events - trails - tips - advice news - inspiration - products real estate & more
The Original Horse N Ranch TM Volume 4 Issue 1 2018
Everything Horse Related
See page 2 & 6
Free Take One
Dedicated to Every Horseman February 23-25 2018
www.HorseNRanchmag.com • 423.933.4968 • 4-Horses Publications • Since 1998
February 23-25, 2018 Tennessee Miller Coliseum Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Michael Gascon
Brandi Lyons
Josh Lyons
Steve Edwards
Michael Lyons
Cedar Potts
Elizabeth Clavette
Candice King
Including: Ryan Cottingim Josh Peebles Perry Neal Elizabeth Tinnan Stephen Greycheck Cliff Shadt, Jr
2018 Highlights
•Clinics
and workshops •Shopping from over 75 vendors •Lost Creek Colt Starting Challenge •Smokey Mountain Trial Competition •Equestrian Entertainment For a full list of clinicians, activities visit our website
www.SouthernEquineExpo.com
Photo by Emily Peak
TnCMSA
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VOLUME 4 | ISSUE 1 2018
Say you saw it in HORSE N RANCH TM
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VOLUME 4 | ISSUE 1 2018
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JRV Realty of North Georgia 1150 Old Talking Rock Highway Talking Rock, GA 30175
Rich Vigue, Broker
770.289.7272
www.RichVigue.com
Licensed in Georgia and Tennessee
45 acre Horse Farm/Special Events Facility. Barn w/2BR/2BA loft apartment, 180x80 arena, Pavilion seating 100+ w/comm’l kitchen, 5 luxury cabins. Great property and proven business in middle Tennessee. www.TandyLane.com. Offered at $1,250,000.
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80 acre Magnificent Horse Farm w/3,550SF 4BR/2BA Ranch/ European style home. Incredible 3 stall horse barn with all the conveniences and spacious apartment. 2 acre pond and large hay barn. Gorgeous setting. Rome, GA. Offered at $869,000.
events - trails - tips - advice news - inspiration - products real estate & more
The Original Horse N Ranch TM Volume 4 Issue 1 2018
F E AT U R E S
Everything Horse Related Southern Equine Expo..............................................2,6 Donut Holes Crystal Lyons................................................................... 8 Training Tips If You Can’t Afford A Trainer Part II - F.J. Thomas.....................................................12 Western Dressage Offers Benefits for Show Horses of All Breeds - Lynn Palm............................14 Connecting with Your Horse............................. 16-17 Pay Attention to the Balance Patrick King..................................................................18 New Year’s Resolutions for Horse Lovers.............19 Calendar Of Events............................................... 20-21 Tips for Trail Riders: The Halter Robert Eversole............................................................22
Owned by HorseNRanch Magazine 4 Horses Publications PO Box 62, Ocoee TN 37361 horsenfarm@yahoo.com · info@horsenranchmag.com Lisa Fetzner, Publisher 423.933.4968 Dennis Fetzner, Publisher & Sales Rep. 423.472.0095 Alison Hixson, Graphic Design 423.316.6788 Horse N Ranch is distributed to businesses, horse shows, trail rides, Expos, auctions, and all advertisers. We reserve the right to edit any material we receive for publication. Horse N Ranch Magazine and staff will not be responsible for any claims or guarantees made by advertisers. The articles printed do not necessarily reflect the opinions of 4 Horses Publications, LLC. All ads created by 4 Horses LLC, are the sole property of Horse N Ranch Magazine. If ad is to be reproduced in another publication, there will be a fee assessed. Please call office for more information 423-933-4968. 4 Horses LLC, dba Horse N Ranch Magazine hereby limits all liability from any and all misprints. No warranties are expressed by Horse N Ranch Magazine, Publishers, Reps or Employees; and are not solely responsible for typographical errors. Horse N Ranch Magazine stresses the importance of correctness and therefore proofreads all ads as accurately as humanly possible.
www.HorseNRanchmag.com for advertising call 423.933.4968, Lisa Fetzner
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VOLUME 4 | ISSUE 1 2018
Say you saw it in HORSE N RANCH TM
Laine Moore and Harley
Alabama Little Britches Rodeo Association Senior All Around Champion Photo by : JD Photography
If you train for performance,
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2018 Southern Equine Expo
The sixth annual Southern Equine Expo returns to the Tennessee Miller Coliseum in Murfreesboro, Tennessee on February 23-25, 2018. Dedicated to every horseman, the Southern Equine Expo provides a weekend with over 70 vendors, nearly 80 clinics and lectures, exciting competitions and demonstrations The Southern Equine Expo provides a valuable experience for a wide spectrum of horse enthusiasts. Horse people from all backgrounds receive relevant information each day at the three-day Expo. During the event, attendees enjoy clinics presented by nationally known horsemen, educational seminars, hands on demonstrations, and several exciting competitions. In addition, attendees have ample opportunities to shop from a over 75 vendors in the full trade show. There is something for everyone. 6
This year featured clinicians include Josh Lyons, Brandi Lyons and Michael Lyons; renowned gaited horse trainer Michael Gascon; noted mule trainer Steve Edwards; dressage trainer Cedar Potts; International Grand Prix Jumper Candice King, AQHA Professional Horsemen Ryan Cottingim; Mounted shooters Elizabeth Clavette and mounted archer Elizabeth Tinnan, Josh Peebles and additional trainers and presenters are continually being added to insure a well-rounded program. The Southern Equine Expo remains committed to providing a quality learning environment for all horsemen. The Lost Creek Cattle Company’s $4000 Colt Starting Competition Challenge highlights the competitions for the fourth year. Three professional trainers, Perry Neal, Stephen Greycheck and Cliff Shadt, Jr. will take untrained colts through their first rides over the course of the weekend. Also in store this year are the All-Breed Smokey Mountain Trail Competition, a Youth Versatility Competition, and the Mule Jumping Contest at this year’s Expo. These exciting activities along with drill team performances are sure to entertain and educate horse enthusiasts of all ages. Affordable online ticket prices with daily, weekend, group and family rates are available. Special single day rates are available for 4-H and other groups when purchasing 20 tickets. Please check out www.SouthernEquineExpo.com for more information about the 2018 Southern Equine Expo. The 2018 Southern Equine Expo is owned and managed by Peak Equine Productions, LLC. For more information, advertising, vendor packets or sponsorship opportunities, please email EquineExpo@comcast.net.
We hope you will join us in Murfreesboro on February 23-25, 2018!
VOLUME 4 | ISSUE 1 2018
Say you saw it in HORSE N RANCH TM
6th Annual March Riding Mule Sale Sat. March 10th, 2018 @ 10am The Competitive Trail Exhibition/Competition Friday March 9th, 2018 @ 1pm
COMPETITIVE TRAIL IS 100% PAYBACK
The Reese Bros / Tennessee Mule Sales has grown into one of the largest riding mule sales in the Southern US. This event brings buyers from the Western US who are looking to purchase good riding mules. Many of the buyers are not looking for bells and whistles - just good broke, reliable, sound mules. Of course if you have a special mule with the right gait, color and bling - there will be a buyer for you as well. To see the mules in their natural habitat, ride your favorite, visit with owners - come on Friday and enjoy the festivities. First Come, First Serve on electric hookups running $25 located on the Sale Grounds. RULES: Early Consignment Fee: $100 per Entry (Reserves space in sale lineup & early advertising) Competitive Trail Exhibition or Competition Fee: $40 (Each early consignment must do one or the other; Exhibition Entries will demonstrate their entry on the course but not be entered in the competition.) Absolute Early Consignment Deadline: Wednesday March 7th, 2018 @ 5pm Early Consignments must submit photos and /or videos of mule Early Consignments will sale first. Early Consignments must pick up their consignment number by 10am CST on Friday 9th. Anyone not picking up their number and/or paying fees timely will sale in regular sale. To Consign: Richard Reese 615-943-6375 Send Pics/Videos 615-904-5356 or Email cindy@reesemules.com View Sale Live or More Information: www.reesemules.com {Sale 4049 Bentel Rd, Westmoreland TN}
JERRY TINDELL CLINIC Jerry Tindell will be in Westmoreland TN at the March Mule Sale conducting clinics and sharing his magnificant talents. Visit www.reesemules.com to gather all details on the clinics.
Everything you need!
We Are Raring To Go! 770.943.5493
4070 Macedonia Road Powder Springs, GA 30127
Livestock Feed & Hay Apparel • Tack • Supplies Gifts for the Animal Lover
“I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me” Phil 4:13 VOLUME 4 | ISSUE 1 2018
Say you saw it in HORSE N RANCH TM
7
Donut Holes Have you ever noticed how horse manure that’s been covered in red dirt can look an awful lot like doughnut holes rolled in cinnamon? One guy from CO said, “no” when I asked this once. He must’ve never cleaned up horse manure in Oklahoma! Horse manure rolled in red dirt has an amazing resemblance to cinnamon coated doughnut holes. Well....hello....you could easily judge this scenario by the surroundings! Horse manure isn’t offered in doughnut shops and doughnuts aren’t manufactured in barnyards. It’s smart to take into consideration the surroundings but I’ve seen some terrific individuals who were found in a bar and some pretty sorry counterfeit individuals who were discovered in church! Fact is....some things are not always what they seem...so it’s wisdom to sometimes step back and ask for the wisdom of God in a matter before “taking a bite”. How many times have we heard horror stories of people who dated a Cinderella or Prince Charming only to discover too late that they married something more attune to a horror movie than a fairy tale? Horse manure rolled in red dirt...... God knows what’s in the heart, what’s under the hood, what’s hidden in the fine print, what’s REALLY inside that beautifully wrapped opportunity. I had an experience once where I “heard” on the inside of me these words....”it’s a one way street”. That was an expression I had never used nor even thought of before, but I immediately knew what it meant.....someone who only takes but never gives back. With that phrase I also had a face flash in my mind. I thought....what a cool line for a song! So I wrote the song that morning and time eventually revealed it was exactly so concerning the the person who’s face I saw.
by Crystal Lyons
I’d hoped it’d be, once I took a bite, I’ll be a little disappointed. But investing thousands of dollars in something that flops....or giving your heart away to someone behind a pretty mask that’s covering up the real....that’s something NONE OF US have the time, nor money for!!
How well can anyone expect to go through life void of the CENTER of their being?
God is just so cool!! He LOVES to give us insight that we have no way of knowing without His help. He WANTS us to ask. Matter of fact, His Word says “we have not because we ask not”. God DESIRES to partner with us and give us insight that we can’t have without Him. Truth is, we weren’t meant to go through life independent of God. Scripture says that all things were created BY Him, FOR Him and IN Him all things consist. Sounds a lot like He’s the CENTER doesn’t it? How well can anyone expect to go through life void of the CENTER of their being?
I’ve made enough mistakes in my life that’s ended up costing dollars and....years! I REALLY don’t want to continue making similar mistakes. But I know that I can easily be duped if I’m standing on my own intelligence alone. No thank you. If I order a meal and it isn’t what
So why not start building a relationship with Jesus NOW? What a waste to live a life without tapping into the genius that’s being offered to us!! Mistakes will always be made, but none so drastic as a life lived void of it’s CENTER. Open up just a little and offer Jesus the honest vulnerability of your heart and He’ll reveal Himself to you. I promise He will. It sure beats a life of constant trial and error, and worse....an eternity where no recourse is offered! Anybody up for some cinnamon coated doughnut holes???
For more information on Crystal or to be put on our mailing list you can go to our website www.crystallyons.com or e-mail us at: crystallyonsministery@gmail.com 8
VOLUME 4 | ISSUE 1 2018
Say you saw it in HORSE N RANCH TM
Located beside Interstate 24 Exit 111 Manchester TN (615) 828-3844
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3 horse slant Bee weekender with AC good condition $6550
Red 12’ bumper stock $2950 Now $2250
12 ft. Bumper livestock $3350
Maroon 16’ G.N. Livestock Trailer H.D. Axles $2950 Now $2550
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16’ + 3’ metal decks H.D. equip/Hay trailer $2550
2 Horse 7’ Tall $2950
Super nice cargo trailer 7 ft x 18 ft on the floor plus the neck $6950 Now $5950
14FT Bumper livestock trailer $2950
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Great Deal!
Used 3 or 4 horse slantwalk in tack $4950 Now $3950
Alum.16’-7’wide & 7’tall livestock, excellent condition $10000
4 horse bumper $2950
2 Horse Slant Walk in Tack, 5 in stock, Now $2950
2-horse straight load w/ removable stall divider $3650
Great Deal! 12 ft bumper livestock Now $2650
Bumper pull, 3 horse slant, lifetime floor $2250
Used 2 horse-walk in tack-roof-A/C $6500 Now $4950
2-horse straight load $1250 Now $1050
Silver/red 16ft bumper pull livestock Now $2250
3 or 4 horse slant $3650 Now $2950
VOLUME 4 | ISSUE 1 2018
2 horse bumper. Needs minor floor repair $1950 Now $1650
2-horse straight load $3950 Now $3650
20ft x 7 wide Aluminum Barrett livestock $10,500
Titan 3-horse slant, 7’W/7’T, H.D. 28ft dual tandem, 2 spd jack, 3 ramps, elec. over hydrauroof A/C, stud dividers, lic brakes $7550 Now $6995 pull out ramp $6550
16FT Bumper livestock $3850 Now $3650
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12x7 ft tall Jackson $3650
Nice 12’ GN Livestock $2950
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Used 2 horse slant-7’ tall-rampdresser $4950
S&H 2 horse $3550 9
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2018 will be our r! 64th Summe
Equitation lessons in English & Western for beginner to advanced riders. Experience the full opportunity of horsemanship through instruction in the ring, time in the saddle on trails, and the care and responsibility of having your own ranch horse. Enjoy 4-6 hours daily with your horse. Limited to 50 campers per session.
English and Hunt Seat, Western Stock Seat and Barrels (Gymkhana), Trails, and Vaulting. Our Program also includes eco-education, swimming, canoeing, arts and crafts, archery, pottery, and of course, horsemanship. 606 Valley View Ranch Rd · Cloudland GA 30731 706.862.2231 · www.ValleyViewRanch.com 10
VOLUME 4 | ISSUE 1 2018
Say you saw it in HORSE N RANCH TM
Horse Hoof Care, Nutrition, Trimming and Shoeing ...go hand in hand ...or hoof to hoof !
All breeds, all sizes, horses, mules, donkeys, high dollar or cheap are all susceptible to nasty hoof problems. Problem:
Hoof rot and embedded rocks can cause abscesses and sore feet on the best of horses.
Problem:
Problem:
An unattended crack is a serious problem if it affects the sensitive tissue beneath
Suggestion:
Suggestion:
Suggestion:
Pick out impacted manure and debris more often to examine. Your horse & farrier will appreciate it !! Fact: #1 Horseshoeing School preferred by Veterans in the U.S. VA approved for GI Bill Post 9/11 & Voc. Rehab.
Ask your certified farrier to provide a professional solution
Visit our website and facebook for this & more interesting photos with helpful hoof care articles
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Call 706.397.8909 Call for a Free Color Brochure www.caseyhorseshoeing.com rcaseysch@aol.com 14013 East Hwy. 136 (in Villanow) LaFayette, Georgia 30728 Exit #320 Just 12 miles off I-75. 75 Miles North of Atlanta 35 Miles South of Chattanooga Office Hours: Mon-Sat 8:00 - 5:00 School & Visiting Hours: Tues-Sat 8:00 - 5:00
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Casey & Son Horseshoeing School • Founded by Navy Veteran • Owned by son, Link Casey VOLUME 4 | ISSUE 1 2018
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TRAINING TIPS If You Can’t Afford A Trainer - Part II By F.J. Thomas
FJ Thomas Author & Blogger Cowgirl With Curves https://cowgirlswithcurves.com/
Last time I talked about some basic tips on working with your horse when you can’t afford a horse trainer or riding lessons. One of the first tips I mentioned included becoming educated about a horse’s body language, and learning how they think and react. While learning about horses is practically and endless pursuit, getting those three basics down really is the key to safety. So where can you learn more about horses if you need to improve your horse but you have a limited budget? One of the easiest and best places to learn about your horse is your own pasture or turnout. Horses are herd animals and you can learn a whole lot about their body language and how they think as an individual when they react with other horses. Look at their ears, their head level, tail level, and body carriage, as well as facial expression and temp of gait and the changes that occur. Watch where your horse positions themselves when they’re interacting in a group. Pay attention to how your horse responds to not only horses or situations they don’t like as well as situations they do – that way you can tell the difference. Another excellent place to learn is local horse groups such 4H and Saddle Clubs. Both can give you the chance to meet other more experienced horse owners that you can potentially learn from, but depending on the activity level of the group they can also present more affordable education opportunities such as clinics and lessons.
“Make sure you not only watch the horses that are winning, but watch the horses that are having trouble as well. Both types of horses have something to teach you if you’re paying attention.”
Volunteering for horse shows or clinics is a great way to learn by observing. Most horse events are desperate for volunteers. Not only is there a lot of cost involved in putting on even the smallest show or clinic, but it requires having a lot of help. By volunteering, you’re not only helping the event but you get the opportunity to study horses and riders and learn in the process. Make sure you not only watch the horses that are winning, but watch the horses that are having trouble as well. Both types of horses have something to teach you if you’re paying attention. Ask yourself why they won or lost, what caused them to behave the way they did, and what could be done differently. You have to ask the right questions in order to make progress and while 12
you may not have the right answer to each of these questions mentioned, it will help you get into the mindset of evaluating your own horse, and yourself as a rider. Books are another great resource for learning that people often forget in this day and age of the internet. When I was a kid, I practically inhaled every horse book I could get my hands on. I learned a whole lot from reading books about horse health and training. If you visit your local library, there’s a good chance you’ll find plenty of books on horses – all for free. The internet can be a good and a bad source of information when learning about horses. Some advice given on forums and groups may be well intentioned, but make sure you do some thorough research before following the advice as it’s easy to misinterpret written communication, and you’re not always sure of the experience level behind it. Training websites and blogs are another inexpensive place to find information on horses. Just be sure to research the information you find there first. Having a limited budget doesn’t mean you can’t learn or make progress with your horse. If you’re willing to put in the time and be observant you can find plenty of ways to grow as a horseman.
VOLUME 4 | ISSUE 1 2018
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Join us!
For An AgCentral Equine Event
Anna Pesta, Ph.D.
Purina Nutritionist, Equine Technical Solutions Speaking on
“New Innovations in Horse Feed” Tuesday March 6, 2018 6:00 pm AgCentral Co-Op Athens Location 920 N Congress Pkwy Athens TN 37303 For more info call Mandy
423.745.0443 Refreshements provided. Door Prizes will be given away!
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www.AGCENTRAL.coop 423.745.0443 920 North Congress Pkwy. Athens, TN 37303
VOLUME 4 | ISSUE 1 2018
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Western Dressage Offers
BENEFITS
for Show Horses of
ALL BREEDS
Western Dressage can benefit any Western horse, no matter what discipline you ride. Riders who compete in breed shows will find that adding Western Dressage to their repertoire improves their horse’s performance in those other disciplines. Let’s say you’ve been showing in Western pleasure or trail classes. Introductory Level dressage skills are for horses and riders that are proficient in the walk and trot. You would then progress to Basic Level, which is walk, trot, and canter. The skills learned in the four tests should allow a horse to be confident and controlled at a working gait. This is great for pleasure classes and the basic flat work for trail. First and Second Level would work toward developing your horse for collection with lateral training, harder transitions and lengthening of the gaits. These levels are great basics for reining and Western riding. Level Three is the highest level to date, as of 2014. This level would be the finishing touch to training in all of the Western disciplines I have mentioned. Plus, it is a great foundation for horses competing in disciplines with cattle such as, cutting, working cow horse, and roping. As a professional trainer for 44 years, and growing up in the dressage saddle, I’ve found the Western Dressage discipline is for any breed of horse and any riding discipline. I have used dressage principles with all my training for a variety of horses. It is a beautiful and successful progression for both horse and rider to learn. It is also a perfect progression for taking the time to develop your horse to be strong enough to perform and collect.
By Lynn Palm The best part about using Western Dressage levels and tests is that it gives you a lesson plan of figures and transitions for your horse. It also gives you a training progression so you can work on easier things with your horse when you have trouble with something more advanced. Lastly, it gives you the incentive to advance when you are doing the requirements in the tests very well. I find one of the best things about competing in dressage is knowing in advance what time you are competing. This is helpful in that you can plan your warm up at home and time it for the day of the show. Once you have finished the test, you will get the test back from the judge with scores and comments of every component of the test. I also love the “collective marks.” These collective marks are a score for the overall performance of horse and rider. I always look at the rider scores first. The test then gives you something to work on at home before the next show. Most all judges are very kind and love to help or give tips to help horses and riders improve. No doubt you will find Western Dressage at your breed shows in the future as it is the newest and best Western discipline. I love that it not only promotes good horsemanship in the rider, but also encourages riders to take their time developing in their performance horse so that he happily competes as your partner.
PALM PARTNERSHIP TRAINING ™ Building a Partnership with Your Horse
We love to share our dressage backgrounds and knowledge with you and would love to have you come ride with us. You can join us at our farm in Ocala, Florida, or at one of our Ride Well Clinics on our USA Tour at a location near you. If you would like to train with Lynn & Cyril at home with Western Dressage, take advantage of the following supportive training materials: BOOKS: “Head To Toe Horsemanship” “Western Dressage—A Guide to Take You to Your First Show” “A Rider Guide to Real Collection” DVDS: “Dressage Principles for the Western Horse & Rider” Volume 1 Parts 1-5 “Dressage Principles for the Western & English Horse & Rider” Volume 2, Parts 1-3 “Let Your Horse Be Your Teacher” Parts 1&2 For more information about training courses, educational materials and much more, please visit www.lynnpalm.com or call 800-503-2824.
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VOLUME 4 | ISSUE 1 2018
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ssbuildingstructures@gmail.com VOLUME 4 | ISSUE 1 2018
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Member of the NFBA
LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED 15
CONNECTING with Your Horse
Learn about why the horse/human bond is so important. Horse and human bond despite knowing that close relationships among humans are formed over time, it’s fairly common for us to feel disappointed when our horses remain distant after weeks, or even months, of special attention. Horses do form close attachments over time, but we should adjust our expectations and allow them to bond with us at their own pace. BUILDING A FRIENDSHIP The No. 1 way to establish a close relationship with a horse is to spend time with him in a manner that reinforces you as his leader. It doesn’t matter what you are doing, just that you are there and interacting with him in a way that makes him feel secure. I’ve owned a Quarter Horse colt named Jackson since he was weaned. Besides handling him morning and evening, I talk to him a lot. While grooming him, or letting him eat “better” grass on the front yard, I’ve filled him in on Kentucky Derby winners, cried over Barbaro’s passing, sympathized with his “picked last in gym” herd status, and generally kept a running conversation. I believe I could talk about hedge funds and Jackson would think all is right with the world. In many situations, a conversation in the right tone of voice yields better results than a command. When Jackson was 3 years 16
old and being sent to a trainer, he’d been on a trailer only once— the day he came to my farm. The trainer and an assistant came to pick him up and couldn’t get him loaded, so I took the lead rope and coaxed Jackson into the trailer by talking to him as though he was merely standing in the barn aisle. By my calm voice, and the fact I’ve never asked him to do anything that hurt him, I was able to convince him that trailer-loading is no big deal. As I told him, “Heck, if I can get in here, you can get in here.” One of my “horsey” friends, Lynn DiCello of Salem, Wis., believes my strong connection with Jackson is because I got him at such an early age, before he was spoiled by anyone and lost his trust in people. Lynn believes that a horse has to be receptive or you can try all you want and a deep bond doesn’t seem to form. To develop that deep bond, Lynn says you have to spend time with a horse: feeding, grooming, riding, maybe just sitting out on the grass while he grazes around you. “I think if you are open to a horse, and let him get to know and trust you, bonding will most likely happen,” she says. “You’ll know you are important to him when you go out to the field and he stops what he’s doing, leaves his buddies, and walks over to you on his own.” THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE ORNERY Sometimes, bonding with a horse is so spontaneous, it doesn’t even make sense. You instantly fall in love, and the horse, sensing it, responds in kind. How do you know? Well, it won’t be like it is in the movies and television shows—your horse won’t run to get help if you fall off and can’t get up. He’s more likely to run away! You’ll know when his eyes soften when he looks at you, he tries to groom you when you’re within reach, he whinnies when he sees you (and it’s not time to eat), he turns to you in a crisis, he follows you around, and he quiets when you talk to him. My first horse, Presto, was my once-in-a-lifetime horse. He was so beautiful that people always made a fuss over him, but he was also generous and forgave my many beginner-rider mistakes. Presto was a big, spirited Morgan, and way too much horse for me from the outset, but I was determined to ride him. Over the years, we became such partners that I could think “move there” and he would, or I’d put a hand on his neck and he’d visibly relax. We were like that mythical creature, the centaur—half human/ half horse. Not all my horses have been that into me. A few were ornery and others indifferent even though I’ve treated them all the same. A few years ago, I bought a horse named Bud for trail riding. His previous owner must have had a “if they don’t ask, don’t tell” policy because she neglected to detail the horse’s “playful” side. Working with Bud was like the proverbial box of chocolates— you never knew what you’d get. I never had the sense that he was a bad horse; I thought he was “naughty.” My husband couldn’t grasp the distinction. Perhaps I am perverse, but I sort of enjoyed Bud’s Jeckyll-Hyde personality. It was a challenge to try to figure out what he’d do next. Whatever tricky thing Bud did, I could almost feel the joy emanating from him. He entertained himself with his plots. VOLUME 4 | ISSUE 1 2018
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Bud and I bonded by coming to an understanding: If he’d keep his shenanigans to a minimum, I’d cut him some slack. Then, there are those horses that try oh-so-hard to resist me. I currently own a big bay gelding named, fittingly, Rex (which means “King”). He has so much pride, and such a strong sense of self, that he rarely lets down his guard. He’s like the love interest in Bruce Springsteen’s song, Secret Garden. There’s a place where he won’t let me in. If I pet him, he moves away. If I approach him with a treat, he’ll lean, lean a little more, and practically fall over before he takes a step toward me. He expects me to serve him. I might take this personally, but I spoke with Mary Ann Collins, of Racine, Wis., who owned Rex from the ages of 3 to 14 to see if she’d managed to get closer to him. She said her relationship with Rex was better under saddle than on the ground. “Rex was always workman-like and responsive when I rode him, but he was somewhat aloof otherwise,” Mary Ann said. “I think horses’ ability to bond with people has a lot to do with how they are handled as babies. The horse I own now, Declan, was imprinted at birth and our relationship is so close, it’s almost spiritual. It was not immediate though; I had to earn his respect and it took time. I attribute much of our special bond to natural horsemanship and how much time I put into groundwork.” So, it seems Rex has been consistent throughout his life and simply has a self-oriented personality. Even so, he slips up now and then by forgetting to act like he merely tolerates me and nuzzles my shoulder while I groom him. I don’t gloat, however. It’s important to him to feel like “The Man” around the place, and I’m content to know he sometimes gives himself away. In January 2007, Rex really gave it away. That winter, I suffered two strokes. When I got home from the hospital a month later and started visiting the barn, Rex knew something had happened to me and now looks out for me the way old geldings often shepherd foals. AVOID CREATING AN EQUINE MONSTER Who says food isn’t love? Horses love food and we love giving it to them, but your pure intentions could create a monster. Treats are fine in moderation. Just make sure you decide when and where to give them. How to feed treats is a matter of some controversy. Handfeeding is heresy to some horse owners and standard practice for others. Some hand-fed horses will begin to nip and root around for treats, so owners need to correct this behavior before it becomes an ingrained habit. Horses have an uncanny ability to size up the people around them, and they often take advantage of permissive owners. For example, if you let a horse take a few steps as you mount, he is leading and you are following, albeit on one foot. If you allow a horse to push ahead of you when you lead him, he’s actually walking you. Horses are genetically wired to test you, so it’s in your best interests to always set limits. Punishment is a key issue literally defined by setting limits, yet is difficult for some owners to mete out even when it is justified. All horses require a reminder of the limits at some point; if the reminder is fair and warranted, they do not resent it and won’t VOLUME 4 | ISSUE 1 2018
hold it against you. You’re merely reminding them that you’re in charge and not to forget it. WHY BONDING IS NOT PSYCHOBABBLE Some people may think “bonding” is borderline touchy-feely psychobabble that isn’t necessary as long as a horse does what he’s told. This might be true in a majority of cases, but there can come a time when friendship and respect make the difference between a close call and a tragedy. One August morning, Presto got out of his pasture when a painter left a gate open. By the time I found my horse, he was buried up to his shoulders in a muddy, boulder-filled riverbed. Even though Presto had already suffered enough neurological damage to die several days later, I’ll never forget how hard he tried to pull free when I encouraged him. He fell back numerous times before he finally lunged up the steep bank onto dry land. Presto followed me back to the barn through a 7-foot high cornfield with his nose pressed against my back. You should try to build a relationship with your horse that is strong enough to compel him to try his hardest for you, whether it be in a World Championship class or in a muddy creek. Perhaps you have a new horse that you want to be able to catch in a large field, or a new trail horse that will take you long and far ... you never know when you’ll need to draw upon that “bond equity.”
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By Louann Chaudier horsechannel.com
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PAY ATTENTION TO THE BALANCE
by Patrick King
One of the primary goals of our horsemanship is to help our horse to develop in his strength, suppleness, and balance. In our endeavor to success with this goal, it is important that we keep his mechanics in mind. When a horse is on a bend his inside hind leg is the driver of the body – it steps deeper under his body than the outside hind leg does, thus carrying more of the horse’s body weight and taking on the role of the driver. Regardless of how sharp or shallow the bend, his inside hind leg and his outside foreleg are the balancing legs. (Does this help you to better understand why we post in time with these legs when we are on the “correct diagonal”?) When working with our horse in hand – whether that would be lunging, leading, or other ground skill tasks – it is important to keep these mechanics in mind. In order to develop strength and suppleness, it is essential that we help the horse to maintain the proper balance. All too often, however, I see handlers allowing their horses to shift into an incorrect balance – sometimes during an exercise or task, and often even before beginning. How can we possibly expect the horse to perform or excel when we have missed the most basic necessity of balance? This not only makes the tasks at hand more difficult, but it also gets in the way of the horse’s long term development by allowing poor habits and physical asymmetry to creep in and take over. If we take a look at our horse’s body during an exercise, we will begin to see the state of his balance. In most cases, our body would be to the inside of the horse’s bend, therefore the hind leg nearest to us would be
considered his inside hind leg. This is the leg that should be stepping deeper underneath his body even if only slightly, as in a shallow bend. His entire body should follow with this balance, carrying a consistent bend from his tail to his nose. Often, I see horses lunging and leading with the wrong bend and looking outside of the circle as if they are trying to head the other direction in escape. This does absolutely no good for the horse’s physical or mental development, as it is obvious that he would rather be away from the handler instead of working together. From this, we start to see muscular asymmetry, challenges with taking the correct canter leads, “dropping shoulders” on circles, and much more.
PAY ATTENTION TO THE BALANCE… When you are lunging your horse, is he carrying a consistent bend to match the circle you are lunging him on? When you are working on ground tasks in hand, is he stepping the appropriate hind leg under his body to balance correctly? Is he mentally staying on track with you rather than looking away? Anytime we are working with our horse it is our duty as his “personal trainer” or “life coach” to help him develop to his personal best. His balance affects his physical development – we all understand this, even at the most basic level. Resistance develops by accident. Strength, suppleness, and balance develop through intention. Do not let your horsemanship happen by accident. Make it intentional.
Patrick King Horsemanship, LLC
www.pkhorsemanship.com
581 Clark Avenue, Ashville, OH 43103 office@pkhorsemanship.com 724-858-8536 DiDi Lund (business/office manager) didi.lund@gmail.com call/text to 760-473-5206. 18
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2 0 1 8 New Year’s Resolutions for the Horse Lover We’re all familiar with the usual New Year’s Resolutions: trim the waistline, act nicer to in-laws, procrastinate less, etc. But most equestrians have other priorities worry about: Will the farrier show up when he’s supposed to? Did you remember to put on Cuddles’ snow blanket? Is there enough hay to last until spring? But in the spirit of the season, here are a few suggested New Year’s Resolutions for horse folk:
• The barn will be cleaned before noon every day. I plan to resolve to do that – maybe even accomplish it. • I will clean my tack faithfully after every ride – even if it’s just with the quickie leather cleaner. Okay, once a week – at least. • I will buy three Lotto tickets each week: One to pay for more horses; one to cover veterinary expenses; and one to cover farrier expenses. • I will make appointments for a haircut at least as often as my horse needs new shoes. In fact, that’s a good way to remember. • In the coming year, I will check my clothes for hay before going out in public. • When I reach into my coat pocket for change, I will try not to pay with pieces of carrot or horse treats. • Horse clothing will not be cleaned in the family washing machine any more. At least, not while The Husband is home. • I will not soak bits in the kitchen sink. I will put them in the dishwasher instead.
• I will remember to write social obligations on the calendar as religiously as I write clinic and competition dates. That way, maybe I can keep them. If they don’t conflict, of course. • I will (occasionally) feed the family before the animals – at least on weekends. • I will endeavor not to scream, “NO!” every time a family member attempts to take a carrot from the 50-lb. bag earmarked for the horses. • I promise to stop critiquing every movie I see in which there are horses and the riding, grooming, or tack is incorrect. • I will stop saying “over” to my spouse when he’s in my way in the kitchen and “whoa” to my children. • On the first rainy or snowy day of the New Year, I will muck out the house. • In the future, the living room will not be decorated with bridles and bailing twine –I’ll save that for the family room. • I will wash my truck as often as I wash the horses. • I will not use the exercise bike as a saddle rack. • When I uncover the exercise bike and find new homes for the blankets and saddles it is holding, I will ride it. • I resolve to completely ignore all of the above resolutions this year to take enough time to actually RIDE my horse and stop grousing about not doing it enough. So there are some New Year’s suggestions. You may choose those that are attainable or select those that are unattainable, but it will make you feel better by resolving to do them. I’ll start by attempting to memorize “2018”... I’ll need to get that right on all those checks I’ll be writing for the horses. petplace.com Ann Compton
VOLUME 4 | ISSUE 1 2018
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2018 MARCH
February-Ma Every Monday - Burrell Horse Auction, Horse & Tack Sale: Tack 6:00, Horse 8:00; 6450 Bates Pike, Cleveland TN 423-472-0805 First Tuesday of every month National Racking Horse Assoc, Choo Choo Chapter meets at Wally’s Restaurant in East Ridge Tn @ 7pm. New members and visitors always welcome! Jerry Clark 423-667-0440 Fourth Thursday of every month Gordon County Saddle Club monthly meeting @ Gordon County Agricultural Service Center Visitors welcome! Info: (770) 548-5956 First Monday of every month Club Meeting 7:00 pm Last Monday of every month BOD Meeting 7:00 pm Murray County Saddle Club.com First Monday of every month Meeting 7pm Bartow County Saddle Club bartowcountysaddleclub.org 3rd Saturday each month - GA Catoosa County Saddle Club facebook.com/catoosacountysaddleclub
February FEBRUARY 2-3 Shelbyville, TN. Calsonic Arena. Lone Star National Finals. FEBRUARY 2-4 Horsemanship Clinic Tri-State Exhibition Center Cleveland, TN www.tristateexhibitioncenter.com FEBRUARY 3-4 Cookeville, TN. Tenn. Tech Univ. ; Western show FEBRUARY 10 Barrel Racing, Cookeville, TN. Hyder Burke Agricultural Pavillion. Cordell Smith 615-556-1059 FEBRUARY 10 4-H Tack Swap - 10am-5pm presented by TC Wranglers Bradley Cnty 4-H Horse Club Tri-State Exhibition Center Cleveland, TN www.tristateexhibitioncenter.com
Monthly Horse Sales/Adoptions Second Saturday: Gleason, TN. West TN Auction Barn. 330 Fence Rd. 6:30 pm. Chucky Greenway 731-571-8198 Second & Fourth Saturday: Scotts Hill, TN. Scotts Hill Stockyard. Info: James Linville 731-549-3523. facebook.com/scottshillstockyard
FEBRUARY 10 Valentines Ride & Party. Circle E Guest Ranch 50 Circle E Ln, Belvidere, TN Call for more information 931-962-1790
FEBRUARY 23-25 Southern Equine Expo Tennessee Miller Coliseum MTSU Murfreesboro, TN www.mtsu.edu/tmc
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FEBRUARY 12-23 Field Trials, Grand Junction, TN. Ames Plantation. 2018 National Championship, Drawing Feb.10.
FEBRUARY 17-18 ISHA Western Show Tennessee Miller Coliseum MTSU Murfreesboro, TN www.mtsu.edu/tmc
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FEBRUARY 24-25 Thompson’s Station, TN. Jaeckle Centre. Hunters. www.jaecklecentre.com
FEBRUARY 10-11 Memphis, TN. Show Place Arena. Muddy River Classic. Info: www.Jx2events.com
FEBRUARY 10 Knox Co. 4-H Roane State Expo Center Roane State Community College, Harriman, Tn www.roanestate.edu
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FEBRUARY 24-25 East TN Cutting Horse Assn. Roane State Expo Center Roane State Community College, Harriman, Tn www.roanestate.edu
FEBRUARY 10-11 Memphis, TN. Show Place Arena. Muddy River Classic. www.Jx2events.com
FEBRUARY 17 NBHA Roane State Expo Center Roane State Community College, Harriman, Tn; roanestate.edu
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-calendar.com www.free-printable
FEBRUARY 10-11 ISHA Hunt Seat Show Tennessee Miller Coliseum MTSU Murfreesboro, TN www.mtsu.edu/tmc
FEBRUARY 17 Thompson’s Station, TN. Jaeckle Centre. Jumpers. www.jaecklecentre.com
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MARCH 2-3 SRO LoneStar Rodeo Tennessee Miller Coliseum MTSU Murfreesboro, TN www.mtsu.edu/tmc MARCH 2-3 NCA Pro Rodeo Roane State Expo Center Roane State Community College, Harriman, Tn www.roanestate.edu MARCH 9 Sweanee, TN. Univ. of the South. Regional Hunt Seat Championships MARCH 9-11 TQHA Celebration Circuit Roane State Expo Center Roane State Community College, Harriman, Tn www.roanestate.edu MARCH 9-11 Memphis Challenge Tennessee HS Rodeo Association (731) 658-5867; tnhsra.com
Please call before you haul. Always verify dates and times BEFORE you travel. FREE CALENDAR of EVENTS LISTINGS: If you would like to include an event please Contact: Lisa Fetzner , 423-933-4968, Info@horsenranchmag.com
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MARCH 23-25 IBRA Barrel Race Tennessee Miller Coliseum MTSU Murfreesboro, TN www.mtsu.edu/tmc
MARCH 10 Hunter/Jumper Franklin, TN. Brownland Farm. No Frills 1
MARCH 24-25 Trail Rides/Challenge Toomsboro, GA. Region 5 Benefit. Info: Cindy Keen 478-272-5097
MARCH 10-11 Hamilton, GA. Poplar Place Farm. Poplar Place Farm Dressage Show. www.poplarplacefarm.com
MARCH 31-APR. 1 East TN. Cutting Horse Assn. Roane State Expo Center Roane State Community College, Harriman, Tn www.roanestate.edu
MARCH 10-11 Springfield, TN. Smart Lil Acres. Mounted Patrol and Obstacle De-sensitizing Clinic. Miranda Hogan (615) 433-6285 MARCH 10-11 Music City Paint Show Tennessee Miller Coliseum MTSU Murfreesboro, TN www.mtsu.edu/tmc MARCH 16-17 4-H Clover Classic Roane State Expo Center Roane State Community College, Harriman, Tn www.roanestate.edu MARCH 16-18 AQHA Circuit of the Southland Tennessee Miller Coliseum MTSU Murfreesboro, TN www.mtsu.edu/tmc
MARCH 31 Ranch Horse Show Tri-State Exhibition Center Cleveland, TN www.tristateexhibitioncenter.com
UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS
April 27-29, 2018 - Jasper AL Alabama Governor’s Ride Faye Whittemore Farms Pumpkin Patch Trail Ride Come Ride on Best of America by Horseback National Television Show. Be on the Filmed Trail Ride with celebrity hosts Tom Seay & Kristen Biscoe, seminars, demos, live music & banquet meal all included! Sponsored in part by the Alabama Horse Council celebrating 200 years of Alabama History. 540-829-9555 *$50 rider fee for BOABH Trail Club covers all scheduled activities & banquet meal www.bestofamericabyhorseback.com
MARCH 16-18 Memphis, TN. Show Place Arena. Volunteer Ranch Horse Show MARCH 16-18 Franklin, TN. Ag Expo Park. Tennessee Championships. www.Jx2events.com
FREE ESTIMATES
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MARCH 17 Barrel Racing, Cookeville, TN. Hyder Burke Ag. Pavillion. Cordell Smith 615-556-1059
Save the Date!
MARCH 17-18 Martin, TN. WTQHA Show. UTM Eq. Team Benefit Circuit. www.wtqha.org MARCH 22-25 TN Reining Horse Assn. Roane State Expo Center Roane State Community College, Harriman, Tn www.roanestate.edu
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MARCH 10 TN NBHA Tri-State Exhibition Center Cleveland, TN www.tristateexhibitioncenter.com
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21
The HALTER
You’d think that something that has been around since humans first domesticated animals would be simple. I wish. You’d think that the one thing that any horse or mule absolutely must have would be easy. Not so. You’d think that an item which, by law in some states, must accompany every horse and mule that is sold would be straight forward. If only. The object of which I speak is of course the halter. The word itself is Germanic in nature and means “holder” which is fabulously descriptive and accurate. Used to catch, tie, and lead our furry equine friends as well as cattle, goats, and even dogs, halters are ubiquitous around the barn. But what do we know about these invaluable tools and their proper use? When I first entered the world of equines I used only flat nylon halters with a leather breakaway at the poll. I was convinced that these devices were the safest for my horses with their wide gentle bands and a built in “fuse” as a quick release. I thought I was being a good horse daddy. However, it didn’t take long for my young mischievous horse LT to figure out that the easiest way to do as he pleased was to lean back and pop the leather poll band. As I started using my animals more I often found myself switching to rope halters both as training aids and on the trail. These nearly unbreakable single pieces of rope can fit lightly over, or under, a bridle and helped LT to unlearn a bad habit while I kept an eye on him. And now that I’ve started venturing further afield and exploring remote wilderness areas often with pack animals in tow I’ve begun reintroducing flat halters to my herd. There’s a right time and place for every type of halter. It’s up to us to decide where and when. Let’s check out some of these different types of halters and how I’ve come to use and appreciate their various qualities for trail riding and camping. THE FLAT HALTER. Commonly made of nylon or leather this is the type of halter that I started my equine adventures with. The flat webbing distributes pressure across a wide area and a leather breakaway strap is designed to break before the horse can hurt itself if it panics. I want my animals to be comfortable and safe in whatever they’re doing and it was my feeling that the lack of pressure would be more comfy. It turned out to be too comfy and too easy for a stubborn beast to pull me around like a rag doll if he so desired. The breakaway portion also became a point of contention as it allowed one smart beast to quickly discover that he could escape his bindings with very little effort on his part. I mentioned that I’ve recently begun using flat halters again. Ellie gets a flat packers draw halter when we’re on the trail. The broad leather straps comfortably distribute pressure. Ellie is a dream to pack so I had the chain “come-along-nicely” draw replaced with a leather strap. Ellie doesn’t need the extra “encouragement” that some of my other animals require. THE ROPE HALTER. A single length of thin rope (I like 8 mm) that is, quite frankly, uncomfortable when pulled upon. That uncomfortableness helped LT teach himself to stay out of mischief. Without miles of stitching to unravel and acres of buckles to break, the simplicity of the rope halter was a blessing for me. Of course, I did have to learn how to properly tie the halter since it lacks a buckle. 22
How to Properly Tie a Rope Halter in 5 Easy Steps: 1. Stand on the near side (left side) of your mule. Reach over the neck and grab the poll strap with your right hand. 2. Slide the noseband over the mule’s nose and the throat knot upwards below the jaw. 3. Take the end of the poll strap pointing towards you and run it through the tie loop. 4. Put your thumb on the top of the loop. 5. Run the end of the poll strap behind the loop and then tuck through the space between the loop and the strap. For the more technically inclined what you just did was create a sheet bend knot! • Make sure that the pointy end is pointing towards your animal’s butt and away from his eye! Rope halters can come in different diameters. The thinner the rope used, the more uncomfortable the halter is when pressure is applied, compared to thicker diameter rope halters. Some rope halters have knots on either side of the nose, while others have a band of thicker rope. As a training aid, rope halters allow mule owners to use the least amount of pressure and the ability to release that pressure more quickly than a flat halter. In an emergency, rope halters can also be cut away more quickly than flat nylon or leather halters. I always keep a spare halter and lead rope around the barn, in the truck, and while camping. In a pinch, a length of baling string can serve the purpose too. Well there you go, my thoughts on halters. For more of my thoughts about things pertaining to trail riding and camping horse as well as the world’s largest and only accurate horse trail and camp directory visit www. trailmeister.com.
VOLUME 4 | ISSUE 1 2018
Robert Eversole; Trail Meister Owner and Chief Trail Boss. 513-374-9021; robert@trailmeister.com; www.TrailMeister.com TrailMeister is The Largest Equine Trail and Camping Guide in the World
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