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RATION BALANCER S I NCE 1983
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December 2018
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The Horsemen’s Corral is the official publication for the following clubs: Adams County Horseman’s Association Northern Ohio Dressage Association Ashland Paint & Plain Saddle Club Northern Kentucky Horse Network Avon Lake Saddle Club Northern Ohio Miniature Horse Club Black Swamp Driving Club Ohio Appaloosa Association Buckeye Horse Park Ohio Arabian & All-Breed Trail Riding Society Classical Attraction Dressage Society Ohio Foundation Quarter Horse Central Ohio Saddle Club Association Association Central Ohio Wagoneers Ohio Gaited Horse Riding Club Colorado Ranger Horse Association Ohio Haflinger Association District One National Show Horse Ohio Horseman’s Council Dusty Boots Riding Club Ohio Morgan Horse Association Flatlanders Dressage & Combined Ohio Paint Horse Club Training Association, Inc. Ohio Quarter Horse Association Geauga Horse & Pony Association Ohio Ranch Horse Association Great Lakes Appaloosa Horse Club Ohio State Buckskin Association Indiana Mounted Regulators Ottawa County Horse Foundation Knox County Horse Park Pinto Horse Association of Ohio Lake Erie Mounted Vaqueros Tri-County Trail Association Massillon Saddle Club Tri-State Rodeo Association Michigan Trail Riders Association, Inc. Wayne County Saddle Club Mid-Eastern Farriers Association Western Reserve Carriage Association Mid Ohio Dressage Association Mid-Ohio Marauders
Inside This Issue A Wooden Milestone............................................................... 28 Berazzled Tops Strong Blooded Horse Fall Sale at $76,000.... 6 Corral Calendar ...................................................................... 18 The Cowboy Perseverance Ranch ......................................... 40 Does My Horse Need a Blanket This Winter? ........................ 16 Farrier Friendly ....................................................................... 30 The Last Ride ........................................................................... 8 My Horse Anatomy ................................................................. 26 Notes from Inside The Corral ................................................... 6 Ride For Real ......................................................................... 22 Ride In Sync ........................................................................... 10 TrailMeister ............................................................................. 42 View From the Cheap Seats................................................... 34 The Way of Horses ................................................................. 62 Winterizing Your Farm Before the Heavy Cold Sets In ........... 36
The Corral Staff Editor .............................................................................................Bobbie Coalter Advertising Sales & General Manager .....................................Joe Coalter email ............................................................... joe@thehorsemenscorral.com Club Sales & Circulation Manager Art & Composition Director .....................................................Michelle Ross email ......................................................michelle@thehorsemenscorral.com Advertising Consultant ................................................................. Mary Vedda email ............................................................ mary@thehorsemenscorral.com
Club News Black Swamp Driving Club ..................................................... 19 Buckeye Horse Park ............................................................... 39 Central Ohio Saddle Club Association.................................... 20 Central Ohio Wagoneers ........................................................ 24 Colorado Ranger Horse Association ...................................... 14 District One National Show Horse Association ....................... 12
WRITERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS
Features: .......... Eleanor Blazer, Rob & Tanya Corzatt, Bobbie Coalter, ...................................... Debbie Disbrow, Robert Eversole, Bryan Farcus, ............................. Steve Lantvit, Terry Myers, Wendy Shaffer, Sarah Vas Guests:........................................................ Kayla Jarvinen, Dr. Nettie Liburt
NEXT ISSUE
NUMBER 1 .................................................................................. JANUARY 2019 JANUARY 2019 DEADLINE ........................................ DECEMBER 10, 2018
Dusty Boots Riding Club......................................................... 43 Flatlanders Dressage & Combined Training Association, Inc. .. 39 Geauga Horse and Pony Association ..................................... 35 Great Lakes Appaloosa Club .................................................. 12 Knox County Horse Park ........................................................ 61 Michigan Trail Riders Association, Inc. ................................... 24 Mid Ohio Dressage Association.............................................. 38
DEVOTED ENTIRELY TO HORSE AND HORSEMEN since 1969 THE HORSEMEN’S CORRAL is published monthly by Horsemen’s Corral, 8283 Richman Road, Lodi, Ohio 44254. (ISSN 0164-6591). Published as Periodicals at the Lodi Post Office USPS 889-180 with additional entry points Cleveland, OH 44101; Williamsport, PA 17701-9998 and Madison, WI 53714. Periodicals postage paid at Lodi, Ohio, and additional entry offices. Subscriptions: One Year for $30; Two Years for $50; Three Years for $65. Single copies, $3.00. For subscriptions, address changes, and adjustments, write to: Horsemen’s Corral, P.O. Box 32, Lodi, Ohio 44254. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Horsemen’s Corral, P.O. Box 32, Lodi, Ohio 44254. Manuscripts, drawings, and other material submitted must be accompanied by a stamped self-addressed envelope.
Northern Kentucky Horse Network ......................................... 44 Northern Ohio Dressage Association ..................................... 38 Northern Ohio Miniature Horse Club ...................................... 29 Ohio Arabian & All-Breed Trail Riding Society ........................ 13 Ohio Gaited Horse Trailriders ................................................... 9 Ohio Horseman’s Council, Inc. ............................................... 46 Ohio Morgan Horse Association ............................................. 43 Ohio Paint Horse Club ............................................................ 41 Ohio Ranch Horse Association ................................................. 8 Pinto Horse Association of Ohio ............................................. 14 Wayne County Saddle Club ................................................... 21
The Horsemen’s Corral cannot be responsible for unsolicited material. MAILING ADDRESS & PHONE: P.O. Box 32, Lodi, Ohio 44254 OFFICE: 419/742-3200 or 330/635-4145
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ABOUT THE COVER: Friesian stallion, Albert, owned by Natalie Harrison of Black Magic Friesians (www.myblackmagicfriesian.com) and trained by Melissa Ashcraft. Photo is by Hannah Draughan of Hannah Draughan Photography (www.hannahdraughan.com).
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Notes From Inside The Corral
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f Santa’s sleigh was powered by horses instead of reindeer, I’m betting we all would know a few candidates for the job. Ability to fly aside, one of those horses could easily be Morning Star, our Percheron/ Paint cross. OK, so I may be a little prejudiced on that one, but that horse really does amaze me. Star hasn’t been ridden a lot this year because I was injured in a barn accident in the spring and Joe has had such a crazy schedule.
When he does get a chance to ride, Joe usually rides her bare back at home for only about 30 minutes at a time. Yet, in spite of having most of the year off, we can walk out to the barn, whistle for her, knock the mud off, ask her to step on the trailer, head to a Christmas parade and ride like we do it every weekend. That is a good candidate for Santa’s sleigh. The horse on the cover, Albert, may or may not be another candidate but I can tell you he is well trained by one of the best kept secrets in our region... Melissa Ashcraft, owner and head trainer of Transitions Equestrian Center in La Porte, Ind. Melissa is a Grand Prix Level Dressage rider and is a USDF Bronze and Silver medalist. She toured
for five years with the ‘World Famous Lipizzaner Stallion Show’ performing throughout various parts of the world. For the past several years she has been performing with Friesians and has trained several for movie roles. Her training methods are a combination of Classical Dressage and Natural Horsemanship. Melissa has an extremely diverse background and offers beginner to advanced riding instruction with training in dressage, jumping, English and western pleasure, equitation, driving, western dressage, reining, natural horsemanship and trick training. Not only does Melissa come highly recommended, we are also truly blessed with an incredible number of recommended trainers
near anyone who subscribes to the Corral. Each one has their own unique approach, yet speak the language of the horse. Trainers like Terry Myers, Steve Lantvit, Sarah Vas, Stacie Widder, Adam Black, Stacy Westfall, Stacey Giere and Dan James to name a few. As we enter the season of giving, perhaps it is time you give something to your equine partner and take your partnership to a new height. Maybe high enough to be a candidate for Santa’s sleigh! From all of us here at the Horsemen’s Corral (including Morning Star)...Have a Merry Christmas!
Berazzled Tops Strong Blooded Horse Fall Sale at $76,000 The 71st Annual Fall Blooded Horse Sale, held Nov. 13-15,
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at the Champions Center in Springfield, Ohio, witnessed its
highest average in the history of its fall edition. The sale was topped by former Ohio 2-yearold Filly Pacer of the Year Berazzled at $76,000. The daughter of Charley Barley, now an Open Pacer, earned over $90,000 this year en route to lifetime earnings of nearly $400,000. Consigned by Marion Beachy and Kerry O’Keefe to dissolve the partnership, Beachy prevailed against serious bidders throughout the pavilion to keep the beautiful black mare. As usual, Spring Haven Farm was agent for a strong consignment of racehorses and had the second highest seller in Dragonology at $54,000. The Ohio Sires Stakes competitor and consolation winner, trained by Ron Burke, was purchased by Dynasty Racing of Michigan. Spring Haven (agent) also offered Rock N Jo Z, a classy $30,000 conditioned claimer from the Brian Brown Stable. He was purchased by Ed Dobrowolski of Michigan for $40,000. The tall, handsome, Indianabred trotting gelding Mystical Motor attracted a lot of attention, with Bruce Soulsby getting the nod at $35,000. Trained by Sally Gilbert and consigned by Move On Stable, the son of Swan For All was a consistent performer in the conditioned classes at Hoosier Park. The yearling session on the first
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day yielded plenty of fireworks with Boundless Dragon lighting up the board at $52,000. Consigned by Bruce Trogdon’s Emerald Highlands Farm, Trogdon bought out his partners on the stunning, dark daughter of Dragon Again. The handsome colt Somebeachsomewhere Gingras Beach, also consigned by Emerald Highlands Farm, created quite the stir at the sale and on social media with his being named after the illustrious driver Yannick Gingras. Burke Racing Stable, LLC appropriately won the bidding war for the rights to train this popular pacer. Top yearling trotter honors went to the lovely Wishing Stone daughter Laurels Dream at $37,000. Consigned by Spring Haven Farm (agent), the halfsister to winners in excess of $600,000 was purchased by Allen Schmidthorst of Ohio for $37,000. Also of note was a pair of strikingly beautiful yearlings by the exciting first-crop sire Nob Hill High. Consigned by Hunterton Sales Agency, Dr. Lyndsay, named after promising vet student Lyndsay Hagemeyer, and Stanford Court, were both purchased by Brian Brown (agent) for $35,000. Visit www.bloodedhorse.com for complete sale results and to enter horses for the upcoming Winter Mixed Sale scheduled on Feb. 12-13, 2019. December 2018
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The Last Ride “So when we do make that last ride that is inevitable for us all to make, to that place up there, where the grass is green and lush and stirrup high, and the water runs cool, clear, and deep— You’ll tell us as we ride in that our entry fees have been paid. These things we ask.—Amen.” ~Excerpt from ‘A Rodeo Cowboy’s Prayer’ by Clem McSpadden
WILLARD ANTHONY “TONY” CONNER
ROCKY
Mr. Willard Anthony “Tony” Conner, of Louisville, Ky., and formerly of Albany, Ky., passed away Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2018, at his residence in Louisville, having attained the age of 76 years, 1 month, and 6 days. He was born in Albany, Ky., on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 1942, the son of Willard and Eva (Burchett) Conner. He was of Baptist faith, a member of the First Baptist Church, retired from the Army Corps of Engineers, a Real Estate Appraiser, a member of the Arabian Horse Association and Kentucky Arabian Horse Association and a Board Member of the National Arabian Horse Association. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Arvis W. and Geneva (York) Conner and his maternal grandparents, Luther and Edna (Grider) Burchett. He is survived by a brother, Larry (and Lynn) Conner of Albany, Ky., his companion Pat Hawkins of Louisville, Ky., three nephews, Jeremy L. Conner, Jason Gregory, and Bryan Gregory, a niece, Jane T. (Conner) Bowie, a host of other relatives and many friends. The funeral service was conducted Thursday, Nov. 15, 2018, in the Chapel of Campbell-New Funeral Home with Bro. Jeff Brown officiating. Burial was in the Memorial Hill Cemetery in Albany, Ky. Casket Bearers were Luther Conner, Jr., Stephen Dickerson, Keith McWhorter, Carter Maupin, H. C. Maupin, Clint Poore, Ryan Poore, and Jim Sawyers.
We have bad news to share. Linnie has lost her beloved horse, Rocky, to colic at the OSU Veterinarian Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. He was 20 years old. He was the best horse she has ever owned and was bulletproof. He would forge ahead on the trail when other horses would refuse to lead and when the going got tough. We always used to say, “This looks like a jobe for the Rocket Man.” He carried her safely through the battlefield of Custer’s last stand along the Powder River in the hoof prints of the 7th Army in Montana, through the Badlands and to the top of Mount Rushmore and Harney Peak in the Black Hills of South Dakota, the highest point between the Rocky Mountains and the Pyrenees in Spain. He rode along the infamous “Trail of Tears” where 4000 Cherokee Indians died on their forced march across the Shawnee National Forest in Illinois, across the treacherous Nolan Divid in the Smokey Mountains near Deep Creek, N.C., and along the Virginia Highlands Trail in the Jefferson National Forest. He went to an overlook of Cades Cove from Gregory Bald in the Smokey Mountains, as well as following the Rocky Trail through Thunder Mountain in the Allegheny State Forest, just to name a few. There are very few horses who have that kind of mileage under their girth belt. Rocky was an old soul, a member of our family, was irreplaceable and will be deeply missed. Fare thee well Rocky, and Godspeed you on your journey. ~Richard Anderson Ohio Gaited Trailriders
********** Email submissions for The Last Ride to michelle@thehorsemenscorral.com Please include a picture if possible.
Ohio Ranch Horse Association
Thank You for a Wonderful First Year PRESIDENT, Amy Roberts; VICE PRESIDENT, Simone Marshall; TREASURER, Teri Zachariah. PHONE, 740/819-8446; EMAIL, amyshd@yahoo.com WEBSITE, www.ohioranchhorseassociation.com
by Simone Marshall We had such an amazing first year! Many friends and fellow ARHA members came from surrounding states like Kentucky, Indiana, New York and West Virginia and we gained over 100 new members! We are really looking forward to 2019! 8
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To view the year-end points, please go to our website, ohioranchhorseassociation.com. Here are the High Point winners from each division. Congratulations! ALL AGE HIGH POINT: Martin Schwartz, HS Starlight Whiz. AMA HIGH POINT: Karen Phillips, Boom or Shine. NOV AMA HIGH POINT: Kendra Hoot, Wild Wyatt. YOUTH HIGH POINT: Jenna Wood, Peppy Oak Montana. NOV YOUTH HIGH POINT: Abigail Fitzwater, DocsTenacee Junebug.
The dates for next year are as follows: April 26-28, June 1416, Aug. 9-11, Oct. 4-6. See you next year, have a great holiday season! Let’s Ride! December 2018
Ohio Gaited Horse Trailriders
The Blessing of the Hounds on St. Hubert’s Day by Richard Anderson Once again, as in the past of each year, on the first Saturday of November, the Blessing of the Hounds is celebrated around the English-speaking world. It is a celebration to kick off the hunt season that begins when the crops are out of the field, and the Master of the Hunt takes his fellow land holders along with their hounds to rid the land of pests, as a favor to their tenant farmers, in order that they may be able to continue to pay their rent. Quite obviously, this is no longer the purpose of the hunt, and it is now largely symbolic of this ancient tradition. But it has become an annual tradition for a religious ceremony to be held on or about Nov. 3, St Hubert’s Day, and it is a custom that has survived since medieval times, with its origin in the belief that, by this blessing, the hounds would be protected from disease and petulance. St. Hubert, the patron saint of the hunt, or chase, was born in the middle of the seventh century. His early
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life was given to pleasures and worldly vanities, and his chief passion was the hunt. At the age of 27 on Good Friday morning, when all of the faithful had repaired to church, Hubert, in open defiance of pious customs, went forth on the hunt. As he was pursuing a stag, the animal turned, and between its antlers was seen to Hubert a crucifix. Shaken by this event, Hubert renounced all of his honors and rank, gave all of his personal wealth to the poor and entered the priesthood, and since his canonization, has been the patron saint of archers, forest workers, hunting, hunters, and hounds. It is also the kick off to the formal fox hunting season (foxes are never killed), which continues until mid-March of each following year. The riders are led by a bagpiper to the blessing field, and during the Blessing, each rider dismounts, and on bended knee, receives a personal blessing from a local pastor as well as a medallion to wear around his neck, and is offered a ‘Stirrup Cup’, a
Masters of the hunt in the blessings meadow to celebrate the Blessing of the Hounds at the Rocky Fork country club in Gahanna. centuries old tradition intended to bolster the spirit of the hunt. And, following ancient tradition, each hunt is capped off by a celebration called ‘High Tea’, where all riders gather together to discuss the hunt and imbibe in libations of their own choice, which to my knowledge has never actually included tea.
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A rider receiving a blessing on blended knee from the monsignor for protection for horse and rider from pestilence during the coming hunt season. It is a fun tradition, and one we look forward to every year. It marks the beginning of the hunt season, but also the end of our trail riding adventures here in the Midwest. It is also an opportunity to begin plans for next year’s exciting trail riding schedule.
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Ride In Sync
Common Sense Tips to Improve Your Riding by Terry Myers As the riding season and year come to an end, it’s a great time to reflect on your performance with your horse. Whether you show your horse, trail ride or just plain play with your horse, it’s time to reflect on where the two of you were successful and where you need to improve. As a yearend article, I thought I would give you six common sense things you can do to improve your riding and make your horse’s job easier. If you want to improve your horse, it starts with you. 1. Don’t pull. In past articles I talked about holding the bridle reins like you are holding hands with that significant person in your life. Would that person like it if you were pulling and yanking on their hand? No? Well your horse doesn’t do so well with it either. Horses react to what we do, so if you are pulling they will pull back. A good way to practice this is to ask a friend to hold the other end of a set of bridle reins. Take a hold of one rein and apply
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light pressure until you feel the slightest resistance. Have your friend tell you when they feel pressure. I think you will be surprised at how little pressure it takes before your friend will feel it. Your horse is the same way. Take a hold of the rein and apply pressure until you feel the slightest resistance. If the horse does not give to the resistance, then work the rein by wiggling your fingers until the horse gives to the rein. Make it your goal to be lighter in your hands. My guess is you will find that less is more. 2. Don’t Be A Fat Head! I don’t mean to be insulting, but think about this for a moment. Your head controls 60 percent of your body weight when you ride. If you are constantly looking down at your horse’s head by cocking your head to the inside, this action makes you drop your inside shoulder and shifts your weight to the outside. Your horse will mirror this by dropping their inside shoulder and flipping their hip to the outside. All hopes of collection go down the drain.
Don’t believe me? Sit in a chair, or better yet on an exercise ball, tilt your head toward your shoulder and look down. Feel what happens to your body. This is what your horse feels. Let’s be kind to our horses and stop this nonsense. Ride like you have one of those neck collars on that they put on people who have been in a wreck. I’ve been tempted to have a few here at the barn for the compulsive ‘fat heads’! 3. Learn to count. If you can count to four, you can become a better rider. Do this exercise. Ask your horse to trot and count their footsteps; 1-2-3-4. The count should be a rhythmic four beat count. Feel how the count can change when you change your body position, such as tilting your head. Counting your horse’s foot fall teaches you to feel your horse’s movement. 4. Turn your toes out and don’t squeeze with your legs. You want to use the calves of your legs to control your horse, not your knees. When you squeeze your knees you start to push yourself up out of the saddle and lock your pelvis. When that happens, the horse cannot lift their back and move in a collected frame. By turning your toes out and bumping with your calves rather than squeezing, you start to ride with your horse instead of against them. Pretend you have baby birds nestled between your calves and your horse. If you squeeze too hard, you’ll have baby bird guts all over your legs. If you don’t keep some contact, the baby birds will fall and get stepped on. Now take that visual to the barn! 5. Get your elbows out of your sides. Whenever you clamp your elbows in your sides, you lock your shoulders and ride through your elbows. In this position, you are much more likely to lean forward and a whole lot more likely to be pulling on your horse’s face. The elbows have to be elastic and move with the horse, which cannot happen when they are stiffly clamped in your sides. You want to ride from your shoulders, lifting the rein not pulling the rein. This sits you back on your pockets and allows the horse to elevate his front end, which is the beginning of collection (elevation). 6. Do not arch or hollow your back out (please!). This causes you to roll your pelvis forward and dumps your weight on the
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Terry Myers horse’s front end. In this position you cannot use your legs properly and it also puts you in a more precarious position should the horse bolt or buck. Think of your pelvis as a bucket of water. If it is rolled forward, you spill water out of the bucket. Roll your pelvis back into the saddle and sit on your pockets. This position allows you to use your legs properly and have a more secure seat. These six tips can help make you a better rider and develop a closer partnership with your horse. Practice them with a friend who will let you know when you lapse back into bad habits. The biggest tip of all is to have patience and keep working. If you are getting frustrated, think about what you are doing wrong and how you can change to get a different result. A teacher once said, “Lower your expectations to lower your frustrations.” Does that mean you should always have low expectations? Not really, just realistic ones. Thank you to everyone who reads my articles and give us such great feedback. We are thankful to the Horsemen’s Corral for another great year as part of their publication. My wife Amy and I hope everyone has a Merry Chirstmas and blessed New Year. Be safe and always strive to Ride-In-Sync with your horse! Questions about this or any of our articles can be emailed to us at myers5000@aol.com. Terry Myers is a national clinician and champion horse trainer with a depth of knowledge developed from over 45 years in the horse industry. Myers has been a popular clinician at multiple expos in the U.S. and Canada. To learn more about Myers’ Ride-In-Sync methods as well as clinic and training services available, visit Myers at www.tmtrainingcenter.com or on Facebook. December 2018
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District One National Show Horse Association
Planning Underway for Night At The Races PRESIDENT, Jane Malmsberry; VICE PRESIDENT, Jan Passell; SECRETARY, Kristin Detwiler; TREASURER, Barb Wright; EMAIL, barbwright4100@ gmail.com. FACEBOOK, www. facebook.com/DONSHA
by Barb Wright
Barb’s 3-year-old Old Shut Up N Dance.
Our November meeting was in Salem on Nov. 18. The agenda mainly focused on planning for the Night At The Races scheduled in March for the same Hudson F.O.P. that has worked with DONSHA the last two years. We are extremely excited they have agreed to use this venue as a fundraiser for their group again. Congratulations to Kim Kachurchack and Barb Wright and their trainer Cortney Schafer Downey for their year long efforts culminating in qualifying their horses to compete at the 2018 U.S. National Arabian and Half Arabian Championship Show in Tulsa, Okla., held Oct.
19-27, 2018. Kim and her horse SS Back In Black competed in the 55 and Over AAOTR HA Country English Pleasure Division as did Barb Wright and her horse Mary Mary. There was a total of 29 horses entered in this division which was split into two sessions. Kim made the cut for the final. Barb did not but she did place 7th out of 17 on one judge’s card. Kim went on to the final but did not make top 10. Making a card for any of us at this level is huge. Barb’s other horse Shut Up N Dance competed against 20 entries in the 3-year-old HA/ Anglo Arab Country English
Barb Wright and Mary Mary. Pleasure Futurity. Cortney had a brilliant ride on this mare and she also was 7th on one judge’s card, did not make a mistake but did not make top 10. The highlight for Barb was to see the gelding she bred and sold a year ago make top ten in the junior HA Hunter division with 28 entries. So proud to see
Abracadabra WA bring it home for his new owners. It is time to regroup and plan for the coming year. I hope everyone had an enjoyable Thanksgiving. Enjoy the upcoming holiday season, Merry Christmas!
Great Lakes Appaloosa Club
GLApHC Well Represented at the World Championship Show PRESIDENT, Todd Michael; VICE PRESIDENT, Patty McCartin; TREASURER, Patty Nye; SECRETARY, Melanie Dzek; CLUB WEBSITE, www.GLApHC.com
by Chuck Schroeder Happy Holidays everyone! Congratulations to all of our members who showed at the World Championship Appaloosa Show! Michelle Baker was High Point Non Pro! She was World Champion in Hunt Seat Equitation, Trail, Horsemanship and Reserve World Champion in Hunter Under Saddle. She also placed third in Western Pleasure and fourth in Showmanship. All this was accomplished showing her horse Lil Louie Loper. Lorie Peterson was Reserve World Champion in the Non Pro Keyhole race and Jeff Lankford had top ten placings in game classes. Ty Wilkerson was World Champion in Non Pro Trail and other top ten placings.
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Kim Kachurchack and SS Back In Black.
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Winter Sheer was Reserve World Champion in Hunt Seat Equitation and had top ten placings as well. Holly Anderson, Sue Barton, Megan Kiser, Stephanie Patten, and Tracy Ebraheim all did very well with top ten placings. Trainers Virginia Williams, David Wagner, Heath Wilkerson, Rusty Miller and ‘Team Patty’ and their clients placed well. Our club was well represented. Congratulations to Todd Michael, who was the breeder of the Champion and Reserve Champion horses in the Non Pro Western Yearling Longe Line class. Our sincere sympathy goes out to the Kessler family on the loss of long time member of our club Howard Kessler. He passed away on Oct. 21. He and his wife Eldean were great supporters of our club. He will be missed. Swap Meet information and space reservations forms are on the website, you can also find an ad in this issue of the Horsemen’s Corral. Have a great holiday season!
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Ohio Arabian & All-Breed Trail Riding Society
Additional 25-Mile Loop Dubbed ‘Louie’s Loop’ PRESIDENT, Mollie Krumlaw-Smith; VICE PRESIDENT, Mickie Newnam; SECRETARY, Maureen Fehrs, DVM; TREASURER, Bill Cameron; EMAIL, mkrumlaw@webcincy.com; WEBSITE, www.oaats.org
by Tina S. Ponder With the Internet snafu last month, updates on rides are behind schedule and I apologize. As most of you are aware last year Kristin Puett woke up to Louie missing out of his pen at the White River Labor Day ride. After being found three to four days later Kari Hanes decided based on how they tracked him that another 25-mile loop could be added to the ride allowing for a 100-mile ride be added this year. That additional 25-mile loop has been dubbed ‘Louie’s Loop’. With a rough start to 2018’s ride season, Kristin and Louie were able to compete in the ride that was set up for him. As usual what is an endurance ride without rain, and rain it did! No more were the four 100-milers saddled up, mounted and heading
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on the trail the rain began to fall and lightening lit up the sky in the distance. Crewing was a blast! While waiting on Kristin and Louie, Jinnifer Plummer, her mom, Momma Julie, and I were singing, dancing and mushroom hunting. Rob, Colton and Kristin’s husband Curtis were tossing the football around in the sloshy sand. Curtis learned a valuable lesson while crewing, he learned that shutting the tailgate of the truck when much needed barrels of water are in the back is imperative. All we could do was watch Curtis drive down the road leaving a trail of water barrels behind him (OK maybe one barrel) leaving Kristin asking Curtis at the crew site where all the water went. Kristin stated, “if it wasn’t for the lightening lighting up the trails it’s impossible to see anything with all the rain and being extremely dark. Out of the four riders two finished, Jolanda Silk came in first place with Kristin and Louie finishing second with a ride time of 17:22 hours. OAATS had several members do well Labor Day weekend. The first day, Jinnifer and Rob
Terry Hoelscher’s sweet Belle. Plummer came in 11th and 12th, 13th was Leah Palestrant, Amy Yatsko finished 15th in the LD. Mary Mast completed in 12th in the 55. The second day of riding Don Fehrs finished in 10th, followed by Amy Yatsko and Noelle Snyder coming in 12th and 13th. I realize there have been several rides since the White River Labor Day Ride and I apologize I am unable to cover all of them at this time, please refer to AERC’s web page for ride results.
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Mollie Krumlaw-Smith’s pony Country. I need to take this time to send the love and condolences to two very special people in our OAATS family that had to make one of the hardest decisions of a life time. A couple of months ago Mollie Krumlaw-Smith had to lay to rest her pony, Country. And today my dear friend, Terry Hoelscher, had to lay her sweet Belle to rest as well. Country and Belle will be deeply missed by their humans. Please keep them in your thoughts and hearts. Until we meet again!
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Colorado Ranger Horse Association
Horses Wanted, Membership and 46th National Show Plans PRESIDENT, Toni Lukavich; 1ST VICE PRESIDENT, Charmaine Wulff; SECRETARY, Barbara Summerson; TREASURER, Jane Montgomery. WEBSITE, www.coloradoranger.com EMAIL, riderangerhorse@yahoo.com
by Monica Doddato Now’s the time to join or renew and while you are at it, check your barn for horses eligible for registration. If you have an Appaloosa now is a great time to
complete the free ‘Rangerbred Treasure Hunt’ form available to download on our website, www. coloradoranger.com. Submit the form and find out if your Appaloosa can be registered with CRHA. If you’re not participating in our programs —Open Show Points, Distance Riding, Logging and Youth— then you’re missing out on awards and recognition for your Rangerbred. Information and applications for these programs can be found on the website. Plans are underway for the Colorado Ranger Horse Association’s 46th National Show
which will be held Sept. 21 and 22 in Wattsburg, Pa. The show offers two days of classes for CRHA horses offering good times for members—riders and non-riders alike including the newly added Adult Walk-Trot and Ranch Horse classes. For more information on the show as it becomes available, visit our website, www. coloradoranger.com, or find our group on Facebook (Colorado Ranger Horse Assn.) CRHA hosts are judged by judges holding a CRHA Judge’s Card and we are looking for new judges. The CRHA Judge’s Card applications are available on the
CRHA National Show’s first Most Colorful champion was Holispots Galore owned and shown by Mariclaire Stearns. website as well, please tell your favorite judges so we can add them to our lists for consideration.
Pinto Horse Association of Ohio
PTHAO—President’s Pen PRESIDENT, Megan Herner; VICE PRESIDENT, Amy Leibold; SECRETARY, Nancy Bredemeier; TREASURER, Patti Wittensoldner; EMAIL, herner7@yahoo.com; WEBSITE, www.ohiopinto.com
by Megan Herner As I reflect on 2018, I realize how quickly time flies. I cannot believe another show season has come and gone. We have seen successes and failures, happy moments and sad, but none of them would be the same without
Megan posing with ‘Pinto Family’. our Pinto family. I cannot thank our judges, exhibitors, volunteers, paid help, officers and directors enough. We all work hard for what we love and it would not be possible without the dedication of the people we are lucky enough to have involved in our organization. How fortunate are we to have this wonderful group?! Without you we cannot do it. Words cannot express how much the Pinto Horse Association of Ohio appreciates the kindness and support of its wonderful extended family. Thank you for all your hard work and support! Words cannot begin to express how grateful we are to have you all in our lives! As we look forward to 2019, we are excited about all the possibilities. Once everything is finalized we will post the
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Megan Herner and her noble partner Cruzin In A Limo aka Simon. information at www.ohiopinto. com and on our Facebook page. Keep an eye out for 2019 information coming soon! “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And you are the one who’ll decide where to go...” —Dr. Seuss, Oh, The Places You’ll Go! Spot you soon!
December 2018
December 2018
HORSEMEN’S CORRAL
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Does My Horse Need a Blanket This Winter? by Nettie Liburt, PhD, PAS
A
s the days get shorter, your horse’s coat gets longer! The diminishing light is a signal to your horse’s body that winter is coming and it’s time to start preparing the winter coat. You may find yourself adding layers to your own attire, and heading to the barn wondering, “Does my horse need a blanket?” The answer depends on your horse’s individual needs. Horses have what’s known as a ‘critical temperature.’ The critical temperature is the temperature below which the horse requires more energy to keep warm. Above the critical temperature, blanketing has no benefit, and may make the horse feel too warm, in the same way you would likely feel too hot if you wore a coat when it was sunny and 75F outside. Factors such as hair coat thickness, body condition (fat cover), age, general health, wind chill and dryness of coat are things that can affect the critical temperature, which may not be the same for every horse. If a horse has a thinner coat and not a lot of fat cover, that individual will likely expend a good deal of energy just to keep warm, which could result in weight loss. This does not mean a horse should be obese going into winter! It just means that it is important to know your own horse. Whether a horse wears a blanket or not, at the very least every horse needs access to a shelter. Some horses live in a stall at night, while others live outside most of the time. Horses who are turned out during the day and brought in to the barn at night have their shelter taken care of for the most part. (Be cognizant of the weather, and don’t turn horses out in poor conditions if no shelter is available.) For outside dwellers, a threesided, south-facing structure that provides a windbreak and safe place to rest should suffice. A structure such as this should allow
the horse to escape the elements and stay protected. A clean, dry and sheltered area where a horse can lie down will also help conserve body heat. Very young horses (foals) and senior horses do not regulate their body temperature as well as horses in-between. Horses in these age groups are usually more comfortable wearing a blanket in cold temperatures. Horses who have difficulty maintaining weight or who are already thin can benefit from a blanket, which will help them use less energy to keep warm. In addition, a blanket can help keep horses clean and dry. Many horses continue to work and compete in the colder months. It’s common for show horses to have their coats clipped, in which case they must be blanketed when temperatures drop. A clipped coat is insufficient for trapping enough body heat in cold climates, especially if the horse gets turned out. Blanketing helps prevent the coat from getting too long, and also helps to keep horses with clipped coats warm. Clipping the coat will lessen sweaty, wet hair during exercise in the cold. A horse with a wet coat is at risk for a chill, so warm and dry is the goal! Keep a cooler handy just in case the horse’s coat becomes wet from sweat or precipitation. Other horses have winters off from work, or maintain light exercise as weather allows. Allowing a horse’s coat to grow in naturally as he adjusts to the season change provides a natural source of insulation. Once you start blanketing, continue to do so throughout the season. Blankets compress a horse’s natural coat, preventing it from fluffing up to conserve heat. Consider the weight, or fill, of the blanket in light of the outside temperatures. More fill means more warmth, so adjustments to blanket weight can be made as temperatures fluctuate. Another way horses keep warm naturally is by eating hay. Hay is broken down in the hindgut by a process known as fermentation. One of the byproducts of fermentation is heat! The heat released inside the horse’s
own digestive tract helps ward off the cold. Feeding grain does not have the same effect, as grain concentrates are typically digested in the small intestine, where fermentation should not take place. If the forecast calls for a drop in temperatures, it can be helpful to offer your horse some extra hay to keep cozy. Other forage sources can also help provide heat for a horse’s internal furnace, such as beet pulp, chopped forage and hay cubes. However, any additional forage source should be introduced to the diet slowly, so as not to cause digestive upset. Horses who receive a forage-only diet, or limited or no grain should be offered a ration balancer, like BUCKEYE Nutrition’s GRO ‘N WIN. GRO ‘N WIN will ensure vitamin, mineral and essential amino acids are supplied without adding extra calories. Overall, a balanced diet that includes forage and sufficient vitamins, minerals and protein is the foundation for a healthy horse yearround. Horses with part or all of their coats clipped will need a blanket in winter time, or when temperate drops sufficiently enough that the horse is uncomfortable. Horses with full winter coats don’t necessarily need a blanket unless they show signs of weight loss or health issues. No matter the horse’s living situation, shelter is essential, whether that is a run-in shed or access to a stall. Stay warm and enjoy all of your equine activities this season! REFERENCES • Lewis, L. 1996. Feeding idle and working horses. In: Feeding and Care of the Horse, 2nd Edition. Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins, Media, PA. pp. 186-192. • Liburt, N.R. and Williams, C.A. 2008. To blanket or not to blanket? Rutgers University Cooperative Extension Fact Sheet FS1801. • Williams, C.A. 2005. Are you stressing out your horse? Rutgers University Cooperative Extension Fact Sheet FS656.
Headquartered in Dalton, Ohio, BUCKEYEE Nutrition has been manufacturing quality products since 1910. BUCKEYE Nutrition takes feed safety seriously, implementing many programs mandated in human food manufacturing facilities. With the backing of WALTHAM®, a world-leading authority on pet care and widely renowned as an institution of the highest scientific caliber, our equine nutritionists provide scientifically-based equine nutritional solutions which guide our formulations and our BUCKEYE Nutrition brand promise of being the highest quality, fixed formula feeds available. BUCKEYE Nutrition is a 100 percent equine-focused company, 100 percent medication-free facility, sourcing 100 percent traceable, pure ingredients for consistency with a 100 percent money-back guarantee on all products. For coupons, a free hay analysis and diet consultation, contact us at 800/898-9467. www.BuckeyeNutrition.com. BUCKEYE Nutrition. Your Passion. Our Purpose™. 16
HORSEMEN’S CORRAL
December 2018
December 2018
HORSEMEN’S CORRAL
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Corral Calendar DISCLAIMER: The Horsemen’s Corral has made every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information provided on this calendar of events. However, the information is provided “as is” without warranty of any kind. The Corral does not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained herein. Where possible, event contact information is provided. Please “Call before you haul”. DECEMBER 2018 DEC. 1 — Working Equitation Clinic, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Brecksville Stables, 11921 Parkview Dr., Brecksville, OH. FMI: 234804-8735, www.cadsdressage.org. DEC. 1 — Christmas on the Canal Parade, 7 p.m, Canal Fulton, OH. FMI: Black Horse Tack & Supply, 330-418-1027. DEC. 1 — 30th Annual Lebanon HorseDrawn Carriage Parade & Festival, 1 & 7 p.m., 212 N. Broadway St., Lebanon, OH. FMI: 513-932-1100, www. LebanonCarriage.org. DEC. 1 — Double S Super Horse Challenge Series, Riverland Arena, 9675 Riverland Ave. SW, Navarre, OH. FMI: Perfect Horse 4U, 330-260-7738. DEC. 1 — WB Ranch Winter Classic, 1640 CR B, Swanton, OH. FMI: 419-349-8627 DEC. 1 — 11th Annual Christmas Tack-ORama, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Northwest Early Elementrary School, 3737 Lansing Ave., Jackson, MI. FMI: Beverly, 517-787-7138.
DEC. 1-2 — Champions Center Open Horse Show, Champions Center Expo, Springfield, OH. FMI: 937-324-4353, www. championscenter.net. DEC. 1-2 — Hunter/Jumper Schooling & Academy Show, Chagrin Valley Farms, 9250 Washington St., Chagrin Falls, OH. FMI: 440543-7233, www.chagrinvalleyfarms.com. DEC. 1-2 — Winter Series Hunter/Jumper Schooling Show, Willowbrooke Farms, 7461 Brookville Rd., Plymouth, MI. FMI: Jennifer, 313-938-9221, www.willowbrooke-farm. com. DEC. 2 — Tack Sale, WB Ranch, 1640 County Road B, Swanton, OH. FMI: 419875-5678, www.turning3.com. DEC. 2 — Angels Haven Horse Rescue Snacks with Santa, 1-4:30 p.m., Evergreen Farm, 13297 Durkee Rd., Grafton, OH. FMI: 440-781-5060, www. angelshavenhorserescue.org. DEC. 4 — Tuesday Night Jackpot, 5-10 p.m., Riverland Arena, 9675 Riverland Ave. SW, Navarre, OH. FMI: 904-477-6019. DEC. 5-9 — World Equestrian Center Winter Classic #1, 4095 SR 730, Wilmington, OH. FMI: Julie, 248-892-6806. DEC. 6 — dac Pizza Meeting, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Suds Maguire’s Bar & Grill, 1270 W. Bagley Rd., Berea, OH. FMI: Mary Vedda, 440-336-2796, mary.vedda@gmail.com. DEC. 6-9 — Chagrin Valley Farms A Rated Dressage Show, Chagrin Valley Farms, 9250 Washington St., Chagrin Falls, OH. FMI: 440543-7233, www.chagrinvalleyfarms.com. DEC. 8 — Horse Sale, Mt. Hope Auction, 8076 SR 241, Millersburg, OH. FMI: 330674-6188, www.mthopeauction.com.
Help Us Celebrate Our 36th Year!
presents
GREAT LAKES APPALOOSA HORSE CLUB SWAP MEET
University of Findlay Equestrian Center Western Farm South of Findlay at 14700 US 68, Findlay, Ohio 45840
ENTRANCE JUST SOUTH OF CO. RD. 40, RIGHT ON ST. RTE. 68
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2019 8 a.m to 2 p.m. Doors open to vendors at 6 a.m. & the general public at 8 a.m.
Like our Facebook page "glaphc swapmeet" for information and updates! Large Booth: $70 Small Booth: $35 Admission: $3
DEC. 8-9 — On The Road with Dawn & Clea 2017/2018 Winter Half Baked Series, The Champions Center, Springfield, OH. FMI: 330-592-5745, www. ontheroadwithdawnandclea.com. DEC. 8-9 — YEDA Twas The Show Before Christmas, University of Findlay Western Farm, 14700 St. Rt. 68, Findlay, OH. FMI: 419-957-7379, www.showyeda.com. DEC. 11 — Tuesday Night Jackpot, 5-10 p.m., Riverland Arena, 9675 Riverland Ave. SW, Navarre, OH. FMI: 904-477-6019. DEC. 14-16 — OTR Half Baked Winter Barrel Series, Champions Center, Springfield, OH. FMI: 330-771-3205, www. ontheroadwithdawnandclea.com. DEC. 14-16 — Holiday ShoDown, MSU Pavilion, East Lansing, MI. FMI: Erika, 248212-8890, www.bestlittlehorseshow.com. DEC. 15 — Crazy Woman Ranch 2018 Bonus Cash Series, 6450 Lancaster-Circleville Rd. SW, Lancaster, OH. FMI: 614-595-1850. DEC. 15 — WBF Winter Series Dressage Show, Willowbrooke Farms, 7461 Brookville Rd., Plymouth, MI. FMI: Jennifer, 313-9389221, www.willowbrooke-farm.com. DEC. 15 — Rodeo, 8 p.m., Double B Arena, 12578 N. Gasburg Rd., Mooresville, IN. FMI: 317-440-8439. DEC. 15-16 — YEDA Horse Show, Champions Center, Springfield, OH. FMI: Molly, 419957-7379, www.showyeda.com. DEC. 15-16 — Horsin In The Holidays, Champions Center, 4122 Layborne Rd., Springfield, OH. FMI: Kathy, 937-206-3945. DEC. 16 — Winter Jumper Series II, Pure Gold Horse Stables, 3325 SR 45, Salem, OH. FMI: Laura, 814-434-0914. DEC. 18 — Tuesday Night Jackpot, 5-10 p.m., Riverland Arena, 9675 Riverland Ave. SW, Navarre, OH. FMI: 904-477-6019. DEC. 29-30 — 2019 Twisted Buckle Winter Series, Michiana Event Center, Shipshewana, IN. FMI: Jan Gates, 269-2202109, twistedbuckleseries@gmail.com. DEC. 30 — Chagrin Valley Farms Dressage Show, Chagrin Valley Farms, 9250 Washington St., Chagrin Falls, OH. FMI: 440543-7233, www.chagrinvalleyfarms.com. JANUARY 2019 JAN. 2-6 — World Equestrian Center Winter Classic #2, 4095 SR 730, Wilmington, OH. FMI: Julie, 248-892-6806. JAN. 5 — Double S Super Horse Challenge Series, Riverland Arena, 9675 Riverland Ave. SW, Navarre, OH. FMI: Perfect Horse 4U, 330-260-7738. JAN. 8 — Tuesday Night Jackpot, 5-10 p.m., Riverland Arena, 9675 Riverland Ave. SW, Navarre, OH. FMI: 904-477-6019. JAN. 9-13 — World Equestrian Center Winter Classic #3, 4095 SR 730, Wilmington, OH. FMI: Julie, 248-892-6806. JAN. 12 — Crazy Woman Ranch 2019 Bonus Cash Series, 6450 Lancaster-Circleville Rd., Lancaster, OH. FMI: 614-595-1850. JAN. 12 — Horse Sale, Mt. Hope Auction, 8076 SR 241, Millersburg, OH. FMI: 330674-6188, www.mthopeauction.com. JAN. 12 — Winter Series Hunter/Jumper Schooling Show, Willowbrooke Farms, 7461 Brookville Rd., Plymouth, MI. FMI: 313-9389221, www.willowbrooke-farm.com.
Prospective Exhibitors contact: Jason Moore at glaphcswapmeet@gmail.com For details and registration form go to www.glaphc.com click on Swap Meet 18
HORSEMEN’S CORRAL
JAN. 12 — Winter Series Barrel Race, Rodeo Run, 11641 Alspach Rd., Canal Winchester, OH. FMI: Andi, 740-975-4019. JAN. 12-13 — Youth Equestrian Development Assoc., Champions Center, Springfield, OH. FMI: 937-324-4353, www. championscenter.net. JAN 13 — Monroe Co. New & Used Tack Sale, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., MBT Expo Center, Monroe, MI. FMI: Christin, 734-430-5377. JAN. 15 — Tuesday Night Jackpot, 5-10 p.m., Riverland Arena, 9675 Riverland Ave. SW, Navarre, OH. FMI: 904-477-6019. JAN. 16-20 — World Equestrian Center Winter Classic #4, 4095 SR 730, Wilmington, OH. FMI: Julie, 248-892-6806. JAN. 20 — Winter Jumper Series III, Pure Gold Horse Stables, 3325 SR 45, Salem, OH. FMI: Laura, 814-434-0914. JAN. 20 — Northern Ohio Outlaws Clean Shooter Jackpot, Riverland Arena, Navarre, OH. FMI: www.nooutlaws.com. JAN. 22 — Tuesday Night Jackpot, 5-10 p.m., Riverland Arena, 9675 Riverland Ave. SW, Navarre, OH. FMI: 904-477-6019. JAN. 23-27 — World Equestrian Center Winter Classic #5, 4095 SR 730, Wilmington, OH. FMI: Julie, 248-892-6806. JAN. 26 — Crawford County Horse Council Tack Swap & Silent Auction, 9 a.m., Crawford County Fairgrounds, 610 Whetstone St., Bucyrus, OH. FMI: Trisha, 419-563-5170, trishatackett2@gmail.com. JAN. 29 — Tuesday Night Jackpot, 5-10 p.m., Riverland Arena, 9675 Riverland Ave. SW, Navarre, OH. FMI: 904-477-6019. JAN. 30-FEB. 3 — World Equestrian Center Winter Classic #6, 4095 SR 730, Wilmington, OH. FMI: Julie, 248-892-6806. FEBRUARY 2019 FEB. 1-3 — Half Baked Winter Series Barrel Race, Champions Center, Springfield, OH. FMI: 330-771-3205, www. ontheroadwithdawnandclea.com. FEB. 2 — Ashland Paint & Plain Saddle Club 8th Annual Swap Meet, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Ashland County Fairgrounds, Ashland, OH. FMI: Ashley, 419-6068383, achristian386@gmail.com, www. ashlandpaintandplain.com. FEB. 2 — 17th Annual MQHA New & Used Tack Sale, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., MSU Pavilion, East Lansing, MI. FMI: MQHA 616225-8211, www.miquarterhorse.com. FEB. 2 — Good-Horsekeeping Expo, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Van Buren Conference Center, Lawrence, MI. FMI: 269-657-3842, www. goodhorsekeepingexpo.simplesite.com. FEB. 5 — Tuesday Night Jackpot, 5-10 p.m., Riverland Arena, 9675 Riverland Ave. SW, Navarre, OH. FMI: 904-477-6019. FEB. 6-10 — World Equestrian Center Winter Classic #7, 4095 SR 730, Wilmington, OH. FMI: Julie, 248-892-6806. FEB. 9 — Horse Sale, Mt. Hope Auction, 8076 SR 241, Millersburg, OH. FMI: 330674-6188, www.mthopeauction.com. FEB. 9 — Crazy Woman Ranch 2019 Bonus Cash Series, 6450 Lancaster-Circleville Rd., Lancaster, OH. FMI: 614-595-1850. FEB. 9 — WBF Winter Series Dressage Show, Willowbrooke Farms, 7461 Brookville Rd., Plymouth, MI. FMI: Jennifer, 313-9389221, www.willowbrooke-farm.com.
List Your Equine Event in the Corral Calendar! Send your 2019 Equine Event Dates to michelle@thehorsemenscorral.com December 2018
Black Swamp Driving Club
Black Swamp Driving Club Closes Out 2018 PRESIDENT, Greg Leidel; VICE PRESIDENT, Roger Higgins, Jr.; SECRETARY & TREASURER, Susan Murray. WEBSITE, www.blackswampdrivingclub.com
by Mary Thomas Cold, windy weather didn’t stop a large group of Black Swamp Driving Club members from enjoying their 30th anniversary banquet Nov. 10 at the Good Hope Lutheran Church, Arlington, Ohio. Mark Newman brought a beautiful sleigh that highlighted the décor. During the 6 p.m. social hour, there was plenty of time to check out the items brought for the auction. As the social hour drew to a close, President Greg Liedel welcomed all attending and invited them to enjoy the sumptuous potluck. As the dinner hour closed, Gary Gillfillan gave a brief history of BSDC, beginning with the first meeting, organized by Henry zumFelde, at Findlay College in
May 1988. The purpose of the club was set—having fun driving whether on club drives or in parades, wonderful potlucks, and good fellowship. Some of the most memorable times included weekend drives at the Kentucky Horse Park, a parade at Sauder Village, an event at the Longaberger Basket Company, a large sleigh rally at Gillfillans, the Corn Huskers weekend, and the popular drives at Parker Bridge and Coon Hunters along with the Amish drive. Those who have been members all 30 years were honored: Al and Angie Hohenbrink, Gary and Conie Gillfillan, John and Sara Hunter, Ann Bell, Will and Shirley Stevenson, and Roger and Sue Murray. Scrap books have been kept of club activities and these were circulated throughout the evening to bring back fond memories. More photos were displayed along one wall adding to the fun of seeing who was involved in past events. Door prizes were a subscription to Driving Digest and a $30 gift certificate to Mrs. Yoder’s Kitchen, Mt. Hope,
Charter members of the Black Swamp Driving Club. Ohio. The lucky winners were John Heffernan and Mary Ann Emmons respectively. The year end dinner has traditionally been the BSDC fundraiser, and this year featured the return of ace auctioneer Mary Elliott. Assisted by Gary Gillfillan and Greg Liedel, Elliott wrung top prices out of the crowd as well as offering some entertaining sidelights. Many
members renewed for 2019, and Treasurer Sue Murray indicates that the club is financially ready for a great 2019 Members are urged to submit ideas for the January, February, and March meetings. Dates for upcoming events should also be turned in so a schedule for the year can be drawn up. Don’t forget to renew memberships for a great time in 2019.
DEADLINE EEE EEE EEEEEEE EEEEE
EEEEEEEE EEEE
Ashland Paint and Plain Saddle Club
8 TH ANNUAL SWAP MEET FEBRUARY 2, 2019 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
ASHLAND COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS Green Merchants Building, Ashland, Ohio
• OVER 80 booths to shop from! • New and Used Tack will be available • Food Booth on grounds.
Admission Fee: $1 or 2 NON-Expired Can Goods
For more information or reserve a booth contact: Ashley Christian (419) 606-8383 call/text or email: achristian386@gmail.com
www.ashlandpaintandplain.com
December 2018
HORSEMEN’S CORRAL
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Central Ohio Saddle Club Association
COSCA Busy Planning for 2019 Show Season PRESIDENT, Bob Huff; VICE PRESIDENT, Mandy Dacek; SECRETARY, John Anicas; TREASURER, Marge Conner; WEBSITE, www.coscaonline.com
by Mandy Dacek I’m sitting down to write this article as the weatherman raves about the chances for snow for the morning commute, so it’s fitting that this will be published in the December issue. Show season may be over for 2018, but we at COSCA are hard at work for 2019. Keep checking our website as well as our Facebook and Instagram accounts for information as the new year begins. COSCA offers a fantastic year end awards program. It’s simple to enroll: just sign your horse up when you fill in your membership form and pay a point fee. Then show to your heart’s content and see where you end up at the end of the season. We cap off the show season at our annual Championship Show where the year-end winners take center stage Saturday evening. During the off season months, we like to spotlight
Adult 19 and Over Reserve Champion Mandy Dacek and Heza Star Hunter. Photo credit: JEM photography our 2018 year-end award winners. This month the spotlight shines on our Adult 19 and Over Champion and Reserve Champion. The 2018 Adult 19 and Over Champion is Kaili Mitchell and her Quarter Horse Awards Ceremony. Kaili and Snoopy, as Awards Ceremony is known around the barn, have been a pair since Kaili was a young girl showing in 4-H. They are both tough competitors and have walls of ribbons to prove it. Kaili graduated from Walsh University before show season started and she continues her studies as a graduate student at Kent State University. Somehow despite her busy schedule, Kaili and Snoopy showed in all the
Adult 19 and over Champion Kaili Mitchell and Awards Ceremony. Photo credit: JEM photography
Adult division classes. The pair would start their show day early with halter and showmanship, get their English on with English pleasure and equitation and end a successful day with western pleasure and horsemanship. Snoopy was also the 2018 All Around Champion Quarter Horse. Congratulations Kaili Mitchell and Awards Ceremony! The 2018 Adult 19 and Over Reserve Champion is Mandy Dacek and her Appaloosa Heza Star Hunter. Mandy and Peyton have been partners for ten years. They have proved to be a formidable pair in the show ring, with many colorful ribbons to prove it. Mandy is a
third grade teacher who has been known to bring her ribbons to school to share with her students. Mandy and Peyton showed in all the Adult 19 and over classes, with many successes in halter, English pleasure and western pleasure. Peyton has proved to be pretty good at the patterns, with showmanship, equitation and horsemanship being favorite classes for the blonde duo. Peyton was also the 2018 All Around Champion Appaloosa, a title he has earned six times in the past eight years. Congratulations to Reserve Champion Mandy Dacek and Heza Star Hunter! Merry Christmas from all of us here at COSCA!
Horsemen's Corral presents
2019 Equine Announcer Seminar Saturday, January 12 • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cashmans Horse Equipment Outlet 1646 US Hwy. 42 North • Delaware, Ohio 43015
Pleasure & Speed Shows • Cowboy Mounted Shooting Team Roping — Ranch Sorting / Team Penning
AKC Registered English Bulldog Puppies for sale. 4 Females • 3 Males
Puppies will be ready December 22, 2018
NEVER TO LATE FARM
Carrollton, Ohio Call (330) 692-6649 or (330) 692-2242
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Sponsors pay to have their name recognized at events. Contestants pay to have a good show. Your announcer can ensure your sponsor’s satisfaction and help you exceed your contestant’s expectations. Award winning announcer, Joe Coalter will host this seminar focused on etiquette, openings, filling dead time, voice control, music & equipment for announcing events for your home club or getting hired to announce someone else’s. Sponsored By
Call Joe (330) 635-4145 to reserve your spot today!
HORSEMEN’S CORRAL
December 2018
Wayne County Saddle Club
Give Thanks to Those Who Organize WCSC Shows PRESIDENT, Charlene Clark; VICE PRESIDENTS, Tricia Crilow; SECRETARY, Bobbi Jo Mackey; TREASURER, Beth Eikleberry; WEBSITE, waynecountysaddleclub.com
As I write this newsletter it appears winter has arrived. Snow, sub-freezing temperatures, and bone chilling winds arrived yesterday. O’le Dobbin’s coat is get’n long quickly. Extra clothing is in order. I don’t know about you but I don’t really mind winter, after all this is Ohio! And there are some really beautiful scenes during this season. Even so—B-r-r-r-r!—at least until I get use to it. The show season at the ‘Hollow’ ended successfully with good attendance at the final events. It has been another successful season; folks seemed to enjoy themselves; attendance was at least as good as last year; there’s money in the bank for 2019 expenses and launching the year. The most important news this month is the upcoming banquet/
December 2018
election/2018 awards/and dance Jan. 12, 2019. The banquet will be at the American Legion in Wooster (1901 Sylvan Road, Wooster, Ohio 44691). We eat at 6 p.m. Bring one hot and one cold dish. The club will provide sloppy joes; pulled pork; coffee; water; lemonade; condiments; and eating utensils (plastic forks, knives, spoons, cups, plates). As you arrive you can get your ballets (members only) for the election and get tickets for the 50/50 and Chinese auction drawings. [Please note: if you want to, please bring items to be added to the drawing. These can be something you donate or get donated.] After the meal, our president Charlene Clark will open the meeting and the election will follow, perhaps interspersed with awards and results of the drawings, which will continue until finished. The final activity of the evening will be music to dance to, provided by a disc jockey. We invite you all to come! The second weekend in January is just long enough after ‘the holidays’ and you can shake off the cabin fever while catching
up with friends from the club and, maybe make some plans for 2019. Whatever your reason, the banquet is a great way to bring in the New Year for the Wayne County Saddle Club. ‘Hope you can join us! The worship group is having a Christmas dinner and sing Dec. 15. You are welcome to attend. For information, call 2017 Wayne County Saddle Club banquet. Stan at 330/607-5106 or Dave at 419/565-5300. This wouldn’t be a December newsletter without mentioning the most important Holy Day (for me at least) of the year. As you rush on through the shopping; the parties; the church programs; the family and friends dinners, my wish is for you to experience the true significance and joy of Christmas followed by a safe and Happy New Year! Merry Christmas! And Happy New Year! May the good Lord bless you all with His awesome A chilly ride. love! ~Stan
HORSEMEN’S CORRAL
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Ride For Real
Sure in the Saddle by Steve Lantvit with Jennifer Lantvit When developing show ideas for Sure in the Saddle, I wanted a format that would help educate riders of all levels and disciplines. Horsemanship is the thread that weaves both western and English riders together. It is the pursuit of a better ride that we are all after. Whether on the trail or in the arena there is always room for improvement. Every time I ride, I aspire to be a better horseman and a more effective communicator. I strive to pass this desire onto my students and viewers. As a horse trainer and riding instructor, I teach both the rider and the horse. In doing so, I correct the horsemanship problems and breakdowns in communication that are hindering the horse and rider from achieving their full potential of a balanced ride. I want my riders to utilize their natural aids effectively and engage their horses hindend to create
that feeling of lightness and responsiveness. I also try to think out-of-the-box when addressing horse and rider problems, and whenever possible, ‘cross-train’. Every discipline has something to offer in the bigger picture of ‘horsemanship,’ I love to develop new exercises from other disciplines to help both horse and rider. I like to give new, positive experiences to both horse and rider, and watch them grow and become more well- rounded. The more well-rounded the horse, the safer the horse, and ultimately the more enjoyable the ride and relationship. I hate to see a rider being held back by a lack of confidence, or see a worried look in a horse’s eye. A rider that is afraid or a horse that is terrified cannot learn. I am on a mission to educate riders to be able to recognize the fear in their horse and to help their horse get through it. I also equip riders to recognize the signs within themselves and to learn how
to build their own confidence. Confidence is addictive, the rider gives it to the horse and the horse gives it to the rider. The most fun I have is teaching the rider to establish a feel for their horse, and watch their horse respond. Sometimes just the slightest change can yield maximum results. Developing these communication skills opens the door to trust and respect. It’s the communication and trust that all things are built upon. Please join me in watching ‘Sure in the Saddle’ to begin a new relationship with your horse. Award-winning trainer/instructor/ clinician, Steve Lantvit, holds multiple World Champion and Reserve titles in Ranch Horse competitions. Steve believes in training versatile, well-rounded, capable horses and riders through confidence, mutual respect, and solid communication. He promotes versatility through cross-training and a variety of experiences to improve both
Steve Lantvit performance and attitude in the show pen or out on the trail. Steve provides training, instruction, and conducts clinics year round at his facility in LaPorte, Ind., and other locations across the U.S. Steve’s knowledge and expertise is shared nationwide, on his TV show, “Steve Lantvit, Sure in the Saddle” on RFD-TV, Thursdays at 3 p.m. and 11 p.m. EST. Visit SteveLantvit.com for more information.
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December 2018
December 2018
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Central Ohio Wagoneers
Final Wagon Train Ride for 2018, Thanksgiving/Christmas Dinner and Gift Exchange PRESIDENT, Don Boyd; VICE PRESIDENT, Marvin Hart; SECRETARY/TREASURER, Kathy Boyd. PHONE, 614/563-9627
by Kathy Boyd Our last wagon train ride for 2018 was at Dee and Joe Riffitt’s ranch. The weather for both Saturday and Sunday’s rides was nice, but Saturday night there were severe storms. Saturday lunch stop was at the Harrod Christian Church where the children enjoyed playing on the huge playground that was built in honor of Dee and Joe’s grandson. Saturday’s wagon train ride was ended early so members could attend the viewing for Neil
Christmas party. Shough. He went to be with the Lord and will be sadly missed. Sunday’s lunch stop and visit was at Dee’s sister’s home in West Newton. Both days rides went around 12-13 miles. Our club’s Thanksgiving/ Christmas dinner and gift exchange was at Dee and Joe’s home. Members want to thank
Dee and Joe for hosting the enjoyable evening. It was nice to see a few of our older members that don’t make it to many of our wagon train rides. Joe’s smoked ribs and all the other food provided was delicious. After the meeting, the older children handed out the presents. It’s always fun to guess who brought which present. The evening was
Final wagon train ride for 2018. a cozy and enjoyable time with families and friends. Our first meeting for 2019 will be located at the Edison Baptist Church in Edison, Ohio, at 6 p.m. Please bring a snack or side dish. If you have any questions call Don Boyd, 614/563-9627 or Kathy Boyd, 614/563-4452.
Michigan Trail Riders Association, Inc.
Keeping Trails Safe in Michigan and Added Improvements PRESIDENT, Chuck Fanslow; 1st VICE PRESIDENT, Al Davis; SECRETARY, Kathleen Moss; TREASURER, Mindy Ellis; WEBSITE, www.mtra. org; EMAIL, mtra.office@gmail.com; PHONE, 989/723-1425
by Jan Wolfin The year of 2018 is coming to an end. MTRA has had a busy year. Along with four trophy rides, MTRA hosted three activity packed non-trophy rides. The Board of Directors feels they offer a riding experience for everyone’s vacation desires. Be sure to check out our website, www.mtra.org. Once we have our ride permits from the MDNR we will publish our ride dates for 2019. Our permits are usually issued in March. MTRA is very proud of the work our members do to maintain the blue dot Michigan Riding and Hiking Trail. Totals for the year are 101 people worked 1,423 hours. They traveled approximately 15,000 miles in their personal vehicles to get to the trail to work. Considering most of our members drive trucks and figuring those trucks get 10 miles to a gallon of fuel and that fuel cost our members $3 per 24
gallon, which makes $4,500 that our members spent to get to the work bees. Our members also donated their tractors with loader buckets, York rakes, brush hogs, chainsaws, skid steers, stump grinders, side by sides, four wheelers, rakes, shovels, small hand tools, generators, drills, saws, nippers, loppers, hand saws and other hand tools to maintain this trail. Thank you MTRA members and congratulations for making such a huge effort to keep this trail open and safe. The large project planned by MTRA (in conjunction with the MDNR) for the 2019 season is to build a new campground north of Cheboygan. This project has been in the works for over three years. When completed, this will be a much needed improvement for the north spur. There are other equestrian organizations in the state of Michigan that MTRA members
belong to. These organizations also have work bees and MTRA members volunteer their time and equipment on those work bees. One large project that is currently in the works is a pavilion for the Elk Hill Group campground. This project has been ongoing for a couple years. The goal is to start construction in the spring of 2019. Another project recently completed was securing permits from the MDNR and then marking, clearing and mapping connector trails near the Elk Hill Equestrian Camp. The Elk Hill Equestrian Camp is located in the Pigeon River Country State Forest and is a gem on the Michigan Riding and Hiking Trail. Repairs on the boardwalk over the dam just south of Stoney Creek were completed by MTRA in 2018. Additional marked circle riding trails have been
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added to this area north of the Stoney Creek Camp by dedicated riders who love this area. The Michigan Riding and Hiking Trail is made up of 408.6 miles of trail and 17 equestrian campgrounds. MTRA thanks all the other equestrian organizations and all the MTRA members who have joined these organizations. These dedicated riders give so much of themselves to help make the blue dot trail and campgrounds a fun and safe riding experience. As always, if you wish to know more about the Michigan Riding and Hiking Trail or about the Michigan Trail Riders Association, Inc., go to our website at www.mtra.org. You may also call the MTRA office at 989/723-1425. MTRA is already making plans for a fun packed 2019 riding season. December 2018
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My Horse Anatomy
The ‘Mighty Mouse’ Muscles of the Spine by Wendy L. Shaffer, MMCP®
This same concept is true for the earlier mention of resting the hind The equine spinal column is toe. When the multifidi muscles an inflexible bony structure have a chance to elongate passively designed to protect the spinal during eccentric contraction, cord and support the trunk of the increased lengthening ability the horse. There is an average makes for a more efficient of 54 individual vertebrae in the shortening contraction during horse’s skeleton that provide athletic performance. anchor points for large movement When the horse is required to muscles. The vertebral column shift the trunk with flexion of itself is a very rigid apparatus with the large primary ventral chain a minimal degree of mobility. A muscles including the abdominals, common challenge riders voice is the multifidi undergo getting their horse’s body to bend concentric (shortening) either left or right, when in fact, muscle contraction. In this the spine does not bend. Instead, active mode, they work to the individual vertebrae have A successful eventer demonstrating keep the spine in alignment different degrees of rotational right side lumbar rotation. against the forces of gravity ability depending on the portion and the motion the stronger of the spine they are located. aligned by counteracting muscles are producing. This action is usually what the riders are gravitational forces and The spinal multifidi have referring to and often times the lack of the movements produced a direct relationship with ‘bending’ ability accompanies the lack of a by larger muscles in the the core muscles of the free-swinging back. body. Multifidi are the abdomen and pelvis. In Overall, the spine has a limited range of ‘Mighty Mouse’ muscles humans, it is widely known motion controlled in a twisting, rotational of the spine, unseen and that good core strength movement. Your horse demonstrates this untouchable, these minihelps keep our lower backs torsional mobility in his back when he rests a stabilizers work nonstop, in good working order, and hind hoof on its toe. Imagine the lower back always making tiny postural it is no different for the (loins) sinking to the same side of the body adjustments throughout equine spine. as the resting hind foot. This is the rotational the course of the spinal In the scenario of weak abs direction, created by the way the hind limb column. Each individual and multifidi, the horse’s is positioned. When your horse is able to muscle spans diagonally body will automatically engage his stay apparatus on the right hind over two to six vertebrae recruit the longissimus to ‘drop a hip’ on the left hind, he can help with short tendinous fibers Left hind toe resting, allowing dorsi in a compensatory himself relax his back. It is a similar action linking the side of one bony elongation of multifidi muscles. way to help stabilize the to what you might do while waiting in line at vertebra to the top of the spine. The longissimus the grocery store. spinous processes of the next few. From the dorsi, the longest muscles in the body that tail to the poll, they criss-cross in a French The more relaxed he can become while superficially run down the length of each resting on the hind toe, the greater the braid-like pattern of interlaced connective side of spine, are intended to be movement tissue. In this way, the multifidi maintain the rotational ability of the whole spine. This muscles. Actions such as turning, jumping, structural integrity of the spine and reinforce allows for a free-swinging back during the rearing and kicking are proper duties for the horse’s posture. As such, the multifidus performance of the walk, trot, canter, and the longissimus dorsi. Even though the is considered a postural muscular complex gallop. Horses that have tension in their saddle rests on these muscles, they are not forming one long chain within the dorsal designed to carry the weight of a rider. When backs or abdominal/pelvic muscles may have restriction in the lumbar portion of the spine. chain of topline muscles. they are recruited to operate in a postural They will have limited rotation mobility and capacity, the back loses its suppleness as The horse’s upper dorsal chain also includes difficulty resting one or both hind limbs. it becomes stiff with rigidness. The rider muscles of the neck engineered to lift the might feel as if she is bouncing on a wood back through lengthening, or extending. Horses plank and performance will deteriorate as Lifting or rounding the back creates a support the elastic swing disappears. The same type Two very important components are ‘camber’ in the thoracic and lumbar portions of compensatory tactic can occur in younger of the spine (mid and lower back). In riding, responsible for controlling the degree of horses with immature or underdeveloped this is often referred to as self-carriage. mobility in the equine spine. Each vertebral upper neck muscles. The multifidus action supports rounding the joint has a small fibrocartilaginous disc back because they provide diagonal torsion, The multifidus complex therefore provides sandwiched between the bones. When the assisting the horse in carrying the weight of stability to the equine spine by controlling how disc is compressed, a very small amount of much rotation between the vertebral joints motion is allowed within that joint. The other a rider. This directional pull also increases occurs. It does this by using both lengthening component is a complex muscular system when the horse is able to lower his head and neck, providing even a more supporting lift. and shortening muscle contractions, made up of multifidi muscles that provide, sometimes both happening simultaneously. but also prevent, rotational movement of Lowering the head and neck by extending The contractions can be active or passive, and the vertebrae. Suppleness in these well the topline and flexion of the underlying developed specialized muscles is what gives ventral chain muscles offers an opportunity can occur over the span of one individual joint a conditioned horse the ability to ‘swing’ and to relieve pressure on irritated or compressed to several vertebrae, or in various segments of the spine. They are the ‘mighty mouse’ ‘twist’ the back. nerves in near the spinal column. Space is Multifidi are small, deep spinal muscles created between the spinious processes in muscles of the vertebral column, maintaining intertwined with each other and amongst a head down position. This is beneficial in posture and providing support to the natural reducing muscle spasms throughout the back. the vertebrae. They work to keep the joints S 26
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December 2018
‘Mighty Mouse’ Muscles of the Spine Continued
curvature of the spine. Having tension-free and properly conditioned core muscles are necessary for a healthy functioning multifidus complex muscular system, allowing the longissimus dorsi to remain relaxed and swinging freely while in work, the cornerstone to all gaits. RESOURCES • Denoix, J.M. (2013). Biomechanics and physical training of the horse. Boca Raton, FL: Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. • Garcia Lineiro JA, et. Al. J Anat. (2018). Parameters and functional analysis of the deep epaxial muscles in the thoracic, lumbar and sacral regions of the equine spine. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. • Higgins, G. and Martin, S. (2011). How your horse moves. Newton Abbot, UK: David & Charles, F&W Media International, LTD. • Masterson, J. and Reinhold, S. (2011). Beyond horse massage: A breakthrough interactive method for alleviating soreness, strain and tension. North Promfret, VT: Trafalgar Square Books.
Wendy Shaffer is a Certified Practitioner of the Masterson Method Integrated Equine Performance Bodywork®. Her company, Agile Equine Bodywork, is based in Trumbull County, Ohio. She helps horses release tension and stress in key junctions of the body that most affect performance by reading and responding to their body language. The Masterson Method of Integrated Equine Performance Bodywork® is accredited and approved through the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB), International Institute for Complementary Therapists (IICT), and Equine Therapies Association of Australia (ETAA). It is not a replacement for proper veterinary care. www.agileequinebodywork.com.
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A WOODEN MILESTONE by Kayla Jarvinen
T
he following piece features the unique story behind the 500th Equicizer of creator Frankie Lovato. The Equicizer is a nonmotorized mechanical horse used by riders and non-riders alike. A professional jockey of 25 years, Frankie originally created the Equicizer to help himself rehabilitate from a racing accident. He officially retired in 2004 to pursue his Wooden Horse Corporation full time. Frankie built his 500th Equicizer in 2006. It was extra special for a couple of reasons. He had just moved his Equicizer operation from his Long Island single car garage to a rented workshop in an effort to increase his manufacturing capabilities to meet the rising demand for Equicizers. Over the span of 17 years Frankie had built around 400 Equicizers in his tiny garage while maintaining a full time career as a professional jockey and this specific Equicizer was one of close to 100 that he built in that first year of moving into the bigger space. In many ways, it represented the growth that was taking place within the business. That aside, it was also Frankie’s 500th Equicizer ever built, which was, in and of itself, a monumental milestone. Due to the sentimental value, Frankie decided he would keep this Equicizer and use it as a demo model. Around this time in ‘06 Frankie moved his family and his business to his late wife, Sandy’s, home town of Norwalk, Ohio. Equicizer #500 came with them and shortly after, accompanied them to PATH International’s (the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) national conference. Around that time Frankie received a call from the Jockey’s Guild, a major organization dedicated to the representation of professional jockeys in Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing. They were planning to hold a fundraiser and wanted an Equicizer there. What would be the possibility of purchasing one immediately? Absolutely none. Zero. Zilch. It just wasn’t possible. Back ordered as usual, even if Frankie could have moved them up to the front of his building queue, he still wouldn’t have been able 28
to make a brand new Equicizer in time. Unless...he did have #500 that was being used as a demo. After some internal conflict, Frankie made the decision to part ways with his 500th Equicizer. It was, after all, going to an undeniably good cause in the sport that had given him so much including the customer base that had launched his career as a business owner building Equicizers. The decision was made, the fundraiser was held and Churchill Downs Racetrack came out on top as the winning bidder. Frankie and Sandy personally delivered the Equicizer to the Churchill Downs Jockeys’ Room, up the escalator and all (how we would have loved some footage of that!). “I remember building my 100th Equicizer in the early 90’s, then my 200th in the mid 90’s and finally approaching number 500,” Frankie recalls. “These milestones meant a lot to me. Every horse I’ve ever made I’ve numbered so it was exciting for me knowing I would be getting close to the next milestone. My dream was to someday have a real workshop. To spread out, have all my work stations with other craftsmen working for me. I wanted to someday have an office and showroom where people could come see and try my horses. At the time, that dream was out of reach, so I made do with what I had which was my little garage, then the workshop I rented and now my very own space right in my backyard here in Ohio. Looking back, I am very proud to have made all of that happen.” We have some amazing photos of recent Triple Crown winning jockeys, Victor Espinoza and Mike Smith, warming up on the Churchill Downs Equicizer prior to their Derby wins. They both went on to win horse racing’s Triple Crown in 2015 and 2018, respectively. Churchill Downs also uses their Equicizer for various public events at the racetrack. Not long ago Clerk of Scales Javier Torres sent us a video of jockey Jack Gilligan warming up on Equicizer #500 before a race at Churchill Downs. A young rider perfecting his craft aboard an Equicizer that has helped hone the skills of many a seasoned rider. The Equicizer business has since expanded well beyond the realms of horse racing and is used by riders of every discipline all around the world for exercise, training and therapy. Frankie is fast approaching his 1,400th Equicizer and the spotlight that the Churchill Downs Equicizer has received in recent times is a reminder of the detail, the love and the care that goes into the creation of each one. Frankie will readily admit that a small piece of his heart goes into each and every Equicizer he builds—#500 is no exception and it’s still going strong.
HORSEMEN’S CORRAL
December 2018
Northern Ohio Miniature Horse Club
Wrapping Up 2018 PRESIDENT, Karen Taylor VICE PRESIDENT, Elly Magyar TREASURER, Pam Fritz SECRETARY, Sharon Schreiner EMAIL, nomhclub@yahoo.com PHONE, 419/787-9668
Elly Magyar at the Ohio Veterans Home. by Sharon Substanley NOMHC has had a very good year with several wonderful new members joining us for a great horse show in June, fun and educational meetings during the summer, a visit to the Ohio Veterans Home in October, and an amazing banquet at The Sandusky Yacht Club in November. We greatly appreciate the time and effort put in by one of our new members, Julie Thompson, in planning both the visit and the banquet. We had cool, but pleasant weather for the October visit to the veterans, who got to meet many NOMHC members along with six miniature horses and a
December 2018
therapy dog. Nurses and aides wheeled at least 20 or more residents of the Veterans Home out to the covered pavilion, so they could talk to us and pet the horses. We felt so grateful to be part of their lives and to bring them some happiness by being there for them. There were many smiling faces that day, ours and theirs! Special thanks to Elly and Milt; Sherri Alliman and her friend, Sandy; Karen and Brian Taylor; and Nancy Carlyle for bringing the horses and Ruger, the dog. Nancy’s grandchildren, Serena and Landon Hawkins deserve honorable mention for being so friendly and helpful to members and residents alike. Charlie
Little Charlie thanking a Veteran.
Garcia
Garcia, just 3 years old, Pam Fritz’s granddaughter, also did a great job of thanking the veterans for their service. The end-of-year banquet at Sandusky Yacht Club was beyond wonderful! The building is beautiful and situated right on the shores of Lake Erie. The buffet which was provided for us was plentiful and delicious with many items for breakfast and lunch. The Derby hat contest was great fun with hats of all shapes and sizes. First place went to Elly Magyar for the most elaborate and tallest hat of all.
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Don and Julie at the NOMHC banquet. Officers were given certificates of appreciation and hand-painted flower pots by Joan School. Julie Thompson provided candy for the pots and prizes for the contest. New officers for 2019 were elected: Karen Taylor, president; Elly Magyar, vice president; Pam Fritz, treasurer, and Sharon Schreiner, secretary. Our next meeting will not be held until March 3, 2019, place to be announced. Check out the NOMHC Facebook page. Our 2019 horse show will be in Wellington on June 2.
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Farrier Friendly
Some History and Mystery of Heart Bar Shoes by Bryan S. Farcus, MA, CJF
A Brief History
Throughout our history farriers have recognized a need for creativity when shoeing horses in order to help maintain and maximize their productivity. Whether it was for work or war, the soundness of a horse was always a main concern and often a matter of life and death. Fortunately, these days there’s a less intense need, but soundness is still a great concern for all our pleasure and sport horses. Of all the creative, specialty shoes tried over time, the one that remains the most controversial and, in many respects, mysterious is the Heart Bar shoe. Archeological evidence was discovered in the Celtic-Roman area, north of the Alps, suggesting that an oval-shaped metal plate with extruded extensions (loops/ hooks) called a Hipposandal was widely used to support weak hooves, starting as early as the 2nd century BC. During this era, any shoe that provided enough base material at the ground surface (i.e. grass, reed, leather, wood and metal) was considered invaluable. As time progressed, so did the original form of the Hipposandal. Farrier craftsmen began to become more creative with the style to enhance its application. Eventually, with the advent of newer fabricating methods, a variety of bar shoe designs, particularly the Heart Bar, came to be. Traditionally, any horseshoe that is configured in a shape that transfers pressure/load from the hoof wall and onto the horse’s frog is classified as a Heart Bar shoe. This name was given to the shoe due to its heart-shape when the center piece or ‘tongue’ of the shoe is inserted. As this transference theory of weightbearing became more widely used, it proved to be helpful to a great deal of horses with the following conditions: • Acute Laminitis. • Collapsed, underrun heels. • Deep, penetrating hoof quarter cracks. • Severely contracted heels. By the end of the 18th century, as veterinary colleges began to place more emphasis on the anatomical and physiological principles of the equine foot, renowned veterinary surgeons, such as Joesph Goodin, personal vet. surgeon to King George IV of England, began to publish details on such principles as frog pressure/ support and emphasized the relationship of a healthy hoof wall and frog. The need for
Gray’s Flexible Bridge Pad Shoe
Saucer Shoe
Sheather’s Pneumatic Shoe
Used by permission: Crowood Press, Ltd. Hickman’s Farriery, J. Hickman & M. Humphrey, original publisher (1977): J.A. Allen & Co. Ltd. London, Great Britain. ISBN:0-85131-451-1.
hoof expansion also began to be a major theme, as well. As the 20th century drew closer, the shoe making process was well on its way to becoming highly mechanized and with that came a host of ‘frog-based’ shoe designs. Among many, came the Gray’s flex bridge shoe pad, Sheather’s puenmatic shoe and Smith’s expanding shoe.
More Success, Less Mystery
A typical ‘Heart Bar’ shoe (machine-made, aluminum). Used by permision: www. butlerfarrierschool.com.
As you might imagine, success rates of Heart Bar shoes can vary. Some horses will thrive, while others may suffer. The reason is largely due to the skill level of the practitioner. In my daily practice, I often see horses that may be a candidate for this type of shoe. However, before I jump to any quick conclusions, I realize that it’s incumbent upon me to make sure I get familiar with the big picture. Observation and questioning is critical. Any recommendations I offer, can and do, have long term consequences for the horse. It’s imperative that a farrier not just have a ‘knee-jerk’ reaction to the problem, as the quickest response may not be the best one. When considering the use of any bar support shoe, there is a variety to choose from. The best rule to go by is to remember that special shoes, particularly Heart Bars, require a specialist for the best results. There is a great deal of inherent risk, as the center piece of the Heart Bar will place direct pressure on
the horse’s frog. Absent the skill of a qualified specialist farrier, the risk of creating intolerable frog pressure is simply too great. An illshaped and poorly fitted Heart Bar shoe will result in many extreme side affects, such as a continuation of compromised blood flow within the foot, the addition of recurring ‘secondary’ sole abscessing, and permanent damage to critical epidermal hoof tissue integrity; all of which a horse may not be able to over come.
Moving Forward
The best way to make the most appropriate decisions is to study both past successes and failures. Any farrier claiming to be a specialist in any area should be able and willing to recite a thorough case history of all his/her successes and also openly admit any failure that was a learning experience. Moving forward, the burden of making such a critical decision for a horse is placed on the horse owner. Ultimately, the success of a Heart Bar shoe (or any specialty shoe) will not only depend on the initial decision for such a treatment but, even more so, the level of commitment by the horse owner to provide the intensive, daily follow-up care that will be necessary. If there be any mystery or magic in such horse shoes, I would say it comes from the ability of a horse owner to sift through all those contradictory opinions and, in the end, find those truly qualified and reliable professionals that will be there when you need them most. REFERENCES AND RESOURCES:
• Hickman’s Farriery 2nd edition, J. Hickman and M. Humphery. • The Principles of Horseshoeing (P3), D. Butler and J. Butler. • Explaining Laminitis and its Prevention, R. Eustace.
Check out Bryan’s FARRIER-FRIENDLY™ Horse Owner Guides. They will give you a great start to learning more about your horse, his feet and the farrier world. Available at www.amazon.com. ‘Like’ Farrier Friendly on Facebook. 30
HORSEMEN’S CORRAL
December 2018
3-Day Mounted Archery Clinic includes 2 Night Primitive Camping, 3 Breakfasts and 3 Lunches $550 per rider $75 per auditor Details and forms can be found at www.creeksidehorsepark.com
Contact Cynthia Bauman (330) 323-3559 Clinic to be held at
Creek Side Horse Park 7460 Elson Street Waynesburg, OH 44688
More information on Mounted Archery
www.Mountedarchery.org
MA3 Membership required for all competitions. Clinics & Practices held at Creek Side Horse Park. December 2018
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View From the Cheap Seats
Horse Shows Have Ruined Me by Sarah Vas I spent this Thanksgiving with my kid and hubby on a much needed, non-horse vacation. Our West Coast friends invited us to California for turkey and taters. My fretting began as soon as we accepted the invitation. I tolerate flying about as well as my stomach and ear drums allow but I dread packing for air travel more than I dread barfing during turbulence. Ironically, my husband is a professional jet pilot. He’s been living out of a carry-on bag for almost 20 years now so he’s quite adept at the whole ‘packing Sarah for a flight’. I count trip days, gather outfits, gather alternatives, pile shoes, and reorganize and sort the various sundries over and over again. He packs it all in airplane-suitable luggage but not until I say go. Otherwise, I can’t envision what is already out of sight in the bag and frantically
add more items to the pile. My sense of direction is pretty pathetic and he can navigate the globe from 40,000 feet. Once packed, I just follow the back of his head from airport parking lot until he’s buckled me into Row F Seat D. What can I say? I have other strengths! What’s this got to do with horseshow packing? Never once have I stood over the tack trunks contemplating equine shampoo in mere ounces. Equestrian life is synonymous with over-stuffed trailers, jam-packed tack rooms, and mountains of necessities for the fur faced entourage. I’ve watched his corporate bag evolve from that first fragile suitcase through steel framed behemoths into hard sided, high-tech feather lights. He occasionally upgrades his rolling helmet case (seriously, it can’t possibly be much bigger!). Each time a new carry-on arrives, he mumbles and mutters through the packing
Here’s Hoping the One Waving the Mistletoe is Worth Kissing!
Happy Holidays from Winfield Farm & Forge Sarah Vas 330-242-3440
Owner/Trainer/Instructor
www.winfieldfarm.com
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Winfield Farm & Forge 34342 Law Road Grafton, Ohio Coaching and Competition with the Arabian Sport Horse for the Intellectual Equestrian
puzzle learning curve. Any bag requires careful arrangement but the contents haven’t changed. ‘Polyester band pants’ pilot uniform, plain white undershirts, grunders, black socks, and one seasonally correct regular outfit for down time between flights. His bathroom items are typical but sparse. There’s the threein-one liquid cleanser popular with men these days. Hair, face, body...seriously, guys? Hubby proclaims efficiency. I smell apathy. Toothbrush, travel-sized paste, comb, hair goop, tablet for library e-books, and obligatory extra company necktie in case room service dribbles on the one around his neck. Add the backpack with company stuff, pilot essentials, and maybe some gum and he’s carry-on ready. Somehow, he’s set for a whole week! Here’s packing, equestrianstyle. First of all, nothing is in ounces, unless it’s the magical elixir keeping Ol’ Cranky Mare’s ovaries from trotting down centerline. Every other bottled or boxed consumable is portioned in pounds and gallons. The closest to travel sized grooming products are the pricey ‘One-HorseOwner-sized’ bottles relegated to the bathing bucket I drag to the wash racks. Liniment, shampoo, coat conditioner, braiding spray, hoof oils and polishes require their own massive, leak-resistant trunk, preferably with wheels. Ounces! Are you serious? There’s tack for schooling, for showing, for extra just in case, tripled if I’m showing carriage driving. Blankets, sheets, coolers, and cases, bags, and boxes to keep those clean. Chairs, tables, mini fridge, snacks, extra footwear, my show clothes, extra show clothes, cold weather clothes, hot weather clothes, whips for lunging, whips for showing, whips for the horse that kicks at his neighbors, a giant tube to pack and transport this bevvy of whips! There’re hay bales, grain bags, buckets and nets to serve it, more buckets plus hoses for watering, bathing, dunking, and rinsing. My containers have evolved just like the Fly Boy’s magic mini box of infinite space he calls a suitcase. Did I mention his carryon is, like, air travel legit sized? Equestrians consider container
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Sarah Vas size largely by its ability to cram into their trailers. Ours is my steel framed bag sizing gauge outside the airport terminal boarding gate but way more forgiving. As a younger professional, I mistakenly went big with huge rolling tack trunks in farm navy and grey, complete with deep recesses and sliding trays. It took several dress rehearsals to get everything tucked in just right and packed magazine ad perfect. The contents only remained that pristine until trunks were cracked open at the shows. Then everything suffered rearranging, rifling, and getting tossed in heaps. The acceptable packing method for return trips continues to be gathering and stuffing the heaps on board in shoddy disarray. I now use heavy plastic totes from Costco. Every time I buy a few, each box is paired with a lid. Then the corresponding sets are permanently emblazoned with a matching number. I’ve accepted the price and durability of these boxes along with the downfall of minute variations in plastics injection molding batches. Otherwise, I’m sorting piles of lids like baby penguins refusing to team up with any other box than the one they were born unto. I’ve downsized, streamlined, utilitarian-ized, and reached efficiency expert at packing my 40-plus foot, six-horse trailer. My most useful item is my commercial hauler cargo bar. Pops proudly snagged it for me at a yard sale for $10. It handily holds back a gooseneck’s worth of Costco boxes stuffed with clamp lights, extension cords, saddle racks, tack hooks, stall drapes, stall fans, coffee maker, collapsible shelves, bungee straps, folding chairs, and road
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December 2018
Geauga Horse and Pony Association
Year In Review PRESIDENT, Niki Barry; TREASURER, Shauna Gingrich; SECRETARY, Carmella Shale. WEBSITE, www. ghpa.us
by Paige Belew GHPA had a wonderful 2018. We kicked off our year in March with our highly anticipated 30th Annual Award Banquet. Members received individualized awards for their success from the 2017 show season. There was a Chinese raffle with member donated baskets, a silent auction, and live auction. April started off with Rich Bradshaw’s Obstacle Challenge. Both GHPA members and non members who participated faced many obstacles challenging both them and their horse. The Will To Want clinic with Obbie Schlom-Hefner was also in April. The clinic covered horsemanship, communication and cattle work. Some of our youth members also competed at the All American Youth Show during the second weekend of May. On May 27 our show season kicked off. Members had a wonderful time showing with each other and meeting new members at the show sponsored by Buckeye Veterinary Service. During the month of June there were two show opportunities.
GHPA in 2018. June 10 was a very wet show but many of our members pushed through and showed in the misty rain. Junction Auto Family, Patterson Fruit Farm, and Wahl clippers sponsored our June 24 show, which was drier but hot! GHPA also held the 15th Seth Clark Clinic. Our youth had fun and learned so much from Seth Clark during the three days and were happy to receive a gift from Ultra. July also had two horse shows, July 8, sponsored by Wahl Clippers, Patterson Fruit Farm, and Buckeye Nutrition, and July 22, sponsored by Preston Auto Superstore. Our final show in August was sponsored by Schnieder’s Saddlery. It was a great show that wrapped up the show season nicely and helped showcase everyone’s hard work throughout the year. Labor Day weekend brought the Great Geauga County Fair for many of our youth. Our youth did an amazing job showing and
supporting each other. Many adult members also helped volunteer at the GHPA food booth. GHPA also ran the fun shows Thursday and Saturday nights. GHPA is again sponsoring a local Geauga County family in need this year. Email ghpa08@yahoo.com for further information. Save the date! The 31st Annual Awards Banquet and Auction will be March 9, 2019. Check the GHPA website, www. ghpa.us, for updates and clinics. You can also find membership forms, rules and links to horse related topics. Information on our two youth groups Silver Spurs and The Mane Attractions, is also
located on the website. General membership meetings are on the first Wednesday of every month at 7:30 p.m. at the Geauga County Fairgrounds Education Building. Other ways to follow GHPA—like us on Facebook, Geauga Horse and Pony Assoc.; Twitter: @GHPAhorseshows; Instagram: GHPAhorseshows. GHPA would like to thank Big Dee’s Tack for their support of our organization through their Bonus Bucks program. Likewise; thank you to Schneider’s Saddlery for their support. We appreciate all that both of these fine companies provide for us. We thank all of the sponsors that have sponsored our shows.
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AT CHUCKS!
View From The Cheap Seats Continued
side tools. It’s refreshing to arrive at shows now and not succumb to the life-threatening avalanche of heavy objects and box-less lids that previously ‘settled during shipping’! Bessie and The Beast, our truck and trailer respectively, welcome my traveling village with open doors, golf cart and all. I’m getting better about not overpacking for horse shows. I’ve even left town with...gasp! ...only one box of barn rags! But it’s outrageous that the air travel industry expects any equestrian to survive the rare vacation on only a gallon baggie of toiletries delicately rationed down into hotel-sized servings. What if
I get poop stains on my white socks and my baggie had no room for the Quiksilver!? Sarah Vas, second generation horsewoman, owns and operates Winfield Farm & Forge in Grafton, Ohio. Even as a selfdescribed Little Guy trainer, her depth of knowledge and list of accomplishments have gained the respect of many prominent professionals in the industry. She has quietly worked her heart out finding a niche in the Arabian ring as well as a multitude of other breeds and disciplines. Keep up with Sarah’s schedule, clinic dates, and innovative educational programs via Facebook.
For more information call us at (330) 723-6029 or visit our website!
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HORSEMEN’S CORRAL
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Winterizing Your Farm Before the Heavy Cold Sets In by Debbie Disbrow With a burst of wind and colder weather, winter has arrived. Shopping lists are in the making, decorations need to be put up and don’t forget about baking the cookies. We equestrians know all too well that even though the busy festivities of the season are coming fast upon us, our horses are a daily priority. So before all the holiday hustle and bustle gets to the best of us, let’s go through a winter checklist for your horse farm. With temperatures that can rise and fall greatly at this time of the year, horses need a shelter area from rain, sleet and snow. This can either be a three sided shed with the back facing prevailing winds or stalls in your barn. With a recent temporary move, our horses will not have a barn until next year. Our best and quickest shelter idea was to use portable stalls with our slanted roof addition. The stalls give ample room to get out of the inclement weather. If your horses are outside, portable stalls can go under an overhang of the barn or outbuilding and can offer shelter quickly. Otherwise, stalls in a barn offer wonderful shelter. Just be sure your horses get adequate ventilation throughout your barn. It’s imperative for good respiratory health. If you have older, younger, or thin skinned horses you may want to consider having rugs or blankets on hand. The question has always been ‘to blanket or not to blanket’. However, if your horse is showing signs of cold by shivering, lack of drinking water or eating,
it may be your best option to help your horse conserve energy to keep warmer. Blankets can be used overnight and taken off during the sunny warmth of the day or used during low degree weather. Just be sure to watch your horse when taking them off to insure they are staying warm (and also not getting too hot). Hang blankets on blanket bars when taken off to allow for air flow and drying of any dampness from rolling or body heat. Be sure you have a good water supply that will not become frozen. Horses drink a lot of water during the winter months and need it to maintain health and warmth. Drinking post waterers are relatively easy to install. They are a non-electronic water source that stays at approximately 50 degrees year round. Any time you can give your horses warmer water in the winter, they will tend to drink more than less. Insulated water buckets are another way to help freezing from occurring. Water buckets should be emptied with each refill rather than topped off to help stop freezing. Additionally, be sure you remove hoses overnight from your water source to avoid freezing at your hydrant. Remove water from your hoses for the following refills. Double check that hydrants won’t freeze either. Insulate exposed pipes and keep water from settling at the base of the hydrant. Be aware of heat tapes in barns as they can be a fire hazard. As wet ground becomes muddy, you may want to consider mud management systems that are now easier to use than ever. Egg crate style plastic panels can lay directly on your muddy area, staked open and filled with a fine gravel. Once the gravel is leveled, remove stakes and mud will be gone. This is a fast way to maintain walkways in and out of the barn, paddock or shed. Can we say, nice?! Makes a great gift for horse owners too! If you use wheelbarrows for most of your work, or if you seem to have continual issues with your gator or tractor, the electric wheelbarrow is a great solution. Electric wheelbarrows are plugged in to charge. An easy turn of the handle starts the wheelbarrow in motion. With variegated speeds, you can walk slowly or faster if needed. The wheelbarrows go over mud, wet ground and snow with ease. They take all the work out of your chores as the wheelbarrow does all the hauling for you. There is a dump mode, they handle extra heavy loads and are quiet. For anyone that is tired of pushing, lugging and hauling, the electric wheelbarrow is a work horse for your farm and home. Save your back and energy with an innovative electric wheelbarrow. One more great gift idea! Be sure your hay, grain and bedding is stocked for colder weather. It is so much easier to have it on hand than trying to haul and unload through the winter months. Be sure to have good grain storage to avoid rodents and raccoons. If possible, be sure your hay is not becoming a home for small animals, especially possums that carry EPM. Discard any hay that may show signs of animal feces. It is better to lose a little hay than to risk your horses health to disease or illness. To further help you, we have included a winter farm checklist! Debbie Disbrow, owner of RAMM Stalls and Horse Fencing, has over 45 years experience with horses and equine-related businesses. She is a certified fence installer and has helped build fencing and stalls for horse facility owners across the USA as well as into Europe. Debbie is highly involved in horse ownership and riding. Visit www.rammfence.com, or call 800/8785644 for safer alternatives for your horses.
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HORSEMEN’S CORRAL
December 2018
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Northern Ohio Dressage Association
NODA Member Completes Second Century Club Ride; Team #366: Beverly Van Nieuwal and Ascot PRESIDENT, Barb Soukup; VICE PRESIDENT, Arielle Brodkey; TREASURER, Dee Liebenthal; SECRETARY, Patti Valencic. EMAIL, president@nodarider.org; WEBSITE, www.nodarider.org
by Beverly Van Nieuwal with information from The Dressage Foundation On Sept. 29, 2018, I rode my second Century Ride. This was particularly special for me because I accomplished it with my own horse! Ascot, better known as Scotty, was a dream made possible by my inheritance when my parents both passed away within a month of each other. My father and grandfather were horsemen, raising and racing Standardbreds while I was growing up. My grandfather bought me my first pony when I was in the fourth grade. My interest in dressage started
about 30 some years ago when my family moved to Ohio. At my first dressage show, I met so many friendly riders and saw lovely horses—I was hooked! That experience led to joining Classical Attraction Dressage Society, and I still belong to this day. My daughters and I have owned several breeds of horses that we have shown over the years, but my dream was to have a warmblood. My friend and trainer, Mary Anne Milleman, went with me hunting for just that horse! We found him when a friend was selling her beautiful chestnut Hanoverian gelding named Ascot, who she called Scotty. When I heard his name, I was sold. Scotty was the nickname my dad always called my mom. Scotty was truly a gift from my parents. Scotty and I have been a team for 13 years. He has taught me so much. Without help from my village (trainers, clinicians, very patient instructors), we would have had a hard time accomplishing my
goal. So, thank you to all of my ‘horsey helpers’ along the way. I love all of you! More about The Century Club from the Foundation website: The Century Club recognizes dressage riders and horses whose combined ages total 100 years or more. Horse and rider perform a test of any level at a show (schooling or recognized) or event and are scored by a dressage judge or professional. Western Dressage riders are also welcome to join the Century Club. An application should be completed and sent to the Foundation at least two weeks prior to the ride. The Dressage Foundation (TDF) will send a beautiful black and gold ribbon to be presented to the team at the show. Following the ride, TDF sends a Century Club plaque to the new team. Dr. Gahwyler and Prinz Eugen, Team #2 The Century Club was formed at The Dressage Foundation in 1996, at the suggestion of Max Gahwyler
(CT), who with his horse Prinz Eugen, became team #2 in the Century Club. The first ‘Centurion Class’ ride, held in 1996, featured Lazelle Knocke and her teammate Don Perignon. Lazelle’s ride came after her extensive ‘three year vacation’ away from riding due to surgery and rehab time. As she said, “Hopefully the Centurion class will be in the forefront of a very interesting opportunity for Seniors and Dressage as Recreational and Therapeutic riding. It really is challenging and has long-term goals and benefits.” The Dressage Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, tax-exempt organization, whose mission is to cultivate and provide financial support for the advancement of dressage in the United States. Find out more at The Dressage Foundation and the Century Club at http://www. dressagefoundation.org/grantsand-programs/century-club/ about.html
Mid Ohio Dressage Association
Mid-Ohio Dressage Association Fundraises for Two Central Ohio Equine Therapy Groups PRESIDENT, Vicki Milliron; VICE PRESIDENT, Anna Cluxton; SECRETARY, Nancy Wentz; TREASURER, Beth Baryon; EMAIL, vickimilliron@hotmail.com WEBSITE, www.midohiodressage.org
by Beth Baryon During the 2018 Mid-Ohio Classic, the Mid-Ohio Dressage Association Show Committee arranged for a fundraiser to raise funds for two local equine therapy groups. Part of the funds were raised through the sale of Kona Ice. As the event took place
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in mid-July, the show committee was concerned with finding ways to keep horses and riders cool. Having a Kona Ice Truck visit during the afternoons of the show days was an easy way to provide all with a cooling treat, that wouldn’t be too heavy to be unappealing to the athletes. When scheduling the visit of the truck, the opportunity arose to make the visits of the truck a fundraiser with a percentage of the sales throughout the weekend. Also during the show, it is customary for Mid-Ohio Dressage Association to raffle
off items during a Saturday night dinner party. Many of the items in the raffle were donated by the vendors exhibiting at the show. The Mid-Ohio Dressage Association board voted to also donate the proceeds from the raffle towards the funds already raised from the sale of Kona Ice. Mid-Ohio Dressage Association was able to donate $200 each to Hope Farm Granville and PBJ Connections. According to their website, “Hope Farm Granville is a nonprofit organization providing therapeutic riding resources to children and adults with physical and developmental disabilities. The result is an improved quality of life through enhanced physical, verbal, social and auditory skills gained through partnership with a horse and a certified P.A.T.H. instructor. Our students discover new skills and new possibilities in life with the self-confidence found by working with their horse-partner.” PBJ Connections offers
HORSEMEN’S CORRAL
a different Equine therapy program. According to their website, “Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) at PBJ Connections follows the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) model of therapy. The EAGALA model uses a team of a licensed mental health professional, an equine specialist, and horses or donkeys to provide solution-oriented mental health therapy. The model is also completely non-riding and follows a strict code of ethics.” Both groups were thankful for the donations upon which their programs depend. Mid-Ohio Dressage Association places importance on connecting with and supporting the equine community throughout Central Ohio. These donations to support these equine therapy groups demonstrated a sincere belief by the Mid-Ohio Dressage Association that horses are good for humans and support for groups that are educating people about horses. December 2018
Flatlanders Dressage & Combined Training Association, Inc.
Abandoning the Arena for a Little Trail Riding PRESIDENT, Dianne Foltz; VICE PRESIDENT, Pat Boutwell; TREASURER, Mary Lou Paxton; SECRETARY, Shelley Zwiebel. WEBSITE, www.flatlandersdressage.com
by Heather Bonifas On Oct. 8, the ladies mounted up their horses and ponies not in their show attire but trail-ready togs. Nine of the ladies with their mounts met at the lovely horseman’s camp of Oak Openings near Sylvania, Ohio. All met at midday for a quick bite to eat before heading off into the forest. The line up took a while to figure out; much jostling
about for sure. There were six horses and three ponies that needed to figure out who traveled first, middle and last on this adventure. Some of the ladies were very familiar with trail riding, others, not so much; the same went for their mounts. And much to the surprise of many, one brave little paint pony seemed to remember her love for trekking the trails from long ago. Nose to tails and side by side, the club full of talented dressage riders spent the day picking their ways through beautiful, scenic trails. What a fantastic variety of landscapes Oak Openings has to offer! Though the footing stayed soft and sandy, with the rare wet spot, the views were fantastic. Starting with a dense deciduous
Buckeye Horse Park
Congratulations to the Hunter Series Award Winners PRESIDENT, Sally Kish; VICE PRESIDENT, Susan Smith-Gordan; SECRETARY, Amy Klingensmith; TREASURER, Cathy Romack. WEBSITE, www.buckeyhorsepark.org
by Sally Kish Nominations for 2019 are Susan-Smith Gordon President, Patricia Andio Vice President, Cathy Romack Treasurer and Sally Kish Secretary. Elections will be held at the Dec. 20 regular Board meeting at 7:30 p.m. at the Horse Park. All Buckeye Horse Park paid members are welcome to come and vote. The holiday party was held Nov. 3 at A La Carte in Canfield, Ohio. More than 60 members attended for a delicious meal and door prizes. If you missed it, plan on attending next year. Hunter Series year-end awards were presented at the holiday party. Winners are members of Buckeye Horse Park and nominated horse and rider combinations. Up and Over points also count towards the awards. In order to qualify you must show at two Buckeye sponsored hunter shows. Buckeye congratulates these winners. December 2018
MISCELLANEOUS PLEASURE: Lori Timko, Grand Champion; Alexis Chrise, Reserve Champion. BABY GREEN HORSE: Nicole Mockbee, Grand Champion; Alex Faust, Reserve Champion. BEGINNER RIDER: Alexis Chrise, Grand Champion; Casey Hauck, Reserve Champion. INTERMEDIATE RIDER OVER FENCES 2’6”: Dana Brown, Grand Champion. LOW CHILDREN’S & ADULT RIDER 2’6”: Jordan Gottschling, Grand Champion; Carli Michaels, Reserve Champion. CHILDREN’S ADULT AMATEUR OVER FENCES 2’9”-3’: Rebecca Stanley, Grand Champion; Nicolette Hemming, Reserve Champion. WALK-TROT RIDER NOT TO JUMP: Sydney Herchl, Grand Champion; Hannah Duffy, Reserve Champion. WALK-TROT CROSS RAILS HORSE: Candice Bradbury, Grand Champion. WALK-TROT CROSS RAILS RIDER: Emma Timko, Grand Champion; Jennifer Duffy, Reserve Champion. WALK-TROT-CANTER RIDER: Carly Atkins, Grand Champion; Augie Supan, Reserve Champion. EXTREMELY GREEN HORSE: Nicolette Hemming, Grand Champion. EXTREMELY GREEN RIDER: Ava Timko, Grand Champion; Breanna Hemming, Reserve Champion.
forest, then tall prairie grasses, and finally passing through stiltlike pines, everyone took in the sights from their favorite mount (or one they borrowed for the day). The footing was not only sandy and pleasantly soft, but it was enhanced by the soft crunching noises made by the many hooves on freshly fallen leaves. Fall really is the perfect time of the year to get out of the four corners of an arena and try some trail fun. The weather was a bit on the warm side for the horses as they were already starting to put on their winter coats. Everyone was sweating. The ladies were feeling it also as the ride pushed on
considerably longer than many had expected. When one is used to riding for an hour or less, the tush tends to get tender after three! In fact one rider had all she could take, though her horse was a trooper, and walked over an estimated two miles to get back to base camp. If truth be told, all of the riders were sore to one extent or another by the end. The camaraderie was amazing. Everyone chatted, laughed and shared stories of times of long ago and some recent adventures, too. Sharing the love of horses and family made us all feel comfortable and wondering why we hadn’t done this before.
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(740) 604-0195 • lovetojudge@gmail.com 39
The Cowboy Perseverance Ranch
Let’s Pony by Rob and Tanya Corzatt If you read our article in the Corral a couple months ago, you know we have a 4-year-old Arabian gelding named Heist here at the CP Ranch for training. Heist was the inspiration for that article, Turn and Face Me. Heist has a very unique personality and characteristics, and during his training process God has been revealing many wonderful spiritual lessons. Recently, I began working on basic techniques to prepare Heist for being mounted to ride. Due to a lot of his anxiety, I began by standing on a step stool or gate to get up higher than his head. I wanted to test his reaction to my body’s placement when stepping into the stirrup. He was very uncomfortable with it. We are still working with getting up on objects to help him become more comfortable. I wanted Heist to learn by example, so I also started to pony him with one of our other experienced horses. I needed to
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decide which horse would be a great teacher...quiet, patient, trustworthy, knowledgeable and wise. Gosh, from a human perspective that sounds a lot like a mentor! Someone to help lead, guide and help us grow. Spiritually a mentor needs to be someone who whole heartedly
follows Christ. Let’s use the ponying process, from a spiritual perspective, as an analogy. Heist would be the new Christian, our 9-year-old QH gelding Chance would be the more seasoned Christian, and I would play the role of Christ. I am the one who has a plan for Heist’s training. I selected Chance to help guide Heist, due to his many years of training. He and Heist are about the same height and I know Chance will follow my cues as I am riding him. This seemed to be a good fit, so I placed them together. I had a good idea how Chance would react to the pairing…but did not know how receptive Heist would be to learning with a totally unfamiliar horse? The Bible tells us in Matthew 16:24 “If anyone will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me.” The hardest part about this verse is to deny ourselves. Chance can be kind of a bully at times when loose with the other horses. As the mentor, Chance needed to deny himself and follow me in order to effectively pony Heist. Heist also needed to deny himself in order to be willing to learn from Chance. There have been many times I have seen or heard others deny the opportunity to be mentored. I think we all need to admit that we were that person at one or more times in our lives, especially when we were younger and knew it all. We feel that we can do whatever needs to be done on our own and are very adamant about not needing guidance from others. Are we being prideful, arrogant, or just stubborn and foolish? Maybe a little bit of all
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of those traits. Being prideful is satisfaction in something done by yourself; an inflated sense of your own self-worth, or even feeling superiority over others. This attitude often comes with a desire for praise regarding their success. Psalm 10:4 reads “In his pride the wicked man does not seek Him, in all his thoughts there is no room for God.” There isn’t anything wrong with accomplishments or receiving accolades for what you have achieved. The problem, however, comes when we don’t stay focused or give credit where credit is really due, or even accept the fact that we may need help. We also need to remain humble! A cute story about that…During a recent lesson, I had a young student ask me, “Do you tell your other lesson students about me?” I asked her why she felt I should. She said, “Because I want them to know how good I am.” I know this was very innocent on her part, but I took the opportunity to briefly discuss this with her and what God wants us to do. God gives us clear instruction through His word how we are to obey and the promises we are to trust. However, he does leave a lot for us to figure out. Make sure you don’t turn away someone that has been placed before you without prayerful consideration. God may have arranged this in order for you to mentor someone or to help you be mentored. A couple of good examples of biblical mentors are Jethro for Moses (Exodus 18) as well as Paul for Timothy (I and 2 Timothy). In an article I was recently reading, the author described a time when a college professor told her and the class to always make it a practice to place themselves in a ‘Mentor Sandwich.’ He told them to find someone who knew more than they did and have them be their mentor. He also told them to find someone they could help guide. When I read the article, I reflected on a comment someone in our lesson family stated recently. I was sharing with them something spiritual I had learned during one of my riding lessons. She turned and looked at me, got wide eyed and said “Wait! The teacher teaches and takes lessons?! Then who
S December 2018
Ohio Paint Horse Club
Awards Banquet Slated for January 2019 PRESIDENT, Mike Schwendeman; VICE PRESIDENT, Tim Snapp; TREASURER, Roxann Rohrl; SECRETARY, Holly Ebelberger; EMAIL, r_paints@msn. com; WEBSITE, www.ophc.org
by Roxann Rohrl Hello to our friends out there in Corral Land. The holidays are amongst us. Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving! The OPHC had their General Membership Meeting in November along with the election of officers and directors. New rules were discussed leading into plans for 2019. A postcard was mailed to each member of the OPHC with new information that the GMM meeting was held at The Champions Center in Springfield. Special thanks to them for allowing us to use their dining room for our potluck dinner and meeting. The postcard also announced the Awards Banquet date which will be Jan. 19, 2019 and be held at Dave and Busters, 1554 Polaris Parkway, Columbus, Ohio. Time is 4-7 p.m. Appetizers and soft drinks are included. The OPHC Banquet Chair Sue Johnson will be taking your prepaid reservations. Please mail your reservations to
Sue Johnson at P.O. Box 362, Granville, Ohio, on or before Dec. 15. Discounted price for prepaid reservations is $20 per person which also includes a $15 gaming card. OPHC will be picking up a portion of the total cost. OPHC is also planning on a surprise guest speaker plus 2018 year-end awards for Youth, Amateur and Open plus fun and gaming! If you decide to come after the Dec. 15 deadline please contact Sue (740/924-2305 or suejohnson@embarqmail.com) so we can add you onto our reservation list given to Dave and Busters. This will certainly be a fun evening for everyone. 2018 has been a great year for the Ohio Paint Horse Club, come join us in celebrating! Beautiful postcard! Thank you Tim! Lori Hershey has resigned after many years of serving as Membership Chair. We all want to thank you Lori for collecting the money from the membership and forwarding them to the treasurer. And also for compiling a membership list to be furnished to the OPHC secretary and officers, points chair, awards chair and newsletter editor monthly. The secretary will mail this completed yearly report to APHA at year end. Also, emailed each member that has an email address their membership card
and mail membership cards to those members that do not have an email address. If you would be interested in this Membership Chair position, please contact President Schwendeman or any OPHC Director. Attention Youths and OPHC members 23 years of age or younger. Are you looking for a scholarship? Are you a high school senior or active college undergraduate student enrolled in a two- or four-year college or a trade school as a full-time student? Are you a current member of the OPHC? The OPHC awards three scholarships each year at our awards banquet. Go the website, OPHC.org, and check your eligibility for a scholarship. Information is on page 15 of the OPHC rule book. Complete your scholarship application and forward it to Scholarship Chairman Roger Taylor, 2910 S. Medina Line Road, Wadsworth, Ohio 44281 on or before Dec. 31, 2018. Roger’s number is 330/608-9524. Attention: Ride Ohio—OPHC Members. Suzanne Allen is the Chair of Ride Ohio. Suzanne needs your Ride Ohio registration
form for the Ride Ohio riding hours logs for 2018. These registration form and logs must be forwarded to Suzanne Allen, 4239 Twp. Rd. 99, Mt. Gilead, Ohio 44339 by Dec. 31, 2018 to be eligible for Ride Ohio awards. Suzanne’s contact information is pegasuspaints@aol.com or 419/947-9504 Ride Ohio is another section of OPHC awards program. Do not be left out, if you are a trail rider record your hours in state parks in Ohio or out of Ohio or just like to trail ride along trails, rivers, streams….keep track of those hours. Did you attend the OPHC Trail Ride weekend in November? These hours count. Keep this in mind for next year! You must be an OPHC member. Hope to see many of you at the Awards Banquet. Get your prepaid reservations into Sue Johnson for Dave and Busters and come cheer our award winning members. Check out our website and Facebook regularly. Merry Christmas to all! Get those Christmas decorations and lights turned on in the barn. Give thanks to all and have a blessed holiday! See you next month.
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Let’s Pony Continued
do you take lessons from?” I told her I take them from someone who is much more experienced and accomplished than I am. While preparing my notes for this article, the other article I read and the comment from this person made me realize that I am in the midst of the ‘Mentor Sandwich’. It never ceases to amaze me how God reveals things to us and confirms how He is guiding us. I love what it says in Luke 6:40 “A student is not above his teacher but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher”. Heist is doing extremely well with being ponied. He has been very respectful and sometimes a little overly curious with his new mentor. Chance has been phenomenal! He has exceeded my expectations, especially during Heist’s more inquisitive moments. The training is far from being finished but ponying has proven to be a valuable method of growth for both horses. What about you? Are you in a December 2018
position where you can be the one to pony or could you benefit from being ponied? No matter where you are, always remember to ‘deny yourself and take up His cross’. In doing so you will be showing a true commitment to Christ and a willingness to follow where He wants to lead you. May you be blessed on your ride! The Corzatt’s (Rob, Tanya and their son Camdon) own and operate the Cowboy Perseverance Ranch (CPR) in Sunbury, Ohio. CPR is a faith based operation and our mission is to build a strong foundation and relationship with our training horses and students. We are blessed to be able to provide western horsemanship lessons infused with biblical scripture to students of all ages. One student has described her time here as “CPR for the soul!” Visit our website at www.cpranch. wixsite.com/home or follow us on Facebook.
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TrailMeister
First Things First on the Trailer When I started the TrailMeister trailer project I knew that I would want to learn about all that goes into a horse trailer first hand as opposed to having everything completed at the factory. This meant I would be hauling the new trailer across the nation and back again as I visited numerous manufacturers of equipment for horse trailers. It’s been a busy year.
Happy for Hydraulics The very first change that I made to the trailer was removing the standard manual jack and having the folks at Equalizer Systems in Elkhart, Ind., replace it with an electric hydraulic jack. No endless cranking. I like being able to push a button and have the trailer go up or down as I see fit. If you’ve ever hauled horses you already know what a ‘joy’ hand cranking a trailer jack can be. Standard jacks take more effort than I care to expend and the ‘improved’ geared jacks may be easier to turn, but take seemingly forever to extend the leg. I prefer to save my energy and time for the ride. Equalizer Systems has been producing jacks for horse trailers for over 25 years, and it shows. I’ve seen Equalizer jacks on horse trailers from coast to coast and uniformly the owners have had positive things to say about them; ‘very dependable’ was the most commonly used term. Those encouraging owner accounts made my decision to go with an Equalizer System quite easy. Immediately after picking up my MH Eby Trailer near Columbus, Ohio, I headed northwest for Elkhart, Ind.—RV capital of the world and home to Equalizer Systems.
As a layman being able to observe Equalizer’s professionals not only building the jacks, but also installing them was fascinating. For my 22 foot long stock trailer with a ‘to be completed’ living quarters area, the Equalizer engineers recommended their AM single leg jack for the job. With a lifting capacity of 12,000 pounds this jack can lift not only the nose, but the entire trailer and a load of horses, so it’s plenty strong for the job. And it’s quick! Instead of budgeting minutes to lift and lower, it’s now a matter of mere seconds. I like the extra time it gives me to work on other things besides cranking on a jack handle Another feature that I’m a huge fan of is the manual override. Should I lose power I can manually work the jack. With my solar power system (more on that in a future column) that should never be a concern, but I’m a big fan of redundant systems. There you go! The first thing I did to the trailer was entirely for me. I’m all about preserving my back, conserving my energy, and generally making life easier on myself! Equalizer made that possible and I thank them for that. Now I need to save my pennies for their hydraulic jack for the bumper pull!
Fabulous Flooring The second change I made to the trailer was mostly for the horses and mules, and a little for me. I wanted a stock area floor that would be safe for the beasts. Specifically, I was looking for a nonslip surface that was impervious to liquids while also providing some cushion to smooth the ride. I also wanted to reduce my workload when cleaning out the trailer. I’m not about to claim that I regularly pull the rubber mats from my bumper pull. I know it’s a chore I should pay more attention to. The accumulation of pee and poo growing under my mats isn’t doing my aluminum floor any favors. I also know that trying to manhandle multiple ungainly 90 plus pound rubber mats isn’t going to happen as often as it should. I needed something that would keep my animals safe and save me a bit of back breaking work. WERM Flooring does that. Depending on where I’m going, the ponies may be in the trailer for anywhere from a few minutes to 10-12 hours. I don’t know why but every one of my animals voids their bowels as soon as I have them in the trailer. Every trip. Every time. That can make for a long slippery and dangerous trailer ride. I want to make the ride as safe and pleasant as I can for my trail partners. That means I want to give them a secure and safe surface for the ride. I considered a wide variety of durable flooring surfaces from Rumber (much too slippery) to Rhino Lining (no cushion) and finally settled on WERM Flooring for a permanent solution for the trailer, horses, and me. My trailer has a solid aluminum floor so being impervious to liquids was a key concern for me. I needed a material that would prevent any urine or poo juice (Is that a word? It is now; ‘poo juice’) from getting to the floor and corroding it over time. WERM accomplishes this by being sealed to the floor. This permanent bond doesn’t allow anything to come between it and the floor. This is accomplished through careful preparation of the trailer floor and the application of a proprietary primer and epoxy compound by WERM’s highly skilled technicians. In a nutshell, this makes for a permanently installed rubber mat that eliminates a nasty job for me. Instead of pulling mats, I pull out a hose and spray it clean while the trailer floor beneath stays dry and protected. Easy peasy. The flooring is mostly rubber and as such provides a goodly amount
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December 2018
Dusty Boots Riding Club
Gearing Up for the 2019 Show Season; Dates to be Announced Soon PRESIDENT, Billy Jo Brown; 1ST VICE PRESIDENT, Jason Brown; TREASURER, Donna Rohrer; SECRETARY, Tonya Wilson; EMAIL, dustyboots@dustybootsridingclub.com WEBSITE, www. dustybootsridingclub.com
by Tonya Wilson Even though the 2018 show season is a wrap for Dusty Boots Riding Club, the active members, directors and officers are busy gearing up to prepare for the 2019 show season. Dates will be finalized soon! There
are lots of exciting things in the works including a two-day day show in June at the fairgrounds in Jefferson. Be sure to keep checking Facebook and our website for more details! The annual awards banquet will be held March 23, 2019 at Garden Brook in Cortland, Ohio. Details are being finalized and invitations will be mailed soon! The 2018 royalty competition is winding down and soon new crowns will be awarded at the banquet in March! The participants completed their interview and test portions immediately preceding the November membership meeting. We were lucky enough to have
three outstanding ladies come judge our interview portion; Valerie Gabor, Kellie Rettinger, and Andrea Adams are well known equine enthusiasts from the tri-county area. Again and again we are thankful for all the people who make our shows successful! From the office workers to the ring crew, our generous sponsors, and all the individuals who choose to compete at Dusty Boots shows. Without you all, this year would not have been a success! November was a busy meeting where we discussed new ideas for next show season, made several decisions regarding the
upcoming banquet and elected officers for 2019. Are you interested in joining Dusty Boots Riding Club? Are you a current member looking to get more involved? We welcome everyone to our monthly meetings. The meetings are held the first Wednesday of the month, 7 p.m. at the Ashtabula County Technical and Career Campus (A-Tech) in the B Building, 1565 State Route 307, Jefferson, Ohio. The December meeting will be canceled. Monthly meetings will resume in January. Check out our Facebook page or our website at www.dustybootsridingclub.com.
Ohio Morgan Horse Association
New Officers and Directors Have Big Shoes to Fill PRESIDENT, Claudia Grimes; VICE PRESIDENT, Louise Fraser; SECRETARY, Lois Magisano; WEBSITE, www.ohiomorganhorse.com
by Susan Walker Once again, my deadline for this column comes at an inopportune time; it is too late to be able to remind you about our annual meeting and high point banquet, but too early to be able to report on what happened at that event. Based on past experiences, I am confident that the food was good, the meeting
short but informative, the high point recipients were proud and pleased with their well-earned trophies and the camaraderie was stellar. One thing is certain, although the votes have yet to be tallied, we are going to have new directors joining the association’s board and a new president and vice president will have been elected. Congratulations to our new leadership and to our new directors. Welcome to the adventures and challenges that 2019 will be bringing. Rest up and put on your thinking caps. But don’t despair, plenty of plans are already laid and well underway. But while welcoming the
First Things First on the Trailer Continued
of cushion for the ponies. I like that the surface is textured and slip resistant. It’s much less slippery than the standard rubber mats in my old trailer. For my needs WERM saved the day. It keeps my horses safe and more comfortable, protects my trailer floor, and saves me a lot of work. It even comes in a variety of colors! I wanted a sporty red, but my better half prevailed and we went with a brown that hides ‘stuff.’ I love the efficiency and convenience of both the Equalizer System and WERM Flooring. Watch videos of the manufacture, installation, and every episode of the Trailer Project at TrailMeister.com. Robert ‘The TrailMeister’ Eversole owns and operates the largest horse trail and horse camp guide in the world, www.TrailMeister. com. When he’s not speaking with horse and mule riders at events across the US, writing regular feature columns in leading equine publications including the Horsemen’s Corral, Robert can be found riding and packing trail maintenance crews into wilderness areas throughout the Pacific Northwest. December 2018
new faces and ideas of the new board members, the remaining board members, and in fact, the entire OMHA is going to miss the directors and officers who are leaving at the end of 2018. Three of the current board have decided to step down or have made the decision not to run for re-election for various personal reasons. Vice President Louise Fraser, President Claudia Grimes and Recording Secretary Lois Magisano are the three directors ending their terms at the end of this month. Ladies, you will all be sorely missed for your input, your dedication and your all-around hard work for the club, always given with an eager spirit. I wanted to hit some of the highlights and accomplishments of what these women have contributed to the workings of the OMHA, individually and collectively, but I quickly realized that I didn’t have nearly enough time or column space to begin. Let me just say that we have some very large figurative boots to fill. No pressure, heading into the new year, right? However, I can’t help myself but to share a little secret that has been perpetrated for the past few years, concerning our reporting secretary, Lois. First, Lois has the difficult job of trying to take the minutes of our meetings. This usually involves 10-12 women all talking at once in a noisy restaurant while a wait staff is trying to get
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everyone’s orders taken. Not an easy thing! Second, since hers is an appointed position, Lois has been doing this for a long time. The secret unknown to the larger world is that Lois has been trying to resign her position for probably about a decade. The problem was that nobody would listen. Lois would say, “I think someone else should do my job…” and we would all say, “Not happening…any new business?” The next year Lois would say, “No this time I really think I must step down…” and we would just go on with the meeting as if she hadn’t been heard. I don’t know how you finally pulled it off, Lois, I only wish that you hadn’t! What can I say about all the service Lois has given to Ohio Morgan? I was going to say, “if you look up the phrase ‘yeoman’s job’ in the dictionary you will see a photo of Lois.” But then I wondered if I was using the idiom correctly, so I did actually look it up. Here it is, plucked straight from the Merriam-Webster website: definition 3: “one that performs great and loyal service.” Yes, that is exactly what I meant. But then, and I find this really cool; I looked up at definition 2: “a person who owns and cultivates a small farm.” I guess that loyalty and work ethic of the yeoman derives from rural, small farm roots. Whatever the etymology, I still say Lois’s picture should be there as a prime example. Huge thanks for all your contributions over the years, Lois Magisano! 43
Northern Kentucky Horse Network
Mark Your Calendars, NKHN Events Announced for 2019 PRESIDENT, Tracey Schoen VICE PRESIDENT, Charles Poppe SECRETARY, Susan Dickinson TREASURER, Monica Egger WEBSITE, www.nkhn.info EMAIL, nkhorsenetwork@gmail.com
by Jim Mayer Happy Holidays from the Northern Kentucky Horse Network! Our Annual Trail Ride at A J Jolly Park took place in September, with a good turnout and perfect weather. The NKHN 2nd annual Equine Conference was Nov. 10.
With over 200 in attendance including 83 4-H’ers across several counties and numerous vendors, it was one of our most successful events. Thank you to the several University of Kentucky professors and equine professionals who spoke at the conference this year. We are looking forward to next year! The NKHN Annual Dinner is scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 27, 2019 at the Boone County Enrichment Center in Burlington, Ky. We are looking forward to a large turnout at this social event again this year. Mark your calendars for April 20, 2019. We have expanded our Enrichment Day to include a Tack Swap. Tables and sites
can be purchased to display your unwanted tack for public sale. Start cleaning out the barn and plan to bring them to the NKHN Tack Swap on Saturday, April 20. NKHN EVENTS FOR 2019 JAN. 27 — NKHN Annual Dinner. FEBRUARY (TBA) — Cowboy Mounted Shooting Clinic. APRIL 6 — English Riding Clinic at Halt N Salut Equestrian Center. APRIL 20 — Dressage Schooling Show, Carriage Driving Lessons (free to all NKHN Members), Tack Swap at the Alexandria Fairgrounds. MAY 3-5 — Trail Ride, Midwest Trail Ride, Norman, Ind.
MAY 18 — Drill Team Competition at the Alexandria Fairgrounds. JUNE 14-16 — NKHN Trail Ride and Campout, A J Jolly Park, Alexandria Ky. JULY 11-14 — Carriage Round Up at the Alexandria Fairgrounds, Alexandria, Ky. (members only). JULY 27 — All Breed Horse Show, Alexandria Fairgrounds, Alexandria, Ky. We are also considering a Gymkhana Fun Show and Reining/Horsemanship Clinic. Those dates are TBA. So until next time, happy trails to you until we meet again, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, and God Bless America!
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December 2018
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HORSEMEN’S CORRAL
45
Ohio Horseman’s Council, Inc.
PRESIDENT Arden Sims 740/350-2339 president@ohconline.com
Member of American Horse Council www.ohconline.com RECORDING SECRETARY & MEMBERSHIP Catherine Estill 513/899-2267 cnestill6@gmail.com
TREASURER Jo Ellen Reikowski 330/806-3146 treasurer@ohconline.com
VICE PRESIDENT Eric Estill 513/899-2267 vicepresident@ohconline.com
NEWSLETTER EDITOR Theresa Burke 614/329-7453 newsletter@ohconline.com
OHC CORRAL NEWS Becky Clifton 937/417-4359 ohc.corral.editor@gmail.com corraleditor@ohconline.com
Greetings From Your President This is my last Corral article as the OHC President. This article is to you the OHC member that works endless hours to preserve and grow the equine trail miles in Ohio, that is now probably the most of any state in our great nation; to the member that works with horse loving youth at fun shows, trail rides and other events; to the member
that donates their time to raise funds to build trails, for youth activities both inside and outside the OHC, support therapeutic riders, and provide assistance to economically distressed horse owners; to the member that accepts state or chapter officer or committee responsibilities to pursue the mission of the OHC; to the member that works to
introduce new people to the OHC; to the member who’s interest is helping equine owners whether an OHC member or not; to the member that lives by the motto ‘Horsemen Helping Horsemen’; and to the member that worked in their unique way to continue the success of the OHC. It was a sincere pleasure to serve as your president over the
past four years and I thank you for your support. I am confident that you will continue to drive the OHC forward to continued success. A special thank you to my wife Claudia and my granddaughter Olivia for taking care of our nine-horse farm while I served as your OHC President. ~Arden Sims
County Lines ASHTABULA Our treasurer, Annie Pearson, is retiring after many years of heartfelt service to our equine community. Like so many of us, she has been outdone by technology. She announced her resignation at our October meeting, citing her inability to learn or even understand the instructions for the new computer program she is expected to implement to maintain records. She described the instructions as “eight pages long” and far too technical for her pen and paper point of view. Of course we are all very sad about this and wish it hadn’t happened. Annie has done an exacting job for a very long time but I, for one, can understand her dilemma since I will be 70 on my next birthday. Annie will remain a dedicated member and has assured us that she will continue to manage the Chinese auctions we all find so delightful. Thanks, Annie! We had our Regional Ride on Oct. 13. We were all hoping for good weather but were disappointed with the cold rain and chilly temperature. Some of our members turned out but the list was not robust like so many years in the past. We did have our October meeting that same day and many of us showed up at 9 a.m. despite the dreary conditions. We had the nomination of 2019 officers and 46
the voting will commence at our November meeting. A special thank you goes out to Bob DeJohn for his recent shirt donation. All gifts and financial support are welcomed by our mighty little group so thank you, Bob it’s good doing business with you. Our annual banquet was held at Scooter’s in Andover. Chris, Jamie, Debbie and Cathy were the cheerful revelers who did the honors of providing our members with a variety of presents. Our annual banquet is a time when we can all sit together without any club business and just have fun. We are a fun group! We have decided to designate $274 for our family shopping trip this year. One of us will have the honor of playing Santa to the family whose name is drawn from a hat. Speaking of meetings, we will have ours at Rustler’s Ranch this month as we continue to research locations for a permanent home. We hope all attended our November meeting to select our next year’s officers. I guess I could say trail riding season has come to a close for 2018 but who knows for certain? I wish you all a happy trail and more to come. ~Jenny Walsh ATHENS A few Athens County OHC members participated in a fun
Athens County OHC
Mary Jo Devlin and Al. Bonnie Lackey at Stroud’s Run. show at the Athens County Fairgrounds on Oct. 6 sponsored by Bella Run Equine. Bella Run Equine is a local horse rescue saving and rehabilitating horses from the auction kill pen. Although it was another one of those extremely hot days, the show was well attended and both horses and humans seemed to have a good time. One of the most fun classes was the costume class. There were circus animals, pirates, Woody from Toy Story and an Arabian princess to name a few. President Bonnie Lackey with the help of some other members staffed a table at Stroud’s Run
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State Park on Oct. 13. The purpose of the event was to celebrate, educate and promote trail use. There were hikers, bikers, boaters, etc. Jackie Fokes and Jerry Hilferty along with some others have been maintaining the horse trails at Stroud’s for many years. Stroud’s Run consists of approximately 2600 acres of hardwood forest with hills and coves surrounding Dow Lake. A trail was recently opened for those with mobility issues. Wishing all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Our next meeting will be in early January. Members should watch their email for details. ~Stacia December 2018
County Lines CARROLL It’s been a busy month at Jefferson Lake State Park. ODNR (Ohio Department of Natural Resources) began work on the Trillium Trail (orange trail) leaving the day ride area. Please respect the trail closed signs that are posted; this section of the trail is not currently safe for horses. The Cowboy Trail is the detour around the section of Trillium in progress and the Logan Trail is still open as well. Carroll County OHC and Jefferson County OHC also worked together to construct a tie line on the Lakeside Trail. This tie line is located behind the pavilion near the dam, overlooking beautiful Jefferson Lake and can safely accommodate six horses. We’re so excited to enjoy this addition to our park and thankful for partial funding for it through a grant from the Ohio Horseman’s Council. See you on the trail! ~Kristen
View of Jefferson Lake from the pavilion in front of the new tie line.
Members from Carroll and Jefferson OHC mixing concrete to set the tie line posts. CHAMPAIGN Our October meeting was set back to Oct. 13 since so many members were camping at Hocking on the first Saturday of the month. Seven members and guest, Ray enjoyed a nice meal and celebrated some October birthdays. Mary Macy’s birthday was Oct. 12 and vacationing member, Steve Glaser, celebrated his on Oct. 6. The Hocking campout was declared a success and a lot of fun was had by all. December 2018
The Nov. 10 State OHC meeting was attended by Cindy and Steve Glaser and Janet Roop has also volunteered to go since President Linda Imke couldn’t attend. Lori Long reported that the hitching post has been installed near the restroom. Our annual Thanksgiving dinner/meeting was held at Lori Long’s on Nov. 3. ~Cindy
Halloween fun, costumes.
CLARK Holiday Greetings from Clark County! We held our final meeting at the Horseman’s Area in October. Thank you to the members who braved the cool, windy evening. One topic was choosing a meeting location for the winter months. Several people suggested we gather at local restaurants for dinner. We will communicate by email and Facebook to keep members advised as to where we will meet for January and February. By the time you read this we will have had the council Christmas party. I will share details and pictures in the next issue. I will also report on the State OHC meeting held in November. We have provided the information to renew OHC memberships online. If you know folks who enjoy riding, please encourage them to consider joining our council. I was going through some pictures on my phone and chose three to include this month. One shows members who helped when we were doing trail maintenance in preparation for the September camping weekend. They were setting up for a cook out/lunch after the work was completed. The picture of impressive ears and other riders was taken at Mohican State Park in October. What a beautiful park with such a great variety of terrain. The ears belong to Amos the mule. The last picture was taken at Buck Creek in October. Luckily the Buck Creek ride was on a warmer day than at Mohican. CCOHC has had a busy year. Projects were completed at the Horseman’s Area. There were two well planned and well attended camping weekends. When maintenance needed to be completed, council members pitched in to help our trails look great and be serviceable for all the riders who utilize them. Special thanks to Greg and Scott who have devoted many hours of labor on the trails.
Halloween fun, the winners.
Clark County OHC As we approach 2019 I extend wishes from our council officers to all the members for a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year! Until next month, Happy Trails! ~MaryEllen COLUMBIANA Hello from Columbiana County and Beaver Creek! The old adage “Where has the time gone” is so true this year. We’re headed into December and the holiday season. I’m still waiting for a good day to hit the trail and get some rides in. We have had so much rain this year and so little riding. It seems like in North East Ohio we didn’t really have a trail riding season. I sure hope 2019 will be a bit dryer. Believe it or not, our Halloween event was blessed with good weather. With the prediction of 100 percent rain all weekend things looked dismal. We were totally surprised on Saturday when the sun came out with blue skies but still chilly temperatures. It was perfect weather for fall although the trails were very muddy. The young people who were there were the center of our attention from morning cookie and pumpkin decorating through the afternoon costume judging. It never ceases to amaze me the ideas people come up with. Adults, children and grandchildren joined in to
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Decorating cookies. entertain the entire camp and visitors who dropped in to see this event. The Chinese auction was outstanding with many great donations. We want to send a big thank you to all who supported our auction this year. The beef raffle was won by one of our member’s work associate. She chose to take the $400 cash over the $500 meat package. We so appreciate our three sponsors who were willing to donate the meat package. I’m forgetting Trick or Treat. In the early evening the campers were decorated with lights, skeletons and pumpkins galore, the little goblins began to visit each camper looking for those special treats. I must say it was a delightful weekend. Now as we head into the Christmas season we need to reflect on just how lucky we are to enjoy this hobby and the beautiful country we live in. Seeing it from the back of your favorite horse is an awesome opportunity. Many of the places most people will never get to see are open to us by horseback. We are all so blessed. As the New Year rolls in we’ll start the plans for 2019 riding season. This will be the light at the end of the tunnel to get us through another Ohio winter. 47
County Lines Reading the Corral articles, the ideas and trips from the chapters are always interesting to read. They give us new areas and trails to search out. We all hope we’ll get to see and visit with so many of you again at Beaver Creek next riding season. All of us from the Columbiana County Chapter wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and an especially Happy New Year! With safe dry trails. ~Sally Stamp COSHOCTON I have one question, what happened to our fall? We went from mid-80s to 50s in one week. We totally skipped over the beautiful fall 70 degree temperatures. I’m writing this article on Oct. 25 and there are barely any leaves changing yet. I’m not looking forward to winter, but when I wake up to 30s and have to scrape my car windows it feels like we are already in it. Just a reminder, by the time you are reading this article, you only have a few weeks left to ride at Fallon before the trails are closed to all equines. The trails will be closed after Dec. 31. It’s also that time of year when you need to collect your trail miles and maintenance hours. You can turn them in before the end of the year or even as late as our Christmas party which is on Jan. 5 at Theo’s in Cambridge. Please break down your miles ridden into the actual park or state forest you rode in and how many miles in each place. These mileage forms are on the OHC website, ohconline.com, for your convenience. In the last Corral I reported on our club sponsoring a trophy for the Coshocton Fair timed obstacle class. One of our long time members, Carol Michaels, presented the trophy for the class. Carol has a long history with training horses, owning and riding horses. She is in her 80s and still going strong and we enjoy her presence along with her husband Gene in our club. Another member, Jan Fallon, also sponsors a class at the fair in memory of her late husband Jack, which is the founder of Fallon Park. While I’m on the subject of giving back, our club has once again donated $200 for a doe permit to the National Wild Turkey Federation (Wolf creek chapter). This is a non-profit organization whose mission is the conservation of the wild turkey and preservation 48
Big South Fork photos. of our hunting heritage. This sponsor of a doe permit allows a child with special needs a chance to experience the joy of hunting. They spend the day with a guide and it’s my understanding they are overjoyed to have the opportunity for such an awesome day. Recently I had the chance to ride at Big South Fork in Tennessee. I, along with my husband and Jamie and Mark Jellison made the nine hour trip. It’s truly big beautiful country. We stayed at a place called Honey Creek horse camp (very nice campground and owners). The trails are very rocky, but the rough trails lead you to some awesome views and overlooks. Another club member recently made a trip to Arizona. Cheri Reiss had the opportunity to ride a Mammoth Jack down the Grand Canyon. Her mount was named Jack #3 and he was 34 years old. I guess those mules really do go forever! Speaking of Cheri, she recently informed me that her friends Mike and Sherri Miller from Millersburg lost one of their beautiful Percheron horses a few months ago. They come to our annual poker runs and ride their two huge beautiful Percherons, Ralph and Samuel. We all know the horrible sad feeling of losing a beloved pet. Sorry to hear about this news. ~Gigi CUYAHOGA It seems fall has officially arrived fast and hard with
temperatures ranging from 55 all the way down to the mid-30 and raining non-stop. Life has been busy in Cuyahoga County Metroparks. The annual Cuyahoga Regional and State Ride took place on Oct. 5-7, rain or shine and boy did it rain, but we have some wonderful memories to share! The food and friendship were wonderful as usual. Many new faces from many parts of Ohio joined us for a day, the clinic or even the weekend. It was a wonderful event and fun was had by everyone. Yes, I even learned how to create an electric fence for Boogie and Gus to share for the weekend. Thank you Lou for your great assistance! The Cleveland Metroparks Mounted Unit hosted its first ‘Ride the Beach’ on Oct. 13. There were 110 horses and riders that participated in the event with over 200 on a waiting list. There were people from out of state as well as a mounted officer from Florida that came to enjoy this event. Be sure to look for this ride early next year! Our current officers had been re-elected at our October meeting for the 2019 year. They are: President Penny Passalacqua; Vice President Helen Knapper; Secretary Chris Slavic; Treasurer Cathy Rutti. Congratulations! Earlier this year, a horse was spooked by fireworks in the neighborhood and ran off with a large lounge line attached. Although many people put lots of hours searching for the horse, it was never found to be returned to its owner. During our October meeting we collaborated putting a plan together for future reference (hopefully, not ever to be used, but as a precaution) and learning from delayed responses incurred this summer. Carole James is working to compile a ‘Plan for an Emergency’. We are hoping to get this information completed within the next several months to share with anyone/everyone who may be interested in the information. Prompt communication during such an emergency is so critical for a good outcome. If you have any suggestions and/or recommendations, we would love to hear from you! As our trail riding slows down for the remainder of the year, please give us your thoughts and recommendations for 2019. 2019 will be here before you know it and we would like to get things planned out with your suggestions in mind.
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Cuyahoga County OHC Please remember to submit your trail miles to your local chapter trail mile coordinator. Cuyahoga County members and friends, please submit your miles to Lou Slavic. Together we have hoof prints all over Ohio! Membership renewals for 2019 are now due. Please be sure to share your OHC experiences with your friends and family. We really enjoy all the new friendships we make each year! Wishing each and every one a very Merry Christmas and safe travels for the holiday season. We will not have a meeting in December. February 24, 2019 will be our Dinner/Auction at the Holiday Inn, Rockside Road in Independence. Joe Coalter will be our auctioneer for this fun event. This is the annual CCOHC fundraiser. So when doing your Christmas shopping plan for an auction item. Joe’s great at getting those small dollar items to a great investment! If you have anything you’d like to donate please contact Penny. Items can be new, used (clean and in good condition) and/or small items someone might want to buy for $5. Check us out, www. cuyahogacountyohc.com, or contact us at cuyahogaohc@ gmail.com. Stay safe and enjoy! ~Joani Hedderick DEFIANCE Happy New Year! I hope it is a great year for you and your steeds! Pictured are some horses and also Vicki Scantlen from a group ride. Also pictured is member, Deb Bidlack at the recent American Heart Association Beach Ride at Myrtle Beach. We will continue to have rides the first Sunday of every month at 10 a.m. and park at Oak Openings Day Lot. December 2018
County Lines asked to bring a covered dish and dessert to share. Bring a wrapped gift (under $15) to participate in our gift exchange. For more information contact President Dan, 614/668-9313. We hope to see everyone there! Guests are always welcome! Wishing everyone a very Merry and blessed Christmas holiday! ~Theresa Burke
Laura Brentlinger and Sierra.
Defiance County OHC Our Christmas party and January meeting will be Jan. 19, 2019 at Hicksville Golf Club. We will order from the menu. Miles need turned in by Jan 5, 2019. The Defiance County OHC sponsored Horse and More Sale is scheduled for March 10, 2019 at 11 a.m. The 2019 Regional Ride is again scheduled for the last weekend in September. Our October meeting was held after a few members rode some trails along the Maumee River. Nominations for 2019 officers were as follows: President Bridget Russell, Vice President Kate Bok, Treasurer Hope Russell, Secretary and Mile Keeper Nancy Schroeder, and Corral Reports Deb Hubbard. No hour of life is wasted that is spent in the saddle. ~ Winston Churchill. Ride on my friends! ~Deb H. DELAWARE Greetings and Happy Holidays from your friends of Delaware Chapter! Wow! It is hard to believe that we are nearing the end of the year. My horse camping gear has finally been re-organized December 2018
and (sadly) packed away for the long winter months. Now I can commence two ‘fun’ winter activities: cookie baking and planning my next year’s horseback riding adventures! I sincerely hope that everyone got a chance to get outdoors and enjoy the beautiful fall foliage while it lasted. Our home park, Alum Creek State Park, saw lots of trail riders this fall. We thank everyone for visiting our park! Recently, our secretary, Bobbi Arters, ran into several different groups of riders visiting our park for the first time. Each were very complimentary of our trails. One family summed up their experience as “Amazing”. Indeed, several of our members continue to rack up miles enjoying Alum Creek trails. For instance, member Laura Brentlinger often joins members Bobbi Arters and Carole Bosich in riding Alum whenever she and her mare, Sierra, are not enjoying the thrill of fox hunting with the Rocky Fork Headley Hunt. Many thank you’s go to our awesome trail maintenance volunteers. They do an outstanding job caring for our bridle trails all year long. The next big project to take place at Alum Creek will involve the construction of a new trail intended to eliminate the OAATS platform on the Maple Glen trail. The ODNR is in charge of this project and weather permitting, work should be underway. In other member news, President Dan took the occasion at a recent club meeting to share his most memorable and remarkable experience during Wounded Warrior week hosted at TX Ranch in Montana. This year marked the ninth year that Dan and his wife, Sherry, have visited this working cattle ranch. This year Dan, along with six other horsemen and women, were invited by the ranch owners to act as a support team for 11 veteran guests. As Dan described, “it was absolutely my privilege
Dan Chambers with Wounded Warrior Veterans.
Dan and Sherry Chambers at TX Ranch, Montana. and honor to do so. It was a great week and great team work and bonding was the result.” Each of the men learned how to ride a horse and work cattle during their week long stay. Dan detailed how “American Airlines provided all their flights, Weaver Leather provided spurs and spur straps for them, and an unknown donor in New York paid for all their meals, drinks and motel rooms while in Billings.” Dan’s pictures of the event, taken by professional photographer and ranch guest, Kerri Weiss, were outstanding. On the last day of their stay, during a small, yet very moving, ceremony, the veterans presented to Hip and Loretta Tillette, owners of TX Ranch, an American flag that had flown in Afghanistan during one of their tours. Thank you, Dan for sharing your amazing experience with us! Our new 2019 slate of officers approved during our November meeting are President Dan Chambers, Vice President Theresa Burke, Secretary Bobbi Arters and introducing Lora Taylor our new treasurer. Congratulations everyone! On behalf of our entire club, a huge thank you goes to Sherry Chambers for her excellent work serving as our past treasurer. Mark your calendar! Our chapter’s Christmas party and potluck along with our Secret Santa gift exchange is scheduled for Dec. 7 beginning at 7 p.m. at the Tri-Township Fire Station on SR 36/37. Note the earlier start time for the party. Members are
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ERIE Greetings from Erie County! Our October meeting was held on the second Thursday at the Coupling. We had a lot of news to share as our last big club event, Harvest Happenings, had been held. Erie Metro Parks was in attendance to thank us for a job well done. At Harvest Happenings we have horse rides and a farm animal exhibit for the children. Even though Mother Nature tried to slow things down with a weekend rain shower, it didn’t stop us. We were able to give over 500 horse rides that weekend. Also in attendance was Al Sidell, Vice President of Sandusky County and NW Regional Representative. It was great to hear our region report with all the new chapter updates. Our annual poker ride has always been the same weekend as our regional ride, so our club almost never goes. After much discussion and talking to the Lorain County club officer, we have decided to move our Poker Ride to the weekend after Labor Day. Wish us luck! Our club has been getting some bugless rides in this fall even though the rain has followed us around a bit. I heard a couple of the members have acquired some new partners. Colleen brought home a little cutie. He is so cute I had to put his picture in! I haven’t heard yet if he has a name! Any ideas? Julie has added a nice
Colleen’s new little buddy. 49
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On the trail at Hocking State Forest.
Erie County OHC Champagne colored Tennessee Walker named Dani to her horse family. I heard Dani is also the new boss over Magic and Maggie. Who would have guessed. As we read this, it is hard to believe it is December. As I go out to the barn at night after work in the darkness, I know winter is just around the corner. One thing about winter, I love riding bareback while it’s snowing! Watching the horses jump in the drifts, or watching them make snow angels just warms your heart. This time of year makes us reflect a bit, memories and moments swirl around like the flames in our campfires. But all these thoughts help plan our rides for next year, making the winter seem shorter. We will all meet again for our Annual New Year’s Day Ride! Merry Christmas and Happy Trails to the New Year! ~Shelley
brought an end to the Ohio county fair season. All in all the weather for the Fairfield County Fair was very acceptable. Several grandkids of our members successfully showed their horse at the fair. A couple highlights were McKenzie Keage and Brittnee Streitenberger both consistently placing at the top of our fairs’ very competitive gaited horse classes. Congratulations to the girls and their proud parents and grandparents. The third week of October saw a caravan of our members and friends heading to Big South Fork in Tennessee. I was not on the trip personally, but the stories being told would indicate all had a great time. Best news to report, all made it there and back without incidence. Our OHC club planned to have a Halloween ride the fourth weekend of October, but Mother Nature rained on that parade and it was cancelled. Some of us did go to Hocking State Forest in an attempt to salvage the weekend. Cold, windy, wet weather chased all of us home early. There is a fine line between tough and stupid. We just didn’t want to walk that line and see which side we ended up on. The last couple days of October and the first few days of
FAIRFIELD October was a good month in several ways, but will officially go in the record books as one of the wettest months ever recorded in our part of the state. That wave after wave of wet weather discouraged several of our members from hitting the trails and playing in the mud. The hard core bunch continued to log the miles but unfortunately several horses are now taking some time off to lick their wounds and recover. Mud is tough on a horse. The second week in October 50
Table top rock at Hocking State Forest.
November, several of us finally found a window of good weather to go camp and ride in the woods to take in the fall colors. 2018 will not go down in the books as one of the best color shows in Ohio, but the change is still a great time to ride and soak up the natural beauty of our area. I’ve attached a couple pictures from our ride at Hocking State Forest. I saw on Facebook where several of our members including Tanna Rhoads, Cathy Campbell, Sue Kelly, Margaret Hite and Gloria Liebfreund posted several pictures from day rides during October. Glad to see them out logging the miles. On a slightly different note, on Oct. 29 a work party from our OHC chapter finished changing out the tie lie cables at the Hocking State horse camp. This was part of a project covered by a matching funds grant we were awarded from the state OHC. There is still work that needs to be done at the Hocking camp but we are making progress. During our November meeting we elected new officers for our club. I will bring you those results in the January issue of the Horsemen’s Corral. December 2 is our clubs’ annual Christmas party. The event will involve a catered dinner, a visit from Santa Claus and a random gift exchange for everyone wishing to participate. Always a good time! Until next month be safe on the trails. ~Chris FRANKLIN Greetings once again from Franklin County OHC. This reporter got busy riding when the weather was hot, not cold, and missed posting comments to the Corral. Some of us, while intending to ride with the Elk in Pennsylvania, ended up riding in Tennessee’s Big South Fork. While OHC members do a lot of trail riding, we do have members with other interests involving horse related activities which we as a whole should support. Thus, Mary and I recently attended the Mid-Ohio Walking Horse Association’s Mid-Ohio Fall Round Up at Eden Park Equestrian Complex in Sunbury, Ohio. Our friend Dave Wenger was the Ring Master and Franklin Counties OHC President Angela Logan was one of the many participants.
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Angela Logan, TWH Show. We saw a lot of impressive Tennessee Walking Horses strutting their stuff, and strut they did. Horses were carefully inspected for soring of any kind prior to each show. Here, only up to ¾ inch shoes are allowed. These parts of the horse industry, like most chapters of OHC, are faced with aged participants. We really need to find ways to incorporate younger individuals into our horse related activities, which could include your providing a horse and inviting that young person next door to go riding. Few of us are smart enough to have just one horse, and that other one needs exercise. We have reached the end of our riding schedule for 2018. We hope you will join in this winter and help plan for 2019. No ideas should be discarded nor horse related activities over looked. Winter is a good time for fellowship, telling stories of past adventures, discussing future adventures. Tack auctions can serve this purpose. A horse show in 2019, an obstacle course inside an arena or outside in a park. Group trail rides. What we really need is people to get involved. An election for our Central Region Representative is in process. Ann Beathard has served this post for the past several years. We wish her the best in any new endeavors. We await the announcement of our new Central Region Representative. We look forward to great co-operation and hope for an energetic individual that pushes OHC forward. This is an important position that has the privilege to vote at the state OHC level. OHC memberships can now be renewed online (OHConline. com) or the old way, hand written. Forms can be obtained online or through your local chapter treasurer. Why join OHC, so I can meet nice people like you with like-minded interests. In my opinion, OHC is basically a social club that does December 2018
County Lines a lot of good things aimed at enjoying horses. Franklin County OHC meets the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. Our current meeting place is Massey’s Pizza in Gahanna, Ohio. Reporting for Franklin County, ~Terry FULTON Yay, 2000 hits! Not good if you’re a PBR cowboy and that’s how many times you’ve hit the ground, but great if you are an OHC website! To be more specific, our Fulton County OHC website! Way to go! Kathy Brown, our web person, tracked the hits last month and that’s what we got. People are looking us up. Our website, fcohc. com, is a great place to go to see what’s going on. There are pictures from all the campouts and regional rides of late as well as up-to-date information on things to do with the club. Number one on the list is the Cowboy Christmas swap meet and auction. It is coming up quickly on Sunday, Dec. 2 at the WB Ranch on County Road B in Swanton. I had fun doing it last year and I look forward to doing it again this year. The following Friday, Dec. 7 is our annual holiday dinner. It is at the Log Cabin near Liberty Center; dinner starts at 7 p.m. but come early. There will be a White Elephant gift exchange, an ugly sweater contest, and $1 grab bags. Those are fun! I understand a White Elephant gift exchange is when you take something from your own house and give it as
Laura and Barb behaving at Mohican.
Cute piggies! December 2018
Pooper scooper fairies Joy and Sue.
Kenny off on the trails at Mohican. a gift. I told my husband not to worry; he’s staying. A great big thank you goes to the Hannums’ for hosting the Equine First-Aid clinic at their farm in October. Also, Flo, thank you for the great riddles for the scavenger hunt at the Regional Ride! Only one person got all the answers right. Don’t forget to renew your membership which can be done online; there’s a link on our website. You’ll get to come to all the fun meetings and see all the officers, old and new, that were elected at the November meeting. Those are: President Jack Collins; Vice President Kathy Brown; Secretary Trina Houser and Jo Neeley is remaining Treasurer. Thank you to the officers who will be stepping down as of December 31: Cheryl Zielinski, President, Michelle Miller, Vice President, and Connie Bauer, Secretary. Happy Trails! ~Trina Houser GALLIA Hi from Gallia County OHC! I hope everyone got some fall riding in. Our club did but the colors weren’t as pretty as in the past. Some of us will be riding in our Christmas parade and we will be getting together for a Christmas dinner. Merry Christmas! I hope Santa Claus is good to you and your horse. Happy Trails, ~Sherrie GEAUGA Greetings from Geauga OHC! Our group has been busy riding. On Oct. 20 we had our Geauga County OHC 22nd Annual Regional Trail Ride. We rode at The West Woods of the Geauga Park District. A huge shout out to Jennifer Salo who was in charge and gave us all orange safety vests. Thank you Jennifer. Geauga OHC had a chilly, but
Jennifer Salo and Lilly nice day for our Regional Ride. Thank you to all who showed up and to everyone who brought all the yummy side dishes! We had a great assortment of food: warm cider and coffee to warm us. Thank you to Sue Mulhall and Joy Keco who helped set up. And to Cecilia Hanish who dropped off all the GOHC supplies and to Ro and Ken who grilled the hot dogs. Thanks also to the pooperscooper fairies who cleaned out everybody’s trailers while they were riding! Comments from some of our riders: Rayneen Tisovic, “It was a great ride and quite fun.”; Joy Keco, “Everyone was ready for the wonderful food. We had a lot of it too. Thanks to all the volunteers who brought something to share.”; Barb Meholick, “What a nice ride in the sunshine with lots of nice people. Geauga OHC really knows how to treat you right! Help getting ready, cleaned out the trailers and fed us very well! It was a lovely day! The trails were wonderful and the sand on the bridges really worked well. Forgot to mention the nice practical gift of orange safety vests for hunting season that we all got. Thanks for taking care of us and such a good time.”; Stella Grabelsek, “Great ride today…the sand is awesome! No more slipping and sliding on the bridges! Great idea Sue Mulhall thank you!”; Cathy Vella, “Wonderful ride today. So glad I didn’t miss it. Thanks Mother Nature for keeping it dry!” We had a great turnout for our Obstacle Course practice with Rich Bradshaw on Oct. 27 at the Rich Bradshaw Training Stable in Burton, Ohio. We had riders from Lake and Cuyahoga join us and with their help we raised $200 for the Geauga OHC for our Leg Up Fund which helps our club help others. All the horses and riders did a great job! Thanks to all who came out
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Linda Golding and Cisco Kid at the obstacle course. and as always thanks to Rich Bradshaw for all that he does for our chapter. A big thank you to Kendall Smith for coordinating this fun event! Obstacle Course comments from some of the riders: Stephenie Pitorak Spotz, “Thank you for the wonderful morning.” Jamie Davis, “Awesome job everyone! Rich has a great way of getting us out of our comfort zone.”; Barb Meholick, “It was such a fun day and nice to be out the rain.” Have a merry and blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year! ~Linn Walker GREENE Happy Holidays! It’s hard to believe it’s that time already. This year has flown by. Of course, I’ve been so busy I’ve been practically meeting myself coming and going, so that probably contributes. Many other members have had the same issue, I think. It’s been a pretty light riding year for our club also, though hopefully more people have ridden than I’ve heard about. It’s just hard to get enthusiastic about riding when it’s 90 degrees. We have a new place to ride, one very close to many of our members. This is Caesars Ford Park on Stringtown Road in Xenia. The trails are cut, but not 51
County Lines We don’t have an organized New Year’s Day ride, but some of us try to join Warren County at the Caesar Creek horse camp at 1 p.m. If anyone does do a ride, please take photos. I need more ride photos! Stay warm and happy riding. ~Mickie GUERNSEY
Greene County OHC marked yet. That will happen in the future. September 12 and Oct. 10 were big work days there with members of Greene and Warren Counties working to clear branches at head height, put in some tie rails (including digging the holes by hand) and picnic tables. I’ve heard nothing but good reports. Many thanks to Warren County’s Over the Hill Gang for coordinating and working on these, and especially to new Greene County member Dave Goodbar for his tireless work in laying out the trails and working to put them in. I’m including a photo of that this month contributed by Warren County’s Jane LeVeck. On Sept. 26 there was a meeting about the proposed horse camp at this location. As it stands 12 pull-through spots are planned with room available for more if those 12 are used frequently. The park is hoping to start on that in March of next year. While we’re on that subject, turn your mileage in to Herb by Jan. 10, or as close as possible to the first. If you know you won’t be riding anymore, feel free to turn them in before that. It’s important to log our miles to show usage to the parks. Usage can translate into funds, and of course there are never enough of those to go around. December 21 at 7 p.m. is our annual Christmas party at Golden Corral in Beavercreek. We’ll hopefully be in the party room, but occasionally we end up in a different corner, so just ask where either the Rider or OHC party is and you’ll be directed to us. We have an optional gift exchange. Men bring a man’s gift, women bring a woman’s gift (in the $15-$20 range). We especially need more males to participate; I think last year there were only two. Made it easy to swap, and they both liked what they got, but a little more variety would be nice! We hope to see you there. 52
Thanks everyone for coming to our 2018 annual poker run. We had 131 people sign up for the poker run (11 non-riders). What a great turn out. We had a couple rain showers and the rest of the day was great. Winners for best hand Adult-Rhonda Parcell, Youth-Jakiya Schaffer. Worst hand Adult-Joan Pitchler, YouthMax Pitchler (must run in the family). Thank you everyone that helped with the Poker Run, what a great team! The money that we raised will be used towards Salt Fork State Park horsemen’s camp, trails and equipment to help maintain the trails. We will also be donating to Beaver Creek for screening under their tie lines. Four of our club members, The Golden Girls (Anne, Joan, Judy and Lori), left on poker run day to Falling Water in Arkansas then onto Cedar Lake at the southern end of the Shawnee National Forest. They then met up with the rest of us at High Knob, Illinois to spend seven days with the rest of us. There were a total of 24 Guernsey County OHC club members there. The riding at Shawnee National Forest was an awesome adventure and the Garden of the Gods was breath taking. We have so much beauty
Our gathering place for meals.
Some riders at National Forest.
Shawnee
Dr. Anna Hood meeting. Last ride at Shawnee. here in the United Sates. The club is trying new adventures, wonder where the club will be heading to next year? Some of the club members are finishing off this year’s riding at the American Heart Association Myrtle Beach Ride. All meetings from November to April are held the second Thursday of each month at Mr. Lee’s Restaurant. Come early if you plan to eat, the meeting starts at 7 p.m. Keep riding and tracking those miles! ~Marcy HAMILTON Please join Hamilton County Ohio Horseman’s Council as we review, celebrate and prepare for the many blessings of the season. On Oct. 21, HC-OHC members and guests packed the Miami Whitewater Forest wooded horse trail shelter area with people, trucks, trailers and horses to enjoy a beautiful day of riding, friendship and food during our annual Chili Ride. Why is this event so popular? First, we are a very nice group of people to hang out with and we try to accommodate busy Sunday schedules! Guests are invited, lunch is scheduled for 2 p.m. sharp, and members plus guests have the option of riding before or after 2 p.m., or simply coming at 2 p.m. to enjoy the lunch with friends and like-minded people under the shelter. Many thanks go to Nance Forte and Lisa Wynn who provided two huge pots of piping hot chili for the group; members who contributed the many delicious side dishes and for Mother Nature blessing us with a perfect fall day. Thanks go to Nance Forte for organizing Hamilton County OHC’s Annual Chili Ride. We hold monthly meetings on the first Thursday of each month, our Nov. 1 meeting was terrific! With 50 people packing the Crosby Township Community Center, the evening started with a barbecue
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Brooklyn and Reese Stuart. sandwich buffet followed by an abbreviated business meeting where members elected 2019 officers, turned in trail mileage forms, voted on various club initiatives, and purchased tickets for a $100 gift certificate to Valley Vet Supply. With all that said, the crown jewel of the evening was Miamitown Equine Veterinary Services Dr. Ann Hood DVM who gave a terrific, powerful and easy to understand presentation on Metabolic Diseases of the Horse with discussions on Cushing’s Disease: Equine Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID), Insulin Resistance, Equine Metabolic Syndrome and the role of the thyroid gland. Wow! We are blessed to have Dr. Anna Hood and Miamitown Equine Veterinary Services unwavering support of our club. Thank you Dr. Hood! You help us better care for our horses and we are grateful. To show our support of veterans and to acknowledge Veterans Day, on Nov. 4 our Hamilton County OHC parade division once again showed up and impressed the Veterans Day Committee of Hamilton County and spectators of Cheviot’s Veterans Day parade. With this year’s ninehorse division plus banner carriers, flag carrier’s parade truck and manure crew, we were a crowd favorite. To see veterans painstakingly rise up from chairs and wheelchairs to stand and salute the American flag carried by our lead horse is emotionally moving. Let us never forget our veterans and how blessed we are to live in the United States of America. Thank you parade committee chairs Sarah Stuart and Helena Blum for organizing December 2018
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Sarah and Dick Stuart. the Veterans Day Parade. Please prepare with us as we look forward to the Harrison Christmas Parade on Saturday night Dec. 1, and our annual Christmas party being held on Dec. 13 at Karen Osborne’s beautiful home. You can find HC-OHC’s application online at ohconline. com under ‘chapters’ or email mafvet2@gmail.com and request an application. For up to the moment HC-OHC information visit us on Facebook at ‘Ohio Horseman’s Council Hamilton County Chapter’. There will be no chapter meeting on Dec. 6. ~Ann HARRISON Wow! I can’t believe 2018 is coming to an end. We were able to accomplish so much this year. With the grant money from the state OHC we were able to install a 200 foot parking area in the upper loop at the campground at Harrison State Forest for larger rigs. Our first attempt at a fun show was a success and we were actually able to make a little money to help with our other projects. A bake sale netted $703. We rode in the Labor Day Parade in Hopedale, Ohio, and we are riding in the Harrison County Christmas Parade in Cadiz, Ohio. We scheduled several monthly rides this year; but the weather man had other ideas. Our regional ride was a great success thanks to all of our member’s hard work. Our monthly ride for October at Beaver Creek was cancelled due to rain. I called the Columbiana OHC officers to get the low down on campground conditions before we made the trip. It is so great to be able to get information just about anywhere you want to ride in the state by calling the officers of that county that is listed on the State OHC website. The repairs to the slip on the access road at Harrison State December 2018
Forest have been completed and new culverts were installed. They did a great job. Our Christmas party is scheduled for Dec. 20 at the Mine Restaurant in Cadiz, Ohio. Dinner at 6 p.m. and gift exchange to follow. I am not sure what the gift exchange is called as I have heard several different names; but a lot of stealing goes on and it is fun. This is the season of giving. Give a kind word to someone that is hurting. Give the gift of time to someone who is lonely. Sometimes all that is needed is a warm smile and a friendly greeting to make someone’s day. There is nothing worse than to feel left out and alone especially at Christmas. Make the effort and you will feel the magic of Christmas and it will warm your soul. Celebrate the birth of our Savior and have a wonderful Christmas. God bless and be safe, ~Dorothy Glover HOCKING Where did this year go? The holidays are right around the corner and so is winter. The last camping trip we were on was the soup cook off at Burr Oak hosted by Perry County. Had a real good time, there were some really good soups, and plenty of food brought by all the members. Some of our members got together with Perry County friends and went to Beaver Creek. From what I heard and was told they had a nice time despite getting rained on and getting stuck in the mud. Winter is not even here yet but I am already looking forward to warm weather again and camping. Happy Holidays. Be safe, happy trails! ~Jeanette HOLMES Spring turned into summer, summer turned into to fall and winter will be here before we know it! It wasn’t that long ago we were counting down days until spring, now we are winterizing our trailers, packing in the hay, preparing for frozen water and so on. One of our biggest events of the year is our ‘Oktoberfest’ weekend. We had plenty of fun activities for the kids to do but our weekend was totally rained out and we had to cancel. Some of us came with and without
horses and just camped, read, ate and ate again. We managed to get some work done and rode horses in the morning before the rain started. Each horse had a blanket on to help with the constant down pour. To make things fun for those of us that were brave enough to stick it out, we had a movie and dinner at the Stetson’s motor home and we had a slumber party (girls only) in my camper. We truly had a lot of laughs and some serious card games. The saddest thing was that we could not have a camp fire and the kids weren’t there due to the weather. I would like to thank Mandy Hisrich for her great ideas and helping to prepare for this. And now we prepare for winter and closing camp. The leaves are still hanging on for life so we plan on going back and blowing off campsites so the ground can dry a little. We had some great rides this year. We had our annual ride to Elkin’s Creek, Pleasant Hill and Malabar, Salt Fork and more. Thanks to all who sponsored the rides. We also have been productive this year in developing a member packet, full of information for a new member and an index card handout for those people we meet on horseback. They can read when time permits. This card will give them important information on website, contact information, membership information and other details. Thank you, Cindy Gray. For any of you that are following our OHC Rocks in Holmes County Facebook page, we had a rock found in Missouri! The rock was hidden by one of our secondary members. Thank you Heather Kinney for taking two rocks with you to a trail ride and hiding them. This has been a fun project for our children and adults to paint rocks and see how far they go. It is my pleasure to announce that the officers will remain the same. President Ricki Mast, Vice President Cindy Gray, Treasurer Sue Rhoades and Secretary Vickie Zook. Happy Trails, ~Rick
and many hours of good riding on the trails! Happy Holidays! ~Jo Ellen KNOX Disappointedly, the rains we have suffered through this summer put somewhat of a damper on our horse activities for the summer of 2018. Many of our trails throughout the state have suffered and I hope we are all available to volunteer towards trail maintenance when the call comes. We that ride and enjoy the trails should also assist in the maintenance thereof. As the season draws to a close, we look forward to riding season 2019. However, my horses stay shod all season as we often have impromptu rides on cold, but generally sunny days throughout the winter months. We will try to post rides on the Facebook site, Always riding, I am already looking forward to a New Year’s Day ride. Just to illustrate that we are a very active riding chapter, this weekend alone we had better than a dozen riders camping at Hocking, others day riding on the Holmes County Trail and another dozen out of Nancy Gilliand’s. People often ask me where I think is the best riding and my reply is where ever I and my horse happen to be at the time! We do have Christmas Caroling on horseback at Timbuk Tree Farm on Dec. 8, and a Christmas parade in Bladensburg on Dec. 9. All may be history by the time you read this. KCOHC members will find/found details in the newsletter posted by Kathy Shoemaker. We will comment on how things went next month.
JEFFERSON Blessings for a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from those of us at Jefferson County! Our wish for 2019 is to have less rain and muddy trails
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Hocking, October 4, 2018. 53
County Lines LOGAN
Beth Webb and Deb Sheka
Holmes County trail, Oct. 13 With the coming of winter, we are already making plans towards 2019 activities. January 12 we will have our After the Holidays Winter Bash and Feb. 23 is our Tack Auction. These are generally social events that breaks up the dull drum of the long winter months. Details to follow as these dates draw near. We would like to wish everyone in our large OHC family, a very Merry Christmas and the happiest of New Year’s. Remember to keep that pony between you and the frozen ground. Come on over to Knox County where the gates are wide open, the grass is greener, the horses leaner, because we do ride them, and everyone is welcome. We meet the third Monday of each month at the Long Branch Pizza on Main Street in Centerburg at 7 p.m. Reporting for Knox County OHC, ~Terry L. Baker LAKE Some of our members are busy collecting their trail miles during their riding adventures. Once the leaves changed colors, the trails became gloriously stunning. Rides through the spectrum of reds, oranges, yellows, browns, purples, and greens on our various trails were truly amazing. Our members attended neighboring counties regional rides at the Chagrin Valley Polo Field, and at West Woods. They also rode on the Geauga Parks Midday Moonlight Ride and the Moonlight Ride in the evening at Headwaters Park. Thank you Dottie for such a relaxing ride. At least three riders go twice weekly to Pleasant Valley Park in Lake County. A few of our riders utilize their own trails on their own property. We all had fun at the trail horse obstacle course set up by the Cleveland Mounted Police at the Polo Field. The flares and smoke set off by the officers were quite exciting. Those same mounted 54
Holli, Beth, Sandy, Diana, and Bill.
Lake County OHC officers led a Lake Erie beach ride later on in October. Those of our members who attended were in awe at how well the horses reacted to sand and waves. We all are looking forward to next year’s beach ride. Other members enjoyed Rich Bradshaw’s obstacle training. There is always something to learn for us and for our horses. Austin Rice from Geauga County’s Department of Agriculture presented ‘Disaster Preparedness’ at our monthly meeting at Lake Farm Parks. He gave an example of a disaster and then what could be done with our animals to survive the disaster. Those members attending shared their experiences and feelings. It seems flooding, massive snow accumulation, and electrical power outages were of most concern. We appreciate his overview and recommendations. Winter is coming, be prepared. Happy Holidays to all and to all a good ride! ~Rayneen LICKING Hello from Licking County! I want to share a couple of pictures from our October meeting; we had a potluck with some great food and scary members. It sure is fun to get together and enjoy the holidays. By the time you read this article our Christmas party will be over. We had a busy year with
Deb, Santa and Jan Dean trail maintenance, trail rides, camping, showing and driving. We are happy to meet some new members and sad for the ones we lost. Now it’s time to start looking ahead to a new year, planning on new places to ride, two fun shows, potlucks, and something new always comes along to add to the calendar. After you get the Christmas presents opened and all the food ate start making a list of places to ride and actives you would like our club to do in the New Year. My reminder again to turn in your trail miles; includes miles on trails, hours training, showing and driving hours. I can’t tell you how much I enjoy being a part of this great organization; we wouldn’t have all the nice trails without the help of all the members, the youth programs for the children to camp with a horse, the members working the fundraisers to help pay for the upkeep of the trails, campsites, and other actives. A big thanks to all. From Licking County Chapter to all have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. ~Deborah Sheka
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Another year in the books; cannot believe it’s December already. It’s been an eventful year for many of our members. Proud grandma Barb Corwin announced that her granddaughter Sierra Baker took first place in barrels age 14-18 at Quarter Horse Congress this year. Way to go, Sierra! We are excited to hear that the wagon train group will have their week-long camp and ride in Logan County again next year. John Horton talked about this year’s gathering and told us about their trip through downtown Bellefontaine. The group will return the first full week of August 2019. All are invited to come for a visit. Stay for an afternoon, for a day or stay and camp for a night or two. Cynthia Orr mentioned the recent accident where a woman was hospitalized and two horses were injured. The group decided that they would like to reach out to the woman who was injured, the woman who stopped to help and the Diamond M vet that came out to check the horses. Our 2019 officers will be President Jeannie Boswell, Vice President Becky Porter, Secretary Shawndel Wilson, Treasurer Diana Kenne and reporter Cynthia Orr. Here’s looking forward to another great year of friends, horses and good times. ~Diana Kenne LORAIN Our December calendar sponsor is Dundee Automotive Inc., located in Dundee, Ohio. Thank you Dundee for your support! My oh my how the rain/mud of spring has come back to show its ugliness again this fall, raising havoc with many of our planned rides and campouts. A decent group made it back to Big Elk Lick in early October but much of the camp flooded Tuesday so those of us who planned to camp starting Wednesday were asked not to come as our sites were under water and the trails were a muddy mess. Those who attended the weekend campout at the Hocking Hills campout commented that it was the muddiest they can remember. Only a few went to Malabar for the day ride but Sue M. and Judy B. had a nice time there. Halloween was canceled twice December 2018
County Lines
Deb and Sue at Halloween ride.
Dianna Weaver Kathy at the Halloween ride.
Denise and Erica at Halloween ride. due to the rain and the Findley State Park campout was also canceled. On a more positive note, our Halloween ride was well attended with many great costumes despite it needing to be held after Halloween due to the rain. Ron and Sherry’s ride started out more as a ‘trick than a treat’ when both their horses took off without them. Many people helped in the search and finally the riders got to enjoy a ride before the sun set. We are blessed to have so many good people in this group that come forth to help others in their time of need. What a good story to reflect upon as we wrap up 2018. At this time I’d like to thank Jim Wallace for his service as our president, keeping us well informed of all the news from around the state and running the meetings with such efficiency to boot. Thank you Sherry Hoover our vice president for all her time and talents. Sherry heads up our calendar, spending countless hours organizing the photos and information for the upcoming year. Karen Norton, our secretary kept us appraised of all the details of the meetings while Ron Hoover, our treasurer kept us abreast of our finances. Also, a big thank you to all our committee members including: Cheryl Muhek (emails), Vince Mollica (website), Brenda Lang (trail miles), Sue Mollica (50/50 raffle), Sandy Shudy (membership), Sue Mollica, (refreshments), Kathy Duncan (Corral reporter) and Bob Budi December 2018
(Lorain County Metro-Parks liaison). Additionally, all our parade coordinators: Judi Budi, Brenda Lang, Karen Norton and Carole Kenyon. Moreover, Carole Kenyon is in charge of welcoming new members and Judy Budi is our sunshine support person. The list goes on and on, with many reaching out and helping in many other aspects of our group’s events such as all the campout and day ride contact person’s; Nate Reader, (regional ride organizer and all who help with the regional ride), Lee and Val Shaw, (set up/take down of Christmas display), Christmas party volunteers, all those who bring snacks for our meetings, trail maintenance helpers, all those who help out behind the scenes and our planning committee that puts forth an absolutely awesome calendar of events to make our club amazingly fun! Please forgive me if I inadvertently did not mention your name, know that you are appreciated for all you do. Carriages may be on the trails at Carlisle Dec. 4, 8, 13 and 16. Very importantly, please be sure to turn in your trail miles to Brenda Lang now. Every mile recorded helps keep them open and well maintained; for the love of riding our wonderful trails. We will have a New Year’s Day ride on Jan. 1. We will meet at Hinckley Reservation at the Route 606 parking lot at 11 a.m. weather permitting. Molly Eastwood is our contact for this ride. Please consider helping to remove the Christmas display on Jan. 6 at 10 a.m. Lee and Val Shaw are the contact for this. May your holidays be merry and bright! ~Kathy Duncan MADISON Christmas will be here before we know it. Madison County’s party is Dec. 15 at 6:30 p.m. at the home of John and Marsha Pierce. We’re an easy going, fun
Joyce at Edgewater.
Madison County OHC group. We do a $20 gift exchange that is strictly voluntary, but it’s a fun time. We’d be happy to welcome anyone and everyone. Our tree planting at Deer Creek went great. It’s amazing what a group of 11 dedicated people can accomplish in two hours. Yes, you read that right, in two hours we planted nine good sized trees in campsite five. We did it all with hand tools, muscles and a lot of laughter. October 14 was our final Gymkhana, the points were tallied and the winners were announced. It was a fun day awarding the competitors that have worked so hard this season. We’ll post a couple of pictures in the next Corral since we have pictures of the tree planting this month. ~Cheryl MEDINA It was like one of those beach movies with Frankie and Annette, only with horses and people dressed in rain gear instead of bikinis. But real close to one of those movies. Molly Eastwood, Joyce Tretow, Michelle Crew and Dianna Weaver took advantage of an event staged by the Cleveland Metro Parks Mounted Unit on Oct. 13. It was a fundraiser at Edgewater Beach where for $100 you could romp in the waves with your willing
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steed. Some more willing than others. The event was open to 100 entrants and the money raised will benefit the mounted unit. Molly’s horse, Sierra was a bit cautious, but when she saw the fun that the other horses were having splashing in the waves she couldn’t resist joining in. Joyce Tretow brought her pup Ariel, who enjoyed some quality time with Michelle’s horse Jedi. We’re hoping they have this event again next year! Unfortunately we had to cancel our clambake due to the small number of sign-ups. Remember all, chapters exist, actually thrive on the support of their members. Our numbers are strong, but the involvement needs to increase. As we head into our 33rd year we want to increase member involvement. We have had some fun meetings at Robinson field this past year as an alternative to Boston Store. We had a campfire, roasted hot dogs or had sloppy joes and enjoyed a casual evening while
Jedi and Ariel bonding. 55
County Lines making plans and reconnecting with old friends. We hope to continue this kind of meeting when the weather warms up next year. Our joint day trail rides with Summit chapter were well-attended and the riders had a great time exploring various parks and reservations in the area. Don’t think we’re the same old chapter, we change and you can be a part of that change. Don’t forget to renew your membership! We now have an online system where you can use a credit card or PayPal. Check it out at ohconline.com. For those who are not computer-connected we still have our membership form on our website or in our newsletter. Sadly, we will be wishing 2018 co-president Dianna Weaver ‘good bye and good luck’. Her husband James has accepted a new job in Albany, N.Y., and they will be moving out of the area. Dianna has been with us for a number of years and actually joined after her daughter Ashley was a member. She started looking after and riding Karen Knuth’s retired race horses Sam and Ari and decided to give our chapter a try. Working with us on the trail along with her husband and son, she became more active and involved. As co-president she got us out of our meeting doldrums and outside for our hot dog roasts. She was always there for state rides and clambakes and we will miss her positive input and beautiful smile. But she is only going to New York so we hope she comes back for visits. As we close the year, let’s all try and do something positive for a friend, neighbor or family member. Sometimes caring is the greatest gift you can give. Wishing you all a beautiful holiday season from down in the valley! ~Rosemary MEIGS As I write this article we are having our Indian summer, of course the lady bugs came right along with it. We had to cancel our Fun Show for the month of October due to the rain. This is the third show we have canceled this year. Hopefully next year will be better. I hope you all had a nice Thanksgiving and really enjoyed the day. Our Festival of the Leaves and Memorial Service went really well. We all gathered at the monument for our fallen 56
Isabell Dill at the Festival of Leaves.
Letta, Jody and Rusty at Festival of Leaves.
their karaoke equipment and played music both Friday and Saturday evening. They also had the screen for the videos for the music. We had some people singing and some dancing. We appreciate them bringing their equipment to this event. They really enjoy doing this and they also play for some nursing homes. Wonderful people. Our next big event is our Christmas dinner at the Wilesville Community building on Dec. 8. Remember we close the AEP camp on Dec.1 but to start out the New Years, we have our annual New Year’s Day ride at the AEP Camp which we will open for this. If the weather is really bad we will not have the ride and if it is real cold the ride may be a short one. Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Happy Trails, ~Dian MONTGOMERY
Meigs OHC members Festival of Leaves.
at
riders and Jennifer Smathers carried the American flag, riding her horse down the hill. Charlie Mansfield read their names and said a speech and had a prayer. After the service about 40 riders took off on the trails. When they returned we had a potluck dinner and as usual the food was great. Ed and Larry Turley cooked the pork Friday evening and it was great. Following the meal we had our auction with Harold White being the auctioneer. Our runners for the auction were Shayla Hysell and Kaidance Griffiths. We are very thankful for the donations we received for the auction and groom the pony. Tickets were drawn for the groom the pony and winners picked out the gift they wanted. The poker run was won by Keith Houck, which he donated the money back and added some more to it. Thank you Keith. The winner of the 50/50 was Roy Robinette. Everyone had a good time, especially when you get a husband and wife bidding against each other and Harold kept telling Missy not to let her husband, Jim Hysell, outbid her. I think the crowd really enjoyed those two bidding against each other. Members of our club, John and Becky Singree set up
Howdy from Montgomery County! What the heck happened to 2018? As all of us ask ourselves, where did the year go? We really don’t have a lot to tell you this month. Mostly we would like to give a big shout out to Donn, Becky, Nathalie, Mike, Ellen and all of the other Preble County OHC members who hosted the State Ride at Hueston Woods in October. A group from our chapter got together to camp and join in on the festivities and I think it is safe to say we all had a wonderful time. The food was great for both Friday and Saturday night dinners with tons of desserts donated by many of the members. We all enjoyed hanging around the fire, listening to the band and enjoying the many conversations not only from our chapter but our sister chapters as well. Unity amongst chapters is a great thing, one big happy family! Hueston Woods has such a wonderful campsite for those of us who like to camp with our fourlegged friends, and you could tell that PCOHC had been working their hinnies off to get ready for the ride. The campground looked more amazing than usual; the trails were nothing to complain about either. We had a few great rides that weekend. Can’t wait to do it again next year! Hopefully you all had a great trail season and like us here in Montgomery County, we are already talking about plans for next year.
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Hueston Woods State Ride. Even though it is getting a little too cold out for some of us to ride, we still have a few things planned to finish out the year. Hopefully we will be seeing a few of you at the Lebanon Carriage Parade on Dec. 1. We help out there every year, and seem to have a wonderful time doing it. We also have our Christmas party scheduled in December. Saddle up, Life is short! ~Taronna MORGAN Hello friends of OHC, are you walking/riding between the raindrops? If you have been out much you can see how beautiful the colors are. Our chapter has been enjoying visiting different restaurants to discuss our pertinent information. In October we met at the Chatterbox in Beverly. Their food is delicious! Officers were elected and my new shoes as secretary feels great. As I learn my skill, feel free to offer news, photos, advice, and suggestions. Excellence is always my target in whatever I am doing. We welcome new members to join us when we meet at the River Queen in Malta on Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. If there’s any additional happenings, feel free to email me, and keep me informed of any important events. My email is cheyenneginger@yahoo.com. Happy trails to you! Ride safe! ~Patty Rowland MORROW Greetings from the Morrow County OHC chapter where this writer’s keyboard and 2018 December 2018
County Lines riding activity has resumed after being dormant for several months. Continued recovery progress of multiple health issues allowed doctor approval/ clearance to resume riding. The first outing was the previously reported ‘eventful’ September Malabar State Park ride with three other chapter members, Ted Hall plus Joseph and Susan Edwards which grounded Joseph for several weeks. The second outing was an early October ride with Ted and 38 others participating in the annual fall Buckeye State Mounted Deputies (BSMD) ride on the AEP trails developed by Coshocton County OHC chapter. It is a great trail system which the BSMD has ridden for many years. Significant rains had created some challenging wet spots although creating a minor factor in an overall successful ride. Byron Edgecombe’s early 2018 spring riding injury at Mohican State Forest still has him out of the saddle but he is continuing to receive ground instruction with his steed Odyssey from S and J Westfall at their training facility near MSF. He has doubts about resuming riding until 2019 but has purchased an equine rider ‘emergency airbag vest’ as protection for possible future unscheduled dismounts. Although hopefully it is never activated for him, it will serve as ‘protective insurance’ just like the automobile airbag system. The previously reported caraccident injuries sustained by chapter president Karen Sharp has her continuing recovery from a cracked vertebra and two broken ribs at Binnington Glen care facility for an indefinite stay. She hopes that some home safety modifications being added will soon allow her to return home for solo living with significant home health care assistance. Other chapter members Gay and John have enjoyed several Mohican State Forest outings while Dave and Mary have explored Alum Creek State Park trails where Delaware OHC chapter does so much work for central Ohio riders. Our chapter is small but dedicate to the OHC motto which is nourished by our monthly meetings which are held the second Wednesday of the month at 1900 HR in the Mount Gilead Library Annex. The December meeting will be the annual Christmas party although it will be ‘early’ with a Nov. 30 date. Until next month, let us December 2018
continue to ride while we can or at least have great dreams. Happy trails to you and stay safe in the saddle/on your horse if you do have an opportunity to ride. ~DOC MUSKINGUM Happy Holidays everyone! It’s hard to believe another year has come and gone, but we were so blessed to spend it with friends and family on horseback. As I look back at 2018 I’m so impressed with the progress we have made as a club, from our trail rides to fundraisers to horse shows. As the year winds down I want to take a few minutes and thank all of our volunteers and members, we couldn’t have done any of this without your help! MCOHC will hold our Christmas party on Dec. 15 at the Frazeysburg VFW. Doors open at 4 p.m., dinner served at 6 p.m. The club will provide the meat dish, please bring a covered side dish to share and your beverage choice. We will have a gift exchange, please bring a gender specific gift valued up to $20 to share. Also if you are bringing a child please bring a child’s gift so they aren’t left out. Thinking ahead to spring, we will host a Kerry Kuhn Horsemanship Clinic March 29-31 2019, location to be determined. You may contact Kerry Kuhn directly if you’d like to participate as a rider in the clinic. He is available through Facebook or his website, www. kerrykuhn.com. Auditing will be $25 per person, with additional details to come. MCOHC is pleased to announce we have elected our officers for the 2019 season! Congratulations to President Gary Ewing; Vice President Holly Thomas; Treasurer Andy Perry; and Secretary Opal Perry. We want to thank our 2018 officers for
Members enjoying the trail at Hocking Hills.
Eating lunch at Airplane Rock, Hocking Hills.
Members getting ready to ride at Hocking Hills. their service to the club. Your dedication and volunteerism has not gone unnoticed! Thank you to our outgoing officers Randy Noland and Chris Bunting for everything you’ve done. If you haven’t already renewed, 2019 membership applications are available online, www.ohconline. com, or reach out to any of our officers for a membership application. New in 2019 MCOHC will be holding a contest for most saddle hours and top five trail riders, get your membership in and start keeping track! Our next meeting will be Jan. 7, 2019 at Tee Jaye’s Country Place in Zanesville, eating at 6 p.m., meeting at 7 p.m. Hope to see you all there! ~Opal PIKE Holiday greetings to everyone from Pike OHC. It’s hard to believe that Christmas is almost here and the New Year will be beginning. This is the season to be with friends and family and count our blessings. Our club will be having our annual Christmas party the first week of December and we always have a lot of fun. Our election of officers will follow our party and I’ll give details of the new officers in next month’s Corral. One of our club meetings involved a weekend of camping, riding, and Randy’s annual fish fry. We had several members and guests present which made it a nice event. On Saturday after the ride and fish fry, we all gathered around the campfire for our club meeting. We were happy to have a newlywed couple, Phil and Jane Knipp,
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Rick, Calvin, Randy and Mike were able to remove this tree from trail.
Randy with his pack horse clearing trails. enjoying the weekend too. They are such a nice couple with lots of experience in showing and trail riding. Congrats to them! We always look forward to this weekend with lots of good food and fellowship. Even though the cooler weather is here, trail maintenance is still very much needed. Some of the trails were still very wet, so Randy, Calvin, Rick, and Mike took a pack horse, carrying the needed tools, and cleared a couple trails. They left from the Sear’s farm and Debbie and Doug Sears started a warm campfire to warm them up when they got back. They really appreciated it on a cool day. This cool weather hasn’t stopped our riding. Our November club ride and meeting was at John and Fern Beathard’s farm, at Pike Lake. One of our members Jan Browning also had the opportunity to ride with some friends in Colorado, South Dakota, and Nebraska. What an amazing trip she had! Besides trail riding some of our club’s youth have been enjoying mounted shooting. Khloe Case, one of our youth, performed at the Quarter Horse Congress this past October. Khloe and Riley Welch, another youth, were also in a Rural King video which was filmed at Kendal and Lori Case’s farm. I’d like to mention a couple in our club, Calvin and Arnetta Knipp. They have been riding for several years and have many stories to tell of their experiences. Whether it be, meetings, events, or fundraisers, they are always there to help. We have nicknamed Calvin our ‘Trail 57
County Lines as secretary and fun show chair for two years. We will have our chapter Christmas get together on Dec. 15 at the Camden United Methodist Church, carry in the chapter will furnish meat and drinks. If you have any children that you would like to bring along with you please do. We are checking to see if Mo and her daughter can help us out with kid’s activities again this year. More to come, watch our Facebook page for information and updates. Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! ~Becky
Honorees Recent newlyweds Phil and Jane Knipp enjoying a trail ride at Pike Lake. Boss’ because he remembers all the trails and never needs a map. He seldom passes up a chance to be in the saddle. Arnetta is also quite the cook. She cooks a number of special recipes and they are very tasty! Singing around the campfire is also one of her hidden talents! They are very special people and we really enjoy being with them. I will leave you with a funny quote. ‘You know you’re a horse person, when your horse gets new shoes more often than you do and when you walk past someone and instead of saying excuse me, you poke them in the ribs and say over.’ —Author Unknown. We wish you all many blessings at Christmas, ~Teresa Wittkugle PORTAGE Two of our very own have been recognized for their hard work at the West Branch State Park bridle trails putting in over 1,000 volunteer hours for the past two seasons working on the 20 miles of bridle trails. Cathy Zollos of Aurora and Lee Hendrickson of Cuyahoga Falls are longtime members of the Portage County Chapter of the Ohio Horseman’s Council. These 20 miles of trails had been in poor condition for some time. They have single-handedly cleared, marked, re-routed and created signs for trails with coordinating names and colors. In addition, they have camped at the equestrian campground most every weekend and have become the unofficial ambassadors of the bridle trails promoting and encouraging folks to enjoy and let them know what can be done to improve them more. Since they have become the trail managers of the Portage County Chapter OHC, West Branch’s bridle trails has seen a surge of new riders and repeat 58
riders of which it hasn’t seen in many years. State Rep. Tavia Galonski of the 35th District came out to honor these two members of the Portage County Chapter of the Ohio Horseman’s Council for their volunteer efforts of more than 1,000 hours at the West Branch State Park bridle trails. The Portage County Chapter President, Shannon Bard, also awarded Zollos and Hendrickson with certificates of appreciation and gifts to show that all of their efforts and hard work during the past few years with the club and the park have not gone unnoticed or unappreciated. Bard expressed that West Branch has 20 miles of bridle trails and that is no easy feat for two women to tackle, but they have done so with enthusiasm and in hopes that the bridle trails become a destination for people to enjoy. ~Shannon Bard PREBLE We would like to thank everyone who came out to the Preble County OHC State Ride and Fun Show! Hope everyone who attended had a good time and enjoyed the meals. We would like to thank all of the Montgomery, Butler, and Sandusky OHC members who came, donated and participated in the great weekend. Our Chinese Auction was a huge success and the winner of the $750 Rural King gift card was Carolyn Geise of Eaton. Congratulations to everyone for supporting our auction and I hope you were able to get the item you wanted but if not we will do it again next year the second weekend in October 2019. All proceeds from the weekend go towards the Hueston Woods Bridle Trails and Horseman’s Camp for repairs and upkeep. I also want to thank all of the members and non-members who volunteered their time to help put on the ride and the fun show. Without your help, the weekend
ROSS
2018 State Ride would not have been possible. Also want to thank those businesses who generously donated items for our Chinese Auction and door prizes. The meat for the meal came from Winner’s Meats in Greenville. And the band was the Silvertones. We have so many great members who stepped up and helped us to have a successful 2018 State Ride and of course all of you who came and joined us even though it was nippy and rainy. Without all of you this event would not be the success it is. A special thanks to Taronna with Montgomery County OHC and her group for their participation and support. Carol and James Parker of Sandusky came down to join us for the weekend also and those from Butler County who came by we give you all a heartfelt thank you for sharing the weekend with us. We had our membership meeting and we had a few who came to discuss how we can possibly come up with a solution for the non-horse campers in our campgrounds. Hopefully everyone got to speak their thoughts and suggestions they had. Thank you all for coming. We have elected new officers for 2019, president is Donn Buckingham, vice president is Charlie Garnett, secretary is Debbie Witt, treasurer is Becky Clifton and our three trustees are Tom Doak, Chuck Kamm and Joe Allison. We want to thank all of you for stepping up to help move our chapter in the right direction. We need to thank Mo Kamm for the great job she did
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Happy Holidays from the Ross County Chapter! I don’t have too much to say, but some of the OHC went over to Hocking and rode on Nov. 4 and some others went to Hirsch’s Fruit Farm and rode their annual ride ~Danielle
Ross County OHC SANDUSKY Our little club has had a lot of fun since the last writing! Mother Nature seemed to be very cooperative on everything we had planned! I’ll start out by mentioning our ride at Hocking Hills. We stayed at Cowboy Larry’s. It was beautiful weather and it was a few members’ first time there. We did one of the goat trails and I have a direct quote from Hope, “This is so much fun if only I didn’t feel like puking!” It did have some straight drop offs and a very narrow ledge at a few points. I have wondered, more than once, what happens when we meet horses head on at that point? I used to get butterflies, but I just try to remember Lilly doesn’t want to die either! We hit all the highlights, ate most meals together, and had a great time. Our family had to leave a little early because of a family emergency but with everyone’s sendoff prayers, everything ended up fine! The group made it back safely and everyone had December 2018
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Hocking.
Al and Fred auctioning.
Rides at Creek Bend. a great time. The next thing we did was the Van Buren Regional Ride. It was a huge success with so much team work from so many groups working together. I heard from more than one person who said it was the best regional ride they had ever been too. There were fantastic meals, guided rides, auction (thanks Fred!), a scavenger hunt (that was quite tricky!), and lots of camaraderie amongst all. Everyone involved did such a great job of organizing and things ran so smoothly. So proud to be part of the group that had a big hand in that! Next, we had Creek Bend Farm Days at our local state park where we gave rides. That didn’t start out great for the Sidell family because once we pulled in, our entire wheel come off the trailer! But it could have been so much worse. It could have happened out on the highway. Thank goodness for small things. Everyone was safe, and Lilly rode home in someone else’s trailer safe and sound. We had a lot of kids ride and ask questions about the horses. Working together we did two shifts so horses and walkers didn’t get too tired. There was no rain for the first time in three years, so we were happy for that too! December 2018
And last but not least, our ride at Peninsular Farms in Fremont. It was a blustery day and I think it kept some people home. But those who made it, well over a dozen of us, had a beautiful ride. The farm owner’s son and his wife brought their horses from southern Ohio and gave us a little different ride around the farm. Parts we haven’t rode before, we were out a couple hours. One lucky lady even got lifted like a princess back on her horse by two handsome cowboys! More than one of us thought about asking for help too! Once back to the farm, Al and Diane cooked some hamburgers and hot dogs along with goodies everyone else brought so we could eat in the nice warm barn. Our meetings are the second Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. at the First Brethren Church in Fremont. We meet for supper at 5:45. Check out Facebook or give me a call to find out where. For more information, give one of our members a holler, we would love to see you! Visit our website at sanduskycountyohc.com and our Facebook page under Sandusky County Horseman’s Council for up-to-date information. Give your horse a hug, a thankful pat on the neck, and make a carrot pie for him…horse life is good! ~Marla Sidell SUMMIT Despite not having an American Indian Summer, we have been battling the equivalent of East Indian monsoons for at least the past six weeks. No matter what Mother Nature has managed to concoct, our members have been out there defying her best efforts. Molly Eastwood, Amy O’Neil and Pam Voigt set their sights on Bedford Oct. 30. Facebook photos include some dry upper trails but the river looked like the Little Colorado. Ranger Tom
Officer K9 on patrol.
Michelle Crew’s day at the beach. was there to make sure no one got too close. Poor Ford just hated collecting all those darn prickers on the trail and he and Amy ended up sharing them in some of the strangest places. A number of our riders were able to join the Cleveland Mounted Patrol on the Lake Erie beach ride this year. Again, the clouds were ominous but everyone came prepared to get their feet and the rest of themselves wet for the occasion. Michelle Crew, Amy O’Neil, Carolyn Sullivan and Molly Eastwood braved the whitecaps and winds to join our men and women in blue as well as riders mounted on horses of every size and description. Not to be outdone for competing in picking the worst weather for a planned event, many of our members were manning the Summit OHC booth for Trick or Treat on the Trail at the Richfield Heritage Preserve. There was no shortage of parents and kids who came out to slog through the park and enjoy all the games and special events planned for the occasion. Karen Beres, Peggy Costic, Roxanne Owens did their best to make sure everyone had some special memories for the day. It’s amazing what kids will endure for a stash of candy. This is just another effort by the club to thank the park and community for accepting our input and support to redevelop horse trails in the preserve which reopened just a month ago. Even our fall meeting at the Wolf Creek Winery in midOctober was forced indoors. We are usually blessed with a cool night, full moon and stunning vistas but not this year. However, it certainly did not deter the exceptionally large crowd that gathered inside. On second thought, maybe it was a great way to forget what was going on outside. Wind ravaged hair and blood shot eyes were all the pre Halloween rage for the
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evening. There was all manner of food and deserts, not to mention the great wines, Conversation; well the tales just got taller on down the line as the evening progressed! We even managed to snag a few potential new members. Welcome Rita, Jim and Theresa and hope to see you at our regular meetings soon. Finally, our congratulations go out to Joy Scala and her amazing Morgan horse, Firewind Kakewalk, for winning the Masters Amateur World Champion Park Harness Class in Tulsa, Okla. Joy is no stranger to having world champions in her barn but each win is the result of hard work and determination to bring her horses to their fullest potential. Morgan’s are all about versatility and on the flipside; Springer is Joy’s Morgan trail horse who has been a great partner for so many years. Until next month, make every minute count and enjoy the trails wherever they take you. ~Joann Ulichney TRUMBULL Merry Christmas from the members of Trumbull County! We hope you all have a joyous holiday with family and friends! We have elected our 2019 officers and are happy to report that Dave Shook is seated as president, Dave Gibbs in the vice president position, Debbie Navarra retains as secretary and Nancy Shook is cotreasurer with Rodger Wildman. Congratulations to all and we look forward to 2019! The annual Christmas dinner/ meeting is set for Dec. 2— Celebrations of fellowship and faith. This month I am busy working on the trail mileage reports remember the importance of everyone’s inclusion in this final cumulative tally from the State OHC Committee to the Ohio governing officials! We need to make our equestrian usage of the parks be understood and retained! Thank you to everyone who participates. ~Kathryn Bartow TUSCARAWAS From the stall of Walkin Willy! Happy December all! It’s time to kick back and rest up for next year’s riding season. The tree is up, lights are strung, and the stocking is nailed to the barn door with care. There really isn’t much going 59
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Holly and Paul
Ray and Otis at Mohican.
This is a four-seat UTV, mind you. But we’re determined!
Laura and Ellen
Kelly and Bristol on for the month of December, besides staying warm. So from all of us in T-county have a very Merry Christmas! If you want to join us please feel free to check out our Facebook page or contact us at wallark@ yahoo.com See ya all next year, ~Walkin Willy UNION Winter is coming and snow is expected. I sure hope it doesn’t hamper my ride plans. Chapter elections were held on Nov. 11. Results will be published in next month’s Corral. Secondary member, Theresa Burke and member, Karen Holland did their annual bed and breakfast birthday trail ride in mid-October. This year they rode Malabar Farm, Mohican State Forest and Mt. Gilead State Park. It was a cold weekend but no one seemed to care. Sometimes it’s just nice to pamper yourself at a bed and breakfast. While at Mohican they ran into new member Ray Smalley and 60
Karen and Blue at Mohican. his horse, Otis. Thanks to Ray, Karen really got to experience how much fun a gaited horse truly is. All of our members have been hitting the trails and a few spent some time at the All American Quarter Horse Congress as well. As winter arrives we are all disappointed in the decline of trail riding weather but hopefully the winter won’t be too bad and we can hit the trails during the winter as well. Until next month be safe and happy trails. ~Karen Holland WARREN It’s hard to believe the year is nearly over. Some Warren County members have done a lot of riding. Diane Colvin comes to mind—she’s always out and about. Others like Roger and Chris Pawsat have done quite a bit also. Then there are members like Jane LeVeck and me who just seem to be too freaking busy to get out as often as we’d like. I don’t know about you, but when it’s 85 and muggy, I just don’t enjoy riding. I’m hoping to get more in next year.
Tazz eating some carrots and apples.
Speaking of Diane and Jane, the three of us rode at Founder’s Day and one of the photos I’m sending this month is of Diane and Tazz from then, taken by Jane. We had finished our ride but wanted to go up to a bunch of balloons at a campsite to see what the horses thought of them. None of them cared, probably because a kind person had left a bowl on the picnic table with carrots and apples in it for the horses. Diane let Tazz see what he thought of those, and he approved! Eby and Cooper never got a chance to try to get their own, because Tazz thought the best way to get his was to be helpful and drag the whole bowl off. But luckily the next door ‘neighbor’ who was watching the campsite (I’m thinking it may have been Nancy Potter, but I could be mistaken) was kind enough to collect them and make sure Cooper and Eby got their share. It was a nice treat! The Over the Hill Gang has been busy, since of course there are so many Ash trees on the trails and they are all dying. We can clear all the trails and two days later we get a report of something down again. But we’ll keep trying. We also spent four days replacing the deck at the Hopewell Day Lodge. And no, that’s not on the horse trails, but we do have our meetings there, and it’s just a show of good will. As usual it turned out to be a bigger project than expected. The plan was to take off the columns and flooring and replace that, reusing the frame and braces and stringers. But when the old deck was stripped, it was discovered that there was nothing holding it onto the building! If the steps had not been so solidly put in, that could have been very interesting. There were other repairs needed that weren’t anticipated, so a two
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day job turned into a four day job, but it got done. Since we are re-instating the February banquet, the officers and trustees are taking nominations for the Most Valuable Member until the end of the year. You can submit the nominations via email or snail mail. We have many members who go above and beyond and this is a great way to recognize them. January 1 we will have our annual New Year’s Day ride, at Caesar Creek horse camp at 1 p.m. I hope to be there, but if not, if someone can take photos, that would be great. Of course it’s too early to have a clue what Mother Nature will decide to throw at us, but we can hope for a good start to the year. Happy Holidays, and stay warm! ~Mickie WASHINGTON Washington County is winding down for 2018 and getting ready for a new year, but we are not finished yet! We have received a $10,000 grant from Dupont for our home trail at Kinderhook trailhead of Wayne National Forest. The grant has several parts. One part will help fix our damaged trails from this summer’s storms. A second part is to provide funding to make the trail an educational resource by adding signage of botanical and cultural significant parts of the forest. The hope is to provide an opportunity for schools, scouts and other groups to hike and make use of the great trails to educate and encourage outdoor activities. The third part is to provide a public event to spread the word about our gem. We are already planning how to make these things a reality. Our regular meeting on Nov. 1 we held election of officers. All of the previous officers from last year were re-elected. Brent DeWees, President; Darrell McKay, Vice President; Melody Crawford, Secretary; and Terri Pickens, Treasurer. The Christmas meeting was also planned. There will be a collection of toys for Toy for Tots; A ‘horse thieves exchange’ (each one can steal the previous gifts) and of course a potluck dinner. It will be Dec. 6 at the Christ United Methodist Church at 6:30 p.m. in Marietta. You may remember we had a youth fun show planned for Oct. 13. Unfortunately excessive rain December 2018
Knox County Horse Park
New Officers Announced, Time to Renew Membership PRESIDENT, Debbie Cole VICE PRESIDENT, Travis Ross & Dave Huge; TREASURER, Pam Niner SECRETARY, Courtney Letts PHONE, 740/973-3059; WEBSITE, www.knoxcountyhorsepark.com
I can’t believe that it is already December. I hope that all of you had a very enjoyable Thanksgiving with family and friends. As I sit here and write this article it is very cold and we have had our first snow of the season. With this change in the weather we need to make sure that our equines are safe and have plenty of water and hay. With that being said; please
make sure that if you are using a heater in your water tank that it is in good working order so that your equine, yourself, and your barns all stay safe. Our show season has come to an end. Unfortunately, we did not get to have our Halloween Fun show. The weather just did not cooperate on either weekend. We are very sorry if you were planning on attending it. At our November meeting we elected our 2019-2020 officers for the park. I’m pleased to announce that our officers are: President Debbie Cole, Vice Presidents Travis Ross and Dave Huge, Treasurer Pam Niner, and Secretary Courtney Letts. If you see any of our officers out and about please congratulate them
and give them some kind words of encouragement. Our trustees will be working on the 2019 show schedule. As soon as it is completed it will be posted on our website, Facebook, and here in the Corral. This should be done sometime in January, please keep an eye out for the schedule. If you have any ideas for a show in 2019 please feel free to contact us so we can consider it when planning the schedule. It is time to fill out your 2019 membership application. If you would like to become a member of the horse park please contact me and I can send you an application or you can print one off of our website. Saturday, Dec. 1 will be our Christmas party at the Morgan Center Grange. The party will be
at 6 p.m. with a carry in potluck. We will be having a gift exchange with a limit of $15. Our Christmas party is always an enjoyable night of eating good food and hanging out with friends. During the winter months please watch Facebook and your email to see where our monthly meetings will be held. Our website is www.knoxcountyhorsepark. com or email is kchpknoxcountyhorsepark@ yahoo.com and our Facebook is KCHP (Knox County Horse Park). Please feel free to contact me with any questions, comments, or concerns. I hope that you all have a wonderful blessed Christmas. I look forward to seeing you at our meetings or at the horse park. ~Courtney Letts
County Lines caused the show to be cancelled. We have three shows planned for next year. Please watch for our announcements and we encourage you to come show with us. And of course, you are always welcome to attend meetings and ride with us as well! As we end another year and prepare for the New Year, I’d like to remind you to pay your dues, prepare your trail miles and saddle hours to turn in at the Jan. 3 meeting. Invite a friend to join us and help to build our chapter. Make an effort to attend meetings throughout the year. Our attendance has been low and your ideas and votes are needed to help us grow and improve our chapter and trails. ~Rita V. Schultheis WAYNE Just when the heat breaks and you think you are going to have a great October of riding and camping, Mother Nature lets out a big belly laugh and sends the rains and the rains and the rains! That didn’t stop our hardy club members from day riding and trail maintenance. The rains and winds brought down trees on the trails at Mohican and Nancy Strayer, Tom Bahl and Marilyn Conley were on top of the debris in no time and cleared the trails. Thanks guys! Elsie Zuercher hosted a great camp out at Salt Fork. Seven members from Wayne County, three from Summit County, one from Holmes County and two December 2018
Trail maintenance at Mohican. from Carroll County were in attendance. Unfortunately one of the horses was seriously injured when it stepped on a branch which broke and penetrated her abdomen by about 16 inches. There was divine intervention though as a young man who was a veterinary technician rode up right after the accident and offered to help. Three of the other riders from the Summit County Club gaited their horses back to camp and got his first aid kit and drove back with a horse trailer. He was able to remove the branch (had to do it, she couldn’t move with it in) and they were able to get her up to the trailer and loaded and back to camp. Others drove into Cambridge and picked up penicillin to get her started on an antibiotic and stabilized for the night. In the morning it took many hands to get the horse loaded so she could be taken home to see the vet. The vet said it was a miracle (more divine intervention) that the branch did not pierce any vital organs or the colon and gave her another
Heather Kinney in Missouri. antibiotic and recommended rest and watchful waiting. So far the horse is doing pretty well and we are all hoping and praying for a full recovery. Meanwhile, another rider who was with the group started back to camp after the three ladies from Summit County left. A wrong turn got him off the correct trail and we had to call the Ranger and four wheelers to come look for him. They found him and he was able to ride back to camp, cold, wet and tired but unharmed. The teamwork of all the different members and clubs in this critical situation was absolutely amazing and I know the owner of the horse was truly grateful. It was a beautiful example of ‘horsemen helping horsemen’. Heather Kinney had great weather for her annual trail ride in Missouri. She took two horses and rode about 15-20 miles every day! We were all envious of her beautiful pictures and the obviously great time she was having in the great Ozark
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Marilyn and her fabulous mikes. Mountains with good horses and good friends. Meanwhile the rest of us were trying to squeeze in day rides between the rain drops. I want to end with a personal thank you to Nancy Strayer for stepping in at the last minute to write this column for me last month. The day it was due our little mini horse Rusty came down with colic and we had a tough decision to make. She didn’t hesitate to help out when I called at the last minute to say I just couldn’t get it done in time for the deadline. She and my assistant did a great job getting it written and sent in. Just another example of how great horsemen really are when you are in a bad situation. It is almost time to pull the shoes for the winter and turn to arena riding to keep our horse fresh and us from getting stiff! Happy Trails until next month. ~Susan 61
The Way of Horses
The Equine Intestine by Eleanor Blazer Why is small 60 feet in length and large only 25 feet? It’s a question about the equine intestine that could keep you awake at night. When you know the answer you’ll sleep more soundly. A horse’s meal leaves the stomach through the pyloric sphincter and enters the small intestine—a tube that is approximately 60 feet in length and holds about 15 gallons of material. Most of the nutrients in the grain portion of the diet (nonstructural carbohydrates) are absorbed in the small intestine. The nutrients are broken down by chemicals secreted by the pancreas, liver and intestinal mucosa and are then absorbed through the small intestinal wall. Non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) or soluble carbs (starch and simple sugars) must be digested within the small intestine. If large quantities of NSC’s reach the large intestine colic may result. For this reason grain meals should be small and only fed if
needed. Overfeeding grain pushes the soluble carbohydrates quickly through the small intestine— allowing them to reach the large intestine before being utilized. At certain times of the year or day, and when a rain follows a drought, grass may also contain high levels of NSC’s. For more information on safely feeding horses forages visit http:// safergrass.org The non-digested structural (insoluble) carbohydrates now pass from the small intestine and into the large intestine. Any nonstructural carbs not utilized in the small intestine also arrive in the hind-gut…and we hope there are not many. The total length of the large intestine is about 25 feet, but it holds approximately 30 gallons of material—twice as much as the small intestine. A unique part of the equine large intestine is the cecum. Horses and rabbits have highly developed cecums. The cecum is a fermentation vat. Within the cecum are microbes (bacteria and
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protozoa) that aid in the digestion of cellulose and fiber (structural carbohydrates). The main source of cellulose and fiber is forage…. what the horse is designed to eat and utilize. The microbes are somewhat specific as to what they digest. A drastic change in diet or the arrival of non-structural carbohydrates disrupts the balance of bacteria and protozoa. Excessive fermentation occurs—producing lactic acid. This acidic environment kills large numbers of beneficial bacteria. The unhealthy environment can lead to colic. Poisonous toxins are also released into the bloodstream causing laminitis. The material not utilized within the cecum now travels into the colon. There are some design flaws with the equine colon. The opening leading from the cecum to the large colon is only 3 to 4 centimeters...about 1 ½ inches in diameter. This is a prime spot for blockages. The large colon folds back on itself several times. It also has narrow passageways and blockages can occur in these areas. In addition to these problems the only thing that holds the colon in place is bulk. So a hungry horse without access to forage and an empty colon is a prime candidate for a twisted gut (colic). Microbial digestion continues in the large colon. Any remaining vitamins, fatty acids and water are absorbed.
Knowledge empowers you to create happier, healthier, better trained horses, to pursue your career dreams, to enjoy the life style you desire.
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The remaining material then travels into the small colon… another very narrow tube where blockages can occur. The small colon also is free to move and can become twisted if empty. Any remaining moisture in the material is extracted; fecal balls are produced and deposited. The design of the equine digestive system requires plenty of good quality forage. You will now sleep better knowing what 60 feet is and what’s 25 feet, and how to keep it healthy. Earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Equine Studies or certification as a Professional Horse Trainer or Riding Instructor. Start your new career as a riding instructor, horse trainer, or stable manager. All courses are online. Visit www.horsecoursesonline.com for information.
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Eleanor Blazer and My Kustom Kruzer
Share your club news, photos, and events in our pages every month. For more informaaon contact Joe or Michelle joe@thehorsemenscorral.com michelle@thehorsemenscorral.com
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December 2018