Winter 2014-2015
FREE! TAKE ONE.
H orsemen C onnection The East Texas
Ca l e n d a r a nd D i recto ry R eso urce fo r L o cal Horse Ow n ers
SPURS 101 Meet: Pat Parelli Start Your First Aid Kit Mustangs Test Your Skills Judging Confrmation
Calendar of Local Events in Every Issue
This magazine is designed FOR East Texans, BY East Texans!
Associate Editor: Lindsay George Lindsay@HorsemenConnection.com Photographer: Candy Taylor Contributors: Lindsay George, Susan Evans, Amy & Duayne Williams, Susan Barackman, Melissa Sykes, Ashley Ahart, Candy Taylor SUBSCRIBE! Get the East Texas Horsemen Connection Delivered right to your mailbox each quarter! Subscription rate for one year (4 Issues) is just $15.95 (Less than $4 per issue!) Call 903-392-1983 or Email: Susan@HorsemenConnection.com for Subscription Information. CONTACT US! We love to hear from our readers! Send us a letter, Comment on Facebook, Twitter, or Google +, or just send us an email. Tell us what you like and what you want from this magazine. MAIL: The East Texas Horsemen Connection 5136 State Highway 64 W Henderson, TX, 75652 Published by: Texas Pride Publishing, LLC. in Henderson, TX.
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Managing Editor: Susan Evans Susan@HorsemenConnection.com
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The East Texas Horsemen Connection is dedicated to inform local horsemen/women of the events, organizations, businesses, and people in the area who promote the local horse industry. Our goal is also to promote responsible horsemanship and to keep the horse owners of East Texas connected with their neighbors that have similar interests.
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Copyright 2014
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East Texas Horsemen Connection is a print and digital magazine produced quarterly. (Feb / May / Aug / Nov)
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Fo See rS P pu g. 2 rs 0 In fo !
Volume 2 * Issue 1 www.HorsemenConnection.com
COVER PHOTO: Taken by: Candy Taylor Stock Horses at Cross Brand Cowboy Church Rodeo
Sha nk Button
East Texas Horsemen Connection:
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“...Thank you for helping us promote the 2014 Equestrian Gala benefiting Azleway. Directly through your magazine we received new first-time sponsorships, both corporate & individual, which resulted in a better outcome for our cause, Azleway....” Debbie Labicki, Board Member
“We have received more response from The East Texas Horsemen Connection magazine This is it! Our FIRST ANNIVERSARY ISSUE! And WOW, What A Year!! I have met so many amazing East Texans this past year. There is SO MUCH talent right here in our back yard, and I know I have just begun to scratch the surface. When I first started this magazine (back when it was still just an idea), someone told me that Texans just have it wrong. So many people think that the other side of the Dallas metroplex is “Horse Country”... and as it was explained to me - those people are just plain wrong. East Texas is the best “Horse Country” across this great state. We have the best soil that produces the best hay, some of the best trails, but mostly, we have the people with hearts full of passion about their horses.
than we ever expected! Donations have come in and a horse that was featured in the magazine has been adopted and now has a happy forever home... Thank you...” Richard Fincher, Director at Safe Haven
“I have new paying customers who found me from my ad in ‘The Horsemen Connection’.
And the more I travel, the more I see that my new friend has a point. This surely is the BEST horse country!
Running 6 Tack
A heart-felt “Thank You” from this little magazine for allowing us to educate, promote, and connect the East Texas horse industry. What’s Next?? You tell us!! What do YOU want to see from us? Please feel free to contact us with ideas, questions, and comments! Until Next Time, Keep Riding, Susan Evans Sr. Editor.
Advertise with us! Get your business SEEN by East Texas Horse Owners. Contact Us: Susan@HorsemenConnection.com 903-392-1983 For all the affordable details!
Table of Contents: 6 - “How To” 22 - First Aid Kit Remove Bot Eggs & Measure for Winter Blankets
Be Prepared
8 - Meet Your Neighbor 20 - Spurs 101 Mack Wilson
Selecting the Right Spurs
12 -Did You See It?
18 - Mustangs
Review of Some of the Events from the Fall
The first Annual Mustang Celebration
26 - Test Your Skill Conformation Judging
14 & 28 - Local Riders See Who is Riding Around East Texas!
24 - Meet Pat Parelli An International Legend
Calendar of Events Photo: Candy Taylor; Rodeo Cowboys at Cross Brand Cowboy Church
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Some Fun Found on Facebook:
Trust Inside The Cave Devotional Editorial by: Susan Evans I moved one of my horses to East Texas about 4 1/2 years ago from Houston. My mare has always lived here. I got her as a baby and she has been a ‘back yard pet’ pretty much most of her life. She stayed here in East Texas as I moved off to college, and got married, and began my own (human) family. My gelding was a Christmas present from my husband to cheer me up from not having my horses in Houston. He has been a lot of fun for me and has filled that ‘horse void’ in my heart. In Houston, my gelding was boarded at a local stables. On weekends he was loaded up for trail rides, vet visits, and the 2 times the stables flooded and all horses were evacuated. He has never loved loading in the trailer but when other horses were going in the large 4 horse open stock trailer, he would hop right in. Now we are a long way from those stables. He and my mare are on some property where they are both happy and get everything they need. However, their pasture has long been without grass as they have been grazing on it for 4 years. I have a new place for them now! Literally a beautiful new barn built in a hay meadow. Multiple turn-outs with tons of green grass. Stalls with new mats and fresh shavings. My kids call it “A Horse Paradise”. Here is the kicker - I showed up with a 2 horse side by side trailer to bring them to their new paradise, and both of them have balked at the idea of stepping foot into that gray cave. I have decided that I’m not needing to rush this, so we will work on trust and direction. My gelding takes direction well, and I thought he trusted me. But he thinks I’m a crazy lady to ask him to step into that trailer (The Cave). He doesn’t understand that I know this is uncomfortable for him, but that I have a better life for him (and her) just down the road. I think about my walk with God. Sometimes he asks me to trust HIM and make a decision that I don’t like at the time. God knows that there is a better life for me, and that if I would just load into what seems like a scary cave at the time, one day I will get down the road and see a better life for myself. Thankfully God is patient with me as I am trying to be patient with my horses. I go out there a few times a week just to spend time walking them right up to the trailer (not yet IN the trailer), and resting there, petting them, telling them “good horse”, and “it is going to be okay - just trust me”.
You’re Invited !
The Board of Directors for Horsefeathers Therapeutic Equestrian Center, Inc. cordially invites you to attend our semi-formal evening of good food, dancing, and a cash bar! You will discover the services being provided locally at Horsefeathers. This event is being held at the Edgewood Civic Center in Edgewood, TX. All funds raised will directly benefit Horsefeathers Students and Horses.
The theme of the evening will be the Masquerade. So wear your best masquerade costume and join us for a night of fun. There will be a prize for the best “Mask” Tickets available at: United We Tan, 1175 S. Buffalo, Suite A, Canton @ $35 each or $50 per couple. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15th, 7-10pm For more information please contact Julie or Sonia at 903-896-7002 or email us at horsefeatherstec@yahoo.com Horsefeathers Therapeutic Equestrian Center 903-896-7002 WWW.HORSEFEATHERSTHERAPY.ORG
The Spirit of East Texas: There is not much more fun in East Texas than to go to a local barrel race. These girls (and boys) are passionate about their sport! Not quite as ‘holy’ as East Texas high school football - but maybe a second place contestant. I’ve had the privilege to attend several in the area, but not like the one in Bullard on September 13th. If you have attended any barrel race, you know the crowd - high energy, very supportive, and family centered. A perfect setting for the East Texas Down Syndrome Group (ETDSG) racing day hosted by Lucky Lotto Barrel Racing. I got there a little early, but many people were already hanging out in front of their trailers. People everywhere visiting, laughing, and riding around. I made my way into the arena’s concessions area to find rows of tables set up with auction items to benefit the ETDSG. I saw the kids who were the stars of the day. Many were wearing protective ear coverings to help shield the noise of the arena. But ALL of them were wearing a big smile! There was a time of introduction, a time of prayer, and then a time for some of the kids to get close to one of the horses. And yes, those smiles seem to out-do themselves as the kids loved being around the horses. Before the race began, but after presenting the flag, was my favorite part of the day. A couple of the kids opened the event with running the pattern for themselves. I felt pride in them just by watching. It just goes to show that horses are a gift - our gift, with huge hearts. And East Texans have the hearts of angels to share our gifts and graces with our neighbors who may not have all of the opportunities we have had. I’m proud to be an East Texas Horsemen (women).
How
Things You Can do For
How To Remove Bot Eggs Bots are little flies that lay eggs on your horses hair. You
have probably seen these just as the cooler weather hits East Texas. The little flies lay their tiny yellow eggs on the horses legs, flanks, chest and neck areas. These little eggs will hatch and as your horse scratches at them they enter the mouth where they stay for about 3 weeks, then the larvae enter the stomach where they attach to the lining of the stomach and stay up to seven months! The bot larvae then pass through your horses manure where it matures and starts the process all over again.
The danger with bots is when they are in the digestive track. They can damage the stomach lining, but they are also known to cause ulcers in the soft tissue of the mouth. So removal of the eggs is an important step for their health and the health of their pasture mates. Note that bot infestation can be treated with paste wormer that specify bot treatment. Here are some simple steps:
You can simply pick each bot egg off with your fingers, this is time consuming, but no tools are required. The eggs are stuck pretty good, so pinch one between your fingers and give it a firm tug to pull off of the horses hair.
There are special tools available just for this job. This picture shows a ‘bot knife’ I bought at my local feed store for just under five dollars. This tool has 2 edges - a short flat edge, and a long curved edge. It is very effective in removing many eggs at once. Just gently press against the area and comb with the growth of the hair. 6
Examine your horse closely, here there are just a few around the flank area. You want to be sure you get ALL the eggs when doing this. This ‘season’ only happens once a year. So, if you stay on top of this procedure, you can help eliminate the bot flies in your stabling area.
To:
Your Horse at Home -
How to Measure for a Horse Blanket
A comfortable fit for your horse’s blanket is important. If the blanket is too big, your horse is at risk of it sliding around, maybe even slip under the belly. A loose blanket could get hung on gates and/or fences. A blanket that is too tight could restrict the movement of the horse. It is also likely to rub and may even cause bald spots. Blankets are sold in even number sizes. If you horse measures to an odd size, round that number UP when choosing a proper fitting blanket. To measure, you just need a soft, flexable measuring tape, and a willing friend or family member is also helpful. If you do not have a soft, flexable measuring tape, you can use a string or some twine to measure center chest to tails edge, then measure the string away from the horse.
Here are the simple steps: Have your friend hold your horse still. Place the soft measuring tape in the center of the chest. Ask your friend to hold the tape there. Pull the measuring tape straight across the side of the horse. The tape shouldn’t sag, but shouldn’t be too tight either.
Stop at the edge of the horses tail. You will want the number of inches. This is the number on the blanket you will need. If your measurement ends up 73”, then you will want to buy a 74” blanekt. Round up to the closest available size.
Mack Wilson
Meet Your Neighbor: Mack Wilson, horse trainer with a barn of over 30 horses near Paris, TX has 40 plus years experience in the equine field. His horses have won many national and world championships in halter and performance classes. His students and clients are successful in the show ring, winning multiple awards and high points. Sounds cut and dried but by all rights, Mack Wilson should not be here or even able to get up on a horse, let alone training and showing. Up before dawn and going until way past dark, Mack Wilson is a walking miracle in more than one way. Born in Lamar County Texas, horses have always been a part of Mack’s life. He still has the saddle his dad bought for him when he was just 6 years old. His grandchildren now ride in it. Using his business savvy Mack got into oil in the 80’s. Money flowed like the oil and it went towards buying and showing world class champion quarter horses and a fancy barn. Trophies, ribbons and other awards his horses won in halter, western pleasure and roping classes fill a room in his house with hundreds more in storage. When the oil boom went south and his fortune lost, Mack says he took to the bottle. His marriage broke up and the horses were sold. Alcohol was his friend for five years. After marriage to Melody, she tried to tell him about the Lord , but Mack, always a workaholic, said he did not have time as he tried to rebuild his business and fortune. Then he had a heart attack, though it took a lot of convincing that he needed to go to the hospital. At the hospital, he coded. And that is where the miracle comes in. Mack relates that incident in a way only a Texan can by stating “I never had time for God but one day God put His boot on my neck and said ‘you got time for Me now?” Though there are physical effects from Mack’s brief time in eternity, such as very little feeling in his feet and problems with his eyes he puts in a longer and harder work day than men half his age. Because of his riding skills and ability with a horse he has a waiting list when other capable horse trainers have had to take down their signs. Many is the time when working with a horse, that Mack will take off the bridle and ride only with his seat and feet. He will move the horse to a lope then ask for turns, stops, lead changes, etc. Mack believes that God created the horse to be man’s companion and for each person who wants a horse, there is the perfect horse out there for them. He will look for the right horse for his clients and loves to work with youth. Many a horse was saved from going to the killer and 8
brought back to usefulness because Mack saw something in that animal. He recently had a feeling he needed to go to Oklahoma. He came home with a neglected underweight mare. She needed special care due to a mouth problem but it was found that she has show points in 3 registries and at a recent show, she won first place in a western pleasure youth class. So money is tight, the barn needs lots of repair, but Mack counts himself rich in blessing of time, work and most of all horses. “When I die (again), I am going to ask the Lord for only one thing. That I would be groom for God’s horses in His stable up there.” Submitted by: Susan Barackman
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. ciated appre uctions. y l t a re tr are g n ins oney y donatio M d a n ay / A and H ed / H n for Feed e F f o Have tions Dona ntact Safe e co Pleas
Momma Pearl & Bubba They were rescued in early August, 2014. Pearl is a 30+ year old and at that time Bubba was ~ 1 month old. Both were severely dehydrated and malnourished. The Veterinarian gave Pearl a 40% chance of pulling out of her emaciated condition. They continue to receive 3 med size meals a day and have gained weight and strength.
Remmie & Colt These are our newest rescues. They arrived to Safe Haven from a horrible journey that started out at an Auction > Kill Buyer> Rescuer and then to Safe Haven. Remmie is ~ 6 year old, and the Colt is ~ 1 month. Both were dehydrated, malnourished and very scared. The Colt is stunted in growth and will hopefully catch up with adequate nutrition. Both require a lot of patience as they both appear to never have been handled by humans. “Holly� This horse came to us as a stray. She is a 7 year old Bay Quarter Horse. She was dehydrated and malnourished when she arrived. She is now ready for adoption. She can be very sweet and loves attention but, she can be high spirited and would require an experienced rider. We would recommend she receive some training.
A Little Bit About Little Horses:
Pony: 14.2 Hands or smaller
The Average weight of an adult miniature is only 150-250 pounds!
Mini: 34” or 38” or Smaller
*AMHA
AMHA American Miniature Hose Association - A Texas based registry which requires all of their miniature horses to measure 34” or less.
AMHR American Miniature Horse Registry - An Illinois based registry has two separate height categories under their definition of a miniature horse: * Division “A” miniature - 34” and under * Division “B” miniature over 34” to 38”
Both registries offer year round shows and a National Competition.
Did YOU Go?? Did YOU See?? Ride For A Cure Koman Tyler Benefit Trail Ride
On a very wet October, Saturday morning, some very dedicated East Texas horsemen and women came out to show their support for the women fighting breast cancer. Despite the soaking rain, the Komen Tyler Riders for the Cure raised about $37,000 for breast cancer screenings. “Ride for The Cure� at Tarrant Ranch started back in 2011 and in those four years, they have raised over $115,000! Over 75% of those funds stay right here in East Texas providing free life-saving mammograms for struggling women in our area. The rest goes to research in efforts to find a CURE!!
Halloween Dress Up Day Kilgore Saddle Club
Do you dress up yourself & your horse for a Christmas Parade?? Send us your pictures!! Post to our Facebook page(www.facebook.com/HorsemenConnec-
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tion) or email them to: Susan@HorsemenConnection.com
Oh What A Night! EQUESTRIAN GALA BENEFITING AZLEWAY Located at the beautiful Texas Rose Horse Park, this year’s Equestrian Gala was a magical evening. There was dinner, wine tasting, live music, a silent auction, and a lively not so silent auction! All with the elegant backdrop of the Grand Prix Show Jumping class. There were several tables scattered under a chandelier lit tent. People were there ready to have a good time all in the name of charity. Azleway is a place for children to receive a second chance. They offer schooling, foster programs, adoption programs for Texas’ at risk children. They also have a ‘boy’s ranch’ where the kids receive tailored professional services. Definitely a ‘hot auction item’ was the Cushman Scooter that the boys rebuilt themselves just for this auction. This October night was full of laughter, fun, beauty, and generous hearts.
Big Time In A Small Town: USEAs American Eventing Championships The American Eventing Finals were held right here in Tyler, Texas! Some of America’s best riders participated showcasing their talents for visiters from several states. What a treat for East Texans to have the opportunity to see olympic riders right here in our back yard!
LOCAL
Laine Helman on Bette Davis from Garrison
Paula and Pistol Ghost Riders Drill Team
Hilary Sahimi and Mojo 14
RIDERS Linda Deas and friends at Tarrant Ranch Karen Hays and Ponch
JACOB from Woodlawn
Future Cowgirl with mare, Aspen **Submit your favorite picutre of you and your horses. Let’s see who all is riding out there!! *See Inside cover for submission instructions*
Calendar of
**See Online Calendar for more details: www.HorsemenConnection.com
November: ___ 1 Rancho Del Sol ATCHA Obstacle Challenge; DEKALB ACTHA Obstacle Challenge- Indoor arena is available for inclement weather otherwise some obstacles may be in natural setting. This event is on Saturday. we are located near the DeKalb Trace Trail, 22 miles of public trail. Stalls and hook ups available for overnight rental. __ 1 Jackpot Playday Series; GREENVILLE Top rail Cowboy Church; 90%payout for each age division; call ahead for all the info! Barrels, Poles, and 2 speed events
2 EXTREME COWBOY OBSTACLE RACE; KILGORE KILGORE SADDLE CLUB FM 2012. Worship at 10am and race starts at 12pm join us for worship and excitement of our Lord Jesus Christ. $10 entry fee for all riders. (Negative Coggins Required) Chuck wagon will be open for vittles. Fun for the whole family. Call Ricky Howell 903-987-2478, Cliff Richey 903-987-4094 for information. ___ 8-9 Texas Rose Horse Park Fall Horse Trials Texas Rose Horse Park in Tyler, TX. __ 8 East Texas Horse Show Assoc 3of3 show series; JACKSONVILLE www.ethsa.com; Reg at 8am - Pleasure begins at 9am; Speed events not before 1pm __ 8 Horsemanship Clinic with Elise Ulmer-Etzebeth; DE KALB Horsemanship Clinic Series. Improve general horsemanship skills, learn exercises to solve problems and improve communication with your horse. Elise Ulmer-Etzebeth has many National titles in Working Cow horse, Reined Cow horse, Reining. She won Intermediate, Limited Open and Level One at the 2013 NWRCHA Futurity. Elise has done clinics in the US and Europe. www.ranchodelsolarena.com
info: Tracy Miller (903)-646-3741. __ 15 Horsefeathers Therapeutic Equestrian Center’s 5th Annual Black Feather Gala; EDGEWOOD The Board of Directors for Horsefeathers Therapeutic Equestrian Center, Inc. cordially invites you to attend our semi-formal evening of good food, dancing, and a cash bar! You will discover the services being provided locally at Horsefeathers. This event is being held at the Edgewood Civic Center. All funds raised will directly benefit Horsefeathers Students and Horses. The theme of the evening will be the Masquerade. For more information please contact Julie or Sonia at 903-896-7002 or email us at horsefeatherstec@yahoo.com __ 15 Jackpot Playday Series; GREENVILLE Top rail Cowboy Church; 90%pay out for each age division; call ahead for all the info! __22 Ranch Sorting & Team Penning; JASPER Jasper Lions Club Arena; 6 ride limit per class; Must ride in 2 shows to qualify for buckles __ 28 Gobble Up The Cash Barrel Racing; MARSHALL www.ebarrelracing.com; Toni McCoy 903-746-6086 or Martha Reyenga 318-560-7583
__ 15 Toys For Tots Trail ride and Camp-out; MT VERNON Toy or can-good donation fee; 8:00am at the Franklin County Sheriff Posse Arena; RV spots available on first come first serve basis. (Reserve yours now).Get all the 16
Local Events:
** Always “Call before you Haul”. Times and dates are subject to change.
DECEMBER __ 6 Extreme Cowboy Trail Challenge; Tarrant Ranch; BULLARD; Preregister only; Register at flyingsilverspur@gmail.com. or event page on Facebook, or message Hannah Peters on FB, stating your name, horse’s name, and the division you will be riding in. Pay at race! Walk through will begin before each division starts. __ 14 Interscholastic Equestrian Association Point AM Show;HUNT SEAT; TYLER http://www.rideiea.org/zone7/hunt-prize-lists/East-Texans-12.14.pdf (ALL INFO IN LINK ABOVE) __ 14 Interscholastic Equestrian Association Point PM Show;HUNT SEAT; TYLER http://www.rideiea.org/zone7/hunt-prize-lists/East-Texans-12.14.pdf (ALL INFO IN LINK ABOVE)
• Add Your Event to The On-Line Calendar. • Check the Online Calendar for more Events & Details. • Always “Call Before You Haul”.
F irst Annu a l Must ang C el ebr at i on
The first annual “Mustang Celebration” was held at the Golden Curls Ranch in Kaufman TX. at the end of October. The event is designed to promote the adoption, training, and showing processes of the mustang breed. Through the “Mustang Celebration” you do not need to be a professional trainer, or feel the pressure of a deadline for having your horse performance ready. Ideally, the people who adopted their mustang at the event, will come back next year to show off what they have been able to accomplish in their training. The mustang is growing in popularity due largely in part to the Mustang Makeover program. This program is for anyone who wants the challenge of taking a wild horse for 100 days and bringing it back to a crowded arena to show off special skills. These events are exciting and have done a great job in promoting the American Mustang. The Golden Curls Ranch was very busy during the 2 day show. Not only were there many different events to compete in, there were also educational demonstrations, and a selection of wild horses on hand to see and adopt. BLM (Bureau of Land Management) was on hand to handle the adoption process. Paul McGuire of the BLM said that they brought about 25 wild horses and burros and about 15 were adopted and 4 others were taken by a TIP trainer. (Training Incentive Program, -Those 4 can still be adopted, but would have been through some halter training and gentling process-
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es) The BLM saw this event as a big success for them. Mcguire reported that the BLM manages the wild horses out west and preserves the herds and land they roam. Periodically they remove horses from the land so they can be sure there is enough land and food for all of the wild animals. He stated they remove close to 10,000 horses per year. The problem comes with what to do with the animals. There are these type of adoptions that happen all over the country; the public is invited to come out to a holding facility and pick from a selection of adoptable horses, and there are programs where trained mustangs are put up for adoption or auctioned off.
Photo Provided by: Gail Finger Artistry
The process for adoption is pretty straight forward. 1. There is an application to fill out. “They want to know that the applicant is capable of properly taking care of a wild horse. The application asks about the facilities the horse will be staying at, and the applicant’s feeding plan.” 2. After approval, you are allowed to adopt up to 4 horses. There is a $125 per horse adoption fee that serves as a safe guard to keep the horses from being commercially exploited. 3. You will keep your new mustang for one year before receiving a title for him/her from the BLM. During that year you are subject to ‘Compliance Checks’ where officials will come out to check on the mustang and make sure it is being properly cared for. In East Texas, the closest holding facility is in Pauls Valley OK. This facility brings horses into East Texas area about once a year. They make monthly appearances in Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, or Kansas. I spent some time at the BLM corrals visiting with two men who compete in the Extreme Mustang Makeover; Victor Villarreal and Frank Wilder. Both are very encouraging to new adopters, and both very pleased to see that so many horses were going to good homes. Their advice: Seek help if you need it. There are people out there who want to see these horses succeed and will help you out. Both Villarreal and Wilder offered to look them up on Facebook and ask questions.
“Best horse I’ve ever owned is a mustang... God really gave us a good animal here”
Victor Villarreal Fairfield, TX.
When starting your new mustang, “Go Slow”. “The slower you go, the faster you will go.” And they offered that these horses are more sensitive than a domestic breed. “Solid foundation is the key... watch your body language, and theirs.” Congratulation to Tricia Hambrick and Blondie who won Western High point Mustang and Overall High Point Mustang. Also congratulation to Rebecca Halbert and Avatar who won English High Point Mustang. Be ready because they are going to do it again next year. Plans will be posted as they once again start to gear up for more fun and adoption of these wonderful horses.
For more information on mustang adoption, go to: www.BLM.gov
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SPURS 101
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Selecting the Right Spurs Spurs are both an essential training aid as well as a unique form of expression for any cowboy or cowgirl. They are an extension of the rider’s leg, and should be used accordingly. They are not meant to hurt a horse, but as with any tool, they need to be used appropriately. Some may be wondering why you need a spur at all. There is more than one answer to this question. It could be that you have a very heavy sided horse that needs the encouragement. However, most of the time the need for a spur is due to the fact that you can more precisely place a cue when you are riding your horse. When you advance to higher levels of riding, the exact placement of pressure is imperative. All Around Spurs
Typically, most events can use an all-around shank such as those pictured in photo ‘A’ and ‘B’. The shanks on the spurs pictured are anywhere from 2” to 2 ¼” long. This is a good average length for a person that wants an extension of their legs and may need a little extra length to apply cues.
For someone who has longer legs or is a roper, you may want
to consider a shorter shank such as those pictured in ‘C’ and ‘D’. A shorter shank may come in lengths ranging from 1”-2” long. Shorter Shanks for Longer Legs
C
D
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A
B
The next part of a spur to consider is the type of rowel you need. If your horse is light sided, you may
consider a clover leaf rowel or one similar to the one pictured in ‘C’. If your horse is heavier sided and you need a little extra help getting them to move off pressure, you may consider a rowel such as the ones found in ‘A’, ‘D’, or ‘B’. These are typically considered an all-around type rowel. Some riders may prefer a larger rowel with more options in placement. The rowels pictured in ‘E’ and ‘F’ For Advanced Riders should only be used by advanced riders.
The fit of a spur on your boot is another
E
F
very important factor. Usually, a wider spur is meant for men and a narrower band for women or children. Adjusting the fit around your boot heel may be required prior to riding. The spur should be slightly snug around your boot. It is VERY important that the spur be weighted correctly to ensure it stays down on your boot. A big advantage to buying a custom pair of spurs is the fact that a good spur maker will ensure you have the exact fit you need.
The final factor to consider is your personal style and taste! Choose a
design that represents you. If you desire customization such as your name, initials, or brand, seek a custom spur maker. Once you find the perfect spur, you will just need to get some spur straps and you are all set! Remember, buckles on the outside for your spur straps. l Article Submission: Amy & Duayne Williams
If you have any questions about spurs, please let us know. This is a big topic with lots to explore. Thank you Facebook Users who replied with your questions, I hope this article was able to help you out. -Susan Editor.
STOCKING YOUR EQUINE FIRST AID KIT By Melissa F. Sykes
Every barn has a cabinet or a box or even a bucket that medications and first aid supplies get tossed into. With the passage of time, medications are replaced, needles are saved, wraps become frayed – for most of us, it starts to become a jumble of things we need, we think we need, we might use, or we’ll never use. But, the horseman’s mentality is “better save it, you never know.” This article is designed for the horse owner putting together a first aid kit for the first time as well as a checklist for those owners I’ve described above. First, we’ll start with you first timers. There are some things every horse owner should know how to do and there are some basics every horse owner should have on hand.
If you have a horse you need to know how to administer simple first aid and this includes being able to give your horse an intra muscular injection. Yes, I said a shot in the rump. There’s not a lot involved – get your veterinarian to show you how. The most important thing is knowing that an IM shot does not go into the vein. Pick a muscle, any muscle. Stick the needle in and draw back the plunger. If blood came into the syringe, withdraw the needle and start again. A place a lot of people use is the crease inside the hip. Hit it kind of low. The horse will walk out any stiffness caused by the injection. Medications given in shot form are usually regulated (i.e. acepromazine, rompun, banamine, etc.) so you must get it from your vet. A vet
I spoke with suggested that you have your vet supply you with a disposable syringe, with the med already in it, with the horse’s name on it and expiration date. This way, you will have the right
Many horse owners act as their own vet. And most of these individuals are quite competent in their abilities and (hopefully) they know their limitations. But a word of caution, if your animals are insured and you are administering drugs without your vet’s knowledge, the insurance companies can deny your claim. Other things to put in your kit are: • a good water based ointment such as Furisan, • a roll of leg cotton, • some rolls of vet wrap and • a pair of bell pointed gauze scissors. • Gauze bandages (4”x4”) should be on hand. They don’t have to be sterile, just kept clean. • *Try storing the cotton and bandages in resealable plastic bags. * • Handi-wipes are great for cleaning a wound or use them on top of the gauze – they’re very absorbent and soft. • A pair of regular leg wraps should also be included in your kit. Be sure you know how to wrap a wound and a leg. Get your vet or a horsey friend to show you how. Then, practice on your horse. Learn how tight is too tight when bandaging. The more you practice, the easier it will be for you and your horse when the time comes. And last but not least, be sure your vet’s phone numbers, including back up are in the kit. Better yet, post them in the barn by the telephone, post them by every telephone and be sure you have it with you when you’re traveling. For you old timers, sort through that pharmacy you call a first aid kit. Throw out everything that’s expired or was prescribed for a horse you sold three years ago. Replenish used up or out dated supplies. Re-familiarize yourself with your kit’s contents and each supply’s use. The best prescription for a first aid kit is to keep it simple. Horses are accidents waiting to happen and as a horse owner we need to know the basics. But horses are large, living creatures, so we also need to know when to call for help.
dosage for the horse in question. There’s nothing worse than having a horse in severe pain and you’re trying to figure out how much ace he needs to calm him until the help arrives.
“The best Prescription for a first aid kit is to keep it simple.”
Any medication that is to be administered intravenously should be done so by your vet. If it’s serious enough to warrant this type of med, then you should be calling him/her. The same is true for antibiotics. If there is a need for them, the vet should be the one prescribing this treatment.
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Meet an International Legend:
Pat Parelli
Associate editor, Lindsay George, caught up the legend Pat Parelli at his tour stop in Ardmore Oklahoma. She had the privilege to sit face to face and get some of Pat’s story to share with our East Texas readers.
It gives me great pleasure to introduce y’all to a man that has lived his whole life loving horses and dedicated his life to making the world a better place for horses and humans. Pat Parelli rode his first horse when he was three years old, and since then horses were all he could ever think about. He became a member of 4-H and FFA at a very young age. He spent a lot of time during the summer learning how to gather wild cattle in the mountains with a man named Freddie Ferrera. Freddie gave Pat his first full cowboy experience! Not long after that, young Pat discovered he could ride bucking horses! Pat went to a rodeo school taught by world champion bareback rider Johnny Hawkins, who rode his first horse at age two in Kilgore, Texas. After the first time Johnny saw Pat ride, he told Pat “I am going to teach you how to do this.” After about 200 practices, Pat entered his first 3 rodeos and won them! Pat became rookie of the year in 1972, and then shortly after, he started traveling all over the world for rodeos. At this time Pat started to study how different people would train their horses, as well as different techniques for training dogs, donkeys, and chimpanzees, for specialty acts. That is when his interest in training began to take flight. Pat was blessed with the opportunity to study with Troy Henry. Pat trained with him for 5 years before Troy passed away. Pat says “He was one of the greatest horsemen on the west coast of the United States. He taught me how to do two things; how to train horses naturally, and how to teach. Troy was a master at both.” By then, Pat had begun to combine his skills as a businessman along with his experiences with “problem horses” enough to start his own business called “Have Helper Travel”. Pat would go around to different barns and neighborhoods, wherever people had their horses stabled, to help people with their horses. From trailer loading to helping prepare horses for the vet or farrier, Pat had the chance to work with every behavioral problem there was. He worked in 3-hour sessions, and he had a saying: “$100 an hour, double for doubters, free for friends”. That is how Pat got started. He had so much immediate success that he started a program where if you brought 5 people, he would do a session for $75 an hour, and if you brought 10 people, he would do it for $50 an hour. Pat enjoyed explaining 24
to people what he was doing, even more than he enjoying training their horses. It was clear that even in the beginning of Pat’s career, he truly enjoyed seeing other people grow in their horsemanship. In 1983 Pat started his clinic business. Since then, he has gone to 27 different countries outside the US to host clinics. He has had over 20,000 different people ride with him. And over 200,000 students in his e-learning program call the “Parelli Savvy Club”. Pat says what he enjoyed most is helping regular people get extraordinary results with their horses”. The Parelli program and its purpose are quite unique. They truly want people to not only understand their horse, but to also understand themselves. The Parelli program helps people learn to have more confidence, be safe, and have more fun with their horses. Their achievement program is a fun way to help you expand your knowledge. They understand that different people have different goals. So if you desire to learn how to better your horsemanship for working on a ranch, rodeo, or just for fun, Parelli wants to help! The final part of the program is the professional program, which teaches people how to have the confidence to become competitive enough to become a professional. “The whole secret is that there is a mental, emotional, and physical side to every horse and every student. And so what I try to do is not just work on the physical things that people need, but I try to help people with their confidence, and help Pat Parelli back stage at OK tour stop them to be more creative”, Pat says. “Some people want to be good enough to be professional. That is where several of my graduates have gone on and created their own programs, and turned into clinicians themselves.” Pat’s advice to us as horse owners is that we need to learn how a horse ticks, how the horse feels, thinks, acts, and plays. Horsemanship is much more than just riding. It is learning how to train and keep your progress going and the progressive relationship going. My all time favorite quote from Pat Parelli is “Horses are like computers. They may not ever do what you want or what you told them, but what you have programmed them to do”. Parelli is a one of a kind program. They have come up with a wonderful program centered on a passion to teach people how to have good horsemanship. There are plenty of spin-offs of their techniques. But the Parelli program teaches you not only the techniques, but the science and the philosophy behind the techniques.
“ ... learn how a horse ticks, how the horse feels, thinks, acts, and plays.”
Pat says that there are two kinds of people: horse lovers and the other kind. This program is for people who truly love horses, people who want to develop a relationship with their horse that is unparalleled to anything they have had before in their life. Pat had dedicated his live to horses. Along with Troy Henry, Pat’s early mentors were Tom Dorrance, Ray Hunt, and Ronnie Willis. Today, there are still many horse owners who look up to these horsemen, just as much as Pat did. Many horse owners look up to Pat and all he has taught the world about horsemanship.
I would like to end with one last quote from Pat Parelli: “All horsemanship is a journey, for both the horse and human. Horse in Latin is “equus”, which means “equal us”. And yet we are the ultimate predator and they are the ultimate prey animals. So if we can learn to unlock the secret to have the ultimate prey animal want to be our partner, then we have unlocked the relationship secret to family, friends, spouses, and employees. What happens when you use love, language, and leadership in equal doses, you end up with a strong paradigm that becomes your philosophy for life.”
Conformation Judging
Learning how to judge a horse’s conformation is an important skill for all those in the horse industry. From trainers and equine professionals to the everyday horse owner or weekend warrior we all need to know how to determine and judge a horse’s particular flaws and merits of conformation. A horse’s conformation can determine his suitability as a riding horse and whether or not he should be and can perform well at what we want them to do.
length of the front leg should be the same as the depth of the heartgirth. The heartgirth is measured from the top of the horse’s withers to the bottom of the belly behind the elbow, so basically where you put
But let’s start with a definition of conformation; conformation is the physical appearance of a horse due to the arrangement of muscle, bone, and other body tissues. Now the criteria that we use to speak about conformation are many and can include; 1. balance, 2. structural correctness, 3. quality, 4. breed and sex character 5. and muscling.
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Starting with balance, since it is the single most important criteria for judging a horse’s overall suitability for riding and use; balance refers to the structural and aesthetic blending of body parts. Balance is influenced almost entirely by skeletal structure. A correctly balanced horse should be divisible into three equal parts from front to back. • The length of the shoulder, • length of the back • the length of the hindquarter
These three parts should all match up. So if we were looking at a picture we should be able to fold that picture in three equal parts. But we all know that not all horses will be completely equal in their parts. Balance from front to back is also dependent upon the angles of a horse’s shoulder and hip. This can be visualized by drawing an imaginary trapezoid on the side of the horse with the top and bottom of the trapezoid being the back and underline and the sides of the trapezoid being the slop of the shoulder and hip. A horse may be steeper in the shoulder thus making them longer backed and shorter in the underline whereas; we want the opposite to be true in a balanced horse. Something to remember when assessing balance from this particular aspect is if one of the three thirds is short or long then subsequently another third is short or long. These can all cause problems in a riding horse. We also look at balance from top to bottom. This means that the
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a girth when saddling the horse. A horse that is shallow in the heartgirth may be less athletic than a horse with a deeper heartgirth. The next thing we look at in conformation judging is the overall structural correctness of the horse. Structural correctness is explained as how the bones line up in the skeletal system. Analyzing structure should be done several ways; for the front end to assess structural correctness of the front legs we can drop a string out from the point of the horse’s shoulder straight down the leg. The bones in the leg should line up straight with equal amount of leg being on either side of the string. We can also evaluate front leg structure from the side view, once again drawing a line from the point of shoulder to the ground. In a correctly structured horse, the line will again allow equal amount of leg on either side of the string. When evaluating structure of the hind limbs it should also be analyzed from the side and rear view, just like the front legs. Similar to the front view, the rear view will again use a line down from the point of the hip to the ground; any deviation from this straight line is again a defect in structure. When analyzing hind leg structure from the side view, drop a line from the tail head to the ground. The correctly balanced horse will have the line touch the back of the hock and run down the back of the leg from the hock to the fetlock and then to the ground. Any variation to this straight line would be a structure issue. Balance and structural correctness are the two most important factors when evaluating a horse in reference to conformation. These two traits alone are not the only factors used but are the most objective measures of conformation. The next few factors or criteria can be more preference but have something to do with the overall look and appearance of the horse in general.
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Quality is basically the attractiveness of the horse. A high quality
horse is both trim and pleasing to the eye. The head will be triangular in nature with a prominent jaw tapering to a refined muzzle; the eyes will be large and wide set in the head, they will also have short, trim ears and large nostrils. A high quality neck is long and trim in nature
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and ties in high to the point of the shoulder and is also trim in the throatlatch. All of these factors will lead to a horse that can see well with peripheral vision, breathe deeply when performing and a horse that can bend its neck and throat to promote collection and ease of movement.
Breed and sex characteristics are just that; the horse will look and exhibit appropriate breed and sex characteristics in its appearance. You
should be able to tell that an Arabian looks like an Arabian and a Quarter Horse looks like a Quarter Horse. In similar fashion you should be able to tell a mare as a mare due to her feminine qualities like a smaller neck and more refined head and muzzle; while a stallion will have a more prominent jaw and bolder features about the head. Geldings should not be judged as harshly about sex characteristics since they will not be used for breeding stock, but should still have some general quality about their features.
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Muscling is the last criteria on our list due to the fact that balance and structural correctness are more important than muscling and cannot be
as influenced by exercise or environment. The structure a horse is born with is most likely what he will continue to grow into. Muscle is a factor that can easily be influenced by exercise and nutrition. There are a few areas from the profile or side view of the horse that will denote muscling. The forearm is probably the most important and accurate way to read muscle on a horse. The amount of muscling a horse possesses in the forearm is generally correlated to the total amount of muscling in the horse. Other major areas are the stifle, gaskin, pectorals, shoulder and hindquarters. Overall, muscling is a factor in conformation due to how it aids in the athletic ability and appearance of the horse.
Now that we have a handle on how to look at a horse’s conformation, let’s see how we do compared to a judge on judging the following class of young halter geldings.
Horse 1
Horse 2
Horse 1 In this young gelding I see some really nice qualities. He has good overall balance and divides into 3 parts easily but lacks the complete balanced picture of our number 2 horse. He is relatively deep in his heartgirth but could be shorter in his back. His hindquarters are also shaped well and he has a good length to his croup but lacks the overall length of hip that horse 2 posses. He is structurally correct with straight legs and he has adequate slope to his shoulder, but has a longer back that is weaker than horse 2. He is running a bit downhill but he is young and will grow out of that with more time. He could also have more quality about his head and neck but in terms of working horses he is a nice individual.
Horse 2 This young gelding is very well put together and has some quality about him. He is balanced really well and this gelding divides equally in all three parts. He has a wonderful slope to his shoulder with a short strong back with a long underline. He has a long hip and is shaped well in his hindquarters. He has some real quality about him in his head and neck and ties in well into his pectoral region. He really carries his muscling well and has some definition to his muscle tone that horse 1 lacks. Overall a really nice set of geldings to judge. These two were very high quality individuals with some really nice qualities. Placing for young geldings at halter: 1st Place: #2, 2nd Place: #1
Nicci Ahart is the County Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development in Rusk County. She judged collegiately with Sam Houston State University under Dr. Matt If you would like to submit a picture of your McMillan and judged growing up in 4-H and FFA in Brazoria County. She currenthorse to be evaluated for a printed ly coaches junior horse judging teams for 4-H and enjoys showing in Working Cow confirmation class, please email the picture to: Horse, Ranch Horse Pleasure and Versatility Ranch Horse Competitions. She is a Susan@HorsemenConnection.com member of AQHA, APHA, SHOT and ASHA.
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