Midwest Horse Digest September 2009

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September 2009

MIDWEST HORSE DIGEST

MIDWEST HORSE DIGEST

September 2009

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Contents

midwest

Horse Digest

Train in g wi t h t o d ay’s To p Trainer s 6 Gain Softness & Control with Lateral Flexion

by Chris Cox with Cynthia McFarland

Of Interest

8 Does Your Horse Trust You?

by Ken McNabb with Katherine Lindsey Meehan

10 Overcoming the Fear Of Horses

by Deb Sonnenberg on Dennis Auslam

11 Does My Saddle Fit My Horse?

by Mary Hamilton

12 Here’s How... Come to Me

by Craig Cameron

We s t er n P le a su r e 14 Suitability: The First Step to Success

by Jennifer Lindgren

16 Working with a Spooky Horse

by Tommy Garland

9 Gates by Ralph Galeano 12 Celebrating New Lives for Horses Fundraiser 17 Vet Teck at Wisconsin’s School of Vet Medicine Gains Specialty Certification 17 Holistic Horse Fair in Brooklyn, WI 19 Dances wiith Horses Fundraiser 21 Gastric Ulcers 23 ARHA Announces World Champions 25 Carbohydrate Nutrition 30 Distal Tarsitis - “bone spavin” 31 Julie Cyra to Speak at Chicago Business Conference

D r e s sage - E n glis h

Special Sections

18 Relaxation versus Obedience

by Mari Monda Zdunic

20 Be the Rider Your Horse Deserves - Part 11

by Lynn Palm

Per f o r m anc e Ho r se 22 Developing Stopping and Backing Techniques

by Monty Bruce

Trai l Ho r se

29 32 34 34 35 36 37

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

26 My Horse Eats Grass While Trail Riding...

by Julie Goodnight

Eq uine VIP 28 Jenny Craig talks to Equine VIP

by Susan Ashbrook

ABOUT THE COVER ~ Filly photo of three month old, 3/4 Andalusian/Paint horse, Selwood Park Madeira owned by Gareth A. Selwood and Rahn Greimann of Midwest Horse Digest.

Photo by Steve Whalen

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Midwest Horse Digest!

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MIDWEST HORSE DIGEST

Lucky Sixth Grader Wins Dream Pony in American Shetland Pony Congress Youth Essay Contest Eleven-year-old Kelsey Vann had always dreamed of owning her own American Shetland Pony, and Vann’s dream came true at the 121st Shetland Pony Congress Show when she wrote the winning essay for the American Shetland Pony Congress Youth Essay Contest. Vann’s essay earned her the title of “owner” of an adorable Classic Shetland yearling gelding named Captivating Carl EGF, donated by Jackie Tyler of Emerald Glenn Farm.

“We were all moved to tears at how excited Kelsey was when she found out she won,” said Tyler, whose Emerald Glenn Farm is in Woodville, Wisconsin. “After the award presentation Kelsey led her new pony all around the show grounds, talking and petting and playing with him.

He nuzzled her like she’d had him his whole life.

It made my day and the whole experience dedicated to these kids and I really think our was very moving.” youth program ranks among the best,” Tyler said.

Vann, “I’ve had Shetlands for 50 years and there waswho lives in n’t a youth program when I was young. I think Hot Springs, the ASPC can really be proud of this effort.”

Arkansas, will Tyler added this was her first time to enter the sixth donate a pony to the program, and she did so grade this in an effort to help the club’s youth and act as year as the a mentor. “The impact my pony mentors made happy owner of on me as a child is something that makes me a new pony. a better person today,” Tyler said. “With that “I’m really proud in mind I asked to sign up as a donor. of her. She’s Vann has been showing ponies at r e n roud ow been entering now the pan Shetland Congress for six years, but has always is ) ft e (l n c the youth essay Kelsey Vankin yearling Ameri rl EGF. Vann showed them for other people. “Kelsey has s ating Ca outh Essay always wanted to show her own pony,” her contest for sever- of a bucakm ed Captiv CY al years and she Ponny nthe pony in the AeSriPcan Shetland f mother said. “And now she will be able to.” finally succeeded,” wo Contest at the AJmackie Tyler (right)e,o The ASPC Congress show was held oodvill Show. said Carmen Vann, Congress Glenn Farm in Wfor the essay at the Crossroads Arena in Cloverdale, Kelsey’s mother.

Emerald onated the pony hotography Indiana, and over 500 ponies turned out P Tyler said she Wisconsin, hdoto by Washburn to compete for National Championship (P t. s te was pleased to con titles in classes such as driving, halter, jumping, donate the pony to youth and costume classes. The show was sponthe ASPC youth contest. “The folks at the sored by a variety of company’s that support American Shetland Pony Club are so loving and small equines, including Farnam’s Platform Feed,

Advertising Contacts Mark Bahls and Peg Bahls 507-943-3355 /Fax 507-943-3352 mark@horsedigests.com peg@horsedigests.com

Andrea Jo Kroening 952-237-5311 andrea@horsedigests.com

Rick and Julie Vinsand

Midwest Horse Digest

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

877-205-7261 rick@horsedigests.com julie@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

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Vetrolin and Radon Horse Blankets.

“Congress was once again a huge success and a wonderful celebration of the breed. Kelsey was thrilled to be the youth essay winner which just made the week all that much nicer,” said Johnny Robb, Director of Marketing for the American Shetland Pony Club and American Miniature Horse Registry (ASPC/AMHR).

For more information on the Shetland Pony Congress, visit their website at www.shetlandminiature.com or call (309) 263-4044.

The American Shetland Pony Club, the American Show Pony Registry and The American Miniature Horse Registry are non-profit organizations established to preserve and refine the bloodlines of these small equines and promote the enjoyment of small equines. Recognized as the oldest and most versatile registry in the United States, the American Shetland Pony Club offer a variety of programs for Shetland Pony and Miniature Horse enthusiasts of all ages. Visit their website at www.shetlandminiature.com or 81-B East Queenwood Road, Morton, IL 61550. 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 507-5265943 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

Septmeber 2009

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Today’s Top Trainers

www.horsedigests.com loose rein and, if need be, laterally to the right. Practice lateral flexion on gain immediate control by both sides so your horse bends equally well in bending your horse laterally.” either direction.

Getting Started Look for Willingness Before a horse can Once your horse learns that you will release properly learn vertical flexion the hold as soon as he gives laterally, he will and collection, he should become more willing and soft. This is why it’s so have good lateral flexion to much more effective to teach a horse lateral both sides. You want his flexion this way rather than tying his head to the entire body to bend in an arc side. If the horse’s head is manually tied to the following his nose around to side, there is no release. But when you open your either side. If the horse’s head hand and drop the rein to give him release, he and neck are bent, but his associates that relief of pressure – that release body remains stiff, he is with you. showing resistance and not As you work on lateral flexion, remember that truly giving laterally. the key to success in this lesson is timing and Chris explains that teaching the horse to skill, not strength. You aren’t pulling the horse’s respond to pressure is all about horsemanship — head around to the side, but rather holding not mechanics. If you have knowlyour hand steady until the horse gives to that edge and patience, you can teach pressure. lateral flexion. Special devices Look for willingness in aren’t necessary; a D-ring snaffle the horse. He should be is the perfect bit for these lesgiving both physically sons. You don’t want to put the and mentally. You don’t horse in a more severe bit, or want him resigned to just one with shanks, until he giving the minimal already knows and responds in amount he can get away a simple snaffle. with. If he gives for a As a rider, you should be moment and then snatches comfortable managing your his head away, he is not reins, as we covered in the truly giving laterally. last article. Every position of your hands should mean Keep your ha Up Close with Chris Cox something to your horse steady hold unndtillow and level an Born in Florida and d mainta the hors tension in e and you should be able to ranch-raised in Australia, in giving. (Pthe rein as this gives. Notice thea c handle your reins smoothly Chris returned to the United hoto cre o lt is n o dit: Darre t ll Doddsyet and fluidly.

States in 1986 to make a ) Let’s work on developing lateral career of working with horses. flexion: Years of working horseback on Sitting centered in your saddle at a standstill, the ranch near Queensland gave Chris a healthy hold the center of your rein in the left hand, and respect for the horse’s ability and intelligence, use your right hand to “choke” the rein all the way and helped him develop his own down to your horse’s neck. Drop your left methods of individualized training. hand to the horse’s withers Active in the cutting horse world and hold the rein as both a trainer and competitor, with both hands.

Chris has trained a variety of breeds Don’t bend your for different disciplines. He also elbow, but go wide loves to rope, having been into calf with your left hand so roping in the past, and in more that your horse’s neck recent years, team roping. bends around and Chris, his wife, Barbara, and toward your left hand. their daughter, Charley, live on Keep your left hand low their Diamond Double C Ranch and level. If your hand is in Mineral Wells, Texas. Chris high, you can throw off travels around the world your horse’s balance. appearing at expos, conducting Don’t pull the rein past clinics and horsemanship release demonstrations. His “Come d your hip because this n a d n a is h to open h w softened and is Ride the Journey’ tour takes throws you off balance in o s is about the saddle. Instead, if you Chrirein as this colt has n e slack in the rein. him to cities across the U.S. th e e c th ti o need to steady your left each year. This two-time rally. N odds) giving late to credit: Darrell D hand, put it on your leg.

Road to the Horse (Pho If your horse walks in a Champion offers week-long intensive circle, maintain a steady horsemanship clinics at his Texas ranch, and has hold on the left rein until your horse stands still a regular horsemanship program on RFD-TV. and gives his head with slack in the rein. When Western Horseman has released Ride the he does, immediately release your hold by open- Journey, by Chris Cox with Cynthia McFarland, a ing your left hand and dropping the rein. Don’t 225-page book packed with step-by-step move your hand forward to release the hold. exercises and color photos that details Chris’ Remember to hold, don’t pull. The secret is practical methods and training techniques. Visit releasing as soon as your horse gives. Your www.chris-cox.com or call 1-888-81-HORSE for horse should stand still, not spin or move, so information on upcoming clinic and course dates, don’t release until he is still. expo appearances, equipment, books and Reverse the process to flex your horse training DVDs.

Gain Softness & Control with Lateral Flexion

by Cynthia McFarland with Chris

When it comes to developing a natural headset in the horse, lateral flexion is a key foundation. A horse should learn to give and flex laterally, or side-to-side, early in his training.

“I don’t believe in tying a horse’s head to the side for lateral flexion, or tying down his head for vertical flexion, because there is no release of pressure when the horse gives. I want to be the one helping the horse by immediately releasing the pressure when he gives,” says popular clinician and two-time Road to the Horse Champion Chris Cox. “You can get much more response by pulling on one rein than by pulling on two, which is why I teach lateral flexion before vertical flexion,” says Chris. “I never stop a horse with both reins, or hands, until he gives laterally and stops well with one rein or one hand.”

Lateral flexion gives you a great deal of control of your horse and also allows you to stop safely. If you find yourself in a situation where the horse is starting to run off or is getting out of control, you can quickly interrupt the horse’s forward motion by bringing his nose to the side.

“Too many people ride with tight reins all the time because they are afraid they can’t control their horses. What these people don’t realize is that riding on a tight rein eventually desensitizes the horse,” Chris explains. “Once you learn lateral flexion, you realize that you can ride on a

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Cox

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September 2009

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Does Your Horse Trust You?

By Ken

Last month, we discussed how you can build your trust in your horse. This month, we will cover the other half of that equation: how can you build your horse’s trust in you?

Some people believe horses are cowardly animals. While it’s true that they are a fright and flight animal, programmed to run when something frightens them, think about how quickly horses get over their fears once we show them they are not in danger. Some people spend years

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McNabb with Katherine Lindsey Meehan

and lots of money going to therapy to get over their fears. Your horse can spot a new object and be completely convinced that it is going to kill him, and with only 20 minutes of consistent work he will be completely over his fear and will probably even remember not to be afraid next time he sees the same thing!

Taking all of that in to consideration, I would argue that horses are actually very courageous.

To build my horse’s trust, I like to start with small challenges and work up to harder things in gradual steps. Start by making an obstacle course which includes many things of varying difficulty. You can use anything you find lying around the yard, it doesn’t have to be fancy.

Some examples of things I like to use are a trash can, a piece of plywood, a garden hose, and a tarp.

Set these obstacles around your arena, and ride your horse in.

Pick the object that you think will be easiest to start. This will be different for each horse. Knowing your horse as you do, think about it for a minute and choose the object you think he will find least challenging. First, just ask your horse to look at the object. If he’s nervous, stay at a distance and let him look. As long as he is paying attention to the object, let him be. Once he gets comfortable enough that his mind starts to wander and he begins to pay attention to other things, ask him to walk towards the obstacle. If he stops, let him stand as long as his attention

remains on the object. If he backs up, ask him to move forward to the point he was before, but other than that leave him alone. I want to mention here that if your horse backs away and you ask him to move forward again, it is important that you do so in a calm, quiet way.

He’s already nervous about the new obstacle. If you get all worked up and start spurring on him, it will make the situation worse, not better.

Once he is close enough to the object that he can touch it, let him smell it and investigate it as much as he wants to. I like to build and encourage my horse’s curiosity. If the object is something you just want your horse to walk by, after letting him check it out, ask him to walk forward and past it. If he still seems a little uneasy about the object, repeat the exercise until he is calm. If he walks by like there is nothing to it, move on to the next obstacle. If you are working on one of the obstacles like the plywood or the tarp that requires your horse to walk over it, then just take it slowly, asking for one step at a time. If your horse puts just one foot on the object and wants to stand there and smell it or paw at it, that’s fine. Let him take his time. Again, when he walks over the object use your judgment, if he seemed to be nervous then repeat, if he was comfortable then move on to the next thing.

Progress through your obstacles from easiest to hardest, take your time and approach each one in exactly the same way. This will build your horse’s confidence and trust.

Now, move outside to look for new challenges: bridges, creek crossings, walking past flags and dumpsters, and anything else you can find. As you approach each obstacle, use the exact same training steps you used in the arena.

As your horse’s trust builds, you will find new obstacles are easier and faster to work through.

It’s not possible to expose your horse to every situation in the world, so what we’re trying to do is build a solid foundation of trust. That way he knows when you say something is okay, it’s okay, even if he hasn’t seen that particular object before.

Always be patient with your horse. Never lose your temper. Losing your temper and spurring and whipping on your horse doesn’t build trust or respect, it erodes it. Your horse needs to know he can always win. When he tries, reward him. When he gives, you give back.

Release and reward regularly. If your horse wins every time he tries, he will learn to try consistently. And that’s the biggest thing you can ask of your horse; that he will try for you in any situation you encounter.

Enjoy building mutual trust with your horse, and until next time, may God bless the trails you ride.

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

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Gates

by Ralph

Gates have made fools of all of us. I can’t count how many times I’ve smashed fingers, lost blood and even my horse while trying to open or close ranch gates. Most of them seem to have been built and jury-rigged by some demonic devil intent on testing your skill, patience and strength in an attempt to open or close them.

If you’re alone or not in a hurry, they all open easy. The problem gates always show up when you have an audience, a nervous horse or runaway stock. That’s when you run into one that’s either a puzzle how the wire or latch is rigged, or it’s pulled so tight you can’t get the wire loop off the top of the pole no matter how hard you struggle.

Barb wire gates with one pole in the middle never lay down without tangling all the strands of wire together when you pick it up to close. No matter how careful you are, one of those strands always seems to hang up on another or get tangled in brush or around a rock, spooking your horse when you try to jerk it free.

In lodge pole country, pole gates are easy to build because the poles are easy to come by.

Bigger must be better cause when you open one, it takes two hands and all the strength you can muster to lift up the end and carry it around so your horse or pickup can get through. When you close it, the other end never seems to go back in the same place and you have to scurry back and forth getting both ends wired back close enough to keep critters in or out.

Heavy board gates. Now here’s a real treat.

Have you ever seen one that wasn’t sagged down on the end? When you try to swing it open it’s like you’re the mule in front of a single bottom plow. Tug, pull and lift until you’ve dug a respectable furrow in the dirt and then just maybe you can coax it to swing wide enough to pass through if it doesn’t fall off its rusted hinges before you can persuade it back where it came from.

Nothing worse than slippin’ the looped wire off the top of a pole on a wire gate and watching in dismay as three or four poles down the fence fall to the ground like they been shot dead.

They’ve been rotted off so long you can’t even see where they were planted when the fence was built a hundred years ago. If you’re in a hurry, you’re out of luck. When you try closing the gate, you have to pull the weight of all the downed poles back into the upright position while the wire goes out of its way to tangle on everything it can find. You end up laying the whole mess down two or three times while you walk back and forth cussing and untangling the dead fence.

Those same fences always have different size loops of wire on the top or bottom. If you expect the post to fit back in the bottom hangar as easy as it came out, you’ve got another thought coming. It won’t go without bending down and forcing it onto the pole. The cussin’ starts when the top wire just won’t fit back over the post no matter how hard you try. You try different ways to lever it back with all the muscle you can muster but it just won’t slip over that last quarter inch to fall over the post and lock in place. Bad

enough you can’t seem to summon enough strength, but a glance back at the pickup where your partners sit gigGaleano gling as they watch the gate make a fool of you is the last straw. Your manhood is at stake, so in desperation you summon something from somewhere and finally slide that half-ounce wire loop over the skinny post. “What took so long,” they snicker when you climb in the truck.

“If you’re in a hurry, why don’t you open it next time,” you say, while deep down you’re thinking them pals of yours are gonna’ run into that same gate sometime when they’re ridin’ shotgun and then it’ll be your turn to laugh.

Driving to town one day I saw a saddle horse minus the rider loping down a fence line.

His head was cocked to one side as he loped for home. He was dragging the bridle reins and I could tell he knew just what he was doing. He must have been experienced at dragging reins cause he held his head to the side just enough to

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keep his hooves from coming down on them.

Somebody’s been thrown, I thought.

A short ways down the road I spotted a horse-less rider. He had chaps on so I guessed he belonged to the rider-less horse and had been recently removed from the saddle. Past him I could see a wire gate laying tangled on the ground. The story was clear to the naked eye.

His horse saw an opportunity to depart for better places while the rider struggled to open or close the gate.

Embarrassed for him, I looked away as I passed so he wouldn’t suffer total humiliation at being caught afoot after losing his horse. I drove the rest of the way to town with a grin on my face.

I couldn’t wait till the next time I had coffee with him and drew sweet revenge for his past assaults on me and that same gate.

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Overcoming the Fear of Horses

by Deb Sonnenberg Fear is a funny thing. Fear of horses is particularly daunting. I notice mine first as barely a sensation in the pit of my stomach. Then my mouth goes a little dry. My legs start shaking after that. Again barely noticeable to me, and certainly no outward signs are visible to others, as I keep it well-hidden. But it is definitely there.

It was never there when I was a kid.

Although I was born into a non-horsy family, I somehow was blessed with the “horse-crazy “gene. I read every Walter Farley book in the library, and my room was filled with Breyer model horses. My first real horse was an unbroken POA stallion that my brother won in a card game, and arrived in the back of a pick-up truck. I got dumped plenty off that pony, and had many reasons to be afraid but never was. I moved up to a better mount and competed in WSCA games for many years and won racks full of ribbons. My hot mare did many maneuvers at the gate worthy of Lipizzan status, but still, I was never afraid of her or her antics.

I sold my mare after high school, and spent the next twenty years horseless. Along the way, I got married and had a daughter. Low and behold, my daughter inherited the “horse-crazy” gene from me. I admit I didn’t do anything to squelch her passion, and when she was eleven we each got a horse. I had no idea how different things would be with horses now. I though I would just pick up where I left off, and quickly found out that age, plus many years without horses, plus responsibility for the safety of my precious offspring would equal one fearful rider. Then, the worst happened: I got bucked off my horse.

Somehow, I couldn’t give up on the whole idea, but never enjoyed riding after that. I sent the horse to a trainer to work on, but that didn’t help me regain my confidence, and I ultimately sold the horse. Meanwhile, my fearless daughter was now into high school rodeo, so I stay involved with horses anyway, keeping the dream alive.

When she decided to sell her very talented but crabby mare, I decided to give her a try. I found myself back competing in WSCA games and jackpot barrel racing. Mostly, I just hung on and Siren did all the work. She knew her job and again I was winning many ribbons. Due to my fearfulness, however, she started behaving more and more dominant with me. I invested

hundreds in A few months ago training Dennis wrote an article videos, but applying about the benefits of clinics the conand what to look for in a c e p t s clinic. Here is my story on what n e v e r attending a Confidence seemed to Building Clinic with Dennis give me the Auslam did for me! results I saw on the TV, and my fear gave me all kinds of excuses not to ride—it was too windy out, or too chilly, or the neighbors dogs were barking, etc, etc. I cried many times in frustration because I didn’t have the courage to continue when my horse became scared of anything, and she was becoming scared of everything.

Fortunately, I saw Dennis Auslam demonstrating at a horse expo. I read his flyer for a confidence-building clinic, and was immediately excited and hopeful for a on a windy day. Even when it’s chilly out, or the better relationship with my horse. My daughter neighbors dogs are barking, or the other came to the clinic also, since she had just bought thousand reasons that I was accumulating would a new horse and thought it would be great way pop up. to get to know him. At the clinic, we started out Now, to be perfectly honest, I don’t think my learning saddle fit, and then went into ground horse is much different than when I went to the work with our horses. Dennis “explained” what he confidence clinic. She is still sassy and dominant wanted to my horse, and then showed me and gets afraid of ridiculous things. The differhow to explain it to her. Through his patience and ence is me. I know what to do now when she repetition, we finally caught on and were soon gets scared instead of just panic myself and put dragging around and walking over tarps and all her away. I know how to help her through her fear kinds of scary things very calmly. We progressed and back down into a relaxed state of mind. I though Dennis’s Extreme Trail Course, again know how to assess her mood and get her focus repeating each exercise until Siren could walk before I ever climb into the saddle. I thought I through calmly. Dennis and his staff were was attending the clinic to give my horse confialways present to help if we got “stuck”, some- dence, but was given a much greater gift—mine. thing that no video series did for me. My For that, I am forever grateful. daughter, who has never had confidence issues, Fear is a funny thing. It has palpable was thrilled with what she learned at the clinic, physical signs that can lead to crippling and has since applied the techniques to other emotions. I know many people who experience it horses. for many reasons or no reason at all, and its That was last fall, and the weather turned effects keep them from doing what they want or bitter cold soon after, so we didn’t ride much enjoying what they are doing. If this is you, I during the winter months. highly recommend a Dennis Auslam Confidence Spring has always been a frightening time Clinic to help you overcome yours. It is not magic, for me with horses—all that extra equine energy and it is a lot of work, but with this kind of support and time out of the saddle makes me feel like I’m you can become the leader your horse wants you starting all over. This spring was a very different to be and start on the road to enjoying your horse story, however. With the lessons I learned from again.

Dennis, I was not afraid to work with my horse.

Deb Sonnenberg is an RN, and lives with Let me say that again: I was not afraid to work her family and horses in Princeton, MN. with my horse! For the first time since I was a kid, Dennis Auslam of Redwood Stables in I don’t feel afraid to work with my horse. Even Morton, MN trains both the horse and the rider through lessons and clinics. He runs a regular schedule of clinics for Confidence Building, Horsemanship and Cattle Work, including Roping Clinics and has recently added a Challenge Trail Course to his facility.

Call 507-430-0342 or email him at redwoodstables@mvtvwireless.com You can visit his website at www.redwoodstables.com for more information on upcoming clinics and other event listings where Dennis will be doing demos and clinics.

10 September 2009

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M a r y H a m i l t o n y r a Ask M answers your

training questions!

Ask Mary: How do I tell if my saddle fits my horse?

That’s a great question. A horse’s back can change as he ages or when his fitness level changes. It can also change if he has been laid up with an injury. It’s important to occasionally check your saddle for fit. A poor fit can cause back soreness, saddle sores or behavior problems like bucking and head tossing. Here are some things to check to make sure your saddle fits your horse.

1. Visually inspect your horse’s back. Look for hair discoloration. A white patch on a brown horse for example indicates an injury at one time.

A common place to see these patches are on the withers. This can be a sign of a saddle that is too narrow and does not fit.

2. Check your horse’s back for soreness.

You do this by pressing down along the spine (where the saddle would sit) with three fingers.

Watch your horse’s reaction. If you find a painful spot, his back may drop or he could pin his ears and swish his tail. He may even kick out or move away from you.

3. Look at the underside of your saddle pad or blanket. The sweat marks should be evenly distributed where the saddle pressure meets the back. If you see sweat marks only in spots (in the wither area for example) this tells you where all the weight and pressure of the saddle is. It can be a sign that your saddle does not fit.

4. Look at the underside of your saddle. Is the sheepskin worn in spots? Does the wear look even throughout the underside of the saddle? If you have an english saddle, look at the flocking.

Does it look compressed in an area or does the thickness look the same on both sides?

5. Put the saddle on your horse’s back with out a pad. Slide your hand up the shoulder of the horse to the wither area. The tree (frame work) of your saddle should sit just behind the shoulder not on top of it. Does the saddle look level on your horse? If the front looks high, that can indicate the saddle tree is too narrow. If the back of the saddle looks high, your saddle could be too wide. You should be able to slide two or three fingers in the gullet (or front) of your saddle. The back skirting should be flush against the back, not lifted up. Slide your hand underneath the saddle to make sure the underside has full contact with the back. If you find gaps where the saddle does not make contact with the back, you

could have bridging or pressure points. Remember you want a saddle that is as form fitting as possible. The more surface area pressure is spread over the better. Now cinch up the saddle and repeat your checks.

6. Another check I like to make is to watch how the horse moves. You can use a round pen or a lunge line for this check. First watch your horse walk, trot and canter without the saddle on.

Then saddle up and watch the same movements.

There should be no change. If there is a change, for example his movement seems stiffer and more restricted, that’s a good indication your saddle is not fitting him comfortably.

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

If you think you have a saddle fit problem, ask for help fitting the saddle from your veterinarian, professional saddle fitter or a knowledgeable saddle representative. We all want our horse’s saddle to fit comfortably and not to cause any pain. Checking saddle fit is part physics and part skill. Try these simple checks to help determine if your saddle fits your horse.

Mary is a Mounted Police instructor and a fully insured ARICP riding instructor. She devotes her creative energy to developing customized

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www.horsedigests.com

Come to Me

HERE’S HOW...

by Craig Cameron Teach your horse to come to you, but remember that there needs to be something in it for the horse. That something is typically relief, reward and relaxation.

Do your catching homework in a round pen.

The controlled environment makes it easier on both of you. When you first do this exercise, put a halter on your horse, along with either the 12-foot lead rope, 25-foot rope or 50-foot rope.

With you in the middle, send your horse around the pen, at either a trot or lope. Make him work.

Decide on a cue that means “Come to me.” It can be a whistle or a smooch or your outstretched hand, anything, but be consistent with it always. Give the cue, then reel the horse in on the rope.

Make the resting spot be with you. When your horse comes to the center pet him, reward him for coming by letting him rest a minute. Then, drive him off again and repeat until he comes to you on the

signal alone.

I’ve been asked about giving horses a treat such as a carrot, sugar cube or horse treat as a reward for coming to you. To me this is trick-training. I’m not saying it’s the wrong thing to do. The problem with the treat is that a lot of horses will resent it when you don’t have one. You want your horse to come to you because he wants to, not because you bribed him into it.

After your horse comes willingly to you on the line (with lead rope or lariat), work him at liberty in the round pen. If you have to stop him, block his forward movement by heading him off, give the cue, then walk backward to the middle to draw him toward

1. After your horse learns to come to you on line, send him off at liberty.

2. Allow him to make a few laps, then block his forward movement by moving toward his head.

you.

From here, advance to a bigger pen or arena. Do the same thing as in the round pen, first on a line, then at liberty.

Your horse should be able to make the transition nicely but if not, go back to the round pen for more schoolwork.

3. Draw your horse to you by walking backward toward the middle of the pen, using your “Come to Me” cue. It can be a smooch, an outstretched hand, whatever. When he comes to you, allow him to rest and let that be his reward.

Excerpt with permission out Craig’s book, Ride Smart, by Craig Cameron with Kathy Swan.

Photos by John Brasseaux.

You can order Craig’s book and DVD’s at www.CraigCameron.com

New Lives for Horses AMBOY, MN - Misfit Acres proudly announces our 6th Annual “Celebrating New Lives for Horses” fundraising event to be held on Sunday, October 4, 2009 from 11 am until 5 pm at Robert Anderson’s Truck Shop in Good Thunder, MN. Come enjoy a family-style, funfilled afternoon complete with music by M C Express and Mankato’s own Lonesome Ron. This event features a silent auction, food sales, door prizes, vendors, and attractions to be added. Free admission costs! All proceeds support the ongoing care of the Sanctuary Animals of Misfit Acres.

Misfit Acres is a 501C3 non-profit horse sanctuary and rescue located near Amboy, MN. For more information, please visit www.misfitacres.com or call Bruce & Jody Thisted at 507278-4876.

12 September 2009

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www.horsedigests.com

Western Pleasure

Want to Win

Suitability: The First Step to Success line-up. How about the horse with his ears constantly pinned and his tail wringing? He performs all of his gaits perfectly but is miserable.

Would you place those competitors if you were the Judge?

Just like people, horses are predestined for particular activities. No matter how hard I practice, I will never be successful at basketball. © 2009 by Jennifer Lindgren I am just too short. No matter how much you pay anda Beall rod me, I wouldn’t enjoy working in “DAm Suitability is the most common mistake eliah” as her partne many horses before choosing a quiet museum.

Horses are made by exhibitors Investing time in er for novice hunter over fences. choosing a moun usually bred with a specific t will pay off in at the Open the long run. Laura Beall photo. discipline in mind.

But, that and 4-H level doesn’t mean the daughter of a and it costs world champion working cow discomfort? Do you both look happy them lots of horse is going to like to work and willing? Would a Judge want to place you? ribbons. All cows! I have a great Third, be open to change horses, jobs, or both. year long I western pleasure horse Why are the hunter classes so big at give the gate that can’t leave the open shows? Because a to great horses property because her lot of horses cannot who are either nerves cause her to succeed at western in the wrong colic. Competition pleasure! The right job division or with just isn’t her thing. for your horse is out the wrong rider.

Some people are there, have some fun You’ve all heard lucky finding the finding it. Consider speed the railside comright horse, but events, costume, trail, ments “That isn’t events many others ent, choose timed em reining, or showmanship. cit ex d the right horse an ter d If you love spee . Age does not de struggle daily Be flexible and enjoy the for her”, “That g race, or poles in fla it ls, cu rre cir l ba rre as such on the ba with the wrong challenge of learning somehorse deserves a tough competitor Alice Holmes, a owdson photo. one.

As a Cr yl thing new. Good Luck & er Ch is. better rider”. I no central Illi coach, I help Enjoy the Ride. often wish there riders determine not only what Good Luck! was a fantasy Jennifer Lindgren has class where I could match up horses and riders. makes them happy, but what they been an All-Breed Judge since Simply put, Suitability means finding the are physically and mentally Western ple 1985. She is an experienced right division for both your horse and yourself. It capable of handling. The same Horses masure is tough to also means that you are suited and skilled to goes for the horse. If you aren’t disciplined witust be extremelywin. competitor who has earned h perfec sure about suitJordan Regional and National awards in tm handle the mount you are on.

Perfect VOlson shows “Hanners. ability, ask an Halter, Western Equitation and e If you are competing just for is 's io n” in a and hun expert in that ter. Mark both western Hunter. She loves all breeds of the fun of it, you should enter O lson Pho division for an horses and keeps her private colto. many different classes and try objective assessment or lection in Grant Park, IL. contact: different styles of riding. do your own. jenlind22msn.com However, once you become First, have an open mind. Take that serious competitor who off your barn glasses and look at wants to win, it is time to focus yourself and your horse objectiveon the divisions that are right ly. Do you like ... Speed? for you and your horse.

Precision? Showing off? Going Remember, even though the slow? Which level are you...

Judge is supposed to focus Beginner? Novice? Semi-Pro? on the horse during pleasure How about your horse? Does he or performance classes, the like to plug around the ring or show rider is the key to creating that off at a strong trot? Are horse and perfect image the Judge sees. rider suitable for each other? Does In some breeds and the rider posess the skills to divisions, suitability is an show the horse to its highest Little Haley Kralek, age 4, draws actual class specification. and cheers from the crowd potential in that discipline? Is the Judges don’t want to see a smiles with her Princess costume. If you horse capable of performing the rider over or under mounted aren't into the pleasure scene, or see a horse forced into a try in- hand trail, costume, or bribe tasks required for the division he is being shown in? your horse at the next show. discipline he doesn’t enjoy.

Second, videotape practices, Average Joe photo.

Have you ever watched a shows, and down time. Do the two Horses not suitable for Western often excel in Hunter class with a great performof you work well together? Does pleasure. Morgan Olson and “My Mello Cremello”, ance horse but you could tell that the rider was a perfect pair that wins in all age divisions. merely a passenger holding on, waiting for the your horse displays signs of frustration or Mark Olson photo.

14 September 2009

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September 2009 15

www.horsedigests.com horse and this is something that can be remedied as well.

You can purchase vibrating massagers almost anywhere.

Start at the bottom of your horses withers (where horses naturally rub each other) and slowly work your way up from the withers to their neck and ears.

An issue I see and deal with regularly is people who can’t control their horse on the ground. Once your horse get’s scared, their instinct is to ‘flee’ or spook and once that instinct takes over, the less likely you are to have control. The more work you can do with your horse on the ground, the more comfortable and confident they and you will become.

Confidence will ultimately help you achieve better control with your horse whether it’s on the trail or in the show ring!

The steps I’ve outlined apply to young, new horses AND to any/all horses that spook, including Rescue horses. Start from the beginning and remember that horses learn by repetition so take things slowly and proceed with Confidence, Patience and Respect and ultimately you can help a spooky horse become a comfortable and confident partner.

About Tommy Garland: Tommy Garland has ridden horses all his life and credits his trainer father, also named Tommy with teaching him much of what he learned early on about horsemanship. Tommy has spent the past 30 years training not only Arabians and Half-Arabians but

WORKING WITH A SPOOKY HORSE

by Tommy Garland

At one time or another, we’ve all worked with a spooky horse and while it can be a frustrating and somewhat unsettling experience, it doesn’t have to be. By utilizing CPR Horsemanship (Confidence, Patience & Respect), you can turn a spooky horse into a confident and safe riding companion.

Before you begin working with your horse and trying to correct the behavior it’s important to understand why your horse spooks. Horses travel in herds because that’s where they feel safe. While there is an obvious ‘pecking order’ in herds, horses in those herds still have respect for each other. Typically there are two primary reasons why a horse will spook: 1). They don’t feel safe and 2). They don’t respect your space.

You love your horse and you want to treat it well but ultimately you still need to gain respect.

The first step in working with a spooky horse begins by gaining respect with groundwork.

Teach your horse to lunge. It’s important for your horse to a). learn to respect your space and b). focus on you by paying attention to what you’re asking them to do and the process of teaching your horse to lunge accomplishes these two goals.

The best way to begin this process is to assemble the proper tack. I suggest using the halter/bridle combo, a lead rope and perhaps a stud chain. If possible, it’s best to work in a confined space like a round pen if you have access to one.

1) Begin by asking your horse to move in a circle to the left. Your goal is to get your horse to learn to stop on the first “Whoa” and that in turn will teach your horse to keep their attention on YOU, not outside stimulus. If your horse doesn’t stop on the first “Whoa”, say it again and if they still don’t respond jerk the shank to get their attention and say “Whoa”. This is my “Three Strikes & You’re Out” principle and it’s very effective in gaining your horses attention and respect. If your horse isn’t as responsive as you’d like, consider utilizing the stud chain in conjunction with the halter and the lead.

2). Next, change directions and lunge once circle to the right and practice “Three Strikes and You’re Out”. Continue to lunge to both sides, left

16 September 2009

and then right and then work in half of the round pen and repeat “Whoa”. Gradually, you will want to repeat the “Whoa” quicker and at different spots. This will reinforce that your horse needs to keep their attention on you and “Whoa” when asked.

Too many people try to teach their horse too much at one time so concentrate on working on this exercise until your horse stops when you say “Whoa” the very first time.

Keep in mind that when you begin this process, your horse may tend to over-react because you’re changing what they want to do so this is an important step in getting your horses attention and gaining respect.

Add poles to the arena or round pen.

After you’ve mastered teaching your horse to lunge and “Whoa” the next step is to teach your horse to pay attention to what’s going on, on the ground. Your goal is to teach your horse to walk or trot over the poles and to “Whoa” when asked. This process is another step that will help your horse learn to pay attention to what you’re asking and will reinforce what you worked on when you were teaching your horse to lunge.

1). Begin by having your horse trot over the pole and then stop when you say “Whoa”. Trot over the pole and “Whoa”.

2). Repeat this exercise by working both ways over the poles and when you’ve achieved this goal with the poles, you may consider using the same process and use a tarp, bridge, etc. Trot over the tarp/bridge and”Whoa”. Repeat.

3). Going over tarps, bridges or poles is beneficial in another area in that having their hooves hit any of these objects will help them get used to different sounds and that’s a perfect transition to my next tip.

Most of the time, the sounds that scare a horse are a result of your horse not paying attention to you. I recommend that you consider playing a radio in your barn to get your horse accustomed to noise. I’ve found that playing a radio can also be very relaxing for your horse.

Clippers can also be a factor in spooking a

Quarter Horses, Tennessee Walking Horses, Paints and Mules as well. His techniques have been universally accepted, respected and utilized by horse owners of all breeds & disciplines.

In addition to his popular TV show, “CPR For The Horse & Rider” on RFD TV, Tommy regularly participates at clinics, expos and other equestrian events throughout the United States, Canada and Brazil. He is a regular contributor to several popular equine publications and his online clinics and training DVD’s are valuable resources for any who loves horses!

For additional information Tommy’s products, training aids and DVDs and clinic and expo schedule, please visit www.tommygarland.com or email us at info@tommygarland.com.

MIDWEST HORSE DIGEST

Vet Tech at Wisconsin’s School of Veterinary Medicine Gains Specialty Certification Rachel Kipp, a certified veterinary technician (CVT) who works at the UW-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine, recently attained specialty credentials in large animal internal medicine. Kipp, who lives in Brodhead, Wis., is now a Veterinary Technician Specialist, or VTS. In addition to passing a stringent examination, she had to document advanced skills and knowledge, demonstrate superior mastery of patient care and handling, and log numerous case reports.

To date, only eight individuals worldwide have attained Veterinary Technician Specialist (Large Animal Internal Medicine) certification. Two are in Wisconsin.

“Becoming a Veterinary Technician Specialist is a great accomplishment,” says Dr. Bill Gengler, director of the school’s Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. “These individuals are intensely trained to provide the most exceptional and progressive care possible.”

The qualifying examination is given once annually. This year, Kipp was the only veterinary technician to take the exam, which was held in Montreal, Canada in June in conjunction with the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine’s annual convention.

will include hands on demonstrations and some will even be interactive involving the audience in one way or another.

This year’s fair will also offer activities just for youth and attendees will have the opportunity to tour a commercial scale ‘Paddock Paradise’ boarding and feeding system.

Located just 12 miles south of Madison at The Horse First farm, with ticket prices only $5 for the weekend, there’s no reason why anyone who wants to can’t make it to this fair. “The priority is to keep it accessible”, comments Heather Kitching, the fair’s founder.

With such a wealth of holistic and naturally focused information being offered, the Holistic Horse Fair is set to be a ground breaking event.

You can plan your trip, learn more about the

speakers and see a schedule of events at the fair’s website: www.holistichorsefair.com.

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

She created the Holistic Horse Fair in 2007 as a way of promoting and educating horse owners on the many, effective alternative forms of horse health care and training. She can be reached at (608)687-9534 or eaglevalleyequestrian@yahoo.com.

Twenty Speakers Featured at the Holistic Horse Fair, Brooklyn WI. The Holistic Horse Fair (HHF) seeks to inform horse lovers of the growing abundance of natural and holistic horse care and handling methods that exist through a fun and exciting weekend fair, which will take place on September 26-27.

This year’s fair is bigger and better than ever with twenty experts lined up to share their knowledge on topics such as animal communication, natural hoof care, equine assisted therapy, body work, and saddle fit. While representing decidedly varied subject matter, these professionals all have one thing in common -- a passion for improving the lives of horses.

There will be plenty to keep fair goers busy all weekend. Presentations will start at 10am each day and each will run an hour long. Most speakers will present twice each day making it easier for fair goers to make it to everyone on their ‘must see’ list. Several of the presentations

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Dressage - English

www.horsedigests.com

Relaxation versus Obedience

By Mari Monda Zdunic

“In a tension free state you are either asleep or dead “ ~ Dr. Wayne Dyer In my travels, I am seeing confusion between obedience and relaxation. An obedient horse may not be a relaxed horse. Of the two, obedience and relaxation, I prefer relaxation over obedience any day.

Let’s add another word —— brilliance. In order to be truly brilliant, the horse must be relaxed in his “excitement” which is part of brilliance. In dressage this might be in reference to an extended trot, or piaffe (the trot in place). You would see brilliance with relaxation in your top barrel horses, race horses and so on. Without relaxation, brilliance cannot be —— instead we

18 September 2009

have excitement, tension and stiffness.

Excitement, tension and stiffness “require” the rider to introduce more and more exercise to “take the edge off” before an event, or of course, medicate the horse to produce calmness.

Exercise and medications will produce temporary results. If you have a horse that you like, that you plan to train and have him functioning well into his (and your) years —- you need to learn certain gymnastics which produce relaxation.

My teacher and mentor was Chuck Grant.

Born in 1914 and passing in 1990, he was the bridge between the Masters of the 1700’s and 1800’s. Specifically Francois Baucher and James Fillis. Looking at the years Chuck Grant lived, there were dramatic changes in politics, technology… and yes, horsemanship. Grant, Baucher and Fillis “had to make it work”. Meaning? Horses were not as disposable. Their mindset did not have room for “this horse can’t do it”. And a

trained horse was valuable in that, once trained, they wanted them to function well past the years we expect today.

Stress kills and tight muscles produce unsoundness. This applies to horses as well as humans. I personally believe a majority of human and equine joint issues began with muscle misuse.

A horse is capable of learning 136 different human/horse movements. This is according to Chuck Grant (American Dressage III), and those before him. This means every horse. Here is the catch, some horses, due to nature, or nurture, take longer to train than others.

Pick the right horse to suit your needs and your temperament. And always remember; Ask Often, Expect Little or Nothing, Reward Generously. (Grant, Fillis and Baucher) A graduate of Duke University, Mari Monda Zdunic is a top dressage competitor having earned USDF gold, silver, and bronze medals, Olympic Sports Festival silver, bronze and team medals, along with numerous USDF top ten horse of the year honors from the United States Dressage Federation from Training through Grand Prix levels, open and all breed awards.

Mari competed in the Olympic Trials in 1980, Gladstone, NJ; and the 1981 World Championship Trials. She is equally admired for her spectacular exhibition rides which have thrilled spectators from coast to coast. An associate of Mr. Chuck Grant for fourteen years, Mari is continuing his fine work since his death in 1990, as owner and trainer of Shine-A-Bit Farm.

MIDWEST HORSE DIGEST

Ritchie Industries Releases EcoFounts Ritchie Industries’ new EcoFounts are now available through distributors and dealers nationwide. The products, first announced in June, join the outstanding lineup of products offered by the Iowa-based company.

The EcoFount family features a large access panel for easy access to waterline and heating elements. This feature has become a standard on many of the company’s waterers developed in recent years. It supports ease in cleaning and maintenance common to Ritchie products. Another popular feature in several products is a stainless steel trough, which is also featured on the EcoFount. It adds longevity and overall heat coverage to the unit.

A flip-top cover is new with the Ritchie Ecofount waterers. This unique design supports ease of cleaning and maintenance with Ritchie waterers. The cover is solidly connected to the waterer on both ends with a steel rod. The high-

ly energy-efficient design is a welcome feature, particularly in these economic times. The units are fully enclosed with Thermal caps to keep the heat in and maintain cooler water in the summer months.

The units have an animal capacity of 30 head of horses and cattle and 60 head of horses and cattle, respectively. The EcoFount family is now available through Ritchie distributors nationwide.

Since 1921, Ritchie has manufactured

durable, dependable automatic fountains for many species of livestock, including beef, dairy, equine, swine, sheep and goats. The distinct Ritchie design has been the standard bearer of quality. Ritchie fountains continue to serve all sizes of operations and the livestock industry with equipment designed to provide years of trouble-free use. For the name of the Ritchie distributor in your area, please call 800-7470222 or visit www.ritchiefount.com.

Dances with Horses On October 3, 2009 many well-known equestrians and their horses will come together to perform at Dances With Horses, a fundraiser for ASPIRE Therapeutic Riding Program.

Come to the McElroy Auditorium at National Cattle Congress grounds in Waterloo, Iowa to experience the magic and beauty of rare horse breeds as they dance with their riders to various genres of music. ASPIRE Therapeutic Riding Program invites you to participate in the VIP package for $40 which includes a 10th Anniversary reception and box seats for the performance at 7pm. General admission tickets for the show are also available for $20 and children are $10 and a silent auction will precede the performance.

The Dances With Horses program will include a silent auction and performances by the talented Laura Amandis and others including Mark Lyon, Midwest Renegades, Joust Evolution, Raccoon River Riders Equestrian Drill Team, Icelandic Ponies, Friesian Liberty Act, Miss Rodeo Iowa, ASPIRE & more!

All proceeds from this unique weekend event will go to ASPIRE Therapeutic Riding Program. ASPIRE is a non-profit organization that benefits individuals with disabilities through animal-assisted activities and outreach programs. For information about becoming a sponsor or to purchase tickets, call (319) 296-3096, or visit the website at www.danceswithhorses.org

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www.horsedigests.com outside or left rein to keep his shoulder from moving out. Her left leg is slightly behind the girth to keep his hips inward. All her right rein does is keep the horse’s nose and neck bent slightly in the direction they are moving. Her outside aids, the left leg and left rein, are used as her turning aids.

She does not turn using the inside rein!

As the horse turns, if he goes too far to the right (falling in), the rider uses her right leg and open light left rein to bring him back to the left.

Completing the right half circle and coming onto the diagonal straight line, she uses her right leg and light left rein to bring her horse off the bending turn onto the straight line. Once on the diagonal, her aids are only used if the horse starts to lose straightness. For example, if he fades to the left, the rider uses her left leg and right rein to straighten him.

Before the rider turns the horse onto the next half-circle to the left, she applies the bending aids of left leg to the right rein. She keeps the right rein against the horse’s neck so his shoulder does not go out. Her right leg is slightly further back to keep her horse’s hips inward. Her left rein lightly positions the horse’s head and neck in the direction in which they are traveling. If the horse falls in too far to the left, she uses her left leg and right rein to correct him.

The rider maintains the straightness with her right leg and left rein. If the horse goes too far to the right, she uses her right leg and left rein to correct him.

As the rider leaves the left half-circle, she straightens her horse using her left leg and right rein. She maintains this straightness by evenly applying her left and right leg and hand aids.

Review of Aids Sequence Here is a thumbnail review of the aids sequence used when going from a straight line to a turn and then returning to the straight line as described in the training figure 8 pattern: Start the figure on one of the pattern’s straight lines using even leg aids and rein aids to keep the horse straight.

Before the turn, use the bending aids (the inside leg and open inside rein), supporting the bend with the outside leg and outside indirect rein against the neck.

As you get to the turn, use the turning aids (the outside leg and outside indirect rein) to direct the horse through the turn.

Before going straight again, use the straightening aids (the inside leg to stop the bending and to bring the horse to your outside open rein).

As you get back to the point of going on a straight line again, evenly apply both leg aids and rein aids as to keep the horse forward and straight. The process starts over again before the next turn.

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

“Communicating with Your Aids -Keys to Success, Part 11”

Be the Rider Your Horse Deserves

By Lynn Palm In this article, I give you an exercise to practice that u s e s both the turning and bending aids. The pattern for this exercise is what I call a “training figure 8.” It is important to understand the difference between this training pattern and what could be called a “show ring” or “competition figure 8” pattern.

The best way I can describe the training figure 8 pattern is that it simulates the form of how the number “8” is written. When doing this pattern, the rider tracks across the diagonal to a half circle. After completing the half circle, she tracks across the opposite diagonal to complete the second half circle, and that brings the rider back to the point where he/she started. This exercise requires the rider to use her aids from a bending turn to a straight line, and then from a straight line to a bending turn in the opposite direction.

Contrast this to a true show ring or compe-

20 September 2009

tition figure 8 pattern where the rider follows a vertical line to a half circle, completes the half circle and returns to the vertical line. The rider follows the vertical line to the second half circle and completes that in the opposite direction. This pattern is a turn to a straight line to a turn and back to a straight line.

When using the training figure 8 pattern, the horse must be in proper body position on both the straight lines and turns of the pattern. This puts the horse on his best balance. The key is to keep the horse straight between the rider’s leg and hand aids. The rapport between these aids is critical!

The rider should start the pattern at the walk to get the coordination of the aids and to give herself more time to do the figure and feel the horse’s reactions in response to the aids. Once perfected at the walk, the exercise should be practiced at the trot. This figure is also great at the advanced level of a canter using a simple change of lead in the middle of the straight line.

For my explanation of the pattern, the rider should start by bringing her horse on the pattern’s first half circle to the right. For the horse to bend properly to the right, the rider uses her inside or right leg. She brings her horse to the

MIDWEST HORSE DIGEST

Why Horses Get Gastric Ulcers and How To Treat Them Naturally!

These influences contribute to gastric ulceration

By Dr. Richard Shakalis ( co-founder and researcher for SBS Equine Products )

Stomach ulcers in horses is major health epidemic in the equine world and may be preventable. More than 52% of horses of all breeds from one to twenty four years old had gastric ulcers during a recent gastro-endoscopic study (Murray et al.). The Equine Gastric Ulcer Council found that gastric ulcers were present in 80-90% of racehorses in training.

Most people do not know for sure if their horses have gastric ulcers. They may only suspect the presence of ulcers because of small noticeable changes in their horse’s condition. For example, adult horses with ulcers can exhibit a combination of poor appetite, dullness, attitude changes, decreased performance, poor body and hoof condition, rough hair coat, weight loss and colic.Treating gastric ulcers with acid blockers sometimes helps to relieve the symptoms, but may prolong the problem.

During a recent swing last season through the major horse racing training facilities in Florida, researchers from SBS Equine Products conducted over twenty, one on one, interviews with many of the top trainers in the country.

Although most of the trainers share health information regularly with their neighbors, their feeding program for the horses under their control was, in some cases, considered a trade secret.

After all, it is a competitive industry and feed is what fuels the animal. However, although most of the trainers surveyed admitted to having problems with gastric equine ulcers, those who said that they had few or no problems at all, did seem to follow a similar feeding pattern.

Horses have evolved to eat many small meals per day, almost on a continual basis. Even though the horse’s stomach is only 8 percent of digestive tract (eight quarts or two gallons), the emptying time of the stomach can be a mere twelve minutes and the rate of passage through the small intestine one foot per minute. The small volume of the stomach and the rapid passage of food to the small intestine is the reason that horses can and are designed to eat almost continuously. Gastric pH can drop lower than 2 soon after a horse stops consuming food and the stomach will continue to produce strong acid even if food is not present.

We found in our survey of the horse trainers at the Florida training facilities, those that fed their horses four or five small meals a day had far fewer problems with gastric ulcers that those who fed their horses two or three meals a day. The bottom line is concentrate feeding can inadvertently contribute to ulcer formation by its influence on increasing serum gastric levels, lowering the horse’s roughage intake and reducing the amount of time spent eating. Imposed feed deprivation, such as in colic management cases, can result in erosion and ulceration of the gastric mucosa as well.

In the case of racehorses, they are often not fed immediately prior to training or racing. This could result in a significant increase in stomach acidity. Also, horses can become excited during training and racing, further lowering gastric pH.

Studies show that the greater the degree of training activity, the increasing severity of gastric lesions. Further, lesions were induced and maintained in thoroughbred horses during simulated training, using a diet of coastal Bermuda and concentrate. Although Dr. N. J. Vatistas stopped short of recommending all racehorses in training receive gastric ulcer treatment, he did indicate that “The truth may not be far from that”.

Ulcer Formation Mechanism Gastric ulceration in horses results from an imbalance between offensive factors, e.g. acid and pepsin, and defensive factors such as mucus, bicarbonate, prostaglandins, mucosal blood flow and epithelial restitution. Most of these ulcers occur in the fundic portion of the stomach, which has a phospholipid rich, protective epithelial layer. Disruption of this barrier (mucous, surface-active phospholipids) is initial to the destruction of the stomach’s surface epithelium.

Because most domesticated horses do not feed constantly like nature designed them to, excess acid can ulcerate this protective layer. Unless the mucous lining is strong enough to withstand the powerful acids produced here, ulcers often develop.

Management of Equine Gastric Ulcers Various therapeutic protocols have been suggested for the control of equine gastric ulcers.

These include antacids, (think of products such Tums and Rolaids) and H2 acid blockers such as the pharmaceutical products Pepsid and Prilosec. These treatments will reduce acid in the fundic portion of the stomach and will reduce the occurrence of ulcers, but there may be unintended negative consequences from these treatments. Stomach acid is an extremely important component of the initial stage of the digestive process. If in this initial stage of digestion there is not adequate acid present to break down food, it will pass into the small intestine only partially digested. The nutrients won’t be in a form that can be absorbed in the small intestine and the horse will not be adequately nourished.

There is a better way to protect the horse from and treat gastric ulcers. When the horse is given lecithin and apple pectin as a nutritional supplement to his normal diet, the acid in the fundic portion of the stomach immediately breaks it down into a mix of reactive phospholipids. The phospholipids in lecithin are both hydrophilic and hydrophobic and interact with the cell membranes of the mucosal epithelium to strengthen the mucosa. Research has shown that lecithin not only treats the symptoms of equine ulcers, it cures the ulcers as well by making the stomach lining stronger at the cellular membrane level.

The beneficial effects of a diet supplemented with

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lecithin and pectin also enhances the rest of the digestive tract as well. There has been much research to substantiate this. They also observed horses fed lecithin had reduced levels of excitability and anxiety that was attributed to the healing of gastric ulcers.

Summary - A well studied health condition in horses is gastric ulcers. The presence of these ulcers is associated with poor condition, irritability and poor performance. Treatment options such as reducing stomach acid production is expensive and can disrupt the normal digestive process by not allowing the food to begin its initial breakdown as nature intended. A less expensive and more effective treatment is to give horses a nutritional supplement of lecithin containing apple pectins. The lecithin strengthens the epithelial lining of the stomach treating and preventing gastric ulcers and allow for the proper absorption of nutrients in the small intestine. The apple pectins help to buffer the stomach lining and slow the digestive process. Pectins also are prebiotic in that they support beneficial microflora in the gastro-intestinal tract.

Lecithin has proven a valuable natural supplement for horses to treat and prevent gastric ulcers. Lecithin granules can be added quickly and easily to a horse’s daily feed ration or to almost any homemade horse treat recipe. Horse treats containing lecithin given between feedings and after training can help protect the stomach from the damaging affects of excess acid which is a natural occurrence in horses.

When sourcing lecithin, remember that not all lecithin granules are the same.

The best source of lecithin is a brand that contains apple pectins and sold through a dealer that sells animal products. For more articles on gastric equine ulcers and other horse related issues, check out www.sbsequine.com/articles.

Special thanks to the contributions of Dr. Craig Russett, Ph.D in Animal Nutrition.

References - Geor.R.j. and Papich (1990). Medical therapy for gastrointestinal ulceration in foals. Comp. Cont.

Edu. Pract. Vet. 12:403-412. - Ghyczy,M., E. Hoff; J. Garzib (1996). Gastric mucosa protection by phosphatidylcholine (PC) Presented at: The 7th International Congress on Phospholipids, Brussels, Belgium. - Jones, W.E. (1999). Equine gastric ulcer syndrome. J. Equine Vet. Sci. 19:296-306. - Murray, M.J.; C.M. Murray, H.J. Sweeney, J. Weld, N.J. Digby Wingfield and S.J Stoneham (1996). The prevalence of gastric ulcers in foals in Ireland and England: An edoscopic survey. Equine Vet. J. 28(5):368374. - Russett, J.C. (1997). Lecithin applications in animal feeds. Specialty Products Research Notes. LEC-D-56. Traub, J.L.; A.M. Gallina, B.D. Grant, S.M. Reed, P.R. Gavin and L.M. Paulsen (1983). Phenylututazone toxicosis in the foal. Am. J. Vet. Res. 44:1410-1418. - Vatitstas, N.J.; Snyder, G. Carlson, B. Johnson, R.M. Arthur, Thurmond, and K.C.K. Lloyd (1994). Epidemiological study of gastric ulceration in the Thoroughbred racehorse: 202 horses 1992-1993. 40th AAEP Convention Proceedings. pp 125126. - Wright, B. (1999). Equine digestive tract structure and function. Ontario Ministry of Agriculture.

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Performance Horses

Developing stopping and backing techniques

By Monty Bruce

In a past article, we talked about side passing and body control. In this issue we will talk more on developing our stop and backing.

To me, stopping and backing are of equal importance. At this stage, I do a lot of backing with my young horses. When we start talking about the cattle work we can clearly see just how very important stopping and backing are. The correct body position for a stop is the same for that of backing.

First we want the horse’s face soft and head down, his back picked up and hocks underneath him. This enables a horse to stop and back to the best of his ability. We really want to work to keep our colt soft in the stop. If he gets stiff an starts pushing on your hands, his head will go up and his back will hollow out which will cause his hocks to be out behind him. This will cause him to have to stop on this front end or not stop at all.

Any time you take hold of a horse and he stiffens up, pulling on your hands with his mouth, that stiffness or resistance travels right through the rest of his body. This greatly reduces performance. The reaction you want is when you pick up on your reins and have the horse break at the poll, staying soft and behind the bit. Pick up his

back, drive his hind quarters under himself and melt into the ground for a sliding stop.

How do we get to this point? Well, it doesn’t happen overnight. Again it is a stepby-step buiding process that takes a lot of time, consistency and repetition to accomplish.

Here are some steps I use in my program.

First and foremost, my colt has to be soft in the mouth, giving freely to my hands and breaking at the poll. To get this, you have to earn his trust so he is not afraid of your hands. Keep in mind, slow to pull, quick to release. Next, the young horse has to understand clearly what the word “whoa” means. When I say “whoa”, I day it loud and draw out the word so he can clearly hear and understand. I say it only once. If I repeat it over and over again to get him to stop, it means nothing after while. I sit down deep in the saddle and say “whoa”. I give him the chance to stop before I take hold of him.

If he does not stop, I take hold of his mouth slowly, then draw them back firmly until he stops, releasing him the instant that he ceases motion.

Out goal is to make our horse want to stop when we ask, so if he doesn’t, we want to give him something harder to do than if he would have just stopped.

Every time he does not stop when we ask him to, we will back him off the stop giving him more work. If he doesn’t try to stop at all, I will

drive him back vigorously. I like to back him for three or four steps until I feel him break loose and free up, then release him immediately. Take hold and repeat this two or three times, rather than backing him several steps without letting up on him. Any time his legs are freed up and you feel he is trying, you want to release the pressure and reward him to keep the try in him.

At this point, I would work on the stop primarily from the trot. As I am trotting my horse, I sit down, say “whoa”, and take a light hold on the reins. If he stops immediately, I instantly release the pressure and sit quietly without backing him and let him relax. If he did not stop, I will draw back on my reins until he comes to a complete stop, release quickly on the reins to reward him for stopping, then take hold of him again and drive him or back him off, telling him that was not good enough. So you are going to make him work harder and back up.

Now let’s talk about developing the horse’s reverse gear. Again, I spend a lot of time backing up my horses, improving my stop, especially when it comes to the cattle. Backing is a maneuver a horse has to learn and develop. Even though he has the capability, he does not use this much on his own if he is standing out in the pasture.

When I am backing, I always pull with my hands and rein off center. This helps to keep the horse from bracing against me as easily. If my colt is not picking up his feet, I will bump him up in the shoulders with both my feet each stop to make him pick up his feet and hustle his step. If I feel he does not pick up his back and drive with his rear end, I will bump him in his belly with my legs. After my colt gets this far I can back well with my legs.

To work on getting him to hustle and free up, I will do an exercise as I back him. I will take hold, let’s say, with my right hand and set my left hand with their left front foot. When the colt picks up the left foot, I pull back and up with my left hand.

I release when he steps down with his left foot, bumping him with my legs each step, also at the same time.

So I’m driving back with my right hand, with my left hand pulsating pressure in time with his left foot and bumping him with my legs at the same time I pull back with my left hand. When I feel the colt get stepped and free, I let him out of it. It may sound difficult, but a little work and it becomes quite easy.

I also back lots of circles, always bending and flexing and trying to keep him soft. A little work on these exercises and you can greatly advance your horse’s stop and you’re in good shape once we start our colts on cattle.

In the next article, we will talk about shoulder control and get into the fun stuff, introducing our colts to cattle.

Until next time, good luck and God bless.

Happy Riding, Monty Bruce.

If your have questions or would like more information log onto Monty’s website at www.montybruce.com

22 September 2009

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ARHA Announces World Champions

Billy Prather American Ranch Horse Association judges R. David Terrell, Gene Ray Stewart, Curt Summers and Dennis Brown had the challenge of sorting out the best of the best ranch horses at the ARHA World Show in Murfreesboro, Tenn.

ARHA members came from 22 states to compete for top honors in this fast-growing western-performance discipline.

The title winners for the ARHA World Show are: •Billy Prather of Camden, S.C., with King Hollywood 086, winning Open High Point honors.

With Dualin Ruby, Prather won the Open Versatility and Reserve Open High Point titles.

•Mike Clark of Pleasant Plains, Ark., and Peppys Butterscotch, taking home the Reserve Open Versatility title *Lia Savas of Huntington, N.Y., and Yo Quiero Cat, taking home the High Point Amateur and Amateur Versatility titles *Delza Noble of Mountain City, Tenn., and Docs Chilli Breeze, with the Reserve High Point Amateur and Reserve Amateur Versatility titles *Brianna Wright of Swainsboro, Ga., and Cash 20 Super, winning Youth High Point and Reserve Youth Versatility * Tonnie Mirenda of Springfield, Tenn., with Katie Mae Young, taking home the Youth Versatility and Reserve Youth High Point titles * Sean Prater of Burbank, Okla., and Hancocks Moonwalk were named Three Year Old Ranch Horse Challenge winners. * Becky Frost of Lexington, Ky., and Ima Ugly Stick won the Reining Sweepstakes. * Scott Keeney of Nancy, Ky., and Hesa Socks Angelo, owned by Lazy K Farms, won the Ranch Riding Sweepstakes. * Mona Prater of Fulton, Mo., and Im Bringin Chexy Back won Select Ranch Riding, a new class this year for exhibitors age 50 and older. Jerry Keeney of Nancy, Ky., was second in the class with Hesa Socks Angelo.

Prather, an ARHA judge since 2005, has been working with King Hollywood 086 and Dualin Ruby, both owned by Carol Diodene of Ocala, Fl., for two-and-a-half years: “I’ve had the opportunity to have some really nice horses as

far as Congress and other show champions, but these two stick out. They’re really nice to be around.”

High Point winners took home a Reinsman ranch cutting saddle and Lone Star Silversmith trophy buckle.

Reserve High Point riders won a Reinsman headstall and Lone Star Silversmith trophy buckle.

Versatility champions won a Diamond Wool saddle pad and Lone Star Silversmith trophy buckle.

Reserve Versatility riders took home a Lone Star Silversmith trophy buckle.

In addition to the awards presented in competition, a raffle was held for a filly donated by Lost Creek Cattle Company in Lebanon, Tenn.

The wining ticket was held by Cassidy Sutton, the newborn daughter of ARHA members Brandon

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and Nikki Sutton of Cleveland, Tenn. The raffle raised $2,200 to benefit the ARHA Youth Scholarship Fund—making Cassidy a winner all around.

Of his first experience as an ARHA World Show judge, Terrell, of Millington, Tenn., said, “People seemed like they came to compete but they were wanting to have a good time while doing it. The competition was on the top shelf. I saw a lot of good horses that made me really pay attention to the little things to make sure the best horses of the best horses were placed where they should be.”

Formed in 2004, the American Ranch Horse Association promotes the abilities of the all-around Sean Prather versatile working horse in a positive atmosphere where western tradition is genuinely honored. Rapidly growing with more than 7,000 members, ARHA hosts competitions, clinics and educational events throughout the year.

For more information about ARHA, visit www.americanranchhorse.net or call 606-2712963.

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24 September 2009

MIDWEST HORSE DIGEST

Carbohydrate Nutrition

by Jason L. Shelton, Ph.D. Over the past several years, a key focus in the Equine Industry has been in feeding low amounts of starch and sugar to reduce the risk of some metabolic disorders such as colic, laminitis, and developmental orthopedic disease. We have even gotten questions about feeding low or no carbohydrates to horses. As this phenomenon has swept our industry we need to take a step back to understand the different types and functions of carbohydrates and the importance that each brings to the horse.

Plant carbohydrates are broken down into two components, cell wall content and cell content. The cell walls contain cellulose, hemicellulose, glucans, pectins, gums, and lignin and are typically known as the fiber portion of the plant.

The cells contain starches, sugars, fructans, oligosaccharides, and fructooligosaccharides and are commonly thought of as the non-structural carbohydrates (NSC). As plants are incorporated into feeds the horse ingests all of these components.

The fiber portion provides the majority of energy for the horse and is not digested in the small intestine. Digestion occurs in the cecum and large intestine by the microbes and absorbed as volatile fatty acids. The efficiency of energy utilization from fiber is less than that from starches and sugars.

There are many ways to discuss carbohydrates and some of the common terms and definitions are listed.

NFC or Non-Fiber Carbohydrates. This measurement is a calculation (not analysis) based on the common lab analysis. 100 – (Protein – Fiber – Moisture – Ash- Fat). This fraction contains starches, sugars, and soluble fibers. It can be a good indicator of the amount of starch and sugar in grains, but needs to be used with caution in ingredients with high levels of soluble fiber (such as soybean hulls and beet pulp).

NSC or Non-Structural Carbohydrates – This fraction is analyzed and is composed of starch and sugar. Starches and sugars are enzymatically broken down by the small intestine but the horse digestive system is not set up for large intakes of starch and sugar. Sugars are typically broken down very rapidly in the small intestine.

Starches on the other hand can range from fast (oats) to slower (corn) digestion in the small intestine. Fast digestion means most occurs in the upper small intestine while slow digestion means most occurs at the end of the small intestine. If the small intestine is overloaded with starch, the chance for some to leak to the hindgut increases. Once starch leaks into the cecum of a horse rapid fermentation will produce lactate, the pH decreases, some beneficial microbes are killed, and gas production increases. This increase in gas production in the cecum of the horse causes sever discomfort and in some cases death. Overloading the digestive system with NSC can lead to metabolic disorders such as colic, insulin resistance, founder, and developmental orthopedic disease. Also, NSC play a major role in managing the glycemic response of feeds (higher NSC typically indicates higher

glycemic response). A good way to control the glycemic response and to reduce the chance for starch to leak to the hindgut is to combine different starch types so digestion will occur in different areas of the small intestine not just one.

A few ingredients that have low NSC values are soybean hulls, wheat middlings, beat pulp, and alfalfa. A few ingredients with high NSC values are corn, oats and barley.

WSC or Water Soluble Carbohydrates. – This fraction is subset of NSC and is calculated by removing the starch component. When soaking hay or forage this portion is removed reducing the amount of sugar intake from the forage.

Fructans – Sugars that are found in some cold season grasses such as fescue, orchard grass, and timothy. The enzymes in the small intestine do not break down Fructans. Microbes in the large intestine can break fructans down and the result is simlar to NSC leaking to the hindgut. If too much reaches the hindgut, colic or laminitis can occur.

NDF or Neutral Detergent Fiber – This is a measure of the insoluble fiber (see insoluble fiber for function) fraction of an ingredient. The NDF contains hemicellulose, cellulose, lingo-cellulose, and lignin.

ADF or Acid Detergent Fiber. This fraction is a subcomponent of NDF that contains everything except hemicellulose. This term is not displayed on many feeds but can be an indicator of energy content of the feed, with the lower the ADF content the higher the energy content of an ingredient.

Soluble Fiber – Analysis that contains gums, mucilages, pectins and algal polysaccharides.

This is not conducted on a routine bases in horse feeds due to the cost and complexity of the analysis. This type of fiber is fermented in the hindgut but does not have the negative effects like rapid increase in lactate and lower pH as seen when starches are rapidly fermented.

Insoluble fiber - Analysis that contains hemicellulose, cellulose, and lingo-cellulose.

Insoluble fiber is very similar to NDF except for the lignin portion. This is not conducted on a routine bases in horse feeds due to the cost and complexity of the analysis. The lowest potential energy source of feeds is the insoluble fiber fraction. However, insoluble fiber is important in maintaining normal gastrointestinal

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motility and function.

Carbohydrate nutrition is vital for the safety and performance of horses.

Remember that feeding low carbohydrate diets to horses are unfeasible but varying the starch and sugar levels can be beneficial depending on the type of horse you have. If you have a performance horse, a higher intake of starches and sugar may be needed to get the energy and glycogen repletion to match the type of exercise. However, lower levels of starches and sugars are needed for horses that are obese, have digestive issues, tie up, or founder.

Take Home Points Understanding the carbohydrate fractions (fiber versus starch versus sugar) is very important to giving proper nutritional care to your horse.

Talk to an equine nutritionist about the type of diet that best fits your horse’s needs. Many qualified feed representatives can help you pick the right product for your horse.

Understanding the nutrients in your entire feeding program is important. Intake is the key not percentages, so knowing the nutrients in your grain feed, forage, and supplements and feeding the appropriate amounts will improve the safety and performance of your horse.

Jason L. Shelton, Ph.D.-Innovation Development Manager, Consumer Nutrition Cargill Animal Nutrition - Nutrena®

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Trail Horses

Issues from the Saddle

My Horse Eats Grass While Trail Riding

him, eating while you are riding or ripping the food out of your arms by when you feed him, he is controlling the resources therefore, in his mind, he’s dominant. So first, examine your relationship and make sure there are not other areas where your horse is making decisions, calling the shots and controlling you.

To change this bad habit, you have to adhere to an age-old training principle (that applies to all animals—even humans)—find the amount of pressure that motivates your horse to change.

Whatever he is doing right now, is what he is most motivated to do (which in your case is eat grass while you ride); if you wish to change his behavior, you have to find the amount of pressure that motivates him.

Depending on how sensitive your horse is, and how motivated he is to eat grass while you ride, it may be a little pressure or a lot.

But one thing for sure, it is more pressure than you are using now. Whenever a behavior is not changed by your correction, either the timing of the correction is wrong or you are not using the right amount of pressure.

Remember, this can be physical pressure, like the spank of a rein or having to work hard or it could be mental pressure, like issuing constant directives that requires your horse to focus on you. You can read more about this here:http://juliegoodnight.com/questionsNew.ph

p?id=163 When you correct a horse for eating grass while riding, jerk up harshly and quickly on ONE rein. Do not pull on two reins—that is like entering a tug-of-war with your horse and you’ll never win that contest. But with one rein, you can put more pressure on his mouth. If possible, put your horse immediately to hard work so that he comes to associate eating with working hard.

The consequences of eating without your authorization need to be harsh enough to overpower his urge to eat.

If you get tired of fighting your horse or you cannot find the adequate pressure to motivate him, you can fix the problem with an “anti-grazing” device. Just tie a cord to your saddle, at the pommel or horse. Then run it through the top of his bridle and down to one side of the bit. Tighten it adequately so that if his head goes down to eat, he hits the end of the cord and creates a pull on his mouth. This automatic correction is both stronger and quicker than a correction you would make. But while this device may help you break his bad habit, it does not address your authority issue with your horse.

Invest time in your young horse ot give her the best manners you can—it’ll increase her value and her rider’s enjoyment for the rest of her life.

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

Visit www.juliegoodnight.com

Julie Goodnight

Question: Dear Julie, I have a young quarter mare that is constantly reaching for food on the trail. I have gotten after her for this and have never allowed her to eat in the bit. I have smacked her and yelled at her. But she still does it.

What do you recommend for this problem?

Betsy Answer: Betsy, This is a rude, frustrating and irritating behavior and it may also be a sign that your horse does not accept your authority in other areas as well. Remember, one way that horses establish dominance in the herd is to control the resources of the herd (food and water). The dominant horse always eats first and the dominant horse can always run a subordinate horse off the food. If your horse is dragging you to the grass when you head

26 September 2009

MIDWEST HORSE DIGEST

American Shetland Pony Club Celebrates Successful 121st Shetland Congress Show Small equines from all across the nation turned out in a big way for the 121st Shetland Pony Congress Show, resulting in the largest competition in five years. The versatile Shetland Ponies competed at the Crossroads Arena in Cloverdale, Indiana, for National Championship titles in classes such as driving, halter, jumping, youth and costume classes while owners competed for “best groomed” pony and youth members wrote essays hoping to win a Shetland Pony of their own.

“Congress was a great success -- we had 530 ponies and over 1800 entries at this the show,” said Lenard Davenport, Show Manager.

“The overall atmosphere of the show was wonderful and everything went very smoothly.”

The prestigious Shetland Pony Congress was sponsored by a variety of company’s that support small equines, including Farnam’s Platform Feed, Vetrolin and Radon Horse Blankets. Farnam Companies sponsored the Vetrolin Grooming Awards and Michelle Callahan of Warrenton, Missouri, and her Shetland Pony SMHC’S Freedom’s Stylish One walked away the winner. The pair won a year’s supply of Vetrolin grooming products for being the “best groomed” small equine at the show.

Callahan wasn’t the only competitor feeling lucky during Congress. Youth member Kelsey Vann of Hot Springs, Arkansas, won the Youth ASPC/ASPR Congress Essay Contest, taking home a stunning yearling buckskin gelding named Captivating Carl EGF. Jackie Tyler of Emerald Glenn Farm in Woodville, Wisconsin donated Carl, a Classic Shetland Pony.

RaDon Blankets were also sponsors of Congress, donating blankets to Futurity Winners and winners of the Classic and Modern Liberty classes. In the Liberty classes, individual ponies are set free in the arena and show off their beauty and movement while music plays. The excitement of Liberty classes draws a big crowd who cheer for their favorite.

“Congress was once again a huge success and a wonderful celebration of the breed. From the youth essay winner to the best groomed pony winner, it was truly a wonderful week,” said Johnny Robb, Director of Marketing for the American Shetland Pony Club and American Miniature Horse Registry (ASPC/AMHR). “The show is always a wonderful chance for everyone to see the ponies in action and also see how versatile Shetland Ponies truly are.”

The ASPC recognizes many types of Shetlands, and all competed at the show. Types of ponies recognized are the Classic Shetland Pony, the Foundation Shetland Pony, the Modern Shetland Pony, the American Show Pony and the National Show Pony.

For more information on the Shetland Pony Congress, visit their website at www.shetlandminiature.com or call (309) 263-4044. Congress show results are available at www.horseshowsonline.com. ¬The American Shetland Pony Club, the American Show Pony Registry and The American Miniature Horse Registry are non-prof-

it organizations established to preserve and refine the bloodlines of these small equines and promote the enjoyment of small equines.

Recognized as the oldest and most versatile registry in the United States, the American Shetland Pony Club offer a variety of programs for Shetland Pony and Miniature Horse enthusiasts of all ages. Visit their website at www.shetlandminiature.com or 81-B East Queenwood Road, Morton, IL 61550

SHN Payback Program: $50K in Prize Money for 2009 The Sport Horse Nationals Payback Program 2009 has proven to be wildly successful again, amassing $50,000 in prize money for exhibitors. With over 300 stallions of all breeds available, Payback was very attractive to breeders despite the economic downturn.

Included in the offered stallion services were world class Warmbloods, Thoroughbreds, Arabians, Anglo-Arabians, Saddlebreds, Welsh,

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Friesians, Hackneys, Quarter Horses and others.

Many are National or World Champions, or have sired Champions.

The money raised will be paid out at the Sport Horse National Championships in September, 2009, with 10% of the total going to the top two Payback sires of the show. There is also a special award for the most winning Payback stallion competing at the show.

All offspring of enrolled stallions are eligible for the cash payouts in the designated Payback classes throughout their lifetime. Classes include Working Hunter, Sport Horse In Hand, Dressage, Driving, Jumper, Sport Horse Under Saddle and Hunter Hack.

Stallions may be enrolled for 2010 at this time, by visiting the SHN PAYBACK website and downloading the appropriate form. Stallions must meet eligibility requirements and there is no cost for enrollment.

Purchasing for the 2010 breeding season will commence on September 1, 2009.

Learn more about Payback at www.shnpayback.com or call (410) 823-5579.

September 2009 27

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Equine VIP

Jenny Craig talks to Equine VIP

by Susan Ashbrook, owner Eqine VIP the opinion and experience of our professional trainers.

2. YOU’VE ALSO GOTTEN INTO BREEDING Jenny Craig’s name is YOUR OWN synonymous with healthy eating, HORSES? weight loss and a few celebrities When I purwho have committed to self image chased “Dr. changes associated to losing Left picture, Jenny Craig and late Devious” for weight. Jenny’s career and success have Sid, another husband Sid. Right pictrue, their always been a family affair. Determined h o r s e to lose the extra pounds she gained durhorse Choclate Candy “Crownette” ing a pregnancy, Jenny made it her percame along sonal and professional pursuit to pay a major role in expanding the weight loss industry. with that deal. We liked the idea of breeding our Jenny and her husband, Sid, founded Jenny own horses and always tried to select the best Craig International and quickly opened over 600 stallions for our mares such as Storm Cat, Deputy Minister, Theatrical and now Candy Ride, centers all over the world.

Another family tradition for Jenny was her Benchmark and Tribal Rule. We paired interest in horse racing. Jenny grew up in New Crownette with Candy Ride and got our beautiful Orleans and each Thanksgiving her family’s colt Chocolate Candy who took us to the yearly custom was to attend the opening day Kentucky Derby and Belmont this year.

3 - HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH THE races. When Jenny started dating her soon-to-be husband Sid he already owned 2 race horses NAME CHOCOLATE CANDY? His father is and Jenny would love to watch them run. Right “Candy Ride” and he looks as smooth and sweet “out of the gate” they both found an interest as chocolate.

4 - WHAT WAS IT LIKE TO HAVE A HORSE they could pursue together and were inspired to get more involved. Around the same time, ENTERED IN THE KENTUCKY DERBY AND Jenny’s brother had always vowed to her he THE BELMONT? Watching Chocolate Candy run would one day become a horse trainer, he was in both of these races was thrilling to me, even so passionate about his dream, he convinced though he didn’t win. Both races are “events” and Jenny and Sid to buy “JJ’s Star”. Although the just having a horse run in either is a thrill in and horse bowed a tendon and his racing career of itself. Also race day for the Kentucky Derby was cut short, the Craig’s had caught the horse and Belmont are so different than other race racing “bug”. They acquired “Paseana”, a cham- days. Racing is so unpredictable in terms of pion mare, in 1992 who is in the Hall of Fame owning and racing, as well as, the outcome!

5 - DO YOU EVER OFFER ADVICE TO and “Dr. Devious” (a birthday gift from Jenny to Sid) won the impressive Epsom Derby. Sid TRAINERS OR JOCKEYS? I rarely offer advice remarked “Nothing will beat this dream.” Jenny on which jockey to use for a race. I like to allow laughs as she tells us they thought they them to do what is right for the horse. However, were “off to the races” with easy wins! Sadly if I feel the jockey is unlucky for us or I don’t like Sid passed away just before their horse how he/she handles our horse, I will certainly “Chocolate Candy” ran in the most prestigious express my opinion to our trainer.

6 – DO YOU HAVE A ROUTINE ON RACE event in thoroughbred horse racing – the Kentucky Derby. Sid’s dying wish and ultimate DAY YOU FOLLOW? I don’t have a set schedule dream was to win the “Derby” so Jenny continues on racing days. I’ve been traveling quite a bit on with their shared passion. Jenny now finds since Sid died which has helped me a lot in dealtime as an active participant in the promotion ing with his death. It all depends on where I am of women in business and organizations for the betterment of women in the work place. Jenny would also like to see more young people get involved in the sport of horse racing. She says “Perhaps someone will invent a creative way so more people can experience the enjoyment, excitement and the thrills that horse racing has brought me.”

1 - HOW DO YOU SELECT THE HORSES YOU BUY? There is no specific formula, in fact, many of the horses we bought early on were gifts to each other. However, we did rely on

28 September 2009

in the world and where the horses are running.

7 – WHAT OTHER HORSES DO YOU OWN WE SHOULD BE WATCHING NOW? We have a few other two years olds that are exciting “Halloween Candy” and “Ivory Fudge”.

8 – WHAT ADVICE CAN YOU OFFER TO OTHER HORSE OWNERS IN OTHER RIDING DISCIPLINES? I have a positive attitude and remain optimistic even when some of my horses have performed poorly in the beginning of their careers. I believe one has to be able to accept defeat gracefully in any sport or one doesn’t belong in it. We all know it doesn’t take practice to accept winning. It’s in NOT winning that true character comes out.

9 – DO YOU EVER GET EMOTIONAL ABOUT ANY OF YOUR HORSES? I always get emotional about the safety of our horses. It’s like watching your children prepare and perform a sport. I get nervous and my heart beats faster each time one enters the starting gate but win, lose or draw I pray that come out of the race healthy.

10 – DO YOU STILL RIDE HORSES FOR PLEASURE? I used to ride for pleasure but I haven’t had the time. Our barn manager, Teddy Aroney and his wife Leslie, gave me a riding horse and a saddle for my birthday last August so maybe I’ll find some time now.

Susan Ashbrook was born in the mid west but longed at an early age to be like her grandmother Pearl. Pearl rode horses and built many successful businesses, and she was an independent woman when it wasn’t a popular pursuit.

Susan used her creativity and business acumen to found Film Fashion www.filmfashion.com a premier agency matching A list celebrities with exclusive fashion designers such as Chopard, Escada, Ralph Lauren, Lanvin, Harry Winston and Swarovski. Film Fashion is a product placement firm built on Susan’s relationship with over 5000 celebrities and was acquired by PR Powerhouse Rogers & Cowan.

Susan’s passion for horses launched her second career producing equine content for the internet and broadcast channel. Ashbrook feels the equestrian world has stories to tell about riders, events, products, special horses and all things equestrian.

The best way to reach us is at susan@equineVIP.com We'd love to hear from you!

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EquineCentral

The perfect place to advertise your Stable, Training Facility, Events, Stallions and more...

Great Value, Great Exposure... both in print and online!

Call Mark or Peg at 507-943-3355 mark@horsdigests.com peg@horsedigests.com

MIDWEST HORSE DIGEST

September 2009 29

www.horsedigests.com gradual onset of pelvic limb lameness. Lameness is most apparent during the trot and may be characterized by a hypermetric “stabby” pelvic limb flight pattern. Horses will commonly pull the pelvic limbs underneath their body and “stab” them to the outside as the foot strikes the ground surface. Although lameness is frequently bilateral, horse’s will favor the more affected limb during exercise. A “hip hike” (pelvic excursion) is typically apparent, particularly when the horse is trotting with the affected limb to the inside of a circle.

Lameness may worsen following a period of rest.

Affected horses usually exhibit stiffness when first starting to exercise but can often “work out of it”. In chronic cases, firm enlargement on the inside of the hock may become visible; the swelling represents excessive proliferation of bone associated with the distal tarsal joints.

Horses with moderate to severe tarsitis will usually exhibit a positive Churchill’s Hock Test, a procedure which is performed during the passive lameness evaluation. A positive response to this test is manifested by pelvic limb abduction. Pelvic limb flexion (“spavin testing”) during active lameness evaluation is an accurate and widely used detector of distal tarsitis. A positive response results in increased lameness and hypermetria following 60-90 seconds of pelvic limb flexion prior to trotting.

It is very common for horses to exhibit secondary symptoms as a consequence of favoring one or both pelvic limbs over an extended period of time. Common compensatory problems include: * Thoracolumbar ebaxial (back) soreness due to an asymmetric pelvic limb gait * Proximolateral thoracic limb suspensory desmitis as a result of chronic overloading of the thoracic limbs * Greater trochanteric bursitis (“whirl bone”) as a result of the abnormal pelvic limb gait * Increased wear on the outside of the pelvic foot or shoe– in an attempt to relieve hock pain Since these abnormalities are often secondary to distal tarsitis, successful treatment of the tarsitis alone frequently results in resolution of these problems. In our opinion, horses that exhib-

Distal Tarsitis

by Dr. Bob Grisel, Atlanta Equine Clinic Distal tarsitis, often referred to as “bone spavin”, is the most common cause of clinical lameness associated with the tarsus (or “hock”) in horses. Distal tarsitis is an osteoarthritis and periostitis of the distal intertarsal, tarsometatarsal, and occasionally the proximal intertarsal joints.

What are the distal tarsal joints?

The tarsus, or “hock”, is very similar in structure to the human heel. The tarsus consists of 4 joints: the tibiotarsal joint, the proximal intertarsal joint, the distal intertarsal joint, and the tarsometatarsal joint. During movement, the tibiotarsal joint performs approximately 98% of the motion of the tarsus. The proximal intertarsal joint, just below the tibiotarsal joint, performs approximately 2% of the motion. The lowest 2 joints, the distal intertarsal and tarsometatarsal joints, move very little. In fact, if the horse did not have these joints (i.e. if there was solid bone across the distal tarsus) we would not be able to detect any unsoundness or alteration in gait.

How does distal tarsitis arise?

Although the distal tarsal joints are not essential to normal locomotion of the horse, they are prone to instability. Chronic joint instability results in the development of joint inflammation (i.e. arthritis). Repeated compression and rotation of the tarsal bones and excessive tension on the attachment of the major dorsal ligaments have been implicated as causes of distal tarsitis.

Factors which can affect the development of distal tarsitis include the horse’s age, weight, breed, job description, frequency of work, intensity of work, and conformation.

Following are conformational abnormalities which may increase the horse’s chances of developing distal tarsitis: * Straight pelvic limbs * Sickle hocks * Cow hocks What are the clinical signs?

Horses with distal tarsitis usually exhibit a

30 September 2009

it one or more of the above mentioned clinical signs should be evaluated for the presence of distal tarsitis as a potential primary cause.

How is distal tarsitis diagnosed?

Distal tarsitis is a clinical diagnosis. In other words, demonstration of pain in distal tarsal joints is diagnostic. Pain is demonstrated upon clinical examination, lameness characteristics, response to Churchill’s Hock Test and hock flexion, and response to intra-articular anesthesia.

Radiographs are frequently used to assess the presence and severity of distal tarsitis. It is important to note, however, that joint inflammation (arthritis) is invisible on a radiograph (which provides only structural information). Since the tarsus is a low-motion area, radiographic changes and the presence of distal tarsitis do not always correlate. Nuclear scintigraphy (bone scanning) may be a more accurate assessor of the presence of distal tarsal inflammation since it provides functional information (i.e. measures bloodflow). In our experience, this diagnostic modality has proved to be very useful in the identification of distal tarsitis.

How is distal tarsitis treated?

Two basic forms of treatment exist for distal tarsitis. The first involves the reduction and possibly the elimination of inflammation within the distal tarsal joints. This is achieved by the use of systemic and/or intra-articular anti-inflammatory therapy. Reduction of inflammation (arthritis) results in improved comfort. Intra-articular therapy usually involves the use of steroids, which are extremely effective at reducing local inflammation and pain. This approach also involves an attempt to maintain normal synovial integrity within the distal tarsal joints. Systemic medications such as Adequan®, Legend®, Cosequin®, etc. are designed to improve synovial function and general joint comfort in the horse. Clinicians at The Atlanta Equine Clinic also use intra-articular hyaluronan therapy (in combination with steroids) to enhance the effect of the treatment locally.

The other form of distal tarsal therapy involves fusion of the distal intertarsal and tarsometatarsal joints. This can be accomplished surgically or by the use of a chemical agent which is infused into the distal tarsal joints. Since these joints have almost no motion, their fusion results in minimal alteration in the horse’s gait. By eliminating the joints, however, instability and therefore inflammation and pain are also eliminated.

This approach is generally reserved for those horses that have proved to be refractory to antiinflammatory treatment and have advanced osseous changes associated with the distal tarsal joints. If you would like to learn more about distal tarsal fusion, please ask one of our staff. We will be glad to discuss this topic in more detail.

Dr. Bob Grisel is the head veterinarian and owner of The Atlanta Equine Clinic, a cuttingedge practice located in Georgia. Bob graduated from the University of Florida's College of Veterinary Medicine prior to moving to southern California where he received extensive training in equine surgery and radiology. Upon completing a residency in equine surgery, Bob joined the teaching staff at Oregon State’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Bob went into private practice in 1997 and built The Atlanta Equine Clinic shortly thereafter. Bob performs consultations for equine veterinarians throughout the country. His primary interest is equine sports medicine and surgery.

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Julie Cyra to Speak at Chicago Women’s Business Conference

Julie Cyra, founder of West 20 Ranch and Saddle Co., in East Troy, Wis., will speak at the 23rd Annual Entrepreneurial Woman’s Conference, the oldest and largest women’s business conference in the country, during the Women’s Forum Breakfast, beginning at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, September 16, at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., in Chicago.

Presented by the Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC) in Chicago, the Conference, taking place from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., will feature the Women’s Business & Buyers Mart with more than 200 government and corporate buyers who are committed to purchasing products and services from women business owners, as well as, access to top business experts and resources, contract opportunities, networking and business collaboration.

Cyra will join several other nationally recognized women business owners who will headline the Forum, moderated by author and Chicago Sun-Times financial columnist Terry Savage. Always a lively, candid discussion, the speakers will share their personal stories of business success, as well as the greatest challenges they have faced, and offer advice for overcoming those challenges.

Cyra’s entrepreneurial story is one of true passion and tenacity; from the humblest of beginnings, in her own words, “I turned my horsecrazy childhood into a multimillion dollar business.” Her mini-empire, West 20 Ranch and Saddle Company, is centered within a magnificent equestrian facility and includes a retail store that is one of the largest sellers of saddles, bridles and horse equipment in the country.

At 12 noon, the WBDC will honor entrepreneurs, advocates and corporate representatives at the 23rd annual Hall of Fame Awards Luncheon, where Penny S. Pritzker, the innovative business builder, civic leader and philanthropist, will deliver the keynote address.

Registration for the Conference is available online at www.wbdc.org or by calling (312) 8533477, ext. 24. Tickets are $200 for women business owners and for all others $225 before September 4, 2009; after September 4, 2009, tickets become $275 for everyone, in advance and at the door. This fee includes access to all Conference events. Individual tickets for the Annual Hall of Fame Awards Luncheon, Women’s Business & Buyers Mart, and the Women’s Forum Breakfast, are available for $125 each.

MIDWEST HORSE DIGEST

Don’t forget to visit us online at www.horsedigests.com September 2009 31

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READY-TO-RIDE GUIDE ILLINOIS - Trail Rides 34 Ranch & Camp, Herod, IL. 618-264-2141 www.34ranch.com Bay Creek Wilderness Rides, Shawnee National Forest, Simpson, IL.; 618-695-2670 www.baycreekranch.com Bear Ranch Horse Camp, Eddyville, IL.; Shawnee National Forest, 618-672-4249, www.bearbranch.com Cedar Lake Ranch, LLC, Vienna, IL.; 618-695-2600, www.cedarlakeranchllc.com Circle B Ranch HOrse Camp, Eddyville, IL.; 618-672-4748, www.circlebranch.com Double M Campground, Junction, IL.; 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

32 September 2009

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.; 218246-2123 Heartland State Trail, Nevis, MN.; 218-652-4054

MIDWEST HORSE DIGEST

Lake Louise State Park, LeRoy, MN.; 507-324-5249 Maplewood State Park, Pelican Rapids, MN.; 218863-8383 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.; 701-9734331, www.littleknifeoutfitters.com Public Lands Fort Ransom State Park, Fort Ransom, ND.; 701973-4331 SOUTH DAKOTA - Trail Rides Broken Arrow Horse Camp, Custer, SD: 605-6734471, www.brokenarrowcampground.com Hay Creek Ranch, Nemo, SD: 605-578-1142, www.haycreekranch.net Krieger Cattle Company, Burke, SD: 605-775-2113 Riding Vacations Bitter Sweet Ranch and Camp, HillCity, SD: 605-574-2324, wwwbitterseetranchcamp.com Broken Arrow Horse Camp, Custer,SD: 605-673-4471,

www.brokenarrowcampground.com Hay Creek Ranch, Nemo, SD: 605-578-1142, www.haycreekranch.net Gunsel Horse Adventures, Rapic City, SD 605-343-7608, www.gusdelhorseadventures.com Salt Camp Cabins and Bed and Breakfast, Rosebud, SD: 605-747-2206, saltcamp@gwtc.net WISCONSIN - Trail Rides Bremer Creek LLD, Mondovi, WI.; 608-323-3092, www.bremercreek.com Riding Vacations Bremer Creek LLD, Mondovi, WI.; 608-323-3092, www.bremercreek.com Palmquist Farm, Brantwood, WI.; 715-564-2558, www.palmquistfarm.com Spur of the Moment Ranch,LLC,Mountain, WI.;800-644-8783. www.spurofthemomentranch.org Public Lands Black River State Park, Black River Falls, WI; 715-284-4103 Brule River State Forest, Douglas County, WI.; 715-372-4866 Castle Rock Trails, Arkdale, WI.; 608-564-2233 Governor Dodge State Park ,Dodgeville, WI.; 608-935-2315 Haymeadow Flowage, Chippewa Falls, WI.; 715726-7880 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

ALL NEW, NATURAL LOOK TO SAFE-GUARD® EQUI-BITS® PACKAGING SafeGuard® Equib i t s ® , Naturally.

Intervet has updated the packaging of its popular SafeGuard® Equibits® equine dewormer to emphasize that eating alfalfa based pellets comes naturally to horses and with Equibits®, one dose deworming comes naturally to their owners.

Each attractive new bag features images of healthy green alfalfa plants, because SafeGuard® Equi-bits® is composed of alfalfa based pellets, and a larger window to improve the ability of consumers to view its contents.

Equi-bits® pellets are a top dress form that allows easy, effective deworming without handling your horse. In one treatment, Equi-bits® helps control large strongyles, small strongyles, pinworms and ascarids and are safe even for foals and pregnant mares. One pouch treats a 1,250 lb. horse. Equi-bits® are apple flavored and have an overwhelming horse acceptance – a great choice for any rotational deworming plan, especially for those hard-to-catch, or hard-toworm horses.

“We are excited to have such a great consumer option in our Safe-Guard® line of horse dewormers” said Stacy Basinger, Retail Marketing Manager. “We have updated the packaging to provide a cleaner look and catch the eyes of consumers. This is a great product that makes deworming easier and fits perfectly into our “Get Rotation Right” program.”

Deworming your horse is made easier when you can choose the delivery method that works best for you and your horse. Safe-Guard® (fenbendazole) is available in two convenient forms, so you can choose the right method for your horse: Safe-Guard® 10% Paste and SafeGuard® Equi-bits® 0.5% Alfalfa Based Pellets.

Fenbendazole, the active ingredient in all Safe-Guard® products, is safe for foals and pregnant mares and can help manage resistance when used in an annual rotational deworming program. For more information on Safe-Guard® and rotational deworming, visit www.getrotationright.com.

About Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health is a leader in research and dedicated to the development, production and marketing of innovative, high-quality animal-health products for all major farm and companion animal species. For more information about Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health visit: www.intervet.com and www.intervetusa.com.

MIDWEST HORSE DIGEST

Schering-Plough is an innovation-driven, science-centered global health care company. Through its own biopharmaceutical research and collaborations with partners, Schering-Plough creates therapies that help save and improve lives around the world. The company applies its research-and-development platform to human prescription and consumer products as well as to animal health products. Schering-Plough’s vision is to “Earn Trust, Every Day” with the doctors, patients, customers and other stakeholders served by its colleagues around the world. The company is based in Kenilworth, New Jersey, USA, and its website is www.schering-plough.com.”

SCHERING-PLOUGH DISCLOSURE NOTICE: The information in this press release includes certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements related to expectations or forecasts of future events. Schering-Plough does not assume the obligation to update any forward-looking statement.

Many factors could cause actual results to differ materially from Schering-Plough’s forward-looking statements, including market forces, economic factors, product availability, patent and other intellectual property protection, current and future branded, generic or over-the-counter competition, the regulatory process, and any developments following regulatory approval, among other uncertainties. For further details about these and other factors that may impact the forwardlooking statements, see Schering-Plough’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including Part II, Item 1A “Risk Factors” in the Company’s first quarter 2009 10-Q, filed May 1, 2009.

September 2009 33

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ADVERTISERS INDEX Alpha Buildings American Wood Fibers Arena Fenceline Arena Trailers ASPIRE Bale Buddy Blairview B3K Buffalo Ridge Cannon Falls Trailer Sales Classified Form Conway Arabians DunHaven Horsey Headwear Dennis Auslam Farm Boy Federated Coop Hay Creek Ranch Holistic Horse Fair Horseware of Ireland I90 Expo Center J&B Western Store Julie Goodnight

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Tak Shak The Natural Gait Twin Cities Featherlite UBRA Westwind Shelters Zephyr Equine

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We are excited, here at Midwest Horse Digest, to be able to bring you articles from today’s Top National and Regional Trainers and Clinicians from a wide variety of breeds and disciplines!

Our hope is that you find it helpful, informative and entertaining and we would love to hear feedback from you, our reader!

It is our advertisers that help us bring you each and every issue and we thank them for advertising with us and ask that you support them!

Take care and May God Bless You! Email Us at: Peg@horsedigests.com

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UPCOMING EVENTS 9/8/2009 - IA, Greenfield - Barrel Double B Productions - BB Arena Summer Barrel Award Series & BBR mbrshp drive (special awards for BBR members) open to all! - (641) 745-5845 bolling@iowatelecom.netr Series - (507) 259-8105 gart5@hotmail.com 9/11/2009 - MN, Clarrisa- Barrel - UBRA Rocking D’ Acres Jackpot Barrel Race - NEW! ADDED $ & GIFT CERTIFICATES to J & B!!! (218) 756-2576 - Added Money: $100 rockingd@eaglevalleytel.net 9/11-9/13 - IA, Greenfield - Barrel - Double B Productions - DASH FOR CASH -guaranteed payout race -4 sessions - enter 1-2-3 or all 4! $35 ef pre entry required - (641) 743-8223 bolling@iowatelecom.net 9/11-9/13- MN, Fergus Falls -Horse Show MN Pinto Horse September Celebration & Slot Bonanza - (218) 736-3000 - rhra@prtel.com 9/12-9/13- MN, North Branch - Barrel, Spectator Events UBRA - Annual Cancer Benefit Barrel Race Finals Weekend ADDED MONEY! Pig Roast, Barrel Race, Silent & Live Auction, Dog Races & More......Benefit is for: http://www.rallyforreed.com/about/ - (651) 277-1095 - Added Money: $700 - houckhorsecompany@yahoo.com 9/12/2009- MN, Hutchinson - Barrel - UBRA Kickin Up Dust Barrel Race ADDED $$$ - (320) 583-5807 - kicknupdust@gmail.com 9/12/2009 - SD , Forestburg - Barrel - UBRA Amdah Barrel Racing Jackpots. TTT approved. Year End Awards Presentation - (605) 350-0955 9/12 - Morton, MN - Redwood Stables - Dennis Auslam - 1 day Desensitising and Challenge Trail Course Clinic - visit www.redwoodstables.com for more information - call 507-943-3355 9/13 - Team Penning, 9/19 - Ranch Sort Jackpot. $1500. added. Must have compete in a sorting at Bar 7 this year to qualify. Contact Scott or Mickey Theede, BAR 7 RANCH, 320-468-002 or bar7centurytel.net 9/13 - Morton, MN - Redwood Stables - Dennis Auslam - 1 day Desensitising and Challenge Trail Course Clinic II - visit www.redwoodstables.com for more information - call 507-943-3355 9/13 - MN, Lindstrom - Horse Show - WSCA SHOW-OPEN TO ALL - (651) 257-4642 Now till 10/10/09 Unique Online Photo Horse Show!For more info: ishrppa@aol.com or go http://spottedhorses.tripod.com/online_show_1.html call: 866-201-3098 9/14/2009-IA, Greenfield - Double B Productions - HORSE SOCCER $10/horse/week great exercise for you and your horse - any level of rider! - (641) 745-5845 - bolling@iowatelecom.net

Series & BBR mbrshp drive (special awards for BBR members) open to all! - (641) 745-5845 bolling@iowatelecom.net 9/15/2009-IA, Greenfield - Barrel - Double B Productions - BB Arena Summer Barrel Award Series & BBR mbrshp drive (special awards for BBR members) open to all! - (641) 745-5845 bolling@iowatelecom.net 9/18-9/20-MN, Fergus Falls - Barrel - UBRA RHRA Harvest Run Barrel Race - (218) 736-3000 rhra@prtel.com 9/18/2009-WI, Balsam Lake - Barrel - UBRA JJ Arena Saddle Club Fun Show & Barrel Race (715) 857-6343 - jessica@ubra.org 9/18-9/20-SD, Huron - 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 9/19-9/20-NE, FREMONT- Barrel - PURINA MILLS SADDLE SERIES - (402) 419-0191 9/19-9/20-WI, Marshall - Reining MCRA show (651) 755-9376 - Zach@QuickDrawEquine.com 9/19/2009-MN, Hastings - Fun Show Cornerstone Equestrian Center - Open Fun Show (651) 437-2784 9/20/2009-MN, North Branch - Fun Show - $20 for the entire day of FUN!! High Point Awards to all Divisons!!! Everyone Welcome. - (651) 277-1095 houckhorsecompany@yahoo.com 9/21/2009-IA, Greenfield, Double B Productions - HORSE SOCCER $10/horse/week great exercise for you and your horse - any level of rider! - (641) 745-5845 - bolling@iowatelecom.net 9/22/2009-IA, Greenfield - Barrel - Double B Productions - BB Arena Summer Barrel Award Series & BBR mbrshp drive (special awards for BBR members) open to all! - (641) 745-5845 bolling@iowatelecom.net 9/25-9/26-MN, Litchfield - Barrel -2nd Annual Cowgirl Tuff Barrel Race accounts@cowgirltuffco.com 9/25/2009-MN, Clarrisa - Barrel - UBRA Rocking D’ Acres Jackpot Barrel Race UPDATE: Added $ & gift certificates to J & B Western!!! - (218) 756-2576 - Added Money: $100 - rockingd@eaglevalleytel.net 9/26/2009-MN, Princeton - Barrel - UBRA Round Up Riders Saddle Club @ Rum River Arena - (320) 983-2679 - info@roundupriderssc.com 9/26-9/27-WI, Black River Falls - Barrel NBHA, WI 02, WI 03, Wisconsin NBHA WI 03 Barrel Race - Jackson Cty Fairgrounds - 03 District Finals - (608) 792-5423 - safalbrecht@centurytel.net 9/26-9/27-WI, Brooklyn - Horse Expos & Fairs Holistic Horse Fair - (608) 687-9534 eaglevalleyequestrian@yahoo.com

9/15/2009-IA, Greenfield - Barrel - Double B Productions -BB Arena Summer Barrel Award

MIDWEST HORSE DIGEST

9/26/2009-WI, River Falls - Reining - NCRHA

reining, NRHA approved - (651) 755-9376 Zach@QuickDrawEquine.com 9/28/2009-IA, Greenfield - Double B Productions, HORSE SOCCER $10/horse/week great exercise for you and your horse - any level of rider! - (641) 745-5845 - bolling@iowatelecom.net 10/2/2009-WI, Balsam Lake - Barrel UBRA, JJ Arena Saddle Club Fun Show & Barrel Race (715) 857-6343 - jessica@ubra.org 10/2-10/3-MN, Fergus Falls - RodeoMinnesota Rodeo Association Finals - (218) 7363000 - rhra@prtel.com 10/2-10/4-SD, Huron - Barrel, Futurity Northern Region Futurities, UBRA , Bold Heart Inc., 11th Annual Breeder & Open Barrel Racing - (605) 9412473 - info@boldheartinc.com 10/3-10/4-NE, FREMONT - Barrel - PURINA MILLS SADDLE SERIES - (402) 419-0191 10/4-10/5-MN, Verndale - Barrel - UBRA $750 Added NBHA MN06: $250 Added to Each Open Class. 4 in-a-line Barrels $10 entry fee per team.

Winner Takes All! - (651) 335-4418 - Added Money: $750 - taleader@msn.com 10/5/2009-IA, Greenfield - Double B Productions, HORSE SOCCER $10/horse/week - great exercise for you and your horse - any level of rider!

- (641) 745-5845 - bolling@iowatelecom.net 10/6/2009-IA, Greenfield Barrel Double B Productions, BB Arena – Greenfield IA Tues Jackpot Series (arena open 6 pm) Exhib 7:30 pm Jackpot 8 pm - (641) 745-5845 bolling@iowatelecom.net 10/9-10/11-MN, Verndale Barrel, Futurity Northern Region Futurities, UBRA , $10,000 Added UBRA World Finale. Trophy Saddles, Buckles & More!!! - (715) 857-6343 - Added Money: $10000 info@ubra.org 10/9-10/11 - NE, Lincoln 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 10/10-10/11- MN Verndale Barrel, Futurity Northern Region Futurities, UBRA - 2009 JJ Classic Futurity & Derby w/ Breeder's Incentive - (715) 8576343 - info@ubra.org 10/12/2009-IA, Greenfield- Double B Productions HORSE SOCCER $10/horse/week - great exercise for you and your horse - any level of rider! - (641) 745-5845 - bolling@iowatelecom.net 10/13/2009-IA, Greenfield - Barrel - Double B Productions - BB Arena Tues Jackpot Series (arena open 6 pm) Exhib 7:30 pm Jackpot 8 pm - (641) 745-5845 - bolling@iowatelecom.net 10/16-10/18-MN, Fergus Falls - Barrel, Futurity MN Laks Barrel Race - $12,3000 Added Money - 2D Futurity & Derby, 4D Open, MCA Incentive Purse (701) 541-3930 - Added Money: $12300 Please email your event lisitings to PEG@HORSEDIGESTS.COM

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Classifieds ASSOCIATIONS International Spotted Horse Registry for all horses of color. Any Pattern. Grade to Pureblood, Miniatures to Drafts. 866-201-3098 or ishrppa@aol.com

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY Horse Lovers! Would you like to own your own business helping horses, working your own hours and make about $75 an hour plus excellent sales commissions? 7 Year old company needs reps for US, Europe, Australia, etc. Our success rate is amazing, and we can show you what to do and how to do it. No pushy sales people, please. If you love horses, PLEASE visit the THERAPY page at www.sumereltraining.com to learn more.

In 2 weeks you could be in a new career. Part or full time. $5,000 covers all equipment. Exclusive territories and excellent company support. If you already work with horses, this could help you as well.

EDUCATION Equine Assisted Learning Certification. SAVE THE DATE! September 17 & 18, 2009. Near Green Bay, WI. Janet Hagen, PhD. 920-420-3825, pegasusleaders.com, www.pegasusleaders@yahoo.com 909

- Sorrel Tobiano. He is super quiet! He does Showmanship, Western and Hunt Seat!! Super Super Quiet for any age. He stand about 15.2H. A futurity winner. Buddy is only 4 years ago with a great future! 715-506-0466 info@DoyleZimmerman.com http://www.DoyleZimmerman.com

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

Foundation AQHA horses, mares, geldings and yearlings. King, Driftwood and Gunsmoke breeding. Bays, Grays and Duns. 608-526-3970 or 909 (cell) 608-792-3519

One Hot Momma - Beautiful Dressage horse, Age 8. Talented. 10 months Pofessionaly Training, Schooling 2nd level. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAPDwJB8lYA • 360-460-4995 • cinrods@gmail.com

Andalusion/Quarter Horse - 4 year old, Black Bay Gelding, 30 days training, pleasure & trail riding so far, very athletic, excellent disposition. IALHA registered 605-272-5623 or rlr@itc9/09 tel.com Andalusian/Quarter Horse - 2 yr. old bay filly & yearling black bay colt, very athletic, excellent disposition, lead, trailer, load, stand for farrier, eligible for IAHLA registry. 605-272-5623 909 rlr@itctel.com Huge Moving son of TWO Imports! Carthusian bred. Breed: Andalusian, Pura Raza Espanola Tall, Fantastic Temperament and an AMAZING Trot!!! Dressage riders and Andalusian Lovers alike will appreciate this incredible colt. Full siblings show stoppers. 972-746-1457 vintageandalusians@hotmail.com

Fantastic Dressage Colt for Sale With a Temperament One Dreams For!With a round build, sweet temperament and a fantastic straight Dressage Movement!, this lovely 2YO colt is ready to start a new partnership! 972-746-1457 vintageandalusians@hotmail.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. 218780-7064, dr.horseslave@yahoo.com.

HORSE SHOW Unique Online Photo Horse Show! Now till 10/10/09. Awards, Prizes, Championships. http://spottedhorses.tripod.com/online_show_1.h tml, 866-201-3098 or ishrppa@aol.com.

909 Over 340 classes!

PRODUCTS 10 box stalls,- 1-x1- - Brand new, no wood. $13,000. Choose your color. Contact 507-527-2914. Will sell individually.

909 New leather harness ,3rd generation business.

Team, work, complete with hames, collars extra.

Draft $802.00. Qtr. horse $757.00. Show 3 hipDraft $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

CLASSIFIEDS WORK! $10.00 per month for 20 words, $.15 for each word over 20.

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

HORSES FOR SALE 2008 palomino colt by Firewaterontherocks out SB Halieva, gorgeous own daughter of the infamous Dash Ta Fame. FWOTR has had spectacular success in the barrel pen, with earnings in excess of $105,000, and this colt is excited to be part of his first crop! Born April 25th, 2008.

218-968-2381 - hdickey@gvtel.com http://www.clearwaterquarterhorses.com

Classfied:____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________

Buddy is a horse anyone can ride.Paint, Gelding

36 September 2009

MIDWEST HORSE DIGEST

Place your photo classified here for $20.00 per

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

www.HorseDigests.com For Sale AA PRITI PRITI, 2005 BAY ANDALUSIAN FILLY, (Piri Piri x AA Despierta) $12,000.00 US National Top Five Futurity Filly in hand 2008 Just started under saddle 262-249-8870 selwoodp@idcnet.com AA DESPIERTA, Elite Winner of the GANADOR Trophy, (Despierto x Ardorosa del Greco) $15,000 Andalusian In foal to US National Champion 3rd level dressage horse "Legado".She is carrying a "sexed" male foal.Available in utero for $10,000 262-249-8870 selwoodp@idcnet.com

8 YR. MARE, Gorgeous, Beginners Dream Horse!

Barrel racing and trail. $4,000 Pinto-Beginners, young or old, this is the horse for you. Gentle, smooth, and a nice barrel horse, great on trails too. Call 605-670-9098 harttraining@hcinet.net BEAUTIFUL HALF-ANDALUSIAN, EXCELLENT DRESSAGE, EVENTING PROSPECT-$6,000- gorgeous half-Andalusian filly, nicely started under saddle, ready for show, trail, or putting fabulous sport babies on the ground. 715-822-392 SADIEMAEJONES@yahoo.com

Fiero LFA,PRE Black Andalusian Stallion. International Champion of Champions international bloodlines, Proven producer, Proven Junior Champion Stallion and USDF Dressage Competitor. 817205-9268

maryclaeys@cdibb.com

Equipment Trailers with or without living quarters, gooseneck and bumper pull, Keifer Built and Universal Trailers 320-363-4650 joejohnson@clearwire.net

Stallions and Stallion Auctions

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

Imported Black PRE Revised Stallion for Stallion Service From Maipe Stud: Costalero XV . Huge movement with substance, teddy bear personality, will add depth, bone and movement to your next foal!

972-746-1457 vintageandalsuians@hotmail.com

The Elite Fleet by 3BarL Transport 1*800*982*2208 Horse Transportation Short Description: Affordable - Experienced - Reliable -Specialized dispatch462003@yahoo.com

Amazing Buckskin 1/2 Andalusian Filly (Azteca) First foal from Flamenco D! Stunning and RARE SOLID BUCKSKIN 2008 Andalusian Filly (Azteca)

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

Discount prices on the full lines of ThinLine, Skito, and SnugPax products. Also highestquality rhythm beads and horsehair items.

207-951-0526

972-746-1457 vintageandalusians@hotmail.com Very Tall, Huge Moving Son of Heroe Mac! Extra tall yearling Andalusian Colt. (Azteca) Lovely forward movement and a quiet mind.

972-746-1457 or vintageandalusians@hotmail.com 6 YR. AQHA BARREL RACING Mare, what a beauty! $8,000 Great little barrel mare, perfect turns, gentle and well mannered. Makes barrel racing super fun.

605-670-9098 harttraining@hcinet.net

3X NATIONAL CHAMPION PRE (ANCCE) REVISED STALLION SPOKANE! Royally bred with Rockstar Movement recognized by American & Spanish judges, add size, substance & movement 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 Cleekarabians@yahoo.com

MIDWEST HORSE DIGEST

Services and Products

orders@zegifts.com www.zegifts.com 6 ACRES 30 MILES WEST OF DEKALB, IL.House/6 acres 30 miles west of Dekalb, IL next to Franklin Creek State Park/miles of trails.

Call Mike at 8478673836 legume@charter.net Call us Today at

Midwest Horse Digest for more information on in-print and online photo classifieds!

507-943-3355

Peg@HorseDigests.com • www.horsedigests.com

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MIDWEST HORSE DIGEST

MIDWEST HORSE DIGEST

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