck was stolen. The two thieves got stuck while joy riding on the horse trail. Trust your instincts. If it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Pay attention to what your horse is telling you. He can see and hear much better than you can. If he alerts (definition; it’s similar to a hunting dog who points when he sees a pheasant, your horse will hesitate and turn his head to look at something he has noticed. His ears will point the direction he is listening to). I was riding Jimmy on the trail early in spring before the leaves had come out. I was miles from the trail head when he alerted to something in the thick brush. I thought, perhaps he sees a deer or a coyote. I stopped and looked hard. At first I didn’t see anything but brush and prickly ash. Then I caught a slight movement and could pick out the silhouette of a man hiding in the brush. He was dressed in full camouflage including face paint. I never would have seen him except for my horse’s behavior. Be aware of your location on the trail. This includes knowing alternative routes back to your trailer. If you need to call 911 for help, you need to know where you are on the trail so help can find you quickly. Have a Plan of Action Being an alert and aware rider, you notice something that doesn’t look quite right. Could

April 09

this spell danger? Now what? Assess the risk of danger. Ask yourself, “What’s wrong with this picture?” If the answer is, “this is not normal”. Disengage- Leave now! At a quick but safe speed. Don’t approach the individual. You don’t know their true intentions or capabilities Smart criminals will use a ruse to distract you. It may be in the form of a question like, “Can I pet your horse? Or can I use your cell phone?” Do not let an unknown person approach your horse. Keep at least 40-50 feet away. Move your horse if they come closer than that. Don’t get involved in conversation. Say, ” Stay away from me; I’ll call police for you if you need help”. Ride a safe distance away and call for help. Your horse is your biggest advantage here. He can canter a lot farther and faster than any bad guy. I hope you never encounter a dangerous person on the trail. However, if you see something suspicious, remember your plan. Stay alert and aware for anything out of place. Trust your instincts, if something isn’t right, leave right away and ride to a safe place to call for help.

Mary is a Mounted Police instructor and a fully insured ARICP riding instructor. She devotes her creative energy to developing customized training programs to improve show ring performance, mount obedience and despooking trail horses utilizing training methods used in training police horses. Visit her website at www.riderselite.com or email your questions to Mary at:mary@riderselite.com

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Kickstart gets ready for the competition by Dennis Auslam The final countdown is fast approaching for the Mustang Makeover Challenge at the Midwest Horse Fair in Madison, WI. Kickstart is still advancing very well. I have really bonded with this girl and I have to remind myself, of I should say, she reminds me on occasion that she was a wild mustang. In fact, she reminded me of that just last week. I was clipping her face and she front footed me in the thigh, drawing some blood. But, I can't blame her, It was her instinct to protect herself as it is with all horses. Which is a very good point to remember no matter how much you have worked with your horse or how long you have had the horse. It's not that I hadn't prepared her for

the clipping. We had spent time working on her bridle path with very little issues and I had run the clippers, in the palm of my hand, on her face to get her used to the feeling. I just let down my guard, so of course, my advice is always be prepared for anything that might happen. Prepare, Prepare, prepare. We are progressing beyond what I had anticipated and I am able to gently lay her down and get on her while she is getting up. Now this is a dangerous maneuver and not one I would suggest for the inexperienced horse person. Might not be one I would suggest for the experienced horse person either though. What you do need to be aware with this maneuver is that initially they can have a tendency to lose their balance. Hence, my left leg was pinned under twice in the beginning of this process. Needless to say, she was much calmer in this situation than I was as she is a really intelligent mustang and has a very nice temperament. So you need to be aware, because I've done this on several horses and if this can happen to me, think what would happen to a novice. Last week we started her on cattle. She took to it aggressively, which makes me think while in the wild, on the BLM ground, she had encountered cattle. We started out just tracking the cattle around and then we proceeded to do some mild cutting. She is an independent mustang and very secure in herself and she takes instruction well, but she does have a few of her own ideas, so she is going to need to learn patience and not be so assertive on the cattle. In time.... A few weeks ago we started driving her by doing ground driving, then moved her up to a breaking cart. She took to this very well and I thought about incorporating this into our program, but I still not decided if I am going to drive her at the competition or not. It can be very hazardous and I feel we probably need a little more time working on this to be safe for the both of us. Again, that goes back to preparation, which always leads us back to the safety issue, which is my main focus in any workshop or clinic I do. So we might have to wait on that for a different show. We are now in the process of picking out a song for the FREESTYLE REINING class. We have started working on dancing, along with side passing, two tracking, turning on the forehand, stopping and backing, all done fluid-

ly to the music. So, I have been finding that in order to compete in this competition I am walking a thin line in over training here, or putting to much on her in to short of a period of time. I want to be very careful not to overstep that line, for the horses sake. All in all, she is a great mustang, very intelligent and has been a willing partner during this whole process. I look forward to the competition and above all it is going to be fun and a good thing for the mustangs. I would like to say to all the potential buyers of these horses that you take the time to continue their training. These horses have a lot of potential and are being put through some serious training for these competitions, but you need to make sure you continue it. Remember, it was only few months ago that they were running wild. If you will do this though I know you will find that you have an awesome horse that can become that willing partner you are looking for. I would also like to thank Howard Larsen. Howard, who is 72 years old, still diligently comes over to our barn almost everyday to help and he is always ready, he has 911 punched into his phone, just in case. Take Care and God Bless! Dennis Auslam We invite you to visit our website, we always have an upcoming clinic that can help you perfect your horsemanship skills. This spring we are having a Confidence and Self Defense on the Trail clinic where Mary Hamilton and I will be working together. For more info keep checking the website: www.redwoodstables.com 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 is scheduled to be a clinician at a number of Horse Fairs and Expos around the country in 2009, hosts clinics at his facility and also does outside clinics. If you are interested in hosting a clinic please contact us. If you are interested in attending a clinic you can check out our clinic schedule on the website. You can set up a clinic at your facility with Dennis by contacting him at 507-430-0342 or email him at redwoodstables@mvtvwireless.com. We invite you to visit the website at www.redwoodstables.com for more information.


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Julie Cyra is the owner and proprietor of one of the Midwest’s largest saddle shops, West 20 Ranch and Saddle Company, located 8 miles west of East Troy, Wisconsin and 1 mile West of Hwy. 12/67. West 20 was designed specifically with saddle fitting in mind, and has now become a destination point for people and their horses offering a 31,800 square foot complex that is everything horse; store, arena, stable and more. Cyra started the business in 1990, after working for several years with other saddlers in the area. She also works closely with many saddle manufacturers to determine what is missing in our industry, and to help them to build the products that customers and their horses need to fit today’s modern and varied breed standards. Cyra has done countless private saddle fittings, and hundreds of clinics over the years in Wisconsin and surrounding states at horse fairs and expos including the Michigan Stallion Expo, Illinois Horse Fair, Midwest Horse Fair. She has a simple and unique way of educating the horse owner, and uses facts, rather than opinions, to clarify the confusion people feel when they discuss saddle fitting. Over the years she has received countless thank-yous and emails from people that state that they finally “got it” when it comes to saddle fitting. If you love horses, West 20 will be your piece of shopping heaven. With thousands of square feet in the store, they carry everything you will need for the horse, the rider and the barn. You will find high quality American made saddles, bits and all the tack you could ever need, both English and Western, barn supplies, a large selection of home decor, gifts and artwork for the horsemen, and those that just love the Western lifestyle, many accessories, including jewelry, and a complete line of Western and English clothing and boots. All from top name manufacturers like Bighorn, Tucker, Crates, Montana Silversmiths, Hobby Horse, Breyer and many, many more. Plus you can also shop

midwest horse digest

from the comfort of your own home on their website which includes a full schedule of events and event details, products and horses for sale. You will find them on the net at www.west20.com The facility includes a 70 by 170 indoor arena with heated and air-conditioned viewing rooms, an overhead judges and announcers deck, a spectators walkway, a 200 by 300 outdoor arena and a beautiful stall barn all under one roof and attached to the store. Hosting many shows in the facility, the shopping experience they provide is a great way to entertain the folks that come along to the shows with their riding friends and family. They also travel to horse fairs across the country, and always hear from people that are willing to wait for us to come to their area once a year to buy the better quality products

we carry. West 20 has the perfect facility for saddle club shows and is available for rent for your shows and club needs. They host many clubs and up to 40 shows per year from their facility. Clubs and associations they have hosted include NBHA. AQHA, NRCHA, APHA, Pony Club, Fox River Saddle Club, many 4H Clubs and others. They also host a series of 5 West 20 Saddle Co. Open Horse Shows, and a West 20 Open Gaited Horse Show Series of 3 shows. The all gaited horse show was a huge hit last year, so it has been developed it into a small series and they invite all gaited horse breeds to participate. West 20 Ranch & Saddle Company offers several opportunities for Family Fun throughout the year, but of course the Summer Schedule is the highlight of their season.! One

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of the most exciting events hosted there is the Drill Team Competition. Held annually, this years event will is on Saturday, June 27th at 1:00 p.m.. This event involves groups of horses and riders riding in unison in matching costumes to music. The teams are judged on difficulty of maneuvers, speed, and appearance. The Drill Team Competition is fast-paced and exciting, as well as patriotic and West 20 invites all to come out and see this for yourselves! Throughout the season West 20 also is host to the Annual Open Pleasure Horse Show Series with prize buckles from Montana Silversmith being awarded to both Grand Champion and Reserve Champion in all four divisions and in halter for a total of 10 buckles in all. Not only are all of these events happening at West 20 but they also raise, train and sell quarter horses, board horses and host various clinics throughout the year. From the breeder aspect of the horse world, Julie stated that it is of great importance to her that horses are properly trained and matched with riders so that the horse finds a good long-term home. To make sure that happens she strives to match both the personality of the horse and rider as well as the skill level. The lessons and clinics that are available at the facility also help accomplish that and one of their most popular clinics is called “Ladies Only-Your First Time On Cattle”. This has been a hit every year, so they keep bringing it back, and this year they are adding a coed clinic as well. Plus, West 20 has brought in and hosted clinicians as diverse as Richard Shrake, Todd Crawford, and Pan American Gold Medalist Patrick Burssens and is always available to host your clinic as well. This spring the saddle shop is filling up fast with new lines of equipment and home decor for the Western lifestyle enthusiast, and the horse lover in all of us and they invite you to stop in and see what’s new! West 20 is open 10-6 every day!


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Is it possible that horses have emotions? Does that change how we interact with them?

Exploring the Emotions of the Horse by Ryan Gingerich

Do horses really have emotions? I am often asked this question, and I have to say that my answer in the past has always been “no.” How could they? I’ve always thought that horses are simple animals, unable to reason, and have no conscious perception of ‘self.’ I thought that surely such a simple creature cannot possibly process the complex information involved with emotions. And yet, while doing research for another article, I found myself once again plagued by this question. In my search for more information and hopefully some ‘scientific’ answers, my eyes were opened to the possibility that I may have been wrong. This reality led me to some very important questions. If a horse does truly possess emotions, then how does this impact the way we train, house, ride, and interact with them? On the Path to Knowledge My quest for answers led me to a wonderful book, “Animals in Translation,” by one of my favorite authors, Dr. Temple Grandin (with Catherine Johnson). Dr. Grandin’s work primarily revolves around the cattle slaughter industry and she has done a lot for the humane treatment of these animals. In this book Dr. Grandin makes a very interesting case for animals having emotions. She described emotions as both simple and complex. Simple emotions are fear, rage, discovery, confusion, gain, loss, happiness and depression. Complex emotions are shame, guilt, embarrassment, greed, respect, contempt. She makes reference to the fact that animals don’t have the ability to have mixed emotions. She also feels that animals aren’t ambivalent and don’t have love/hate relationships. As humans, these emotions are second nature to us. We don’t think about being unable to express joy or sorrow, empathy or indifference — we run the gamut of these emotions on a daily basis.

What’s Different Between the Species? The emotional differences between horse and human are significant. The horse lacks the complexity that makes up the human brain. Emotions come from the cerebral cortex and in humans this area of the brain is very welldeveloped. Research has shown that the measure of intelligence is based on the number of folds in the brain in addition to the brain-size-to-body ratio of the organism. Horses have relatively small brains with little folding. The more folds in a brain and the greater the overall size, the more intelligent the animal is. This does not mean that horses are not intelligent, but reflects their intelligence in relation to humans. In fact, there are many studies that show the horse as having a highly effective memory. They can recall past experiences and react to them readily. This alone doesn’t make the horse intelligent or unintelligent, just unique to its species. After months of reading about horses’s emotions and studying and observing my own horses’s emotions, I now believe that horses feel the simple emotions of fear, anger, curiosity, confusion, sadness and possibly happiness. I can say for sure that a horse doesn’t feel these emotions like you and I do. The way emotions are processed in the human brain is different from the horse because of the compartmentalization of the horse’s brain. As humans, we have the ability to reason why we feel a particular way. Horses simply feel emotion (without reasoning) because they don’t have the ability to rationalize the feeling. How Does This Relate to the Horse/Human Relationship? Knowing this information about how humans and horses process emotions should change the way we train our horses. We need to realize that horses don’t feel animosity or contempt towards us; their misbehaviors aren’t premeditated attempts at ‘getting back at us.’ They are simply expressions of what the horse is feeling at that given time. If the horse is fearful, it is because it is. If the horse is unsure and confused, it is because it is. You wouldn’t punish a child because they were scared or confused, nor would you use fear and intimidation to try to teach a child a new word or lesson. We wouldn’t do this to our children and we shouldn’t punish a horse for its feelings either. How Does Round-Penning and Densensitization Affect a Horse’s Emotions?

This brings me back to my stance on what I believe are particularly harmful training methods like round-penning and desensitizing. I strongly believe that round-penning a horse (the act of chasing a horse in a round pen) is possibly the most harmful thing you can do because horses are prey animals. The round pen lesson teaches fear. Dr. Grandin says that she believes that “instilling fear in an animal is far worse than pain.” Horses are prey animals — they are the embodiment of the fear response — and since fear is quickly remembered and never forgotten, it doesn’t make sense to invoke this fear response, whether in the round pen or anywhere else. The same holds true for desensitizing. I realize that this is a very popular term and function in the training of horses. However, when done improperly it can have far-reaching adverse affects on the horse’s psyche and emotional state. Is Natural Horsemanship the Be-All, End-All? I often wonder if natural horsemanship is such a great thing, since there is still such an over-abundance of horses with behavioral problems. I literally get hundreds of emails every month from owners with horse problems. I think the obvious reason lies in the misunderstanding of the horse’s psychological makeup. I have spent years studying how horses learn, how they interact with humans, and why so many common misbehaviors are so prevalent. So What’s the Answer? I have come to the conclusion that most horse owners don’t interact correctly with their horses. Their cues are confusing, complex, and not at all consistent. This miscommunication can lead to many of the horse’s emotions we are talking about that so often then progress to behavioral problems. My goal as a clinician is to educate owners and trainers that horses can become confused when confronted by opposing cues, or similar cues that are too close together. Your horse is a living, feeling creature that when pressed into a stressful environment will do what it thinks is best for itself and not for you. That may mean the horse bucks you off, runs away with you, or generally misbehaves. These misbehaviors are what the horse thinks it needs in that very moment and what it feels will make the pressure go away. It is your responsibility to understand that you may be causing many of the misbehaviors your horse is expressing!


April 09 As I think back to time spent with my mentor Dr. Andrew McLean (who developed and manages the Australian Equine Behavior Centre and holds a PhD in horse training psychology), I am reminded of our conversation about the emotional horse. His view was that horses have no emotions, and that they are simply products of their environment. If your training was bad and inconsistent, your results were bad and inconsistent. I believe that this is fundamentally true, but overly simplified. If we don’t understand what the horse is feeling, then we as ‘feeling beings’ find it hard to relate. We then become confused when our training goes wrong and this confusion translates to our horses. We are quick to blame the horse for his mistakes and never fully realize that the problem is truly our fault. We are the teacher, they are the student, and therefore our lesson should always be more clear to us than to them. What’s the Key to Better Communication? So how do we become better at communicating with our horses? Knowledge. We must never stop learning and developing new and better ways to communicate with our horses. Do horses possess the ability to feel simple emotions? Yes. Do they feel and process these emotions the way humans do? No. This simple knowledge should change the way we interact with our horses and how we train our horses. It should make us realize that horses can feel pain, they can feel fear and curiosity, and they can feel lonely, confused, sad and possibly happy. It means that every time we scare our horses with improper training techniques and use improper training equipment, we cause irreparable damage to our horses. This human-induced behavior takes us one more step further from our ultimate goal — to have a connected relationship with our horse. What I’ve Learned This change in my thinking about emotions did not come easy. My Connective Horsemanship training methods already worked. But my training methods work better now because I have new knowledge that is based on research and not just what seems right to me. Knowledge is power and power should be used for the benefit of others. Seek out new, viable knowledge. By doing so, you will benefit both you and your horse. For more information on Ryan Gingerich’s Connective Horsemanship program, visit www.connectivehorsemanship.com or simply call 800.359.4090.

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Man O’ War and Equine Emotions: Fact or Folklore? Perhaps the most famous racehorse in history was Man O’ War, undisputed king of the turf during the gambling-happy roaring 1920s. He was a large and imposing horse, and even when he was alive he was a tourist attraction, drawing visitors from across the country to pay homage at his farm. Racing historians say that the only reason Man o’ War never won the Triple Crown is because his owner refused to race him in Kentucky. Man O’ War lived nobly and developed a unique relationship with his groom of many, many years. He showed his allegiance to Will Harbut every day of his life; Harbut was only absent from the horse at night. Harbut, the horse’s constant companion, died suddenly in October 1947. Man O’ War was so grief-stricken that he pined away, wouldn’t eat, and was obviously crestfallen as he hung his head in the stall, knowing that his friend would not return. Less than a month later Man O’ War died of a broken heart.


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Horse Behavior

Proper Handling of a Foal by Julie Goodnight

Question: Dear Julie, I recently purchased two Thoroughbred mares, because I want to breed Hunter Under Saddle Quarter Horses and Paints, and am really excited to tell you that I have a foal on the ground now, a Coats N Tails stud colt who's all legs with a little bit of horse attached. He's four days old today, and we've had the mare since January. We didn't do very much of the classic imprinting techniques before he got up after being born, but we did do some, and every day since then we've been petting and scratching him all over, with particular emphasis on the areas where tack will be and down his legs for the farrier.

He's also been wearing a halter since he was a day and a half old. The mare has been extremely protective: wringing her neck, snaking her head at people and emphatically biting the air, as well as keeping herself between us and him, but we've found that she's bluffing--if I go right in, tell her "no" or "whoa" in a stern voice and grab her halter, she settles right down and behaves. She doesn't try to bite when I'm actually reaching for the halter and, although she'll turn her butt to me, she hasn't tried to kick--yet, anyway, and we're always very careful and aware of that possibility. We've found that we have to pay a lot of attention to her while we're paying attention to the foal. Before she foaled she was extremely easy to handle and work with, and very calm, so I think her behavior now is mostly hormones with a little bit of jealousy thrown in. When we go in to work with the baby, I put the mare on a lead rope so I can follow her around without being stepped on while she follows the baby (and I watch her closely for kicking or biting). I scratch and pet her and whatever part of the baby is closest to me, and my daughter pets the other end of the baby and the mare if she can reach her. He seems to like people--he'll leave his mom and come to the stall door when someone opens it. This little guy's career will be showing and trail riding, and then, if he's good enough, standing at stud. Things are going well now, but what else should we be doing? Also, can you recommend any books or videos to help with this process? Thanks, Sandy Answer: Congratulations on your new foal. I am sure he is a cutie and you are having lots of fun with him. However, I do have a few words of caution for you. As for your mare, she is not jealous, she is simply doing

her job in protecting her foal. Do not assume she is bluffing and do not interfere with her doing what she is programmed to do. Many people are shocked when their gentle mare foals and becomes a different animal. It is not only her right to protect her foal; it is what every cell in her body tells her to do. Usually this behavior diminishes after the foal is a week or so old, but in the meantime, do not push it and never assume that any horse making threatening gestures is just bluffing. Maybe they are, but it is quite likely they horse is willing to act on the threat. Be patient, gentle and understanding with the mare and give her the time she needs with her foal. Imprinting can be a great thing and it can also be painfully overdone. It is probably good you did not do a lot at first because you never want to interfere in any way with the bonding between mare and foal in the immediate hours after birth. In my experience, foals are often over handled, particularly when they are treated like pets. This results in a spoiled, pushy foal that has absolutely no respect for humans. Foals love to be scratched all over and if you indulge them too much, pretty soon they are running up to you and slamming their butt into you so that you’ll scratch them. Be careful not to let a horse control your actions and elicit the scratching from you. When this happens, you are teaching the horse to be dominant over you because he can control your actions. You can go overboard on desensitizing a foal to the point where he is oblivious to any touch, or worse, learns to lean into pressure. That will come back to haunt you when he is ready to be ridden and is insensitive to pressure. I am not a big fan (as you can probably tell) of too much handling as a young foal. I want them to be accustomed to humans and to like humans, but I want them to be a baby horse too. I will usually halter a foal when he is about a week old, but never leave the halter on. When you do come into handle him, slip the halter on so that he gets used to being haltered. I will generally teach them to lead at a pretty young age, with very light pressure (just a jiggle of the lead, releasing the pressure as soon as the foal moves his nose forward), and work with him occasionally for very short sessions. There is lots of time in the next few years to start training him, starting with when you wean him. For now, let him be a baby horse and romp and play and explore his world. Don’t get in a hurry to train him. Like most trainers, I give young horses minimal handling the first year. As a yearling, we start teaching them to have good manners on the lead, stand tied, etc. But they are still babies at that age (training a yearling is like sending a child to kindergarten when he is three). I will wait until the horse is 2-3 before even thinking about any saddle training. Foals that are over handled and


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spoiled are not fun to train later on because they have no respect. I would way rather start a colt that has never been handled than one that has been spoiled. So be careful with your foal. He is a horse, not a pet. I geld ALL my colts as weanlings or earlier if I have reason to. The longer you wait, the more likely he is to develop reproductive behaviors that you do not want. Just like dogs; if you wait to neuter them until they are lifting a leg on every thing and running off to hounddog, those behaviors are already ingrained and neutering him will not eliminate the unwanted behaviors. Your colt would have to be in the top 1% of quality AND bloodlines to be worth keeping a stallion, and even then, I doubt you want to mess with a stallion. Stallions are more challenging to handle and there is a much greater responsibility and liability associated with owning a stallion. And besides, you will never make money on a breeding stallion, especially

if his sire is still breeding (why would a mare owner settle for diluted genes when she can go right to the source). My suggestion would be to geld him as soon as your vet thinks it is appropriate. His value is as a performance horse, not a breeding stallion. For any breeding program, the best thing to do is invest in high quality mares. You can find world champion stallions to breed to all over the world and with shipped semen, you can breed to anything and keep variety in your breeding program. Put your investment into the mares and buy semen when you need it. I know John Lyons has a lot of books and videos on foal handling, but I am not personally familiar with them. Also, Cherry Hill has a great book on the subject (and many other subjects). Her website is www.horsekeeping.com.

$30,000 DONATION HELPS DNR DEVELOP DAY-USE

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

PARKING FACILITY The Minnesota Horse Council donated $30,000 to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) during a DNR Equestrian Advisory Group meeting on Feb. 18. These funds, along with a $30,000 match from the Federal Recreational Trail Program, will be used to develop a day-use parking facility at Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park, near Preston, Minn. Darrell Mead, vice president of the Minnesota Horse Council, presented the check to Joel Stedman, regional manager for the DNR Parks and Trails Division. “Currently, there is very limited space for day users, and this donation will allow us to make important improvements in customer service,” said Stedman. Courtland Nelson, division director, added that the agency’s cooperative working relationship with the Horse Council is an example of a successful public-private partnership. Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park is the most heavily used, state-owned equestrian facility in Minnesota, hosting approximately 13,000 horseback riders each year. About 8,000 of these visitors are overnight guests in the horse camp, and 5,000 are riders visiting the park for the day.

Good luck on your new endeavor and enjoy your horses, but do not spoil them!

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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.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


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towards the inside nor cocked to the outside. Allow the horse to carry his head in a natural position, and do not worry about a headset at this point! When the horse is properly positioned on the circle, prepare for an upward transition. Increase the Part 6 weight in your seat. While followthe English and Western Horse and Rider,” ing the horse’s movement with the hips, give a available at my website listed at the end of this light squeeze with the legs and open the finarticle. gers. You should get a nice smooth transition Using the Aids to Position the Horse on a Turn to the jog/trot. If you do not, check to make With the horse properly tacked and warmed sure the horse is properly positioned and that up, ask him for a nice natural walk on a large you have used the aids correctly. circle to the left. Remember to communicate your request to move forward by using the aids Increasing/Decreasing Speed within the together in the proper sequence—seat-legs- Jog/Trot Continue on the large circle at an easy hands. As you approach either the three jog/trot. As you approach the nine o’clock o’clock or the nine o’clock position, turn your horse onto the smaller circle within the larger position, turn the horse onto the smaller circle. Use the smaller circle to prepare for an circle. As you do this, keep your inside or left leg extended jog/trot because it will help you “on.” By this I mean the leg is in light contact organize the aid sequence. Try to time the aids on the horse’s barrel at the girth. Lightly turn sequence so that the horse will be doing an the horse using the outside (right) leg and rein. extended jog/trot as you close the smaller The horse’s head should be lightly positioned circle and resume the pattern on the larger toward the direction he is moving on the circle. circle. As you complete the first half of the small His head and neck should neither be over bent circle, put more weight in your seat and follow the horse’s movement with your hips. Relax, breathe, and get looser in your body because this will allow you to follow your horse’s motion. Apply slightly more pressure with you legs and open the fingers slightly to allow the horse to go forward. Continue on the larger circle at the extended job/trot. When you are ready to decrease speed, turn off the larger circle onto the smaller one. Put more weight in your seat and slow the motion of your hips. Keep your legs in contact to maintain some forward movement so that your horse does not stop in response to your seat aid. There should be little to no closing of the fingers—just use them to keep the horse lightly positioned on the circle. The horse should give you a smooth downward transition. Transitions from Jog/Trot to Halt Establish a jog/trot on the larger circle. When you are ready to practice the halt, start by bringing the horse onto one of the smaller circles. To communicate the downward transition, put more weight in your seat. Keep both legs on contact with a light pressure, but do not squeeze him forward. With seat and leg aids active, close your fingers and the horse should halt. Try timing your aids sequence so that the horse halts at the point where the smaller circle meets the larger one. The opposite transition, from halt to jog/trot, presents a greater challenge since you will be asking the horse to go from a stopped position to a much more forward gait. This transition This transition requires a lot of energy.

Communicating with Your Aids … Keys to Success, In the last article, I shared the simple exercise of circles within a circle to help you improve the use of your seat, legs, and hand aids. I suggested that you practice the pattern on a well-schooled horse so you could focus completely on learning to use these aids. In this article, we will incorporate into the pattern the transitions of going from a jog/trot to a halt and from a halt to a jog/trot. I will explain the aids the rider should use to keep her horse “straight” on the circles. I will conclude with some tips on how to improve communication with a horse that does not have complete knowledge of the rider’s aids. We will use the same circles-within-a-circle pattern that I described last month. For a diagram of this pattern and a more complete explanation on effectively using the natural aids, please see my “Dressage Principles for

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April 09 To initiate the transition,put more weight in your seat and be ready to move your hips to support his forward movement. Avoid excessive squeezing or kicking to get a reaction. Instead, use a “cluck” to ask him to move forward. When he does, move your hips with his movement. Open the fingers to allow him to go forward. If he gives you a few steps at the walk before trotting, do not make a big deal about it. Use the pattern I have given you to improve the transitions until your horse understands what you are trying to communicate to him with your aids. If the Horse is Unschooled to the Natural Aids What if your horse does not have any knowledge of how to respond to the rider’s natural aids? In that case, you should use your voice as an aid instead of the seat, legs, and hands. I always start my horses with ground training. I incorporate voice aids into this training so that my horses have a basic knowledge of the commands I will give them under saddle. Horses do not understand words, but they recognize tones. A deep tone means “respect me” or “respond to me.” A mellow tone of voice is a reward or it will relax the horse. If a horse has no knowledge of the natural aids, I will use voice instead to help the horse achieve an understanding of them. Here is an exercise I use to help young or inexperienced horses understand my aids. It is done on a medium-sized circle with the horse standing on the circle. To teach him the concept of walking forward in response to my aids, I give him a command in a deep voice to “walk” or “walk on,” and I reinforce it with a “cluck,” if needed. I do not use any leg aids, but I do support his willingness to obey my request by following his motion with my seat and hips and allowing him the freedom to move forward with my hands. I use very little to no rein aids to slow him and only use them to guide him on the circle. After he walks on for a few steps, I ask him to slow down. To do this, I use a lighter, soothing voice command of “easy.” I reinforce my request by stopping the movement of my seat and hips. As he slows and shows me he understands, I once again give him the command to “walk on” and increase movement in my seat and hips to follow his forward movement on the larger circle. To ask the horse for an upward transition from walk to trot, I follow the same procedure. I ask him to “walk on” in response to my voice command, reinforced with my seat aids. When I am ready to trot, I use a deep tone of voice to say “trot,” use my seat to support his forward motion, and use very little rein aid except to keep him on the circle. I trot around the circle several times, and then I prepare for a downward transition to the walk. I do this without pulling back on the reins, but by using a deep voice to say “walk” while I sit deeper in the saddle and stop following his motion with my hips. When he makes the downward transition to the walk, I allow him a few steps at the walk and then ask him to jog/trot again. I bring him onto the smaller circle and ask him to halt using the voice command “whoa.” I praise him when he does. Whenever you get a good response from your horse, remember to

midwest horse digest reward him. Also remember to practice these exercises in both directions. Continue working this exercise using your voice aids, reinforced with your seat, until you get good responses. When your horse shows that he understands what you are asking him to do, gradually add the leg and hand aids and

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eliminate the voice. By starting with simple, easy-to-understand voice aids, you will build a foundation for him to want to learn more in the future. Learn more about Palm Partnership Training™ by going to www.lynnpalm.com or calling 800-503-2824.


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Feeding Faux Pas – How many are you guilty of? Feeding Grain by Volume and Not Weight Horse people are infamous for feeding by volume not by weight. This means that when asked how much they feed, most people respond with how many cans or scoops their horse is receiving. It is important to remember that all grain weighs a little differently. For instance, that 3 lb coffee can that many of us feed with (that is actually a 2 lb 7 oz size since the price of coffee went up) doesn’t always hold 3 lbs. of grain. For example, that can actually holds about 3.75 lbs of race horse oats, about 4.25 lbs of many pelleted feeds, and about 3.5 lbs of an average sweet feed. These values do differ though which makes it that much more important to weigh your feed. Remember the average 1000 lb horses’ stomach only holds about 5 lbs. of grain at a time. If an owner feeds much more than this figure or about 1/2% of the horses’ body- weight in grain per feeding, he is putting that horse at risk for colic and/or founder problems. Feeding Feeds Not Formulated for Your Horse If you haven’t read a feed tag lately, you probably don’t know that feed companies have to put a statement of usage on that

bag or tag. This statement is usually listed right above the feeding directions. The manufacturer has to state for what type of horse (maintenance, pregnant, growing, etc.) the feed is intended for. The feed tag also lists the feeding directions, as the minimum amounts of that particular product to feed to each age and metabolic state of horse that the feed is intended to meet requirements for. Many horse owners make one or both of these mistakes. First of all, they are feeding a feed intended for mature horses either idle or in training to pregnant mares, lactating mares or young growing horses. This means they are feeding a deficient diet, maybe not in calories, but most likely in mineral and vitamin levels. Secondly, they don’t follow feeding directions listed on the bag or tag. If the manufacturer tells you to feed a minimum of 5 lbs/day and you only feed 2 lbs/ day because your horse gets too fat on 5 lbs, then you need to find a feed meant to be fed at 2 lbs. Essentially you are feeding your horse less than half of the daily recommended levels of vitamins and minerals by feeding less than half of what the manufacturer recommends. This is a common practice when feeding Senior feeds. Changing Grain Mixes Cold Turkey Each year many horses are subjected to possible bouts with colic and/or founder when owners indiscriminately switch grain mixtures without gradually acclimating the horse to these changes. When speaking about grain, it is important to understand that grain mixes have many different analysis’ and ingredients. When changing grain mixes it is important to do a couple of things. First of all, weigh your new grain to make sure that you haven’t drastically changed the pounds of grain the horse will be receiving on a daily basis. Secondly, it is a good rule of thumb to do at least a four day changeover when at all possible. This means that on day one you will feed 3/4 of the ration as the old feed and 1/4 of

the ration as the new feed. Day two you can mix them half and half, while on day three you feed 3/4 of the new feed and 1/4 of the old feed. Finally on day four you should be able to feed the entire ration as the new feed. This should help eliminate digestive upsets due to differences in calories, fiber and ingredient sources. Changing Hay Types Cold Turkey When dealing with hay changes it is also important to do it gradually if possible. The fermentation vat in the horse, known as the cecum, is the organ that digests forage (hay or pasture). This organ contains microbes that are very ph sensitive, meaning changes in acidity can affect the health of the gut population. It takes a different makeup of microbes to digest grass hay as compared with alfalfa hay. The change- over takes approximately 2 weeks, thus ideally if you are changing hays and they are quite a bit different, you should mix new hay with old hay for at least a few days to a week. If you switch too quickly from grass to alfalfa you may get loose stools, some colic issues or worst case scenario a founder situation if the fiber contents were drastically different. When switching from alfalfa to grass too quickly you may see a little bit of a hay belly develop. Not Acclimating Horses to Lush Spring Pastures Attention also needs to be given to pasture turnout in the spring. Lush spring pasture is high in fat which is why horses slick off and gain weight so quickly, but it is also very low in fiber content. When horses consume too much low fiber pasture too quickly, the ph of their gut is altered. The ph drops and the gut environment becomes very acidic. The acidity in the gut will start to kill the important microbes that reside there. A signal then goes to the horses’ brain asking for a “fix”. The body’s natural mechanism of defense is to flush the system with water, you observe this as a loose stool. This is a signal that the horse is now at risk for colic and/or founder. Horse owners should slow down on pasture turnout, or make sure they provide dry forage (hay) for the horses so that they can increase the fiber in their gut, therefore increasing the ph again, and ultimately reducing the risk of grass colic or founder. In Summary These are only a very few of the many feeding mistakes that we as horse people commonly make. I encourage all of you to educate yourselves through nutrition seminars or by consulting with nutritionists to make sure you are getting the most for your money, and not doing harm to the very horse that you love so dearly. By: Kelly Ann Graber B.S., P.A.S. Equine Nutrition Consultant for Progressive Nutrition, LLC 888-360-2204 or lkgraber@win-4-u.net


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April 09

WELL, HAVE YOU BEGUN YOUR ENDURANCE CONDITIONING? Part II By Shirley May These questions are frequently asked… But I’m too old! At last year’s annual ‘Hagmania’ (fun games), I got the prize for the oldest combined age…(horse & rider). Ikea will be 22 in May…since it’s not polite to ask a lady’s age…I’ll just say I’m 50 years older than she. We started doing endurance/competitive rides when she was 16. Do you think she wonders what happened to her former cushy life? Too young doesn’t cut it either. Yes, your child will need a sponsor with whom to ride. If you can’t accompany them, ride management will help you find someone. However, I recommend you join the madness…unless you have only one horse (riding double not permitted) or if your second horse has only 3 legs. There’s Poncho the pony routinely doing 25’s with the big boys … and young kids already doing fifties. No couch potatoes here! But I don’t have an Arabian (specifically a grey one)? And neither do I… I’m still riding the wrong breed and barefoot besides. The vet at our first ride, looked at 620# Ikea… shook her head muttering, “my, those tiny legs will never stand up!” Ikea now has 1725 competitive miles under her girth! Pieta (a tad bigger and too plump) will be 9 has 875 endurance (limited distance) miles (conditioning miles would make it about 3000 and 1200 miles respectively). Both have placed in the top 10 in UMECRA and DRAW. And there’s Atalissa, also 9 but a late bloomer who did her ‘first ride’ last year. Felt a twinge of guilt starting her with a 30-mile limited distance, but she did just fine. In 2007, she’d done a 15-mile novice ride at Underdown near Merrill and then on Sunday, perhaps not wanting to be left (it was Ikea’s day to compete)… I found the pen empty at the mid-ride check and spent the next 4-hours trying to find her (50,000-plus acres of wilderness!) No, she hadn’t gone to socialize with the others horses in camp; yes, she was on the road heading south to home. Was she trying to tell me something? Well I didn’t like the Underdown trails either…the ride reminded me of what Louise Riedel.said about the Old Dominion Ride in Virginia- “a waste of a pile of rocks”. But it’s dangerous – you could get hurt or your horse could die from exhaustion. You can get hurt crossing the road to your mailbox…the key is conditioning whether competing in the Ironman or skiing the Birkie. At a ride your horse gets ‘mini-physicals’; she must

first pass the pre-ride check…then during the ride…the mid-point check and finally the exam at the end of the race. But yes, bad things can happen, that also happen at parades, horse shows and trails rides. If you prefer, you can stay home and die in bed. But why do you do endurance/competitive rides? Ouch – it hurt when someone asked this question. Why do mountain climbers climb mountains… because they’re there? I’m competitive and like a goalthe sense of completing something. Others ride for a myriad of reasons… because I can, because I get to ride in different areas, for a ribbon, for the miles or just for the camaraderie of others also lacking their sanity? How do I decide whether to do competitive or limited distance? I’ll tell you

my logic but I’ll warn you the veterans don’t agree with me. The important thing is being able to pace your horse and not get caught up in the flow. With competitive rides, you have 4hours for a 25-mile ride (the hold-time…usual-

ly 40-minutes is not included in the 4-hours). With limited distance, you have 6-hours for a 25-mile ride…less the 40-minute mid-point hold…for a total ride time of 5-hours and 20 minutes. My logic…an additional 1 hr. & 20 min. to do 25 miles! Also, with competitive rides – there may be a surprise check (out on the trail) usually at the top of a hideously steep incline where p & r’s can be a killer. Arabians

are designed with p & r’s that drop into the cellar the minute they pull in for a surprise, mid-point or end-of-the ride check! With endurance you can slosh your horse with water and even get off and walk your horse. With competitive rides, when you pass the 2-mile marker you must maintain forward motion…and on the trail any forward motion must be astride your horse and sloshing is permitted only with ‘natural’ water. At rare times when the humidity is 120 and the temperature just slightly lower… ride management may allow competitive riders to slosh their horses. However, if ribbons are your motivator… competitive rides have weight divisions…light weight and heavy weight = double the number of ribbons.. The best idea is to give them both a try…just not on the same weekend unless you and your horse are really in condition! Novice rides are run as ‘competitive rides’ with competitive rules. For safety reasons, I invested in a cell phone; however, I’m now on my 3rdcompany but on the trails in the boonies and even in camp – there’s probably a 5% chance of being able to use it. Don’t understand why cell phone usage is so much more dependable in Europe – (guess socialized gov’t) at times has advantages) they have heavily forested areas and their Alps are a lot higher than anything here in the Midwest.


April 09 However, just learned something interesting…text messaging works even though calls don’t get in or out! Previously it made little sense … ‘why text if you can call’, just something else I need to learn! What are the trails and terrain like? Variety is the spice of life and you’re liable to encounter just about everything. In October 2007 I was at Point Chaser in northern Minnesota…fortunately, I’d ridden the trail on Saturday because on Sunday a portion of the trail resembled an inland sea. Earlier I commented that Underdown is very rocky; however, the Boulder Junction ride not much further north is sand (the glacier created variety). The Wildcat Ride near Neillsville has a bit of everything; that’s the ride several years ago where a group of us wandered about in a swamp (dry fortunately)…apparently bear hunters (not bare hunters) were not enthralled with our presence and removed and/or replaced some trail markers to other locations. T.J. Clibborn’s cousin’s wife, Joyce Corbett and Michael Taylor won the 2004 Tom Quilty Gold Cup ride. It is the ‘Tevis’ of Australia. This year, she’d like to ride the Tevis. She lives in Australia and is looking for a horse to ride (possibly two so husband Steve can ride,too). Anyone know of available 100-mile horses? Both horse and rider must meet criteria to ride the Tevis. Joyce wanted to come in 2008 but as it turned out, the Tevis was cancelled due to heavy smoke from wild fires; also a disappointment for UMECRA’S Bonnie Mielke. On Bonnie’s return from the aborted Tevis, she stopped to ride on BLM land in Nebraska near a ranch where she was staying and ended up parted from Loki. It was an agonizing 4-hours, but fortunately Loki was found and the story had a happy ending and just maybe they, too, will have a chance to do the Tevis in 2009. Have more questions on how to get started or information about the ‘May 2nd taste ride’ benefiting the Rock County Multi-Use Trails Group, call me at 608/868-3039. If there is sufficient interest – we will have an ‘early bird clinic and ride’on Friday, May 1st. Want to learn more about competitive/endurance go to the ‘Feb.28 clinic benefiting Smiles’, call Dawn Hess at 262/495-8105 for information. And in the meantime saddle up and start conditioning!

Here at MIDWEST HORSE DIGEST we can help you with all you promotional needs. Give us a call and see what we can do for you! 507-943-3355

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midwest horse digest

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April 09

Stem Cells Being Used to Repair Equine Tendon Injuries MADISON – Horse owners who want their horse to heal more completely from a tendon injury may want to opt for a relatively new technique—stem cell injections. Surgeons at the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine in Madison note that injecting stem cells into a tendon injury may improve the healing process, with less chance for reinjury. “The technique has a high success rate,” says Dr. Sabrina Brounts, a large animal surgeon at the school. “Depending on the case, it may shorten the recovery time significantly.” Stem cells can be harvested from the injured horse’s own bone marrow or fat.The advantage to collecting bone marrow from the hip or sternum is that the resultant sample is guaranteed to contain pure stem cells once it has been proliferated in the laboratory. Fat collected from the horse’s tailhead (which requires a standing surgery) also yields stem cells, but in this case the laboratory provides them as a percentage of nucleated cells extracted from the fat. As a result, the exact amount of stem cells is less accurate. Once stem cells have been extracted in the laboratory (approximately 3-4 weeks), they are sent back to the hospital where surgeons inject the stem cells into the tendon. By nature, stem cells are able to replicate and differentiate into other types of cells. And because these cells grow faster than the horse’s own tendon tissues, they can help speed the healing process. Another advantage to using stem cells is that the injury heals with less scar tissue. Scar tissue is not as strong as tendon tissue, so scarring can lead to recurrence of the injury. Stimulating repair through the use of stem cells, on the other hand, can lead to a stronger repair. “The risk is minimal if you’re using an experienced surgeon,” Dr. Brounts says. Following stem cell injection, the patient is monitored with ultrasound over time to observe the rate of healing. Special rehabilitation exercises help the process. “It’s important not to inject the tendon during the initial swelling stage, right after the injury,” Dr. Brounts notes. “The swelling response protects the injury. But after 14 days, most of that protective swelling is over and stem cell injections can begin.” Cost of the treatment is about $1,500. According to Dr. Brounts, the best time to treat a tendon injury with this new technique is 14 to 30 days after the injury occurs. It works best in core lesions, which can be seen via ultrasound as a big hole in the tendon. The stem cells are then injected directly into this hole to stimulate healing. To determine if your horse is a candidate for this treatment, call the school’s Large Animal Hospital at 608/263-7600.

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midwest horse digest

April 09

Common Trail Riding Problems: Solutions to Refusals, Rushing Home and Other Undesirable Behaviors: Part 1 conbut it’s just too hard to control him!” “I can’t stop my horse on the trail. We stop pretty well in the arena, and I don’t know what to do. I like to go fast out there, but it

by Bob Jeffreys & Suzanne Sheppard “Help! My horse is fine on the trail until we canter, lope or gallop; then he’s wired and hard to control for the rest of the ride.” “My horse won’t cross streams/gulleys/bridges/logs/etc; how do I get him to go where I ask?” “ My horse starts to jig as soon as I get on and fights me for the whole ride! What can I do?” “My horse doesn’t want to leave the barn area at all!” “My horse spooks at almost everything we see out there.” “I can’t ride my horse unless his buddy is right beside him. I want to go out alone sometimes

doesn’t feel safe!” Do any of the above sound familiar? If so, please know that you’re not alone. The problems cited above are some of the most common issues that people have with their horses. And although some horses can be unusually brave, many horse owners experience these challenges and want to resolve them. They believe that their horses have the potential to behave better, become braver and be the trusted friend that they dreamed about when they bought them. And they are right, but how? In this three part series we’ll address why these problems occur, and show you effective techniques and - exercises to resolve them. The “fixes” that follow work on all breeds of horses. Many people initially are drawn to horses because they are “adorable” or “pretty”, and therefore assume that they are easy to

trol, pull around or stop. When we hear comments like these, we tell people that, however cute they may be, all horses have prey animal instincts, herd mentalities, and perhaps most importantly, are very fast and strong. They must be taught the skills that we want them to have. Now you may know that, in some countries, there may be only a few natural predators (other than man!), but we’re in America, the land of cougars, bears, coyotes, etc, and your horses are smart enough to fear predators even if they’ve not seen them before. Just think about it; if we humans came across a tiger in the woods, it would scare us even if we’ve never see one before. Maybe especially because we’d never seen it before. We’re going to address one very important problem mentioned above, and the balance in the next two issue. So, let’s begin with crossing streams. As some of you know, many horses who are very confident may balk at crossing unfamiliar footing. Why? Because they know that crossing only safe, secure footing is a key to survival. Crossing streams can be a huge problem with horses because they do not have the depth perception that we do, so even though we see that the stream or creek or puddle is only about three inches deep, our equine friend might perceive it as “the abyss”. Usually the horse will notice the stream somewhere around fifteen to twenty feet ahead and try to stop at this distance. We should let them stop and relax here for a minute or two. The horse is telling us what distance from the stream his comfort zone ends, and caution, or even fear sets in. If you push right here you may end up with a fight on your hands, so instead, let him relax for awhile, and when you think you have a reasonable chance for succeeding in getting forward motion, then ask for it. You may only get a step or two, but possibly three or four before he stops again. This is great, as you’ve increased his comfort zone towards the creek. Let him relax again for a minute as before; keep on repeating this step without rushing, until you get to the creek. Once there if you ask your horse to go forward he will choose to either go backwards, or to the left or right - anywhere but the creek! If he goes backwards you need to start bumping him lightly with your legs or a whip,


April 09

midwest horse digest

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increasing the speed and intensity of the obviously right behind him and he might think average time being around two hours. The bumps or taps if he continues to back. Stop the it’s chasing him. If so, let him go until he reach- same lesson can be taught at the bridge, or instant he stops backing. Then simply ask him es a point that is equivalent to the edge of his the tarp, or wherever. If it takes two hours the to go to the stream again. Eventually he will original comfort zone from the creek (usually first time, your second obstacle crossing will understand that backing away is an option that 15 – 20 feet). Then turn him around and cross only take about one hour, and the third about has been closed to him, because when he the stream again. Usually you don’t have to twenty minutes. Then every time you ask your tries he experiences increasing discomfort the repeat these steps to the same degree, but horse to cross over something for the rest of you may get a few side to side moves before his life it should never take more than t n minfurther back he goes! He will then try the remaining he paws or looks down. However, it won’t be utes or so because he will recognize the options of going either right or left. Horses also long until he jumps it again. Keep repeating process and know that you are consistent and have the option of rearing or throwing them- but gradually decrease the distance you allow persistent in your requests. Well, that’s it selves on the for this month. ground. (If this hapNext time we’ll talk pens to you it’s about jigging horsprobably because es and spooky you skipped the horses. Until then, steps that allow the stay warm and horse to relax. If ride safe! you didn’t skip that part and he does © Bob Jeffreys rear or “throw 2/09. Bob Jeffreys down”, he probably and Suzanne needs professional Sheppard travel training). Let’s say nationwide teachhe chooses to go ing people how to right; you must quit bring out the best using the ‘go cue”, in their horses. but also must keep Their homebase is his nose pointed at Bob’s Two as One the exact spot you Ranch in wish to cross. We Middletown, NY. don’t want to let him Bob & Suz teach the creek crossing lesson to a student at Equine Affaire Massachusetts. For info about Bob get away by allowing Photo by Geer Teuwen”. & Suzanne’s Wind him to turn away, Rider Challenge, even if you circle back to the stream. If you allow this your horse him to travel until it’s only a foot or two on private horse training lessons, riding lessons, will think, “I almost made it!” and try harder to either side of the stream. He’ll now be jumping clinics, DVDs, books, Horsemanship Ed escape the next time. It doesn’t matter if he with less vigor, and when you feel safe Courses and ProTrack™ Trainer Certification please visit moved right or left at this point in your lesson enough, turn him as he jumps so that he lands Programs as long as his nose stays pointed at your spe- in the water. Walk him up and down while TwoasOneHorsemanship.com or call 845cific crossing spot. He’ll go side to side for praising his bravery; if he wants to drink (and 692-7478. awhile but will start to narrow down this move- the water is clear), let him. Then take him out ment sideways until eventually one of two of the stream and begin walking through it things happen: he may either paw at the water from both sides. Progress to trotting, or even with his hooves, or he may drop his head down cantering if the footing allows and you feel up to take a closer look. Either movement is a to it. This lesson will take anywhere from sign that your horse is thinking about crossing. Although only some will paw, all will eventual- 20 minutes to four hours to teach, with the ly drop their heads to the ground to sniff and look at the water. Accept this as movement forward and release all pressure, rewarding him for the progress made. Now we play the “minute game”. If he leaves his head down for 2 seconds when you ask him to move, accept this as forward motion and then let him relax with his head up for 58 seconds, the balance of one minute. Ask nothing of him – just leave him be as a reward for his courage. Then ask him again for movement and this time he might leave his head down for 5 seconds. When he brings it up he’s allowed to rest for only 55 seconds. Then we ask again and he’ll leave his head down even longer- maybe for 10 seconds, so we ask nothing of him for 50 seconds, and so on. This continues until we’ve reversed the action of the minute game so that this head stays down for 58 seconds and up for only 2 seconds. The next time you ask him to go, continue to ask until he moves forward; by this time he’s ready. A word of caution here; if the creek is less than about four feet wide, hold on! He will jump it! When he lands the creek is


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midwest horse digest

April 09

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“Driving has given me a reason for living,” says Scottie about her carriage driving lessons at the Florida Carriage Museum and Resort. For the last three years she has acquired the skills to maneuver a horse and carriage through sets of traffic cones with ease. This week, Scottie, who is quadriplegic, is using her new Bennington carriage for the first time. She tells that it is built specifically with a low profile making it easy for her in her electric wheelchair to go up the rear ramps into position for driving. Its light weight makes it easy for Shadow, a Morgan Friesian Crossbred, to pull Scottie, Kacy, her able-bodied teacher; and Michelle, her groom. As a quadriplegic, Scottie has looped reins that go around her wrists. Velcro secures the loops which also acts as a quickrelease in the event of problems. Scottie has just enough mobility to use half halts (little tugs) with the wrist and elbow to signal the horse to go to the left or right. Curly, her favorite horse, and Shadow, her second favorite, are not afraid of her wheelchair and the noises of the lock-down which secures her wheelchair in place. Scottie explains, “They listen to my voice and don’t take advantage of me.” Scottie says, “When you have a welltrained carriage horse who responds to your voice, you don’t need a lot of fingers and hands!” Scottie got her inspiration for driving when watching the movie Ben Hur and said to herself, “I think I could drive a horse if I could find a special carriage like those chariots.” Her first carriage was a Thornlea Carriage with a hydraulic lift made in Indiana. Her new carriage is made in England and is specifically designed for use by a driver in a wheelchair. Scottie had the pneumatic wheels made for driving in the Florida sand and on the roadways at the Florida Carriage Museum and Resort.


April 09

midwest horse digest

Health Tip

Breeding Season Can Lead to Gastric Ulcers Breeding season can be a stressful time for owners and horses alike. While horse owners are hustling to prepare facilities, the broodmares may be just as tense. Especially for young and maiden mares, the stress from being trailered to new facilities1 and being separated from herd mates may lead to stomach ulcers. “Young mares and maiden mares may have trouble with stomach ulcers. Breeders often send mares off the farm to breed, and younger mares may not be accustomed to being trailered or stalled,” says Carol Rose, the American Quarter Horse Association’s all-time leading breeder of performance horses and owner of Carol Rose Quarter Horses in Gainesville, Texas. Stomach ulcers, which can develop in as little as five days, can be caused by situations as common as traveling and stall confinement. In fact, a recently released study found that more than 75 percent of nonpregnant broodmares were found to have stomach ulcers. “Because broodmares are often kept on pasture and don’t necessarily encounter risk factors for gastric ulcers, such as training or competing, we don’t often think of open broodmares as being at risk for stomach ulcers,” says April Knudson, DVM, manager, Veterinary Services, Merial. “The reality is: Other stressors may play a role in the development of stomach ulcers. Trailering and stall confinement at an unfamiliar facility could cause stomach ulcers, potentially leading to poor body condition, poor hair coat or even a change in attitude.” Limited grazing opportunities coupled with the stress of being stalled longer during preparation and transport means acid can build up in the horse’s stomach and lead to gastric ulcers. “I sent a mare off the farm last year,” Rose says. “She’s a very nervous mare and doesn’t like to be stalled, but the place we sent her could only put her in a stall. They were able to put her in an area where she could see other horses, but I put her on a stomach ulcer preventive anyway because I knew the situation was stressful for her.” Dr. Knudson says management changes, such as decreasing feed concentrate and providing plenty of alfalfa-based roughage, can create a buffer in the horse’s stomach and help prevent stomach ulcers. However, a good way to help prevent stomach ulcers is with the use of a preventive product, Dr. Knudson adds.“Mares that will be traveling

to an unfamiliar facility or may be in a stall longer than normal may benefit from the use of an omeprazole. Healthy, open mares without stomach ulcers will get a breeding program off to a great start,” Dr. Knudson says. “Horse owners should always look for products that are approved by the FDA and formulated to remain effective, even while being digested by the horse. If horse owners are concerned about stomach ulcers after breeding their horses, they should talk to their veterinarian.”

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midwest horse digest

April 09

AHC Issues Forum to Highlight Welfare of Horse The American Horse Council has announced that the focus of this year’s National Issues Forum will be the “Welfare of the Horse.” The Forum will be held June 16, 2009 in Washington, DC as part of the AHC’s annual meeting. Over the last year, concerns about the welfare of horses used in racing, showing, recreation, or work have been raised by our fans, the general public, the media, and Congress. Such concerns have been

expressed before, but perhaps not as broadly as now. “Those involved in the horse industry day-to-day know that the horse community has long recognized its responsibilities for the safety, welfare, and stewardship of its horses,” noted AHC president Jay Hickey. “Unfortunately, those who are not so involved are often not as aware of our many welfare and safety requirements and efforts.” Equine organizations have been concerned about welfare and safety for many years; some have recently undertaken new initiatives and studies in this area. The welfare, safety, and stewardship of the horse are the guiding principles for all segments of the horse

industry. Nonetheless the public, media, and federal and state officials are often not aware of the extent of what the horse industry is doing, and has done, with respect to the care of its horses. It is up to the horse industry to ensure that our activities and efforts are understood by all. The horse industry is a broad and diverse community. Each segment has its own rules, regulations and welfare activities. Sometimes one segment is not aware of what other segments are doing. “The AHC hopes that focusing on the ‘Welfare of the Horse’ at its National Issues Forum will be an opportunity to discuss the common goal of being good stewards of the horse and facilitate our all working together to that end, regardless of our varied activities,” said Hickey. The Forum will be a discussion of the welfare and safety requirements that various segments of the horse industry have in place or are proposing. It will allow the sharing of rules, studies, knowledge and ideas so that various segments of the horse community are aware of the activities of other segments. “By doing this, we hope to provide not only an opportunity to educate ourselves, but also an opportunity to educate the public, media, and federal and state officials about how important the welfare and safety of the horse is to the industry,” said Hickey. As the national association representing all segments of the horse industry in Washington, D.C., the American Horse Council works daily to represent equine interests and opportunities. Organized in 1969, the AHC promotes and protects the industry by communicating with Congress, federal agencies, the media and the industry on behalf of all horse related interests each and every day. The AHC is member supported by individuals and organizations representing virtually every facet of the horse world from owners, breeders, veterinarians, farriers, breed registries and horsemen's associations to horse shows, race tracks, rodeos, commercial suppliers and state horse councils.

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April 09

Dr. Sheila McGuirk appointed to the Board of Directors of the UW / Morrie Waud Equine Center. Dr. Sheila McGuirk has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the Friends of the University of Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Teaching Program, Inc, the 501(c)(3) corporation which owns and operates the UW / Morrie Waud Equine Center. The Center is a specialty hospital for the treatment of horses, affiliated with the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine, located in Delavan, WI. (www.MWEquineCenter.com) Dr. McGuirk is currently Professor of Large Animal Medicine at the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine. She received her DVM degree from the University of Georgia and completed postgraduate training in large animal medicine at Ohio State University, receiving a Ph.D. She is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine and is recognized internationally for her expertise in large animal internal medicine, particularly in equine cardiology and diseases of dairy calves. Dr. McGuirk was named Practitioner of the Year by the Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association in 2000. For more information on Dr. McGuirk, The Morrie Waud Equine Center or The Friends of the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medical Teaching Program, Inc Contact Bob Emery: 414-708-9944.

2009 Prairie Home Carriage Festival May 3rd, 2009 - 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Dakota City Heritage Village located on the Dakota County Fairgrounds - 220th Street West Farmington, MN Minnesota Whips & Wheels is an organization of horse and carriage enthusiasts. We formed 25 years ago, and this year to celebrate our heritage, we are hosting the first annual Prairie Home Carriage Festival. Anyone with a Victorian era vehicle (reproduction, restored, and original) is being invited to display it and if they wish, to participate in a moderated Victorian parade around Dakota City Heritage Village, a re-created historic village and museum. There is already word of some fabulous vehicles being pulled out of storage just for this day. Dakota City Heritage Village with its turn of the century setting will help to further enhance the experience. The event is free to the public and will afford wonderful photographic opportunities, and good article material. For more information please contactat: Steve Crownover at 612-759-4111 steve18787@yahoo.com or Susan Lockling at 651-463-3353 or simply reply to me.

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WDCTA recognized schooling shows in 2009 at The Golden Oak Leaf Equestrian Center The Golden Oak Leaf Equestrian Center of Tomah WI, will be hosting a series of WDCTA recognized schooling shows in 2009. This is a great opportunity for anyone who is interested in learning more about riding and showing dressage, to see the different levels in training and how they are judged. Dressage is the foundation to improve any horse and rider for all riding disciplines if you would like any information about the shows call Jessica Kortbein (608)387-0293 or americ@centurytel.net


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midwest horse digest

April 09

If you have a special event, are a stable or training facility, a trainer, or would like to promote your stallion call or email us for more information on sizes and pricing for the Equine Central Special Section.

Equine Central The perfect place to advertise! Designed for Trainers, Events, Barns and Stables and Stallions. Call 507-943-3355 for more information.


April 09

midwest horse digest

Professional’s Choice Announces Charmayne James Saddle Pad Sweepstakes Winners! The Charmayne James Saddle Pad Sweepstakes entrants were challenged to find 4 new color combinations for Professional’s Choice’s new “Illusion” Barrel Pad series. The new saddle pads were designed in a special new size, with the specific needs of barrel racers in mind. Due to the overwhelming response, 6 pad color combinations were chosen beyond the original 4. “Professional’s Choice has always looked to it’s customers for input and innovations that continue to help reshape the equestrian industry. This contest was no different. Feedback from our customers reflected that a new Navajo barrel racing pad in this unique size was needed, it was only natural to look to this group to finalize the colors, as in the end, they’re the ones we’re creating it for. The result was a great new pad not seen on the market until now, with stylish new colors.” – Monty Crist, General Manager of Professional’s Choice. The contest received thousands of

entries from all across the United States and Canada. Winners were chosen at random and consisted of four grand prize winners that were outfitted head to heels and nose to tail in Professional’s Choice products. Winners will also be treated to a 4 day Charmayne James Clinic. 25 additional winners were selected to receive their choice of a Charmayne James Saddle Pad and a Charmayne James Instructional video. The SMx Air Ride™ Barrel Saddle Pad: “Illusion” Series conforms to both the horse and saddle and produces a “lockdown” effect for a more secure and comfortable ride. The

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close contact of the SMx Air Ride™ helps on tight turns. It is contoured to fit, extremely lightweight and built with our patented breathable and shockabsorbent SMx Air Ride™ core. Works well with either round or squareskirted saddles. The new pad isoffered in the unique size of 29”x31”. To view a complete list of the contest winners visit www.profchoice.com/cj_winners.php. Professional's Choice is a pioneer in producing products strictly with the well being of the horse in mind. As inventor and manufacturer of the original patented Sports Medicine Boot, the SMB Elite™ and the SMx Air Ride™ Saddle Pad, Professional's Choice continually produces high quality products recognized by top trainers, professionals and everyday horseman all over the world. To locate an authorized Professional's Choice dealer near you, call 800.331.9421 or visit their website at www.profchoice.com


Page 50 (North Central Region - MN, WI and IA).

midwest horse digest

April 09

The Extreme Cowboy Association (EXCA) comes to the Upper Midwest

The Extreme Cowboy Race is a multi-faceted equestrian sport that requires the competitors to demonstrate horsemanship skills through a series of man-made and natural obstacles preformed at speed. Competitions may be televised on RFD-TV. Please check your local RFD-TV schedule to find an event. Encourage by her positive experience at the Kansas Equifest held in Wichita, Chris Chapman owner and trainer at SRBA Farm joined the EXCA as a official club "North Central Region Extreme Cowboy". Please check the following web sites for more info and upcoming Extreme Cowboy Race events. SRBA FARM • www.SRBAFarm.com • North Central Region Extreme Cowboy Blog http://ncrextremecowboy.blogspot.com/ Extreme Cowboy Association

www.extremecowboyassociation.com Ellen Waukon has been named as the North Central Region Advisory Board Member of the Extreme Cowboy Association (EXCA). The Advisory Board member represents EXCA for the Upper Midwest region and is available to help those who want to join as individuals, clubs and to promote the growth of the Extreme Cowboy Association in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa. EXCA has several levels; Young Guns (6-11), Youth (12-17), Non-Pro (12 & Over), Pro (12 & Over), and Ride Smart (55 & Older). SRBA Farm will be scheduling an open house for anyone who may be interested in becoming a competitor, setting up a course or becoming a certified judge under the North Central Region. If you would like to be on our mailing list please send your information and what subjects you are interested in to NCRExtremeCowboy@Gmail.com. Join as an amateur or as a pro. Accumulate points for state championships, regional championships and national championships. Or just to have fun competing; while increasing your horse's confidence level, your horsemanship skills, as well as buidling a better partenship with your horse.

READY-TO-RIDE GUIDE ILLINOIS - Trail Rides 34 Ranch & Camp, Herod, IL. 618-264-2141 www.34ranch.com Bay Creek Wilderness Rides, Shawnee National Forest, Simpson, IL.; 618-695-2670 www.baycreekranch.com Bear Ranch Horse Camp, Eddyville, IL.; Shawnee National Forest, 618-672-4249, www.bearbranch.com Cedar Lake Ranch, LLC, Vienna, IL.; 618-695-2600, www.cedarlakeranchllc.com Circle B Ranch HOrse Camp, Eddyville, IL.; 618-672-4748, www.circlebranch.com Double M Campground, Junction, IL.; 618-275-4440, www.doublemcampground.com Jim Edgar Panther Creek, IL.; 217-452-7741 Little Lusk Trail Lodge, Harrisburg, IL.; 618-672-4303 One Horse Gap Trail Ride, New Hope Hill, IL.; 618-264-7433, www.onehorsegap.com Riding Vacations 34 Ranch & Camp, Herod, IL.

618-264-2141 www.34ranch.com Hayes Canyon Campground, Eddyville, IL.; 618-672-4751 www.hayescanyon.com Overnight Stabling 34 Ranch & Camp, Herod, IL. 618-264-2141, www.34ranch.com Public Lands Argle Lake State Park, Colchester, IL.; 309-776-3422 Big River State Forest, Keithsburg, IL.; 309-374-2496 Chain Lakes State Park, Spring Grove, IL.; 847-587-5512 Clinton Lake State Recreation Area, DeWitt, IL.; 217-935-8722 Fox Ridge State Park, Charleston, IL. 217-345-6416 Giant CityState Park, Makanda, IL.; 618-457-4836 Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park, Sheffield, IL.; 815-454-2328 Kankakee River State Park, Bourbonnais, IL.; 815-933-1383 Lake Le-Aqua-Ne State Park, Bourbonnais, IL.;

815-369-4282 MatthiessenState Park, Utica, IL.; 815-667-4868 Middle Fork State Fish and Wildlife Area, Collison, IL.; 217-442-4915 Moraine View State Park, Leroy, IL.; 309-724-8043 Newton Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area, Newton, IL.; 618-783-3478 Pere Marquette State Park, Grafton, IL.; 618-786-2156 Rock Cut State Park, Loves Park, IL.; 815-885-3311 Shawnee National Forest, Harrisburg, IL.; 618-253-7114 Weinbrg-King State Park, Augusta, IL.; 217-392-2345 IOWA - Trail Rides Amana Trail Ride, Amana Colonies, Amana, IA.; 319-462-2206, www.amanatrailride.com Overnight Stabling Aunt Reba’s Bed and Breakfast, Larchwood, MN.; 712-478-4042 or 888-282-5349: www.auntrebas.com Iowa Bunkhouse, Audubon, IA.; May-September: 712-773-2737 JM4 Rand, Arena, Horse Hotel, Bed and Breakfast, Crescent, IA.; 712-328-7593, www.JM4Ranch.com Lewis Bottom Farms, Shellsburg, IA.; 319-436-3323, www.lewisbottomsfarms.com MINNESOTA - Trail Rides Bush Wacker Trail Ride Club, Huntersville Fall Trail Ride, Huntersville, MN.; 218-894-0056 Outback Ranch, Inc., Houston, MN.; 507-896-5550, www.outbackranch.com Overnight Stabling Outback Ranch, Inc., Houston, MN.; 507-896-5550, www.outbackranch.com Public Lands Arrow Head State Park, Tower, MN.; 218-753-6256 Chippewa National Forest, Deer River, MN.; 218-246-2123

Call 507-943-3355 and place your ad for your facility in the Ready to Ride Guide. Special rates available!


April 09

Heartland State Trail, Nevis, MN.; 218-652-4054 Lake Louise State Park, LeRoy, MN.; 507-324-5249 Maplewood State Park, Pelican Rapids, MN.; 218-863-8383 North Shore State Trail, Two Harbors, MN.; 218-834-5238 Pillsbury State Forest, Brainerd, MN.; 218-828,2557 Taconite State Trail, Tower, MN.; 218-753-2580 ext.250 NORTH DAKOTA - Trail Rides Badlands Trail Rides, Killdeer, ND.; 701-764-8000, www.badlandstrailrides.com Tennessee Walking Horse Associaiton of North Dakota Trail Ride, Grassy Butte/Turtle River State Park, 701-947-2190 Riding Vacations Knife River Ranch Vacations, Golden Valley, ND.; 701-983-4290, www.kniferiverranch.com Little Knife Outfitters, Watford City, ND.; 701973-4331, www.littleknifeoutfitters.com Public Lands Fort Ransom State Park, Fort Ransom, ND.; 701-973-4331 SOUTH DAKOTA - Trail Rides Broken Arrow Horse Camp, Custer, SD: 605673-4471, www.brokenarrowcampground.com Hay Creek Ranch, Nemo, SD: 605-578-1142, www.haycreekranch.net Krieger Cattle Company, Burke, SD: 605-775-2113 Riding Vacations Bitter Sweet Ranch and Camp, HillCity, SD: 605-574-2324, wwwbitterseetranchcamp.com Broken Arrow Horse Camp, Custer,SD: 605-673-4471, www.brokenarrowcampground.com Hay Creek Ranch, Nemo, SD: 605-578-1142, www.haycreekranch.net Gunsel Horse Adventures, Rapic City, SD 605-343-7608, www.gusdelhorseadventures.com Salt Camp Cabins and Bed and Breakfast, Rosebud, SD: 605-747-2206, saltcamp@gwtc.net WISCONSIN - Trail Rides Bremer Creek LLD, Mondovi, WI.;

midwest horse digest

608-323-3092, www.bremercreek.com Riding Vacations Bremer Creek LLD, Mondovi, WI.; 608-323-3092, www.bremercreek.com Palmquist Farm, Brantwood, WI.; 715-564-2558, www.palmquistfarm.com Spur of the Moment Ranch,LLC,Mountain, WI.;800-644-8783. www.spurofthemomentranch.org Public Lands Black River State Park, Black River Falls, WI; 715-284-4103 Brule River State Forest, Douglas County, WI.; 715-372-4866 Castle Rock Trails, Arkdale, WI.; 608-564-2233 Governor Dodge State Park ,Dodgeville, WI.; 608-935-2315 Haymeadow Flowage, Chippewa Falls, WI.; 715-726-7880 Kerrle Moraine State Forest, Campbellsport WI.; 262-626-2116; 262-594-6200 Lake Wissota State Park, Chippewa Falls;715382-4574 Token Creek County Park, Madison,WI.; 608-246-3896 Wild Rock Park, Neilsville, WI.; 715-743-5140

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April 09

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 409

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 1209 Master Saddler offers complete saddlery repairs. Trees replaced, complete reflocks, new seats, billets, tree alterations on Kieffer and Prestige saddles. Appointments booked for quick turn around. Skilled repair of driving harness and sidesaddles.Custom accessories for side saddle competition. Bridles sewn in. Contact Michael at 847-776-6700 or e-mail master_saddler@saddlersrow.com Website www.saddlersrow.com 1209

FOR SALE BROODMARE SUPREME******Especial BA by DESPIERTO out of FURIOSA A $25,000.00 - Prolific daughter of Despierto in foal to US National Champion Third Level Dressage "Legado" - 262-249-8870, selwoodp@idcnet.com NEVADO OTR National Champion Pinto Half Andalusian Stallion - $15,000.00 US National Champion Half Andalusian Pinto Stallion By US National Champion Navarre GF - 262-249-8870, selwoodp@idcnet.com 2009 Azteca colt out of 2008 USEF National Grand Champion, Half Andalusian, $7,500.00 - This 2009 colt is destined for greatness as both his sire and dam are multi national champions in halter and performance. 262-249-8870, selwoodp@idcnet.com 2009 Black,Bay or Black/Bay Purebred Andalusian Colt Sire/Dam National Champion, $9,500.00 - This futurity nominated colt is destined for greatness as both his sire and dam are national champions in performance. 262249-8870, selwoodp@idcnet.com 5 yr old gelding 15'1, sire is own son of Speical Effort, Dam is own daughter of Easy Jet. This gelding is broke broke broke. He has all the foundation and is stated on barrels. more information. $5,000.00

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715-874-6466, whytejw@clearwire.net Tresor ***** 2008 Beautiful Bay Futurity Nominated Spanish/Portuguese Filly - $10,000.00 This filly has all the makings of a great show horse and companion. Compact and athletic, plus color. 262-249-8870 selwoodp@idcnet.com S'Amouracher 2007 Grey Spanish/ Portuguese filly by SANTIAGO out of ESPECIAL BA - $12,500.00 - S'Amouracher is a futurity nominated daughter of the US National Champion Senior Stallion Open and Sporthorse. 262-249-8870 selwoodp@idcnet.com Ariel de la Mar***2007 Grey Spanish /Portuguese Filly by SANTIAGO out of VALENTIA - $15,000.00 - This full sister to the multi Champion mare Chileanna owned by Pedro Segura is now available for purchase. 262-249-8870 - selwoodp@idcnet.com Incredible cobra of bay Spanish/Portuguese fillies or matched driving horses $10,000.00 - Fillies can be bought seperately at $10000 a piece or make an offer on all three for a future cobra or matched driving team/Unicorn. 262-249-8870, selwoodp@idcnet.com Lela BA ******* 2008 Bay futurity nominated Spanish/Portuguese Filly - $10,000.00 Beautiful young mare with lots of potential for Halter and Performance classes. 262-2498870 - selwoodp@idcnet.com

Lezada BA ***** 2008 Bay Spanish/ Portuguese Futurity nominated filly - $6,000.00 This filly represents the best of American Breeding. Combining new rare bloodlines from Portugal with Garrison pure Spanish Legacy lines. 262-249-8870, selwoodp@idcnet.com Friesian/Paint Gelding by Novi - Started Riding & Driving - GREAT Temperament! Legend Woods Tovi: born 8/30/04 Friesian/Paint Gelding. Solid Bay. 320-272-4099, legendwoods@msn.com 1/2 Andalusian Sport Horse Candidate, Posh is 1/2 Andalusian 1/4 Arabian 1/4 Saddlebred Gelding. He is registered with IALHA, & can be registered with Iberian Warmblood. Call - 586784-4368, us@serenitystables.com Selwood Park Chloe****** Very Rare Buckskin Spanish/Portuguese 2007 Mare $20,000.00 - Extremely rare Buckskin Andalusian 2007 mare.Futurity nominated and USEF Lifetime recorded. 262-249-8870 selwoodp@idcnet.com Selwood Park Sintra ***** Extremely rare 2006 Buckskin Andalusian Mare -$25,000.00 Sintra has everything plus COLOR and HAIR. This filly is IALHA futurity nominated and Lifetime recorded with USEF and USDF.262249-8870 selwoodp@idcnet.com


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PRINCIPESSA BA ***** Rare ALL Black Andalusian mare by AMISTAD SL - 12,000.00 - This exquisite black Spanish/Portuguese filly is not only black but has all the mane and tail sought after in an Andalusian Mare. 262-249-8870, selwoodp@idcnet.com

STALLIONS .Dakota Gambler Rare Black and White Pintabian At Stud: Proven 99.6% Purebred Arabian. Athletic, Correct, Beauty, Elegance, Kind disposition with awesome movement. Registration Numbers: 320-283-5933, spruchlo@gctel.com Pure Friesian "ROEK" 2nd Premie Stallion. ROEK has a great pedigree, to match his great intelligence, temperament, and CHARISMA. 218-780-7064, dr.horseslave@yahoo.com.

TRADERS CORNER EQUINE HEALTH

SADDLES AND TACK

TRAINERS

FARRIER SUPPLIES

WEB AND AD DESIGN

HORSE COUNCILS

You can Advertise in the

Traders Corner for as little as 20.00 per month call 507-943-3355


April 09

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midwest horse digest

Thumbnail Photo Classifieds Place your photo classified here for $20.00 per month or for a limited time - place your ad online at www.horsedigests.com and receive one month in print FREE. Call 507-943-3355 for more info. For Sale

Stallions and Stallion Auctions

Fantastic Dressage Colt With a round build, sweet temperament and a fantastic straight Dressage Movement!, this lovely 2YO colt is ready to start a new partnership! 972-746-1457 vintageandalusians@hotmail.com

Spotz Sensation Homozygous! Exotic, tall & stretchy! Grand Nationals nominated for 2009! Black & white tobiano stallion. Only known grandson of both Hot August Nite & Chubasco! 715-210-5371 Clearcreekarabians@yahoo.com

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

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

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

CR Smokes Midnight - 16H AQHA, Steel Gray - Jackie Bee/Tee Jay Roman bloodlines. Cooled semen/excellent mare care. $1500.00 CR Quarter Horses 608.994.2451 crquarterhorses@tds.net www.crquarterhorses.net

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

Roek is registered with FPZV and has the honor of a 2nd Premie-great pedigree, to match his great intelligence, temperament, and CHARISMA. 218780-7064 dr.horseslave@yahoo.com

Black Bay Filly By Mediteraneo V. Black Bay daughter of 2007 IALHA Grand National Champion Sr. Stallion, Mediteraneo V! Fantastic Movement. Wonderful Mind. 972-7461457 vintageandalusians@hotmail.com

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

CR Lee Bee Buck 2005 AQHA, Two Eyed Jack/ Jakcie Bee bloodlines. 15.2H Dun - Smooth gaits - trail trained, Western show prospec $5,500 608-994-2451 crquarterhorses@tds.net www.crquarterhorses.net

3x National Champion PRE (ANCCE) Revised Stallion Spokane! This young stallion will add size, substance AND Movement extraordinaire to your breeding program. 972-746-1457 vintageandalusians@hotmail.com

Famous Echo Homozygous! World Champ. Halter stallion! direct son of The Color of Fame.2004 Pinto Horse of the Year and the 2004 Pinto World Champion Halter Stallion 715-210-5371 Clearcreekarabians@yahoo.com Fiero LFA,PRE Black Andalusian Stallion. International Champion of Champions international bloodlines, Proven producer, Proven Junior Champion Stallion and USDF Dressage Competitor. 817-205-9268 maryclaeys@cdibb.com

Equipment FOR SALE: JOHN DEERE 790: LIKE NEW FOR SALE: JOHN DEERE 790: LIKE NEW 27 HP, Diesel, 4WD, 3 pt. hitch, PTO, 300 front loader, adjustable rear grading blade. $15,000.00 Call John 320-340-0119

Services and Products

ElmCreekCountry.com – Online western, country & inspirational art boutique featuring the images of local artist, Sue Ellen Koons. Functional art you can use every day. Professional Graphic Design and Website Design - Ad design, website design, custome logos, brochures, newsletters, postcards.. 507-943-3355 rosebudpro@bevcomm.net

Events EVERYONE WELCOME TO COME TO THE MNWHA 1ST ANUUAL POKER RUN. Treat your mom. May 10th sign up start at 10:30am - last card to be handed in by 3:30 & will announce winner by 4pm. Held at Wild River State Park. Park fees paid by rider.Cost to ride Poker Run - $20.00 - includes dinner & chance at winning some money. For info call Jane Scharber - 763-213-6589


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ADVERTISERS INDEX Ace Tack AgMax/Wade Scott American Wood Fibers Arena Fenceline-Service Equipment Ark Agency B3K USA Cannon Falls Trailer Sales Carlson Wholesale - Ritchie Waterers Central MN Mule and Donkey Show & Auction Central Iowa Featherlite Chris Cox Cleary Lake Equine Medical Center Clinton Anderson Cubby Hole Restaurant & Lounge Dennis Auslam - Redwood Stables Dun Haven Horsey Headwear Equestrian College Recruiter.Com Excalibur Breeding Center Extreme Mustang Makeover Farm Boy Feather Gold Stables Federated Coop Gateway Ranch - HiQual Glad Farms Glass Wish Grassland Solutions HitchSaver HKL Stables HorseDigest.com I90 Expo Center Julie Goodnight J&B Western Store JSI Waste Less Hay Feeder KCB Equine Center K Fence Ken McNabb Krebsbach Performance Horses Lake Ridge Gypsy Horses Lazy L Tack & Trailers Lynn Palm Midwest Cremation Service of MN, Inc. Midwest Horse Fair Midwest Extreme Mustang Makeover Minnesota Horse Council MN Horse Expo MN School Of Horse Shoeing MNTA MQHA Monty Bruce Cow Horse Clinic More Custom Leather Najlis Photography Natural Plan Stomach Soother NCRCHA Northland Buildings Outlaw Trail Ride

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April 09

Palma Feed page 29 Pleasant Hills Saddle Shop page 4, 54 Plum Lake Dressage Center and Resort page 51 Professional’s Choice page 3 page 58, 59 Real Estate Section www.blackhilsmeadow.com Linda Kirch - First Weber Kickapoo Valley Guest Ranch - Wisconsin Country Realty Laissez Faire - Sotheby’s International Realty Roger Berg Rosebud Productions R.T. Duggan Schatzlein Saddle Selwood Park Andalusions Shurshod Simon Arena The Model Horse Store - Horse’n Around The Natural Gait Thumbnail Ads Thurk Chevrolet - Keiferbuilt Tizmar Equine Trailer For Sale Trusting Hands - Cathy Larsson Twin Cities Featherlite Two as One Horsemanship UBRA Uncle Bob’s Trailers United Vet Equine Vintage Vanners Waconia Farm Supply West 20 Ranch and Saddle Co. Westwind Shelters Wind-n-Wood Farm

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April 09

midwest horse digest winner) Hooded sweatshirts to winners of other 2 div for series. Cash only - no checks! - (641) 743-8223 bolling@iowatelecom.net

UPCOMING EVENTS January 09 to October 09: ISHR is hosting an ONLINE PHOTO HORSE SHOW for any and all spotted equines. From Paints to Walkaloosa's. For more information contact: ishrppa@aol.com or call 866-201-3098. See information at: http://spottedhorses.tripod.com/online_show_1.ht ml 4/11/2009 -MN, Monticello -Barrel, NBHA, UBRA NBHA MN01 Barrel Race & 2008 Awards Ceremony - (612) 810-4010 specks95@hotmail.com 4/11/2009 - ND, Minot - Barrel, Roping, Team Roping - 2009 "The Heat Is On" Winter Series Team Roping & Barrel Jackpots - (701) 833-2505 lisao@srt.com 4/11/2009 - MN, North Branch Auction, Horse & Tack Auction - (651) 277-1095 houckhorsecompany@yahoo.com 4/14/2009 - IA, Greenfield, Barrel - Double B Productions -Spring POP UP BARRELS series! Open 3D Barrel Racing Jackpots Exhibitions 7:30 pm ($3 each or 2/$5) Jackpot 8 pm $20 ef (set of pop-up barrels to overall hi-point winner) Hooded sweatshirts to winners of other 2 div for series. Cash only - no checks! - (641) 743-8223 bolling@iowatelecom.net 4/16/2009 - WI, Balsam Lake - Barrel, Game Show UBRA “JJ Arena UBRA Barrel Race & Fun Show” FMI please visit www.JJArena.com - (715) 857-5505 julie@jjarena.com 4/17-4/19 - MN, Henderson - Rodeo - High Island Arena Rodeo - (507) 967-2607 highislandarena@hotmail.com 4/18/2009 - MN, North Branch - Clinic - Barrel Racing & Gaming Clinic $85 - this clinic is full! (651)277-1095 houckhorsecompany@yahoo.com

4/24/2009 - ND, West Fargo, Barrel UBRA Sheyenne Red River Barrel Race - (218) 790-2654 - mlind@cableone.net

5/9-5/10 - WI, Rio - Barrel WI 02, Wisconsin NBHA WI-02 Barrel Race - Paradise Stables (920) 992-3171

4/25-4/26 - MN, Monticello - Roping Josh Wagner Memorial Roping - (320) 693-2339 4/25/2009 - MN, North Branch Fun Show OnLine Flyer ~ Fun Show - (651) 277-1095 houckhorsecompany@yahoo.com

5/9/2009 - MN, Henderson- Barrel UBRA - High Island Arena 2009 Winter Barrel Buckle Series (507) 964-2607 - highislandarena@hotmail.com

4/25/2009 - WI, Balsam Lake Barrel, Game Show UBRA “JJ Arena UBRA Barrel Race & Fun Show” FMI please visit www.JJArena.com - (715) 857-5505 julie@jjarena.com

May 9 & 10 - IBHA & WI Buckskin Show - , Jefferson WI, Contact Kathy Yager 920-568-1111 or sales@premierawards.com Download showbill & info at www.wbhaonline.net

4/26/2009 - MN, North Branch Barrel Annual Barrel Racing Saddle Series ADDED MONEY 10:30am Start! - (651) 277-1095 - houckhorsecompany@yahoo.com 4/26/2009 11:00:00 AM\ - MN, Monticello - Roping - 5 and under roping - call to reserve a spot - (612) 817-6359 4/28/2009 - IA, Greenfield - Barrel - Double B Productions - Spring POP UP BARRELS series! Open 3D Barrel Racing Jackpots Exhibitions 7:30 pm ($3 each or 2/$5) Jackpot 8 pm $20 ef (set of pop-up barrels to overall hi-point winner) Hooded sweatshirts to winners of other 2 div for series. Cash only - no checks! - (641) 743-8223 bolling@iowatelecom.net 4/30-5/1 - MN, Fergus Falls - Barrel, Clinic, Spectator Events UBRA OnLine Flyer ~ TROY CRUMRINE Extreme Barrel Racing Clinic Red Horse Ranch Arena. Limited to 15 riders. Unlimited auditing. - (715) 857-6343 jessica@ubra.org

4/18-4/19 - WI, Montfort - Clinic - Barrel Racing Clinic with Cassie Mosley - (608) 524-3767 SaddlesNPads@JVLNET.com 4/18-4/18 - WI, Balsam Lake -Clinic - “JJ Arena Barrel Racing & Gaming Clinic – Instructor: Julie Jones” 10AM-4PM Cost $65 per student. - (715) 857-5505 - Julie@JJArena.com

5/2/2009 - MN, North Branch - Clinic - Youth Clinic Barrel Racing & WSCA Games - For kids under age 13. ONLY 4 SPOTS REMAINING. - (651) 2771095 - houckhorsecompany@yahoo.com

4/18/2009 MN, Lindstrom ,Barrel NBHA, Wisconsin Girls Barrel Racing Association, WI 03, Wisconsin NBHA WI 03, MN 01, MN 02, MN 03 Barrel Race @ Oasis - (715) 237-2485 4/18-4/19-MN, Monticello-Clinic, Roping OnLine Flyer ~ Casey Wilson Roping School -$250 - (612) 817-6359

5/2-5/3 - MN, Monticello- Roping - MN High School Fundraiser-Timed event, jackpot, open to the world - (612) 817-6359

4/19/2009 MN, Sebeka - Barrel, Futurity NBHA, UBRA Exhibitions at 10:30, runs at noon. Futurity sidepot, pole bending, speed dash, youth. - (218) 472-3402 - betsykuschel@hotmail.com

Show, Team Penning - Wisconsin Buckskin Horse Association - IBHA Show - (218) 731-3871 sales@premierawards.com

5/9/2009 - MN, North Branch - Clinic -Barrel & Gaming Clinic $85. 12 Spots Only, Call to Reserve your spot today! - (651) 277-1095 - houckhorsecompany@yahoo.com

5/1-5/3 - MN, Fergus Falls- Barrel, Futurity UBRA Run for the Roses @ Red Horse Ranch Arena (UBRA Tour #3)$1500 Added + UBRA Tour Bonus: Double Points, $1000 Cash, $900 SS$ & $1150 Bonus Wear. Pre-entries postmark by 4/15. Onsite entries accepted with late fee. - Added Money: $2500 - WelkenErinM@JohnDeere.com

April 18, 2009 - NCRCHA, Nutrena $10,000 Shootout, Midwest Horse Fair - Madison, WI, www.ncrcha.com

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May 3, 2009 8:00AM - St. Croix Riders Saddle Club Fuzzy Wuzzy Horse Fun Show, Baldwin, WI For more info: Kelly 715-778-5776 stcroixriders.com 5/3/2009 - MN, North Branch - Fun Show -11AM start $20 for the entrie day. - (651) 277-1095 houckhorsecompany@yahoo.com

4/19/2009 - MN , North Branch - Fun Show Fun Show 11am $20 for the entire day! Vests to High Point Champions! - (651) 277-1095 - houckhorsecompany@yahoo.com

5/7/2009 - WI, Balsam Lake - Barrel, Game Show UBRA “JJ Arena UBRA Barrel Race & Fun Show” FMI please visit www.JJArena.com - (715) 857-5505 - julie@jjarena.com

4/21/2009 IA, Greenfield - Barrel Double B Productions Spring POP UP BARRELS series! Open 3D Barrel Racing Jackpots Exhibitions 7:30 pm ($3 each or 2/$5) Jackpot 8 pm $20 ef (set of pop-up barrels to overall hi-point

5/8-5/10 - MN, Sherburn - Barrel - Double B Productions - Cowgirl Tuff Barrel Bash $5000 added (deadline 2 weeks prior to event) (BBR) FMI DOUBLE B PRODUCTION - (641) 745-5845 bolling@iowatelecom.net 5/9-5/10 - WI, Jefferson Cty Fairgrounds Horse

May 9 & 10, 2009 - NRCHA Sanctioned Spring Derby/Bridle Classes - Sunday Bridle Classes & Club Show - Simons Arena, Cannon Falls, MN, www.ncrcha.com 5/10/2009 - MN- North Branch - Minnesota High School Rodeo Association - MNHSRA Fund Raiser (651) 277-1095 houckhorsecompany@yahoo.com May 10, 2009 8:00AM - St. Croix Riders Saddle Club WSCA Mother's Day Horse Show - Baldwin, WI - For more info: Kelly 715-778-5776, stcroixriders.com May 23, 2009 Golden Oak Leaf Equestrian Center WDCTA recognized Dressage Schooling Show. 27459 Holland Ave, Tomah WI. Call Jessica (608)387-0293 or email americ@centurytel.net May 30, 2009 - L & M Cattle Co. - Larry & Mary Kilness - Mondovi, WI - Saturday Club Show, www.ncrcha.com June 13, 2009 Golden Oak Leaf Equestrian Center WDCTA recogzined Dressage Schooling Show. 27459 Holland Ave, Tomah WI. Call Jessica Kortbein (608)387-0293 or email americ@centurytel.net June 14, 2009 - Chippewa/Interstate Riders SC WSCA Horse Show - Polk County Fairgroungs, St. Croix Falls, WI Judges: Marilyn Carter/Graves & Dawn Taylor Info calls: Mary Jo 715-483-9592 June 19-21, 2009 2ns Annual Central MN Donkey and Mule Days, Wright County Fairgrounds, www.wrightcountyfair.com June 20, 21 & 22 - IBHA & WI Buckskin Show Jefferson WI, Contact Kathy Yager 920-568-1111 or sales@premierawards.com Download showbill & info at www.wbhaonline.net June 25-28, 2009 - Blunt South Dakota would like to invite everyone to help them celebrate their Quasquicentennial (125 Years) Activities scheduled: Trail Ride, Cowboy Poets, Reinactments, Parade, Car & Tractor Show, Kiddie Games, Dances, Food. Fun for all ages. For more information www.blunt125.com July 3-4-5 Mid-Western Rodeo - Manawa, WI PRCA Rodeo 1800-74RODEO www.manawarodeo.org JULY 9-12, 2009 - BRYAN NEUBERT Horsemanship & Colt Start Clinic at Schiferl's WJ Ranch (located near Fordyce, NE or 7 miles south of Yankton, SD) For info (402) 357-2102 or www.schiferlswjranch.com EMAIL YOUR EVENT LISTINGS TO PEG@HORSEDIGESTS.COM


REAL ESTATE

Page 58

midwest horse digest

April 09


April 09

midwest horse digest

Page 59



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