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MIDWEST HORSE DIGEST
March 2010
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March 2010
midwest
Horse Digest
Contents Train in g wi t h To d ay’s To p Trainer s
Of Interest
6 Stopping a Grass Snatcher
NEWS
by Clinton Anderson
8 Mustang Trainability by Ken McNabb
10 Ride Smart by Craig Cameron
12 Douwke and the World’s Toughestt Rodeo by Dennis Auslam
14 Upper Level Performance - Is My Horse Ready? Am I? by Bob Jeffreys & Suzanne Sheppard
We s t er n P le a su r e
9 Make Plans to Attend the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 17 ACTHA , New Sponsor of Downunder Horsemanship, Clinton Anderson 20 Minnesota Horse Expo 2010 23 Expert Predicitions on Equine Welfare Realized LAW 35 Estate Planning for Animals HEALTH 39 A Laminitis Free Transition to Spring Pastures
16 What to Expect in the Ring this Season by Jennifer Lindgren
18 Reflections from Road To The Horse by Tommy Garland
D r e s sage - E n glis h 22 Ask Mary: What are the aid’s for leg yielding your horse? by Mary Hamilton
24 Golden Rules of Ground Training - Training Commands, part 5 by Lynn Palm
Per f o r m anc e Ho r se 26 Down the Fence by Monty Bruce
Trai l Ho r se
Special Sections 30 36 42 43 44 45 46
Equine Central Ready to Ride Guide Advertisers Index Upcoming Events Photo Classifieds Classifieds Real Estate and Traders Corner
,About the Cover - Photo by Terri Bishop, TAB IT! Marketing of a Babcock Ranch horse sired by "Mr. Dial Pep". for more information go to www.BabockRanch.com
32 Nothing to Fear by Karen Scholl
34 What to do with a horse that bolts, runs off with rider! by Julie Goodnight
38 It’ll Be Fine! by Doug Lindgren
Eq uine VIP 34 Christi Proctor talks to Equine VIP by Susan Ashbrooke
We hope you enjoy this issue! We are proud to be able to publish it for you, our readers, and ask that you support the advertisers that support this magazine. Thank you! VISIT OUR WEBSITE: WWW .HORSEDIGESTS.COM
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Midwest Horse Rahn Greimann, Publisher, Owner and Editor © 2008 Greimann Industries 35418 90th Street Blue Earth, MN 56013 507-526-5943 Fax 507-526-2629
Advertising Contacts Mark Bahls Peg Bahls 507-943-3355 /Fax 507-943-3352 mark@horsedigests.com peg@horsedigests.com
Julie and Rick Vinsand 877-205-7261 julie@horsedigests.com rick@horsedigests.com Andrea Jo Kroening 952-237-5311 andrea@horsedigests.com Midwest Horse Digest is distributed FREE at equinerelated businesses in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Northern Illinois and North and South Dakota. No material from this publication may be copied or in any way reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Neither the advertisers nor Greimann Industries are responsible for any errors in the editorial copy.. Greimann Industries reserves the right to refuse any advertising which we deem unsuitable for our publication. No liability is assumed for errors in or omissions of advertisers in this publication. Opinions and views expressed in articles and advertisements are not necessarily those of the publisher, editors or employees, nor does publication of any opinion or statement in Midwest Horse Digest constitute an endorsement of the views, opinions, goods or services mentioned. While every possible effort is made to make our publication accurate and timely, Midwest Horse Digest does not warrant the accuracy of material contained in any article or the quality of goods or services contained in any advertisement.
TO ALL OF OUR ADVERTISERS, DISTRIBUTORS AND READERS WE THANK YOU! Pick up Midwest Horse Digest every month at over 850 feed stores, tack shops, veterinarians, farriers and equestrian centers across the Upper Midwest. If your location does not get Midwest Horse Digest call us at 507-526-5943 or email rahn@horsedigests.com
Welcome to the March Issue of Midwest Horse Digest, As I sit and type I can raise my head and look out the window. Although my grove is full of snow, and I mean full, all I see is the sun shining. It is glorious! It has become an extremely long winter for many of us, but soon, all that snow will be gone, the weather will be warm and our pastures will be wonderfully green and growing, with our beautiful four legged friends frolicking across them or grazing peacefully. I can just see it in my minds eye and it brings a smile to my face and hope to my heart. It is the rhythm of the seasons, the knowledge that they will once again change, just like they did last year and the year before and every year. What’s the phrase? “Hope Springs Eternally”, not sure exactly, but it sounds familiar, and I like it. I wish I had thought of that phrase yesterday when I hung up my vehicle in the snow that had drifted across the end of the driveway. Eventually help came, the lane was plowed out and everything was fine again. So it is with the seasons, we can rest in the knowledge that the snow will leave and the weather will turn warm, just like we can know, unfortunately, that the snow and cold will come again But I think I will leave that alone and concentrate on the new season that is coming. SPRING! With that in mind I would like to point out a few articles in the magazine this month. We have an interesting article on taking our pastured horses through spring successfully with an eye towards minimizing the danger of laminitis. You will find that on page 39. There are a number of interesting training articles this month, one in particular is from Clinton Anderson. It is on how to train your horse to stop snatching grass while you are riding. I read that article with great interest and look forward to working on that this spring. That is such a frustrating behavior and Clinton gives great instructions on how to deal with it. You will find Clinton’s article on the next page. Julie Goodnight has a good article on the horse that runs and bolts, always a very dangerous behavior for the rider. She, like all of the trainers in Midwest Horse Digest, always have such useful information in their articles and I know that I always learn something with each new issue. Hope you do to! The other thought I had was how quickly the upcoming Horse Fairs and Expos will be here. They are not far away and are always the sign that the new season is almost upon us. Things will get busy quickly so make sure you remember to savor and enjoy each moment! We like hearing from our readers, so please let us know if you enjoy the magazine and when you find the information in it helpful or informative. Have a terrific spring!
Please direct all editorial and correspondence, as well as change of address to: rahn@horsedigests.com or call 507-526-5943
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Take care and God Bless, from Peg at Midwest Horse Digest March 2010
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Today’s Top Trainers
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Stopping a Grass Snatcher point, put the horse on a loose rein and dare him to take another bite. It’s important to ride on a loose rein so the horse can commit to the mistake. If he wants to take a mouthful of grass, let him. Think of it like this: You can’t arrest somebody for standing outside the bank with a gun. You have to wait until they go into the bank with the gun and then you can arrest them. That doesn’t mean that you let your horse stop and graze for 20 minutes; just wait for him to chomp at the grass and then hustle his feet. When I say, hustle his feet, I do mean, hustle his feet. This doesn’t work if you let the horse graze for five minutes and then barely get him to move. If you let him drag his feet, he’ll be too busy chewing on the grass and dreaming about his next snack to pay any attention to you. If he grabs a mouthful, make him hustle his feet like his life depends on it. Do serpentines, lope him in a circle, gallop him in a straight line, it doesn’t matter what you do, but get some energy to it. Remember, horses are basically lazy creatures and the worst punishement you can give them is hard work. Squeeze, Cluck, Spank If your horse stops at a patch of clover and refuses to move even if you’re bumping him on the sides, you need to get more aggressive. Remember to use Squeeze, Cluck and Spank. Squeeze the horse with the calves of your legs to get him to move. If he ignores your squeezing, cluck to him with your tongue, ““cluck,”” ““cluck.”” If he still isn’t moving, spank him with the end of your reins or a dressage whip. Squeeze is politely asking the horse to go. Cluck is warning him that the spank is going to come if he continues to ignore you. Spank is doing whatever it takes to get the horse’s feet to move. You may have to really get after him if he’s being disrespectful. With horses you have to be as easy as possible, but as firm as necessary. Make the wrong thing difficult and the right thing easy. If making the horse move his feet isn’t working, try popping him in between his ears whenever he tries to snatch a bite. Use the
end of your reins or a dressage whip to tap him firm enough so that he says ““Oh man, that wasn’t fun.”” It’s almost like a big surprise. Every time he opens his mouth, something quickly smacks him on the top of his head. If every t ime he takes a bite of grass something whacks him between the ears, he’ll eventually stop going for the grass because he’ll be thinking that he’s making himself feel uncomfortable. Remember, timing is very important, you want your horse to think that he is the one causing the pressure between his ears not you. Be Prepared The best piece of advice I can give you is if you know your horse has a habit of eating on the trail, don’t go walking down the trail swapping recipes with a buddy. Be prepared for your horse to make the mistake, and then make the correction. You’ll find that if you put the horse’s attention back on you and give him direction, he’ll stop eating on the trail and
by Clinton Anderson
If you have a horse that’s too busy eyeing up his next meal on the trail rather than paying attention to you, use these easy steps to put yourself back in control. Put His Feet to Work A horse can only think about one thing at a time. He’s either got his attention on you or on his next snack. If you’re walking down the trail and your horse grabs a mouthful of grass, he’s obviously not thinking about you. You need to redirect his feet and make him hustle. As soon as he snatches grass, bend him around in a circle and kick his side with your inside leg. Wake him up and get his attention back on y ou. You’re saying to the horse, ““Hey, you don’t have time to be eating grass because you’re too busy listening to me and hustling your feet!”” After you make your
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become an overall better trail partner. Author’s note: A native Australian, Clinton Anderson began his quest to become the best horseman he could be by apprenticing under nationally acclaimed Australian trainers Gordon McKinlay and Ian Francis. In 1996 Clinton moved to America to continue training horses and apprenticed under Al Dunning, winner of multiple AQHA World Championships, before beginning to train under his own name. Clinton loves training reiners and cow horses and has been successful in both competitive arenas. Clinton is the host of Downunder Horsemanship TV, the number one rated RFD TV program that airs at 10 and 12 pm Eastern Standard Time on Tuesdays and 3 pm on Sundays. To find out more about Clinton and how you can transform your horse into the partner you’ve always wanted, log onto www.downunderhorsemanship.com.
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Mustang Trainability By Ken McNabb with Katherine Lindsey Meehan
How are Mustangs different from other breeds of horses? How do you need to modify your training approach when you are working with a wild horse? In this month’s article, we will discuss training and working around Mustang horses, and cover some foundation training exercises that will benefit any breed of horse. I believe that a horse is a horse, regardless of his breeding. Although breeding and genetics may make one horse more likely to succeed in certain areas than a horse of another breed (Thoroughbreds are more likely to succeed in long distance races and Quarter Horses can accelerate to top speed quickly for sprints, as an
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example), inside their head, horses share the same core instincts regardless of breed. As with all breeds, Mustangs have their strengths. They tend to be especially hardy and tough. One thing that is different with a Mustang is they will be harder to get your hands on in the first step of the training process. However, once you can touch your Mustang and have gained his trust, training him will be the same as any horse. One exercise that I use with all my horses is sacking out. This means getting your horse comfortable with all kinds of different objects around him and touching him, when you are on the ground as well as when you are on his back. Maybe your horse is afraid of the saddle blanket, or maybe he spooks every time you raise your hand to gesture when you are in the saddle. Both of these problems, and ones like them, can be solved if you are thorough and patient with the process of sacking your horse out. One important thing to realize is that you can’t be so afraid of doing something wrong that you baby your horse and try never to startle him. If he’s nervous when you put your hand out to the side while you are on his back, the answer is not that you always remember to keep your hands close to your sides while you are riding! The answer is to work with him until he is not worried when you do put your hand out to the side, whether it’s on purpose or by accident. When your horse gives you nervous energy, don’t avoid it. Instead, engage and direct it. Keeping your horse’s mind occupied when he is scared helps him control his fear. Make sure you are in a safe, enclosed area when you are first practicing these exercises. Using the example we talked about where your horse is scared of your hand being out to the
side while you are riding, here is how you would sack him out to work through the problem. Walk your horse in a circle, and move your hand slightly out to the side. If he doesn’t react, bring your hand down and pet him. If he spooks or tenses, keep moving his feet in the circle, directing his movement but not trying to stop it, and when you feel him relax, take your hand down (releasing the pressure) and reward him. When he does well, pat him and let him stand if he wants to. Continue the exercise until your horse is relaxed with your hand being out to the side and waving around next to him. Remember that whenever you do an exercise on one side you also need to do it on the other side. These training steps can be applied to sacking your horse out with any object or movement that bothers him. Another foundation exercise I teach all my horses including my mustangs is the one rein back up. The reason to teach a horse to back on one rein rather that two is that when you are asking him to back up with two reins, he can brace against you and there is nothing you can do about it. When you are using one rein and he braces, you can ask him to flex to the side, and get him not to brace any more. Walk your horse forward, and pick up on one rein. Make sure to leave the other rein very loose. Think about going back, and relax your seat but do not lean your upper body backwards. Ask your horse to step his hindquarters over, stopping his forward motion. Keep thinking about backing, and don’t release the rein. Bump him with your legs to keep his feet moving if he stops completely. You are looking for your horse to take one step back. Even a very small step is good at first. He also needs to keep his nose soft before he will get a full release. When he steps back, stop bumping him with your legs, but pay attention and if he is bracing against you or throwing his nose up in the air when he steps back, hold the rein until he softens his nose. If he takes a step back and remains soft, release everything at once. Work this exercise on one side until it is solid, and only then switch to the other side. Gradually increase the number of steps your horse gives you in a row. Remember to work with your horse and let him win. Set him up for success so that both of you enjoy the training session. So, how is your Mustang different from a Thoroughbred or Quarter Horse horse when you are teaching these exercises? I don’t believe that he is. Like any breed of horse, there are easy Mustangs and difficult ones. But your training principles and methods shouldn’t change just because you are working with a Mustang. Once you can touch them and have their trust, Mustangs are capable of doing a great job in whatever discipline you choose. Enjoy your horses, Mustangs and other breeds alike, 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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Visitors to the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games should make their ticket purchases and reserve their accommodations quickly, as the World Games 2010 Foundation is well on track to meet, and exceed, its projected sales goals. Fans around the world are planning trips to the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY from September 25 through October 10, 2010, for eight world championships in equestrian sport. The 2010 Games will mark the first occurrence of this event outside of Europe. “Company is coming,” said Jamie Link, CEO of the World Games 2010 Foundation. “With the arrival of 2010, we are seeing a steady increase in sales each day as people around the world make their plans and purchase their tickets to the 2010 Games. We strongly recommend that fans make their plans now before the best seats are gone.” Travel Planning Tickets are on sale now at www.alltechfeigames.comand via the Ticketmaster hotline at 1-800-745-3000. For an event schedule, click here. For more information about the eight world championships contested at the Games, click here. To reserve housing accommodations for the Games, click here. Ticket Sales • Close to 160,000 competition tickets have already been sold • Tickets have been sold in 48 countries and all 50 U.S. states • Two sessions of competition are almost full • General Admission tickets will go on sale in the spring • With both reserved seat and General Admission tickets, approximately 600,000 tickets are available for purchase to the Games Housing and Travel Arrangements • Almost 50,000 room nights have been reserved to date—approximately 50% of the expected total to be consumed • 55 tour groups have made reservations, representing both U.S. groups and those from nine countries • Currently working with tour operators representing 18 more countries • The average length of stay for individual reservations is 6 nights • The average length of stay for group bookings is 9 nights • The top five countries represented in accommodations booking are: Canada, Australia, Mexico, Great Britain, and South Africa/The Netherlands (tie) • The top five states represented in accommoda-
Ticket Sales, Travel Plans on Track for 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games tions bookings are California, New York, Virginia, Ohio, and Illinois About the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games are the world championships of eight equestrian disciplines recognized by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI). The Games are held every four years and this will be the first occurrence in the United States. The Games will be broadcast on NBC
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Sports, which has marked the largest commitment to network coverage of equestrian sport in U.S. television history. The 2010 Games are expected to have a statewide economic impact of $150 million, and current sponsors include Alltech, Rolex, John Deere, Ariat International, Inc., Meydan and UK Healthcare. For more information on the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, please visit www.alltechfeigames.com.
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A BETTER WAY
Ride Smart by Craig Cameron
A BETTER WAY Smart Riding Many horse owners claim their horses buck every morning. Generally, the problem is that the horse is just fresh and feels good. The solution is simple. Warm up your horse by moving him around in both directions at a consistent gait either in the round pen or on a longe line. Spend some time moving your horse in both directions. Put your horse to work in one direction at a time. Move him as many as 10 to 20 times before changing directions. This simple approach takes the fresh and the fear out of your horse, which allows him to relax. This process protects you and your horse. It’s no good if either of you gets hurt. When a horse turns loose mentally, he relaxes physically and, when he relaxes physically, he turns loose mentally. This common sense
is what I call “smart riding” and it complements one of my favorite horsemanship philosophies, “Smart riding is making sure you can ride again tomorrow.”
A BETTER WAY Test Ride When checking out a horse to buy, have the owner ride the horse for you first. Ask the owner to put the horse through his paces. If you’re buying a performance horse, make sure he can perform the tasks required. If you’re looking for a solid trail mount, have the owner take him out on the trail first as you ride along on another horse. Watch how the prospective horse handles trail obstacles. After you’re satisfied that the horse can perform properly, either in the arena or on the trail, test-ride him yourself. Have an experienced
True Story: Tough Teacher A regular rider at one of my working clinics began taking his horse and sound riding practices for granted. Knowing better, he omitted any warm-up and foolishly mounted an extremely fresh horse. When the horse became excited and went into a fast gallop, instead of using proper riding aids (hands, seat and legs), this hapless rider froze. When he stiffened, he became unbalanced and before he knew it, he was underneath his horse. The fall broke his leg. There’s really no excuse for careless riding. This was an incident that could’ve easily been avoided with proper preparation. The rider learned a hard lesson. Experience can sometimes be a tough teacher.
Take any horse you’re considering buying for a test ride to make sure you get along with the horse and that it performs up to your expectations. friend or professional horseperson watch you and accept their critique. Don’t be afraid to return for a second look after you’ve had time to think about the horse and whether or not the animal will fit your riding needs. Hindsight is 20-20. Foresight is priceless. You can order Craig’s book and DVD’s at www.CraigCameron.com Excerpt with permission out of Craig’s book, “Ride Smart” by Craig Cameron with Kathy Swan. Photso by John Brasseaux.
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www.horsedigests.com Redwood Stables. Now he has totally changed, and we are able to move forward and work at filling in those holes to get him ready for the top-level dressage training program he will go into. I am very honored that Tim and Brenda Johnson have had the confidence in me to allow me to work with these wonderful Friesian horses. I have found that these horses have been teaching me as much as I have been teaching them and I thoroughly enjoy working with them. One thing I have noticed with the Friesian, possibly because of their size, is that people are often intimidated by them and neglect to train them in some areas that should not be neglected. They are large horses and have wonderful demeanors so it can be easy to miss the fact that they can lack confidence, just like any other horse. They are an old breed and are very established in what they are, but these facts do not necessarily make them confident. But once you get them over that line they are just a phenomenal horse. Again, I am not sure what it is that is different about these horses and I just cannot say enough about how much I like them. I felt very honored to have been invited to demonstrate at this event and I would like to thank Mike and Mona Schmidt and Jac Sperling for this experience at the Worlds Toughest Rodeo. I would also like to thank Tim and Brenda for allowing me to train Douwke and work with him in the environment we exposed him to at this event. I have been enjoying the work I have been doing with the Friesian horse and look forward to working with many more of these fine horses. Many of the people that came to the rodeo might not have understood what it takes for a trainer to get the horse to calmly go through the paces I took Douwke through, so I will tell you, if you were there, you should not try these things at home. Remember, safety is always first priority. You can view a video of Douwke and myself at the Worlds Toughest Rodeo online at our website- www.redwoodstables.com
Douwke and the World’s Toughest Rodeo
by Dennis Auslam At the end of January I had the honor of doing a demonstration at the World’s Toughest Rodeo at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, MN. Not as a rodeo participant, though I have spent a big part of my career on the rodeo circuit and was comfortable in that setting, but as a horse trainer. I also had the honor of doing the demonstration with Douwke, a Friesian Ster stallion, owned by Tim and Brenda Johnson of Excalibur Breeding Center in Deerwood, MN. When I first started preparing Douwke for this demonstration I was preparing him under the assumption it would be an entertainment type scenario. A week into that training program I learned the rodeo wanted a training type scenario and I changed the program midstream. I only had Douwke for 3 weeks, so finding out the rodeo wanted a training scenario actually took some pressure off of both Douwke and myself. In working with the Friesian horse breed I am learning that they can be very generous with their abilities and very cooperative, but you also have to get to know them. As in any breed, there has to be a mutual cooperation and respect built. Douwke had not been in Minnesota very long, only about a week or two, before he came to me. He came from the Netherlands and then went to Canada. Though I do not know how long he was in Canada, he had only been at Excalibur Breeding Center a few weeks before he came to my training facility. I am a horse trainer and have been for over 28 years, but you can always learn something and as I move along on this journey with horses, I have learned more and more about the emotions that horses portray. I have especially noticed this in working with the Friesian. They have anxieties, ups and downs, and good days and bad days, just like us. In fact, all breeds have
this, but I have noticed with the Friesian that you have to earn the privilege to tap into their abilities. This, again, is true with all horse breeds, but there is something distinctive about the demeanor of the Friesian.You have to kind of meet them on their terms. They are still a herd animal, but our interpretation of their terms has to be on their level, not ours. I wished I could put my finger on what it is that is just that little bit different about this breed than what I have run into with other breeds I train. But truth be told, I haven’t quite figured it out. They are not a complicated horse, they seem to have very honest emotions and all I can say is that there is just something about them. As I worked with Douwke, to prepare for the demonstations at the rodeo, I threw a lot him. For the most part he obliged my requests and progressed well, but there were some things, due to lack of time, that I skirted around. As a trainer I would tell you to never do this, of course. I did not build the bond that I would have liked to have had with him going into that show. At the show he was exposed to a lot of different sights, sounds and commotion going on around him and it was all new. There was a lot of excitement, new and different noises, from livestock to machinery, fireworks and just constant activity. We took great pains to take care of him and provide him with support, a safe environment and let him know that everything was okay. He was a champ through the whole thing and the funny thing was, when we got back to my facility he had really bonded with me and decided he trusted me. I can only say that he had decided that I had taken care of him and protected him, it was interesting to notice the change in him and how different he was. So there was a level of trust that came out of that whole weekend and he displayed a new confidence, which is much of what our training program is about. I don’t want to sound like a pet psychologist, because I am not, but I do know that these horses go through many of the same emotions that we do. They also know and react to our emotions. I feel really confident at where I am at with Douwke now. There were some holes in his training and he lacked a strong level of confidence when he first arrived here at
Take care; ride safe, spring is just around the corner! Dennis Auslam of Redwood Stables in 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
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Upper Level PerformanceIs My Horse Ready? Am I? should go from here. In our opinion the next step on your journey is to give your horse more challenging and complex jobs to do. Horses and riders often go on “auto-pilot” when any training regimen gets too repetitive, so spice up your training time by frequently adding new tasks. Your horse will become more tuned in to your requests, and he will be more accustomed to taking on the unfamiliar. “Changing the subject” keeps your by Bob Jeffreys & Suzanne Sheppard horse/human dialogue interesting, productive and fun! To accelerate your horse’s progress , make it Winter’s almost over, and if you’re like us, you probably can’t wait to start riding “full time” easy for him/her to succeed when working on again without freezing your butt off in some dusty, any of the following movements, just like when dark indoor arena. When trail riding is not an you were in the early stages of your horse’s trainoption, sometimes arena work gets tedious, and ing, it’s imperative to introduce new lessons gradually. Start by choosing a goal, and then plan we need some fresh ideas to bring our horse up to the next level of our chosen discipline. Perhaps you’ve already taught him (or her) with multiple groundwork exercises and good under saddle foundation work to give to bit pressure, move his hips and shoulders on cue, to move lightly off of your leg cues, to move forward with good impulsion, to stop and back up lightly and in balance, and to transition up and down between walk, trot and canter willingly. If you and your horse have mastered all of these basics, you may be wondering where you
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on how to break each training session down into tiny baby steps. This way each phase of your lesson will be understood by your horse. Remember that it’s always clearer to the teacher (you!) than it is to the student (your horse). Be sure to focus on what you are teaching so that you can reward the slightest try from your horse. Always reward by releasing the pressure that caused the response, and also occasionally include a kind word or a rub along with the release. While it is certainly good to praise in the beginning, keep in mind that once he’s learned the lesson, too much praise actually can become a distraction. When performing the skills he’s mastered, the only reward he truly needs is the release. Advanced skills to play with: •You might choose to begin by riding the perfect circle. By that we mean you teach your horse to “guide” in the circle without falling in or out. Having your circle actually look like a circle rather than an egg or a modified square, and this guiding will require almost no steering from you. •For western riders work on speed control at the lope so that you can increase his speed with just a slight incline of your hips, and maybe a cluck. Slow down by simply sitting up straight again and using the sound, “Aaaahhh”. For English riders teach your horse to increase his speed at the canter by squeezing with both calves and driving with your seat so lightly that it’s almost invisible to an observer. Decrease speed but maintain the gait by breathing deeply and slowing your driving seat into a stilling seat ever so slightly. •Cultivate on straight lines, correcting whatever part of the horse starts to go crooked, and then reward by releasing the pressure. •Teach shoulder in by keeping the hindquarters straight and moving the shoulder that the diagonal pair of front and hind are moving on the same line (i.e. in a shoulders in right track right, move the shoulders in until the left fore and right hind are traveling on the same line).With haunches in simply keep the forehand straight and move the haunches in until (haunches in right) the left hind and right front are tracking on the same line. Remember that impulsion and suppleness on both sides are prerequisites!!! •Teach your horse to collect by driving him forward, and then lift up his forehand to shift his
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weight more toward his haunches. Once rebalanced like this, drive him into the bridle: don’t pull the bridle back to him as true collection can’t result when we pull back. The finishing touch occurs when he breaks at the poll, his face on or just a hair ahead of the vertical. •Teach him a basic turn around or turn on the haunches, and then add some speed until it becomes a spin. •Begin to introduce obstacles into your workouts, including various cavalletti patterns, low jumps (except for those with injuries, any horse should be able to jump two feet ), trail class work, such as lope overs, opening, passing through and closing gates, ranch work such as dragging a log behind you, and even certain cavalry maneuvers such as ring jousting or javelin throwing. •All of the above helps to get your horse really, really broke, and are so much fun! When advanced lessons are simplified and broken down into these baby steps, your horse experiences a string of successes and progress actually occurs quite rapidly. His confidence in himself
and your leadership grows. A confident horse is not afraid to try, and may actually develop a “bring it on!” attitude, which is at the very heart of top equine competitors. Your horse will look forward to his ride each day, greeting you warmly and happily, and he will start to take pride in his work. So remember to have an effective training plan, to be fully in the moment whenever you handle your horse, and to keep the fun in your training. You’ll find that you not only bring out the best in your horse, but you’ll also give him the opportunity to bring out the best in you. Until next time, ride safe! Bob Jeffreys and Suzanne Sheppard travel nationwide teaching people how to bring out the best in their horses. Their homebase is Bob’s Two as One Ranch in Middletown, NY. For info about Bob & Suzanne’s Wind Rider Challenge, private horse training lessons, riding lessons, clinics, DVDs, books, Horsemanship Ed Courses and ProTrack™ Trainer Certification Programs please visit TwoasOneHorsemanship.com or call 845-692-7478. © Bob Jeffreys & Suzanne Sheppard 3/2010
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Western Pleasure
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Want to Win Western Pleasure
What to Expect In the Ring this Season by Jennifer Lindgren Š 2010
Everyone in the horse business has had to make adjustments to deal with this recession. Whether you teach lessons for some extra cash or raise and train horses to support your family, the weak economy has cut back on your cash flow. Tack swaps and horse sales are sad places to be. Many families have been forced to give up horses they love. Breed organizations have increased fees and laid off employees to cope with reduced income because fewer foals means less registrations and lower membership numbers. Saddle makers, trailer builders, and feed suppliers have all felt the hit. So what does this mean for the diehard competitors who can still afford to go to the
shows? On the surface you might think that those coveted championships will be easier to win. Not so. Although the numbers are down in the show rings at all levels and in every breed and discipline, the quality is still high, or even higher than before. There are several reasons for this. First, quality horses are more affordable than 3 years ago. If your horse budget has not been affected by the economy, you can afford a horse that is twice as good while spending the same amount of money. Second, professional trainers have fewer horses to work with and are spending more time perfecting them. The great horses are still in the
"The economy may be weak, but the competition is stronger than ever." ring and winning. The average horses are staying back home. Third, contestants are reducing costs by entering only the classes or shows they have a good chance of winning. Finally, many exhibitors have stepped down to lower levels of competition to continue showing or to perfect their horses It is no longer unusual for me to see a World or National level horse at an open show. Some open shows are seeing larger numbers than ever before while rated shows
are sparsely attended. To be successful this year, you must be overly prepared. You only have about two more months before the season starts so now is the time to focus on finishing your horse and yourself. Pull off the blankets and evaluate your horse's weight and coat quality. If you skimped on the grooming or supplements over the winter, include them now. Any practice with trailer loading should be completed at least one month before you hit the road. Evaluate your horse's performance without training aides, using the bridle and saddle you show in. Bring in friends to help critique and video tape. Be open to criticism and realize your problems now. Practice your despooking. Hang banners, flags, and towels along your rail to desensitize your pleasure mount. For stock type western pleasure riders, the new AQHA western pleasure video is a must watch. For every breed, video of major shows is available online. Make sure you watch last year's winners to have an ideal or standard to measure against. Look at the outfits and the tack. Don't forget to check the rule book for your division for any changes. Don't be disappointed if the awards at some shows are reduced or even eliminated. Committees have to pay for facilities, judges, stewards, awards, advertising, insurance, etc. The expense of payback, trophies and ribbons eats most of the income per class. The less popular classes often get eliminated because they cost the show money. Classes such as open walk-trot, that require several cuts, are necessary to break even. How can you help keep the shows going until the economy gets better? Try to maintain your breed memberships and register your foals. The large breed organizations cannot survive without income. If you can't afford to show, offer to volunteer and stay involved in the circuit. If you do show, don't complain to the office about the increase in fees or decrease in services. The committees are already struggling to put on a nice event and to keep exhibitors happy. For those who don't care about ribbons, turn them back in to be used at the next show. And finally, if you see a newcomer, help them and encourage them. To get the shows functioning, we need all the contestants we can get. Jennifer Lindgren has been an All-Breed Judge since 1985. She is an experienced competitor who has earned Regional and National awards in Halter, Western Equitation and Hunter. She loves all breeds of horses and keeps her private collection in Grant Park, IL. contact: jenlind22msn.com
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The American Competitive Trail Horse Association, ACTHA, is excited to announce that they have become a sponsor of Downunder Horsemanship and Clinton Anderson “We are excited to have ACTHA on board!” said Clinton Anderson. “In addition to helping horse charities, trail riders gain a national stage to show what they have learned using Downunder Horsemanship’s methods.” Highlights of the sponsorship include ACTHA presence at all Walkabout Tour stops, commercials during the RFD-TV program Downunder Horsemanship and a full Downunder Horsemanship episode dedicated to Clinton teaching his proven Method on various trail obstacles that are challenges on the ACTHA Trail Rides. Carrie Scrima, Co-Founder of ACTHA says, “We always dreamed of being on Clinton’s show but never dreamed it would happen so soon. Then again, we never dreamed thousands and thousands of trail riders and their wonderful horses would answer the call for help as forcefully as they have! It’s an amazing thing to witness. At the rate of growth we are currently experiencing ACTHA, with everyone’s help, we will take a serious bite out of the horse hunger dilemma. This sponsorship with Downunder Horsemanship will fuel ACTHA to be the conduit for tons of hay and much needed supplies getting to the true hereos of the movement…the horse rescues all across America. To say that we are proud to partner with Downunder Horsemanship to share our story is an understatement.” Karen Vangetson, ACTHA’s Co-Founder continues, “When you think of the unwanted horse many times you are talking about horse unemployment. ACTHA is striving to create more jobs and a stage to perform on! Therein lays the eventual major solution to the problem before us. ACTHA will more than likely have 15,000+ rider entries into our events in 2010 and eventually hundreds of thousands of entries. Here the horse and rider can come together in a fun packed, one day affordable local venue and show that the partnership we entered into hundreds of years ago is still alive and well. We know creating this sport will get these wonderful animals back into jobs and loving homes. And that’s good for the horse AND the industry. This sponsorship of Downunder Horsemanship will get us there sooner than later”. For additional information on the ACTHA, please visit www.actha.us. ACTHA holds Competitive Trail Challenges© across the USA. A CTC© is a one day, 6 mile trail ride with natural trail obstacles a horse may encounter on trails of today. Sponsors donate wonderful prizes and fun is had by all. A non competitive division is available for those who just want to ride the trails and be part of the solution. Many of the rides themselves are put on by Horse Rescues themselves as affiliates of ACTHA.
ACTHA's Mission To provide an enjoyable venue showcasing the wonderful attributes of the great American trail horse, granting them the recognition they so richly deserve To maintain a registry open to all breeds and a point designation system which will stay with each horse for its lifetime, thereby adding to their value and distinction.
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To enable the humane treatment of horses in need. CURRENTLY MEMBERSHIPS IN ACTHA ARE $25 ANNUALLY AND COME WITH $50 IN STORE CREDITS IN ACTHA’S PARTICIPATING SPONSOR’S STORES. TO JOIN GO TO… WWW.ACTHA.US
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Reflections from Road To The Horse by Tommy Garland
I’m often asked about the “Road To The Horse” competition and while the questions vary from time to time, many are the same so I thought I’d share some of my thoughts and insights here. First and foremost, my experiences at Road To The Horse in 2008 and 2009 were fun and incredibly challenging! As most of you know, this competition requires selecting an untamed colt working with it for three hours and ultimately riding it through an obstacle course at the end of the three hours using ‘natural horsemanship techniques’. That’s the goal but in reality, asking a horse to accomplish all this in a very short amount of time isn’t necessarily a natural practice for them and that’s the beauty and challenge of this competition! For me, this competition was about taking everything I’ve learned in my 30+ years of training and putting it on the line. Much of this competition is based on the luck of the draw because you truly don’t know what kind of horse you’ll end up with. I used the same criteria both years when I was mentally selecting my first, second and third choices. I wanted a horse that was athletic but not super dominate within the herd and I also like a horse with a good eye and one that doesn’t pin his ears back. Most importantly though, I wanted a horse with a good mind. Each year, I had a ‘plan’ in place before I even selected my horse. Once you’re in the ring with your horse you have to have a plan because you need to quickly access your horse and then adjust your plan to fit the horse and the time frame. “Spirit” my colt from 2008 RTTH met all my selection criteria and once I began working with him I discovered he was very smart and also very nervous. With “Spirit”, I knew early on that my key to success would be to work on building his confidence. I used exercises designed to build his confidence AND get him to move forward and in the process, it allowed me to control his front end. I know a lot of trainers believe in “disengaging the hip’, but I don’t necessarily subscribe to that philosophy. Had I tried to get
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“Spirit” to disengage his hip, the process would ultimately have made him less confident and more nervous. Interestingly enough, I lost points during the competition for not being able to pick up his feet. When I got him home I still had issues with that so after trying several different things, I had my vet check him out. We discovered a benign tumor behind his right front pastern and he was very sensitive in that area. Once we had the tumor removed, he was fine and I was able to pick up his feet. As horsemen and women, we need to keep working and exploring until we achieve our goals. “Spirit is amazing and I take him with me to a lot of expos and clinics. He has an incredible personality and there are videos posted on my
YouTube channel for those of you who are interested in following his progress. “Leo”, my colt from the 2009 competition also met my criteria, but he was a tough horse to work with in the beginning. Despite what you may think, I really enjoyed working with him because he was a challenge but I knew he could accomplish anything once we built a firm foundation. I was elated with what “Leo” accomplished by the end of the competition and I couldn’t have asked him to do anything more. I cannot tell you what it meant to me to take him from where he was on the first day, to riding him through the obstacle course at the end of the competition….it’s a feeling that no amount of money could ever buy. People were surprised I bought “Leo” at the end of the competition because he was more difficult to work with. It was important to me that I finished what I had started and I wanted to prove
to myself that I could do what needed to be done. It took me a month to get him finished, but the end result was worth it. “Leo” turned into a big puppy and now belongs to a lady who absolutely adores him! “Leo” goes to fun shows and spends lots of time trail riding with his new owner. Leo has an amazing life and he was definitely worth the time and energy it took to get him where he is today. I’m fortunate and humbled at the number of emails and phone calls I’ve received over the past few years regarding my participation at RTTH and my training methods. I appreciate the fact that Tootie invited me to participate for two years and I applaud her continued efforts to make this a memorable and amazing event. People ask if I’d ever go back and my answer is simple. If Tootie invites me back, I’ll go….I love a challenge! Good Luck to the 2010 competitors! 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 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” which aired on RFD TV for several years, Tommy regularly participates at clinics, expos and other equestrian events throughout the United States, Canada and Brazil. Tommy is a regular contributor to several popular equine publications and his online clinics and training DVD’s are valuable resources for anyone who loves horses! Tommy resides in Virginia with his wife Dawn and children, Samantha, Katie and TBird (Tommy Jr.). 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.
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Farnam’s Platform® Feed Continues National Sponsorship with ASPC/AMHR 2010 Small equine owners are in for a big treat during 2010, as Farnam Companies, Inc. is continuing their sponsorship of the American Shetland Pony Club and American Miniature Horse Registry (ASPC/AMHR). As marketers of Farnam’s Platform® Miniature Horse and Pony Feed, Farnam Companies has supported the ASPC/AMHR since 2006. Farnam’s Platform® Miniature Horse and Pony Feed is specially formulated for the more efficient digestive systems of the miniature horse and pony to help reduce nutritionally-related problems such as obesity. “The feed has been well received by the small equine market and small equine owners across the country have come to rely on Farnam as a leader in the small equine industry,” said Johnny Robb, Director of Marketing for the ASPC/AMHR. “I use Farnam’s Platform® Miniature Horse and Pony Feed and am extremely pleased with the results.” In addition to producing specialized feed for small equines, Farnam has developed the SuperMask® Miniature Horse Fly Mask which is available in two sizes and three styles for small equines. “The products that Farnam has developed for small equines are really beneficial, and the ASPC and AMHR are thrilled that Farnam will continue our mutually beneficial agreement in 2010,” said Robb. “The development of the feed and the fly masks has filled a void in the small equine market and I know many pony and mini owners who are happily using the Farnam® products.”
Farnam will also continue their sponsorship of the Vetrolin® Grooming Awards program at the annual Shetland Pony Congress Show and the American Miniature Horse Registry National Championship Show. “We recognize that Shetland Pony and Miniature Horse markets are an important segment and are pleased to be able to support them again in 2010,” said Heather Hoff, senior vice president of Farnam Horse Products. “Farnam has supported the ASPC/AMHR national shows since 2006 and the partnership is a natural fit,” said Zona Schneider, ASPC/AMHR
Director of Operations. “The American Shetland Pony Club has been in existence for over 120 years and Farnam has been a leader in the horse care industry for more than 60 years, so we are especially pleased that these two industry icons are working together.” For more information on Shetland Ponies or Miniature Horses, visit www.shetlandminature.com. For more information on Farnam, visit their website at www.farnamhorse.com.
Farnam's Platform® Feed will continue their national sponsorship of the American Shetland Pony Club and American Miniature Horse Registry (ASPC/AMHR) during 2010. Z ona Schneider, right, ASPC/AMHR Director of Operations, thanks Chris Jacobi, senior vice president of Farnam Equine Products®, for supporting the small equine industry. MIDWEST HORSE DIGEST
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Professional’s Choice Evolves Popular Elite™ Sports Medicine Boot with Revolutionary New VenTECH™ Technology! Sports Medicine Boots Professional’s Choice Sports Medicine Products Inc. announces January 2010 launch of their reengineered core Sports Medicine Product line. The products will feature state of the art VenTECH™ technology. This advanced new technology incorporates ventilated neoprene, in addition to making these products breathable, it also enhances the products overall performance. “I didn’t think our Sports Medicine Boots could be improved until we reengineered them with VenTECH™ technology. The perforation provides added stretch, making them more flexible, breathable and more supportive. They actually perform better now, and really keep dirt out.” - Monty Crist, General Manager The Elite™ Sports Medicine Boot, known around
the word to be the ultimate in equine leg care protection, is now equipped with VenTECH™ technology. The boot provides 360° of protection, safeguarding the cannon bone, tendons, and soft tissue. It provides support and balance for the entire suspensory system for the horse. The perforation of both layers provides added stretch, flexibility, and enhances fit. Unlike other boots on the market, these boots are easy to apply and keep dirt out. When asked how these products differ from other products on the market, Dal Scott, Professional’s Choice President/Founder stated, “These products truly allow you to take your horse’s comfort and performance to the next level. Over the years, some of our customers have expressed
interest in a neoprene product that addresses the issue of heat retention. The ventilated technology of our new VenTECH™ line now ensures there is a Professional’s Choice product to accommodate the needs of every horseman.” Fun New VenTECH Elite PatternsNew for 2010, the SMB Elite™ is not only equipped with VenTECH™ technology, it’s also fashionable. In addition to the standard eleven solid colors, the VenTECH™ Elite also comes in giraffe, houndstooth, signature stars, and tie-dye. Visit www.profchoice.com to mix and match all your favorite color combinations. “The more comfortable the horse, the better the performance.” Professional’s Choice is a pioneer in producing products strictly with the well being of the horse in mind. As inventor and manufacturer of the original patented Sports Medicine Boot, the SMx Air Ride™ Saddle Pad, and now VenTECH™ technology, Professional’s Choice continually produces high quality products recognized by top trainers, professionals and everyday horseman all over the world. To locate an authorized Professional’s Choice dealer near you, call 800-331-9421 or visit the website at www.profchoice.com.
Minnesota Horse Expo 2010 – 28 years and Going Strong! Excitement, energy and enthusiasm mark the preparations for the 28th Minnesota Horse Expo scheduled for April 23-25 at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. Sponsored by the Minnesota Horse Council, profits from the annual event are used by the Council to fund equine career scholarships, trail projects, horse facility development and direct funding to horse organizations. In September, Expo President Glen Eaton present-
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ed a check for $200,000 to Minnesota Horse Council President Mark Ward representing the proceeds of the 2009 Minnesota Horse Expo. In addition to nationally known speakers and over 300 horses representing 50 different breeds, the Horse Expo brings together over 600 vendor booths offering most imaginable horse products and equipment for sale. Information about many horse-related organizations, causes and groups
is also available. If you are interested in receiving horse stall or vendor booth information, please contact the Expo Exhibit Director at glen@mnhorseexpo.org, 952-356-2090, or toll free at 877-462-8758. Keep an eye on the Expo website, www.mnhorseexpo.org for all the latest Expo info. Daily PRCA Rodeos and the huge 4-H managed Expo Used Tack and Clothing Sale are two crowd favorites returning to the 2010 Expo. The Priefert Texas Thunder, an explosive eight horse hitch of Percherons, driven by Jason Goodman, will perform at Expo and during each rodeo performance. One of the biggest things Goodman wanted to do with Texas Thunder from the beginning was to have both flash and a speed exhibition. The fast figure 8’s are really something with 19 hand, 2,200 pound horses that can side pass and jump that quickly. Goodman received his PRCA Specialty Act Card and will also be Roman Riding with the Percherons. Advance Expo and rodeo tickets will be available for purchase with the order form on the Expo website after March 1, 2010. The Expo Used Tack and Clothing sale is managed by Minnesota 4-H Horse Association and is their major fund raising event. The public is invited to consign items. A 20% commission fee is charged on all items sold at the Sale. All items are tagged using special tags provided to the consignors. Tags may be obtained from Curt Baumgart (320-355-2142) prior to the sale. Prices are established by the seller.
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www.horsedigests.com
Dressage - English
M a r y H a m i l t o n y r a Ask M answers your
training questions!
Ask Mary: What are the aid’s for leg yielding your horse? Leg yielding is a basic lateral movement. Your horse moves forward and sideways, away from the direction he is bent. What does that mean? In leg yielding – just as the name implies your horse is yielding sideways to your leg aid as he goes forward. It means when you are riding clockwise in the arena (def. on the right rein) your horse should have his head slightly bent to the right. To leg yield, turn early and ride up the quarter- line. Leg yield back to the wall of the arena by keeping your horse’s head slightly bend to the right. Your horse’s body stays straight as it moves
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forward and sideways to the left, until you are back riding along the arena wall. Leg yielding has many training benefits. It helps you get your horse in that magical place we call “on the bit”. It helps connect your inside leg to the outside rein. It motivates your horse to listen to your aids because he is not just following the track around the arena. It also encourages your horse to reach farther under his center and carry himself in a nice frame. How to do it: Here are the basic aids for leg yielding. Start by leg yielding at the walk. It’s easier to coordinate your aids at a slower gait. We will ride clockwise or on the right rein. 1. Begin by shortening your reins so you have contact with the outside rein (the left rein in this direction). There should be a straight line made by the rein from your hand to the bit. The reins should not be long and loopy. 2. Lift your inside hand (right hand in this direction) up to achieve an inside bend. (def. your horse looking a little right) 3. Turn early and ride up the quarter-line. Ride straight a few steps. Then ask for the sideway movement by sliding your inside leg (right
leg in this direction) back a few inches and press with rhythm to yield that hindquarters left. 4. Ask your horse to leg yield a few steps and then ride straight. Repeat this sequence until you are back to the wall of the arena. It’s important in this movement that the shoulder leads and is the first part of the horse to return to the wall. Once you have mastered this at the walk, try it at the trot. This is a great winter exercise to practice when you are tired of riding those endless circles around the arena. It teaches your horse to listen to your aids (he gets bored of those endless trips around the arena too) and pay attention to you the rider. Mary is a Mounted Police instructor and a fully insured ARICP riding instructor. She devotes her creative energy to developing customized training programs to improve show ring performance, mount obedience and despooking trail horses utilizing training methods used in training police horses. Visit her website at www.riderselite.com or email your questions to Mary at: mary@riderselite.comor visit www.riderselite.com
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Special Report:
Horses are an invaluable part of the livestock industry and the horse industry is actively committed to the humane treatment of the horse. H.R.503/S.727 is an unfunded mandate that fails to address the issues surrounding unwanted horses in the United States. For the complete information on the AWC works cited go to the www.animalwelfarecouncil.org.
Expert Predictions on Equine Welfare Realized In 2007, animal activists utilized the state legislative and legal systems in Illinois and Texas to close the three USDA-regulated horse processing plants in the United States. A year prior, veterinarians, scientists, and economists all equine specialists - highlighted the likely consequences of the plant closures in the Animal Welfare Council's (AWC) "The Unintended Consequences of a Ban on Humane Processing of Horses in the United States." Currently, as animal activist groups continue toward their goal of banning the transport of horses to Mexico and Canada for processing it seems the messages in the AWC's original document were ignored. An objective look at the current state of horses in America proves the expert forecast made in 2006 remains relevant today. Horse Industry and Veterinary Experts predicted that with the elimination of horse processing facilities in the United States, the welfare of horses would be jeopardized. Here are the Facts: 1. Experts said the closure of American plants would lead to an increase in abandoned and unwanted horses, putting a severe strain on the budgets of rescue facilities, sheriffs departments, and local governments. It did. In a recent national study conducted by the Unwanted Horse Coalition, over 90% of those polled indicated the number of neglected and abused horses is increasing. It requires about $2,340 to maintain a horse for one year. With no provisions for the care of unwanted horses, the financial burden has fallen to local taxpayers. 2. Experts said the closure of the USDAregulated plants would lead to increased equine neglect, abuse, and malnourishment. It did. There are many reports documenting the rise in neglect, abuse and abandonment including the report from the Colorado Department of Agriculture stating that the number of equine cruelty investigations in Colorado rose 60 percent from 2005 to 2009 .3. Experts predicted then that the closure of the plants in the United States would devastate the market for horses. It did. Livestock market owners now put the value of all horses at 40 percent of their 2005 price. What is the answer to the unwanted horse issue? It is clear that there will always be unwanted horses due to the fact that some horses simply won't meet their owner's expectations or will become ill or infirm. The horse industry has responded to the unwanted horse problem and is developing and implementing programs to reduce the number of unwanted horses. Experts agree that the passing of the pending legislation to ban the transport and commerce related to horse processing would exacerbate all of these issues. H.R.503/S.727 has no financial provisions for the care of unwanted horses. The question remains: Who will tend to the additional 100,000 unwanted horses currently being shipped to Canada and
Mexico for processing if this bill is passed? In a survey conducted by the Animal Welfare Council in 2009 of 94 government supported animal control centers 53% of respondents acknowledged there are no horse rescue facilities in their area and 83% of respondents cannot house or care for any horses. Animal activist proponents of the legislation do not have a viable plan for caring for the nation's unwanted horses.
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The Animal Welfare Council is a non-profit, tax exempt 501(C) (3) organization established for charitable and educational purposes. Membership includes organizations and business entities who are actively involved in caring for animals in recreation, entertainment, sport and industry.
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www.horsedigests.com Be the Rider Your Horse Deserves
Golden Rules of Ground Training,
Training Commands Part 5
start this lesson, make sure that your horse is equipped with a properly fitting halter with a longe line attached and leg protection. I prefer to use a longe line instead of a lead rope for ground training.
by Lynn Palm Basic ground-training commands will make life with your horse easier and safer. Before you
Teaching the “Come to Me” Command This command, also called “Follow Me,” teaches your horse to trust and accept you. This command, together with the “move away from me” command, is essential for the horse to learn to respect the handler and for safety. Position your horse so that his body is parallel to the wall of the stall so that it will be easier to keep him straight as you start the maneuver. While keeping the longe line loose, move two to three feet away from him towards the middle of the stall. Stand facing him and slightly in front of his left
PALM PARTNERSHIP TRAINING‘
shoulder. (Never stand directly in front of a horse.) Keep your longe line organized and loosely coiled and stacked in your hand. If there is any tension in the line, you will have a tendency to pull. One of the hardest things you must teach yourself is not to try to control the horse by pulling on the longe or lead. Never let the longe touch the ground because this is unsafe. Say “come to me” or simply “come” to your horse, using a mellow tone. Watch his ears and eyes for signs that he is listening and responding to you. If he starts to take a step towards you, you should back up as he continues to follow you while you praise him at the same time in a mellow but slightly different tone from the command tone. If the horse does not respond, give the voice command again to encourage him and add a light tension on the longe. Immediately release the tension if he steps toward you. As soon as he moves, praise him in your “reward” voice tone. Stop your movement and stroke his forehead as he stops with you Teaching the “Whoa” Command Once your horse understands the command to move forward, it’s time to teach “whoa,” or the command to stop. Your horse will “whoa” quicker when he is standing straight, so start the lesson with the horse standing parallel to the stall wall, as you did with the “come to me” command. Start by getting the horse to move forward in response to the “come to me” command. Be sure you are standing in front, but slightly to the side of your horse so that he does not walk into you if he doesn’t stop. As the horse moves toward you, raise your hand in front of his face like a stop sign and at the same time say “whoa” in a deep, commanding voice. When he stops, praise him with a stroke on his forehead. Sometimes a horse may be surprised and bring his head up in response to your hand being held up in front of him. If this happens, use your voice and give him a pet to reassure him. Ask him to move forward again, just a few steps, and repeat the “whoa” command. Immediately praise him when he complies. If your horse fails to stop or moves in too close to you, use your hand on the side of his head to push him away. Do not move him away by pulling against the longe line or lead rope. Many people have the tendency to steer a horse from his under his head using the lead, or by pushing on the middle of his neck. To truly control a horse’s head, you need to have contact on the middle of his head. The middle of a horse’s head is half way between his ears and his muzzle, at the jaw area. It will be close to where the halter’s cheek piece touches his head.
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Experiment with your horse until you find this spot. When you find it you will be able to move his head away easily with the slightest contact. Teaching the “Move Away From Me” Command The “move away from me” command teaches the horse to move away from pressure, which is a key concept for your horse to understand other ground work and under saddle training. Once your horse knows this command, it becomes a tool that helps teach your horse respect and helps keep a safe space between you. The first step I use to teach this command is to get the horse to move away from me by shaking or “throwing” the longe line towards him. Once he understands that this means to move away, minimize the shaking of the line as you do this gesture. This is an important tool to get the horse to move away from you for safety. He should be able to move away from you, at your command, without tension being placed on the lead. To introduce the next step, put your right hand on the point of the horse’s shoulder while your left hand serves as a gentle guide to keep his head straight during the maneuver. Any excess line should be held in your right hand. Gently push, or use a vibrating touch, to move the horse’s shoulder away from you. Give a “cluck” to reinforce teaching him to “move” or “go forward.” Follow his motion with your body while your other hand maintains a light contact with his halter to guide his head straight. Do not put any more tension on the halter than you have on his shoulder. The instant that he responds by taking one step, stop and praise him with a soft mellow voice tone, and a pet. Learn how to build a partnership with your horse from the ground up with Palm Partnership Training?. Ground training is covered in detail in my Longevity Training Visual Series. You can order these videos and other helpful training products at www.lynnpalm.com.
HUMOR TODAY My Position A Congressman was once asked about his attitude toward whiskey. “If you mean the demon drink that poisons the mind, pollutes the body, desecrates family life, and inflames sinners, then I’m against it.” “But if you mean the elixir of Christmas cheer, the shield against winter chill, the taxable potion that puts needed funds into public coffers to comfort needy children, then I’m for it.” “This is my position, and I will not comprmise.”
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Performance Horses
www.horsedigests.com proper position is coursed into a good run. This sets the tone and is the deciding factor of when you are following or controlling the cow and whether or not you will get a good tight first turn, which enables you to get a good second, and so on. This is when I see people get in the most trouble, not leaving the end on time with the cow. If you are going to run down the fence on your right side, you want to take your cow to the far left of the end of the pen when you are boxing, then you can use the whole other end of the pen to get into position, drive, and let your horse rate the cow. You want to keep the nose of your horse directly on the cow’s hip. This is the point of balance; if you are too far ahead the cow will stop and if you are too far behind, the cow will pop out off the fence. In this position you will drive the cow across the end around the corner and down the fence. When you come out of the corner you want to slowly start to accelerate up on the cow and move in closer to enable you to make a tight turn. If your turn is not tight you get a one-point penalty for every cow length you run past the cow. After the middle marker you want to ease past the cow. Normally when the cow’s head is at your stirrup the cow will shut down. If you try to pull in to soon the cow can run under your horse’s neck or get into a pushing match with your horse and you can’t get by him to stop him, so it is important to get the horse by the cow before you turn to stop him. You have to make one right turn and one left hand turn, but you can make more, if need be, if your cow is still running too fast or you did not get him popped off the fence to circle him. Once you turn the cow you normally have a small window of opportunity to jump up in between the cow and the fence to execute the third maneuver of a fence run – the circling. We want to move up on the cow very quickly and get to his head to turn him. The judge does not want to see you following the cow in a circle. The judge wants to see you pushing on the cow and instigating the turn for total control and domination. That’s a cow horse fence run. If you have never experienced it, there is nothing like it. There are a lot of things that can go wrong when you are working with a cow, but that is what makes it interesting, challenging, and entertaining.
Down the Fence
by Monty Bruce Going down the fence ... the fastest, wildest, most exhilarating ride on dirt! You are not running a pattern, you’re not running a clock, you are trying to contain and control a bovine that is not particularly known for cooperation. You’re going 40 mph to 0 and somewhere in the middle of 0 you are swapping directions ... and then back to 40 mph again in 2.5 seconds, all while trying to stay in control of a critter that doesnít want to be controlled. It’s a wild, hell bent for leather, dash down the rail to stop and turn the cow to go the other direction. Then out to the center of the pen to push him into a full circle each direction... shutting him down as the final move of domination and control, leaving the cow bewildered and subdued. That’s fence work, and the fun thing about the fence runs is that each one is a new adventure. Cattle are unpredictable and every run is different. There is a saying, “the cow horse event is won and lost in the cow work (or fence work).” This is so true. I have been leading in points and in a position to win a futurity on more than one occasion, then things fell
apart in the fence work. You can slip way down in placing or not place at all. There are three main parts to a fence run and some key ingredients to a successful one. Boxing the cow is the first part of the fence work. The obvious reason for boxing is to show the judge your horse has the cow savvy and moves to hold the cow at the end of the arena. Be sure when you call for your cow you are only about half way down the arena and you position yourself directly in front of the gate that the cow is coming out of, so the cow doesn’t have any advantage on you. The reason you want to stay plenty far back from the end is because it’s a lot easier to move towards the cow if you need to than to give ground if the cow comes too fast towards you. The second reason for boxing is to take a bit of air out of the cow, to avoid getting outrun down the fence (hopefully), and to get a feel for what kind of cow you have. The third reason for boxing is that you can stop the cow hard a couple of times before
you go down the fence, hopefully gaining a bit of respect from the cow before you turn him at a dead run. The next part of a fence run is taking the cow down the rail, past the center marker and turning him before the end marker, then back down for at least one more turn. Getting the cow set up and learning the end on time and in
Good luck and God bless, Monty Bruce Monty Bruce Training Center is a full service equine facility specializing in the “Performance Horse”, providing superior care and training for all your equine needs. Monty has a low pressure style of training that focuses on “teaching the horse, not forcing the horse” and also works to teach the rider with motivational tips, theories and goal setting. If you have any questions or would like more info visit our website at www.MontyBruce.com
26 March 2010
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Minnesota Horse Council Scholarship Winners Named at Annual Meeting
Scholarship Winners, left to rt: Laura Dunlavy, Jordan Kurtz, Annie Favreau, Kristi Takasaki, Danielle Gunder, Ellie Voss, Lauren Haverstock, Michelle Wiberg, Philip Kieffer, far right, Trina Joyce, scholarship chair and Mark Ward, MHC President
HUMOROUS LAWS Horses in Marshalltown, Iowa, are not allowed to eat fire hydrants. _____________ In Kansas, it’s illegal to steal a chicken during the day.
28 March 2010
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Equine Central 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 - 507-943-3355 mark@horsdigests.com peg@horsedigests.com
30 March 2010
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Horsemanship for Women
own skills in order to keep my personal commitment to the horses in my life and be generous in helping those who have asked for it. This next one is difficult for men to understand, but most women live with the fear of what others might think of us! Men simply aren’t programmed to think this way or even understand it, but most women are tormented by this in many areas of our life. What we say, how we act, how we dress, what we do and how we do it… all comes from our need to be liked. Rather than deciding that nothing and no one will stand in our way of advancing our skills with horses, we tend to make little adjustments, hesitate or hold back from what we would do without this inhibition in our life. One of the best sayings I remind myself with is… what other people think of us is none of our business! Another fear that keeps people from putting themselves in a clinic environment is whether the knowledge will be of value to them with their horse. The decision to participate in a horsemanship clinic is personal, but by far the two most common reasons people share is that they’re either getting back into horses after raising their kids or they’ve had a serious accident they’re trying to recover from. The latter is what most disturbs me because I was on that very path with my first horse before I was flat-out coerced into particip ating in a horsemanship clinic in the late 80’s. I’d had some close calls, but thought that was just part of owning a horse… I simply did not know what I didn’t know. Apologizing to my husband the entire drive to that first clinic, I could not explain what the clinic was about or what I hoped to gain… this gal had simply talked me into going! Today, I can honestly say that if I’d not been talked into going when I did that I would sadly not have horses in my life today. I either would have been bored with equitation lessons inside an arena forever, hurt in some unforeseen incident or worse. This is the single most important reason I teach today. Believe me, there are easier jobs with retirement plans and stock options… I’ve been there! But there are no jobs that are for me more rewarding… especially when people, particularly women, feel empowered with the knowledge, tools, techniques and a commonsense philosophy designed to enhance the interaction that strengthens their bond with horses. Fear of anything new, different or unknown is natural for everyone. When we learn how to recognize our real fears and have the greatest desire to move through them we discover the key to advancing our skills in anything. Don’t let anyone or anything distract or discourage you from what you want with horses especially yourself! “Courage is when something becomes more important to you than your fear.”- Unknown Karen Scholl is an equine behaviorist and educator of “Horsemanship for Women” in handson and video courses. Learn more about her program by visiting karenscholl.com or call 888-2383447.
“Nothing to Fear” by Karen Scholl
In his inaugural address in 1933, U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt had great insight when he said, “There’s nothing to fear but fear itself.” It’s not uncommon to read articles addressing fear with horses, usually targeted towards the more fearful gender - women. I’ve addressed this issue myself in interviews and articles, but to me there are less-obvious fears affecting even more people, regardless of gender or interest, hobbyist or professional. These are the real fears that prevent us from expanding our knowledge with horses. They include the fear of being embarrassed or made to feel stupid, fear of being hurt or getting into a risky situation, or even the fear that we may have to admit we’ve been doing things wrong, maybe for years! Human nature keeps most of us within our comfort zone where things are familiar and beliefs go unchallenged. Because perceptions are our reality, these kinds of fear can keep us from accessing the very knowledge that would give us more understanding and further expand our skills with horses. Recognizing these natural tendencies, I like to begin my clinics with a little visit. I begin by asking everyone who was nervous about coming to raise their hand… it’s rare when someone doesn’t. There’s a sigh of relief when folks realize they weren’t the only one apprehensive about coming to the event. I then tell them the best news… the hardest part of attending the clinic is over! Making arrangements to be gone, coordinating travel, being nervous about hauling or what’s going to happen… that part’s done. Now they can relax and actually enjoy the learning process over the next three to five days. That’s right… the learning process should be enjoyable! I make it very clear that I won’t be yelling or barking instructions at anyone… ever! It’s not uncommon to witness instructors who believe raising their voice somehow accelerates the learning process, and most people admit to having paid good money to be yelled at! I find the
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opposite to be true, especially for women, who will shut down to a point of tears when put under this kind of pressure. It’s important to also clarify that if there’s a sudden intensity in my voice, it means that you are in (or about to be in) a risky situation, respond instantly, and we can talk about it later! With those two points made, the supportive atmosphere of the clinic is established and continues throughout the weekend or week-long intensive course. Another major hesitation for most women is the fear of doing it wrong. Logic tells us that making mistakes is the only way to learn something new, but it goes against our nature to feel like our horse is somehow suffering from our mistakes. Golf clubs, tennis rackets or pianos don’t have to put up with our awkward learning stages, so we don’t struggle with these kinds of feelings when learning other activities. Because men tend to learn while doing, they have a more natural level of comfort in the active stage of the learning process. This is one of the reasons that women have a tendency to talk extensively, while men sit squirming in their seats, anxious to get out there and do it! This is why my clinics are designed to provide an effective balance of both explanation and hands-on practice. While men want to know how to do something, women need to know why. The time taken to describe and discuss an approach in progressive stages helps a woman feel more prepared and less vulnerable to the physical risk of interacting with horses. There is also a caution to women that we can develop a tendency to over-analyze and talk something to death, developing a pattern of avoidance to our fear of ‘doing it wrong.’ The extreme example of this is what I describe as the ‘clinic junkie’… someone who has read all the books, watched every video, attended every kind of clinic and can recite their knowledge forward and backward, but are unable to actually DO the techniques. Deep down, they know their knowledge is not reflected in their skill, but have learned to distract others by being somewhat righteous and quite vocal about what they know. Another indicator is a tendency to be instantly critical of a different approach, opinion or technique. I believe it’s a sign of true mastery to seek out and consider new information. We don’t need to agree with it, but remaining curious and respectful is essential to gaining knowledge about horses. Most people have come across someone caught in this trap of professing to know everything about horses, and I used to think I could help these folks with more information… until I realized that they weren’t looking for more information and anything I attempted to say was cut short and used to fuel their next criticism. It has taken many years for me to learn that all I can really do is remain steadfast about furthering my
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New Location for UMBHA Shows U.M.B.H.A. (Upper Midwest Buckskin Horse Association), Board has made the decision to move the location of the UMBHA Shows from the Wild West Days Grounds in Viroqua to the Jackson County Fairgrounds in Black River Falls Wisconsin (Hwy 54 West, Black River Falls, WI). The new location will provide: indoor arena, outdoor arena, stalls, camping and bathrooms with showers. U.M.B.H.A. is a charter member of I.B.H.A. (International Buckskin Horse Association), and provides a full class list including cattle classes and special AQHA events. 2010 show dates are June 5-6, July 10-11, August 28-29 and October 2-3. Please mark your calendar with these dates and plan to attend these shows. For more show information please call Michele Giraud-President 608 343-5690, stall and camping reservations Gary Snorek 608 6245959, cattle entries and questions Matthew Davison 608 489-2932, Show manager Katrina Edge 608 391-0599.
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Trail Horse
www.horsedigests.com ISSUES IN THE SADDLE
What to do with a horse that bolts, runs off with rider! by Julie Goodnight
Question: Julie, I have been riding a good 15-20 years but most intensively the last 5-6....I have a 13 year old Thoroughbred cross that I ride in dressage. I have had him almost 5 years. He has always been on the tense, spooky side but all spooking was usually in-place or a short-lived minor scoot. I have an outdoor arena and this October he began bolting with me across the arena. Then out of arena into his "safe" paddock, then into the field where I ultimately bailed out as I felt a fall was inevitable. He does not buck while bolting but just stiffens his neck like a rock, grabs the bit and goes, out of control. My trainer saw this happen during a lesson and was concerned this was obviously becoming a habit. I always dealt with it by putting him right back to work, even when I fell off, I got right back on. I did dismount
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a few times, back him up with the dressage whip and then got back on. He is clever and strong and I cannot find a way to stop him when he stiffens his neck when he bolts. I brought him to a stable mid-December for indoor arena winter boarding. He did it again, twice, in the indoor, with the trainer there. Sadly, I have now become afraid, anticipating the spook that will cause the bolt. The bolt, I'm pretty sure is induced by a spook. I don't believe he is bolting just because. What gets him spooking? Roosting wild turkeys in the woods behind arena and revving engines (car), but especially the ATV. In the indoor, again revving engines and any noise from outside of the arena...of course snow sliding off roof is a biggie. The horse is progressing in his dressage and his musculature has changed dramatically, he is quite fit. My trainer describes him as a 4-5 year old mentality even though he is 13. Do you think your ground manner dvd will help me on my way? Can you suggest another plan of action for me? Michelle Answer: Michelle, Runaway horses are dangerous for you, for the horse and for others around you and it is a problem that should be corrected immediately; but once again, it takes an expert hand to correct such a serious problem. Regardless of what is triggering his episodes of flight, he is extremely disobedient and he has learned this trick well. Probably the sounds he is spooking at, are just a trigger mechanisms; the runaway behavior is well engrained, learned behavior that he has had success with and there is nothing you can do to unlearn that. A skilled rider can correct this behavior and prevent it from happening and eventually, with no further episodes over a long period of time, the horse’s routine behavior will not include bolting, but he will always know how to get away with it if he chooses to. There are two keys to dealing with a runaway: prevention and cure. Keep the neck bent to prevent the horse from bolting and be able to use the ‘pulley rein,’ quickly and effectively to stop the horse in a safe and highly effective manner. Your horse cannot grab the bit and run off without stiffening his neck first. Any time you need more control over any horse, whether he
is spooking, bolting, or being otherwise disobedient or fractious, you want to keep the neck slightly bent, with the nose to one side or the other by lifting one rein. In that position, you have more control and can pick up one rein to gain leverage over the horse. When his neck is stiff and straight, you are in a pound for pound tug of war that you cannot win because his head and neck weigh more than your entire body. This is why using one rein is more effective than using two; two reins encourages your horse to stiffen his neck and brace against the pull on the reins. As with all training, timing is everything and the rider must be able to see ‘what happens before what happens happens.’ Your horse will give signs that he is thinking about bolting, like reaching for the bit, throwing his head up or straightening and stiffening his neck. This should be met with sudden and harsh correction before he grabs the bit and bolts, with one rein to rebend the horse’s neck and check his obedience. The pulley rein is described in detail in the Q&A section of my website and is a means to stop a runaway horse, using one rein, but without turning the horse. It is dangerous to try and turn or circle a runaway horse because the chances of him falling are good. The pulley rein gives you a means to apply leverage with one rein, with a slight bend in the horse’s neck and if you are skilled with the pulley rein, you can stop any horse right on his nose. Your trainer is right to be concerned that this horse’s dangerous behavior is escalating. Certainly doing ground work will help with the horse’s obedient frame of mind, but this is an engrained riding issue that will have to be addressed in the saddle, by someone who is very competent at dealing with runaways. In clinics we always deal with training issues as they arise and this problem of yours is definitely part of a biggerpicture problem that a general horsemanship would address. As long as the horse does not pose a danger to the other riders, you and he would most likely benefit from the clinic; however, I think the MA clinic is already full to riders. Not knowing your riding and training capabilities and not being able to see the big picture, it is difficult for me to prescribe another course of action for you but hopefully this has given you some food-for-thought on which to make some decisions about what to do with this horse. You should definitely consider some professional training or finding a horse that is safer and more suitable. 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. In 2008 she was named Equine Affaire's Exceptional Equestrian Educator--one of only three awards ever given. Visit www.juliegoodnight.com.
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LAW
in a will and does not take effect until the settlor’s death. An inter vivos trust takes effect when it is created – i.e. while the settlor is still alive. The advantage to an inter by Leah A. Indrelie Loomis vivos trust is that it will be already functioning when the horse, who is the legal beneficiary of the you die. This will avoid any possible delay in trust. This avoids the issue of animals being the funds becoming available for use by the unable to be beneficiaries. The human benefici- trustee after your death. An inter vivos trust can ary also fulfills the requirements of the Rule also operate to provide care for your horse Against Perpetuities. The trustee has a duty to should you become disabled or otherwise ensure that the caregiver is properly providing incapable of providing such care. However, there for your horse according to your instructions. are additional costs associated with setting up The trustee distributes the funds in the trust to and administrating an inter vivos trust and the caregiver to pay for the horse’s care. inter vivos trust are not always necessary. In setting up a pet trust, you should name A testamentary trust takes effect upon the at least one alternative caregiver in the event death of the settlor when the will is declared that your first choice is unwilling or unable to valid. A testamentary trust is less expensive than act as caregiver of your horse. It is also a good an inter vivos trust. However, there may be a idea to name a shelter or other facility as a gap between the time of your death and when last resort if there are no willing caregivers for your will is probated during which time funds may your horse at the time of your death. In choosing not be available to care for your horse. caregivers, you should consider any specialized Careful planning can give you peace of mind knowledge or skills required to care for your knowing that your horse will not be forgotten horse, ability to provide the necessary facilities, after your death and will continue to enjoy and general considerations such as trustworthi- their quality of life even after your passing. Your ness and whether it will be a good fit between particular circumstances will dictate which your horse and that caregiver. option is best for you. Further, there are many You should also name at least one alterna- complications that can arise in creating an tive trustee. The trustee will need to have some estate plan that include your horses. It is impordegree of knowledge of horses so that they tant to consult an attorney to ensure that the can assess whether your horse is being well plan you create is the most appropriate and cared for by the caregiver. Having a professional effective for your particular circumstances. trustee or an entity act as a trustee may not NOT LEGAL ADVICE: This article has been always be appropriate in pet trust situations, depending on the particular circumstances, prepared for general information purposes only. since pet trusts requires the trustee to monitor The information in the article is not legal advice. Legal advice is dependent upon the the well-being of an animal. Determining the amount of funds to be put specific circumstances of each situation. Also, in the trust is another important factor. An the law may vary from State to State, so that amount that is too high may increase the some information in this article may not be likelihood your heirs will contest it or it may correct for your jurisdiction. The information in result in the court interfering if the court thinks this article cannot replace the advice of the amount is unreasonably high. On the other competent legal counsel licensed in your state. hand, an amount that is too low could 2010 Copyright, All rights reserved. Leah A. potentially result in financial hardship for the horse’s caregiver. Some considerations include Indrelie Loomis Leah A. Indrelie Loomis is an attorney at the number of horses, the horse’s standard of living, the day to day costs of that care, the life Bloomquist Law Firm, LLC, a small firm in expectancy of each horse, and any medical Chaska, Minnesota and practices in the area of issues the horse may have and the costs equine law, estate planning and family law. associated with those medical concerns. You L L o o m i s @ B l o o m q u i s t L a w . c o m ; www.bloomquistlaw.com. should also factor in funds for emergency care. There are many advantages of having a pet trust over a will provision in planning for your horse’s care. The most important advantage is that unlike a will provision, the direction that your horse be provided and cared for is enforceable in a pet trust. Further, a pet trust allows you to leave specific instructions as to the care of the horse. While you can and should include information for caring for your horse in a will provision, these are merely requests for how to take care of your horse, not instructions. In contrast, a trust can include specific instructions and it is the duty of the trustee to see that they are being followed by the caregiver. The trust can be either an inter vivos trust or a testamentary trust. An inter vivos trust is one which is created while you (the “settlor”) are still alive. A testamentary trust is one that is included
Estate Planning for Animals Most of us are aware of the importance of planning for the future and we have an estate plan in place to protect our family and loved ones in the event of our passing. But many of us overlook what is often a very important part of our family: our animals. What happens if we do not outlive our animals? Who will care for them? And how can we ensure that our animals will enjoy the same quality of life after our death as they did when we were alive and caring for them? These are important questions for any pet owner to deal with. These issues become even more complex when dealing with animals that require the amount of resources, facilities, and even expertise that are needed to provide for horses. The law in this area is not perfect, but horse owners do have options for ensuring their animals will not suffer from lack of care after the owner’s death or incapacity. While this article focuses on planning for the care of your horses, the principles discussed are generally applicable to all pet animals. The first option is to provide for your horses in your will. Horses, like all pet animals, are considered personal property under the law. Therefore, your will cannot gift any money or other property directly to the horse. Any provision attempting to do so is void. You can, however, direct in your will that your horse is to be given to a trusted person. You can then also give that person an amount of money or funds, either through your will or as a lifetime gift, and request that those funds be used to care for the horse. The problem is that you can only request that the funds be used to care for the horse. That request is not enforceable. This, of course, can be problematic as it does not ensure that the person will actually care for your horse. The second option is to create a “pet trust” for the purpose of caring for your pet. Traditionally, trusts for the benefit of animals are unenforceable because (1) animals, as personal property themselves, cannot be the beneficiary of the trust since they cannot hold title to property, (2) there is no one to enforce the trust since the animal cannot enforce the trust, and (3) they were interpreted to violate a complicated legal rule called the Rule Against Perpetuities. Most states have now adopted legislation that overcomes these hurdles and allows for valid trusts that directly benefit animals. Minnesota is one of the few states that has not adopted such legislation. However, Minnesota horse owners can still provide for their horses through setting up a traditional trust. To set up a trust in Minnesota for the care of your horse, you give your horse and adequate funds to care for the horse to a trusted person. You are the “settler” of the trust and the trusted person is the “trustee.” The trustee is under an obligation to deliver the horse to the person whom you designate as the caregiver of the horse. This caregiver is the “beneficiary” of the trust. In this set up, it is the human caregiver, not
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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 York Hills Horse Park, Albion, 260-564-0305, www.yorkhillshorsepark.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,
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IL.; 217-935-8722 Fox Ridge State Park, Charleston, IL. 217-345-6416 Giant CityState Park, Makanda, IL.; 618-457-4836 Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park, Sheffield, IL.; 815-454-2328 Kankakee River State Park, Bourbonnais, IL.; 815-933-1383 Lake Le-Aqua-Ne State Park, Bourbonnais, IL.; 815-369-4282 MatthiessenState Park, Utica, IL.; 815-667-4868 Middle Fork State Fish and Wildlife Area, Collison, IL.; 217-442-4915 Moraine View State Park, Leroy, IL.; 309-724-8043 Newton Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area, Newton, IL.; 618-783-3478 Pere Marquette State Park, Grafton, IL.; 618-786-2156 Rock Cut State Park, Loves Park, IL.; 815-885-3311 Shawnee National Forest, Harrisburg, IL.; 618-253-7114 Weinbrg-King State Park, Augusta, IL.; 217-392-2345
IOWA - Trail Rides Amana Trail Ride, Amana Colonies, Amana, IA.; 319-462-2206, www.amanatrailride.com Natural Gait, Harpers Ferry, IA, 877-776-2208, www.thenaturalgail.com, ntrlgait@acegroup.cc 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
Natural Gait, Harpers Ferry, IA, 877-776-2208, www.thenaturalgail.com, ntrlgait@acegroup.cc River Valley Horsecamp, Farmington, 319-8783888, www.rivervalleyhorsecamp.com MINNESOTA - Trail Rides Bush Wacker Trail Ride Club, Huntersville Fall Trail Ride, Huntersville, MN.; 218-894-0056 Outback Ranch, Inc., Houston, MN.; 507-896-5550, www.outbackranch.com Overnight Stabling Outback Ranch, Inc., Houston, MN.; 507-896-5550, www.outbackranch.com Public Lands Arrow Head State Park, Tower, MN.; 218-753-6256 Chippewa National Forest, Deer River, MN.; 218-246-2123 Heartland State Trail, Nevis, MN.; 218-652-4054 Lake Louise State Park, LeRoy, MN.; 507-324-5249 Maplewood State Park, Pelican Rapids, MN.; 218-863-8383 North Shore State Trail, Two Harbors, MN.; 218-834-5238 Pillsbury State Forest, Brainerd, MN.; 218-828,2557 Taconite State Trail, Tower, MN.; 218-753-2580 ext.250 NORTH DAKOTA - Trail Rides Badlands Trail Rides, Killdeer, ND.; 701-764-8000, www.badlandstrailrides.com Tennessee Walking Horse Associaiton of North Dakota Trail Ride, Grassy Butte/Turtle River State Park, 701-947-2190 Riding Vacations Knife River Ranch Vacations, Golden Valley, ND.; 701-983-4290, www.kniferiverranch.com Little Knife Outfitters, Watford City, ND.; 701973-4331, www.littleknifeoutfitters.com Public Lands Fort Ransom State Park, Fort Ransom, ND.; 701-973-4331 SOUTH DAKOTA - Trail Rides Blue Sky Ranches, Custer State Park, 520824-1660, www.blueskyranches.com
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Broken Arrow Horse Camp, Custer, SD: 605673-4471, www.brokenarrowcampground.com Hay Creek Ranch, Nemo, SD: 605-578-1142, www.haycreekranch.net Krieger Cattle Company, Burke, SD: 605-775-2113 Riding Vacations Bitter Sweet Ranch and Camp, HillCity, SD: 605-574-2324, wwwbitterseetranchcamp.com Broken Arrow Horse Camp, Custer,SD: 605-673-4471, www.brokenarrowcampground.com Hay Creek Ranch, Nemo, SD: 605-578-1142, www.haycreekranch.net Gunsel Horse Adventures, Rapic City, SD 605-343-7608, www.gusdelhorseadventures.com Salt Camp Cabins and Bed and Breakfast, Rosebud, SD: 605-747-2206, saltcamp@gwtc.net WISCONSIN - Trail Rides Bremer Creek LLD, Mondovi, WI.; 608-323-3092, www.bremercreek.com Riding Vacations
Bremer Creek LLD, Mondovi, WI.; 608-323-3092, www.bremercreek.com Palmquist Farm, Brantwood, WI.; 715-564-2558, www.palmquistfarm.com Spur of the Moment Ranch,LLC,Mountain, WI.;800-644-8783. www.spurofthemomentranch.org Public Lands Black River State Park, Black River Falls, WI; 715-284-4103 Brule River State Forest, Douglas County, WI.; 715-372-4866 Castle Rock Trails, Arkdale, WI.; 608-564-2233 Governor Dodge State Park ,Dodgeville, WI.; 608-935-2315 Haymeadow Flowage, Chippewa Falls, WI.; 715-726-7880 Kerrle Moraine State Forest, Campbellsport WI.; 262-626-2116; 262-594-6200 Lake Wissota State Park, Chippewa Falls; 715-382-4574 Token Creek County Park, Madison,WI.; 608-246-3896 Wild Rock Park, Neilsville, WI.; 715-743-5140
Woodstar Products NEW FOR 2010! Woodstar Products, Inc., Delavan, Wisconsin is proud to announce a new line of horse stalls for 2010. The "Brentwood" series is scheduled to make its debut in February.This "state of the art" stall, designed with the discriminating equestrian in mind, portrays European style at its finest. The "open front" look is inviting to both horse and horse owner and reflects the qualities of both freedom and security. What sets the "Brentwood" apart from other European style stalls is not only the affordable price, but also the many styles in which the door is available. Because the door is wood and not steel channeled, Woodstar is able to offer its customers a wide variety of styles and designs, not available through other manufacturers. The "warmth & character" of wood is displayed at its finest in this new line of upscale, affordable stalls. Visit Woodstar Products, Inc. at www.woodstarproducts.com
Midwest Horse Digest is Online, plus you’ll find More Articles, Videos, Photo Classifieds and Back Issues
www.horsedigests.com MIDWEST HORSE DIGEST
March 2010 37
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Trail Horse
IT’LL BE FINE! by Doug Lindgren
I would like to begin this article by thanking Rahn Greimann and Peg and Mark Bahls for giving me the opportunity to be a part of Midwest Horse Digest. It is an honor to be added to the long list of contributors to this publication, most of them well-known in the horse world. I am Doug Lindgren, owner of Hay Creek Ranch Horse Campground, located in the beautiful Northern Black Hills of South Dakota. I am not a clinician and I don’t have anything to sell you, no tapes, videos or widgets. I do have a lifetime of experience with horses. Growing up in northwest Iowa I was a farm kid lucky enough to have a Grandpa and Dad who loved horses and raised horses and ponies for all kinds of uses. Grandpa used to tell folks looking for a pony for their children, “There is no better babysitter than a well-trained pony.” Grandpa was justified in that statement because he had 4 grandkids that were the proof. As youngsters we spent time almost every day with our ponies and horses. We learned to ride at a very early age, as well as learning to drive our ponies. All of my learning comes from experience. I never had a lesson or coach. I have to give credit to Grandpa and Dad, but most of the credit really goes to all of the horses I have
worked with in the last 50 years. The horse is the real teacher, if we pay attention. Any good teacher will tell you they learn as much from their students as the students learn from them. The same is true in the horse world. I think kids and adults are always betterrounded people after having cared for and worked with these wonderful animals. They teach us a lot about ourselves, sometimes more than we want to know. If we pay attention to our reactions to the horse and the horse’s reactions to us we begin to be more responsive to everything around us. It is at that moment we begin to see our horses differently and realize they are telling us their wants, needs and expectations. We start to understand herd mentality, issues of timing and space, and the need to provide leadership and a job for our horse. Horses are a lot like people. Most are terribly lazy, but give them good leadership and a job they enjoy and you will have a satisfied horse. As we begin this journey together I hope to start all of us thinking; thinking about the horse, why we own them and love them, what purpose they serve and how do we help them become better at whatever we have intended for them. I also want to attempt to help you become a better horseman. I have ridden a lot of horses for people and in most cases training the horse was easy. Getting the owner/rider to the same level sometimes isn’t! I hope to begin setting both you and your horse up for success. This will happen by building on knowledge you most likely already have and just haven’t had the confidence to use. Many great horsemen have done a good job describing basic tools and methods to practice in the round pen, like move the horse’s feet, gain respect, etc. All very important, although at some point we need to give the horse the job we intended and go to work!.That means we have to open the gate and get out into the real world. It is time to graduate and experience life. Sure, this may seem scary but it is no different than leaving high school or college. We all survived. “It will be fine” is a phrase I use a lot, because it’s true! We grow when we step out of our comfort zone and take on new and exciting challenges and so do our horses. We have a regular guest at Hay Creek Ranch who has become a dear friend. She started riding at the age of 50 and has become a good rider. She, and her horse Mac, have had lots of new experiences and taken on lots of challenges she never thought possible a few
years ago. I remember times when she would say “Mac can’t do this”. I would respond “It’ll be fine.” and away we would go. She was always amazed when Mac did what she didn’t think he could do! Mac was always capable of doing what his rider requested but my friend had a confidence issue. She sees that now and she is the one leading the way, saying “It’ll be fine!”. So let’s get started ! You must recognize that when I work with a horse I’m on “Hay Creek Ranch time”. That is, time isn’t an issue. I realize that this is not the case for most of you and I know how very lucky I am to have the luxury of time to do what I love. I don’t wear a watch and I set no time limit for a task to be complete. I always expect the horse to tell me when we have had a successful session. Progress comes in small steps, using a lot of patience, confidence, trust and, most importantly, time. This includes time on the ground, time at the Tree of Knowledge (more on that subject at another time), time on the trail and time in the saddle. My first concern when I work with a horse or mule is to keep the animal as quiet and as comfortable as possible while gaining the outcome I want. I recently acquired a two-yearold jenny mule I call Sally. Sally did not want me to put a hand on her. I could have run Sally in the corner or moved her in a round pen until she faced me, but I chose to let her decide that I’m ok, and certainly no threat. When I gave Sally her hay I stayed between her and her food as she circled me, trying to find a way to the bunk without coming near me. This “applied pressure” kept her away for several minutes, but then she decided getting food was worth being touched. As soon as she let me pet her face, neck and shoulder I stepped away (released the pressure) and let her eat, rewarding her good behavior. The next day I repeated the same process and this time Sally circled only a couple of times before coming near enough for me to pet her. After a few pats I stepped away and let her eat The third day it only took a few seconds for her to come to the bunk, accept being touched and get her meal. My patience and consistency has given Sally the tools to trust me and she no longer tries to avoid my touch, even if there isn’t hay involved! Until next time, remember “It’ll be fine!” Doug and Jody Lindgren own and operate Hay Creek Ranch near Nemo, SD. Doug rides 2-10 hours every day, spring, summer and fall, training horses to be great trail horses. You can visit their website at www.haycreekranch.net
Hay Creek Ranch
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MIDWEST HORSE DIGEST
A Laminitis Free Transition to Spring Pastures, Is it Possible? Thanks in part to the growing popularity of natural hoof care, there is a growing body of information to support a nutritionally based approach to maintaining or restoring your horse’s health. This information comes from a variety of sources including veterinarians, hoof care professionals, and other equine health professionals. The ideas and information these people are sharing sprung from a variety of sources. One of these is the observation of the mustang population of the western U.S. Like their domestic counterparts, these horses have to make a transition from the dry, ‘dead’ grass and forages of winter to the lush, green bounty that spring affords. They, however, do it founder free without anyone limiting their grazing time, wearing a grass muzzle or doing anything but what they darn well please. So how do they do it? While there may not be any clinical trials or double blind research results answering this question I believe there is value in looking at the conditions and habits of these animals and letting these observations guide our own horse care. Here’s what we know about the mustang lifestyle, how does it compare to your herd? One, even in spring when food starts to become plentiful, the herds continue to travel many miles each day (an average of 10 -30 according to various sources) moving from grazing areas to water to social areas, back to grazing areas, then to ‘camping’ areas where they sleep or rest, on to favored mineral licks and so on. Two, because they have access to thousands of acres wild horses can find great variety in what they eat as well the previously mentioned mineral licks. Jaime Jackson in both his Paddock Paradise and The Natural Horse books talks about his observations of the wild herds having several favored grazing areas which are visited daily. It’s also well documented that the herds visit areas where rocky outcroppings or erosion have exposed a mineral or minerals that they need and will paw, dig and chew until satisfied. Three, the first burst of spring just happens to coincide with a very ‘busy’ time for the wild herds – breeding season. If you’ve ever watched footage of the chaos that ensues for the month or so of the prime breeding season you know just how much extra ‘exercise’ the horses are getting as mares are stolen or choose to leave their herds, bachelors vie for a herd of their own and band stallions work to keep their existing bands together while at the same time attempting to lure or steal a few new mares from rival stallions. Point being, right when you could say their ‘pastures’ are the most ‘dangerous’ wild horses are moving even more than normal. And lastly, for a large percentage of the herd spring is foaling season; a time that requires a little more energy, to be sure, in regards to both the pregnancy/birth and then feeding the new, suckling foal. Increasingly we can look to veterinarians themselves for natural and nutritional guidance on how to take our pastured horses through spring successfully. In an article titled “Perfect Pastures”, Dr. Dan Moore DVM, aka The Natural Vet, suggests we look at “the way it was” for horses and “mimic what’s natural” to improve
their health and avoid problems. He points to a lack of nutritional variety as the root cause of the modern horse’s many health issues and suggests a nutritionally based approach to restoring their wellbeing, rather than restricting their natural grazing behavior through muzzles or confinement to dry lots. To make your pasture a ‘perfect pasture’ he suggests hanging a bucket of naturally sourced salt and minerals on the fence for your herd to free choice. A breeder of Rocky Mountain horses, he has come to the conclusion that “until you get the minerals right, nothing else matters.” Dr. Dan raises his herd on free choice pastures in the lush, southeastern United States. If he can keep his herd founder free I think we can too! Pat Coleby has been acting as a veterinarian to clients all over the world for several decades. Through her years of experience she has derived a highly effective, mineral intensive approach to treating sick and dying animals with astounding results. In her book, Natural Horse Care, she outlines several common ailments and the specific mineral deficiency that she’s found to correspond with and also treat that ailment. Like Dr. Dan Moore, she believes that minerals are at the heart of health and illness, depending on whether or not you have enough of the right ones. She believes that if you get your horses’ calcium and magnesium levels correct that ‘the rest will take care of itself’ over time. Like Dr. Dan she also suggests getting this balance right in your pasture so the horse gets its minerals from its forage as much as possible. Specifically, she links laminitis to a lack of magnesium or over abundance of phosphates in the diet. She also suggests that too much protein in the diet as from feeding alfalfa hay can cause laminitis regardless of how well the minerals are balanced. I would have to say my personal observations support this statement. It’s also been my personal experience that we can indeed help our horses make a laminitis free transition onto spring pastures. In addition to the suggestions above I would add that a
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Why Naturally Sourced Minerals? Here are a few reasons why Dr. Dan prefers naturally sourced minerals to man-made supplements: • Highly bio-available • Contain every nutrient and mineral that was once in the “living oceans”, including those man has not yet even identified and therefore cannot know to add to a mineral supplement • Naturally balanced, rather than weighted with extra this or that, which can put a supplement out of balance to the point of making it harmful. quality probiotic is also very helpful. It serves to keep the gut flora balanced through the transition from hay which is more alkaline and relatively low in sugar and high in fiber, to spring grass which is more acidic and is especially high in sugar, full of water and largely lacking in minerals. Now that I have a bit of pasture to spare, I decided to allow my horses to have access to a small piece of pasture where they could get a little grass as it came up this spring; rather than containing them in a dry lot after the thaw until the grass was ready for them. By sacrificing this one small pasture they don’t get much grass at once but their system is getting exposed to enough of it to allow for a gradual transition from 100% hay to 100% pasture. It seems logical that this will be easier on their system, but as always I will look to the hooves for confirmation or negation and let that guide my actions next spring.
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Equine VIP
Christi Proctor talks to Equine VIP by Susan Ashbrook,, owner Equine VIP Interior Designer, Christi Proctor brings her Texas-size imagination and winning personality to TLC’s Trading Spaces. While Trading Spaces is her national debut, Christi also has a background in performance, having been a singer her entire life. Proctor’s design work displays a mix of charm from varied Texas cultures, the old West and Europe. For more about Christi www.christiproctor.com 1. WHEN DID YOU START RIDING AND CAN YOU SHARE ANY SPECIAL MEMORIES? I have been horse obsessed my entire life! My father is a minister and we never lived in anything but church owned parsonages growing up That meant no land and no horses. I was really good, however, at choosing friends or boyfriends with horses! Before I started reining, I never did much more than trail riding. 2. WHY DID YOU PICK REINING VERSUS OTHER DISCIPLINES OF RIDING? I knew I wanted to ride Western and knew I wanted to REALLY learn to ride well. I had a friend that was just getting into reining and she suggested it. Reining is definitely not an easy sport. You and the horse are equally responsible for a quality ride. You can have the best reiner out there but if you don’t know how to “push the right buttons” you are not going to get very far! The first time a horse spun for me, I WAS HOOKED! 3. THE FAMOUS “SLIDE” THAT REINING HORSES PERFORM LOOKS PRETTY SCARY FROM THE SIDELINES! TELL US ABOUT YOUR FIRST “SLIDE” The slide was the scariest part of reining for me..the reason was the speed. I had to REALLY develop my seat before I could really get to slide. It takes a reasonable amount of speed for a horse to be able to properly slide in a stop. The first time I actually sat my slide properly and felt a real sliding stop was an AMAZING rush!! It was SUCH a feeling of accomplishment! It is a great feeling to finally click with your horse and “feel” and “click” with them! I have not been afraid of the speed since!! 4. CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR HORSE? Well, you have to know this first… Everyone knows that Twist is my BOYFRIEND!
He is SUCH a wonderful horse! He is a beautiful palomino. His registered name is Dun a Little Twist and he is out of Dun It With A Twist and Little Dry Oak. He is around 14-2 or 14-3 hands…perfect reining size. I have only had him a few months but I am already putty in his hands! He is a really big stopper and my trainer, Terry Thompson, and I are so thrilled with how well rounded his skills are. He is a nice quiet, forgiving 7 year old gelding and I am looking SO forward to showing him this next year… It also doesn’t hurt that he likes attention and lets me love on him! 5. YOU ARE A BUSY LADY – DESIGNING HOMES FOR CLIENTS, WIFE, MOTHER…. HOW DO YOU FIND THE TIME TO RIDE? Honestly, I just MAKE time! Since Twist lives with my trainer in Whitesboro (three hours north of me) I make a day of it once a week if I can. I try really hard to schedule my appointments around my “boyfriend” days! My facebook friends all know that when I mention boyfriend time in my status updates it’s my horse I am referring too! My husband and I work together so we juggle schedules around each other. He has his golf and his hunting and I have my Twist! Our son, JT, spends equal time with us both and enjoys our hobbies as well. Who knows, maybe he’ll show reiners one day!? 6. YOU RECENTLY RODE AT THE NRHA’S “CELEBRITY SLIDE” FOR THE MAKE A WISH FOUNDATION. SHOULD WE WATCH FOR YOU AT OTHER RIDING COMPETITIONS? That was SUCH a wonderful experience! The Make A Wish kids and families I met are now permanent friends. I fell in love with them all! 7. WE HAD THE PLEASURE OF WATCHING YOU PRACTICE WITH YOUR TRAINER, TERRY THOMPSON. CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT HIM AND ANY TIPS YOU’VE LEARNED FROM HIM? Terry is an icon in the reining and appaloosa arenas. I believe he has been showing and training since he was 17. He is, in my opinion, a premiere non-pro coach. He is tough, positive and always has his client and horses best interests at heart. He is AMAZING at
KENT FEEDS INTRODUCES It’s more than a feed…It’s peace of mind. Kent Feeds is excited to announce DYNASTY® Secure, a new addition to our existing line of DYNASTY® premium horse feeds. DYNASTY® Secure is specifically formulated to provide a balanced diet for all life stages and group feeding applications. Elevated fiber and low levels of starch and sugar allow for easy digestion plus it provides the conven-
40 March 2010
matching riders and horses. This is my second horse with him and both suggestions have been right on the mark! I know with Terry that his goal is for our success and he is dedicated to us. 8. ARE THERE ANY PRODUCTS YOU’VE DISCOVERED (FOR YOURSELF OR YOUR HORSE) THAT YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE WITH OUR READERS? Terry has gotten us hooked on Sports Flex Splint Boots. 9. HAS YOUR PASSION FOR HORSES INFLUENCED YOUR INTERIOR DECORATING STYLE FOR YOURSELF OR OTHER CLIENTS? My passion for horses has influenced EVERY aspect of my life! With regards to design, I have to make sure that influence will fit my client before I allow it to affect my selections and creations. With regards to my wholesale line, Moon Rein, it PERMEATES!! 10. WE’D LOVE TO HEAR/SEE ABOUT ANY PROJECTS YOU GOT COMING UP IN THE FUTURE? Right now my big focus is Moon Rein. It is a wholesale bedding line that I just launched this Fall. I only have a few designs up on our website right now www.moonrein.com I have a LOT of designs brewing so keep your fingers crossed that the products sell! Between horses and creative product designs, who needs a therapist!? Equine VIP is written by Producer/Host Susan Ashbrook who is also developing a TV series based on her interviews with celebrities and top equestrians. For more information go to www.equineVIP.com Equine VIP interviews celebrities and equestrian VIPs because “If It’s About Horses, We Cover It”.
ience of one feed for the entire stable. What’s more, DYNASTY® Secure’s locked formula lets your horse enjoy the same high-quality ingredients in every bag. For more information on DYNASTY® Secure, DYNASTY® Junior, DYNASTY® Pro, DYNASTY® Show, DYNASTY® Pride, and DYNASTY® Senior, and other Kent products, please call 1-800-552-9620, extension 4541, or check out our website: www.kentfeeds.com. Kent Feeds and its affiliated feed company in the northeast, Blue Seal Feeds, are operating divisions of Kent Nutrition Group, Inc. Together they have pioneered the development of revolutionary products, feeding concepts, and programs that have improved the efficiency and performance in animal nutrition.
MIDWEST HORSE DIGEST
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Advertiser Index A Bit of Tack Ace Tack & Outfitters ADM American Wood Fibers Arena Fenceline Arena Trailer Sales Bakko Industries - The Jug Bale Buddy Blairview BLM Bloomquist Law Firm Cannon Falls Trailer Sales Central MN Horse Fest Classified Form Clinton Anderson Cowboy & Cowgirl Gathering Conway Arabians Custom Panel Doors Donn’s Leather Works DunHaven Horsey Headwear Extreme Cowboy Event Farnam Federated Coop Haycreek Ranch
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page 41 page 9 page 15 page 22 page 20 page 20 page 28 page 10 page 12 page 17 page 46 page 3 page 31 page 23 page 7 page 31 page 30 page 46 page 46 page 46 page 30 page 2 page 19 page 37
I90 Expo Center Illinois Horse Fair Ivanhoe fQ J & B Western Store Julie Goodnight KCB Equine Center Ken McNabb K Fence Lisa Cosmos LJB & Company Lynn Palm Midwest Cremation Midwest Horse Fair Mimbach Fleet Supply Minnesota Horse Council MN Horse Expo MN Hooved Animal Rescue MN Lake Realty MN School Of HorseShoeing More Custom Leather Natural Plan Stomach Soother Northland Buildings Northland Horse Fair Orchard Rangers Photo Classifieds
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Pleasant Hills Saddle Shop Professional’s Choice Purina Redwood Stables - Stallion R & J Horse Sales, Inc. R.T. Duggan Roger Berg Insurance Schatzlein Saddle Shop Simon Horse Sales Square Meal Feeds Stanger - Edina Realty Sundbys Trailers Tak Shak The Boot Lady The Model Horse Store The Natural Gait Thurk Bros. Chevrolet Town and Country Vet. Triple Cross Design Twin Cities Featherlite Twin Cities Horse Sales Two as One Horsemanship UBRA View Point Stables Wind -N -Wood
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Upcoming Events 3/4/2010- WI, Prescott- Roping ~ Roping Practice 7-9pm - (715) 262-4284 MARCH 5-7 - Illinois Horse Fair, Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfield, IL. Visit www.horsemenscouncil.org/HF2010 3/6/2010 - MN, Lindstrom - Barrel - UBRA - Falcon Ridge Barrel Burners UBRA Winter Series Barrel Race Series starting at 12:30am. - (651) 462-2129 - Borntobarrelrace@aol.com 3/6/2010- MN, Henderson - Barrel - UBRA ~ High Island Arena Winter Barrel Buckle Series - (507) 964-2607 - highislandarena@hotmail.com 3/6/2010- MN, Monticello - Roping, Team Roping ~ Arrowhead Arena Team Roping & Breakaway Jackpots - (612) 817-6359 March 6 - MN, Cannon Falls - Angus Sale - 507263-4200 - www.simonhorsecompany.com 3/6-3/7- MN, Watkins - Clinic - Barrel Clinic $225 for the weekend and it includes your stall and lunch's. - (612) 743-4360 heatherhorses@msn.com 3/6-3/7 - MN, Fergus Falls, Team Penning Central Minnesota AQHA Team Penning and Ranch Sort - (218) 736-3000 - rhra@prtel.com 3/7/2010- WI, Prescott - Roping ~Roping Practice & Jackpot 1-5pm - (715) 262-4284 3/7/2010 - MN, Sebeka - Barrel NBHA, UBRA LD Ranch Winter - UBRA Series & NBHA MN04 (701) 425-2820 - betsykuschel@hotmail.com March 6&7 - Orchard Rangers 34th Annual Tack Swap/ Farmington, MN - Farmington Middle School. www.orsctackswap.com or info@orsctackswap.com 507-789-6676 3/7/2010 1:00:00 PM - MN, Isanti - Barrel - Hi Circle Vee Open Jackpot Barrel Race Winter Series - (612) 810-4010 - Specks95@hotmail.com March 7, 2010 - Lake County Mounted Posse Annual Tack Sale - 9 AM - 2:30PM - Antioch VFW 75 North Ave. Antioch, IL 60002 - Contact: Mariefrance Mason 847 872-1402 - www.lcmp.info March 9- MN, Cannon Falls -All Breed Horse & Tack Sale - 507-263-4200 www.simonhorsecompany.com 3/11/2010- WI, Prescott - Roping - Roping Practice 7-9pm - (715) 262-4284 3/11-3/15- MN, Verndale- Sundby’s Trailers – Indoor Trailer Sale - (218) 445-5849 3/12-3/14 - MN, Fergus Falls, Cutting - Spring Cutting - (218) 736-3000 - rhra@prtel.com 3/13/2010 - MN, Monticello - Barrel - UBRA Arrowhead Arena Winter UBRA Series Barrel Race. Open 4D's, Youth & Futurity classes - (763) 878-1554 3/13-3/14 - NE, FREMONT - Barrel - PURINA MILLS SADDLE SERIES - (402) 419-0191
3/13/2010- MN, Hinkley - Auction, Horse Expos & Fairs, Sales, Spectator Events, UBRA - 2nd Annual Cowboy & Cowgirl Gathering - (320) 237-3831 - randyisham@yahoo.com 3/13-3/14-KS, Hutchinson - Double B Productions Super Horse Competition – limited to 20 horses (head-heel-breakaway-barrelspoles) $250 entry fee. - (641) 745-5845 bolling@iowatelecom.net 3/13/2010- MN, Monticello - Barrel - UBRA Arrowhead Arena Winter UBRA Series Barrel Race. Open 4D's, Youth & Futurity classes (763) 878-1554 3/13-3/14-MN, Verndale - Horse Sale & Auction - Spring Spectacular Catalog Sale (Catalog deadline March 1st) - (218) 445-5849 5/29-5/31 Memorial Showdown All Breed & ABRA Show. Jefferson County Fair Park, Jefferson, WI. 8:00a.m. Kyle Raabe 414-940-0375 swba@swbuckskin.com, www.swbuckskin.com
3/14/2010-WI,Prescott - Roping - Roping Practice & Jackpot 1-5pm - (715) 262-4284 3/14/2010- MN, Isanti - Barrel - Hi Circle Vee Open Jackpot Barrel Race Winter Series - (612) 810-4010 3/18/2010- WI, Prescot - Roping Roping Practice 7-9pm - (715) 262-4284 3/19-3/21- MN, Verndale - Clinic 4x NFR qualifier Brandie Halls is putting on a clinic - (877) 212-6612 3/20-3/21- NE, FREMONT - Barrel - PURINA MILLS SADDLE SERIES - (402) 419-0191
Quarter Horse Sale- 507-263-4200 www.simonhorsecompany.com 3/27-3/28- NE, FREMONT - Barrel - PURINA MILLS SADDLE SERIES - (402) 419-0191 3/27/2010- WI, Balsam Lake - Barrel, Fun Show, Game Show UBRA, WSCA - JJ Arena Saddle Club WSCA Fun Show & Barrel Race (715) 857-6343 - jessica@ubra.org 3/27/2010 1:00:00 PM - KS, Colby - Horse Sale & Auction Colby Community College Horse Sale - (785) 460-5464 - adam.frisch@colbycc.edu March 28 - MN, Cannon Falls -Twin Cities Paint Horse Sale- 507-263-4200 www.simonhorsecompany.com
4/1/2010- WI, Prescott, Roping Roping Practice 7-9pm - (715) 262-4284 4/2-4/4- IA, Cedar Rapids - Barrel - NBHA, UBRA - IA NBHA Easter Show @ Iowa Equestrian Center - (319) 796-7715 - Added Money: $2600 - vorhiesj@gmail.com 4/3/2010- NE, FREMONT -Barrel - PURINA MILLS SADDLE SERIES - (402) 419-0191 4/3/2010- MN, Verndale -Game Show -WSCA R&J Spring WSCA Buckle Series - Games Only & Coggins Clinic (get your 2010 coggins pulled) - (877) 212-6612 4/3/2010- MN, North Branch - Fun Show - Fun Show Start at 11am HiPt Awards to All Age Div, Gear Bags For High Point!!! $20 for entire day!!! - (651) 277-1095 houckhorsecompany@yahoo.com
3/20/2010- WI, Prescott - Roping - Spring Thaw Jackpot 12pm Start - (715) 262-4284
4/6/2010 - MN, Sherburn - Catalog Horse Sale Tack Sale - www.i90expocenter.com - 507-7644025
3/20/2010- MN, Lindstrom - Barrel - UBRA Falcon Ridge Barrel Burners UBRA Winter Series Barrel Race Series starting at 12:30am. (651) 462-2129 - Borntobarrelrace@aol.com
Minnesota Pinto Horse Association Show Schedule
3/20-3/21- MN, Fergus Falls - Horse Show WSCA Show hosted by the RHRiders Saddle Club - (218) 736-3000 - rhra@prtel.com 3/20/2010- MN, Henderson - Barrel - UBRA High Island Arena Winter Barrel Buckle Series (507) 964-2607 - highislandarena@hotmail.com 3/21/2010- MN, Sebeka -Barrel - NBHA, UBRA ~ LD Ranch Winter UBRA Series & NBHA, MN04 - (701) 425-2820 betsykuschel@hotmail.com 3/25/2010- WI, Prescott - Roping ~ Roping Practice 7-9pm - (715) 262-4284 3/26-3/27-MN, Verndale - Breed Show ~ R & J Arena Quarter Horse Show AQHA & MQHA approved - (218) 445-5849 3/27/2010- MN, Maple Lake, Roping ~ Arrowhead Arena Breakaway Jackpots - (612) 817-6359 March 27- MN, Cannon Falls -Twin Cities
MIDWEST HORSE DIGEST
May 29-31- 3 days, 4 Judges - MN Equestrian Center, Winona - *WIN A KENSINGTON BAG SET* President - Cris Stetler - 763-478-8842 Show Manager - Kam Duncanson - 763-355-9541 July 9-11- 3 days, 4 Judges - Red Horse Ranch, Fergus Falls - *WIN A KENSINGTON BAG SET* Field Representatives - Mahlon Bauman - 612508-6832 & On Site PtHA Abby Duncanson - 612-877-0338 - Registrations Mary Noonan 402-920-0455 August 6-8 - Jubilee of Color Show - MN Equestrian Center, Winona *CO-PRODUCED WITH MIN-I-KOTA PINTO* - Jubilee Show Committee Christine Peterson 320-493-3435 - * Special Awards * 3 FULL DAYS * 3 judges * 4 sets of points September 11 & 12 2 days, 4 Judges - Red Horse Ranch, Fergus Falls - *WIN A MIKE BRAY SADDLERY MIRROR* Stabling Ron & Karen Clark - 763-682-5324 - Show Office Manager - Ed Neu 763-477-5027 - Visit our website www.minnesotapinto.com Please email your event lisitings to PEG@HORSEDIGESTS.COM
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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 RUSHLOW'S WONDER GREAT YOUTH HORSEWESTERN/HUNT Offered at $10,000 Call Dalton Budd 517-281-5271 Rushlows Wonder Bloodlines 317-531-1326 info@selectshowhorses.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
2009 Cherokee GN 3H 80X22 7 Tall Tomahawk Dlx w/8 Solid Alder LQ, Sofa, 3.5 cu Refg., Microwv, 2 Burner Stove, AM/FM/CD Player w/Interior & Exterior Speakers, AC, Ducted Furnace, Shower w/Glass Door 888-263-7212 www.cannonfallstrailers.com
Services and Products The Elite Fleet by 3BarL Transport 1*800*982*2208 Horse Transportation Short Description: Affordable - Experienced - Reliable -Specialized dispatch462003@yahoo.com
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
Gold N Rio - Dble. reg. purebred Arabian & Pinto Stallion, AHA Sweepstake Sire; SCID Clear - $1,000 Cooled Shipped Semen - $750 Live Cover; $7.50 Daily Mare Care - Limited Breedings Available. www.heartnsoularabians.com 507-438-9335
LARGE HUNTER PONY GELDING Connemara/Thoroughbred Looking for a Pony with Character, Substance, and a Quiet outlook on Life? This Mellow Fellow has all the right pieces. $6,000 (608)604-4840 www.daytonridgefarm.com
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
HALF-ARABIAN / NATIONAL SHOW HORSE/ SWEEPSTAKES NOMINATED- Angel Kisses Regal Basque+/ x Contessas Wine 2001 Nat. Caliber Mare Suitable for a Junior Rider/ Driver or Equitation. 816-6785807,816-665-7030 smc1776@embarqmail.com
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
HALF-ARABIAN- CR BLONDE BOMBSHELL Half-Arabian filly Vanilla Hot Shot (Cremello ASB) x Kismet May Wine (Aladdinbreeding) 2009 Palomino very fancy, sweet personality, Show home preferred. 816-678-5807 - 816-6657030 smc1776@embarqmail.com
AMERICAN SADDLEBRED /SPORT HORSE STALLION stud service.1994 American Saddlebred stallion. Great bone and big heart will add size and athletic ability to your next foal. Sire Commander's Midnight Moon Dam Our Time's Golden Motion. 763-389-2102 viewpointtraining@yahoo.com
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Equipment
ORIGINAL HORSE PAINTINGS Artist Lisa Kosmo 218-834-3482 or lslkosmo@usfamily.net Each painting is drawn directly on canvas then painted with acrylics.
Real Estate RARE OPPORTUNITY! 67 acre dream property, just west of Alexandria, MN. Commercial horse stable. Possibilities- horse stable,camp ground, mixed use development. $499,000 218-943-9180 Mn. Lakes Realty of Alexandria http://www.flexmls.com/link.html?req94qdfymp,4,1
MIDWEST HORSE DIGEST
Classifieds BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY Horse Lovers! Would you like to own your ownbusiness 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. Ifyou 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. 540-3846220 ASSOICATIONS International Spotted Horse Registry for Equines of Color. Miniature to Draft, Grade to Pureblood, Sabino to Pintaloosa. 866-201-3098, ISHRPPA@AOL.COM EQUIPMENT & PRODUCTS 16 Inch Brown Leather English Saddle, like new purple pad included. $250. 630/564-2884. 10 box stalls,- 1-x1- - Brand new, no wood.$13,000. Choose your color. Contact 507-527-2914. Will sell individually. New leather harness, 3rd generation business. Team, work, complete with hames, collars extra. Draft $802.00. Qtr. horse $757.00. w 3 hip - Draft $882.00. Qtr. horse $812.00. Buggy breast Qtr $220.00, Pony $140.00. (651) 222-5616. Website - stpaulsaddlery.com Catalogue - St Paul Saddlery, 953 W 7th St., St Paul, MN 55102 Master Saddler offers complete saddlery repairs.Trees replaced, complete reflocks, new seats,billets, tree alterations on Kieffer and Prestigesaddles. Appointments booked for quick turnaround. Skilled repair of driving harness andsidesaddles. Custom accessories for side saddle competition. Bridles sewn in. Contact Michael 847-776-6700 or email master_saddler@saddlersrow.com Website www.saddlersrow.com HORSES FOR SALE Registerable 2+year old paint quarter horse stud and green broke 6 year old gelding, 218-243-3321 2007 Buckskin gelding, cow bred, good disposition and 100% foundation. 2008 Bay Stallion, Poco Bueno, Martin's Jessie and Hollywood Gold. Stud Prospect.2008 Buckskin Stallion, 34% Poco Bueno, 22% King, 100% foundation. Stud Prospect. 620-378-3152 Beautiful Buttermilk buckskin Mare!! Smart, willing, and really sweet, broke to ride outside or in an arena. Needs a intermedite ridder!! She is built for speed but could be just a nice trail or ranch horse if someone is willing to put time into her, up to date on shots, worming, and trimming 920-566-0241 .
.Athletic, Flashy 8 YO TB Gelding, 16.1H beautiful gaits, upper level eventing potential. $12,000. SE Wisc. - 847/924-9089. 2007 Bay Overo English Prospect, started under saddle and still in training. Good looking, big bodied, nice stride, good minded and great manners.15.2 and still growing. Asking $9500. 815/238-8462. For Sale: 16 Yr. Buckskin Paint Gelding. Needs experienced rider. 815/943-7031 evenings. Appaloosa Reg. Mares. 3 Yr+ Gentle, pretty, friendly. Will be great under saddle. Reasonably priced. 815/814-1803.
Horseback trails and the Bob Dunn Horse Campground.Contact Brian 612-532-1164 Room to rent, bring your horse! Share the house, indoor & outdoor arena's, pasture, insulated barn w/ large stalls, richie waterer. 20 miles from Hutchinson MN. 701-373-5917 Barrington Hills – Famous Kickapoo Farms. 28 acre horse facility w/2 updated homes, 15-stall barn w/70x100 indoor arena, 90x60 pole barn, 90’ round arena, 125’ outdoor arena, 11 pastures. Used to breed & train cutting horses/thoroughbreds. Lori Rowe, Coldwell Banker 847/774-7464 Go to www.premierhorseproperty.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 REAL ESTATE Great farm for sale in Grant Park, Illinois--- wonderful fully updated farm house with 3-4 bedrooms, two baths, hardwood floors, 4 levels, full basement, formal dining room, eat in kitchen, and much much more. New furnace, new roof, 4 stall barn with PVC fencing, new 4 car garage, low taxes--must see to believe. Owner retiring to warmer weather. - $399,900.00 815-465-2478 cm515@aol.com 165 Acres, Farmhouse & Horse Barn in Elk River, MN for $699,000. Located next to 2,700 acre Sand Dunes State Forest which has 29 miles of
Crazy Hollow Farmette Near Galena Country Home and Barn on 18 acres. 4 car garage, all for only $327,500. Call Annette at Fawnridge Realty, 815/275-0041 or 563/5804001. Hartford, WI – 7.25 AC, 4 BR Renovated Farmhouse, 40x70 barn w/4 box stalls, 72x180 indoor riding arena, grass & dry paddocks, 3 outdoor shelters, meticulously maintained home & facility. $379,000. 262/673-2661. VACATIONS The first Montana High Country Cattle Drive of 2010 will be a singles drive. If you are into horses and romance, please visit our website at www.montanacattledrive.com. or call 1-800-3459423 for more information.
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:_________________ Classfied:_____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________
MIDWEST HORSE DIGEST
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