Clubs & Associations • Events Calendar • Trainer Directory
January/February 2015
FREE
New Mexico Jump into the New Year!
Hitting the Wall (on the trail) 2015 Gear Guide Beat the Newbie Blues
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ARTICLES:
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08 Gotta Get That Gear! Must-haves for 2015
13 A Horse of One's Own
How to Avoid the Newbie Blues (First of a Series)
16 Hitting the Trailriders Wall A High Country Ride in the Pecos 22 Quiz: Know Your Hind-End? Veterinarian Stacie Boswell's Q&A 28 Stormy Weather
On the Trail in Taos with Bill Manns Submissions are Welcome See our web site for submission standards:
www.horsearoundnm.com
All the opinions expressed herein are the sole opinions of the writer and do not necessarily reflect bias or belief on the part of the editor, publisher, distributors, printer, advertisers or other contributors.
: S U L P
06 Horse Around Out & About 20 Events Calendar January & February
25 Directory
Trainers, Clubs and Associations
26 Top Ten Do's & Don'ts
Horsemanship Reminders for 2015
30 The Tail End photo by Ozana Photography
When faced with January and the New Year, many people feel resolute. res·o·lute /'reze_loot/ adjective admirably purposeful, determined, and unwavering. But here at Horse Around New Mexico, we feel less like making resolutions and more like dreaming. Daydreaming, on those early-shadowed wnter afternoons, about the long trail-rides we'll take come summer. Visualizing a well-ridden dressage test, or feeling in our imagination the crazy freedom of soaring over a jump and galloping off to the next one. Of course, like you, we know full well that none of these dreams will come true wthout a little resolve, along with reasonable goals and timely rewards. So in addition to resolving to abide by the "Top Ten Do's and Don'ts" outlined in this issue, we fully intend to daydream about a ride up Jawbone Mountain or along the Trailriders Wall, and do a bit of shopping around for the gear that we can't live without. For those of you who have resolved to finally buy that horse you've been longing for read Peggy Conger's advice for newbies and avoid the mistakes that we made when we first started out! Her series will continue throughout the year. If you're in a resolute mood, how about promising to send us your 2015 events for the calendar? We'd love to give you some free publicity. And keep the articles, photos, poems, stories, cartoons, recipes, jokes and essays coming! Submissions Deadlines are on the facing page. We can't wait to see what you come up with!
Happy New YearKaren (and Lacy)
Editor KAREN LEHMANN Publisher HORSE AROUND USA Cover Design KAY LOUISE Cover Image OZANA PHOTOGRAPHY Contributing Writers & STACIE BOSWELL, DVM. Photographers KAY LOUISE BILL MANNS Staff Writers & VIKKI CHAVEZ Photographers PEGGY CONGER CECILIA KAYANO OZANA STURGEON Graphic Design CECILIA KAYANO KAREN LEHMANN Advertising & Sales DENNIS SHARTZ
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www.horsearoundnm.com ON THE COVER from Day Two of The 2014 Event at Santa Fe
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Horse Around New Mexico©2014 All rights reserved. Horse Around New Mexico is a publication of Horse Around USA™. Horsearoundnm.com™ and horsearoundusa.com™ are also copyrighted, trademarked, and the sole property of Karen Lehmann,. All rights reserved. Individual content copyright belongs to the author or artist.
We brought you six great issues in 2014 ...and with your input, 2015 will be even better! Submit your articles, stories, essays, photos, art & poems Send us your events for the Events Calendar Update your Club or Association Listing Get listed in the Trainer Directory
All for Free, as a Community Service! Submissions Deadlines 2015:
Issue 2 March/April Shape Up! Issue: deadline Jan. 23, 2015 Issue 3 May/June Events Issue: deadline March 27, 2015 Issue 4 July/August Trail Issue deadline May 22, 2015 Issue 5 September/October Horse & Rider Health Issue deadline July 24, 2015 Issue 6 November/December Holiday Issue deadline Sept. 25, 2015 please send your submissions to:
editor@horsearoundnm.com AFTER HOLIDAY, AFTER HOLIDAY,
PRE-SPRING PRE-SPRING CLEANUP, CLEANUP,
NEED MORE MORE ROOM !!!!! NEED ROOMSALE SALE Beginning February, Desert Wind
Beginning February, Desert Wind
Saddlery will be having very good sales, so Saddlery willplan be on having veryby. good sales, so swinging
plan on swinging by.
7 Caliente Road, B5, in with Barn Dogs Santa Fe, NM 87508
505-474-7795
Horse Around Out & About
How are you horsin' around today? A glimpse at how New Mexico's horse lovers are spending their time
T
aos Saddle Club meets monthly on the second Wednesday of the month at a local restaurant for dinner and club business, usually with about 15 attendees. Club members are invited to ride out on the trail monthly on the third Saturday of the month from March to October. Ride size varies from six to twenty. The club has guest clinicians occasionally, about once a year. There are about 30 dues paying members. facebook.com/Taos Saddle Club
El Camino Real; Bishop Photo
Taos Saddle Club members out & about
Cerro Don Fernando ; Bishop Photo
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Horse Around Out & About is a feature of HorseAroundOnline.com Contact Media Coordinator Andee Williams at: andee@horsearoundonline.com
On Gold Hill above Taos Ski Valley; Pam MacArthur Photo
o
Garcia Park; Bishop Photo www.horsearoundnm.com | January / February 2015
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Gotta Get that N
o matter have much gear you own, it seems the one thing you could sure use right now is the one thing you don’t have! Take a look through the following items, and see if a few them would be good additions to your collection:
Bitless Bridle: This bridle is a relaxing break for your horse, and a great option if your horse can’t use a bit temporarily. Keep one on hand, and you won’t miss your ride waiting on your vet to pull wolf teeth or your bit to warm up on a cold winter day. We like the Dr. Cook Bitless Bridle and the Nurtural. Velcro Breakaway Tie: These ties are
adjustable, have a quick release buckle on one end, and leave a strap attached to your horse’s halter on the other should they pull apart in an emergency. They are great ties for hauling and general barn use to prevent hard tie accidents.
Quick Clip: A quick clip makes tying safe and easy, and allows for adjustment of release. It works great for tying horses, buckets, hay nets and everything else with the added security of knowing if anything goes wrong, the quick release eases pressure. By reducing panic, you can avoid dire complications. Simply shorten the rope back up, and your horse is still tied. Head Bumper:The one time your horse refuses to load, pulls back, rears up, or you haul a friend’s horse that is taller than you remember is when you’ll be glad you have a head bumper! It can prevent serious injury to poll and forehead. My favorite style has clips on each side attached to elastic that just secure right on over your halter, so no more trying to thread one onto the unfastened crown piece of a big, goofy horse. Square End Trigger Snaps: You can
make any pair of reins training or trail reins! No more fighting buckles or hook stud ends with frozen hands, pushing and pulling on stiff leather, or fighting
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Gear! by Vikki Chavez
stripped chicago screws to change bits. No more looping reins under throat latch or over the saddle horn to lunge your horse. Secure the reins ends through the snaps and reins go off and on easily in seconds. English Stirrup Holder Bag: You can prevent tying your fancy stirrup leathers, scratching your saddle and bouncing stirrups on top of your horse with this awesome bag. It keeps stirrups still and quiet while protecting your saddle during lunging, storage or moving in and out of your trailer.
Medium Weight Turnout Blanket:
A 200 to 250gm waterproof turnout comes in handy for many occasions, including a sick horse, plummeting temps with wind, or a new horse arriving from a warmer climate.
Polar Fleece Cooler: This is a winter
must have. A sick or sweaty horse can become chilled quickly. Hand walking in the dark when you need to leave and temps are falling; zero fun! Throw on a cooler, and your horse will effortlessly dry off they much hay and you wrap up barn chores. Fleece coolers are also great for winter hauling.
Over The Fence Portable Saddle Rack: Easy to carry and easy to use! No
need to toss your investment (saddle) in the dirt! Tack up from your tailgate, fence line, grooming rack, stall partition, or on the road.
Last Minute Hair Maker: In one minute, you can have perfect show ring hair. If you arrive super late, or just have to unexpectedly look pulled together in continued on page 10
24-hour mobile emergency service Serving Albuquerque and Central New Mexico
Suggested De-Worming Schedule for Horses
DR. ANDRES ESTRADA, DVM (505) 363-5063 www.santasofiaequine.com
New Mexico’s only board-certified specialist in animal reproduction, Dr. Estrada offers the full array of veterinary services, including Coggins, health certificates, dog and horse vaccinations, dentistry, lameness, trimming and shoeing consultations, plus emergencies such as colic, lacerations, and dystocias
We pride ourselves in customer service and pricing!
Se habla espaĂąol
Jan/Feb 1 tube Pyrantel Pamoate Mar/April 1 tube Oxibendazole or Fenbendazole May/June 1 tube 1.87% Ivermectin July/Aug 1 tube Pyrantel Pamoate Sept/Oct 1 tube Oxibendazole or Fenbendazole Nov/Dec 1 tube Praziquantel Combination
3825 Osuna NE Albuquerque, NM 87109
505-341-9401
2005 SE Main Roswell, NM 88203
575-624-2123
www.horsearoundnm.com | January / February 2015
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an instant you will love these. Slick your hair back in rubber band, twist in circle, stuff it into a hair net scrunchy wrap combo with attached clips, and off you go. Support Boots: A pair of front leg sport boots can be real leg savers for thick brush (ticks!), rough terrain (fallen wire, shale), frisky round pen or lunge sessions, or a bad day loading or hauling.
it to treat scrapes, lacerations, punctures, fungus, rain rot, summer sores, sweet itch or mystery wounds. It is a must have for tack room and trailer. It can be wrapped or left open to air.
ThrushX: Thrush can strike in the
most pristine stall and paddock areas. A few days of rain, snow or water bucket splashing can sometimes be all it takes. Thrush X lasts a long time with one application. You can use it as the rain comes in as a preventative in thrush prone horses, as well as clear it up quickly when you see the first hint of it starting.
Slow Feed Hay Box/Bag/Net: This is a great way to minimize hay waste, make meal time last longer for an easy keeper, entertain a nervous horse, provide distraction at shows or reduce tie rail drama. The best size opening for most horses is 1.5” to 2” although it is a good idea to feed half hay in bag and half hay out of bag at first to avoid frustration. As always, safety first! Watch height (bag lowers as it empties!), hangers, snaps, hooks and so forth to avoid a caught shoe, poked eye or other potential hazards. Plug In Water Bucket A 5 gallon heated bucket gives you outdoor access to temperate water during the winter for rinsing off a bit, wound cleaning, muzzle washing, adding water to pellets or grain, wetting hands to prevent blanket zap, and many other uses that ice cold or frozen hose water cannot assist you with.
Biosponge Paste: When diarrhea
strikes it can cause serious health concerns for your horse. Biosponge can absorb bacteria and toxins while reducing diarrhea, keeping your horse safe from secondary issues until your vet can get out and determine the cause of the problem.
Hoof boots: These are great to have
around for stone bruises, cracks, chips or other barefoot issues, rocky or urban terrain (broken glass), snowballs in hooves, a thrown shoe or riding soon after removing standard shoes.
Electrolyte Paste: Inexpensive and easy to keep on hand, a tube of electrolyte paste is one of those items that when you need to rehydrate your horse, you most likely need to do it now. Hanging Himalayan mineral rocks are well received by most horses, and a good free choice option for daily care. Rubber Mat: A rubber mat under the area you feed hay will help prevent sand colic, holes from pawing, and keep hay dry. A mat under your tie area makes farrier work, wound treatment and hoof or sport boot application easier.
Say Whoa! Colic Remedy: A
first line of defense when your horse shows signs of colic. The all-natural ingredients in this product can do no harm to your horse and may do a whole lot of good, possibly resolving a bout of colic by drawing moisture into the gut. It’s always best to call your vet if your horse is colicking, but having a bottle of this in your first-aid kit gives you a way to offer your horse some immediate relief.
Vetercyn Hydrogel: This product can be used to treat a wide array of things that can go wrong with your horse. You can apply before your vet arrives or after the stitches are in. Use 10
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The more prepared you are, the more time you have to ride. Gear up, bundle up, and get out there and enjoy your wonderful horses!
Quick Wrap Standing Wraps:
When your horse is injured and you need to wrap a leg or two, the easier you can get a smooth, correctly applied wrap, the better! Quick quilted wraps just Velcro on, getting your horse treated without the risk of incorrect application.
www.horsearoundnm.com | January / February 2015
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Over 400 Locations Our Stores in New Mexico
In your time of need. IT’S WHAT YOU DO FIRST.
Copper Penny Ranch & Feed
Alamogordo
Dan's Boots & Saddles
Albuquerque
Double D Feed
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Old Mill Farm & Ranch
Belen
Lincoln County Mercantile
Capitan
Circle S Feed Store
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Las Cruces
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Millers Feed & Supply
Los Ranchos
Cowboy's Corner Feed and Supply
Lovington
Creighton's Town & Country
Portales
Roswell Livestock & Farm Supply
Roswell
Harvey's Feed and Supply
Ruidoso Downs
Horsin Around Feed & Tack Dickinson Implement Co.
Truth or Consequences Tucumcari
www.SayWhoa.com
800-448-8180
by Stops Colic, LLC
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A Horse of One's Own Getting Started in Horses? How Not To Get Derailed Article Series by Peggy Conger
H
aving a couple thousand dollars to spend and an acre to keep a horse on does not make you prepared to own one. But with some preparation and expert help, you can easily avoid any pitfalls of being a newbie horseperson. In this series, we will explore some of the common mistakes to avoid, how to get around roadblocks you might encounter and offer expert advice in how to get going, and keep going, in horses.
You love horses, you’ve always wanted one and darn it, this is the year you’re going to make it happen. Congratulations! Horsemanship is one of the most enjoyable, absorbing, passionate pursuits you can have. You’ll go places you never imagined, learn things you never thought you’d have to know, have enormous fun and get tons of confidence doing amazing things on wonderful horses. Whether you choose to be a trail rider or do Western pleasure or hunter/jumper or any of the dozens of other specialties the horse world offers, you will learn, grow and have a ball. But you aren’t going to do all that tomorrow. Because when it comes to horses, acquiring one is the easiest part. All the rest is a process, and too often, new horse owners can get discouraged, run into road blocks, misunderstand their horses, or get injured while trying to fulfill their horse dream. Every horse professional you meet has a dozen stories of people who get in over their heads with their first horse. It’s a sad situation for everybody.The horse ends up standing idle and bored or getting sold down the road, possibly with an undeserved bad reputation, while the new horse owner loses money and feels like a failure. But with some preparation and expert help, you can easily avoid any pitfalls of being a newbie horseperson. First, some mistakes you should avoid making at all costs.
Buying before you’re ready Having a couple thousand to spend and an acre to keep a horse on does not make you prepared to own one. If you’ve never had a horse, give yourself six months to a year to get ready. If you have only ridden occasionally as an adult or your experience stems from riding the neighbor’s horse as a kid, you need to get yourself some real equine experience before you buy. Riding lessons are a great start, but try to ride somewhere that will allow you to do all the other things that come with horse ownership: catching, groundwork, tacking, mucking, farrier and vet visits, worming, giving meds, trailer loading. Horse rescues are a great place to get this kind of experience. Some stables will also welcome the help. Check around, volunteer, offer to help out. But be respectful. Don’t pester people into the ground with questions. Be ready to observe and take the time it takes to learn. You don’t know what you don’t know until you start hanging around people with horse experience. ...continued on page 14
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Buying too much horse Doesn’t that guy look amazing on the Arabian that’s prancing sideways around the arena, nostrils flared, muscles bunched, tail arched, so full of spirit and go? The answer of course is yes! But if you are a beginner rider, you will not look like that on a horse like that. Not for a while. Maybe not in this lifetime. Your best first horse is not Secretariat or Hidalgo or the War Horse. Your best first horse, if you are new to horses, is a gentle, hopefully smart, sound, good-going horse with a lot more experience than you. He or she will babysit you when necessary, be forgiving of your ignorance and patient with your learning curve. Needless to say, this horse will probably not be free. “People don’t usually give away their good horses,” warns Randy Saiz, a trainer and farrier who works in the East Mountains outside Albuquerque. “There’s usually a reason one horse is free, while the one over there is $1500.”
Falling in love with a horse you have to have, no matter what It’s a medicine hat grullo paint! It’s the most beautiful horse you’ve ever seen! It threw its last owner who now has a pin in her hip? So what, you’ll get a trainer! Leave impulse buys like this to experienced horse people. Fall in love with a horse’s mind, with its good nature, its skill set, its experience and track record, but never make looks the reason you buy a first horse. Would you try to learn to drive in a Maserati? No, you want something very reliable, safe and already a little dinged up. I “had to have” a greenbroke grey mustang, who tossed me off six times over the course of 18 months, breaking my pelvis the last time. He wasn’t my first horse but my third, and no one could dissuade me from getting him.
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Taking your horse home solo
As a middle-aged inexperienced trail rider just getting back into horses, I should have been on a much better-broke horse. He was a sweet, beautiful horse, but I ended up giving him away. Don’t buy for looks!
What the experts say: For absolute beginners: "Go someplace and ride their gentlest horse. Get so you can really handle that horse, so you canter all over the place, and do everything that needs to be done with that horse. Then you're ready to go out and get a middle-aged gentle horse for yourself." Randy Saiz, Trainer/Farrier, East Mountains "I tell people who come to me to do lessons for a long time before considering getting a horse! Once they've done lessons awhile and can walk trot canter, groom, tack untack, lead, wash, load, etc etc etc then we can talk about finding them a horse." Erlene Seybold-Smythe, Trainer/Instructor, Roy-El Ranch, Santa Fe For when you are interested in a certain discipline: "Make a list and have in your head the skills you want the horse to have and take the time to find that. Don't settle for the first horse that seems okay. If I'm going to spend $5000, or $2500 or even $1500, I want to make sure it's right. And it may take 6 months to a year to find the right one the first time." Colleen Novotny, Director, 4 Winds Equestrian Center, Estancia On bringing a horse home: "I see a lot of people get overwhelmed after a few months, then get rid of their horses, or move to a boarding facility." Erlene Seybold-Smythe
There is nothing better, if you love horses, than having one right outside your door. But as a herd animal, horses feel safer, less stressed and more content with a buddy. Some very independent horses can be perfectly happy on their own, but they are usually the exception. If you can’t afford a companion animal (a horse pasture pal is ideal, but a donkey or some goats will do), think twice about taking a horse out of a herd situation, even a herd of two, and keeping it home alone. You could see the horse’s personality change, and not for the better. The cost of a horse at home is a stumbling block for many beginners. “Make sure you understand the costs, ALL of the costs,” advises trainer Erlene Seybold-Smythe. “If you do take your horse home, where are you getting hay? How will you clean your corral? Where will you dispose of the manure? How will you control flies? Will your neighbors complain? Where will you get insurance, not necessarily on your horse, but on your property; i.e. if someone comes over and your horse kicks them, or if your horse gets loose and runs someone over? What kind of fencing will you use? Is it horse-safe? Will it keep dogs out? The list goes on and on.” Other things to ask yourself: Do you have the confidence to go out and ride alone? Will you keep up on training at home, for yourself and the horse? Can you handle a health crisis on your own?(For example, do you know what "colic" looks like and what to do about it? Can you recognize founder?) Can you load your horse in a trailer, if you even own one? As a newbie, you are often better off boarding your horse for a time, and lining up some form of support that will keep you riding, learning, and growing as a horseperson. How to do that? Watch for the next article in this series, “Finding a Horse Community", for ideas.
Shape Up! with the next issue of Horse Around New Mexico, on shelves in March! Submissions deadline: Jan 23rd Ad Submissions: February 4th www. horsearoundnm.com for more information on submissions, ad prices and specs... and lots more! Call: 505.926.1120
www.horsearoundnm.com | January / February 2015
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january 3
february
Loal Tucker Horsemanship Academy * 4 Winds Equestrian Center* www.loaltucker.com NM Buckskin Shaggy Show Bosque Farms Rodeo Arena Bosque Farms NM Pinto All Breed Training Show Bosque Farms Rodeo Arena Bosque Farms www.nmpinto.org EQ-Wine Fundraising Dinner for The Horse Shelter 6:30 pm at Restaurant Martin in Santa Fe $150+
4 11 19
1 8 15 21-22
NM Buckskin Shaggy Show Bosque Farms Rodeo Arena, Bosque Farms NM Arab Winter Fiesta One Day Show Expo New Mexico, Albuquerque www.nmarab.com NM Pinto All Breed Training Show Bosque Farms Rodeo Arena Bosque Farms www.nmpinto.org Manuel Trigo Seminar Collection, Piaffe, and Passage A 2 day SEMINAR (not mounted) * 4 Winds Equestrian Center* www.4windsequestriancenter.com
It's FREE to list your event! Submissions for March/April/ May calendar must be received by February 1. Send events information to: editor@horsearoundnm.com
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new mexiCo moment Ciro Chairez sent us this photo of Ralph Dominguez with his horse, taken north of Box Canyon by the Gila River near Gila, NM. | www.horsearoundnm.com
WINTERIZE YOUR HORSE BlanketS to BucketS We’ve got you covered!
Coming Spring 2015
The 1st Annual 4 Winds Equestrian Center
New Mexico Trainers Showcase
Showcasing Equine Trainers and Riding Instructors from all over New Mexico Find the Trainer or Instructor who will take you to the next level
2 days of trainer demos, booths, exhibits and much more for the equine enthusiast ! Trainers / Instructors / Vendors Call or e-mail Colleen Novotny Tel: 505-384-1831 4windsec@qwestoffice.net Equine Owners / Riders / Lovers Watch for the update in the next Horse Around New Mexico
PreMiuM Hay & Feed • SuPPleMentS aniMal HealtH SuPPlieS • Pet Food Wild Bird Food • SHoW SuPPlieS Fencing • FeederS canning SuPPlieS • Wood PelletS SeaSonal MercHandiSe W E ’ R E C H E A P E R I N T H E C O U N T RY S tore H ourS : M onday - S aturday : 8:30-6:30 S unday : 10:00 - 5:00
(505) 897-9328
3675 Corrales Rd. Corrales NM 87048 www.horsearoundnm.com | January / February 2015
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Do you think you know all there is to know about your horse's hind end? Test your knowledge! Let's see if veterinarian Stacie Boswell can stump you with any of these questions. Answers on page 24.
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Connecting Horses and Humans through the Arts of Liberty Training, Horsemanship and Dressage
All Winter Long! We have a few spots open and welcome you and your horse for winter training! Please visit our website or give us a call! www.fortheheartofthehorse.com 505-474-5480 26 Sundog Drive, Santa Fe, NM
Lynne Maguire www.lynnemaguire.com
Lynne Maguire www.lynnemaguire.com www.horsearoundnm.com | January / February 2015
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Answers: 1. This region is commonly referred to as the hock or tarsus. The correlating structure in people is our ankle. The point of the hock is the talus, and is the same structure as our heel. This area is often called the hock joint, although it is a complex area with 4 major joints. The tarsocrural (tibiotarsal) joint is the largest joint, and is the high motion joint. The other small, low-motion joints (proximal intertarsal, distal intertarsal, and tarsometatarsal) are prone to osteoarthritis, which is a common source of lameness in sport horses. 2. This region is commonly referred to as the stifle. The correlating structure in people is our knee. This area is where the femur and the tibia meet, along with the patella (which is commonly called the kneecap in people). There are multiple joint pouches in this region: the femoropatellar, and the medial and lateral femorotibial joints. The stifle and hock must always flex together. In addition to osteoarthritis, problems causing lameness arising from this area include developmental problems such as osteochondritis dessicans (OCD), or subchondral cyst-like lesions (commonly called bone cysts), and upward fixation of the patella (UFP). In UFP, the horse is unable to “unlock” his patella and the horse’s stifle may “catch” while he is being ridden, which may be especially notable in small circles. 3. A: The stifle is flexed and the hock is extended. The horse’s normal anatomy that allows him to sleep while standing prevents this from happening. A rupture of the peroneus tertius ligament has happened in this horse. This is typically the result of trauma, often when the horse slips and falls with his leg behind him. Horses with this injury are reported to have an 80% chance of return to function.
4. This region is commonly referred to as the horse’s knee. This terminology is very confusing, because a more accurate description is the carpus. Our carpus is commonly called our wrist, and the structure that actually correlates with our knee in the horse is known as the stifle. The carpal region is also a conglomeration of three major joints. The “upper” two joints are the high-motion joints and consist of the radiocarpal (also called the antebrachiocarpal), and the intercarpal. The low-motion joint is the carpometacarpal joint. Racehorses, and some sport horses, may sustain chip fragments of the carpal bones. These fragments may be removed or, if they are large enough, repaired. If they are left alone, they will result in severe osteoarthritis. The carpus is also a source of conformational defects such as “back at the knee” (see picture), “over at the knee”, carpal valgus “knock kneed”, or carpal varus “bow legged”.
5. This region is commonly referred to as the fetlock or ankle of the horse. Our correlating structure is our first knuckle. This area has less complicated anatomy than the multi-joint hock, stifle, and carpus. It contains simply the metacarpophalangeal joint in the forelimb, and the metatarsophalangeal joint in the hind limb.
"Back at the Knee"
This area is a major shock absorber in the horse’s limb, with significant flexion occurring as the horse’s leg impacts the ground (see picture; the suspensory ligament is highlighted in green). The fetlock area has many important soft tissue structures, (e.g. collateral ligaments of the fetlock joint, suspensory ligament branches, and intersesamoidean ligaments) which may contribute to lameness. Osteoarthritis of the fetlock joint is also a fairly common problem.
Stacie G. Boswell, DVM, contributed this anatomy quiz section. She is an equine veterinarian at Western Trails Veterinary Hospital in Edgewood, NM and has an active interest in lameness and surgery. She can be reached at stacie@staciebowell.com.
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TrainerDIRECTORY Dennis Brazeal * Bosque Farms 505.400.5492 www.dennisbrazeal.com Eric Bravo * ABQ+ surrounding areas 505.293.4652 * gnhbravo@msn.com Petra Christensen * 971.731.2200 www.redhorsecoaching.com Lynn Clifford * 505.231.5353 www.lynnclifford.com Michelle DeCanditis * 505.615.7016 www.3HIntegrated.webs.com JT Jones * 314.686.1754 Corrales, ABQ & surrounding areas jamestylerjones@ gmail.com Toby Orona *Albuquerque * 505-5739440 John & Cat Parks * Santa Fe 505.466.3849 * johnandcatparks.com Troy A. Rogers - Belen & surrounding areas. 505-269-7318 Performancelivestock@live.com Erlene Seybold-Smythe * Espanola 505.603.6016 erlene@roy-elmorgans. com Total Horse Training * East Mountains Laurie Boultinghouse 505.974.7317 & Kirsten Clegg 505.250.3185 Loal Tucker Horsemanship, Inc - Santa Fe & surrounding areas. 505.469.0834 www.loaltucker.com
Clubs&ASSOCIATIONS Arabian Horse Association of New Mexico www.nmarab.com Back Country Horsemen of New Mexico www.bchnm.org
NM Mustang and Burro Association nmmustangs@gmail.com New Mexico Paint Horse Club www.nmpainthorse.org NM Palomino Exhibitors Association www.nmpea.com
Buffalo Range Riders Mounted www.brrmounted.com CHAMP - Corrales Horse & Mule People www.champnm.com
New Mexico Quarter Horse Association www.nmqha.com Northern NM Horsemen’s Association nnmha@live.com
Enchantment Driving Society www.enchantmentds.com
Rio Grande Mule and Donkey Association www.rgmda.com
Equine Protection Fund www.equineprotectionfund.org High Desert Riders www.highdesertriders.com
Sangre de Cristo Horseman's Association facebook.com/Sangre de Cristo Horseman's Association
Jicarilla Mustang Heritage Alliance jicarillamustangs.org
San Juan Valley Trail Riders www.NATRC.org
Listening Horse Therapeutic Riding Gus Jolley 505-469-4022 www.listeninghorse.org
Santa Fe County Horse Coalition www.santafehorse.com/
New Mexico Bucksin Horse Association www.nmbha.com 505-869-9198
Santa Fe County Sheriff 's Posse https://www.facebook.com/pages/Santa-FeCounty-Sheriffs-Posse/112123912184660
New Mexico Center for Therapeutic Riding 55-471-2000 www.nmctr.org
Santa Fe Pony Club www.SantaFePonyClub.org
New Mexico Gay Rodeo Association www.nmgra.org
Single Action Shooting Society www.sassnet.com
New Mexico Horse Council 505-603-6016 nmhorsecouncil.org
Taos Saddle Club facebook.com/Taos Saddle Club The Bosque Farms Rodeo Association bosquefarmsrodeo.org or facebook for events information
For the Heart of the Horse Sanctuary Connecting Horses and Humans through the Arts of Liberty Training, Horsemanship and Dressage
Erica Hess and Joost Lammers
Please visit our website or call us for info
www.fortheheartofthehorse.com 505-474-5480 Santa Fe, NM
Loal Tucker Horsemanship, Inc. Riding Club
12 month membership Receive 1 lesson per month and 4 quarterly trail rides followed by club potluck
505.469.0834 * www.loaltucker.com
The Horse Shelter 505-471-6179 www.thehorseshelter.org Tularosa Nat’l Horsemanship Fellowship facebook.com/ TularosaHorsemenFellowship Walkin in Circles NM Horse Rescue www.wncr.org
www.horsearoundnm.com | January / February 2015
25
Top Ten Do's & Don'ts For Horse Lovers: 2015 1. DO: Wear a helmet when riding. DON'T: Forget to wear a helmet when riding. 2. DO: Use a mounting block or other aid when mounting your horse; there's nothing inherently cool about mounting from the ground, and it's (at best) unpleasant and (at worst) injurious - for your horse. DON'T: Ride a horse that you absolutely cannot mount from the ground (just in case you really have to). 3. DO: Have your horse caught and ready for the farrier, vet or other equine service provider by the time their truck rolls up to the barn. DON'T: Get mad if your farrier or vet can't make it out to your place on short notice. 4. DO: Know how to take your horse's pulse, check for fever, check for dehydration, listen for gut sounds. These are the minimum required horse health check skills for every horse owner. DON'T: Give banamine or 'bute without a veterinarian's advice. These two commonly administered equine drugs can have serious side effects or may conceal symptoms, making diagnosis more difficult. 5. DO: Teach ground manners. Your horse must stand quietly for the farrier or vet, stand to be mounted (and dis-mounted), ground-tie, back up, enter and exit a trailer (any trailer), lower its head when asked, and know to stay out of a human's personal space.
DON'T: Make excuses for your horse's lack of ground manners. Not to yourself, not to anyone else. Just take the time (and it won't take long) to learn, and then teach your horse - your relationship with your horse and your fellow equestrians will improve as a result! 6. DO: Carry a cell phone when you ride, especially when you ride alone. DON'T: Carry your cell phone in your saddlebag! Keep it on your person - if you and your horse should become separated, you'll want that phone with you, not dangling from the saddle. 7. DO: Check your tack every single time you mount up. A loose or damaged strap could mean the difference between a fun ride... or disaster. DON'T: Assume that your horse's misbehavior is just "bad attitude". Check to be sure there is no physical reason (ill-fitting tack, sore muscles, lameness, tooth issues, etc.) before you decide that your horse is "sour". 8. DO: Have fun with your horse! Get off the farm and onto the trail, join a riding club, go to an event, competition, or parade. DON'T: Forget to breathe. Enjoy yourself! 9. DO: Make sure your horse's basic needs for food, water, veterinary care, farriery and freedom of movement are met. DON'T: Hesitate to ask for help if you need it. 10. DO: Submit your stories, articles, poems, events, photos, training tips etc. to Horse Around New Mexico! DON'T: Miss the deadline!
Join us for Cowboy Church Every Sunday at 2:00 pm at the Triple Threat Feed 15600 Tijeras Canyon Rd. SE Albuquerque, NM Pastor Vince Bevill (505) 206-7430 www.fullgospelcowboy.org
D.A. Williams Saddle Shop
Specializing in Saddle Repair New Custom Saddles Made to Order Hand-Crafted Belts & Holsters Home of LiteRider Trail Saddles
23 Square Deal Rd Los Lunas NM 87002
505-203-5021 Stall Barn | Riding Arena | Equine Facility | Pasture Shelter | Hay Storage
Join Generations of Horse Enthusiasts For over a century Morton Buildings has provided exceptional quality and service to our customers. From stall barns and riding arenas to storage buildings and shelters, Morton Buildings are constructed to keep both you and your horses safe and comfortable.
806-358-9756
7621 Canyon Dr. • Amarillo, TX J. Craig Shanks 806-922-4449
To learn more and to get started on your project, contact Morton Buildings today. Š2014 Morton Buildings, Inc. A listing of GC licenses available at mortonbuildings.com/licenses. NM License #016516 Reference Code 043
mortonbuildings.com
on The trail with Bill Manns
in
Taos
That Sunday the weather forecast called for thunderstorms and rain in the mountains of northern New Mexico. The past few days had been pretty stormy - so we expected to get wet. But not wanting to pass up a good day in the saddle, I thought “What the heck - lets go!”
So, with five friends, all good horsemen, we set off. It was cool as we saddled up, high 50s and very overcast. I was sure by early afternoon we’d be in our slickers. It was a joy to be in the cool mountain air... the clouds were building up and a rain was sure to come but we were prepared, just hoped we would miss the lightning, always spooky at high elevation. We headed out for Jawbone Mountain at around 10,600’, one of our favorite rides.
Bill Manns, shown here on the trail with a good horse (and a good dog).
On the way in we spotted several groups of elk and deer. Trey was having a ball as usual on the trail. Cody cantered up trail after trail, many across rough volcanic rock. He was as nimble as a horse can be. Along the way we stopped at the 2 mile long “rock river”, a rare sight- it’s a 25,000 year old remnant of the last ice age. Due to the moisture in the air the distant views to Chama and the Spanish Peaks were a little clouded but still impressive. As we were setting on top of Jawbone Mountain the sky was dense with clouds but still no rain and the ride out stayed dry all the back to the trailhead.
The 2-mile long "rock river" is a reminder of the last ice age.
We made it back to the trailers, had a beer and let the horses graze before packing up. It was a wonderful ride and turned out to be an especially fine day, with good friends and good horses.
The location is US Forest Service Road # 1893, off of NM State Rt 64, 20 miles west of Tres Piedras. This ride is for experienced & well-conditioned trail horses and riders.
28
| January / February 2015
...there is no view so wonderful as that from the back of a horse...
Clothes that live up to your lifestyle
Tues. - Sat. 10-6 7 Caliente Rd. B5, Santa Fe 505.466.1059
www.horsearoundnm.com | January / February 2015
29
The Tail End
Holly Tail (detail) Photo: Ozana Photography
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