Horsemens Corral February 2018 by Horsemen's Corral

THE

RATION BALANCER S I NCE 1983

Learn More at BuckeyeNutrition.com

February 2018

HORSEMENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CORRAL

The Horsemen’s Corral is the official publication for the following clubs: Adams County Horsemans Association

North East Ohio Arabian Horse Association

Ashland Paint & Plain Saddle Club

Northern Ohio Dressage Association

Avon Lake Saddle Club

Northern Kentucky Horse Network

Black Swamp Driving Club

Northern Ohio Miniature Horse Club

Buckeye Western Dressage

Northern Ohio Quarter Horse Association

Classical Attraction Dressage Society

Ohio Appaloosa Association

Central Ohio Saddle Club Association

Ohio Arabian & All-Breed Trail Riding Society

Colorado Ranger Horse Association District One National Show Horse Dusty Boots Riding Club Flatlanders Dressage & Combined Training Association, Inc. Geauga Horse & Pony Association Great Lakes Appaloosa Horse Club Indiana Mounted Regulators

Ohio Gaited Horse Riding Club Ohio Haflinger Association Ohio Horseman’s Council Ohio Morgan Horse Association Ohio Paint Horse Club Ohio Quarter Horse Association

Kentucky Horse Council

Ohio State Buckskin Association

Keystone Saddle Club

Ottawa County Horse Foundation

Knox County Horse Park

Pinto Horse Association of Ohio

Lake Erie Mounted Vaqueros

Tri-County Trail Association

Massillon Saddle Club Michigan Trail Riders Association, Inc. Mid-Eastern Farriers Association Mid Ohio Dressage Association

Tri-State Rodeo Association Wayne County Saddle Club Western Reserve Carriage Association West Virginia Miniature Horse Championship

Mid-Ohio Marauders

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

WRITERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS

Features: ..................Bobbie Coalter, Dr. Tania Cubitt, Debbie Disbrow, ...................................... Robert Eversole, Brian Farcus, Steve Lantvit, ...............................Terry Myers, Lynn Palm, Sarah Vas, Stacy Westfall Guests:............................................................... Nettie Liburt, Wendy Shaffer

OUR NEXT ISSUE

NUMBER 3 ...................................................................................... MARCH 2018 MARCH 2018 DEADLINE ............................................. FEBRUARY 10, 2018

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. 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

Inside This Issue

Ohio Foundation Quarter Horse Association

Corral Calendar .............................................................................18 Does My Horse Need a Ration Balancer?.....................................30 Farrier Friendly ..............................................................................56 Fertility in Mares ............................................................................48 Horse Riding Could Improve Your Child’s Intelligence ..................12 The Last Ride ..................................................................................8 My Horse Anatomy ........................................................................16 Notes from Inside The Corral ..........................................................6 Notes from Julie Goodnight ...........................................................52 Palm Partnership Training .............................................................49 Ride For Real ................................................................................46 Ride In Sync ..................................................................................28 ‘Ride With A Pro’ Clinic Program Offers Special Opportunities .....10 Test Your Horsemanship and Win Cash in Equine Affaire’s Versatile Horse and Rider Competition ......................................10 TrailMeister ....................................................................................26 View From the Cheap Seats..........................................................40 Westfall Horsemanship..................................................................32

Club News Black Swamp Driving Club ............................................................42 Buckeye Western Dressage ..........................................................51 Central Ohio Saddle Club Association...........................................57 Colorado Ranger Horse Association .............................................14 District One National Show Horse Association ..............................41 Flatlanders Dressage & Combined Training Association, Inc. .......33 Geauga Horse and Pony Association ............................................29 Great Lakes Appaloosa Club .........................................................34 Knox County Horse Park ...............................................................33 Lake Erie Mounted Vaqueros ........................................................51 Michigan Trail Riders Association, Inc. ..........................................44 Northern Ohio Dressage Association ............................................70 Ohio Appaloosa Association ..........................................................35 Ohio Arabian & All-Breed Trail Riding Society ...............................55 Ohio Horseman’s Council, Inc. ......................................................58 Ohio Morgan Horse Association ....................................................45 Ohio Paint Horse Club ...................................................................38 Qhio Quarter Horse Association ....................................................14 Ohio State Buckskin Association ...................................................34 Tri-County Trail Association ...........................................................35 Wayne County Saddle Club ..........................................................50 Western Reserve Carriage Association .........................................42

ABOUT THE COVER: 26 year old, Double registered, Appaloosa and Colorado Ranger Horse, IMASMOOTHOPERATOR aka Blaze owned by Mary Vedda. See Notes From Inside The Corral for more about Blaze.

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February 2018

HORSEMENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CORRAL

Notes From Inside The Corral

ne of the advantages of owning your own equine magazine is getting to choose the cover. We have been able to show off our own horses a few times in our six plus years of owning the Corral but this cover is pretty special to all of us here at the magazine. The horse, Blaze, is owned by our friend Mary Vedda. We have ridden with Mary and Blaze many times over the years and have seen firsthand what an amazing partnership they have. Blaze is a double registered Appaloosa and Colorado Ranger Horse. His registered name is Imasmoothoperator which could not be more appropriate. He was foaled April 17, 1991 which puts him now at 27

Double registered Appaloosa and Colorado Ranger Horse, Imasmoothoperator. years old. He has a huge heart, unquestionable integrity and a trust that can only be found in the best of horses. Mary has ridden Blaze in countless numbers of parades, obstacle challenges, and trails throughout Ohio and Pennsylvania over their 21 years together. Blaze has represented his breed at Ohio’s Equine Affaire and appeared on the Best of America by Horseback television show. Although he is officially retired now, the cover photo clearly captures the spirit of this wonderful horse.

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Mary Vedda and Blaze (right) rode in many parades before Blaze retired. Mary gives a lot of the credit for Blaze’s longevity and good health to dac® Vitamins and Minerals. And if you like the blanket he is wearing, Mary bought it at Rod’s! According to their website, The Colorado Ranger Horse Association (CRHA) is one of the oldest of the western horse breed registries still in existence in the United States. Referred to as “The Using Horse of the High Plains”, registered Colorado Ranger Horses must show a direct descent from at least one of the two foundation stallions, ‘Max #2’ and ‘Patches #1’. While many CRHA horses have appaloosa markings, CRHA is not a color registry. Rather it is a ‘bloodline’ registry, so it doesn’t matter if the horse is a solid color or shows the coloration variations typical of the Appaloosa. If you have a registered Appaloosa, chances are one in eight that your stallion, mare, or gelding is eligible for CRHA registration, as well. You can learn more by visiting www.coloradoranger. com or look for their club news in the Horsemen’s Corral. Speaking of club news, we would like to say thank you to the Ohio Horseman’s Council (OHC) for allowing us to hold a writing seminar at the 2018 Mid Winter Planning Meeting this year. Michelle, Joe and I were joined by OHC’s Corral Liaison, Becky Clifton to present ‘Battling Word Addiction.’ The session was well attended by writers representing several chapters of OHC and focused on the purpose of the County Lines and guidelines for writing, including technical specifications, general content and process suggestions. We greatly appreciated the opportunity to be part of the weekend, the comments during the session and the feedback we

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Mary Vedda on Blaze (right) and Andi Boss on Daisy (left).

Michelle Ross took her first trail ride on Blaze. received following the meeting. If you do not belong to OHC, you really should look into joining and attending not only chapter meetings but also the informative State Meetings held twice per year. Please take the time to visit www.ohconline.com for more information. Don’t forget Valentine’s Day this month. Look to our advertisers to find that special gift for your Equine Valentine!

February 2018

HORSEMENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CORRAL

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

MELISSA CAROL BATES SKIDMORE Melissa C. Bates-Skidmore, 53, of Clarksburg, went to be with the Lord on Dec. 28, 2017 at WVU Hospitals Ruby Memorial in Morgantown. She was born in Clarksburg, May 11, 1964, a daughter of the late Gerald L. and Mildred E. Rogers Bates. She is survived by her husband Greg Skidmore, whom she married May 7, 2000. Also surviving are her children Micah Patrick Fisher and her husband Eric, Clarksburg, Timothy Bates and his fiancé Rachel Rinker, Scotsdale, Ariz., Destiny and Christian Skidmore at home and

stepdaughter Brandy Skidmore, one granddaughter, Eva Fisher, three siblings, Charles ‘Kig’ Bates and his wife Achia, Sacremento, Calif., Gary Bates, Clarksburg, Karen Blocker and her husband Scott, Clarksburg, several nieces and nephews including a special nephew Clifford Spring who made his home with her. She is also survived by a host of friends and patrons of Melissa’s Hair Salon whom she loved dearly. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded by one sister, Nancy Spring. Melissa was a 1982 graduate of Lincoln High School. She was the owner and operator of Melissa’s Hair Salon in Lumberport for 28 years. She enjoyed farming and had a passion for all animals. She was the founder and chairman of the WV Miniature Horse

Championship and the President of the WV Miniature Horse Club. She was a member of the Lumberport Lions Club and the Alumni Association. She loved crafting and sewing. She attended the Jones Run Independent Church. Funeral services were held at the Perine Funeral Home with Pastor Jon Hayes officiating. In keeping with her wishes, cremation followed the funeral service. Condolences may be extended to the family at www. perinefunerals.com.

LUCY ELLEN COTTERMAN Lucy Ellen Cotterman, 76, of Hebron, Ohio, passed away on Nov. 9, 2017. Lucy was born on Oct. 24, 1941 in Newark, the daughter of the late Leonard Earl and Margaret Adrian (Walters) Graves. She married Richard Cotterman on Dec. 14, 1957. She was a graduate of Hebron High School, Class of 1959. In school she was a cheerleader, and played in the band (clarinet). She retired after 34 years of service with the Lakewood Local Schools, working in the cafeteria, followed by bus driver. Lucy was a lifelong member of Hebron United Methodist (New Life) Church, and Eagon Chapter #123 Order of Eastern Star. Lucy is survived by her loving family: Husband, Richard Cotterman, Sons, Michael (Micki) and Gregory (Sheri), along with five grandchildren, Sarah (Michael) Wells, Anna, Issac, Tiffany, David, and her two dogs, Snapper, and Blue. Lucy loved horses, calling it her ‘horse disease’. Her first horses were the plow horses on

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the farm on Mill Dam where she was raised. She also showed jersey dairy cows in 4-H. Lucy started to show paint horses. Some of the places Lucy showed were at the Ohio State Fair and the Kentucky Horse Park. In 1991 she won 5th in the nation on the American Paint Horse Association Amateur Honor Roll, showing a halter gelding, named Mr. Bill. Lucy’s paint horse, Jay, was seen in the Licking County Chapter of the Ohio Horseman’s Council fun show on a regular basis. She also had a miniature horse, Boomer, which she took to several parades. She rode her trail horse, Rocky, in the Ohio Bicentennial Wagon Train in 2003. Lucy was a long time member of the Licking County Chapter of the Ohio Horseman’s Council. She served as vice resident for five years and fun show chairperson for 15 years. Lucy loved teaching the youth about horses, showing, and having fun with them. Lucy received the Hat’s Off Award in 1998, 1999, 2000, and 2002 for promoting the goals of the Ohio Horseman’s Council. Her LCOHC family and trail riding friends loved Lucy and will miss her very much. Some of the other things Lucy loved besides the horses were: dogs, cats, cows, history, civil war history, camping, big band music, detective shows, and the show, Price is Right. Lucy gave her last trail horse, Rocky, a Paso Fino, to her long time riding buddy, Jan Dean. They rode many miles together, and had lots of adventures on horse back. Lucy touched many lives from youth to adult, and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

********** Email submissions for The Last Ride to Michelle at michelle@ thehorsemenscorral.com. Please include a photo if possible.

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Test Your Horsemanship and Win Cash in Equine Affaire’s Versatile Horse and Rider Competition Are you ready to show the world your horsemanship skills and earn some cash? Applications are now being accepted for Equine Affaire’s popular allbreed Versatile Horse and Rider Competition—aka ‘VHRC’—that will take place on Friday, April 13, in the coliseum at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus. A select group of horse and rider teams will tackle a challenging obstacle/trail course in this timed and judged race for $5500 in cash prizes and the coveted title of 2018 Versatile Horse and Rider Competition Champion. The Versatile Horse and Rider Competition is now in its eighth year at Equine Affaire in Ohio. As Eugenia Snyder, Equine Affaire’s founder and President explained, “It is a challenging test of horsemanship for those who choose to put their skills to the test, and it attracts some pretty amazing contestants. The event has become really popular for both the contestants and Equine Affaire attendees because it’s fun, fast-paced and unpredictable.” Admission to watch the Versatile Horse and Rider Competition is

included in general admission to Equine Affaire. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top four contestants with the first place team receiving $2,500 and the title of Versatile Horse and Rider Competition Champion and the second, third, and fourth place teams receiving $1,750, $1,000, and $250 respectively. Ribbons will be presented to the top 10 teams, and additional awards will be announced prior to the event. All awards will be presented at the conclusion of the race on Friday afternoon. The Versatile Horse and Rider Competition is open to all riders age 18 years and older and horses of all breeds and disciplines. Horse breeds as diverse as Quarter Horses, Thoroughbreds, Appaloosas, Morgans, Norwegian Fjords, Rocky Mountain Horses, Warmbloods, and Gypsy Vanners have participated successfully in past events demonstrating that the competition is truly ‘all breed’ in nature. A maximum of only 25 horse/rider teams will be preselected to compete based on application materials submitted,

and all horse and rider teams will compete against each other. There will be no ‘divisions’ based on gender or age. The VHRC course will be made up of 12-13 obstacles and patterns set in the 90’x212’ arena of the Ohio Expo Center coliseum. The obstacles may include jumping over or through structures, backing through a pattern, pole bending and/or roll backs, gait changes, various gymkhana games, ground tying, working gates, and riding over or through difficult or spooky objects. The horsemanship performance of each contestant will be judged on each obstacle. Performance points will be awarded on a scale of 1 to 5 based on the rider’s horsemanship, the horse’s attitude, and the team’s overall performance. Horses and riders will be required to complete the course within a given time. Any contestant who fails to meet this time limit will be disqualified. Ride times will be translated into points, and the team with the highest overall point score will be the winner. Van Hargis will serve as this year’s judge, and Warwick

Schiller will provide obstacle-byobstacle commentary. To obtain all of the details on the VHRC and an entry form, visit equineaffaire.com, click on the Ohio event and ‘Participate’ links to access the VHRC page. You may also contact Beth Volpe at bvolpe@equineaffaire.com or by calling 740/845-0085 ext. 103. The entry fee for each horse/rider team is $350 and includes stabling from Thursday to Saturday and three days of admission to Equine Affaire. Applications and support materials will be accepted by Equine Affaire through Feb. 15. They will be reviewed by the management of Equine Affaire, which will select the final contestants for the competition. Contestants will be notified by March 2. Come and cheer on the contestants as their horses succeed at some obstacles and fall short at others. You can also learn a lot by watching the different approaches that outstanding horses and riders take in tackling the same obstacles. Visit equineaffaire.com for everything you need to know to attend the 2018 Equine Affaire.

‘Ride With A Pro’ Clinic Program Offers Special Opportunities Elevate your equestrian experience this spring at Equine Affaire, North America’s premiere equine exposition and equestrian gathering. The 2018 Equine Affaire will take place at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus on April 12-15 and offer horse enthusiasts not only the opportunity to attend hundreds of clinics, seminars, and demonstrations, but also to participate in clinics on a wide range of equestrian disciplines. Through Equine Affaire’s unique ‘Ride With A Pro’ clinic program you can ride, drive, and have your horse trained in clinics conducted by many of the nation’s foremost coaches, competitors, judges, and horse trainers—for clinic fees designed to fit your budget. Most of the clinicians who will be featured at the 2018 Equine Affaire will be participating in the Ride With a Pro program and accepting horses and riders for their clinic sessions. Whether your equestrian tastes lean toward the English disciplines or are solidly in the western realm— or you simply want to improve 10

your riding skills or your horse’s performance, you can enhance your riding and training skills through individual instructions in this unique program of clinics. Among those who will be presenting sessions on general horse training and horsemanship topics are Ken McNabb, Warwick Schiller, James Cooler, Dan James, and Van Hargis. Clinicians offering sessions in the English disciplines will include Jan Ebeling and Stephen Hayes (dressage), Lynn Symansky (eventing), Jeff Cook (hunter/ jumper), Bob Giles (driving), Keith Miller (hunter under saddle) and Liz Bentley (English and hunter pleasure). Those conducting clinics on western disciplines will include Stacy Westfall (reining), and Nancy Cahill (western horsemanship and trail). Larry Whitesell will present sessions on training and riding easy gaited horses, Sandy Croote will teach techniques for training miniature horses, and Ty Evans will conduct sessions on training and riding mules. The modest fees for Equine Affaire’s ‘Ride With A Pro’ clinic

program range from $70 to $150 and cover clinic participation, stabling, and admission to Equine Affaire. Clinicians will select the participants for their sessions from written applications and videos submitted by applicants to Equine Affaire. While some are seeking riders and horses with specific skills or problems to demonstrate and resolve during their clinics, others are seeking any riders interested in improving their general horsemanship and relationships with their horses. The 2018 Equine Affaire will offer a wide range of learning opportunities— and you and your horse may be the ideal participants for one or more sessions. Full clinic details and a ‘Ride With A Pro’ application are available at equineaffaire.com. Click on the Ohio event and follow the ‘Participate’ link to information on the ‘Ride With A Pro’ program. Interested riders and horse owners may also request an information packet and clinic application by contacting Beth Volpe at bvolpe@equineaffaire.com or

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by calling 740/845-0085 ext. 103. Consult equineaffaire. com for continuously-updated information on the program. The application deadline is Feb. 20. In addition to Equine Affaire’s legendary program of clinics, seminars, and demonstrations, the 2018 show will feature the largest horse-related trade show in the nation with hundreds of retailers covering acres of exhibit space; the Fantasia, Equine Affaire’s signature musical celebration of the horse, sponsored by Absorbine®, on Thursday through Saturday nights; an engaging and handson Breed Pavilion and Horse and Farm Exhibits area; a new Your Farm Forum with exhibits and presentations focused on the horse’s home and environment; the Equine Fundamentals Forum; and the popular Versatile Horse and Rider Competition on Friday afternoon. For everything you need to know including an event schedule, ticket information, and discounts available at Equine Affaire nearby host hotels, visit equineaffaire.com. February 2018

February 2018

HORSEMENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CORRAL

Horse Riding Could Improve Your Child’s Intelligence by Debbie Disbrow Whether you have been a rider for many years or if you recently started, there is no denying that being around horses makes you feel good. And if you ever watched children with their ponies or horses, they melt into bliss given a short bit of time. Hours become timeless and according to quantum physics, that place is very healing. Our world has become busy. With the onset of technology, we seem to have become tied to emails, messages and social media. I don’t think we often realize how much time is stolen from us because of the digital world we live within. That is why we cannot forget to offer our children the wonderful gift of being involved with horses. I believe we all look for that place to rest, escape and find solitude, including children. With horses, the results can be shared with others or found when you’re all alone. Studies have shown that riding enhances memory, learning and problem solving for both children and adults. I know that after owning horses through my childhood and into adult years, they provide so much... because I am still learning. The benefits from riding are many. Scientists from Tokyo University of Agriculture found that vibrations produced by horses while being ridden activates the part of our brain known as the sympathetic nervous system. While in the saddle, “your child’s cognitive ability may be greatly improved.” The study published in Frontiers Public Health found that “riding greatly improved the ability of children to perform behavioral tasks.” Not only does this help children but also many of our Veterans with PTSD have found horses to help with physical and mental health. All of the activity during a riding lesson or a ride does so much for a child. Riding at the walk alone stimulates internal organs the same as walking on foot. This aids in liver function and digestion. The increased movement from the walk burns calories. Weight bearing exercise comes from carrying saddles, hay and grain

which increases bone mass. What a great way to exercise without even thinking about it! Confidence is even boosted by working with a large animal—let alone being outside lifts anyone’s well-being. Many of us know it’s a great stress reliever. Children can benefit from horses whether they are owned at the family farm or at a riding stable. Typically, we can spend a half hour or an hour just in the before and after care of riding. They may tire out and also sleep better. Responsibility is learned through caring for horses by doing barn chores and grooming. There is so much to learn at the barn, increasing memory in many cases. Children soon learn from adults to take directives with respect, otherwise they can be in harm’s way if not listening intently. Routines are established through consistent riding instruction, which in time and through trial and error, teach children just how well they can think fast to correct the horse. Training patterns teach left from right as well as remembering the course set before them—be it Western or English riding. Riders and horses working together as one creates a strong bond. Being with our horses and farm animals also teach life lessons such as the birth of a new foal that grows up almost before our eyes and litters of kittens that are warm and soft. Hay bales that become forts and places to hide. It also teaches about caring for sick animals and the reality of losing a close friend...to move on to a new adventure with a new friend. There is nothing better than a group of youth riders that form comradery, looking towards the county fair or local horse show. Helping others becomes routine rather than being self-absorbed. The connections make for lifelong memories or even lifelong friendships that never end. Horses have a huge and powerful electromagnetic field or energy. When we are near it a connection between the horse and human is created which has shown to be extremely healing. No wonder we all feel better after we have been at the barn. There is nothing better at times, than a quiet friend. As Equestrians we need to think of others around us and involve young parents, children and virtually anyone that may be interested in the enjoyment of horses. If we only introduce one new person a year to our beloved horses, we give a gift that gives over and over again. Many children that live in the city never get to experience the joys of farm life. If you take the time to investigate through your local church, local extension agency or Veterans association, (to name a few), you may find you are able to give more to someone than you ever expected. 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 her website at www.rammfence.com, or call 800/878-5644 for safer alternatives for your horses.

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February 2018

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Ohio Quarter Horse Association

We Have Moved CEO, Dr. Scott Myers PRESIDENT, Chris Cecil Darnell EMAIL, media@oqha.com WEBSITE, www.oqha.com www. quarterhorsecongress.com

The Ohio Quarter Horse Association (OQHA), host of the All American Quarter Horse Congress, has recently relocated its headquarters from Richwood, Ohio, to Columbus, Ohio. OQHA headquarters now reside in a newly renovated 26,000 square foot office building at 6325 Quarter Horse Drive.

“For many years we have recognized the importance of having OQHA closer to central Ohio,” said Dr. Scott Myers, OQHA Executive Director. “The new headquarters will support the continued growth of OQHA and the All American Quarter Horse Congress.” The close proximity of the new office to the Ohio Expo Center where the Quarter Horse Congress is held will allow OQHA and the Quarter Horse Congress staff to provide greater service to Congress patrons, sponsors and exhibitors. OQHA and its staff welcome anyone to stop and see the new

headquarters. While you visit, take the opportunity to meet with the staff, renew your membership and reserve your spot for the Annual Banquet! Not able to visit that soon? The application and reservation forms are available online at OQHA.com Don’t forget that in order for any Ohio points to count in the system, membership is required prior to the show weekend. The Ohio Quarter Horse Association offers two types of memberships: annual and life. The following is a breakdown of membership categories and costs: • Adult Annual Membership $25 per year (Amateur status is

optional on an adult membership for no additional charge) • Youth Annual Membership $15 per year (must be 18 years or younger) • Family Annual Membership $60 per year (includes spouses and all youths in household, 18 years and younger) • Life Membership (Adult and Youth) $250 one-time payment (Amateur status is optional on adult life memberships at no additional charge) Have questions on what you’ll get for this minimal member price? Email LTitus@oqha.com or call 614/505-7200.

Colorado Ranger Horse Association

Stallion Service Auction and RER Pcocks Sun Patch Retires on a Win 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

RER Pcocks Sun Patch finished first and was awarded ‘Best

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Condition’ both days in her division at the Death Valley Encounter held Dec. 28-31, 2017. This ride is part of the American Endurance Ride Conference. Owner Jodie LaRosh said, “Someone must have slipped Tina (RER Pcocks Sun Patch) the memo that if she completed both 50 mile rides this past weekend, she would be retired from the sport of distance riding to try her hand at being a mom.” Brielle Rainney and Tina finished first out of 24 on day one and first out of 29 on day two. At the completion of the two days, RER Pcocks Sun Patch had completed a total of 1,005 endurance miles and 85 limited distance miles in three years. Congratulations Jodi LaRosh, Brielle Rainney and RER Pcocks Sun Patch and thank you for representing the Colorado Ranger Horse so well.

CRHA will once again hold a Stallion Service auction in February and March as a fundraiser for the association. Please visit www.facebook.com/ crhassa/ for more information and to view and bid on the stallions. The foals sired by SSA stallions qualify to be entered in the 2018 Futurity at a reduced rate (must be eligible for CRHA registration to show in the futurity). Don’t forget to mark your calendars and make plans to attend the Colorado Ranger Horse Association’s 45th National Show to be held Sept. 15 and 16 in Lock Haven, Pa. For more information on CRHA’s events, programs, membership and registration please visit our website, www. coloradoranger.com, or find our group on Facebook: Colorado Ranger Horse Assn.

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Brielle Rainney and RER Pcocks Sun Patch at the Death Valley Encounter.

HORSEMEN’S CORRAL

February 2018

HORSEMENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CORRAL

My Horse Anatomy

A Pain in the Neck is a Pain in the @#*?! by Wendy L. Shaffer, MMCP® Muscles in the neck are profoundly important in your horse’s locomotion, balance, and well-being. On each side of his body, there are two long muscles that essentially stretch from near the base of the ear to the bottom of his upper arm, or humerus bone. These muscles, named the brachiocephalicus and the omotransversarius, work to swing your horse’s forelegs in a forward motion. Working closely together, supple brachiocephalicus and omotransversarius muscles will operate in a fluid fashion. Your horse will feel in balance, gaits, turns and transitions will be smooth with floating responsiveness in the front end. On the other Wendy Shaffer assisting JayJay, a hand, tightness in them puts strain on the 14-year-old Quarter Horse gelding, poll of the head and the atlas of the neck. with releasing poll and neck tension. These two bones form a key junction of the distracting and presents a scary situation for horse’s body just behind the ears. Tension both horse and rider. Your horse may want to accumulating here in the poll/atlas junction please you by obeying commands but if he is unfortunately has far reaching consequences worrisome of finding his breath and balance, to other parts of the body. he will not be able to comply. You will be able to feel the flat, fleshy This is often the case for horses that are brachiocephalicus muscle under your horse’s referred to being ‘heavy on the forehand’. skin by running your hand down the side of his neck. From the base of the skull below The brachiocephalicus can become so stressed it prohibits lightness in the front end, limiting the ear, it attaches near the jaw hinge (TMJ). the horse’s capacity to adjust to the rider’s It runs the length of the neck, drapes across the shoulder joint and connects to the lower movements and find the combined center of gravity. Eventually forward movement will portion of the humerus. not only be limited, but impossible. In general, the brachiocephalicus has two Restriction in the brachiocephalicus and main objectives, moving the head from side omotransversarius muscles can also be a to side, and being the main protractor of the result of pain in the lower legs and feet. foreleg. These actions are each employed Strained muscles lose their elasticity and at different times depending on what part shock absorption abilities. This increases of the body is ‘fixed’. When the foreleg is damaging loads on the muscles, tendons, grounded, it acts on the head. For instance, ligaments, and joints of the feet, legs, and it can pull the neck down and the head shoulder. Vice versa, imbalances in the feet backward, and also tilt the head upwards in a or ouchiness from bruised soles will spread neck extension. up through these muscles like light through Brachiocephalicus contraction when the fiber optics and land in the poll. head and neck are fixed pulls the foreleg One more extremely potent point to ponder, forward and extension of the upper arm is consider this assertion from Jeff Pascucci, a chief responsibility. Execution, however, author of Equine Structural Integration: If relies on the ability of the horse to fully the brachiocephalicus is “hypertonic it can extend his head. constrain the scalenes and A horse with tension in prevent neck telescoping”. Visual clues to tension the neck will not be able to Broken down and defined, extend fully and will not have present in the neck: that statement is congruent proper flexion in the poll. with the vicious cycle of poll/ A strained poll, tense jaws, • Shortened stride/ Stumbling neck tension leads to foot and constricted head fascia issues and foot/lower limbs cause difficulties in breathing. • A head that cannot come issues lead to poll/neck issues He will also feel stiff in to vertical (which, both of course, lead to his movement as you ride, • A head not able to move compensatory back and hind perhaps even cumbersome evenly from side to side issues). and uncoordinated as he is As mentioned previously, in constantly trying to find his • A head titled to one side (the restricted side) with order for the horse to have full balance. Not only is this a the nose tilted away to range of motion and extension physically stressful condition of the foreleg, he must be the other side for your horse, it is also a able to fully extend his head. mental challenge for him This can only be accomplished through the to overcome. No horse wants to be out of contraction of the scalene muscles. These balance. It is unsafe for him, with or without are deep layer muscles underneath the a rider. It affects his confidence and survival brachiocephalicus and omotransversarius. fight-or-flight responses. Loss of balance is They attach to the cervical (neck) vertebrae an underlying cause of panic attacks. It is 16

HORSEMEN’S CORRAL

and the first two ribs. This is where the neck meets the trunk to form another key junction of the horse’s body that affects performance, the cervicothoracic joint or C7-T1. The scalenes lock these first two ribs in place. During travel, these muscles contract, enabling the neck to elevate from its base and extend the head outward. When the cervical end of the scalene is restricted due to the strain of the brachiocephalicus, necessary contraction cannot occur. This negatively allows the ribs to move forward in the direction of the head. And here is the kicker: The negative movement of the first rib towards the anterior end of the body can trigger a nerve entrapment syndrome. In people, this is known as Thoracic Outlet Syndrome and is associated with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. As defined by the Mayo Clinic, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome is “a group of disorders that occur when blood vessels or nerves in the space between your collarbone and your first rib (thoracic outlet) are compressed. This can cause pain in your shoulders and neck and numbness in your fingers.” Minus the fact that equines do not have collarbones in their skeletal structure, this information is extremely relevant. Especially with the addition of knowing the first rib possesses small grooves on its leading edge. The significance of the bone furrows represent the imprints of nerves streaming from the brachial plexus. The brachial plexus is sandwiched right between the shoulder and the ribcage. It is the hub for nerves passing through the scalene muscle, nerves that supply locomotory and sensory impulses to and from the front limb. They are vulnerable to compression due to soft tissue muscle strain in the neck and throughout the body. This may very well be one of the contributing factors for Navicular Syndrome. • • • • • •

RESOURCES Goody, Peter. Horse Anatomy, A Pictorial Approach to Equine Structure. 2nd ed., J. A. Allen, 2000. Harris, Susan. Horse Gaits, Balance, and Movement. Turner Publishing Company, 2016. Henkels, Margret. Is Your Horse 100%? Conformation Balancing. Trafalgar Square Books, 2017. Masterson, Jim. Beyond Horse Massage. Trafalgar Square Books, 2011. Pascucci, Jim. Equine Structural Integration: Myofascial Release Manual. Sane Systems Press, 2007. Smythe, R. H. Horse Structure and Movement. 3rd ed., J. A. Allen & Co. Ltd, 1993. Wyche, Sara. The Horse’s Muscles in Motion. The Crowood Press, 2002.

Wendy L. Shaffer is a Certified Practitioner of The Masterson Method of Integrated Equine Performance Bodywork®, an accredited and approved program through the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB), International Institute for Complementary Therapists (IICT), and Equine Therapies Association of Australia (ETAA). Agile Equine Bodywork is not a replacement for proper veterinary care and is intended to assist the comfort, mobility, and performance of your horse. www.agileequinebodywork.com February 2018

February 2018

HORSEMENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CORRAL

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”. FEBRUARY 2018 FEB. 2-4 — On The Road with Dawn & Clea 2017/2018 Winter Half Baked Series, Champions Center, Springfield, OH. FMI: www.ontheroadwithdawnandclea.com. FEB. 3 — 7th Annual Ashland Paint & Plain Swap Meet, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Ashland County Fairgrounds, Ashland, OH. FMI: 419-606-8383, achristian386@gmail.com, www.ashlandpaintandplain.com. FEB. 3 — Extreme Bull Riding & Barrel Racing, 6:30 p.m., Garwood Arena, Columbiana, OH. FMI: 330-921-8116. FEB. 3 — Hocking Co. 4-H Horse SubCommittee Swap ‘til You Drop-Tack Swap, Chieftain Elementary School Cafeteria, Logan, OH. FMI: OSU Extension Office, 740385-3222, www.hocking.osu.edu. FEB. 3 — 20th Annual Contenders 4-H Tack Auction, 5 p.m., Mt. Vernon Development Center, 1250 Vernon View Drive, Mt. Vernon, OH. FMI: www. contenders4-hclub.weebly.com.

FEB. 3 — Annual NW PA Tack Swap, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Smith’s Country Garden, 14289 Highway 198, Guys Mill, PA. FMI: Amy Snyder, 440-479-8503. FEB. 3 — MQHA 16th Annual New & Used Tack Sale, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., MSU Pavilion, East Lansing, MI. FMI: 616-2258211, mqha@hotmail.com. FEB. 3 — Wayne County Horse & Pony 4H Tack Swap Meet, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wayne County 4H Fair, 861 Salisbury Rd. N, Richmond, IN. FMI: Britney, 765-969-9501. FEB. 4 — Angels Haven Horse Rescue Love Your Horse Day, 1-4 p.m., Evergreen Farm, 13297 Durkee Rd., Grafton, OH. FMI: 440781-5060, www.angelshavenhorserescue. org. FEB. 6 — Barrel Night, Riverland Arena, Navarre, OH. FMI: 904-477-6019, www. riverlandarena.com. FEB. 8 — Premier Draft Horse Auction, 20933 Mulebarn Rd., Sheridan, IN. FMI: 317-983-6569, carol@wlivestock.com. FEB. 10 — Pinto Horse Association of Ohio Awards Banquet, Quality Inn & Suites Rainwater Park Hotel, Sandusky, OH. FMI: www.ohiopinto.com. FEB. 10 — Sweetheart Speed Show, C Bar C Expo Center, Cloverdale, IN. FMI: www. cbarcexpo.com. FEB. 10 — Ranch Riding Winter Series & Clinic with Steve Meadows, Camouflage Stables, 3249 State Route 45S, Salem, OH. FMI: Amy Watkins, 330-774-4572. FEB. 10 — 2018 Winter Show Series, Riverland Arena, 9675 Riverland Ave. SW, Navarre, OH. FMI: Jeanette, 904-477-6019.

FEB. 10 — Bulls, Bands and Barrels - Tyler Childers/Muscadine Bloodline, Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington, KY. FMI: www. bullsbandsandbarrels.com. FEB. 10-11 — Champions Center Open Show, 4122 Laybourne Rd., Springfield, OH. FMI: Judy Peters, 614-402-1260, championsexpoohio@gmail.com. FEB. 11 — Jack Frost Jubilee Winter Fun Show Series, Crescendo Training Centre, Elphrata, PA. FMI: Kriss, 717-475-3047, www.crescendotrainingcentre.com. FEB. 11 — Mounted Shooting Practice, Riverland Arena, Navarre, OH. FMI: 904477-6019, www.riverlandarena.com. FEB. 11 — Butler Co. 4H Tack & Treasure Sale, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Butler County Fairgrounds, Hamilton, OH. FMI: Tena, 513706-3847, tenacollier@gmail.com. FEB. 11 — Shelby Co. 4-H Horse Advisors Tack Swap, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 655 South Highland Ave., Sidney, OH. FMI: 937-4987239, www.shelby.osu.edu. FEB. 11 — Open Horse Show, Blue Lakes Farm, Newbury, OH. FMI: 440-564-7303. FEB. 11 — Cowboy Mounted Shooting Practice, Michigan Event Center, 455 E. Farver, Shipshewana, IN. FMI: Terry, 260499-1814, tmartin441@gmail.com. FEB. 12 — Group Lessons with Stacie Widder, Riverland Arena, Navarre, OH. FMI: 904-477-6019, www.riverlandarena. com. FEB. 12-13 — Winter Speed Sale, Delaware County Fairgrounds, 236 Pennsylvania Ave., Delaware, OH. FMI: www.bloodedhorse. com.

FEB. 13 — Barrel Night, Riverland Arena, Navarre, OH. FMI: 904-477-6019, www. riverlandarena.com. FEB. 16 — IBRA-NPBA, Bill Cherry Expo Center, 2101 College Farm Rd., Murray, KY. FMI: Bailey Jo Angelo, 724-415-8319. FEB. 16 — Winter Team Sorting Series & Round Robin Buckle Series, Riverland Arena, Navarre, OH. FMI: Philip Mullet, 330-204-6012. FEB. 17 — Mid-Ohio Marauders 2017 Year End Rendezvous, 5:30-11 p.m., Madison County Fairgrounds, London, OH. FMI: 740-206-7214, www.midohiomarauders. com. FEB. 17 — Charity Tack Sale, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Otterbein University Dept. of Equine Science, Westerville, OH. FMI: 740-9247543. FEB. 17-18 — Buckeye Reining Clinic, Champions Center, 4122 Laybourne Rd., Springfield, OH. FMI: www. buckeyereiningseries.com. FEB. 18 — 35th Annual Great Lakes Appaloosa Swap Meet, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., University of Findlay Western Farm, 14700 US 68, Findlay, OH. FMI: Jason Moore, 937570-0701, glaphcswapmeet@gmail.com, www.glaphc.com. FEB. 18 — Mounted Shooting Practice & NOO Clean Shooter Jackpot 2018, Riverland Arena, Navarre, OH. FMI: 904477-6019, www.riverlandarena.com. FEB. 18 — 8th Annual Tack Swap & Auction, 12-6 p.m., Ross Co. 4-H Horse Committee, 475 Western Ave. Suite F, Chillicothe, OH. FMI: 740-702-3200.

Please turn to page 20

nua 9th An

Defiance County OHC Horse & More Sale Food On Site!

March 11, 2018 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (set up at 10 a.m.)

To be held at Paulding County Fairgro unds Extension Hall 503 Fairgrounds Drive Paulding, Ohio Non-Member Exhibi ts: $15 Member Exhibits: $1 0

Stark County Fairgrounds I Expo Hall I Canton, Ohio

Saturday, March 24, 2018 10 am to 2 pm Something for EVERYONE!

NEW and USED Horse Supplies A variety of Great Vendors, Jewelry, Cards, Rescue Groups and other craft tables. Space Rental is $10 for a 10x10 spot (bring tables, chairs)

Contact Darlie Katz for booth space 330-316-3214 Vendor set up starts at 7 am

Amazing Raffle Table! 50/50 Drawing!

For more information & to reserve your table contact Michelle Cogswell 260-445-4240 Nancy Schroeder 419-770-4621 Vicki Scantlen 419-438-9791 or email: cogswell824@gmail.com

STARK COUNTY TACK/PET EXPO

All proceeds benefit the Stark County Jr. Fair 4H Horse Program! ******* Concession Stand will benefit our State Awards Fund!

HORSEMEN’S CORRAL

Mail check made payable to Stark Co. Horse Committee on or before March 1, 2018 to: Stark Co. Horse Committee Darlie Katz 2704 Rexdale St. SW Canton, OH 44706

February 2018

2018 Show Bill April 28-29: Judge Robin Miller May 26-27: Judge Pat OBrien June 30-July 1: Judge Steve Carter August 11-12: Judge Phil Harstine

AP&P is PAC AND OCAP Approved!

All shows are held at the Ashland County Fairgrounds, 2042 Claremont Avenue, Ashland, Ohio 44805

Saturday 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31.

$100 Open Showmanship Lead Line & Small Fry Showmanship Walk-Trot Showmanship-All ages Showmanship 19 & Over Showmanship 14-18 Showmanship 13 & Under Lead Line 8 & Under 5 minute warm up for Lunge Line only Lunge Line-Yearling and 2 year olds BREAK Schooling Class $500 Open Walk-Trot Pleasure-may cross enter $100 Walk-Trot Pleasure-no cross enter Small Fry Walk-Trot Hunter Under Saddle 9 & Under Walk-Trot Hunter Under Saddle 10-18 Small Fry Walk-Trot Equitation 9 & Under (rail work only) Walk-Trot Hunter Under Saddle 19 & Over Walk-Trot English Equitation 10-18 Walk-Trot English Equitation 19 & Over Generation Gap Walk-Trot Pleasure-may cross enter BREAK $100 Hunter Under Saddle Hunter Under Saddle 19 & Over Hunter Under Saddle 14-18 Hunter Under Saddle 13 & Under Junior Hunter Under Saddle-Horses 5 & Under Senior Hunter Under Saddle-Horses 6 & Over $100 Open English Equitation English Equitation 19 & Over English Equitation 14-18 English Equitation 13 & Under BREAK Open Pleasure Driving Open Walk-Trot Trail-may cross enter Open In Hand Trail

Sunday

32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. 44. 45. 46. 47. 48. 49. 50. 51. 52. 53. 54. 55. 56. 57. 58. 59. 60. 61.

$100 Open Halter AQHA/APHA Registered Halter All Other Halter Performance Halter Reining Youth Reining 18 & Under Ranch Horse-will use AQHA patterns Ranch Horse Pleasure-on the rail-followed by 5 minute break to untack for the next class Ranch Horse Conformation Open Disciplined Rail Schooling Class $500 Open Walk Trot Pleasure-may cross enter $100 Walk-Trot Pleasure-no cross enter Small Fry Walk-Trot Western Pleasure 9 & Under Walk-Trot Western Pleasure 10-18 Small Fry Walk-Trot Western Horsemanship 9 & Under (rail work only) Walk-Trot Western Pleasure 19 & Over Walk-Trot Western Horsemanship 10-18 Walk-Trot Western Horsemanship 19 & Over Generation Gap Walk-Trot Pleasure-may cross enter BREAK $100 Open Western Pleasure Western Pleasure 19 & Over Western Pleasure 14-18 Western Pleasure 13 & Under Junior Western Pleasure-Horses 5 & Under Senior Western Pleasure-Horses 6 & Over $100 Open Western Horsemanship Western Horsemanship 19 & Over Western Horsemanship 14-18 Western Horsemanship 13 & Under

Start Time: 9:00 a.m. Entry Fees $5, Grounds Fee $5/horse Stalls are available for $30.00 per day. Electric available for $30.00 per day.

For more information contact President Chunk Watts at 330-317-0945

www.ashlandpaintandplain.com

February 2018

HORSEMENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CORRAL

Corral Calendar Continued from page 18 FEB. 20 — Barrel Night, Riverland Arena, Navarre, OH. FMI: 904-477-6019, www. riverlandarena.com. FEB. 22-25 — Mid Winter Fling, Cloverdale, IN. FMI: www.iqha.com. FEB. 23 — Indoor Children Fun Series, 6-8:30 p.m., Camouflage Stables, 3249 SR 45 S, Salem, OH. FMI: www. camouflagestables.com. FEB. 23-25 — Southern Michigan 38th Annual Quarter & Paint Horse Auction, Michigan State University Pavilion, 4301 Farm Lane, East Lansing, MI. FMI: Tom Moore Sales, 517-467-7576, sales@ tommooresales.com. FEB. 23-25 — Rob Gage 3-Day Clinic, Serenity Acres, Nashport, OH. FMI: Katie Griffiths, 614-214-2588, rendeka4070@ yahoo.com. FEB. 24 — Knox County OHC Tack Auction, Martinsburg Activity Center, Martinsburg, OH. FMI: whistlemeup08@yahoo.com, www.ohconline.com. FEB. 24 — Open House Sale, Leonard Truck & Trailer, North Jackson, OH. FMI: 800-455-1001, www.leonardtrailers.com. FEB. 24 — Back In The Saddle Clinic, Terry Myers Training Center, Ostrander, OH. FMI: 740-666-1162, www.TMTrainingCenter.com. FEB. 24 — Winter Series Contest Show & “Beginners” Fun Show, Blue Lakes Farm, Newbury, OH. FMI: 440-564-7303, www. bluelakesfarm.net. FEB. 24 — Ranch Riding Winter Clinic Part 1: Ranch Reining, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Legacy Pines Equestrian Center, Chicora, PA. FMI: 724-321-4413.

FEB. 25 — Preble County Tack Sale, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Preble County Fairgrounds, Eaton, OH. FMI: Carolyn, 937-533-0889. FEB. 25 — ShoMe Moore Show, MSU Pavilion, East Lansing, MI. FMI: www. shomeshows.com. FEB. 25 — Mounted Shooting Practice, Riverland Arena, Navarre, OH. FMI: 904477-6019, www.riverlandarena.com. FEB. 25 — Cowboy Mounted Shooting Practice, Michigan Event Center, 455 E. Farver, Shipshewana, IN. FMI: Terry, 260499-1814, tmartin441@gmail.com. FEB. 25 — Equine Ride For Awareness, 1-4 p.m., Gibsonburg Saddle Club, 961 N. Main St., Gibsonburg, OH. FMI: Pastor Robin, 419-450-2994. FEB. 25 — Winter Fun Show Series, Sapphire Sky Stables, 6810 Barrett Road, Geneva, OH. FMI: 440-813-9478. FEB. 25 — NBHA Ohio 02 12th Annual Tack Swap, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Blue Lakes Farm, Newbury, OH. FMI: Amy, 440-479-8503, cowgirlup73@hotmail.com. FEB. 26 — Group Lessons with Stacie Widder, Riverland Arena, Navarre, OH. FMI: 904-477-6019, www.riverlandarena. com. FEB. 27 — Barrel Night, Riverland Arena, Navarre, OH. FMI: 904-477-6019, www. riverlandarena.com. MARCH 2018 MARCH 1-4 — PA Horseworld Expo-Gaited Clinician Ivy Schexnayder, Harrisburg Farmshow Complex, Harrisburg, PA. FMI: www.horseworldexpo.com.

MARCH 3 — Extreme Bull Riding & Barrel Racing, 6:30 p.m., Garwood Arena, Columbiana, OH. FMI: 330-921-8116. MARCH 3 — Ranch Riding/Ranch Pleasure Clinic, Terry Myers Training Center, Ostrander, OH. FMI: 740-666-1162, www. TMTrainingCenter.com. MARCH 3 — 1st Annual Franklin County Tack Sale, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., 5043 Northwest Pkwy., Hilliard, OH. FMI: Johnson.6935@ osu.edu. MARCH 3 — 2018 Winter Show Series, Riverland Arena, 9675 Riverland Ave. SW, Navarre, OH. FMI: Jeanette, 904-477-6019. MARCH 3 — Mercer Co. 4-H Horse Club Tack Swap, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Pine Township Engine Co., Grove City, PA. FMI: Laura, 724854-2634, lajbuchanan@hotmail.com. MARCH 3-4 — Southern Ohio Quarter Horse Spring Into Action Show, Champions Center, 4122 Laybourne Rd., Springfield, OH. FMI: www.facebook.com/SOQHA MARCH 4 — Mounted Shooting Practice, Riverland Arena, Navarre, OH. FMI: 904477-6019, www.riverlandarena.com. MARCH 4 — Tack Sale & Clinics, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Madison County Fairgrounds, 205 Elm Street, London, OH. FMI: Colleen Martin, 614-374-6149. MARCH 6 — Barrel Night, Riverland Arena, Navarre, OH. FMI: 904-477-6019, www. riverlandarena.com. MARCH 8-11 — Shamrock Shuffle, C Bar C Arena, Cloverdale, IN. FMI: www.iqha.com. MARCH 9-10 — IBRA-NPBA, Bill Cherry Expo Center, 2101 College Farm Rd., Murray, KY. FMI: 724-415-8319.

MARCH 9-11 — 2018 Michigan Horse Expo, MSU Pavilion, 4301 Farm Lane, East Lansing, MI. FMI: Marilyn Graff, 231-8212487, m.marilyngraff@frontier.com, www. michiganhorseexpo.org. MARCH 9-11 — Ranch Sorting Competition, Champions Center, 4122 Laybourne Rd., Springfield, OH. FMI: championsexpoohio@gmail.com. MARCH 10 — Genuine Horsemanship Clinic, Riverland Arena, Navarre, OH. FMI: 904-477-6019, www.riverlandarena.com. MARCH 10 — Trail Class Clinic, Bar W Equestrian Center, St. Paris, OH. FMI: 937602-7625, www.barw.net. MARCH 11 — 33rd Annual Great Tack Exchange, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Warren County Fairgrounds, Lebanon, OH. FMI: Judy Picklesimer, 513-494-1417, www. greattackexchange.webs.com. MARCH 11 — Cuyahoga Farm Bureau 15th Annual Used Tack Sale, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Cuyahoga Fairgrounds Home & Hobby Bldg., Berea, OH. FMI: 440-877-0706, www.cuyahoga.ofbf.org. MARCH 11 — Definance County OHC Horse & More Sale, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Paulding County Fairgrounds, 503 Fairgrounds Drive, Paulding, OH. FMI: Michelle Cogswell, 260-445-4240, cogswell824@gmail.com. MARCH 11 — Mounted Shooting Practice, Riverland Arena, Navarre, OH. FMI: 904477-6019, www.riverlandarena.com. MARCH 11 — Jack Frost Jubilee Winter Fun Show Series, Crescendo Training Centre, Elphrata, PA. FMI: Kriss, 717-475-3047, www.crescendotrainingcentre.com.

Please turn to page 22

Cuyahoga Farm Bureau

Cuyahoga Fairgrounds, Home & Hobby Bldg.

Sunday, March 11, 2018 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Food & Beverages Available Pre-registration required for table/space

Community Event for all Equine Disciplines Used Tack ~ Clothing ~ Hats ~ Boots ~ & Much More! All vendor spots must be reserved by phone or private message Custom Conchos on Facebook.

1 Table & 1 Chair (12x12 space): $20 2 Tables & 2 Chairs (12x24 space): $30

Heated Building! No Dogs!

NEW THIS YEAR!

No Commer cia Vendors! l

Seminar/Demonstration — EQUINE MASSAGE —

Details at cuyahoga.ofbf.org

or call 440-877-0706 or cuyahoga@ofbf.org

General Admission: $1.00

Learn how to ease stress in your horses daily tasks.

For More Information www.customconchosandtack.com • (567)560-4457 20

HORSEMEN’S CORRAL

February 2018

HORSEMENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CORRAL

Corral Calendar Continued from page 20 MARCH 13 — Barrel Night, Riverland Arena, Navarre, OH. FMI: 904-477-6019, www.riverlandarena.com. MARCH 13-14 — 1st Annual Keystone Draft Horse Sale, Centre Co. Grange Fair, Centre Hall, PA. FMI: Elmer, 717-989-8260. MARCH 16 — Square Dance Gibsonburg Saddle Club Fundraiser, 8 p.m., Ole Zim’s Wagon Shed, 1375 N SR 590, Gibsonburg, OH. FMI: Mary Heaps, 419-351-9715. MARCH 16 — Winter Team Sorting Series, Riverland Arena, Navarre, OH. FMI: Philip Mullet, 330-204-6012. MARCH 16-18 — Cowboys For Veterans, WB Ranch, 1640 County Rd. B, Swanton, OH. FMI: Pam, 419-708-9762, hope@ thearmsforces.org. MARCH 16-18 — On The Road with Dawn & Clea 2017/2018 Winter Half Baked Series, The Champions Center, Springfield, OH. FMI: 330-592-5745, www. ontheroadwithdawnandclea.com. MARCH 17 — 3rd Annual Old Fashion Tack Swap, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Richland County Fairgrounds, Mansfield, OH. FMI: Tammy, 567-560-4457, www. customconchosandtack.com. MARCH 17 — Buckeye Mini Horse & Donkey Sale (followed by Ponies & Horses), 9 a.m., Wayne County Fairgrounds, Wooster, OH. FMI: Daniel Schrock Auctioneer, 330-763-0905, danielschrock1990@gmail.com. MARCH 18 — Mounted Shooting Practice & NOO Clean Shooter Jackpot 2018, Riverland Arena, Navarre, OH. FMI: 904477-6019, www.riverlandarena.com.

MARCH 18 — 24th Annual Darke County 4-H Tack Sale, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Darke County Fair, Greenville, OH. FMI: Amy, 937423-4452, Amy.Frantz.PA@gmail.com. MARCH 18 — Open Horse Show, Blue Lakes Farm, Newbury, OH. FMI: 440-564-7303, www.bluelakesfarm.net. MARCH 20— Barrel Night, Riverland Arena, Navarre, OH. FMI: 904-477-6019, www. riverlandarena.com. MARCH 20-21 — Patrick King Horsemanship Clinic, Willow St., PA. FMI: www.pkhorsemanship.com. MARCH 20 and MARCH 22 — Horse Forage Management, 6-9 p.m., AgCredit Upstairs Conference Room, 5362 US Hwy. 42, Mt. Gilead, OH. FMI: Carri Jagger, 419-9471070, Jagger.6@osu.edu, www.morrow. osu.edu. MARCH 20-23 — Topeka Spring Draft Horse, Carriage & Equipment Sale, Topeka, IN. FMI: 260-593-2522. MARCH 23 — Indoor Children Fun Series, 6-8:30 p.m., Camouflage Stables, 3249 SR 45 S, Salem, OH. FMI: www. camouflagestables.com. MARCH 23 — Patrick King Horsemanship Clinic, 275 PA-247, Greenfield Township, PA. FMI: www.pkhorsemanship.com. MARCH 23-25 — Blue Ribbon Springtime Classic, Champions Center, 4122 Laybourne Rd., Springfield, OH. FMI: www. ohiosaddlebred.com. MARCH 23-25 — Road To The Horse, Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington, KY. FMI: Tammy, 877-772-5425, tammy@ roadtothehorse.com.

Buckeye Mini Horse & Donkey Sale Followed by Ponies & Horses Wayne County Fairgrounds 199 Vanover Street Wooster, Ohio 44691

Saturday, March 17, 2018 9 a.m. Tack & Equipment 12 p.m. Mini Donkeys & Mini Ponies Horses & Ponies to follow. All Animals Must Have Halter & Lead Rope. Commission Rates is as follows: Each animal $25 plus 10%, Tack 20%, Saddles & Carts 10%, No sales $25. Veterinarian will be available day of sale for Coggins: $25. Terms of Sale: Cash or GOOD Check Next Sale with proper ID. Out-of-State checks must Date: have letter of credit from your bank. May 19

, 2018

Deadline to be in the catalog is March 5, 2018. Contact: Tracy Dodzley, (440) 935-7852, redpony8@gmail.com

For More Information: Daniel Schrock, Auctioneer (330) 763-0905 danielschrock1990@gmail.com Ohio License #2015000116 22

MARCH 24 — Horse Health Day, Alexandria Fairgrounds, Alexandria, KY. FMI: Jim Mayer, 859-496-4976, jimwmayer@yahoo.com, www.nkhn.info MARCH 24 — 9th Annual Stark County Tack/Pet Expo, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m, Stark County Fairgrounds, Canton, OH. FMI: Darlie Katz, 330-316-3214. MARCH 24 — Winter Series Contest Show & “Beginners” Fun Show, Blue Lakes Farm, Newbury, OH. FMI: 440-564-7303, www. bluelakesfarm.net. MARCH 24 — Indiana Horse Council Queen Contest, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Henry Co. Saddle Club, New Castle, IN. FMI: www. hcsaddleclub.com. MARCH 24-25 — Tack Sale at MODA Spring Schooling Show, Eden Park Equestrian Complex, Sunbury, OH. FMI: Lisa Mathis, lmathis2009@yahoo.com, www.midohiodressage.com. MARCH 24-25 — Patrick King Horsemanship Clinic, RO-NO Ranch, Waymart, PA. FMI: Julie, 440-865-6963, www.pkhorsemanship.com. MARCH 25 — Mounted Shooting Practice, Riverland Arena, Navarre, OH. FMI: 904477-6019, www.riverlandarena.com. MARCH 25 — Equine Ride For Awareness, 1-4 p.m., Gibsonburg Saddle Club, 961 N. Main St., Gibsonburg, OH. FMI: Pastor Robin, 419-450-2994. MARCH 25 — Winter Fun Show Series, Sapphire Sky Stables, 6810 Barrett Road, Geneva, OH. FMI: 440-813-9478. MARCH 25 — Hendricks Co. Horseman’s Farm, Hendricks Co. 4H Fairgrounds, Danville, IN. FMI: Jeff Hearon, 317-6947693, hchc4u@gmail.com. MARCH 26-27 — Patrick King Horsemanship Clinic, Feather Hill Stables, New Columbia, PA. FMI: 570-568-8222, BHall@Featherhills. com, www.pkhorsemanship.com. MARCH 27 — Barrel Night, Riverland Arena, Navarre, OH. FMI: 904-477-6019, www.riverlandarena.com. MARCH 28-APRIL 1 — MQHA Easter EggStravaganza, MSU Pavilion, East Lansing, MI. FMI: www.miquarterhorse. com. MARCH 29-APRIL 1 — Buckeye Reining Series Show, Champions Center, 4122 Laybourne Rd., Springfield, OH. FMI: www. buckeyereiningseries.com. MARCH 30-31 — The TrailMeister: Trail Riding & Horse Camping Basics, Smoke Rise Ranch & Resort, 6751 Hunterdon Rd., Glouster, OH. FMI: 740-767-2624, www. smokeriseranch.com. MARCH 30 & MARCH 31 — Shipshewana Wild Wild West Equestrian Variety Show, 7-9 p.m. each day, 455 E. Farver, Shipshewana, IN. FMI: 269-625-0364, www.shipshewanamerchandisemarket. com. MARCH 31 — Extreme Bull Riding & Barrel Racing, 6:30 p.m., Garwood Arena, Columbiana, OH. FMI: 330-921-8116. MARCH 31 — Confidence Building Clinic, Terry Myers Training Center, Ostrander, OH. FMI: 740-666-1162, www. TMTrainingCenter.com. MARCH 31 — Tack/Barn Sale hosted by Flatlanders Dressage & Combined Training Association, 9 a.m., 18380 Twp. Rd. 51, Bluffton, OH. FMI: www. flatlandersdressage.com. MARCH 31-APRIL 1 — Patrick King Horsemanship Clinic, Hillside Farm & Stables, Smicksburg, PA FMI: www. pkhorsemanship.com.

HORSEMEN’S CORRAL

MARCH 31-APRIL 1 — Your Inner Cowgirl Horsemanship & Cow Working Clinic with Trina Campbell, Meadowhaven Farm, Lexington, KY. FMI: Toby Cross, 734-6495067, cowgirlredd@gmail.com. APRIL 2018 APRIL 1 — Mounted Shooting Practice, Riverland Arena, Navarre, OH. FMI: 904477-6019, www.riverlandarena.com. APRIL 3 — Barrel Night, Riverland Arena, Navarre, OH. FMI: 904-477-6019, www. riverlandarena.com. APRIL 5-7 — Indiana Spring Classic Morgan Horse Show, Michiana Event Center, 455 E. Farver, Shipshewana, IN. FMI: www. facebook.com/IndianaMorganClassic APRIL 6-8 — 40th Annual Hoosier Horse Fair & Expo, Indiana State Fairgrounds, Indianapolis, IN. FMI: www. hoosierhorsefair.org. APRIL 6-8 — Dawn & Clea Panty Raid $15,000 Futurity Barrel Race, Champions Center, 4122 Laybourne Rd., Springfield, OH. FMI: www.otrroadie.com. APRIL 6-8 — Spring Tune-Up with Lynn Semingson, Smoke Rise Ranch & Resort, 6751 Hunterdon Rd., Glouster, OH. FMI: 740-767-2624, www.smokeriseranch.com. APRIL 7 — NKHN Bomb Proofing Clinic, 9 a.m., Halt N Salut Equestrian Center, 205 Bracht Piner Rd., Walton, KY FMI: Jim Mayer, 859-496-4976, jimwmayer@ yahoo.com, www.nkhn.info APRIL 7-8 — Spring Fling Trail Obstacle Challenge, Camp Creek State Park, Camp Creek, WV. FMI: 304-673-7629, wvcta@ aol.com. APRIL 10 — Barrel Night, Riverland Arena, Navarre, OH. FMI: 904-477-6019, www. riverlandarena.com. APRIL 12-15 — Equine Affaire, Ohio Expo Center, Columbus, OH. FMI: 740-8450085, info@equineaffaire.com, www. equineaffaire.com. APRIL 12-15 — Advance Cowgirl Bootcamp, Smoke Rise Ranch & Resort, 6751 Hunterdon Rd., Glouster, OH. FMI: 740767-2624, www.smokeriseranch.com. APRIL 12-16 — Madison Shambaugh Clinic & Meet The Zebras, Henry County Saddle Club, New Castle, IN. FMI: www. hcsaddleclub.com. APRIL 13 — Winter Team Sorting Series, Riverland Arena, Navarre, OH. FMI: Philip Mullet, 330-204-6012. APRIL 13-15 — Patrick King Horsemanship Clinic, Hidden Hollow Farm, Benton, PA. FMI: www.pkhorsemanship.com. APRIL 14 — Youth Clinic, Riverland Arena, Navarre, OH. FMI: 904-477-6019, www. riverlandarena.com. APRIL 14 — Buckeye Bonanza Open House & Sale Preview, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Ohio State Equine Facility, Dublin, OH. FMI: www.buckeyebonanza.osu.edu. APRIL 14-15 — Clark County 4-H Horse Show, Champions Center, 4122 Laybourne Rd., Springfield, OH. FMI: championsexpoohio@gmail.com. APRIL 14-15 — Beyond Horse Massage Weekend Seminar-Workshop, Kentucky Equine Humane Center, Nicholasville, KY. FMI: 859-881-5849, www.kyehc.org. APRIL 15 — NOO Clean Shooter Jackpot 2018, Riverland Arena, Navarre, OH. FMI: 904-477-6019, www.riverlandarena.com. APRIL 15 — Open Horse Show, Blue Lakes Farm, Newbury, OH. FMI: 440-564-7303, www.bluelakesfarm.net.

Please turn to page 24

February 2018

HORSEMENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CORRAL

Corral Calendar Continued from page 22 APRIL 16 — Patrick King Horsemanship Clinic, New Dawn Farm, New Brighton, PA. FMI: 412-289-1845, www.pkhorsemanship.com. APRIL 17 — Barrel Night, Riverland Arena, Navarre, OH. FMI: 904-477-6019, www. riverlandarena.com. APRIL 18-22 — IQHA Youth Show, C Bar C Arena, Cloverdale, IN. FMI: 765-714-4324, www.AnEquineProduction.com. APRIL 20 — Indoor Children Fun Series, 6-8:30 p.m., Camouflage Stables, 3249 SR 45 S, Salem, OH. FMI: www. camouflagestables.com. APRIL 20 — Winter Team Sorting Round Robin Buckle Series, Riverland Arena, Navarre, OH. FMI: Philip, 330-204-6012. APRIL 20-22 — Bring In The Spring Cattle Event, Smoke Rise Ranch & Resort, Glouster, OH. FMI: 740-767-2624, www. smokeriseranch.com. APRIL 20-22 — Ohio Half Arabian Horse Association Spring Show, Champions Center, Springfield, OH. FMI: 937-962-4336, cindy@cindyclinton.com, www.ohaha.org. APRIL 20-22 — Mid Ohio Dressage Spring I & II, Eden Park Equestrian Complex, Sunbury, OH. FMI: www.midohiodressage. org APRIL 21 — Winter Series Contest Show & “Beginners” Fun Show, Blue Lakes Farm, Newbury, OH. FMI: 440-564-7303, www. bluelakesfarm.net. APRIL 21 — NKHN Dressage Schooling Show & Enrichment Day, Alexandria Fairgrounds, Alexandria, KY. FMI: Jim Mayer, 859-496-4976, jimwmayer@ yahoo.com, www.nkhn.info

APRIL 21 — Reality Dreams Open Horse Show, 9 a.m., Lancaster Fairgrounds, 157 E. Fair Ave., Lancaster, OH. FMI: www. realitydreamshorseshows.com. APRIL 21-22 — New Shooter Clinic & Club Shoot (no CMSA points), Madison County Fairgrounds, London, OH. FMI: 740-2067214, midohiomarauders@gmail.com, www.midohiomarauders.com. APRIL 21-22 — MVHSA Youth Association Spring Show, 8 a.m., Circle G Arena, Lewisburg, OH. FMI: www.mhvsa.com. APRIL 24 — Barrel Night, Riverland Arena, Navarre, OH. FMI: 904-477-6019, www. riverlandarena.com. APRIL 26-29 — Westfall Horsemanship Foundation for a Lifetime Clinic, Loudonville area, OH. FMI: www. westfallhorsemanship.com. APRIL 26-29 — 2018 Kentucky Three-Day Event, Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington, KY. FMI: www.kentuckythreeday.com. APRIL 27-29 — Buckeye Reining Series Show, Champions Center, 4122 Laybourne Rd., Springfield, OH. FMI: www. buckeyereiningseries.com. APRIL 27-29 — MQHYA Spartan Spectacular, MSU Pavilion, East Lansing, MI. FMI: www.miquarterhorse.com. APRIL 28 — Spring Horse Sale, The University of Findlay, 14700 US Route 68, Findlay, OH. FMI: www. findlayequestrianevents.com. APRIL 28 — Reality Dreams Open Horse Show, 9 a.m., Lancaster Fairgrounds, 157 E. Fair Ave., Lancaster, OH. FMI: www. realitydreamshorseshows.com.

APRIL 28-29 — Ashland Paint & Plain Saddle Club Show, 9 a.m., Ashland County Fairgrounds, 2042 Claremont Ave., Ashland, OH. FMI: Chunk Watts, 330-3170945, www.ashlandpaintandplain.com. APRIL 28-29 — Michigan State Pinto Breeders & Owners Show, 8 a.m., Shiawassee County Fairgrounds, Corunna, MI. FMI: www.mspbo.org. APRIL 29 — Winter Fun Show Series, Sapphire Sky Stables, 6810 Barrett Road, Geneva, OH. FMI: 440-813-9478. APRIL 29 — Windfall Farm Horse Show, 6898 Wes Curt Lane, Goshen, OH. FMI: 513-6803690, www.windfallfarmhorseshows.com. APRIL 29 — Kimberton Hunt Club 73rd Annual Horse Show, Ludwig’s Corner, Glenmoore, PA. FMI: www.kimbertonhunt. org. MAY 2018 MAY 1 — Barrel Night, Riverland Arena, Navarre, OH. FMI: 904-477-6019, www. riverlandarena.com. MAY 4-6 — Ohio Paint Horse Club Buckeye Extravaganza, Champions Center, 4122 Laybourne Rd., Springfield, OH. FMI: www.ophc.org. MAY 4-6 — NKHN Annual Trail Ride/ Campout, Midwest Trail Ride, Norman, IN. FMI: Jim Mayer, 859-496-4976, jimwmayer@yahoo.com, www.nkhn.info MAY 5 — Buckeye Jackpot Dressage Show with Western Dressage, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Eden Park Equestrian Complex, Sunbury, OH. FMI: www.buckeyeequestrianevents.com. MAY 5 — The Kentucky Derby, Churchill Downs, Louisville, KY. FMI: www. kentuckyderby.com. MAY 5 — Scavenger Hunt on Horseback, The Flying W Ranch, Tionesta, PA. FMI: 814-316-1064. MAY 5-6 — PtHAO Spring Fling Show, Findlay University Western Farm, 14700 US Route 68, Findlay, OH. FMI: Megan Herner, 419-681-0133, herner7@yahoo. com, www.ohiopinto.com. MAY 5-6 — Tracey Morgan Clinic sponsored by MCDA, Windrush Farm, Metamora, MI. FMI: www.metamoracarriagedriving.org. MAY 5-6 — Windfall Farm Horse Show, 6898 Wes Curt Lane, Goshen, OH. FMI: 513-6803690, www.windfallfarmhorseshows.com.

MAY 5-6 — Kentucky Derby/Straight Away Racing, Smoke Rise Ranch & Resort, 6751 Hunterdon Rd., Glouster, OH. FMI: 740767-2624, www.smokeriseranch.com. MAY 6 — Open Horse Show, Blue Lakes Farm, Newbury, OH. FMI: 440-564-7303, www.bluelakesfarm.net. MAY 6 — Reality Dreams Open Horse Show, 9 a.m., Lancaster Fairgrounds, 157 E. Fair Ave., Lancaster, OH. FMI: www. realitydreamshorseshows.com. MAY 8 — Barrel Night, Riverland Arena, Navarre, OH. FMI: 904-477-6019, www. riverlandarena.com. MAY 9-10 — Patrick King Horsemanship Clinic, Straight Up Stables, Nottingham, PA. FMI: 717-278-8374, www.pkhorsemanship. com. MAY 10-13 — All American Youth Horse Show, Ohio Expo Center, Columbus, OH. FMI: 614-620-9784, youthhorseshow@ gmail.com, www.aayhshow.com. MAY 11-13 — Ohio American Saddlebred Pleasure Horse Association Heartland Classic Horse Show, Champions Center, Springfield, OH. FMI: www.oaspha.net. MAY 11-12 — Mid-Ohio Marauders Club Fun Shoot (no CMSA points) & Bubba Shot The Balloon I CMSA Shoot, Madison County Fairgrounds, London, OH. FMI: 740206-7214, www.midohiomarauders.com. MAY 11-13 — SOQHA Challenge, World Equestrian Center, Wilmington, OH. FMI: www.oqha.com. MAY 12 — Knox County Horse Park Fun Show, 12 p.m., 7360 Thayer Road, Mt. Vernon, OH. Rain Date: May 19. FMI: Courtney, 740-973-3059, www. knoxcountyhorsepark.com. MAY 12 — Winter Series Contest Show & “Beginners” Fun Show, Blue Lakes Farm, Newbury, OH. FMI: 440-564-7303, www. bluelakesfarm.net. MAY 12-13 — Michigan State Pinto Breeders & Owners Show, 8 a.m., Shiawassee County Fairgrounds, Corunna, MI. FMI: www.mspbo.org. MAY 12-13 — TSQHA The Show With A View, Harlansburg Showgrounds, New Castle, PA. FMI: info@tsqha.com, www. tsqha.com.

Email your Equine Event to michelle@thehorsemenscorral.com to be included in the Corral Calendar.

HORSEMEN’S CORRAL

February 2018

Sponsored by Horsemen’s Corral, OQHA, IMTCA, Schneiders, and Western Rustique

3D When: WEEKE June 14-17, 2018 ND I N JUNE! Where: Creek Side Horse Park Elson Street Waynesburg, Ohio Cost: $99 per person $180 per couple R

Facilities • Tie Lines available. Portable corrals allowed • Awesome Horse Trails • Primitive camping • Pavilion • Top of the line IMTCA Trail Challenge Course

Weekend Includes:

NEW VENUE! 3-Day Trail Challenge * High Point Belt Buckle * High Point Awards * IMTCA Certified IMTCA Judge Kelly Chapman

• 8 all you can eat home cooked meals • 2 Trail Rides on OQHA is donating Friday and Saturday $1000 Added Monies • Saturday evening for Saturday Challenge! entertainment All proceeds will go to • Silent Auction, Raffles, Ohio's Youth! 50/50’s (Awesome stuff you won’t want to miss!) • Free Giveaways Thursday Night and so much more! 2018 Jim

$25 Trail Challenge entry or $20 for 2 or more entries (same rider/same day) Contact: Cynthia Bauman 330-323-3559 CreeksideHorsePark@gmail.com Todd Salome, OQHA 740-485-8017 More Information & Reservation Forms: www.OQHA.com www.CreekSideHorsePark.com Pre-register by May 25 & Receive a FREE T-Shirt!

Wells Memorial Trail Challenge

Come join us for our Annual Trail Challenge on Saturday! Test you and your horses abilities and go through our challenging trail course. $1000 added monies! All types of horses are welcome to join our Trail Challenge. OQHA will be awarding High Point for all OQHA members for all 3 days of competing on top of the Creek Side Horse Park High Point.

c MAY 19 & 20, 2018 • 9 A.M. i n i l C 0 May 2 ut! IMTCA Trail Course Clinic O d l So with Kelly Chapman Visit www.creeksidehorsepark.com for more details! February 2018

HORSEMEN’S CORRAL

TrailMeister

Where the Wild Things Are by Robert Eversole, TrailMeister.com

ast August in Idaho a woman was attacked by a bear. For weeks afterward, local newspapers printed page upon page about the encounter, warning their readers that dangerous animals were prowling the countryside. What if you were planning a ride or a horse camping trip when you read about this attack? Would you stay home, take extra precautions, or venture elsewhere? The great counterweight to the lure of the outdoors is the fear of the unknown. What if the weather turns for the worse? What if my horse acts up? What if I become lunch for a grizzly? Here’s the hard truth. Most people spend entirely too much time and energy worrying about menacing—but low-chance threats like bears, cougars, and wolves, and not nearly enough thought concerning themselves with the dull and common dangers like bees, blisters, and hypothermia. To confirm this theory, take a quick test. How many times have you been mauled by a bear or a mountain lion? Now compare that figure with the number of times you’ve forgotten a piece of tack, dealt with an unruly horse, or encountered bees on a ride. One reason that riders and campers worry about the wrong things is largely the fault of the media, and writers like me. Adding the phrase “When Grizzlies Attack!” to a title sells more magazine copies, even

if your chance of having a stand-off with a bear is much less than that of having a winning lotto ticket magically appear in your saddle bags. I’m not suggesting that you ignore potential threats like bears, wolves, and cats, but to drop them a few rungs down the worry list. Obviously, if you’re riding or camping in an active bear area, take sensible precautions like making noise, bear-bagging your food, and avoiding huckleberry thickets. But don’t fixate so much on these critters that you spook at every rustle of the leaves, or even worse, fail to enjoy the ride and the trip. It all comes back to the most important outdoor skill anyone can practice: common sense. Ignoring the hysteria can be hard to do and less than exciting. On rides with my wife I’ve been guilty of pointing into the forest and reminding her that there are undoubtedly creatures watching us as they sulk in the darkness. For some reason Celeste doesn’t seem to appreciate my wickedly keen sense of observation. Here’s a few words to the wise. Firstly, don’t alarm your wife, husband, riding partner, or others with tall tales of the abundance of apex predators. Secondly, prioritize your outdoor concerns with the help of these two lists. 1. Pay More Attention to These… • Ensure that you and your animals are in shape and condition for trail riding. 610,000 people die each year from heart disease. When I get off and walk it’s because I need some exercise, not because I’m having a moment. • Desensitize your horse to scary situations you may encounter on the trail; such as hikers and bicycles, in a safe environment, such as an arena. • Wear a helmet. Using data from the National Trauma Databank between 2003 and 2012, researchers found that equestrian sports contributed to the highest percentage of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) for adults. • Keep bugs away by applying a DEET-based insect repellant. According to the World Health Organization, in 2016 there were 94 deaths from the mosquito borne West Nile Virus. And over 600,000 people die each year after being bitten by mosquitoes bearing the deadly malaria parasite. • Have an emergency plan in case a ride becomes ‘eventful.’ • The non-human creatures that cause more American deaths than any other are bees and wasps. In a typical year, nearly 100 US deaths are caused by bee stings. This number is probably underestimated, as some bee sting deaths are erroneously attributed to heart attacks, sun stroke and other causes. FAST FACT—Though bees take the crown as America’s most lethal animal, they are not naturally aggressive creatures, and when they attack, they do so in defense against a perceived threat. The key to avoiding bee stings is to steer clear of hives and nests. 2. Worry Less About These… • Bears—Black and grizzly bears have been responsible for 48 fatalities over the past 20 years. Compare that to the 40,200 traffic deaths recorded in 2016 alone. • Wolves—These wild canids are much less lethal than man’s best ‘friends’ which kill 30-40 people every year. Since 1900 wolves have been responsible for a total of four deaths in North America. • Mountain Lions/Cougars—There have been 25 cougar fatalities in the 127 years since records have been kept on the subject. Compare that to the 262 rodent spread hantavirus deaths since 1993. Next month we’ll discuss preparing for your first backcountry horse camping trip. Until then visit www.TrailMeister.com for the largest and most comprehensive guide to horse trails, horse camps, and the tips and knowledge to enjoy them! In February, you’ll also find me teaching the tips and tricks of trail riding at clinics in Idaho and Tennessee. Check the website for details. 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.

HORSEMEN’S CORRAL

February 2018

2018 Schedule CMSA (Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association) is one of the fastest growing and most exciting equestrian sports in America. It combines elements of exhibition shooting with the skills of barrel racing, pole bending and reining, while using two .45 caliber single-action revolvers loaded with black-powder blanks. The object is to shoot 10 balloon targets while riding through a variety of challenging courses. It is a timed sport, where the competitor who rides the fastest with the least amount of missed balloon target wins. It is a family oriented sport for all ages dedicated to keeping our Western heritage alive.

Any questions or interested in joining the Lake Erie Mounted Vaqueros contact Dave and Karen Davis at (330) 719-3290.

Shoots start at 10 a.m.

(except for July, start time is 9 a.m.)

Ashtabula County Fairgrounds 107 Poplar Street, Jefferson, OH 44047

JUNE 16 & 17

10 Year Anniversary of the Vaqueros I & II

JULY 21 & 22

The Glory Guys I & II

AUGUST 25 & 26

The Wild Bunch I & II

SEPTEMBER 29 & 30 Ellen Politzer Memorial Shoot I & II

Sponsored by: BIG DEE’S for all your vet and tack supplies • CMSA • LONESOME PINE AMMO • STAGECOACH WEST UNCLE JIMMY’S BRAND PRODUCTS • HORSEMEN’S CORRAL • WENDY SHAFFER, MMCP (Massage therapy for horses) FAMILY FARM & HOME STORE, Warren, OH • CARLY SCAPERATO STEEL ROSE FARRIER SERVICES • KD GOWINS PHOTOGRAPHY PARK SIDE TRAILER SALES & SERVICES, INC. • PUEBLO REAL MEXICAN RESTAURANT • TRUMBULL LOCKER February 2018

HORSEMEN’S CORRAL

Ride In Sync

Always Room for Improvement by Terry Myers I am continually trying to find ways to improve my skills and knowledge. Over the years I have found horseman that I knew I wanted to learn from and found ways to do that; whether it was learning from my mentor Wayne Allen, riding in an expo clinic with Eric Horgan (Olympic medalist), Al Dunning, or Dale Livingston, or attending a cattle clinic with Richard Winters. I have always watched and studied the professional trainers that I most admired. Seeking out equine professionals that represent the training methodology and style of riding that you like is an important way to improve your horsemanship skills. When you want help with your horse and your pocket book can’t afford to hire a trainer for six months, your options are books/ videos, lessons and/or clinics. If you are a good reader and independent studier, books and videos can be very helpful. Even better, if you have a friend that you

can share your resources with and then ride together, your friend’s eyes can help you understand if you are accomplishing the instruction explained in the book/ video. The problem here is that the expertise shown in the book or video may get lost in translation once you are working with your horse. You may be forgetting or misinterpreting a small piece of the lesson that will give you a different result. That is where having the live resource there with you can make the difference between accomplishment and total frustration. If you find a good riding teacher in your barn or close by, frequent and routine lessons (at least once a week, twice is better) can be a great way to improve your skills. Most lessons are an hour or so and can help you slowly and steadily build your skills. Having that set of teacher’s eyes on you can help not only build skills but help you avoid lapsing back into old bad habits. Make the most of your instruction time by making sure that you and your horse

are ready to start to work at the beginning of your lesson time. If you discontinue lessons or move your horse to a different barn, be sure to maintain the good riding habits that the lessons taught you. If you start having problems, analyze your riding to make sure that you are not the problem. In my opinion, the disadvantage of lessons compared to clinics is that you usually don’t have the big breakthroughs in an hour lesson time slot. When you ride in a clinic, you are usually riding anywhere from 5-7 hours in a day. I find that in the first hour, both riders and horses are warming up and getting the edge worked off. They are getting in a mode to really get down to work. The real improvements and developmental breakthroughs usually happen in the afternoon of the second clinic day. I know that the initial cost of a clinic may seem overwhelming when you are looking at your financial horse budget, but break the cost down to a per hour basis and compare that to the cost of lessons. You will usually find that clinics have the financial advantage. There are things you need to think about when trying to get the most for your clinic dollar. Ask how many will be attending the clinic to be sure that you can receive the attention you need. Understand the full cost of the clinic, including costs for stalls, your overnight accommodations and your meals. Choose an instructor or clinician that you admire their knowledge and the way they teach. Have you ever met a great horseman who can train a horse to do amazing things but can’t teach people? A good clinician cannot only ride and train horses, but they can explain the ‘hows and whys’ in a way that is understandable and inspiring. A good way to find out if a clinician is a good teacher is to go audit a clinic. Your audit fee investment is minimal, you should learn some new skills to try at home and you will find out if you want to make the investment to ride in a clinic with that clinician. When auditing or riding in a clinic, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Whether while you are on your horses back or sitting down to lunch, ask those questions and pick the clinician’s brain about things. You have hired that clinician to teach you

HORSEMEN’S CORRAL

Terry Myers skills, but be sure that you take advantage of the opportunity to learn them. A really good scenario is to bring a friend, whether to ride or to audit. You can be each other’s eyes and ears when you go home, to help apply what you learned in the clinic. If you’re riding in your first clinic, ask yourself if both you and your horse are physically ready to ride for several hours. Don’t pull your horse out of the pasture after 6 months off and expect them to be able to ride all day in a clinic. When you enroll in a clinic, spend time getting both you and your horse in shape. Also, be aware that you will be riding in a group of horses. Do you have the control necessary to navigate your horse while riding with several other horses? Again, understanding the number of riders in the clinic will tell you how much of a challenge this could be for you. Whether you seek instruction in lessons or in clinics, find an exceptional and inspiring trainer who trains in a discipline and a style that matches your goals. Just like horses, no one trainer/ clinician is exactly like another. When you find one that you like and who teaches in a way that is compatible with your learning style, stick with that person to learn as much as you can before you seek instruction from someone else. One final thing to remember… horses don’t make mistakes, people do. By constantly trying to improve your knowledge, you will improve your chances of having a successful partnership with your horse and reach your equine goals. 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-InSync methods as well as clinic and training services available, visit Myers at www.tmtrainingcenter. com or on Facebook. February 2018

Geauga Horse and Pony Association

2018 Show Dates on Website PRESIDENT, Niki Barry; TREASURER, Shauna Gingrich; SECRETARY, Elaine Sonnie. WEBSITE, www. ghpa.us

by Paige Belew The banquet committee has kicked it into high gear and are working on making the 30th banquet the best it can be. Please turn in you reservations as soon as possible to guarantee you have a spot. This year we are again asking for donations for the 30th Annual Awards Banquet. Members can donate a basket to earn two volunteer hours. Businesses are also able to donate. If your business would like to donate please contact us by the information on the GHPA website. The GHPA show dates for the 2018 show season are posted on the website. They are: May 27, June 10, June 24, July 8, July 22, and Aug. 5. We hope to see you at the first show! YOUTH SPOTLIGHT Maria Wells has been showing GHPA for seven years as a youth and will be moving up to our open adult classes this show season. She shows her 8 year old American Quarter Horses Silently Invited and Louie, in showmanship, horsemanship, equitation, western pleasure, and hunter under saddle. Maria has been riding since she was 9 when her parents bought her first horse and has loved it ever since. She says that riding gave her a lot of confidence and responsibility growing up and now it gives her a relaxing activity while she is at college. Maria loves showing GHPA because of the wonderful environment. “I have met so many wonderful friends who share the same love for horses that I have. The thing that I love the most about GHPA is everyone encourages and helps one another,” she says. Maria has many awards she is proud of, including: Many top fives and tens at the All American Youth Horse Show, class end of the year highpoints in GHPA, and highpoint awards from many show circuits. She also received scholarships from GHPA and AAYHS. This year she won youth English and western showmanship and youth English equitation in GHPA. This year February 2018

Maria Wells and Silently Invited. she is excited to be moving up to the adult division and growing as a team with Louie. Good luck this year Maria! As always, GHPA would like to thank Big Dee’s Tack and Schneider’s Saddlery for their generous support of our organization. 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 & Pony Assoc.; Twitter: @GHPAhorseshows; Instagram: GHPAhorseshows. HORSEMEN’S CORRAL

Does My Horse Need a Ration Balancer? by Nettie Liburt, PhD, PAS

Senior Equine Nutrition Manager Mars Horsecare US/BUCKEYE® Nutrition

e all know and love them—the chunky pony, the air fern, the easy keeper. I have had occasion to tell a horse owner to stop feeding concentrates to some of these horses. I get gasps (from the humans), who respond, “I have to feed him grain or he’ll tear the barn down!” or, “He’ll starve!” No, he won’t starve if you are feeding good quality hay and a ration balancer. And, a ration balancer will make that door-kicking horse feel like he’s getting some grain, even though he’s not. Read on to find out why!

Nutrients, Not Calories

First of all, what is a ration balancer? It looks like a grain concentrate, typically in pellet form, but it is really a concentrated vitamin, mineral and protein supplement that is low in calories and sugar. It is designed to balance a forage-based or low-grain diet. Think of a ration balancer as the equine equivalent of a multivitamin a human would take. The feeding rate on a good quality ration balancer is low, and depends on the horse’s (or pony’s) ideal body weight and how the manufacturer formulated the product. It’s an excellent option for ensuring a horse’s nutrient needs are being met, without adding excessive calories and even helping to manage weight. But that’s not all. Some horses get some grain, but the amount of grain they get may be below the manufacturer’s recommendations. When a feed company designs and manufactures a given product, that product is fortified with vitamins and minerals. The product is designed to be fed to a horse at a certain rate. For example, typical feeding directions might say to provide ½ a pound of the product for every 100 pounds the horse or pony weighs. For a 1,000 pound horse, in this example, this equates to 5 pounds of feed. In this way, a horse’s minimum daily vitamin and mineral needs are being met while providing extra energy (calories) and protein. What if that horse only gets 2 pounds of that feed but is maintaining weight just fine? The horse isn’t getting the full value of the vitamin and mineral package in the feed product and may be missing some nutrients. A ration balancer can be added to fill in the gaps without adding excess energy the horse doesn’t need. But what about the hay?

Forage First

Taking a step back, remember that horses evolved eating small, forage-only meals all day long. Doesn’t hay and pasture provide everything a horse needs? In some cases, where pasture is plentiful and well-managed, it probably does. However, I know plenty of horse owners that don’t have such a luxury. Maybe some pasture is available, but in winter, these lucky folks need to supplement with hay. Even the best quality hay will start to lose vitamins once it is harvested from the field. If one is buying hay to last all winter, by the time one reaches the end of that supply, there isn’t much in the way of vitamins left. For these and other reasons, a ration balancer is still a wise recommendation for horses on forage-only diets. Ration balancers will ensure that your horse’s vitamin, mineral, and amino acid needs are being met, regardless of what may be missing nutrient-wise in the hay or pasture.

Protein and Amino Acids

I mentioned amino acids, so let’s delve into that a bit. Amino acids are the ‘letters’ of the alphabet that make up the ‘words’ that are proteins. There are many different combinations of letters that make up many different proteins. In fact, protein is the second most abundant part of the body, the first being water. The protein content of hay can vary depending on the species of grass, stage of maturity at harvest, soil nutrient content, time of year, time of harvest, etc. A laboratory hay analysis can give you a true picture of what is in a particular batch of hay, but is not always a practical thing to do. Recently, I had a hay sample analyzed for a customer who was concerned about the quality of the hay being fed to her horse. While the hay was providing plenty of protein, or so it seemed, it was not providing enough of the essential amino acid, lysine. Without lysine, optimal production of other proteins can’t be made in the 30

body. When I added BUCKEYE® Nutrition’s ration balancer, GRO ‘N WIN™ to the horse’s diet, we were able to restore the lysine requirements, improve the vitamin and mineral profile, and balance out the diet.

Too Much Protein?

Keeping with the discussion of protein, ration balancers, such as GRO ‘N WIN™, are often high in protein (GRO ‘N WIN™ contains 32 percent crude protein). I am often asked if that is simply too much protein, and the answer is a definitive, “No!” Remember to consider the horse’s entire diet. GRO ‘N WIN™ is fed at a much lower rate than a grain concentrate, but is a more robust source of nutrients. Here’s an example: An 1,100 pound horse at maintenance requires 630 grams of crude protein per day. It is recommended that a horse in this class consumes 1.5-2 pounds of GRO ‘N WIN™ per day, along with approximately 2 percent body weight of good quality hay (about 22 pounds hay). 1 pound GRO ‘N WIN™ = 454 grams GRO ‘N WIN™ 454 grams GRO ‘N WIN™ x 32 percent crude protein = 145 grams crude protein in 1 pound GRO ‘N WIN™ 145 grams crude protein x 2 pounds GRO ‘N WIN™ = 290 grams crude protein Two pounds of GRO ‘N WIN™ supplies 290 grams of crude protein, just under half of the horse’s daily needs. The remainder of crude protein needed should be supplied by forage in this case.

Special Considerations

Ration balancers can also be quite suitable for horses who suffer from polysaccharide storage myopathy (PSSM) or other forms of tying up, insulin-resistant horses and horses with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID, or Equine Cushing’s Syndrome). These horses need proper nutritional support, but their diets need to be carefully controlled with special attention paid to limiting starches and sugars. Similarly, horses with hyperkalemic periodic paralysis, or HYPP, also need special diets with limited potassium. A ration balancer may be part of a balanced diet for these horses as well.

Summary

Ration balancers can help to ensure horses in a wide variety of nutrition situations are properly nourished. The horse that doesn’t need grain can still feel like he’s getting something in his feed bucket, and the overweight horse on a restricted diet will still receive sufficient nutrients without extra calories as part of a healthy weight loss program. A qualified equine nutritionist can help you determine if a ration balancer should be part of your horse’s diet, and help ensure all nutrient needs are being met. Happy riding! ABOUT BUCKEYE® NUTRITION Headquartered in Dalton, Ohio, BUCKEYE® 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™.

HORSEMEN’S CORRAL

February 2018

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Kelly Ward ~ Acquiring Feel ~ Learning Body Control ~ Creating a Soft & Supple Horse

HORSEMANSHIP

CLINIC

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2-Day Clinic

CLINIC COST: $400 STALLS & SHAVINGS INCLUDED FREE FOOD & DRINKS RV HOOK UP AVAILABLE February 2018

Performance PerformanceHorses Horses 4330 Butterbridge Rd. North Lawrence, OH 44666

HORSEMENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CORRAL

(330)416-1096 www.OhioLazyLRanch.com 31

Westfall Horsemanship

by Stacy Westfall Do you ride in the winter? Your answer probably hinges on two things; the weather or access to an indoor arena. In February of 2016, I rode about 30 miles on the trails in Mohican State Park, in Loudonville, Ohio. I’m blessed to also have an indoor arena so even on the days when the trails are not safe I have the option of riding. Still, I recognize that I don’t ride as much in the winter as I do in the summer. And I’m OK with that. One thing that I missed when we were living on the road was the ‘excuse’ for downtime. It became obvious to me that, for some reason, I felt I needed an excuse. Why did I think that way? I’m sure I could list many reasons, but the most obvious to me was a seed that had

been planted in my mind, “If the power within you IF I’m not working hard, I’m you can learn to dream doing something wrong.” with all of your senses. Apparently, snow storms If this is a new or extremely cold weather concept for you in goal provide an excellent excuse setting…I’ll bet you have for downtime. ‘accidentally’ done it As we traveled from warm before. Have you ever weather to warm weather, started thinking about and to more warm weather something, maybe a (OK, it was amazing…) I food like pizza, and then also realized I missed the found that you couldn’t changing of the seasons. stop? The thought would Stacy planning on the I missed winter. sneak in…you can smell computer. Photo credit: I missed the excuse to sit the cheese, your favorite Corzatt Photography. on the couch with a blanket sauce, and your favorite during a storm. I missed how toppings too! Pause cozy the house felt after a few hours outside right now and imagine a food you love. in the barn. I missed fuzzy horses doing How specific is your description? When crazy things because THEY liked the cold. I imagine my favorite pizza it is specific, I never imagined I would miss the cold, even down to the restaurant it comes from. although I had never considered all the That is how your dreams and goals should things that come along with it. be. The power is in the vision because, I also like the changing of seasons, let’s face it when you dream of a food that not just the weather-related seasons of specifically, how long does it take before winter, spring, summer and fall, but you are eating it? Our minds are powerfully the others too. A season of rest, a good at helping us get what we really want. season of excitement, a season Let me be even more specific. of long days, and a season of Your dreams can be big. They can be thankfulness. anything you are willing to work toward, Little did I know that when I even if you don’t know how to get there. walked away from the physical Let’s pretend that your goal is to ride like the seasons, I would struggle with boy in the Black Stallion movie, bareback the mental seasons. I didn’t and bridleless. I highly recommend that you realize that in the depths do NOT start there. You would take that of winter, I dreamed of goal and break it down into much, much summer and all I could smaller goals. The black stallion ride on the do. And that when the deep beach might be the dream, the goal that you cold came I would pull out can imagine in great detail might be: learn my planner and move my to sit the trot while riding bareback without dreams onto my calendar, using the reins or mane for balance. carefully charting my first Did you hear how specific that was? Can show, my major goals, the you imagine sitting on your horse bareback end of the season. I didn’t to the point that you can feel it? Can you realize the power of longing. imagine the contact you would have? Can Right now, in your head, you imagine using the mane to balance? pause and think about that Can you imagine loosening your grip on the ride you want to take in July. mane a little? Can you smell the horse? Are Can you smell the warm you breathing or holding your breath while leather? The heat? The tall you are imagining this? grass? The warm horse? This is the level of goal setting that is The sun on your arm? The needed to bring a dream to life. My challenge to you is this. Write down cool air when you ride your dream. Write down your goals on your under the trees? calendar. If you want to share them, email I can. And that is me at westfallhorsemanship@gmail.com. I more important than have a folder full of them. There is power most folks realize. in both writing and speaking your dreams. This time of year One last thing. During the next many of us are coming snowstorm, if that excuse will help you to terms with what is make time, pause before you binge watch left of our New Years another TV show and take a moment to Resolutions. Or maybe you dream your goals in full color. Hollywood skipped making them at all this year. isn’t the only place where dreams come Many people have given up, unsure true. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go how to make a resolution stick. My order a pizza. challenge to you is this: YOU have HORSEMEN’S CORRAL

February 2018

Flatlanders Dressage & Combined Training Association, Inc.

Tack/Barn Sale Scheduled for End of March PRESIDENT, Dianne Foltz; VICE PRESIDENT, Pat Boutwell; TREASURER, Mary Lou Paxton; SECRETARY, Shelley Zwiebel. WEBSITE, www.flatlandersdressage.com

by Heather Bonifas Happy New Year my fellow equestrians. As we kick off another year, let us take a moment to reflect on the last. What were your victories both big and small, and special moments? Were there gatherings, shows or just some delightfully quiet moments with your fourlegged friends? Possibly, were

there challenges that had to be faced or even hardships? Did you learn something new? Count your blessings; it all happens for a reason, whether you understand it or not. Looking forward last night, Jan. 9, 2018 (how many times will we forget and write 2017?) the Flatlanders Dressage Club gathered for our annual budget meeting. Not only did we hash out the numbers for the coming year, we covered many new and exciting possible programs and learning opportunities. This discussion was led by our intrepid president, Dianne Foltz. Camp, clinics, scholarships and show schedules were tentatively penciled in our calendars, much of which can be found on our

Sarah Deitch on Isa. website (flatlandersdressage.com) or on Facebook. One special activity I want to mention is the Tack/Barn Sale hosted by the generous Pat Boutwell in Bluffton, Ohio. Please plan to attend Saturday, March 31 starting at 9 a.m. Come hungry for nice tack and good deals! Address: Boutwell,

Reba (left) and her rider Sarah Deitch. Kiss (right)and rider Lauren Dougal. 18380 Twp. Rd. 51, Bluffton, Ohio 45817. We were all excited to meet new members, see ‘old’ friends, and share stories and insights for the coming season. God bless ‘til next time.

Knox County Horse Park

Now is the Time to Renew Your Membership PRESIDENT, Ken Niner VICE PRESIDENT, Travis Ross & Pete Ferris; TREASURER, Pam Niner SECRETARY, Courtney Letts PHONE, 740/973-3059; WEBSITE, www.knoxcountyhorsepark.com

Winter is in full swing. We here in Ohio had a White Christmas and I know that I was happy. I know some of our members have continued to brave the cold and snow and have still been riding. I applaud all of you who have been riding and showed up for the parades held in December. I hope everyone and their equine friends are staying warm. If you missed the January article or just need a reminder I am excited to announce that our 2018 show schedule has been completed and approved by our trustees. MAY 12 — Fun Show, Noon. Rain date is May 19. JUNE 9 — Poker Run, Noon. Rain date is June 16. JULY 8 — Cowboy Challenge, Noon. Rain date is July 15. AUG. 4 — Cowboy vs Cowgirl Challenge, Noon. AUG. 19 — Driving Day, Noon. SEPT. 8 — Fredericktown Tomato Parade. SEPT. 9 — All Horse Parade. SEPT. 15 — Fun Show, time to still be determined. Rain date is Sept. 22. SEPT. 29 — Tortoise/Hare Event, Noon. Rain date is Sept. 30. February 2018

OCT. 6 — Copper Horse Crusade, 10 a.m. Rain date is Oct. 7. OCT. 20 — Halloween Fun Show, start time is still to be determined. Rain date is Oct. 27.

I look forward to seeing you at our shows this year. Remember to dress warm and keep your

It is going to be another fun and busy year at the horse park. Please watch the Corral articles in the months to come and our webpage and Facebook page to see the showbills. If you have not renewed your membership for 2018 now is the time to do so. You can get a membership application at our business meetings or email me at kchpknoxcountyhorsepark@ yahoo.com and I will send you one. We are always welcoming new members to our club. If you would like to learn more about the horse park and where we are located please feel free to contact me, I would love to tell you more about us. We will still have our monthly meetings on the first Saturday of the month with a potluck at 6:30 p.m., meeting to follow at 7 p.m. Watch our Facebook page or your email to find the location of the meeting during the winter months. A reminder, our webpage is www.knoxcountyhorsepark.com and our Facebook page is KCHP (Knox County Horse Park). You can also email me with any questions or comments you may have.

equine friends safe and warm this winter. ~Courtney Letts

2018 Loudonville, Ohio Clinic Schedule At every clinic you’ll learn the theories behind horse training and how to put your knowledge to work.

Foundation for a Lifetime Clinic Dates:

April 26-29 June 14-17 July 19-22 August 9-12 Custom Advanced Clinics available, visit website for more information!

www.westfallhorsemanship.com

HORSEMEN’S CORRAL

Great Lakes Appaloosa Club

High Point Year-End Award Winners Posted on the Website PRESIDENT, Todd Michael; VICE PRESIDENT, Patty McCartin; TREASURER, Patty Nye; SECRETARY, Melanie Dzek; CLUB WEBSITE, www.GLApHC.com

by Chuck Schroeder Hello everyone! I hope you are enjoying the nice winter weather! Riding and working with your horses might be a little difficult! Congratulations to all the High point year-end award winners. Your hard work has been

rewarded! A complete list of GLApHC Champions, Reserve Champions in Non Pro, Youth and Open are on the clubs website. Check it out. Membership forms and nomination forms for riders and horses are also on the website. There are family and couple discounts. Members will receive the Horsemen’s Corral, be able to qualify for year-end awards for their horses and themselves and family members. I encourage all of you to join the National Appaloosa Horse Club so you and your horses can qualify for national points and awards.

Members will also receive the monthly Appaloosa Journal. A big thank you goes out to our President Todd Michael for serving on the ApHC board of directors for many years as vice president and the chair of several committees. Your work and hours spent promoting the Appaloosa breed and serving the membership is appreciated! Dates of events coming up you may want to attend: Our Swap meet at University of Findlay Western Farm on Feb. 18 (8 a.m. to 2 p.m.), Michigan Horse Expo March 9, 10 and 11 at the MSU Livestock Pavilion, East

Lansing, Mich., Equine Affaire in Columbus, Ohio, April 12-15 and the Quad-A-Rama Appaloosa Show May 19-20 at the University of Findlay’s Western Farm. Breeding season is here! Check out the stallions listed in the Appaloosa Journal. There are some outstanding stallions to select from. If any of you have news of any kind that you want members to be informed about please send it to tmcowboy@aol.com, so Todd can post it on our website. See you at the Swap Meet!

Ohio State Buckskin Association

Dates for 2018 Announced PRESIDENT, Carmen KellenbargerPorter; VICE PRESIDENT, Ben Grandstaff; SECRETARY, Brianne Mathews; TREASURER, Meg Powell PHONE, 740/403-4551 WEBSITE, www.ohiobuckskins.org

by Carmen Kellenbarger-Porter The January 6 awards banquet was a huge success. A special thank you to everyone that could make the trip and brave the cold, at least the roads were clear for everyone. Mother Nature was good to us. It is all about the good food, good friends and good memories. Congratulations

to all the winners. I don’t think anyone went home empty handed and what a silent auction! Thanks to everyone who brought item(s) for the auction; we certainly had some nice items and a good time bidding on them. We will also have another silent auction at both shows. Don’t forget to put those items in the trailer, bring them to the entry office and have a good time bidding again! Congratulations to Gary and Cheryl Brown who won the 50/50! We filled all the directors positions that were emptied. Thank you to everyone who volunteered their time to do this. Our next meeting will be posted on our website. Don’t forget to renew your membership this year, the form is on our website. Here are some dates to put on your calendars for 2018. Scholarship entries are due by March 1, for more information contact Tamie at 419/253-2048. IBHA Convention is March 14-17 in Milwaukee, Wisc., more information can be found on the IBHA website. Trail Riding entries are due April 30 and High Point entries are due before your first Ohio show—both forms are on our website. We also have a new sponsor form on the website so if you would like to be a sponsor, sponsor a class or a class In Memory of someone or if you have any questions please contact me at 740/877-1910 or Meg Powell at 419/889-8015. Sponsors will enjoy recognition on our website, www.buckskins. org, and Facebook pages and daily announcements are made on behalf of the sponsors during the horse shows. We are looking for monetary donations in addition to

HORSEMEN’S CORRAL

products that can be used as awards, prizes and given out to the exhibitors as gifts. Our 2018 queen Kenzie Goddard will also have her sponsor form on the website if you would like to help support her for the world show. OSBA show dates for 2018 are May 26-28 and July 7-8 at Eden Park in Sunbury, Ohio. For stall/ camping RSVPs call me at 740/877-1910—they are filling up quickly. Take a look at the showbill, we have something for everyone! You don’t have to be a buckskin either. The IBHA World Show is July 24-28. Indiana Buckskins hold their show on Monday, July 23. If you are interested it will be in Cloverdale, Ind. Congratulations Kenzie Goddard on being the 2018 queen; we look forward to an exciting year. Kate Memmen you did a wonderful job representing OSBA as our queen last year, you were a joy to have. You are now representing IBHA and we are so proud of you. I can’t forget Emily Powell who represented us in 2015 and 2016 and went on to win IBHA queen for 2016-2017. Emily is now concentrating on college but we will see her at the shows with Colin too I hope—she couldn’t have picked a nicer guy—you two are perfect. Any young lady interested in running for queen in 2019 visit our website to see what the qualifications are. If you would like to give it a whirl, fill out the application and get it to me. Until next time, saddle up with a smile because every ride is a gift. February 2018

Ohio Appaloosa Association

Congratulations to our 2017 Award Winners PRESIDENT, Sarah Koss; VICE PRESIDENT, Kelly Engle Thompson; TREASURER, June Levy; SECRETARY, Denise Smith. PHONE, 937/725-4862 WEBSITE, www.appohio.com

by Denise Smith 2017 has come to an end with our club’s Annual Awards Banquet at McCoys Catering in Wilmington. We all enjoyed a fun time with good food, games, recognition of our award winners and a really intense auction. A huge thanks goes out to the committee for putting it together

Osborne Award, the Whittleys.

Outstanding Youth, Cassidy.

Member of the Year, Denise.

and the individuals and businesses that supported our awards banquet.

APPALOOSA SHOWS ONLY: 9-13 DIV: Emily Campbell, 14-18 DIV: Cassidy Thompson, NONPRO: Kelly Engle Thompson, SPIRIT HORSE: Simplified, ALL BREED: Machaela Cobler, TRAIL RIDE: Bob and Bobby Raines, BILL DONALDSON HIGH POINT HORSE: Got Art.

Nancy and Aunt June for their support and time.

2017 TOP AWARD WINNERS for Open Shows with Appaloosas ADULT: Betsie Moore, YOUTH: Cassidy Thompson, HORSE: Zips Kendall Jackson, CONTESTING: Amanda Mamajek, SPECIAL STAR: Phreddie Corathers.

Tri-County Trail Association

Mark Your Calendar for our Weekend Trail Rides PRESIDENT, Jim Mike; VICE PRESIDENT, Leroy Wilson; SECRETARY, Neva Gibson; TREASURER, Sally Roush. EMAIL, ckrumm1958@gmail.com WEBSITE, www.tri-cotrails.org

by Cindy Krumm Hello from cold frozen NE Ohio! We have been dealing with sub-zero wind chills for days now. Right at the moment, they are calling for a thaw, just to be followed up by a couple days of freezing rain and snow mix so everything can have a proper sheet of ice when the next layer of snow follows the icy mix! When we are dealing with this ugly Ohio winter weather, sometimes the best thing to do is to put plans in place to make the best of the warm weather that will eventually be here. I would like to share with you some dates for Tri-Co’s events for 2018. The proceeds for these event weekends pay for campground and trail maintenance throughout the year, making your support of these events very important for our club. Please consider adding us to your warm weather trail riding plans! If you have been to one of our events before, you know that all of our event weekends include February 2018

plenty of trail riding, horse activities and six all you can eat, home cooked meals. You may come to camp anytime on Friday (even earlier in the week for a $5/night grounds fee donation). The first meal is served around 6 p.m. Friday evening. Saturday includes a full breakfast before a morning trail ride or other activities, a complete lunch and a full evening meal along with entertainment and plenty of opportunities to win prizes. Sunday starts out with another full breakfast and rides as a group or on your own. Then, enjoy lunch before you load up and head for home. The schedule for the weekend events is: MAY 18-20: Spring Ride Weekend JUNE 8-10: 11th Annual Obstacle Challenge and Trail Ride (Summer Bash) AUG. 17-19: 14th Annual Raffle and Ox Roast Weekend SEPT. 21-23: Fall Ride Weekend OCT. 12-14: Halloween Weekend

2017 DISTINGUISHED WINNERS OUTSTANDING YOUTH: Cassidy Thompson, MEMBER OF THE YEAR: Denise Smith, SHELBY OSBORNE: John and Nancy Whittley.

As the year draws near (I’m writing this on Dec. 29) our club has had its elections, committees established, the calendar is filling up with shows, trail rides and family fun. I’d like to personally thank our outgoing President Kelly and her family Mom

Upcoming club meetings: March 11 at the Family Village Restaurant in Waynesville, eat at 2 p.m., meeting at 3 p.m. April 8 at the Houston Inn in Mason, eat at 1 p.m., meeting at 2 p.m. We are a family oriented club who loves to ride and have fun. Check out our Facebook page; Ohio Appaloosa Association. “A horse is the projection of peoples’ dreams about themselves—strong, powerful, beautiful—and it has the capability of giving us escape from our mundane existence”.~Pam Brown

Mark your calendars now for any or all of these weekends and watch our website (www.tricotrails.org) throughout the year for flyers and contact information for these events. Stay warm and dry in the meantime! HORSEMEN’S CORRAL

HORSEMENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CORRAL

February 2018

HORSEMENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CORRAL

Ohio Paint Horse Club

Judges Announced for OPHC Shows 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 Moving on—Christmas, New Years and now comes Valentines Day! Hope you all have a great one. O’l man winter is sure showing he can bring lots of snow, cold and ice. Spring is just around the corner, the days and months are moving so fast. I am hearing a lot of enthusiasm regarding the swap meets coming up. Everyone cleaning out things they do not need; looking for good bargains to purchase, meeting friends and sharing a closeness with out the horse shows, which will be starting real soon. Keep in mind that the SSA Stallions that did not sell at the Stallion Service Auction on Jan. 20 will still be available to sell until June 1, 2018 at 60 percent of the advertised price of the stallion. Sorry I do not have the complete list of the stallions but will furnish it next month. Contact Tina Eller (937/3033632 or ellersheating@hotmail. com) if you are interested in any these great halter, performance and all-around stallions. The OPHC will have a promotional booth at the Findlay Swap Meet which will be held Sunday, Feb. 18 from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the University of Findlay’s Western Horse Farm on Route 68 just south of Findlay.

There will be vendors with a large variety of new and used tack, show clothes, and horse related equipment and supplies. Stop by the OPHC Booth, pick up some literature on what is happening within the Ohio Paint Horse Club. Learn of our ‘new experience the fun’ of attending our shows this year. 2018 OPHC first time showman incentivies! Bring the incentive card or application to an OPHC show and receive a $100 credit at one our 2018 shows! You must be an OPHC and APHA member and have not shown at an OPHC show in the last three years. One horse, one rider combination. Pick this application up at our promotional booth, plus all of our 2018 showbills. Do not miss out on our $1000 Stakes classes to be held Labor Day weekend at the World Equestrian Center (Roberts Arena), Wilmington, Ohio, four judge show. Stakes classes are open to all breeds! This show includes the second leg of the Premier Paint Sires classes. OPHC is looking for volunteers to help with this promotional booth. Stop by and swap a few stories! Our first Paint show will be held May 4-6 at Champions Center, Springfield, Ohio. It will also include the first leg of the Premier Paint Sires. Friday, May 4 will be a two judge Youth and Amateur show. The judges will be Marty Jo Hayes and Chris Arnold. On Saturday and Sunday, May 5 and 6 will be a four judge POR. Judges are John Boxell, Randy Wilson, Betsy Tuckey and John Tuckey. Plan on attending this great show! Tim Snap is the show manager and Roxann Rohrl is co-manager, and they will sincerely welcome you!

Would you like the Horsemen’s Corral to be the official publicaaon for your horse club? 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 38

Circuit awards for each class will be awarded. You must show in the same class at each show with three or more entries! Premier Paint Sires will be planning a fun donkey basketball game on Friday night! The OPHC will be providing food. Stalls will be on a prepaid basis by April 15 for the discounted rate. Come join us for another grand extravaganza show! Entries can be made online at OPHCentries@yahoo.com. Our second weekend show will be held June 2 and 3 at Madison County Fairgrounds, London, Ohio, at the new Coughlin Arena. This show will be the OhioMichigan Partnership Scholarship Show and it will be a two judge each day show. Michigan PHC provided the judges for Saturday, Pauli Crull and Sue Stafford and on Sunday Jill Paxton and Daren Wright will judge. Roger Taylor will serve as manager along with Michigan. They will be there to welcome the Ohioans and Michiganites to this show. Scholarships in the amount of $250 will be drawn for at this show! Bring on those Youths! This is a must show to attend. Entries can be made online. The OPHC Amateur Club and Ohio Paint Horse Club will be sponsoring our third show on Aug. 11 and 12 at Madison County Fairgrounds Coughlin Arena, London, Ohio. The OPHC Amateurs will be selling raffle tickets to win a Harris work saddle from now to the Labor Day Show at Wilmington. Catch Connie Runkle, Sue Johnson, or any other OPHC Amateur for these tickets. Everyone wants or needs a new Harris work saddle! I will have more on this show next month, but place this on your to do list! The Fourth Show, Buckeye Bonanza, POR, along with Premier Paint Sires, will be held Sept. 1 and 2 at World Equestrian Center (Roberts Arena), Wilmington, Ohio. The judges are Bruce Army, Roger Landis, Kathryn Boggetta and Charlene Carter. There will be big money, stakes classes and it is open to all breeds, non-pros and open! I will have more information on this show next month. This is the place to be on your Labor Day weekend! APHA and Jeni Yoak have announced that Jeni has resigned from her position as Ohio’s National Director at the BOD meeting Jan. 7. The BOD voted

HORSEMEN’S CORRAL

on her replacement and Tim Snapp will replace her for the remaining time of her term. Ohio also had an opening for an Alternate National Director. Cindy Snapp was elected to serve the remaining term as alternate. OPHC memberships for 2018 are due. We are offering membership incentives for a very short while. Come get ‘em at these discounted prices! Individual memberships are for three tears at $50 and family memberships for three years are $100. This is a great value, do not be left out! Please send these memberships to Lori Hershey, Membership Chair, 2013 Heyl Road, Wooster, Ohio 44691. Send her your complete name, address, telephone number and email address. If Lori receives your email address she will email your membership card to you. If you do not have an email address she will mail your card to you. Remember, OPHC memberships run from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31. Your membership includes a subscription to the Horsemen’s Corral. You can find a membership form on our website. Check out the OPHC Facebook page and our website, www. ophc.org, for updates on all information regarding activities. Ohio has a new Chair. Heather Collins will be representing the Solid Paint Breds (SPB) for Ohio and the Zone. Check her out on Facebook for information on Solid Paint Breds. She is trying to get a group of SPB to attend our shows. SPB classes will be available, come together, get your group together, points will then be available for horses within the group. The OPHC Amateurs did that years ago. They showed and traveled together! Again, we’re always looking for volunteers to help at our shows. Scribes, gates, giving out awards, office, runners, equipment set up—we need you to volunteer! Contact Tim Snapp or Roxann Rohrl for the Buckeye, Roger Taylor or Roxann for the Scholarship Show and Sue Johnson for the Amateur-Ohio Show. Thanks to all of our OPHC members and friends. If you would like to submit something, pictures of those new foals etc. to the Corral please contact Roxann and mail to 11972 Robson Road, Grafton, Ohio 44044 or email r_pains@msn.com. Have a great winter! See ya next month. February 2018

Mini

Lead Line

In Hand 11th

OQHA Trail Ride & Annual IMTCA Trail Challenge 2 High Point Awards Ribbons 1st-5th, Prizes and IMTCA Regional Qualifier • Mini Level 1, 2 • Lead Line • Novice (In Hand & Riding)

Youth

Adult

2018 EVENTS DATES:

May 19 & 20: Clinic

(Clinic on May 20th is Sold Out! Space still available on May 19th!)

June 3: Schooling Show

$1000 ADDED

MONEY

• Youth Level 1, 2, 3 (In Hand & Riding) • Adult Level 1, 2, 3 (In Hand & Riding) • Open Level 1, 2, 3 (In Hand & Riding)

June 14-17: OQHA Trail Ride & IMTCA Trail Challenge (IMTCA Regional Qualifier)

August 23: IMTCA Show (Regional Qualifier)

August 24-26: IMTCA Regionals

• Ride One Lead One, Rider with Dog & Gamblers Choice VENDOR BOOTHS

Clinics, Schooling Show & Regional Qualifiers

JUNE 14-17: Come camp 4 days/3 nights and feast on 8 stuffing meals for only $99!

MAY 19 & 20 — Clinic: IMTCA Kelly Chapman. $125 includes breakfast and lunch. Camp night before for $15 and join us for a Paint n Sip decorating on wine bottles.

Classes are only $25 each or $20 if showing more than one a day. Also come enjoy the trails and awesome entertainment by JOE COALTER! Judge is IMTCA Certified Kelly Chapman. Ribbons given each day 1st - 5th, High Point Awards given by OQHA for all OQHA members. High Point Belt Buckles given from Creek Side Horse Park, and Over All High Point Awards given by Western Rustique. $1000 Added Money to Saturday given by OQHA! Also an Over All High Point Youth & Adult will be given. Certified event for IMTCA member year-end awards and Regional Qualifier. Silent Auctions, Live Auctions, Chinese Raffles & GUN Raffles Saturday night with live entertainment! Gamblers Choice is $35 to enter with extra payout. (There will not be a Junior horse class at this show.)

Sponsored by:

February 2018

JUNE 3 — Schooling Show: IMTCA Kelly

Chapman Judge. Ran just like a show. Ribbons 1st - 6th awarded. $20 per class. Camp the night before for $15.

AUGUST 23 — IMTCA Regional Qualifier:

Last chance to get a 2nd show in for Regionals. $25 a class. There will be camping available and weekend packages. See info on Regional Show.

Watch website and Facebook for open weekends to practice! Kelly Chapman Natural Horsemanship

Open

Novice

IMTCA Mid West Regional’s

1st Annual

Prizes awarded in each class. Trophies for top of each class. Ribbons 1st-10th. • Mini Level 1, 2 • Lead Line

$1500 ADDED

MONEY

• Junior Level 1, 2 (In Hand & Riding) • Novice (In Hand & Riding) • Youth Level 1, 2, 3 (In Hand & Riding) • Adult Level 1, 2, 3 (In Hand & Riding) • Open Level 1, 2, 3 (In Hand & Riding) • Ride One Lead One, Rider with Dog & Gamblers Choice VENDOR BOOTHS AUGUST 24-26: Join us for the kick off of the FIRST IMTCA Regional Show Series. To qualify you must participate in two IMTCA Certified Shows in the 2018 calendar year and be a current IMTCA member while showing. Same horse and rider combo while qualifying. (Multiple day events count as one event.) See website for list of courses and details. Classes are $45 each. Ribbons 1st-10th, trophies for the top of each class and $1500 Added Monies!! Gamblers Choice is $50 to enter with extra payout. Come camp August 22-26 for 5 days/4 nights, 10 stuffing meals from Wednesday night to Saturday night and a continental breakfast Sunday, your 11th meal for only $150!

“Our events go towards helping youth horsemen follow their dreams.”

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HORSEMEN’S CORRAL

View From the Cheap Seats

I’m with Stupid by Sarah Vas Mentally reviewing the collective stupidity of my younger years has produced this theory. There are two times when you have no control over your horse: when you close the pasture gate and you close the trailer doors. Both put you ‘over here’ and the horse ‘over there’, leaving him now free to behave any way he sees fit. Thank you, Tyler, for putting up with stupid for nearly 25 years. I had this mischievously sneaky, fearless habit of wanting to imitate EVERYTHING grownups did with horses. It was highly unwise to leave me unsupervised as a kid. Everyone learned early on if they couldn’t hear or see Sarah, she needed locating fast before she bravely leapt into some kind of trouble. As I got older, my talents and skills with horses were

marginally less stupid but I got better at not getting caught. Most of the time… My mother blessed me with a much-needed project, a stunted, starving yearling filly, on my 15th birthday. This bedraggled Arabian mess was so skinny, for years her front legs appeared to come out of the same hole. What I saw was guaranteed, uninterrupted freedom to practice my budding skills without threat of adults peeing on my parade. I spent countless hours teaching her to lead, groom, lunge, and basically tolerate me while her physique slowly caught up to her age. Somewhere between her second and third year, I grew bored and impatient waiting and decided she needed trailer loading lessons. I’d witnessed about every stupid, dangerous, nonsense technique intended to relocate horses from outside a trailer to

Where

Aim towards educating yourself to be the very best equestrian your horse deserves. Whether it’s the show ring or no ring, we wish our Cheap Seats readers good luck and good rides as we near the end of summer and the beginning of championship season.

Sarah Vas 330-242-3440

Owner/Trainer/Instructor

www.winfieldfarm.com

Winfield Farm & Forge 34342 Law Road Grafton, Ohio Coaching and Competition with the Arabian Sport Horse for the Intellectual Equestrian

inside in one smooth motion. None included much pre-loading introduction to skills such as stepping up great heights into confined spaces or blindly backing out and down into the abyss. They did recommend lots of whip cracking, door slamming, and cursing though. Nowadays, I find it disheartening to staunchly insist a horse must load successfully into the trailer, no matter what, upon first exposure. What a backward, contradictory belief considering training programs are generally best swallowed in small bites over long periods of time. But back then, I’d only gleaned this general theme, “Make it more miserable outside the trailer and they’ll hop right in”. The average two-horse bumper pull in those days had a doozy of a step up into a straight-load configuration. Above each wheel well was the Escape Door. This tall vertical doorway was no wider than two feet but it allowed limited access to the horse’s front end. An obedient horse self-loaded like a happy hunting dog. A butt bar was secured, trailer doors were closed, and you reached through this Escape Door to tie your pony. If the horse wasn’t the fancy selfloading type, only the most uneducated horse owners got in first, coaxing the horse to follow. Once the horse loaded, the only exit for a person was out that skinny Escape Door. Tumbling butt first onto the fender was your only undignified option, provided you could fit and the sight of your being sucked out the trailer fanny first didn’t initiate a hasty backwards retreat from your horse, too. My father always preached that no horse needs a posse to coerce him into the trailer. If my memory serves me, the use of brooms, whips, lunge lines, treats, sheer muscle, tranquilizer, blindfolds, flakes of hay, and about three hours’ time, don’t negate a single-person-load as long as nobody assisted you. So, there we stood, my mare and I, contemplating the parked truck and trailer awaiting its next trip. I snapped a stout lunge line to her halter and grabbed the loudest, sharpest cracking lunge whip in the barn. My gangly mare hesitantly stepped up to

HORSEMEN’S CORRAL

Sarah Vas the gaping hole. She was wary but stood without fuss while I nonchalantly hopped up inside, then hopped out of her sight through the right-hand Escape Door. By now, her whole head was inside the trailer questioning where I’d gone. Not having one lick of quick-release-knottying exposure, I snubbed my end of the lunge line taut to an exterior tie ring. Tied off this way, I foolishly assumed she had nowhere to go but in. I sauntered off a bit behind my mare. She gave me a whiterimmed hard look over her shoulder as much as the tense lunge line would allow. Without warning, I started cracking that lunge whip about as fast and as hard as I could get it to fire. Immediately, my wildeyed mare scrambled her hind feet left and right just enough times to ascertain that I’d gone completely bat winged bonkers. She then leapt full tilt right into the trailer! I stopped gun popping the whip long enough to smugly acknowledge my accomplishment as a grin rose to my lips. My filly made her next logical decision. She exited stage right, out the Escape Door. My bold pride instantly curdled into slackjawed terror. Little did I consider her narrow build capable of passing through that seemingly impossible width. Hanging up momentarily on the sill by her hind cannons, with a determined last heave, she touched down on all fours outside the trailer still tied to the lunge line. She whipped around to face me full on, my arms hanging limply with the whip still in my grip. She glared at me with such confusion,

S February 2018

District One National Show Horse Association

Getting to Know DONSHA’s Vice President 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 January proved to be a challenge weather wise. I hope February shows us warmer days so our horses will enjoy conditioning and we will make progress toward show season, trail riding and other equine activities. This month our Vice President Jan Passell is sharing her history with horses. I was a ‘late bloomer’ when it came to the horses, however my love for them started at an early age. As a 5 year old I remember begging my mother every day to take me to our local park to see and ride the ponies, and when we would go to an amusement park the first area I wanted to go to was the pony rides. I’m sure my mother was hoping for a ‘girly girl’, but instead she got a horse crazy tomboy!

I started taking some riding lessons when I was in my late teens, and by 21 I had purchased my first horse. Arru was a grey Arabian gelding that was 6 months of age. I had trained him myself for halter and began to show him quite successfully, then went on and broke him to ride. My favorite memory of showing him in halter was at an Arab show in Butler back in the early 70’s. Back then the classes were quite large. At that show the judge pulled out his top two horses out of 13 to decide on his placement. I took second in that class, and was beat by Jim Stachowski. That class was a lot of fun. I ended up selling the horse when I got married, however he went on to do quite well with his new owner. In the meantime I dropped out of the horses to continue my education. In 1996 after my husband had passed away I decided to get involved with horses once again. At that time I mostly showed in our Inter-County and Penn-Ohio circuit with an Arab and a Half Arab that was owned by someone else, and did well in Country English Pleasure, costume and driving. It was all good experience for the future. At that time I also had an Arab mare that I showed in halter and driving,

however she had EPM and was never sound for riding after she was treated. She then, started a career as a broodmare, and off we went in another direction in this horse business. Four foals later I decided to keep the last one which was a Bay Pinto, sired by the saddlebred stallion, Monaco. It has been a fun adventure with this horse, since I bred and raised him. From the day he was foaled until now as a coming 10 year old, KLP Nitro Express has provided me with many learning experiences and adventures. He started his show career at the National Show Horse Finals in Springfield, Ill., as a Reserve Champion in halter, then went on to show in Country English Pleasure for several years. During this time I started taking dressage lessons and now Nitro and I are entering into a new discipline. We have been working him as a hunter horse and he too has been learning

Jan Passell some dressage. We are not sure what this year will hold, however the plan is to eventually get him back in the ring as a hunt horse, possibly do some English trail, and maybe some lower level dressage. I’m sure he will let me know what he likes! The horses have given me the opportunity to travel to places I most likely would never have gone had it not been for the horse shows. I have made many new friends over the years, created wonderful memories, and had experiences I will never forget. Life is good!

View From The Cheap Seats Continued

disgust, and abject ridicule, the likes I’ve never seen from a horse before or since. I clearly remember coming to my senses and deciding that was enough trailer training for today while anxiously checking all directions for signs of an adult hot on my tail. Someone definitely tattled on me. From that point on, trailers were backed up to walls and fences to deter me from breaking my stupidity record. Thankfully, my mare forgave me for this and countless other mistakes over the years, albeit far less moronic. I still take what people tell me with a healthy grain of salt but when it comes to the indisputable messages spoken

in a horse’s facial expressions, I have Tyler to thank for that clearly articulated lesson. 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.

DEADLINE EEE EEE EEEEE EEEEE

EEEEEEEE EEEE February 2018

HORSEMEN’S CORRAL

Western Reserve Carriage Association

Organizing Event Schedule PRESIDENT, Kim Stegh VICE PRESIDENT, Diana Beardsley TREASURER, Ann Petersen MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY, Henry Rish. WEBSITE, www.wrcarriage.com

by Kim Stegh Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a safe and happy holiday! Judy Clark has resigned her position as the club reporter and will no longer be able to write the article for our club in the Horsemen’s Corral. Thank you Judy for the wonderful articles this past year! We are now looking for someone who would be interested in writing

our article for the Corral. Please contact Kim Stegh if you are interested. Our holiday dinner was held at The Oaks in Chippewa Lake. The door prizes were bought with our Big Dee’s Bucks, and everyone in attendance received a prize! Thank you Big Dee’s and our members who shop there! The votes are in for our new board members! Cathy Rhoades

and Jim Christner are our two new board members. Thank you to Louise Fraser (Past President) and Diana Beardsley (Vice President) for their service to our club. The board will be meeting in January to start organizing our event schedule for the new year. If anyone would like to host a

drive, please let us know. Check our website or Facebook page for updates on events. Stacey Giere has set the dates for the GLADS (Great Lakes Arena Driving Series) ADT’s at Windy Knoll Farm. The dates are: April 6-7, May 11-12. On June 16-17 there will be an HDT held there as well.

Black Swamp Driving Club

Black Caterpillar Weather Descends On BSDC PRESIDENT, Julie Emmons; VICE PRESIDENT, Greg Leidel; SECRETARY & TREASURER, Susan Murray. WEBSITE, www.blackswampdrivingclub.com

by Mary Thomas Those black caterpillars seen in October certainly heralded the deep freeze weather experienced by Black Swamp Driving Club members in late December and early January. However, there’s an upside: it’s sleighing weather. Angie Hohenbrink reports that her mare had no problems handling her Albany cutter, providing a fun, but brisk and snowy drive. Winter meetings will continue

at the Good Hope Lutheran Church, Arlington, Ohio, on Feb. 10 and March 10. Drives and events for 2018 will be scheduled along with plenty of talk about driving, carriages, and sleighs. Bring snacks to share during the 2 to 4 p.m. meetings. Several Swampers will be involved with the Great Lakes Area Driving Series (GLADS) as competitors, volunteers, and spectators. The fun kicks off April 6-7 with Francois Bergeron, Montreal, Quebec, officiating the initial arena driving trial (ADT). Tracey Morgan, Bealsville, MD, several times U.S. representative to the World Driving Championships, is scheduled to judge the second ADT May 11-12. Both of the ADT’s will be held in the spacious indoor arena at Windy

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Knoll Farm, Sullivan, Ohio. Another longtime successful World Championships entry, Lisa Singer, Chads Ford, Pa., will be adjudicating the Horse Driving Trial (HDT) June 16-17, using the outside facilities at Windy Knoll Farm. (Ponies and minis may also compete in an HDT.) Competitors drive a dressage test, tackle a cones course, and finish with a cross country marathon with mazelike obstacles to drive through successfully. The series concludes Aug. 4-5 at the Brecksville, Ohio, Kiwanis show with a combined test (CT) and pleasure driving classes. For more information, contact organizer Stacey Giere at 440/292-7198. The January issue of The Carriage Journal features an article about ‘escape shafts’ written by Roger and Sue Murray. Several patents were issued for shafts that had mechanisms that would release a runaway horse from its carriage. The Murrays point out that regardless of design, these didn’t work well. Ropes, pulleys, and springs had to give way at once to free the panicked horse. Then what would happen to the loose carriage? This well researched article is well worth reading. Winter is a great time for getting carts and carriages ready for driving season. Antiques need special care: check wheels for worn leather washers and adequate grease, look for rot or cracks in the wood, and rust or

HORSEMEN’S CORRAL

Angie Hohenbrink sleighing with Maddie. needed grease in any metal parts. Modern ‘combined driving’ type vehicles also need wheels checked for grease and wear. Since these carriages are driven over rough terrain, through sand, and into water, wheels as well as the entire vehicle undergo considerable stress and should be checked carefully. It’s also a great time to clean and examine harness. Leather needs to be conditioned and stitching checked. Both synthetic and leather harness can crack and have holes that are stretched and weakened. Buckles can weaken, especially the tongues. Be observant to be safe. Interested in learning to drive a carriage? The Black Swamp Driving Club is an active driving group that welcomes new drivers and members. Check the website www.blackswampdrivingclub. com or the Black Swamp Driving Club Facebook page for information on upcoming events. Hope to see you soon! February 2018

February 2018

HORSEMENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CORRAL

Michigan Trail Riders Association, Inc.

Michigan Shore-to-Shore Riding and Hiking Trail 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 In this month’s article, I would like to focus on the Michigan Shore-to-Shore Riding and Hiking Trail. In the early 1960s, the idea of a horse trail going across Michigan from Lake Michigan to Lake Huron was conceived by horseback riders, Fitch and Louise Williams, Tony and Sally Wilhelm and Rex and Phyllis Garn, all of Grand Traverse County. This group of equestrians visited Lost Creek Sky Ranch near Luzerne, Mich., where they shared their idea with Jim Hardy, the dude ranch owner. Jim was immediately on board with this idea and shared the idea with his neighbor, Forest Rhodes, who worked for the U.S. Forest Service. Fitch Williams helped write a bill to establish such a trail and it was introduced to the Michigan

Legislature by William Milliken, then a state senator. During this time (1962), Fred Haskins of the Department of Conservation (now the Michigan Department of Natural Resources) laid out the first section of the trail. It began south of Traverse City and extended 33 miles to Kalkaska. Volunteers from the Grand Traverse Saddle Club marked this first section of trail with blue dots. In 1963, Fitch Williams incorporated the Michigan Trail Riders Association and drew up their bylaws. From that point on, the hard work of many people made the trail a reality. Jim Hardy and Forest Rhodes set up a network of trails from Lake Huron at Tawas to the Manistee River near Frederick. The Traverse City group worked on the west end of the trail from Lake Michigan to the Manistee River. Help came from every town along the trail. Basil Smith of Kalkaska spearheaded efforts from Kalkaska to Island Lake. The Lions Club of Empire laid out and built the trail from Empire to Mud Lake. Explorer Post 36, a Boy Scout troop from Traverse City, played an important part

in the original work on the trail. Jim Johnson of Empire provided property in Empire for camping. Consumers Power allowed the trail to go through their property and even permitted some of the original camps to be on their land. Many others worked toward making this trail possible. Building the original 10 campgrounds and 230+ miles of trail were a huge undertaking. Many miles of the trail were cleared and marked by people walking carrying chainsaws, nippers and loppers. Outhouses were set on holes that were dug by hand. Wells were driven by hand and were pumped by hand. Setting picket poles was done with hand held post hole diggers. In May 1964, Governor George Romney dedicated the Michigan Riding and Hiking Trail at a ceremony in Kalkaska. A historical marker at the Rapid River Trail Camp commemorates the event. The first ride from Shore to Shore took place in June 1964. Forty people started this first ride at Lake Michigan. By the second day, the group was half that size. Eighteen riders finished at Lake Huron. On June 21, 2014, the Michigan

Shore-to-Shore Riding and Hiking Trail was re-dedicated at a 50th anniversary celebration. Many of the original members, who were responsible for the creation of this trail, were in attendance. More than 140 horses and riders participated in a parade through downtown Kalkaska. Along with this east to west trail, there is a South Spur that runs from Scheck’s Trail Camp south of Traverse City to the Cadillac Trail Camp, north of Cadillac. This spur adds two additional camps and 40+ trail miles. In the 1990s, Duane Hoffman of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, worked diligently with the Michigan Trail Riders Association, Inc. to develop and build the North Spur that runs from the Luzerne area north to Lake Michigan at Mackinaw City, adding 142+ miles of trail and five more camps to the blue dot trail system. Michigan equestrians are very proud of their Shore-to-Shore Riding and Hiking Trail. More information about the trail and how you can join in one of the rides can be found at www.mtra. org or by calling 989/723-1425.

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St. Henry, Ohio info@schockmanlumber.com February 2018

Ohio Morgan Horse Association

AMHA Person of the Year Award Honoree is from Ohio PRESIDENT, Claudia Grimes; VICE PRESIDENT, Louise Fraser; SECRETARY, Lois Magisano; WEBSITE, www.ohiomorganhorse.com

by Susan Walker Although the ladies who make up the board of directors of the Ohio Morgan Horse Association are extremely hardworking in their efforts to promote the Morgan horse in Ohio, it isn’t all work and no play. The usual monthly meetings take place at a local restaurant in Montrose, Ohio, and eating and a bit of socialization are always part of the agenda. But since there is usually so much to try to squeeze in, it is mostly the usual: past minutes, treasurer’s report, new business, old business, voting and adjournment. By the way, anyone who would like to attend one of our monthly meetings, the board would welcome you to join in. If you just want to see

what goes on in person, or if you might have business you would like to present, if you would like to attend, just contact President Claudia Grimes or any other board member to get the date and time of the next meeting. However, our January meeting was a bit of an exception, doing triple duty as our business meeting, a belated holiday party and a surprise baby shower for Alyssa Rose and Mike Rogers. Spouses and guests were included at this meeting and for once, work and play aspects were skewed more to the later. Even so, much was accomplished. Things are shaping up nicely for club programs, events and the Buckeye Show for 2018. The first event in the planning stages is a ranch horse clinic, probably to be held in April. This division was added to the Grand National Horse Show in 2017 to a great response for the debut of this discipline. The AMHA has also opened the ‘Ranch Horse Network’ for working western ‘using’ Morgans. More information on this can be found

on the AMHA website. This sector seems to be gathering steam in a big hurry and we want to offer our members and Morgans, but also others of any breed, a chance to gain ground floor perspective of what this ranch work is all about. Speaking of the national club, the annual convention is being held Feb. 15-17 in Lexington, Ky. Ohio is going to be well represented there. To quote the AMHA news page, “The Person of the Year Award honors the individual who has made particularly exceptional contributions to the support and preservation of the Morgan breed and/or AMHA. This year’s honoree is Sandy Sessink of Ohio.” Huge congratulations, Sandy! We couldn’t be more proud! Sandy was involved with several shows in various capacities during 2017, including as show manager of our Buckeye Morgan Challenge. But I suspect that a big part of Sandy’s being named ‘Person of the Year’ is due to the huge success of the first ever ‘Day of the Morgan’,

AMHA’s National Open Barn Day. I know I’ve said it before, but I think it bears repeating: this promotional idea was first conceived and tested in Ohio in 2016. Sandy and our board of directors worked diligently at that time to work out the kinks and promote the Ohio open barns. Due to our success, the AMHA decided to adopt the idea and take it across the country. If you have not sent in your 2018 membership dues, you should have received a membership packet in the mail. Remember that this column and magazine you are reading are one of the benefits of membership. I know that you wouldn’t want to sacrifice one word of this Pulitzer-worthy journalism, so please be prompt in renewing. Not to mention all the other fun activities that 2018 has in store. For your convenience, you can join or renew online at www.ohiomorganhorse.com/ membership.html or contact the membership secretary, Carol Selinsky.

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HORSEMEN’S CORRAL

We Als o Do Steel Buildin gs! 45

Ride For Real

Getting the Whoa by Steve Lantvit Like with any training, a logical and orderly process has to take place for the horse to understand what is being asked of him. Think back to halter breaking your horse as a colt. The tools were a halter and lead rope, and hopefully a lot of patience. We controlled, directed and stopped him with a lead rope, one lead rope. The first step in teaching the stop should be no different. I start on the very first ride with a halter and lead rope. The primary reason to start with the halter and the lead is because if we are working on the horses’ nose, we are saving his mouth. Also, these are tools that he is comfortable with and he understands from his halter breaking. I don’t believe in skipping steps and going to the bit. The horse is confused and unsure enough with me on his back for the first time why complicate things. By the time I’m on the colts back, I know that he will give to pressure and

allow me to bend his neck and give me his face. I don’t ask for something I don’t know the answer to. With the halter and lead rope I will start flexing his neck laterally, left and right. When I ask for this, the horse’s feet will probably start to move. I hold the neck flexed and softly say whoa. I’ll repeat whoa over and over softly, at the same time I have not released the lead. The timing is the key to the training. We are waiting for the horse to find a resting stop. After this happens is when to release pressure and allow him to straighten his neck. I’ll do this several times in both directions. The horse is learning to give to pressure, move his feet, and find the resting stop. When the horse does find the stop reward him by allowing him to rest. Not for a second or two, but for a good while. Before long the horse will love to stop and catch his breath. When I teach my horses to stop I am aware of all the signals that I am sending. As riders, we have

four natural aids at our disposal and I am always surprised that most riders don’t use them. They are the hands, seat, legs, and voice. It is the use of these aids that communicate to the horse what we want. And it’s the consistency of those aids that separate good riders from bad. In teaching the stop I go through a list to ensure the consistency of my aids and their proper order of use. First, I prepare my horse by having him traveling in a straight line. I then exhale allowing my weight to melt into the saddle and sit on my back pockets. Next, I take my leg off the sides of my horse and am careful not to step on the gas. I say the word whoa slowly. Don’t shout it out as if you were trying to scare your horse into the stop. Lastly, I gently engage the rein by applying slow, steady pressure until the horse gives his face. The reason that I use the same aids in the same order is that they become pre-signals for the horse, this way the horse knows that a stop is coming and he can position his body to stop. Remember, the horse seeks the level of the rider and your position plays a huge role in your horse’s success in learning new things. I practice the one rein stop and then transition to the hackamore, and then to the snaffle bridle. This whole time I am being careful not to go too fast in my training. When horses start to push against the bit, toss their head or just plain run through the bit, the problem is usually caused by missed steps in the training process. The benefit of the one rein stop helps to soften even the stiffest horse. Once the horse realizes that when he softens the release will come, then you are ready to move on to using two reins. I begin this by shortening my reins, making sure they are even and my weight is balanced. I then ask my horse to walk out in a straight line. Next, I melt in the saddle to pre-signal the horse that a stop is coming and then make contact with my outside rein and hold. A good idea is to rest your hand on the saddle so not to pull. The other rein then applies even and constant pressure until the horse stops and gives his face. Once he gives his face all pressure is released and I allow the horse to stand and rest. Don’t forget that a nice pat for a job

HORSEMEN’S CORRAL

Steve Lantvit well done is often appreciated. If you are consistent with your aids the horse will become more willing to stop and the use of your hands should become less and less needed. The goal for everyone should be to stop your horse with just the word whoa. If I’m brought a horse that is older and has problem with the stop I have been known to go back to the basics and ride him in a halter and lead for a week or two. I’ll go through every step again to make sure nothing was left out. There is nothing more unfair to the horse then expecting him to be able to read your mind and then getting mad at him because he can’t. In re-schooling older horses I stress the seat and leg position. This is probably where the problem started, with the rider leaning forward and squeezing with their legs while saying whoa. And when the horse does stop, what often follows is more pulling on the reins and a bigger bit. Consequently, the horse becomes reluctant to stop fearing the pain and confusion caused by the rider. Restarting using the halter and lead rope eliminates the pain caused by the rider and relaxes the horse making him a willing partner in the stop. There are several additional variations depending on the situation at hand when teaching the stop, but remember that patience and consistency is the key to any training program. Skipping steps and a bigger bit does make a good stop. 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. Steve’s knowledge and expertise is shared nationwide, on his TV show, ‘Steve Lantvit, Sure in the Saddle”’ on RFD-TV, Thursdays at 3 and 11 p.m. EST. Visit SteveLantvit.com for more information. February 2018

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February 2018

HORSEMEN’S CORRAL

Fertility in Mares by Dr. Tania Cubitt, Performance Horse Nutrition Poor fertility in mares is frustrating to manage because so many factors can impact it. These factors range from; seasonality, aging, metabolic problems such as laminitis or Cushing’s disease, nutrition, obesity, herd behavior, and environmental conditions such as temperature or rainfall can all interfere with reproduction. We can categorize four main problems that arise with the infertile mare: 1. Mare exhibits abnormal or no estrus cycles. 2. Mare accumulates fluid in her uterus during or immediately after estrus. 3. Mare has repeated uterine infections. 4. Mare loses the pregnancy after the 14-day examination. A veterinary physical examination and evaluation of the musculoskeletal system should always be performed in chronically infertile mares because general abnormalities can contribute to infertility. Chronic pain, lameness, poor body condition, and obesity have been associated with abnormal or no estrous cycles, anovulatory follicles, and intra-uterine fluid accumulation. Farm management and nutritional programs should be reviewed, herd behavior may adversely affect body condition of young or old mares, especially if mares are shy, fed in pens, crowded during feeding, or not given shelter from cold or wet conditions.

Management of Mares Not Exhibiting Normal Estrous Cycles Abnormal estrous cycle length or lack of estrous cycles during the cyclic season may be associated with uterine infection, aging, poor nutrition, poor body condition score (1 to 4 on a scale of 1 to 9), pain, ovarian tumors, an-ovulatory follicles, metabolic condition such as Cushing’s disease or insulin resistance. Ambient temperatures consistently below freezing in the spring may not only affect the timing of first ovulation of the year, but it may also interfere with cyclic patterns in mares that have begun to exhibit estrous cycles, especially if the mares are thin, shipped from a warm to cold climate, or are lacking a winter hair coat. Diagnostics for mares that are not cycling properly are determined from the mare’s history, body condition score, physical examination, and reproductive examination. Endocrine profiles, uterine cytology, uterine culture, or endoscopic evaluation of the uterus may be needed. Hormonal therapy may be required, because the neuroendocrine signals from the brain may not be synchronized or reaching the reproductive tract.

Accumulation of Intra-Uterine Fluid by the Mare during Estrus or After Breeding Causes of inter-uterine fluid include impaired cervical function, post—mating-induced endometritis, a dependent, pendulous uterus, impaired lymphatic drainage, infection, or a combination of the above. Physical clearance of inflammatory debris via uterine irrigation and administration of oxytocin may be helpful in returning the uterus to normal. Exercise is helpful in draining the uterus. Increased intraabdominal pressure associated with movement helps to evacuate uterine contents. Broodmares restricted to a stall because of an ill foal 48

or injury and mares with laminitis or foot pain accumulate fluid in their uterus after breeding.

Loss of Pregnancy by the Mare after the 14-Day and Before the 45-Day Examination Pregnancy loss before 35 days may be associated with defective eggs, poor-quality embryos, infection or poor nutrition. The equine embryo is dependent on the yolk sac for nourishment until 25 days of gestation. After that time, nourishment is attained primarily through endometrial secretions. If inflammation persists in the first weeks of gestation, it may result in death of the embryo. Mares carrying embryos that are small for gestational age or embryos with an irregular heartbeat at the 28-day pregnancy exam should be evaluated for uterine inflammation or infection.

How can nutrition affect fertility and early pregnancy success? Conception

The effect of nutrition and body condition on reproduction in mares has been clearly illustrated. Mares coming into the breeding season with an optimal body condition score (5-7) start cycling earlier than mares with a low body condition (less than 5). Thinner mares also have difficulty conceiving and maintaining pregnancy as compared to mares in optimal body condition. Some obese mares continue to cycle throughout the winter when typically reproductive cycling is shut down. The impact of energy intake and body condition on the reproductive performance of the mare has also been described where a high-energy diet shortened the interval to first ovulation in thin mares transitioning from winter as compared to those on a low energy diet. This increase in dietary energy however does not benefit mares that are already in an optimal or fat body condition. While some obese mares may continue to cycle throughout the winter there are negative repercussions for keeping mares in this condition. In humans and rodents obesity contributes to infertility, poor pregnancy and impaired fetal well-being. Obesity has been associated in horses and ponies with decreased insulin sensitivity, and both obesity and decreased insulin sensitivity have been associated with decreased reproductive function in mares. Obese mares can have a longer interval between ovulations which can be due to a persistent corpus luteum. This makes the obese mare more difficult to rebreed if an initial breeding is not successful increasing the cost incurred to the owner. Mares in optimal body condition going into the breeding season typically do well on good quality forage and a concentrated vitamin and mineral pellet. If mares are overweight prior to the breeding season a combination of a ration balancer and exercise is an ideal program to get them into optimal shape before breeding. If the mare is underweight a high fat feed with highly digestible fibers will help increase the mares’ body condition in preparation for breeding.

Feeding Through Early and Mid Gestation From the time of conception through foaling, the fetus is actively growing. However, fetal growth is not occurring at a steady rate. Fetal growth is quite slow during the first seven months of pregnancy and then very rapid the final trimester. During early and mid-pregnancy the developing fetus is very small, less than 20 percent of birth weight. This represents less than 2 percent of the mare’s body weight. The nutrient requirements of the mare during early pregnancy are very similar to the nutrient requirements of a non-pregnant mare. A common feeding mistake is to over feed mare’s calories during early pregnancy causing them to become overweight. An all forage (hay or pasture) diet will provide most mares with adequate levels of both energy (calories) and protein, but is likely deficient in several key minerals, including copper, zinc and selenium and may not be contain proper ratios of calcium and phosphorus. Critical organs including the heart, liver, kidney, brain, and lungs are being developed during the early and mid-stages of gestation and while these organs may not need extra calories and protein to develop properly, several micronutrients are known to be critical. Check out the dac Facebook page for weekly brainteasers and other tips, www.facebook.com/dacvitamins. Visit our website for more information about our feeds, www.feeddac.com. Contact us if you have any questions regarding any of our products, 800/921-9121.

HORSEMEN’S CORRAL

February 2018

Palm Partnership TrainingE

Tips for Mounting Properly by Lynn Palm We’ve reviewed what the term ‘aids communication’ means and why it is so important to success in communicating with our horses. In the next few articles I am going to share training techniques built on the use of the rider’s natural aids, meaning her seat, legs, and hands—not artificial training aids or gimmicks! You will learn how to teach your horse to respond more willingly, without using force. This is the path to building a long lasting, true partnership with your horse. Our goal is to have a horse respond to the lightest of aids effortlessly, softly, willingly, and immediately. When we reach this step, riding and training become rewarding and so much fun! Let’s set a foundation for riding success by incorporating two important steps into each riding session. This article contains tips to improve the first step… mounting properly.

The First Step: Mounting

For me the most important thing with any horse is that he stands still for mounting. This shows me that he is obedient, mannerly, and thinking slow. The rider has a responsibility in the mounting process, too. She must learn to mount properly, in a balanced manner, without pulling the saddle towards her across the horse’s back. Whether using an English or western saddle, here are some tips to help improve your mounting. Mounting is typically done on the horse’s left side. The horse should be standing relatively square. As you address the horse to mount, hold the reins evenly. You must be flexible enough to pick your left foot up and put it in the stirrup without pulling the saddle towards you. When you are ready to mount, look ahead and push off with the right foot. As you rise up in the stirrup, bring right hand up so it gently grasps the cantle. Swing your right leg over the saddle while moving the right hand from the cantle to the pommel. Sit down easily on the horse’s back. Put your right foot in the stirrup. What should you do if your horse does not stand still while mounting? Use a fence! Position the horse so that a fence is on his February 2018

right side and he is facing a fence corner or a wall. The fence and corner/wall will keep him from moving sideways or forward while you mount. Mounting properly requires good timing and practice. Because it is one of the first things we do with our horses before starting a schooling session, any issues we have with mounting can set the tone for the rest of our ride. If you are having difficulties with mounting, read the ‘Your Next Step’ section of this article for some special tips. Next time I will cover one of the most important, but often overlooked preparations a rider should include in her daily riding routines. It is key to preparing herself and her horse to communicate together. Do you know what it is?

Your Next Step…

A horse that does not stand still for mounting is not just difficult to get on, he can be safety problem! Is he jigging around when you want to mount? He may be thinking too fast and walking away in anticipation that you will ask him to go forward immediately after mounting up. More likely, he is trying to catch his balance because you are not mounting him properly. Here are some specific steps you can do at home to improve this situation. I suggest that you start working with a mounting block. These are inexpensive, plastic step-like platforms made to give a rider an elevated surface to mount from. Because the mounting block will put you higher off the ground, it will be easier for to mount and swing your leg over the horse. Mounting blocks also decrease the stress on the horse’s back from riders who pull themselves up into the saddle. They are also very helpful for smaller riders mounting a large horse. As you build up your strength using the mounting block, teach your horse to stand to allow you to mount properly. To reinforce this lesson, mount your horse in the same location every time you ride. Choose a spot where you can position the horse between a fence and the mounting block. The fence will help him stay straight and focused. Ask him to stand ‘square’. This means positioning him so that his

hooves are positioned like the 4-corners of a rectangle and his weight is equally distributed on all four legs. Ask him to “whoa” and step up on the mounting block as if you were going to get on him, but do not mount. Because you will be standing above his topline, he may need some time to accept you in this new ‘elevated’ position. He may also move, anticipating that you will be mounting and he will need to balance himself. If he moves, calmly reposition him and repeat this step. Take time for this step and do not proceed until he is relaxed. Practice this mounting procedure using the block while teaching the horse that mounting does not mean move forward. Position him in the mounting spot and ask him to “whoa” by putting slight tension on the reins. Place the reins over his neck being careful to maintain the same amount of tension in each rein. Riders have the tendency to pull on the left rein while mounting, causing their horse to circle toward them. This makes getting on even more difficult. To prevent pulling on the reins, keep your hands in front of the saddle. If the horse wants to move as you attempt to mount, avoid walking him in a circle to get back into position. This will only reinforce that mounting means it is okay to move forward. Instead, stop him and back him up the to block or reposition the block next to him. Once your horse in is position, step up on the block and gather up the reins by sliding your left hand on the horse, starting at the buckle and moving up on the horse’s neck. Still holding the reins, move your left hand so it is grasping the front of the saddle as you place your right hand on the saddle’s cantle. Put your left foot in the stirrup and

HORSEMEN’S CORRAL

Lynn Palm start to mount, but just swing your leg only halfway over his back, then dismount. Praise your horse when he stands still. Do this several times. You may need to repeat this lesson over several days or weeks until he understands that mounting does not mean moving forward. When he shows he is willing to stand perfectly still for the ‘half’ mount, swing your leg over his back. As you do, transfer your right hand from the cantle to the saddle’s pommel to help you balance. Then sit down on his back, but do it as softly as possible. Mounting this way, without pulling the saddle across his back, will encourage him to stand still. After you and your horse have mastered mounting with the block, you still have some homework to do. Use the mounting block to help you build up strength in your arms and legs to allow you to mount from the ground. Most mounting blocks have two steps. Practice mounting from the highest step, graduate to the lowest step as your strength improves, until you can mount from the ground. Continue using the same mounting spot to reinforce your horse’s understanding to stand once you graduate to getting on from the ground. Until then, follow your dreams…

Wayne County Saddle Club

New Officers and Overall Winners Announced PRESIDENT, Charlene Clark; VICE PRESIDENTS, Tricia Crilow and Katy Amstutz; SECRETARY, Bobbi Jo Mackey; TREASURER, Beth Eikleberry; WEBSITE, waynecountysaddleclub.com

On the evening of Jan. 13, 2018 the Saddle Club ushered out 2017 and stepped into 2018 with its annual banquet, election, awards and dance. Members and guests of all ages travelled through the cold and snowy evening weather to shake off a little cabin fever and launch 2018 with energy and an affirmative outlook. President Rich Gortner greeted everyone; a prayer was offered and dinner began. Following more than ample food the election of officers and directors produced the following officers for 2018: President Charlene Clark; Vice President of Contest Tricia Crilow; Vice president of Pleasure Katy Amstutz; Secretary Bobbi Jo Mackey; and Treasurer Beth Eikleberry. The directors are: Rachael Adamson (elected this year for three

years); Caroline Bedlion; Angie Bidinger (elected for a one year term); Susie Gortner; Leanne Louive; and Matt Schaaf (elected this year for three years). Retiring President Rich Gortner is also director for one year as required in the bylaws. The Youth director elected this year is Jazon LeMaster. Congratulations to those newly elected and best wishes for another super year! The presentation followed the election and here is a list of the Overall winners.

Small Fry Contest: Victoria Oswald and Ted; Youth Contest: Brooke Wyss and Bently; Open Contest: Leanne Louive and Bell; Walk Trot Youth Contest: Rogan Clark and Slim; Walk Trot Adult Contest: Bobbi Jo Mackey and Spice; and 30 and Over Contest: Matt Schaaf and Go Bar Go; Pleasure Leadline Champion: Layn Coblentz and FSF What White; Pleasure Small Fry Champion: Allison Horst and Lacey; Pleasure Ranch Reining Champion: Jen Snodgrass and Skeeter; Pleasure Walk-Trot 14 and Over: Esther Horst and Charity’s Revelation; and Pleasure Champion 19 and over: Jen Snodgrass and they Call Me Awesome. Other year-end awards went to: Angie Didinger, Jenna Stamp, Caitlyn Clark, Abby Radabaugh, Kristen Collins, Angelena Van Zile, Barb Massie, Emily Stamp, Landen Clark, Carlee Osborn.

Award winners.

2017 Wayne County Saddle Club officers. Gavin Van Zile, Gabe Osborn, Cayden Clark, Brittanie McClintock, Abby Thompson, Serenity McClintock, Hannah Lightfoot, Elizabeth Lightfoot, Lauren Lightfoot, and Stan Bosler.

But the truth is you are all winners! When you come to the Saddle Club to show, to watch, to help or any combination of the above, you are a winner in our book. The Saddle Club continues, indeed thrives, based on winners like you all. It doesn’t ‘just happen.’ It takes talented leadership, serious effort on the part of so many, and dedication to the challenges of providing quality equine events for all who care to come to the ‘Hollow.’ Any part you have in this great organization makes you a winner to those of us

who know what that takes. So, without any more gab, here’s to another excellent year at the Wayne County Saddle Club! Before you know it, we’ll have showbills and dates for the coming show season. Our meetings are the first Thursday of each month, 7 p.m. at East of Chicago Pizza in Wooster. Meetings are open to all members. ‘Mean time, everyone is welcome to join the worship group Sundays at 11 a.m., you might want to call 330/607-5106 if the snow is really deep or temperatures are below zero. Your officers and directors are moving on. Why not join us? ~Stan

MOVING? TAKE THE CORRAL WITH YOU! Place Mailing Label Here (from last issue)

New Address ________________________________________________ City _______________________________ State ____ Zip ___________ Mail to: Horsemen’s Corral, PO Box 32, Lodi, OH 44254 or email address change to: michelle@thehorsemenscorral.com 50

HORSEMEN’S CORRAL

February 2018

Buckeye Western Dressage

News from the World of Western Dressage OUT GOING PRESIDENT, Thallia Blight. EMAIL, BuckeyeWesternDressage@gmail. com

by Thallia Blight Coming in March 2018 there will be a new organization for western dressage—The Ohio Western Dressage Association (OWDA). The organization’s first general meeting is scheduled for this spring and is open to anyone from Ohio and neighboring states who has an interest in western dressage. To find out more follow their Facebook page www.facebook.com/ Ohio-Western-Dressage-Association-324638181368844/ or

email them to add your name to their mailing list ohiowesterndressageassociation@gmail.com. The Western Dressage Association of America (WDAA) has launched its 2018 WDAA Western Dressage Enthusiasts Survey. The information gathered helps the organization plan and develop activities and programs. Let your interests be known by completing the survey by Feb. 28. https://s. surveyplanet.com/rkxPC9Xcgf The WDAA is also in the process of putting together the final versions of tests for Level Four. The release date has not yet been announced, but hopefully it will be earlier rather than later in 2018. These new Level Four tests

include: half passes and flying changes at the lope, 360 degree pivots (not turns on the haunches), and eight (8) meter circles. Stay tuned to the organization’s website or Facebook page for developments. www.

westerndressageassociation.org. A quick final note: Buckeye Western Dressage will no longer be a formal organization after February 28, 2018. We wish the Ohio Western Dressage Association the best of luck.

Lake Erie Mounted Vaqueros

My Best Thinking is Done in the Barn PRESIDENT, R David Davis; VICE PRESIDENT, Brian (Doc) Hric; SECRETARY, Karen Davis; TREASURER, Nancy Virzi. PHONE, 330-719-3290 EMAIL, karenld0819@gmail.com WEBSITE, www.lakeerievaqueros.net

by Nancy ‘Go Forward’ Virzi Happy New Year! Wow and what a beginning to 2018. The deep freeze has been brutal. My wonderful husband bought me Under Armor for Christmas and boy it came at a great time. Every morning I’ve gotten up and looked at the temperature and dreaded the thought of going out in the cold to turn 17 horses out, clean stalls and water and know that I’ll have to go back out at evening feeding. I climbed into the layers of clothes and trudged out to the barn. Then I open the door to all those beautiful faces talking to me telling me they are glad to see me because they want to go out and they want their hay. It is the best part of my day. I often wonder if they enjoy me as much as I enjoy them. Each one has their own reaction to me, some are really happy to get loved on and others are a bit more reserved about it. I have a lot of time to think while I’m cleaning stalls, matter of fact that’s when I do my best thinking. I was thinking about how many kids February 2018

I’ve taught to ride and care for horses. How often I’ve stressed that if you keep your horse at home you need to clean stalls, feed and water every day no matter the weather. That by doing that you know if they are drinking enough, if their manure looks right, they are eating right and are generally in good health. I take my own lessons to heart and am glad I do. Because of the atmosphere highs and lows horses can develop colic, as you all know. One of my Haflingers did because of the cold. Luckily because of my daily routine I noticed it right away and was able to get him through it without any problems. I think about the veterinarians, and blacksmiths that brave the weather to help us take care of these beautiful creatures that we call partners or family. Thank you all for your dedication. As most of you know there is a lot more to owning horses than just riding them. To those who board your horses and have other people care for your horses, say thank you because without them you wouldn’t have the joy of barrel racing, jumping, showing, participating in Cowboy Mounted Shooting and all the other fun things we get to do with our horses.

Works, KD Gowins Photography, Pueblo Real Mexican Restaurant, Parkside Trailers, Trumbull Locker, Warren Family Farm and

Home, Horsemen’s Corral, and Lonesome Pines Ammunition. Stay warm and healthy till I see you runnin’ and gunnin’.

Thank you to our great sponsors: Uncle Jimmy’s Horse Treats, Steele Rose Horseshoeing, Big D’s Tack Shop, Equine Body HORSEMEN’S CORRAL

Slower is Faster with Horses

et’s face it, we’ve become a society of instant gratification. From fast food, to fake nails, we like immediate results. Unfortunately, this quest for instant results carries over to horsemanship too, from flying lead changes, to side-passing, to collection. These are skills that riders everywhere hope to master, yet aren’t willing to ‘do the time.’ Horses and riding sports don’t mix well with instant gratification. Riding is a sport that takes years and decades for the human to master. And horses are not animals that react well to rushing and cutting corners. In most cases, slowing down will get you there faster with horses. When training is rushed, and important steps are missed, mastering even the simplest skill can seem impossible. Without question, when it comes to training horses, cutting corners always results holes in your horse’s training, which will come back to haunt you at the most inconvenient time. Undoing poor training is much harder and way more time consuming that training an untarnished horse the same skill. Cutting corners will cost you more time in the long run, which is why for thousands of years, horse trainers have known that slower is better when it comes to horses.

Horses are Fast Learners. People … Not So Much

Although horses are incredibly fast learners (a by-product of being flight animals and prey animals), there’s a significant difference between acquiring a new skill and mastering that skill. The challenge with horses is that how fast they learn and how fast they master any given skill is directly related to the effectiveness and consistency (skill level) of the rider or handler. Because horses are prey animals, they are highly sensitive, and they feel all kinds of pressure (physical, mental, environmental) keenly. Therefore, we apply pressure and release it to train them (negative reinforcement refers to the removal of pressure). Two factors dictate how quickly the horse learns: timing and pressure. A timely release/reward comes within one second; using adequate pressure—neither too little nor too much—requires excellent judgment and ability from the rider. With good timing and adequate pressure, the horse learns rapidly. If the horse isn’t learning fast or is learning the wrong things, you must consider the human side of the equation. Because horses are such fast learners, they unfortunately learn the wrong things just as quickly as they learn the right things. The horse may learn to perform the skill incorrectly because the rider inadvertently released the horse at the exact wrong moment. I see this a lot in teaching complex maneuvers like pivot on the haunches. The horse takes one or two good steps in the pivot, then the rider gets greedy and asks for more, then the horse steps incorrectly and the rider releases him. I see riders asking for collection or some sort of headset, but instead of releasing that horse the instant he’s giving the correct response, they hold the horse too long until he starts resisting, then they release him, training the horse to throw his head up. Whatever your horse is doing at the moment you release him, is what you just trained him to do. “My horse is having problems with this,” is code for, “I taught my horse the wrong thing.” 52

Why Slower is Faster

Getting in a hurry rarely works with horses. Their perspective of time is much different from the average human, who tends to think in the future and dwell in the past, but is rarely present in the moment. We always have a plan, an agenda and a schedule to adhere to. Horses don’t. Horses are very much here-andnow animals. We humans stand to learn a lot from horses on this subject. Have you ever tried to train a horse to trailer load when you had limited time to load and Photo credit: Melissa Arnold get somewhere? Have you ever had a normally easy-to-catch horse stick his tail up in the air and run around for twenty minutes on the day you were pinched for time? I rest my case. Sometimes going slower with horses is very literal. Slowing down your body language and reactiveness when you are doing groundwork, will almost always have the effect of softening the horse’s response. Slowing down your hands when using rein aids, literally moving them slower, will improve the responsiveness of your horse. Try it. Going slowly in the training of a horse means that we take small baby steps; we walk before we run and we don’t skip steps. We follow the important tenants of classical horsemanship, which have proven to be a successful recipe for training horses for thousands of years. We teach foundational skills before asking for complex maneuvers. Trying to teach a horse collection, before he has mastered the most fundamental skill of a riding horse—to move freely and willingly forward—will never work. There are many seemingly simple skills of a riding horse that riders are often impatient to learn, like collection, flying lead changes and side passing. Rarely have I done a clinic (in the past 30 years) where a rider didn’t state one of these skills as a desired outcome for the clinic. Each of these skills require the horse (and therefore the rider) to master many foundational skills, a pre-flight checklist so to speak, which may take weeks and months to achieve. Only the most dedicated riders will devote the time needed to build the proper foundation for that skill and not get frustrated with how many steps are required to get there.

Stages of Learning

For both humans and horses, when mastering a new skill, there are stages of learning that describes how the individual typically advances through a predictable series of learning stages before mastering the skill. At first, the student (two-legged or four-legged) is halting and uncertain is using the skill, but gradually, through practice and guidance, the individual becomes more proficient and confident in the skill. When we partner with horses, both horse and human are sometimes learning the skill for the first time together, and both animals have to move through the stages. With horses, it usually works best when one individual has already mastered the skill. In other words, if the rider does not know the skill, let’s say how to cue for and ride the canter, she will move through the stages must faster on a horse that has already mastered this skill. If the horse knows nothing about cantering with a rider on its back, it’s best trained by a rider that has already mastered cueing for and riding the canter. The hierarchy of learning a new skill involves acquisition,

HORSEMEN’S CORRAL

February 2018

fluency, generalization and adaptation. While this is common knowledge among educators of humans, it’s also highly applicable to the training of horses. Let’s look at the most fundamental skill of a riding horse—to go forward. The very first time we ride that young horse, we have to teach it to go, turn and stop, but at first, he knows absolutely nothing. So, you flap your legs, cluck, wave your arms and otherwise apply pressure until the horse takes a step forward—then you immediately release the pressure, praise, and hopefully the horse learned something. The next time you ask that horse to move forward and it only takes a little wiggle of your legs and a couple clucks before he steps off, your horse has just acquired a new skill. The next phase the horse moves through is fluency, and that will take some time; how long, depends on the skill of the rider. Although the horse has acquired the skill, he is still tentative and slow to respond. As he becomes more fluent, his response time increases, your cues get lighter, and he becomes more confident. Now the horse moves off with a slight closing of the rider’s leg. Then we reach one of the most challenging and time-consuming phases when it comes to training horses, and that is generalization. This phase is not complete until the horse can perform the skill in any situation or any setting. No matter where you are or how emotionally your horse has become, he still responds accurately and promptly to the cue and performs the skill. Since horses are very location-specific in what they learn, having to perform the skill in many various locations requires a lot of time and effort. You can train a horse to perform to a very high level at home and practice for years, then take him somewhere else to perform, only to have him fall apart and become nonresponsive (or worse). A generalized horse is what we call a ‘seasoned’ horse—he’s been hauled around and learned to perform his skills at the same level away from home that he does at home. This can take years. Adaptation occurs when the horse or human is so accurate and confident in using the skill, that it can be applied to new and unique situations and the horse will adapt his skills to the demands of the new situation. Think about the high-level cross-country jumping horse, who adapts the jumping skills that he learned in an arena starting with ground poles and cavaletti, and now he gallops boldly through a course he has never seen, jumping huge, scary obstacles, landing blindly in potentially hazardous footing like a water obstacle. He can adapt his jumping skills to any type of obstacle, in any situation, even one he has never experienced.

For all the complex maneuvers that we train horses to do, physical strength, stamina and coordination are required—that takes weeks and months to develop, not hours or days. While most of the maneuvers we ask horses to perform are movements they can do naturally, packing the weight of the rider (who is often getting in the way of the horse) makes it much more difficult for the horse. Pushing a horse faster than his physical strength and coordination can develop generally results in a burned-out horse, an injured horse, or both. It’s no wonder that slower is faster when it comes to horses and learning to ride. When both the horse and the rider are learning new skills together, it will take even longer. It’s important to strive for correctness in training, which means releasing at the right moment, and making sure that you are giving the correct cues and training the correct response. Quality versus quantity. Beyond precision, it’s important to be patient, to slow down your actions and expectations—to walk before you run. The ability to break down complex maneuvers into the smallest steps and then refine each step, to build a solid foundation, is one of the most crucial factors in successful horse training. This requires a lot of knowledge and a high skill level; if you do not possess the knowledge and skills yourself, you need help from someone who does. You can find that help online, at JulieGoodnight.com/Academy. Enjoy the ride! —Julie Goodnight, Trainer and Clinician Goodnight is the popular RFD-TV host of Horse Master airing Monday nights. Goodnight travels the USA sharing her nononsense horsemanship training with riders of all disciplines. Goodnight has ridden in many different saddles—she’s experienced in dressage and jumping, racing, reining, cow horse, colt-starting, and wilderness riding. Goodnight grew up on the hunter-jumper circuits in Florida, but is now at home in the West. She and her husband, Rich Moorhead, live in the mountains in Salida, Colo. Both love versatility ranch horse competitions and riding cowhorses. Explore her online library and many training videos at http://TV.JulieGoodnight.com.

Teaching Complex Maneuvers

Complex maneuvers are almost anything that we teach a horse beyond stop, start and steer. Advanced maneuvers generally require putting two or more foundational skills together to perform the maneuver, like collection, leg-yielding, side-passing, pivots on the forehand and haunches, lead changes, jumping, rollbacks, and the like. One of the earliest complex maneuvers we encounter in the training of a riding horse is the canter departure. Before that horse learns to step off quietly and smoothly from a walk into a canter on whichever lead asked, there are many smaller steps which take time to accomplish. Knowing what the smaller steps are, being able to break down that skill into the smallest steps, and being willing to spend whatever time it takes at each step of the way, are the hallmarks of success in training horses. Precursor skills always exist in complex maneuvers. For instance, before a horse and rider can flawlessly perform a flying lead change on command, they must both be able to execute walk-to-canter transitions on the correct lead 100 percent of the time; halt-tocanter transitions, dead-leaded; collection at the canter; an obedient and balanced counter-canter; haunches-in walk, trot and canter; leg yielding walk, trot and canter; etc. When you take the time to accomplish these lesser skills, flying lead changes are easy. Because horses are very fast learners, acquisition of a skill can (and should) happen fast. But one response, does not a habit make. How fast a horse moves through the stages of learning is directly proportionate to the talent of the rider. Whether it takes a day, a week or a month to get fluent in a skill, fluency must occur before moving on to the next phase. This is true of each smaller step or precursor skill. When you try to fast forward though any stage of a horse’s training by skipping steps, you end up training the wrong response to the horse. February 2018

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February 2018

Ohio Arabian & All-Breed Trail Riding Society

Making Our Sport Flourish and Grow PRESIDENT, Mollie Krumlaw-Smith; VICE PRESIDENT, Mickie Newnam; SECRETARY, Maureen Fehrs, DVM; TREASURER, Jo Murray; EMAIL, mkrumlaw@webcincy.com; WEBSITE, www.oaats.org

by Tina S. Ponder Now that the holidays are over, it’s time to start thinking about our riding schedules and getting not only ourselves in condition but our ponies as well. One of our OAATS members sent me a very thought-provoking email to consider for the Corral. In reading her email, it inspired me to stop and think how I could be an effective change in 2018. We hope this article may spark an inspiration in you as well. As we near our Awards Banquet for 2017, we are focusing on the accomplishments that 2017 brought to our riders and their horses; rather it be the mileage earned, awards won, the friendships gained or rekindled. “Some of us look back on the helpfulness and generosity of

strangers when experiencing a bit of bad luck. It is those random acts of selflessness that make this sport unique.” Now that 2018 is upon us and we’re focusing on our schedules, we ask that you consider all the hard work that goes into these rides. We wouldn’t have rides to schedule let alone be so successful if it were not for the brave souls taking on the task of putting on a ride. Ride Managers spend hundreds of hours of their own personal time to making sure each and every one of us have successful and rewarding rides. We have our wonderful Vets; their job can be a thankless one at times. We need to remember they are at our rides for the love of this sport, the love of horses and to ensure our horses’ well being. The ride’s Vets are always there when we need them, no matter if it’s vet checking before, during or after the ride. They provide a wealth of knowledge on how to possibly improve our horse’s ability to compete and they are there for our horse in a time of crisis. A ride without Vets means no ride at all.

Rides without a farrier will not bring a ride to a screeching halt but they do play a vital role in a successful ride. The absence of a farrier can make or break a goal we may have set out to accomplish. Another huge part of a successful ride goes to the Volunteers. Volunteers are invaluable and in extreme demand. Volunteers assist with one if not all the needs of a ride. They are the Ride Secretary, they mark/unmark trails, feed the ride management team, scribe for the vets, take pulses and they may be helping riders trot their horses out. Volunteers, along with the aforementioned network of the ride’s management team, are “the lifeblood that keeps endurance riding alive.” “We are all aware of the number of rides that have dropped off in the past years, the decline in our membership, as well as the lack of junior riders. Without new participants getting involved in the sport, the lion’s share of the work continues to fall on the shoulders of a few. It’s only a matter of time before those few become disenchanted and chose

to relinquish their participation. This would be catastrophic to our sport.” We cannot afford to lose rides and good people due to our lack of participation in removing some of the heavy load. As a board member of OAATS, and on behalf of many other members, we are asking that when making out your ride schedule this year, please allot for some type of volunteering at those rides. “It’s easy to show up, pay the fee, ride and go home. For management, the work is far from over.” If you never volunteered, contact the Ride Manager and ask what you can do to assist in making their load a little lighter. You will be surprised how much you will learn and how many more friendships you will build by volunteering. “No contribution is too great or too small.” Let’s contribute to making 2018 a successful year of endurance riding. It’s our unique sport, making it our responsibility to do our part in making our sport grow and flourish…Let’s “be an agent of change.” Inspire to volunteer! Happy Trails!

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Farrier Friendly

Orthopedic Shoes for Your Horse? by Bryan S. Farcus, MA, CJF

A basic understanding …

When we think of the concept of orthopedics, whether it be for ourselves or our horses, it usually triggers thoughts relating to comfort or support of some part of our body. As we turn our focus toward how orthopedics can help our horses, it can be helpful to reflect on not only its meaning but also the intent of such treatments. First, let’s begin with the meaning behind the word. According to Mosby’s Medical Dictionary, the term orthopedic is derived from the Greek words orthos (to keep straight) and pedi (pertaining to the foot). By reading deeper into the root of most medical terms, one can get a basic grasp of the definition. As a former instructor of both basic equine anatomy and farrier science courses, I would often approach the study of such terminology by suggesting that the student begin by dissecting each term. With the help of a

Plastic poly shoe, ground fit. glossary and/or a lexicon, each term can be broken-down and then read in reverse so that a student can come to a good basic understanding of those seemingly intimidating words. In this case, the concept of orthopedics places a major emphasis on the foot/feet and how it relates to the ‘straightness’ or in some interpretations the ‘correctness’ of a particular structure or body. As we further our examination into the idea of orthopedics for our horse, we learn that there’s a branch of veterinary medicine devoted entirely to the diagnosis

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and treatment of any weakness or deformity of the musculoskeletal structures that may exist within a horse. Over the years, there have been countless studies focusing on the efficacy of orthopedic products. However, choosing the most beneficial course of treatment can still be a great challenge for the horse owner. Fortunately, with the support of your veterinarian and farrier you’ll be able to reach a successful conclusion.

An orthopedic shoeing option?…

Inevitably, the time will come when you’ll notice certain signs from your horse. Perhaps, in a mild form—an occasional sore back, intermittent stocking-up (swelling) of the lower leg joints, or chronic hoof stress (cracks)— or a more severe form, such as a developmental orthopedic disorder resulting from an inherited nutritional deficiency. Most common are those disorders that involve both the muscle and the bone. Contracture or laxity of tendons can rate among the most difficult to treat. In most cases, the shoeing options involve extending the surface of the horseshoe in order to reduce stress or concussion of a particular part of the horse’s limb. Also, the material used in the composition of the shoe may be of aluminum, plastic, acrylic or a combination. These options can offer a great deal of support and comfort for the horse. When faced with this situation, often your veterinarian, farrier or equine sports therapist can help you pin-point the origin of discomfort and recommend viable treatment options. These treatments may range from something as simple as a rebalancing of the hooves, to a more holistic approach where the veterinarian, farrier and equine therapist work together in order to provide the most effective result. In any case, the primary goal of any orthopedic shoeing treatment is to provide a form of support (either through shoeing modifications or supportive leg wraps) in order to prevent any injury and maintain a functional level of comfort for the horse.

Your best intentions…

www.horsecoursesonline.com 56

Trying to make the best choice for your horse will not always be easy, but it’s not impossible. Most generally, the best of

HORSEMEN’S CORRAL

Supportive shoe fit. intentions are rooted in sound principles. When attempting to apply orthopedic shoes to your horse, a good farrier will follow a few basic principles: • What makes any shoe orthopedic is its ability to support, not only a weakness in a hoof, but also a weakness of the entire limb (bones/joints/tendons/ligaments). • For the best results, always trim within the guidelines of conformation for the individual horse—watching how he postures and moves. • Realize that from the bottom of the foot, the farther up the leg a problem exist, the harder it will be to treat. • Specific shoe modifications (such as extending heels, egg bars, or pads), if applied with accuracy, will serve to reduce stress on the horse by reducing the concussive forces or ‘shockwaves’ that may be sent up the leg. Often, it seems as though shoeing of this sort never coincides with your short term desires. • And finally, perhaps the most important orthopedic shoeing principle…An orthopedic shoe is only as good as the skill of the person that applies it. In many situations, it seems as though we are always looking for the next ‘new and improved’ product to come along and be that magic bullet. Yes, there are a great deal of excellent products/ shoes available, but don’t sellshort the power of a well-balance foot, as part of a routine hoof care program. It can be the best thing you can do to help your horse stay healthy and happy. REFERENCES & RESOURCES: Mosby’s Medical Dictionary, 6th Edition UC Davis Book of Horses, M. Siegal The Lame Horse, J. Rooney The Principles of Horseshoeing (P3), D. Butler &J. Butler • www.thehorse.com • • • •

Check out Bryan’s new 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. February 2018

Central Ohio Saddle Club Association

Busily Preparing for the 2018 Show Season PRESIDENT, Mike Musto; VICE PRESIDENT, Phil Harstine; SECRETARY, Robin Hobdy; TREASURER, Theresa Whiteman; WEBSITE, www.coscaonline.com

by Mandy Dacek It may seem like we are buried under a ton of snow, but we at COSCA are hard at work preparing for the 2018 show season. Rule proposals presented in November have been voted on and the 2018 Rulebook will be on our website very soon. Show dates are being confirmed and showbills are starting to come in. Make sure to continue to check our website for showbills as they are approved. We also have a Facebook page and an Instagram page, so be sure to follow us on social media! This month we shine the spotlight on our Adult 19 and over Champion and Reserve Champion. Thank you to JEM photography for the pictures

of our adult division winners, as well as the pictures of our 2017 Horse of the Year and Reserve Horse of the Year. The pictures from the Championship Show were fantastic! Be sure to check out JEM photography on Facebook. The 2017 Adult 19 and over division Champion is Robin Hobdy. Robin and her talented mare, Robins Sweet Art, showed in halter, showmanship, English Pleasure and English Equitation in the Adult division. Lucie, as she is known to her fans, is a 17 year old Appendix Quarter Horse mare. Four month old Lucie was Robin’s high school graduation present. After a brief hiatus of a move to Texas, Robin and Lucie came back to Ohio and rejoined their old friends and made some new ones on the COSCA circuit. Robin and Lucie earned two Championships and two Reserve Championships in the adult classes as well as many other year-end awards in Quarter Horse and Open classes. Robin and Lucie were a formidable team in the English classes this summer,

Adult 19 and over Champion Robin Hobdy and Robins Sweet Art.

Reserve Adult 19 and over Reserve Champion, Kaili Mitchell and Awards Ceremony.

which was evident by earning a third place in our Hunt Seat Division! Congratulations Robin Hobdy and Robins Sweet Art! The 2017 Adult 19 and over division Reserve Champion is Kaili Mitchell. Kaili and her faithful gelding, Awards Ceremony have taken their winning ways of her youth career into the adult division. Kaili and her Quarter Horse Snoopy have been partners for 11 years and have had major success in 4H and at the All American Youth Show as well as multiple youth high point Champion on the COSCA

circuit. Kaili is a pre-vet student at Walsh University and somehow finds the time to show her trusty Quarter Horse. Kaili and Snoopy earned many Championships and Reserve Championships in the adult division as well as year-end awards in Quarter Horse classes as well. Snoopy and Kaili are a great team, both in and out of the ring. Congratulations Kaili Mitchell and Awards Ceremony! Be sure to sign your horse up for points when you send in your membership. Who knows, you could be the one our spotlight shines on next year!

P 1650 miles of trails maintained by volunteers from the Ohio Horseman’s Council.

P Trails in Ohio are FREE to ride,

unlike neighboring states who may charge per ride or a yearly fee.

P Your membership fee directly supports trails and Ohio’s equine industry.

February 2018

HORSEMEN’S CORRAL

Ohio Horseman’s Council, Inc.

PRESIDENT Arden Sims 740/350-2339 president@ohconline.com

Member of American Horse Council www.ohconline.com RECORDING SECRETARY Catherine Estill 513/899-2267 cnestill6@gmail.com

MEMBERSHIP Del Stanbeck 216/392-5577 dstnback@yahoo.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 IF YOU HAVE EVER RIDDEN A PUBLIC TRAIL IN OHIO AND IF YOU ARE NOT AN OHC MEMBER, PLEASE READ THIS. The chances are the trail you rode has been maintained by an OHC volunteer. If not for OHC volunteers, it has been acknowledged we would not have access to the beautiful and bountiful equine trails that we are blessed with. For as little as $20 each year you will be supporting the work to preserve 108 trail systems with over 1,650 miles. We are the statewide voice for equine trail riders and together our 4,200 members make us the go-to trail voice for the public Trail Managers. We are also founding members of the Ohio Legislative Trails

Caucus and the Ohio Trails Partnership and we have 69 County Chapters so we have a broad platform to advocate for you, the equine rider. We ask that you add your voice by joining the OHC for 2018 and we will make sure that your voice is heard! Please go to our website ohconline.com to join and find out about other benefits including a million dollar equine excess liability insurance for $20 individual and $40 family, free Horsemen’s Corral magazine and significant discounts through our sponsoring vendors Stagecoach West, Cashman’s, John Deere and many more. We are easy to contact. Follow us on Facebook at Ohio Horseman’s Council, Inc. to see current events and news or send us a Facebook message, call us at 614/600-1972 or drop an email to president@ ohconline.com ~Arden Sims, OHC President

County Lines ASHTABULA Hey baby, it’s cold outside. Winter is certainly upon us and everyone seems to be suffering from the deep chill. Hopefully, everyone’s equine buddies are in warm stalls with plenty of water and fresh food. We had our first meeting of the year and it covered a lot of business. With the holidays behind us, there is a ton of work and a ton of fun to plan. Going back for just a minute, our Christmas family was thrilled and grateful for the gifts I brought them four days before Santa arrived. ‘Pat’ had only been able to purchase one gift for ‘Joshua’ and her eyes lit up when she saw the packages. I can’t remember how many times she thanked us. We wanted to purchase something for her but she politely declined, her only concern was for her grandson. I’m so grateful we were able to bring joy to this family. Thank you fellow members! Jamie Miller collected mileage sheets at the meeting and will be sure to have them where they need to be by the fifth. Thanks, Jamie, for your effort and for reminding everyone that their numbers count. There was discussion about many events and dates but I’ll 58

cover the most immediate. The Spring Fling Dance is on again at the Sheffield Fire Hall. It will be March 17, our Saint Paddy’s Day traditional date, at 9 p.m. This is the perfect time for us to get together to celebrate the coming of riding season and just feel good that new life begins in the coming weeks. We want to dance and eat and have a good time so please join us. Of course there will be a basket raffle and don’t forget its B.Y.O.B. Tickets are $10 and are available at Arcaro’s and Bushnell Stores. You can visit us on Facebook for more information. Thanks Mariah, for organizing this event. During the meeting, Kathy Braden asked each member to express their thoughts about the club and the direction we would like to go in for 2018. Lots of conversation ensued and there were some really thoughtful ideas. We all agree that we would like to get to know each other better while improving our efforts to make new members welcome. We truly love having new faces with fresh perspectives as we grow and improve. The more the merrier! Welcome all! A quick reminder that we will be having our annual Coggins/ rabies/shots clinic in May at the Albion Fairgrounds. The vet will do the blood work and will bring

the rabies vaccines. If you want him to administer your shots, he will do that also. This clinic is available to the public so please let your equine friends know we are offering this service. Again, thank you Mariah for your assistance. I think it’s time to sit by the fire, sip a cup of cocoa, read a horsey magazine and drift off to sleep, dreaming of happy trails and renewed friendships. Sweet dreams....until we meet again. ~Jenny Walsh ATHENS The Athens County Chapter of OHC held its first meeting of the new year on Jan. 3 at the State Highway Patrol Office on Della Drive. Those members who came early were treated to coffee, tea, hot chocolate and some very orange smoothies’ compliments of Angie Pyle and Jane Jacobs. President Bonnie Lackey called the meeting to order at 6:30 with her makeshift gavel. We recapped 2017 and set some goals for 2018. One of these goals is to use the talents of our members. To that end, Peggy Sisson, a nurse, agreed to do an activity called ‘trauma on the trail’ at our next meeting on March 7. There may be some props and fake blood involved.

HORSEMEN’S CORRAL

The goal of this activity will be to make us better prepared if a human gets injured on the trail or has a medical emergency. Some members who want to participate will be keeping a journal of their trail rides and other equine activities during the year in order to celebrate the horse all year long. In addition to our March 7 meeting at State Highway Patrol Office at 6:30, we will meet on May 2 at John Lewis’s farm near Guysville. July 11 at Donkey Coffee in Athens; Sept. 5 at Pleasant Hill Vineyards and Nov. 7 at Lackey’s Party Barn. In addition to meetings and trail rides, we plan to participate in some events at Smoke Rise Ranch and ride in local parades. ~Stacia BUTLER Happy New Year from Butler County. With the New Year comes the opportunity to be grateful for the year past. During 2017, our BCOHC chapter had several reasons to be grateful. It has been several years since new members have taken a committed involvement in activities and meetings as has occurred in 2017. This is a compliment to existing members, for it is the worth of our past efforts in which February 2018

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Butler Co. Christmas party. others value as a quality place to donate and share their own valuable time. We produced a very successful Horse Daze, with the second highest attendance record and the most ever horses and volunteers. A special thanks is sent to Sherri Krazl for her wonderful planning and advertising of our Christmas party that was held at Hueston Woods Lodge. She not only arranged for a fun-filled evening of fellowship and great food, but wonderful door prizes to be won by lucky members. With the New Year comes a renewed commitment to help spread the mission and fun of belonging to the Butler County Ohio Horseman’s Council. The first meeting of the year was on Jan. 9 where we shared new ideas and events for the coming year. ~Mary Pope CARROLL Like many others, I’m sure, the cold weather and snow has me reminiscing on the warmer weather this past summer and fall and looking forward to spring. In 2017, we (Carroll County OHC) signed a contract to maintain the bridle trails at Jefferson Lake State Park. This beautiful state park had been in danger of being closed for a number of years due to lack of use and since we don’t have our own public trails within Carroll County, we felt it was important to step in and do what we could to help save these wonderful trails. In a huge, wonderfully cooperative effort among talented

CCOHC and JCOHC members working together to install drainage on the Fernview Trail at Jefferson Lake State Park. February 2018

CCOHC President Ron Wilson II’s mares enjoy playing in the snow.

Before and after of the Lakeside Trail by the Jefferson Lake Dam. members of Carroll County OHC and devoted members of Jefferson County OHC, as well as one amazing at-large OHC member, we accomplished a lot in 2017. First, we used our chapter’s equipment to clear all the undergrowth and brush off the trails, allowing greater access to these trails, especially those around the new camp. Second, we created a new, very detailed, GPS-accurate map, so those like me who are directionallychallenged would feel safe and be able to plan and navigate the 18 miles of intricate trails at Jefferson Lake. Third, we did everything we could to spread the word about the wonderful riding and camping available at Jefferson Lake State Park and held a few rides there to encourage others to visit the park. Finally, we’ve started making improvements to the trails, mainly improving muddy areas by installing drainage. In 2017, OHC members put in over 1,000 work hours and CCOHC and JCOHC have spent about $4,200 at Jefferson Lake State Park. We’re so thrilled at the large turnouts and positive feedback that we’ve had at all of our events in 2017 and are even more excited about all we have planned for this year! If you have any suggestions as to what you would like to see done at Jefferson Lake State Park, please let us know via our Facebook page or email at carrollcohc@gmail.com. Check out our website, www.carrollcountyohc.org, or like us on Facebook (@ CarrollCountyOHC) to stay in touch. See you on the trail! ~Kristin Davies

Hello from Clark County! I’m writing this on a frigid day at the end of December. We’ve not had our January meeting, so I have nothing to share in that respect. After our meeting I will be able to confirm the officers for 2018. In an attempt to be proactive we are submitting an application for grant money from OHC. The plan is to improve the driveway and parking area in the Horseman’s Area by grading and having gravel spread. We will keep you advised as volunteer help will be needed for this project. Thursday, Feb. 8 we will meet at 6:30 p.m. at Hustead Fire/ EMS Station. We hope to see you there. Until next month, Happy Trails. ~MaryEllen

Just a few more weeks. months so I’m hopeful that February provides a bit warmer weather. When this issue is out we will have had our Christmas party and possibly decided on a trail maintenance date to work on the trails. I hope the New Year brings with it some awesome rides and safe travels for all equestrians. I know I will be checking out a couple new places this year and I have high hopes that they will be well worth my time. I should have our club results for miles and maintenance hours in the next issue. ~Gigi CUYAHOGA

Driveway condition for Clark County. COSHOCTON Hello February 2018! Hopefully everyone is staying warm and cozy during this cold winter. I am writing this article on New Year’s Eve and our temperature is 12 degrees with a wind chill of minus 5. Our club usually starts trail maintenance during the winter

2017 November ride and roast.

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Twenty years ago area horse people contacted each other and made a big push to join Cuyahoga OHC and begin to work with the Cleveland Metroparks on the Bridle Trails. There weren’t any horse trailer parking areas. The trail that had originated at the popular Circle Emerald riding stable in the Bedford Reservation had been closed ever since the stable closed 17 years before. In South Chagrin Reservation riders had to chance riding on the road next to a guard rail on a bend in the road to use the trail to the Polo Field. Park managers had no idea as to how and if their trails were being used. All that changed when horse people hitched their team and let the park know we would volunteer our money and labor to improve and maintain the trails. There are seven Reservations that have bridle trails. Five of those Reservations connect making it possible to ride the Emerald Necklace skirting the city of Cleveland from Rocky River to the Polo Field in Moreland Hills on a continuous beautiful bridle trail. When the trail in Bedford was closed for 17 years residents refused to hike the trail without the horses traveling it to make them feel safe. All that changed when our chapter became active with park maintenance to open that trail once again. Over 100 horsemen 59

County Lines attended the opening celebration of that trail. We worked with Cuyahoga County Engineers, the city of Moreland Hills and the Metroparks to move the guard rail up against the street and put fencing on both sides of the trail to make the trail to the polo field safe. In January 2018, we celebrated the 100th Anniversary of the Cleveland Metroparks with a banquet, auction and awards for riders who accomplished riding all the Reservations…100 miles. There were 246 riders who accepted the challenge. Riders camped at the polo field riding for three days. Other rides were organized and individuals went out of their way to help guide the riders in various reservations. Thanks to our chapter being active there are now horse trailer parking areas in each reservation. The park managers are well aware that the trails are being used. The most important thing you as a horse person can do to encourage horse trails in Ohio is to join the Ohio Horseman’s Council. You don’t have to live in the county to join. If your county doesn’t have a chapter, start one. You won’t believe all the friendships you will make … horse people are really out there … you’ll be amazed. ~Margaret Wolfe DEFIANCE Hello from Northwest Ohio! Our group has been busy with Christmas Lights and CruiseThru/Bake Sale at the Defiance County Fairgrounds and planning for a Tack Sale on March 11 at the Paulding County Fairgrounds. Included in this report is a picture of Caden and Tiny, the Christmas pony that gave rides at the Cruise-Thru. Early in December two of our members who show Quarter Ponies received several yearend awards, each. Among those awards: Patty Porter Solak’s Short of Socks, ‘Shorty’ received his championship award and Deb Hubbard’s Tuf N Tucker, ‘Johnny’ earned two medallion awards. Angela Hohenbrink did some sleigh riding! Check out the picture of her Morgan, Rosedust Material Girl, ‘Mattie’ and her Albany Cutter. This Cutter was bought locally at a farm auction and was covered in bird droppings which hid the wonderful pictures of flowers and running leopards, which they 60

Defiance County OHC restored. A cutter is a sleigh that holds two people. An Albany or other type of sleigh that holds four people or more would be called a Sleigh. Sleighing is lots of fun and can even be done by purchasing sleigh runners for your cart. Kids can have lots of fun sleighing around the yard with their pony that drives. This Albany Cutter and a few other vehicles will be on display at the Defiance OHC Carriage Drive at Independence Dam, East of Defiance on April 22. If you drive your horse and are an OHC member, come on over and join us and let us know your favorite places to drive. This park is lovely in the spring when the Redbud trees are blooming along the old canal by the Maumee River. More information to follow in the coming months. Enjoy your fuzzy equines. It is a great time to ride bareback, the original heated seat. See you at the tack sale! Stay warm! ~Deb Hubbard DELAWARE Greetings from Delaware Chapter and Happy Valentine’s Day to everyone! February, for me, has always signified the start of the downhill slide towards the end of winter. Indeed, this recent frigid weather sure has curtailed most everyone’s outdoor riding

activities, save but for a few hardy souls or fool-hearty, as the case may be! My mare and I said farewell to 2017 and welcome to 2018 with two short, but enjoyable rides on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, both, in sunny, 7-degree weather! Our January meeting was well attended, fun and very productive. President Dan shared some of his ideas and goals for 2018 to help further our chapter’s growth and shared enthusiasm. Discussion included plans to repeat our club’s ‘Autumn At Alum’ chapter ride and campout scheduled for Sept. 21-23. Our first chapter ride of the year has also been scheduled for Sunday, April 29 at The Flats. Details concerning each of these events will be forthcoming soon. In addition, our chapter also hopes to hold other activities such as poker runs, trail obstacle clinics, and various educational demonstrations and/or presentations throughout the year. Another goal for 2018 is to continue to increase our membership. Don’t forget to mention our club to your horseloving friends and invite them to attend one of our meetings or chapter events where they will hear and see for themselves what a fun bunch of horse enthusiasts we are! Treasurer Sherry Chambers urged all club members to help recruit new business sponsorships. To that goal, Sherry will assemble ‘sponsorship informational packets’ members can use to help explain the sponsorship program and donation to prospective donors. Our business sponsors’ financial assistance is utilized for a variety of trail improvement projects throughout the Alum Creek bridle trail system. Speaking of trail work, this year is shaping up to be another great partnership year between our chapter and local Boy Scout troops’ and their Eagle Scout candidates according to Larry Murdock and Bobbi Arters. Thus far, two Eagle Scout projects are currently in their planning stages for 2018. Despite the winter weather, our incredible trail maintenance crew remain hard at work on our Alum Creek bridle trails in the ongoing effort to keep the trails safe and enjoyable for everyone. Last year saw this awesome group accomplish over 2,000 hours of trail work! The crew meet every Tuesday morning at the Howard

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Road Horseman’s campground starting at 9 a.m. weather permitting. Consider lending a hand on a Tuesday morning. Volunteers are always needed and much appreciated! For more information, please contact Mary Chmielewski, 740/524-1351. Mark your calendars now to attend the OHC spring general membership meeting held in our own ‘backyard’ at the Delaware Eagles’ Lodge on SR 36/37 on Saturday, March 10. (Please note the change of day). The Central Region chapters, which includes Delaware, will serve as hosts for this event. As a host, we have an opportunity to generate some much-needed funds for our treasury with the proceeds generated from the sale of our silent auction items and/or raffle tickets. Members are asked to arrive at the meeting by 9:45 a.m. to help with set-up. For more information or to donate an auction item if unable to attend, please contact Theresa Burke at 614/329-7453. Attendance is free. Lunch is available at the lodge for a nominal fee. To purchase your lunch meal ticket, please go online to ohconline. com for more details. Hope to see you all there! Until next month, don’t forget to give a Valentine’s Day hug to your equine partner! ~Theresa Burke ERIE Greetings from Erie County! I hope everyone is staying warm. Our annual Christmas party arrived with great attendance and awesome food. It was held at the Frost Center located in Osbourne Park. A game inspired gift exchange followed after dinner. It was great seeing everyone, and catching up with each other’s winter plans and travels. I had just got back from South Carolina for two weeks. No, it wasn’t an equine event but a grandma event. Our family was blessed with a beautiful little granddaughter. But exciting and beautiful things often come in small packages. While I was there, I wrote the article for the January Corral. I even put it in a day or two early. I would like to announce the real ECOHC officers for the year 2018. They are as follows: President Lynn Sparks, Vice President Colleen Shupe, Treasurer Julie Novosielski, Secretary/Corral Reporter Shelley Hayes, Club February 2018

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Happy New Year from Erie County OHC. Historian Rita Butler. I guess I should have brought my notes. January arrived blustery and cold. Our New Year’s Day ride was cancelled due to frigid temperatures. Some of us rode bareback around the barn and yard. Other members like Jim and Lorna packed up their mules and headed south to Alabama. An organized ride over New Year’s sounds like a fun time. It had to be warmer than it was here! I can’t wait to hear how their ride went! Up here in the North, we spend a little more time inside this time of the year. So I am looking forward to our annual ride planning meeting. It is like a breath of spring as we plan campouts and rides. Of course getting together with friends is always something to look forward to. Wow, it is hard to believe it is February already as we read this! Our monthly meeting will be held Feb. 8 at the coupling in Milan on Route 13. Potluck is at 6:30, meeting at 7 p.m. Something sweet is bound to be on the agenda! Hug your horse and have a Happy Valentine’s Day! Happy Trails! ~Shelley FAIRFIELD Happy New Year to everyone reading this article. Yep, 2017 is behind us and 2018 is in our windshield. I know several that traditionally go for a New Years’ day ride. This year with the temperature hanging around six for the high, not sure how many ventured out. I for one wimped out and stayed inside where it was warm. Back in November our club held their election of officers. No changes were made and all of the 2017 officers were re-elected for 2018. Our president is Anita Hoon, vice president is Helen Gillian, Tanna Rhoads is madam secretary, Pam Dean is treasurer, February 2018

and June Streitenberger is our historian. Our trail boss is Art Crist and his two right hand men on the trail committee are Richard Reisinger and Mike Kempton. Myself Chris Streitenberger, will continue to write this article. As I just mentioned, Richard Reisinger is one of our key people on the trail committee. December 29 Richard had triple bypass surgery. All is going well so I’m told by his soul mate Helen, but he is going to be on light duty for at least three months. Good help is just hard to come by. Kidding, best of luck in your recovery Richard. Last month I mentioned our goal as an OHC club to assisting DNR with their project to GPS map the horse trails at Hocking State Forest. The goal of this project is to produce a new more detailed map of the horse trails. This project also involves remarking the trails to make navigating them easier for new comers to the park. We had a meeting Jan. 6 and started the planning process. This will be a major undertaking, but it is our goal to have it completed by the spring riding season. Wish us luck. In a future meeting we hope to complete plans to build mounting blocks and tie rails which will also be installed in the Hocking State Forest horse trail system. It is also our goal to have this work accomplished by the spring riding system. As you can see we have a ton of work ahead of us. If anyone is standing around slightly bored feel free to give us a call. We might be able to find you a job. Looking back at my 2017 calendar, I saw our OHC chapter sponsored 12 weekend rides. In addition to that, our members on their own went on numerous day rides and extended camping trips. We don’t have all of the trail miles collected, but rumor has it we exceeded last year’s total miles by a bunch. Thanks to everyone in the Fairfield OHC club for keeping track of this information. The state DNR does look at this information. All of the work completed at the Hocking State Horse Camp and plans in the mill for 2018 are proof of this. Our first OHC meeting was Jan. 14. Additional plans were made for our 2018 trail rides and other club projects. I will bring you that information next month. Stay warm, and if the weather would happen to break and you

go for a ride, give me a call. I’ll drag my wooly bear out of the pasture and tag along. ~Chris FULTON Recently, a non-horsey acquaintance was telling me how her kids wanted a horse. She came to me because she knows I have a couple. When I told her that I work with horses, too, she said, “Wow! That must be a labor of love!” Yes, she’s right. Why else would we try to learn to communicate with a totally different species? Why else would we keep saddle soap in the living room? Why else would I have to remind my husband to watch his spurs around the furniture—better yet, why are you wearing them in the house? We do it because we love these crazy beasts...I’m referring to the horses, not the husbands, but we love them, too. The social aspect of meeting up with other like-minded folk is a great thing, too. When we meet up with other horsey people, we know there are others like us. Among them, we, ourselves, just might be normal. Hey, I said “might”! December flew by quickly. I hope everyone and their horses and ponies got new ‘stuff’ over the holidays. The Fulton County OHC had to cancel our annual New Year’s Day ride due to the cold; hopefully we’ll be able to have a nice winter ride next month. Our annual planning meeting will have come and gone by the time you read this, but keep up to date with us on our

The Collins family at the Christmas party.

More sweaters at the Christmas party!

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Chili and his new blanket. Facebook page and our website, fcohc.com. Meetings normally are on the first Monday of the month and we currently meet at 7 p.m. at Route 64 Pub and Grub on SR 64 between Whitehouse and Waterville right by the roundabout. Have an idea for an event for us? Let us know! Next month I’ll have more information for you. Think warm thoughts and remember, your body may be in northwest Ohio but your mind can be in Maui! Regardless of where you are, tonight when you go out to see your beasties and tuck them in for the night, be glad you get to do your labor of love! Happy Trails! ~Trina Houser GEAUGA Greetings from Geauga OHC. Brrr, baby it’s cold outside. As I’m sitting here writing this it’s 11 degrees and dropping. I’ve been riding (getting on and riding alongside other riders and talking) my horse Mickey bareback these cold days because he’s so warm and fuzzy. And, because I’m too lazy to tack up. This month I asked our wonderful GOHC members to share some of their favorite 2017 memories. Thank you for sharing your memories. Cecilia Hanish: My best memory of 2017 is my first year as, copresident and first time as an officer for GCOHC it would have to be receiving the opportunity to serve this spectacular organization, meeting some of the nicest horse people, participating in great events, learning new ways of training and riding, enjoying the beautiful trails and the best feeling to work hard at fundraising to give back to our community and to someone in need. Sue Mulhall: I rode a lot of new trails this year and one that seems to stand out in my mind was Rocky River. A group of us all went together and drove way 61

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Emerald Necklace event with mounted rangers. over to Rocky River Stables. We parked and unloaded and wondered how the horses would react to all the guys hammering and yelling as they were replacing the roofing on the barn and a pony that was racing around the outdoor ring, scared from the rooftop noises and excited to see all of us! We got saddled up and rode past the ruckus without too many problems and headed to the river to try to find the crossing. Nothing was marked but Joy had been there, and we were counting on her memory! We finally crossed it and for the first half of our ride we had no idea at all where the trail was because it just wasn’t marked! Joy kind of remembered but we guessed at some of the offshoots and came upon a man in a parking lot and asked him where a certain road was…he didn’t seem to know… so we rode on and came across him again. He had found a map and had been looking for us to try and help, the kindness of strangers! We turned around and headed up another trail and finally came across a park ranger on a four-wheeler who said we were headed in the right direction! The trails were wonderful, and some were so wide that we could ride six horses wide on them! We went under 480 and the planes were deafening, but what a great experience for us and our horses! We crossed the river six times and on one of the crossings two of the horses slipped on a huge shelf rock and went half of the way down…Ozzie was one of them! We got back to the trailers and we had been out about six hours…tired horses and us too! It was a very memorable ride! Jennifer Salo: I have two great memories that come to mind... first one is our regional ride. I love that this event gets a great turn-out. I always ride with new people at this event or someone who I haven’t ridden with in a while. We had great weather this year and excellent food. The noticeable difference this year was Nora not being there to send 62

out the riders. She is missed. My second memory is being at the Cuyahoga OHC’s state ride at the polo fields. Again, great turn out! Seeing the parking area full of trailers was great. Kathryn Sickling: My memory is of all the love and support I was shown when I was getting my home and animals moved to Florida. All the offers of help, kind words and celebrations on my behalf meant so much to me. I hope to always be a part of GCOHC. Kendall Smith: One of my favorites was the Emerald Necklace event. The GCOHC was well represented and we all did a great job with the mounted rangers flares and smoke! Linn Walker: My favorite memory is becoming a new member this year. And, meeting new friends and having a lot of new experiences. And, feeling so warm and welcomed! I’m leaving you with one last thought. “Horses teach you a lot. Very little of it actually has to do with horses.” Anthony Lothian ~Linn Walker GREENE Welcome from the frozen tundra! I don’t think any of the Greene County members decided to ride on New Year’s Day. I know Celeste and I opted for lunch and a movie. I don’t mind riding in the winter, and I love riding in snow. But single digit temperatures are a bit more than I care to deal with these days. My pony doesn’t seem to care; Cooper and his new best buddy play in the snow and cold without complaint. His new buddy is a 17.2 Holsteiner. Now for those of you who know Cooper, he’s 14.2. So he looks pretty funny playing with the big boy, but they have fun. When riding together, Cooper has to jog to keep up with buddy Houston’s walk. But he gets back at him when they’re running in the field. Cooper can outrun him in a heartbeat, he’s a quick little thing! Our Christmas party was a bit smaller than usual, though larger than 2016. In 2016 I think only four of us made it. This year Jerry, Suzie, Elizabeth, Larry, Debbie and I made it. My mom, sister and one great-nephew joined us as guests. Herb and Viv were both sick, and I’m guessing Nancy was too as she didn’t make it. It made the gift exchange fairly easy, however. Larry and Jerry exchanged, and then the

three in my family exchanged with the other three and all was good. My great-nephew was pretty amazed at Jerry’s appetite; we tried to explain that he’d been out working on the fence in the nasty wind chill all day and needed to replenish! Our activity meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 16, just before our monthly meeting at the Xenia Chamber of Commerce. If anyone has any ideas of parks where they’d like to see a ride scheduled (if we manage to hold any; we’ve been rained out a lot the last couple years!), or any other good club activities, feel free to come join us. If you can’t join us, but still have ideas, feel free to email them to me at akela83@att.net. As usual, we’re already collecting items for this year’s state ride June 8-10. Any items are welcome. They do not need to be horse-related. You can keep them until the event, give them to Nancy at any meeting, or track down Herb, Suzie, Jerry or me as well. Jerry is again making one of his gorgeous saddle stands, which is worth coming by for in itself. And of course we’ll have Karaoke Bob joining us again. And yes, I know that’s five months away, but it’s good to plan for warm activities when it’s this cold. I don’t have any photos this month. I’d love to include more from various members, please send any you want published. Stay warm! ~Mickie HAMILTON Hamilton County sure does have some dedicated horse owners! Over 40 people showed up on a frigidly cold, minus 8-degree evening to attend our Jan. 4 ‘Awesome Baked Goods Competition’ and ‘Ask the Veterinarian’ meeting! We kicked off the evening with the ‘Awesome Baked Goods Competition’ competitors arriving early with delicious home baked dessert entrees. The competition fierce, the stakes high and the pressure was on with four baked good categories, a $5 entry fee per entrée and the grand champion winner earning bragging rights and taking home half of the total entry fees. Our esteemed judges, Linda Gerding, Randy Mack plus Dick and Sarah Stuart, ‘took one for the team’ and shouldered the tough job of

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Dr. Michael Frederick and Dr. Anna Hood.

Awesome dessert competition judges and helpers.

Hamilton County OHC, ‘Ask the Veterinarian.’ tasting all of the desserts while our hard-working judge’s helpers Sarah Duffy, Karen Osborne, Liz Schaechterle and Lisa Wynn assisted the judges and plated all of the desserts for everyone to partake after the judging was completed. Congratulations go to Wanda Schuh, grand champion winner with her coconut cream layered dessert and taking home the reserve grand champion was Heather Eckstein with her delicious pumpkin roll. Both winning dessert recipes will be published in the February edition of the club’s Hoofprints newsletter. Many thanks go to all the contestants who shared their delicious desserts, and to the judges and the judge’s helpers who helped make the night fun. ‘Ask the Veterinarian’ is a wildly popular, club favorite event where a panel of equine veterinarians arrive with no agenda, sit in front of a microphone and answer questions taken from the audience. No topic is off the table. Miamitown Equine Veterinary Services Dr. Michael Frederick and Dr. Anna Hood deftly answered an avalanche of questions on multiple topics like: care of the horse in frigid temperatures; the when, how and if’s of horse blanketing; importance of equine water consumption February 2018

County Lines in cold weather; feeding alfalfa hay; what is Cushing Syndrome; what is insulin resistance and how to diagnose and care for horses afflicted with these endocrine abnormalities; flu, causes of flu and flu vaccines; health certificates and the United States Department of Agriculture guidelines; equine chiropractic; how to improve a horse’s top line; fecal egg counts; lice; obesity; hard keepers; and how to manage horses with sole bruises and foot tenderness on hard frozen ground and on and on and on. The questions kept coming and the veterinarians kept answering as helpers quietly cleaned up the kitchen, bagged the trash, cleaned up the coffee station and put away the chairs and tables. The evening ultimately ended when we had to turn out the lights and lock the doors to close down the community center! What an evening! Many thanks go to Miamitown Equine Veterinary Services Dr. Michael Frederick and Dr. Anna Hood for supporting Hamilton County OHC ‘Ask the Veterinarian’ night and for sharing their time, talents and vast medical expertise with our members and guests. ~Ann HARRISON It is a time for Harrison County OHC to begin planning new projects and accomplishments for 2018. Soon the weather will warm and winter will be a fading memory. It has been so cold that any temperature in the teens feels like a heat wave. We celebrated our Christmas party on Dec. 21 at the Mine Restaurant in Cadiz, Ohio. We had 24 people attend with a lot of good food and fun. The gifts this year were begging to be stolen, and the stealing contributed to a wonderful time. The ticks were really prevalent in this area this fall and right up until the frigid patch of weather. I decided to have Pedro and Cody tested for any tick carrying disease. Pedro was negative but Cody tested positive for Lime disease and Anaplasmosis. He is being treated and will have another set of blood tests in a month to check on his progress. I really never noticed any type of symptoms and the vet said his glands were not swollen but he was still positive. So just as a precaution, if the ticks were bad in your area, it might be wise to test. February 2018

Christmas parade in Logan. That was a brief run-down of some of the rides and activities that we participated in. There were a lot more rides that I missed. We are ready for a fun-filled year of more rides and activities and bloopers. There always seems to be other members that are there to share our bloopers with others. Have a great 2018. May your trails be blessed and safe! ~Jeanette JACKSON

If you have not renewed your membership please do so. Waiting for warmer days. God bless and be safe. ~Dorothy Glover

I hope everyone had a nice start to the New Year and is staying warm. Remember to keep an eye on your horse’s water intake. If you have a horse that doesn’t drink enough during this cold weather it can lead to trouble. I have to use the heated buckets for my two seniors, and heated troughs in the field too. We didn’t meet in January, we are starting our meetings for this year in February. It’s always the fourth Thursday of the month. We hope to schedule a ride for March. Ride warm, ~Margo

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Well 2017 has come to a close. How fast the time has gone, it seems like it just flew by. Old man winter has got us in a deep freeze for a while, I guess he wanted to remind us that it’s winter out there. I know that we are all looking for warmer weather to camp and ride and do outside activities. I thought that I would do a 2017 recap of the activities and things that Hocking OHC has done. April: horseback rides during Ag Days at Hocking County Fairgrounds for fundraising, and a ride at Smoke Rise. May: OTP clean-up at Hocking horse camp; a couple people volunteered at the All American Youth show in Columbus; Memorial Day camp out at Burr Oak. June: trail cleanup at Burr Oak before the regional ride in July; rides at Zaleski and at Hocking group camp. July: regional ride with Perry County Fourth of July weekend. August: sponsored three kids to go to the OHC Youth Camp. September: ride at Elkins Creek. October: members of the club went to Perry County soup cook off. November: members attended the state meeting in Delaware. December: members rode in the

Plans are being made for trail work at Jefferson Lake State Park this year to improve areas that have been mud holes for the last few years. Basically, these are the Logan and Trillium trails. We have applied for an OHC Grant to help us with this and a commitment from ODNR for their help, so if the weather doesn’t give us problems, we can hopefully get this work done. The trails at Jefferson Lake have really been used this past year and we want to thank everyone for that. Hopefully, everyone remembered to turn their trail miles in so ODNR will know about the trail mile usage in all the parks and forests. Enjoy your horse! ~JoEllen

Harrison County OHC Christmas party.

KNOX On Dec. 10, 2017 we had a group on horseback Christmas caroling at Timbuck Tree Farm. It was very cold that day but the smiles of the children that came forward to greet the horses warmed our hearts. Not sure how much our singing did in reciprocity. December 16, 2017, those that were not off

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Christmas caroling.

Trail maintenance. deer hunting joined in a work day at Thayer Ridge. We worked diligently from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The chapter rented a Dingo machine to move gravel down narrow trails to cover culverts we were installing. Three culverts were successfully put in place before the ground thawed too much to allow us to continue. I want to especially thank Sam McDonald for falling out again Sunday morning to finish covering the last culvert before we had to return the rented machine. By noon, we were in the saddle at Dillon for a shorter than normal ride due to the cold and rain that set in. I want to thank all those who turned out Saturday. I was proud to be a part of OHC and the team. While not actually an OHC event, many who attended the now annual New Year’s Day Ride and potluck at Nancy Gilliand’s home were OHC members. The morning started out at zero degrees and didn’t warm up much. This limited the number of riders this year but not the number that joined in for the potluck. A rich man is not rich without good friends and good fellowship. Thank you Nancy Gilliand for a great start to another year. 63

County Lines We have a calendar of KCOHC events for 2018. The first item was our after the holidays gathering, or as I call it, our Winter Bash held Jan. 6. While our official posted schedule is light, do to our large number of members, and Facebook, you can find a group to ride with most every weekend. We also have a couple of out-of-state rides planned if you are interested. Coggins tests and health papers on each horse are generally required for these ventures. KCOHC is sponsoring a Tack Auction, Feb. 24 at the Martinsburg Activity Center, 122 E. Liberty Street, Martinsburg, Ohio 43037. Food, fun, and a break from the winter’s doldrums. March 17 is our first official trail ride, a day ride on the Mohican Valley Trail. Ride scheduled at 10 a.m. This is a rails to trails trail and stays dry all season. Since this falls on a Saturday, may I suggest pizza at the Dug Out after the ride. Our first official camp out is at Malabar Farm, April 27-29. Watch Facebook for any possible changes. Come on over to Knox County OHC where the gates are wide open, the grass is greener, the horses leaner, because we do ride them, and everyone is welcome. KCOHC meets at 7 p.m. the third Monday of the month at the Long Branch Pizza in Centerburg. See you on the trail, ~Terry L. Baker LORAIN Happy Valentine’s Day! Remember to give your horse or the one who mucks the stalls a hug on Valentine’s Day. This month we will have our Sweetheart Day Ride on Saturday, Feb. 17 at 1 p.m. at the Equestrian Center at Carlisle with refreshments after the ride in the enclosed pavilion. This month our sponsor is C & L Shoes located in West Salem, Ohio. They feature a great selection of items to meet your outdoor needs, check them out. Our membership meeting will be held at the Carlisle Visitor Center on Monday, Feb. 19 at 7 p.m. We will have refreshments while we listen to Barb Musolf, DVM speak to us about laminitis (founder) in horses. Carriages may be out on the trails at Carlisle on Feb. 6, 10 15 and 18 so be cautious please. Thank you to all who helped take down the Christmas display. It was a really beautiful display 64

so I hope you were able to view it over the holiday season. We have a wonderful calendar of events planned this year. Our events are listed on our Lorain OHC calendar, in our Corral Lorain newsletter, the Lorain OHC website and via emails for updates/changes to the events. Please note that events may be cancelled or delayed due to inclement weather or other unexpected reasons at times so it is best to check your email or contact the event organizer prior to the event when in doubt. May all your rides be filled with sugar and spice and everything nice. Happy Valentine’s Day! ~Kathy Duncan MADISON Hello February! This is the beginning of the end of winter. I know, we probably have a couple more months of cold temps and grey skies, not to mention snow and ice, but we all know how fast time goes. In fact, I’ve been sitting here with my wall calendar syncing up my phone calendar. I just went from January to December into New Year’s 2019 in a couple of hours! There’s no better way to get over the winter blues then by realizing how busy your spring, summer and fall are going to be. I’m Cheryl Barlett and I’m excited to be submitting the Madison County chapter articles this coming year. More about me and my family later. Madison County OHC Gymkhana series dates are set as follows: May 6, June 10, July 29, Aug. 18, Sept. 16 and Oct. 14 at the Madison County Fairgrounds in London, Ohio. Registration starts at 8 a.m., show starts at 9 a.m. except for the August evening show with registration starting at 3 p.m., show starting at 4 p.m. Remember we have that incredible covered arena now. No matter how hot the sun is or if it’s raining we’ll be under cover. We would love to see riders and spectators from all counties. My husband Brandt Barlett announces the shows. He’s working to make announcing his second career. I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. Our chapter does a $20 gift exchange at our Christmas party where we draw numbers and can steal from each other before we finally open our gifts. We have a fun time. I’ve included a few pictures of the party. A group shot, Jennifer Hunter and Gayla Watt

Madison County OHC with their gifts and my beautiful stepdaughter holding up the plush blanket that she received. I think she’s been wrapped up in it since the party! I’m writing this late on Jan. 2 and it’s 0 degrees outside. That’s cold, even if it’s a quiet night. My husband, Brandt, is a semi-truck driver for R&L in Wilmington. He’s out in this cold driving freight to Charleston, WV, switching trailers and bringing them back. I feel for anyone who must be out in this weather, but especially all of those that work through the cold nights. Keep them in your prayers while we’re all snug in our homes and our horses and other animals are safe in our barns. Stay safe and warm everyone. ~Cheryl MEDINA February—what a sweet month for a banquet! Our annual shindig, hoedown, soiree and fun affair will be Saturday, Feb. 17 at Papa Joe’s in Akron. Karen Knuth (renown for her banquet-throwing) has planned a wonderful evening for us. Appetizers begin at 5 p.m. and dinner at 6 p.m. Dinner is $30 per person. You have a choice of roast sirloin au jus or eggplant parmesan, both served with roasted potatoes. There will be a

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cash bar as well. Come join us for an evening of fun (no work allowed!), awards, and catching up with friends. Reservations are needed by Feb. 12. Contact Karen Knuth at Karen.knuth@ jtekt.com or 440/376-9452. We are very excited to be getting information on the new nearly six million dollar Boston Mill Visitor Center in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. This is many years in the making and the first welcome center the park has had in 43 years. It’s scheduled to open May 2019 and will feature a historic building that is being completely restored, it previously being a store for mill workers. Like so much of this beautiful park, it will emphasize historic elements of the area. Going to the park for me has always been like stepping back in time. A time of tiny mill towns, canal boats and steam engine trains. No entrance gates with fees to pay, just a gentle drive downhill to picturesque valley. This new center will showcase these experiences for all park visitors. Our year is taking shape pretty quick. Our first monthly meeting is on March 7. We are considering a chili cook-off to get the season going. Stay tuned to our newsletter for more information. Check out news blasts for a Spring Ahead Ride on March 11 to celebrate daylight savings time. Time and place to be announced, but generally we ride out at 11 a.m. from Hinckley Route 606 trailhead. Tailgate lunch after the ride. Bring something to share. Contact Jack Weese (jack4ohc@att.net 440/234-9668 or 216/780-9668). Our first work session in March is scheduled to coincide with the Maple Sugar Festival at Hale Farm and Village in the Cuyahoga Valley. What could be better than pancakes and sausage after a rousing morning of work on the trails? Again, based on weather and the Hale Farm schedule details will be announced in the newsletter or email blasts or by contacting one of our trail bosses: Patricia Vance (pavancelaw@aol.com or 330/836-9358), Mike Andrea (mlandrea03@yahoo.com or 330/592-5953), or Jack Weese (jack4ohc@att.net 440/234-9668 or 216/780-9668). Can you believe that our state ride is only 223 days (as of this writing) away? Join us Aug. 17-19 for our annual pig roast, February 2018

County Lines auction, raffle and rides, rides, rides. More details in the coming months. Stop thinking about the cold, ice, snow and frozen water buckets! Start planning to spend your year with us! Stay warm and may the valley be with you, ~Princess Leia Young MEIGS As I write this issue this January evening, the temp outside is two below zero and will be colder before morning. Now I said we needed some cold weather to kill all these bugs and germs but not this cold. The horses are getting a little extra feed and getting their water carried to them in buckets because there is no busting that ice. If you receive this issue before Saturday, Feb. 10, remember our tack auction with Jerry Henderson at the Wilkesville Community Building. Doors open at 12 noon. Food will be served. I like auctions, Paul will tell me I don’t need that item because we already have that, but I buy it anyway, you can never have enough tack. He is always buying also. Due to the cold weather we did not have our annual New Year’s Day ride, maybe next year. I included a picture of the three children that Meigs Chapter took shopping so their Christmas was just a little more enjoyable. Kenny and Cindy Turley took them out to eat before going shopping. Also attending the dinner were Paul L. McDaniel Jr., Charlie Mansfield, Becky Bradford and Cindy Speakman. After the dinner they all went to Wal-Mart. Cindy Speakman and Becky helped them choose their gifts. Those kids had a smile on their faces when they went home. Chapter member, Yuree Boyd, had his fun show for the New Beginnings Animal Shelter at the AEP camp. It was a cold day but some of the chapter members joined in along with the ones who came with Yuree. Food was prepared by his friends, along with hot coffee and hot chocolate—believe me, that hot chocolate tasted pretty good. The campfire felt pretty good also. Even the State Rep., Jay Edwards, attended the event. It was a good time and the fun show was enjoyed by all. Don’t forget to be counting your mileage hours for this year. I believe I got a fourth of an hour February 2018

The three children, waiting to eat at Bob Evans and then shopping at Wal-Mart.

Darla Stanley at the 2017 Christmas dinner.

Yuree Boyd enjoying his fun show. last year which was better than the year before. Happy Valentine’s Day, stay warm and happy trails. ~Dian MONTGOMERY Greetings from the Montgomery County OHC. It is hard to believe that February is already here. I personally am ready for this crazy winter to be over with. Heck, the first week of January, Frosty needed a coat, brrr! If most of you are like me you are just waiting for spring to get here. As soon as it gets here, get out, get involved, meet new friends and have some fun! There’s a lot of trail riding and horse related opportunities available in and around the Montgomery County area, and more to come. Not a whole lot to report this month, unfortunately the weather affects all of us and brings the fun of riding a horse to a screeching halt, no fun! We had our Christmas party on Dec. 13 at the Spaghetti Warehouse in Dayton. I’m sorry to say that I didn’t get to participate, yet I hear that a great time was had by all. The restaurant has an old trolley in it, which is where

Montgomery County OHC Christmas party. they seated us; our group was all decked out in Christmas apparel and filled the whole car. The space couldn’t have been more perfect for such an occasion. There were some members brave enough to even wear a festive hat, for which they were all greatly rewarded with a cool prize. We also invited some past members to join us in hopes that they would remember what a fun group we are. Looks like some of them will be joining us again in 2018! We have been working on the 2018 activities schedule; I can’t wait to begin having fun with all of my fellow OHC friends at the day rides, campouts, poker rides, meetings etc., this year, and let’s not forget getting together with other OHC chapters at State rides is always a good time. Hope to see you all out there on the trails! You can find a schedule and other valuable information on our website, montgomerycountyohc. com. We also share information on Facebook, (Montgomery County Chapter Ohio Horseman’s Council). Until next time, remember this, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much”. ~Taronna MORROW Greetings for the New Year from the Morrow County OHC chapter where a Polar Express has stagnated. It is a drastic change from the last report which stated: the fall ‘roller coaster’ weather has continued to ‘continue’ for two months. The recent several days of single digit positive highs (negative lows) plus associated wind chill has really stressed this writer in keeping our trusty steeds with adequate hay, fresh water, and appropriate shelter. Some personal health problems have limited the mobility of this old man which thankfully receives evening help from a young neighbor who works a fulltime job in Columbus. One equine member of our herd suffered a

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serious chest injury requiring extensive stitching and several days of confinement to treat the wound adding to the equine care requirements. Some Christmas holiday visiting Pennsylvania family members did several short local rides on fallow fields from which this writer requested a snow pass until better 2018 weather arrives. The current weather has all other chapter members letting their steeds rest until warmer weather. Simon, the Amish farrier for several of our members, suffered a serious lower leg injury in a wood cutting accident which required several plates and multiple screws to fix. With months of healing required, it has been a scramble to get someone to cover for Simon although his brother and two nephews have filled in for some of us. The chapter did conduct the annual December Christmas party with good food, fun gift exchanges, and equine fellowship enjoyed by all attendees. Floyd and Gerald will attend the January Mid-Winter State OHC planning meeting at Deer Creek Lodge which will be a new experience for both although they both have attended several semi-annual State meetings. Floyd is the newly elected 2018 chapter vice president while Gerald continue as secretary/treasurer and Karen continues as president. Until next spring most chapter members will get their ‘equine fix’ via RFD programs, horse magazines, planning for Equine Affaire, visualizing past/future horse adventures, and maybe a last-minute weekday ride on a rare nice winter day which us ‘retirees’ can do. Hopefully all readers will be able to enjoy some great riding of their trusty steeds with like-minded equine friends soon in 2018, maybe before publication of this article. Until next month, let us 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 The holidays have come and gone with friends and family spending time together and celebrating. 2018 is off to a great start with many people already out riding. Spring will be here before we know it, and then 65

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Heather Stengle, Linda, and Rick Patterson. Congratulations Rick!

Muskingum County OHC of course our favorite season: Shedding! After the deep freeze temperatures of January I’m sure we will all be happy to be covered in hair again. MCOHC had a great turn out at our Christmas party. Many members were able to attend, with great food and lots of laughter. Officers were each presented with gifts to thank them for serving our club. We also voted for a special award to recognize a member who went above and beyond in the year to serve the club. That award was presented to Vicki McDonald. Congratulations Vicki, and thank you for all that you do! The tack auction was also a success, and we want to thank all those who volunteered to help. These events are not possible without our volunteers! There were several youth members who helped out as well, and we all really appreciate their efforts as well. At the time of writing this, I don’t have the event schedule yet. Please watch our Facebook page for upcoming trail rides, camp outs and future fundraisers. MCOHC welcomes ideas and invitations to participate in anything equestrian. We’re hoping to have an organized group for some parades this year, as well as scheduled trail rides. We would love to hear from our members on some different ideas or venues. We will be scheduling some trail maintenance at Blue Rock, stay tuned for additional details. Our next meeting will be March 5 at 7 p.m. at Tee Jaye’s on Maple Ave in Zanesville. Remember life is short, ride your best horse! ~Opal PERRY Hello from Perry County! We all rang in the New Year with 66

OHC members Craig, Charlene Santee, Jim, Sandy Corman and Rick Patterson. frigid temperatures, some of us may have braved the cold and did what I call the first ride of the year! It’s usually something I like to do too, sadly not this year. Hopefully by the time you read this we can at least be out of the negative and single digits. In the meantime my horse has lots of hay, water and is sporting his pretty blanket. Perry County had their Christmas party on Jan. 6 at The Eagles in New Lexington but unfortunately I will not be able to report on it until next month. This article deadline was prior to the party. I will give the details in the March Corral as I know it will be a good time because we don’t do anything without having a good time. Some of our members have signed up for the filmed trail ride with ‘Best of America By Horseback’ taking place on May 18 at Smoke Rise Ranch. This looks like a great time. More information on Facebook if interested. Smoke Rise is located in Glouster, Ohio. On Jan. 3 long time OHC member Rick Patterson celebrated his one year post transplant surgery. There was quite a turn out at the Old Bag of Nails restaurant in Newark. There were three big tables full of Ricks family and friends (lots of OHC members too). Congratulations and way to go Rick! Looking forward to seeing you out on the trail this year. Our meetings are held the second Tuesday of every month starting back up for 2018 in February at the Top Hat

Ben Stengle braving the cold doing morning chores. Restaurant in Junction City . We eat at 6 p.m. and the meeting begins at 7 p.m. At the February meeting we will be discussing our trail rides/camp weekends for 2018. I do know we have Mohican scheduled for the weekend of June 15. Come join us, help us plan a great riding season! If you are looking for a great group of horse people then look no further you found us! Happy Trails! ~Heather

Tracy and Flo did an awesome job decorating.

Katie Smith, Jane Richard, and Phil Knipp are a few of our new members for 2018.

PIKE Pike OHC sends a 2018 welcome and hello to each of you. This colder weather slows down a lot of riding but gives us time to plan and get ready for spring. Besides having a good holiday season, our club is starting the year off with our newly elected officers. We had our annual club Christmas party and had the election of our officers for 2018. The officers are President Rick Keller, Vice President Jim Forman, Secretary Penny Cooper, and Treasurer Sharon Forman. We also found out at our party that Jim Forman has been given a nickname, Skippy and was awarded a jar of Skippy peanut butter! Our committee leaders for 2018 are Tricia Welch for 4-H, Roy Suttles for trail maintenance, Dianna Suttles for the Sunshine committee, and Teresa Wittkugle for the Corral articles. At a previous meeting we added an unofficial position for a safety officer. Paul Buser was awarded a trophy which had a ladder on it, made by Doug and Debby Sears. Paul is such a good sport about our teasing but he is very much aware of what not to do on a ladder. We’re just glad that he will soon be as good as new from his most recent injury. 2018 will be a better year! Our meetings will continue to be held at Doug and Debby Sears’ Painted Hill Farm. A big thank you goes out to them for all

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2018 Officers for Pike County OHC. their hospitality and opening their home for our monthly meetings. We’re also very grateful for the Waverly Methodist Church for allowing us to have our annual Christmas party there. One of our club members, Flo Pippert always makes the arrangements with the church for our party. Our Christmas party was a lot of fun. We had 37 members present and some new members also came to join the fun. Katie Smith, Jane Richard, Phil Knipp and Izzy Hauck were a few of our new members who attended the party. Flo Pippert and Tracy Robinson did so well decorating and preparing the party room with the Christmas spirit. Cody Robinson used his horseshoe artwork to make many table centerpieces, reindeer, a cross, and a Christmas tree. He is very talented and does a super job making this art. Despite the colder weather, many members are continuing to ride and maintain the trails. Just recently some large trees were cut and removed from the trails and trash pickup is always a continual job. We have plans to make some new trail signs at Pike Lake State Forest, which have the trail’s name on them. Hopefully they will be finished in February 2018

County Lines the spring. Our day parking area at Pike Lake is also much better now with the new gravel. Here’s a little quote of advice to reflect on from Pat Parelli. He says ‘if your horse says “no”, you either asked the wrong question, or asked the question wrong.’ ~Teresa Wittkugle PORTAGE It’s bitter cold. The holidays are over and spring seems a long time to come. Winter riding days are few. I personally require a combination of good road conditions, temperatures above 25 degrees and a calm day before I venture out on trails. In the meantime, if you have an indoor arena you can work on schooling or attend some fun shows at Blue Lakes, and other indoor arenas in the area, but for the most part, winter riding is not much fun. I find the most joy in planning for our next riding, trail maintenance and camping season. As you plan your summer remember to include West Branch as a destination for a week, weekend or even a day of camping. There is a lot more to our park than our excellent bridle trails. You can bring your entire family for swimming at a beautiful beach. Take the kids hiking, boating and kayaking and of course fishing on our 2600 acre lake with miles and miles of shoreline. Our Portage County club made huge strides towards making West Branch trails more user friendly last season. Plans for 2018 are to make another big push to get many more miles of trails well marked and in good riding condition. Officer elections for 2018 went smoothly with all officers volunteering to serve for another term. Shannon Bard as president, Dave Kennedy as vice president, Lori Sallaz, secretary and Kim Neff as treasurer. We thank them all for their dedication to our club and know that they are hard to replace. Shannon shouted out to club members looking for a volunteer to fill the Social Coordinator position. Ken and Lori Teleis stepped up to the plate and we are looking forward to some funfilled horse activities next season. For all of our new members, please check our Facebook page and our website for updates. As always, Come with us and Ride the WB! ~Lee February 2018

PREBLE As I sit here writing this article for February I am amazed at how cold the temperature has turned, it is 5 degrees with a wind chill of -8 degrees. It has been this awful extremely cold weather for quite a while now. Mother Nature, you and Ole Man Winter please give us a break! Our February meeting will be Feb. 3. The meeting will be held at 4J’s Pizza in Camden on 725 East/58 East Central; good food and very nice folks own the restaurant. February 25 will be the 39th Annual Equine Tack Sale for Preble County 4-H Horse Advisors to be held at the Preble County Fairgrounds in Eaton, Ohio from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Over 1200 people visited the tack sale in 2017 and there were over 70 vendors set up to sell their goods for any and all who were needing tack or supplies. We will be doing our Henry 44 magnum gun/gift card raffle again this year, Rural King gift card worth $750, will be awarded to some lucky person who purchases from one of our members. Tickets are one for $5 or five tickets for $20. The winner will be drawn at our State ride weekend October 12, 13, and 14. We have things in the planning stages and hope you will come and join us for a great weekend of fun and good food. Camp reservations will be available for that weekend so no one has to worry about not having a spot to camp. I managed to get some work done on our arena before the freezing temperatures came in but the cold weather has had a grip on everything since then. I will let you know what scheduled events we will have this year in next month’s County Lines. Happy Valentine’s Day to everyone and a special welcome back to our renewing members and a huge welcome to our new members. I hope all of your equine buddies are safe and warm...until we meet again. ~Becky ROSS Greetings from the Ross County OHC! Our OHC had a work day on Dec. 9 to fill in our campsites with gravel with the help of our member Dave Clary from Clary Trucking. We hauled the gravel into the camp so we can get a start

Ross County OHC at the All Horse Carriage Parade, Lebanon, Ohio.

Keith and Alice Ault on search and rescue. on filling the gravel. We also would like to thank JR Collier Trucking Company for letting us use their truck to help transfer the gravel around the camp. Also a kind gesture that Sam Underhill and Tom McGuire from Fairfield OHC helped us with cleaning our trails and a big thank you to everyone in our OHC who came to help out! On Dec. 2 there were a few members from the Ross County OHC who participated in the All Horse Carriage Parade in Lebanon, Ohio. Those members were Nan Clary as Cindy Lou Who, Elly Clary as the Grinch, Dave Clary as the leader and Keith and Alice Ault for supplied the carriage and pony. Also on Dec. 14 Ross County OHC members Keith and Alice Ault on Search and Rescue for Ross County Sheriff’s Office spent their day on horseback in the woods on a search. ~Danielle SANDUSKY I hope everyone’s New Year’s Eve was a fun and safe one! I was talking to my husband that we did indeed have a rough 2017. Too much cancer and illness in our families but we also didn’t lose anyone. All our immediate family is still here with us and I am cancer free and doing great. So 2017 wasn’t so bad after all. We are healthy and my loved ones (and me!) are still here on this earth to keep loving, having fun, and hopefully doing

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Hard workers giving rides. something with purpose in this precious life we have. I know many were not so lucky, so actually I had a wonderful 2017 and hope 2018 is just a great! We had fun at our Christmas party! Of course it started off with great food; Hope made a ham that was perfectly cooked and everyone brought their favorite side dishes and desserts. After we were done stuffing our faces, Hope talked to us briefly about some exciting news of some new trails that may be opening up to us in the Fremont area. It will be a lot of work for all, but the possibility of quite a few miles in a beautiful area is very exciting indeed! We are anxious to hear more as the details progress. Lori made really nice Christmas snowmen that had the OHC logo on them and they even lit up! They were the best door prizes and I won one and love it. After eating, everyone brought a gift and we stood in a circle while Dave read a left/right story and we had to pass the gift. It was fun and I don’t know how I kept ending up with three gifts at once…maybe wishful thinking? The guys made up their own little circle with the ‘guy’ gifts and no one wanted to end up with Al’s gift in a Victoria’s Secret bag, although I think secretly they did want it! James ended up with it and it was a pair of gloves, so I’m not sure if he was happy with the gloves or secretly wanted 67

County Lines something lacy from Victoria’s Secret! Fun times! The next two weekends were the Winter Wonderland rides. I think it was a huge success. No bad weather and there were hundreds of rides given and lots of huge smiles. We are so lucky this winter freeze didn’t hit until after that event! A huge thank you to all the members who participated in this! An added bonus was someone always brought some food like walking tacos, cookies, or sloppy joes…to keep the helpers fueled and walking for hours! Thank you to everyone including our fuzzy partners who carried the real loads and put up with hours of kids climbing on and off their backs! Our meetings are the second Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. at the First Brethren Church in Fremont. We will meet across the street at Casa Fiesta at 5:45 for anyone wanting to grab a bite of wonderful Mexican food! For more information give one of our members a holler, we would love to see you! Visit our website, sanduskycountyohc. com, and our Facebook page under Sandusky County Horseman’s Council for up-todate information. Give your fuzzy horse a hug, sneak your fingers under that warm mane and give them a kiss, horse life is good! ~Marla Sidell SCIOTO The Scioto County OHC will be attending a seminar on Thursday, March 8, 6:30 p.m. at Tractor Supply in New Boston, Ohio. The seminar will be presented by Nutrena feed. They will be discussing nutrition and the best feed for all our animals. Also attending will be the Silhouette Riders 4-H club. We are inviting all OHC members to attend. We will also have 2018 OHC membership applications for people who might like to become a member. ~Sandy STARK As I am thinking about writing this article, it is New Year’s Day and the temperature is zero outside where I live. All I can think about is warmer weather is hopefully coming soon. It sure can’t get here fast enough. Our local 4-H clubs are holding their 9th Annual Stark County 68

4-H Tack/Pet Expo at the Stark County Fairgrounds at 10 a.m. on March 24. This is always a fun event to attend and something to look forward to. It is great to get out and meet those you haven’t seen in a while. The OHC State rides are now posted on the OHC website and many chapters are beginning to make their calendars available. Our Stark County Chapter does this at their January meeting so that information is not yet available. Our calendars are starting to fill up. So keep warm, think ‘spring’ and begin planning your riding year. Hope to see you on the trails this year. Until next time, happy trails to you! ~Jo Ellen SUMMIT Hope all of you are adapting to the seismic shift in winter temps. Last year at this time, we experienced the poster child for global warming and this year could rival the return of the Ice Age. The forecast of drifting snow and wind chill temps at -24 today was right on the money. Becky Sheryak moved to Florida late last year to escape Ohio’s bi-polar climate. Since then she has weathered two massive hurricanes that devastated the state, arctic air nipping at her heels, snakes, and the influx of visitors who miss her sunny disposition. Nancy Bedallion ventured out from her snowbird nest also in the state to join Becky for a trip to Disneyland. There they met up with the Sullivan’s, Carolyn, Jim and Twiggy who were there scoping out the digs for a repeat trip later this year. The group enjoyed the park, great food and fireworks. It seems Becky might be starting a new career after acing her design for a new vehicle at Test Track. Way to go Hot Wheels! We all miss you girl friend. Attendance at the meeting should be on the rise now that election of officers is over. Thanks to everyone who decided they liked the job so well that they re-uped for another year. The work at Richfield Heritage Preserve has been a resounding success. Cynthia McWilliams and Molly Eastwood have given generously of their time and talents to coordinate and implement the refurbishing of horse trails and enhancements to the park. Their efforts for

and Debbie Donner. These great riders showed all of us what it is like to make a comeback against great adversity. Here is to a safe and exciting 2018 exploring the trails with all our OHC friends. ~Joann Ulichney TRUMBULL

Congratulations Joyce.

Nancy and Becky floating dino teeth. further work were bolstered by a very generous financial contribution from a woman who attended the former camp as a girl scout. Again, we wish to express our sincere thanks to all our volunteers and community supporters who have made the dream a reality. Joyce Tretow finally finished her ETE miles. The first leg was with Cheryl Hess and Carolyn Sullivan who happened to log some 265 miles for this year’s long event, riding multiple loops so others could complete theirs. The weather was decidedly nippy when the group ventured out of South Chagrin to meet Molly Eastwood waiting at Egbert Parking lot with hot chocolate. Winter weather and snow on the bridle trails are things of beauty and excitement as is a train barreling down the track. They marveled at the crossing of the falls and held their breath as the weather took hold of their fingers and toes and altering their plans. Joyce also went out with Kathy King at Brecksville to Edgerton Corral that weekend. She finished the last seven miles at Station Road with Carolyn. The pair encountered only a pair of cross country skiers on the towpath but numerous deer and even blue heron. Luckily the two negotiated creek crossings, detours and icy trails to finish unhorsed. Lastly, congratulations to all our members who completed the ETE and those who rode what they could. What an accomplishment; you should all be so proud. It is with thankful hearts that we get to share another great year of riding with Molly Eastwood, Karen Beres

HORSEMEN’S CORRAL

Hello from the members of Trumbull County! Spring is just around the corner and we sure are looking forward to the 2018 riding season! Here’s to hoping the long cold spell in January will help reduce the insect population throughout the upcoming year! We will soon be organizing our trail ride schedule and the maintenance work days for Mosquito Lake State Park. We are looking forward to continuing work on multiple projects at MLSP that were put on hold due to weather conditions. At the time of this writing, tabulation of trail mile reports have not been concluded as we have the January meeting yet to be held that reports can be turned in. Our February meeting will be held at the Ponderosa Steak House in Warren to start the month of OHC awareness to the community. We are looking forward to meeting new people and perhaps welcome new members. Ponderosa works with groups and organizations with monetary support from patrons throughout the month. We shall proudly display our photos and memorabilia on the promotion board for the customers to learn about who we are and what we do area wide for Trumbull County. ~Kathryn Bartow TUSCARAWAS As I have unfortunately missed last month’s article submission (started a new job and traveling) I have asked for some assistance in providing informative articles to help fill in the gaps for me on occasion. Laura Randolph has graciously volunteered to do so, and thus, her wonderful article on ‘Ohio’s Most Historic Camp’ below. Thanks so much Laura, a true friend in a time of need! “By the Tuscarawas waters, near the town of Zoar; Lies the place our hearts hold dearest, our Camp Tuscazoar.”—From the Tuscazoar Hymn. According to the Camp Tuscazoar Foundation Newsletter, the camp was founded almost 100 years ago by Boy Scout leaders February 2018

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Camp Tuscazoar who recognized that the beauty and history of the land offered a valuable place for boys to learn, grow and become young men. Today, it continues to serve scouts, youth organizations, and equestrians under the guidance of the Camp Tuscazoar Foundation, an Ohio non-profit corporation. As such, it owns and operates the property. With over 600 acres of forested hills and valleys along the banks of the Tuscarawas River, rich with Indian lore and local history, Camp Tuscazoar is Ohio’s most historic camp. In rustic cabins and wilderness campsites, young people can spend weekends surrounded by nature, endure the elements, explore the heritage of the pioneers who settled the lands and blazed trails, and discover the Indian wisdom of ages past. A popular outdoor location in northern Tuscarawas County, the camp also draws large numbers of weekend campers, hikers, and trail riders each year. OHC and Camp Tuscazoar board member Pat Graham recently stated, “It looks like this spring we will have a lot of new trails and may be extending the system to the South quite a ways. So far, all is going well and we are looking into the development of a Horsemen’s parking area 2 miles south of the main camp with a convenient water source near by. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) did get the Zoarite mines cleaned up and we will open trails there. Hopefully the Horsemen’s Parking area will develop into a campground with little effort once established. I would say there is currently about 4.5 hours of riding on the camp at a normal walk. We now have a light installed on 800 to get you safely across the road and river and onto the Towpath for added mileage.” The camp entrance is on Boy Scout Rd. (County Road 83), which runs south off SR 212, just east of SR 800. From the Bolivar exit on I-77 go east 6 miles on SR 212. From Dover go north on February 2018

SR 800 to SR 212 E which is just above the dam. From Atwood Lake go west on SR 212. 6066 Boy Scout Road NE, Dover, Ohio 44622-7541 Anyone interested in learning more about Camp Tuscazoar, joining our club, or just wanting to hear more about us can contact me at lalarandolph@gmail. com, or Patti Conley at patti. conley12@gmail.com. ~Laura Randolph UNION Happy Valentine’s Day! What are you getting your equine partner for their special day? If I can find them, Charlie will be getting Bugs Bunny carrots, the ones with the green leafy tops. Those are his favorites. Winter has been rough so far with below normal, actually bitter temperatures. It is not prime riding conditions and stalls are such a joy when you’re throwing hockey puck like manure into the wheel barrel and hoping it doesn’t bounce out. Most of us have been surviving the cold but the Strayton’s decided to dump Ohio and spend the holidays in New Zealand and Fuji. However, there will still be enough cold weather awaiting them when they get back home. We don’t mind sharing. Our members got a few rides in before the bitter weather hit. Linda Blanton along with secondary member Theresa Burke have been hitting the local trails when weather permits. Becky Petee is more than ready for next year. Becky has officially retired. Congratulations, Becky! I’m sure she will be hitting the trails every opportunity she gets and really start racking up the miles. Karen has been riding a friend’s horse till she can find another trail partner to replace Charlie. However, she doesn’t think Charlie is very happy about it. He might not be able to see a thing

Warren County OHC

Hawkins Branch, Kentucky. but those antenna ears follow her like radar. Charlie knows his mommy is up to no good. Hopefully, there won’t be any more bitter winter weather. I know I’ll be dreaming of beautiful sun shiney days of riding through the woods and forests. ~ Karen Holland WARREN The year certainly has started out as a pain in the neck! Hopefully by the time you read this, we’ll at last be approaching normal temperatures, instead of the bitter cold we’re experiencing as I write this. Not to be deterred by a bit of cold, however, there was still the annual New Year’s Day ride. Thanks to Lesa Stewart for taking a couple photos. I was going to come by to do that (I am not riding in that cold, however!), but opted to go to lunch and a movie with friends instead, so I’m glad to have a couple to share. One is a group shot. The other is of her daughter Ali, who seems to have realized that it may be just a bit colder than she thought! Roger sends this report: Twelve of us enjoyed a cold News Year’s Day traditional horse ride at Caesar’s Creek State Park Horse Camp at 1 p.m. After Harold blessed us with a prayer, we all started and finished a safe ride with the temperature being 8 degrees. The ride was led by Helge and we all rode the Moonlit Vista Trail. All

the horses did a great job with no mishaps. Afterwards many of us enjoyed hot chocolate and coffee provided by Harold and snacks provided by some of the riders. Roger was also not deterred by the cold and scheduled the first work day of the year. Lucky for me, it was on Thursday instead of our usual Wednesday, and I had an appointment so there was a good excuse to decline. Though I believe I’d have declined anyway; that’s just a bit too cold for me! Nothing seems to slow Roger down much. Many thanks to him, Harold, Paul, and whomever else showed up on the bitterly cold day to move gravel. Once there, however, they decided to call it off and wait for warmer weather. Wise choice! One of our members mentioned to me that to see the photos in my articles, people would get the opinion that all we do in this chapter is work. While trail work is a big part of our chapter (at least for about a dozen of us), we do actually have fun and ride also. I just don’t usually remember to take photos then. And hopefully I’ll remember to take more if I ride with other Warren County members. Part of the issue last year was that I rarely did; most of my year was spent with my distance riding buddy, so I didn’t get a chance to take many. Warren County members who take photos when you ride, please send them to me. I’d love to include them. That’s all for this month. Winter is a bit slow, but with any luck I’ll have more news next month, if I haven’t frozen before then! ~Mickie WASHINGTON

Linda and Dottie at Glacier Ridge.

Warren County OHC

HORSEMEN’S CORRAL

Greeting horse people everywhere! Happy Valentine’s Day, and may the trail be good to you this year! Washington County OHC is getting ready for perhaps the best year of our existence! As we begin the year we have several objectives in mind to further the club and its members. The first priority is, 69

Northern Ohio Dressage Association

A Message from NODA’s Newly Elected President; Barb Soukup PRESIDENT, Barb Soukup; VICE PRESIDENT, Arielle Brodkey; TREASURER, Dee Liebenthal; SECRETARY, Patti Valencic. EMAIL, president@nodarider.org; WEBSITE, www.nodarider.org

by Barb Soukup Hello NODA members, friends, and families; I hope everyone had a good holiday season and are ready to start the new year fresh and rejuvenated. In case you hadn’t heard, I am your new NODA President for the 2018/2019 term. I must admit I am very nervous about taking the reins after the amazing Dee Liebenthal. Luckily for me, she has volunteered to continue on the board as treasurer and even more importantly, she’s willing to mentor me! We have a new Vice President,

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of course, to care for and enable our current members in the pursuit of our common interest to achieve greater fulfillment and confidence with horses. Our club is filled with many longtime horsemen and horsewomen that bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to our group. One goal is to provide opportunities through regular meetings and perhaps special events to pass this on to a newer generation of horse people. Every member is encouraged to step up and share at a program or event. And everyone is also encouraged to speak up and ask for the information you need and want to be presented! Our second goal for members is to add more. We are glad to have a large club with many members belonging for decades. But, we want to grow and expand to a new group of horsemen. We are very much a trail riding group at this moment, but there is plenty of room for those who do different things with horses. It is with experienced horsemen we learn and grow as horsemen and people. The other goals for the year dovetail with the focus on members. We are looking for a robust ride schedule. Varied in place, style and distance. Not every ride is for everyone’s taste, but that we ride together 70

Arielle Brodkey, who like myself has tough shoes to fill as Christine Thompson is changing her roll in NODA as well. The new board members are all enthusiastic and ready to help NODA grow and fulfill our memberships needs. Therefore, we really need to hear from you, the membership. What ideas do you have that we can try to make happen to help you grow as riders, competitors and/or instructor/trainers? You can find contact information for various board members in the newsletter and on our fabulous website. I think a lot of you know me from schooling shows, but for those who don’t know me I’ll try to give you a brief introduction. I have been riding and in love with horses, well actually I’ve been in love with horses all my life and riding since I was 12 years old. As a youth, I rode anything someone would let me get on, which was usually a naughty

horse! I was pretty much selftaught by watching others who could afford lessons. At 13 years old I bought a horse that came into the barn for training, he was cheap because he was dangerous. He would attack you with teeth bared. Long story short, I got through to him and we bonded. I showed him working hunter, jumper, English equitation and even western pleasure! He really turned into an all-around success. My step-father then sold him because I was a senior in high school, and in his mind, I would outgrow horses! Joke was on him! I went to my counselor and demanded he find me a college with horses. He came back to me with Lake Erie College. I applied, got accepted and off I went never to return to New York state again (except family visits). I rode and showed Laddy Andahazy’s horse Mainstreet in open Hunter shows and had many

jumping lessons with Laddy. At that time, jumping was all I wanted to do. I married and had children leaving the horses for a while. Once the boys were teenagers I started back to riding, but this time, I was learning about Dressage. I have now been actively studying and teaching Dressage 27 years. I have studied with some of our local professionals as well as some international instructors. My mentor and instructor with the greatest influence on my Dressage journey is Charles De Kunffy. I have earned my USDF Bronze and Silver medals and completed the USDF ‘L’ Program graduating with Distinction. My future hopes are to train and compete my horse Hero up to the Grand Prix level (fingers crossed as we’re both old!). My mantra, never give up, never stop learning and enjoy the journey! Happy New Year!

is important! We also want to work on getting every member involved in some way. It is a fact in most organizations 20 percent of the people do 80 percent of the work. We do not want to be a topheavy club, but a member driven living breathing organism! The last piece of the goals for this year is making meetings a must attend event. Our goal is to have a program of some sort every time we get together. Mark April 25 on your calendar for the opening day ceremony of Wayne National, Kinderhook’s three newest trails. This will be a good year for riding the national forest trails. The three new trails are great fun to ride and you never have to ride a gravel road to ride all day at Kinderhook. The riding fees are to be waved so one does not have to pay to ride there anymore. What a wonderful start to 2018 trail riding season! Our next meeting is scheduled for March 1 at the Christ United Methodist Church, 301 Wooster Street, Marietta, Ohio, at 7 p.m. Our awards dinner meeting will be held April 5 same place, but at 6:30 p.m. with a potluck dinner. ~Rita V. Schultheis

April 27-29 is Waterloo, Mich.; May 9-13 is Salamonie, Ind.; May 25-28 is Memorial Day Weekend at Van Buren State Park; June 1-3 is Pontiac Lake, Mich.; June 14-20 is Red Hill, Ky.; July 4-8 is Van Buren State Park; July 20-22 is Christmas in July at Van Buren State Park; July 25-26 is Pike Lake; July 2729 is Paint Creek; Aug. 10-12 is Mohican group camp; Aug. 1719 is Cuyahoga Valley State Ride; Aug. 22-23 is Barkcamp; Aug. 24-26 is Blue Rock staying at Walkabout Creek Campground; Aug. 31-Sept. 3 is Labor Day at Van Buren State Park; Sept. 1923 is Brown County, Ind.; Sept. 28-30 is NW Ohio State Ride at Van Buren State Park; Oct. 6 is Hobo Stew at Van Buren; Oct. 12-14 is Alum Creek, and Oct. 15-20 is Hocking Hills.

Casey and Junior.

WOOD Our ride schedule for 2018 is as follows: April 20-22 Tar Hollow;

Becky and Hallie.

HORSEMEN’S CORRAL

This is a pretty busy schedule. I will put in where we are going in the monthly articles. As we are still in the deep freeze up here in NW Ohio please stay warm and hibernate. In no time at all riding season will be here. ~Barb Pushover50@aol.com

Dan Treece riding drag at the 10K Soccer Run at Van Buren State Park. February 2018