Mount Up Virginia SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013 FREE
Virginia Fall Trail Rides Fall Equine Health Care
Women, Horses & Stress Relief
River’s Bend Ranch Mount Up Virginia
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September/October 2013 Director of Publications Kim Crawford Art and Editorial Mountupva@gmail.com
Advertising Director of Advertising McKenzie Flora 434-806-2283 Mount Up Virginia 20539 Dyke Rd. Stanardsville, VA 22973 Mount Up Virginia is published bi-monthly by Kim Foster Productions. Mount Up Virginia is designed with the mission to promote Virginia Quarter Horses, Paints & Appaloosas. The editor welcomes photos, but cannot guarantee their return. Article submissions are welcome . Email to: Mountupva@gmail.com Include SUBMISSION in the subject line.
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Contents September/October 2013
Letter from the Editor
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River’s Bend Ranch
Fall Equine Health Care Virginia Fall Trail Rides Women, Horses & Stress Relief
Kids Corral Upcoming Events
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Letter from the Editor
Welcome to Mount Up Virginia, where the true value of the Virginia horse industry still thrives! We are so excited to be reestablished and bringing pertinent information along with leisurely
reading material for the avid horse lover! The ultimate goal is to bring you the horse owner Pertinent information and allowing Virginia Advertisers the opportunity to reach their
target audience. Mount Up Virginia is a bi-monthly publication with the horse lover in mind. We strive to bring you the latest and greatest pertaining to the many great equine friends that call Virginia home.
In an effort to keep our publication, interesting, print worthy, etc. We ask that you feel free to contribute photographs, upcoming dates, story request, etc. to us at: mountupva@gmail.com and that you please include: SUBMISSION in the subject line of the email.
I’m personally looking forward to working with each of you! And most importantly, remember, “I’ve spent most of my life riding horses. The rest I’ve just wasted.” Happy Trails,
Kim Mount Up Virginia
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“Ask me to show you poetry in motion and I will show you a horse”
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Virginia Fall Trail Rides By: Kim Crawford Horseback riding during the fall in Virginia is like no other experience With a mirage of colors to welcome you and possibly the sighting of a bear and/or enormous buck, what more could a horseman and his trusted steed ask for and this fabulous adventure is right here! In your back yard! No matter where your trails may lead, plan on visiting the Shenandoah National Park this fall and the following are suggested trails that you and your friends will unquestionable want to visit: is available. You and your horse should be in excellent condition. Get up extra early and Fox Mountain and Rapidan River ride all day through spectacular scenery. This Without a doubt, this is my favorite trail ride trail is approx. 30 miles long, so plan within the Shenandoah National Park! When accordingly. Some sections are rough, rocky, you enter Rapidan camp you are immensely narrow, and/or in the extreme wilderness. greeted with an unmistakable historic presence. Parking is generally available at all South River and Pocosin Circuit times at Big Meadows; however trailer You may find parking at the South River parking may be limited at Graves Mill. Not overlook and picnic entrance. Often times suitable for wet or winter conditions, the this area is heavily populated with visitors footing at times may reach long rough making parking difficult, beware not to stretches, rocky, narrow, and/or in block traffic to either the overlook or picnic wilderness. During average to well weather area. The trail is a bit over 15 miles and it conditions, the ride can be a bit challenging. offers phenomenal rewards such as the ruins. This trail ranges from 15-20 miles but it’s Like many of the Shenandoah National Park absolutely worth the trip. trails the footings at times are naturally rough, rocky, and narrow. Old Rag and Rose River Loop Parking is available at Fishers Gap Overlook or Weakley Hollow, generally trailer parking Mount Up Virginia
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Rose River, Stony Man, and Upper Dark Hollow This is one of the most popular trails in the Shenandoah National Park and it happens to be on my top five list as well, here is why: Less than 15 miles round trip, it’s enchanting like a roller coaster up and down through the mountains, and when you least expect it, sounds of crisp, flowing water can be heard splattering off the rocks. That is when you are beneath Dark Hollow Falls. Parking is generally available at Fishers Gap Overlook or Rapidan Road/Big Meadows. The terrain or footing is similar to most natural trails through out the park. Simmons Gap Semi-Circuit Offering great trail riding for any type of weather conditions, typically the trails are wide and not rocky, often consisting of gravel or dirt roads. Parking is available at Beldor Hollow but usually limited to a small or two-horse trailer. Starting your ride in the park you venture onto county roads into Sugar Grove and the ever notorious Bacon Hollow. Round trip approximately 18 miles and the footing isn’t cumbersome, this trail ride offers restoration and relaxation, and is quite enjoyable. Thorton River and Piney Branch If you have a small trailer, you can park at Hull School trailhead just north of Beahms Gap Overlook. Larger trailers will find it much easier to park at the Overlook, riding a short distance along Skyline Drive to get to the Hull School Trail. Take a trip back in time passing old home sites and schools while splashing through mountain streams.
Although only 11.3 miles this trail has potential for troublesome stream crossings and the footing can be rough, narrow and in wilderness. Southfork Moormans River Parking is often limited at both Jarman Gap and Sugar Hollow Reservoir; However the quiet road from Jarman Gap to the Sugar Hollow Reservoir is most enjoyable, whether horseback riding or hiking, be aware the weekend brings a tremendous amount of traffic from hikers backpacking along this route. You may too encounter minimal vehicle traffic. Usually it’s the park employees who are aware of the horses, hikers, etc. This particular trail offers several route options, therefore varying in length from 1-30 miles. Old Rag/Weakley Hollow This trail is perfect for anytime of year regardless of the weather. Parking is generally available at Whiteoak Canyon and Weakley Hollow. Expect backpacking use and hikers at all times. In order to view the falls, tie your horse, then hike downhill a short distance (on the blue blazed Whiteoak Canyon Trail) in order to see the 86 foot waterfall. Return the way you came. To continue to Post Office Junction, return to Old Rag Road and turn right, riding the road 4 additional miles. Keyser Run Keyser Run is another great trail regardless of the season or weather. Trails are wide and typically not very rocky, therefore not altered by weather conditions. Parking at Keyser Run is limited and obviously the weekend 10
Brings heavier traffic. Riding along this gated gravel road offers features that range from woodlands to grassy areas to the walled-in Bolen cemetery. Wineberries grow along the side of the road—feel free to pick what you can eat. A ride to Bolen cemetery and back totals 6.6 miles. A longer trip to the grassy fourway (a clearing where several trails intersect) and back is 7.0 miles. Heiskell Hollow & Beecher Ridge Park at Mathews Arm Campground and enjoy wilderness solitude on narrow woodland trails. Long stretches of this trail are rough, rocky and narrow; making the trails less suitable during wet/winter conditions.
During mild conditions this is a great trail ride that totals 9.3 miles roundtrip. Mathews Arm Campground is generally open from Memorial Day to October. When planning your horseback riding adventures within the Shenandoah National Park, please remember the following: The Park encourages all visitors to practice the principles of Leave No Trace. Leave No Trace is a national program that promotes the protection of our nation’s wildlands through education, research, and partnerships. For information regarding Leave No Trace visit their website at: www.lnt.org. Find more detailed info on the Shenandoah National Park at: www.nps.gov.
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River’s Bend Ranch By: Kim Crawford
Nestled in the foothills of the Shenandoah Valley, less than a half hour away from beautiful Harrisonburg, VA, lies River’s Bend Ranch, owned by W.H. and Elaine McConnell and operated y Jeff McDaniel; A phenomenal ranch that has endless opportunities and provides the experience of a Western dude ranch vacation without going west!
operates in a class of its own, with compelled commitment to creating a top quality quarter horse breeding program. In this day and time, operating a working ranch is unique in itself but River’s Bend far exceeds the bar of uniqueness. This ranch not only breeds and sells high quality cutting and reining horses, they also offer performance events, such as team sorting, reining events, cutting competiAmong the natural beauty of the Shenandoah tions, and, of course, their world famous proValley you are guaranteed surreal surround- duction sale. ings of breathtaking views that will surely All of this and so much more await you just a capture your attention and remain fresh in bit off the beaten path located on 340N in your memory for years to come. River’s Stanley, VA. The environment is like none Bend Ranch is home to more than 40 other. As you drive the gravel road following registered quarter horses that have been the main entrance you feel as if you’ve left selectively bred for the purpose of working the modern, overly developed flock of cookie cattle and reining. National competitors have cutter homes behind! But only because you graced the ranch with their presence and truly have, for miles you can gander across style at many competitions and special the lush beautiful pastures of the rolling hills events. of Virginia. Graced with spectacular views, The primary mission of River’s Bend Ranch manicured fence lines, the finest hips of is to breed and sell top of the line cutting and performance quarter horses, and off far the reining horses! River’s Bend unquestionably right cattle are grazing. An unforgettable 12
Scene comparable to those on the silver screen. Instantly upon arrival to the ranch your mind wonders back in time. The sense of yester year promises to take you places like never before; to the point that you may not wish to return. No problem! What may be the most intriguing feature is that you don’t have to leave or at least not right away. Pack your bags and stay a spell. River’s Bend also has
Whether it’s a peaceful night away, vacation package, family reunion, corporate retreat, wedding, birthday party, whatever you may have in mind. The friendly staff of River’s Bend are awaiting your arrival. Relax by the river, fish, trail rides are offered daily for your relaxation and enjoyment. City slickers are encouraged to visit the ranch, come as you are and the atmosphere will surely make you the next East Coast cowboy!
River’s Bench Ranch Quarter horses are one of Virginia’s best kept secrets and the beautiful drive through the Shenandoah Valley is well worth your time. Visit them the finest Western accommodations the East has to offer. Whether staying in the Bunk House, the Original Ranch House or one of the Private cabins, the choice is yours to make and could only be a great one! Accommodations are available and are completely customizable to meet your needs;
today at:
www.riversbendranch.com or www.riversbendquarterhorses.com or better yet call the awesome staff at 800672-7726 and arrange your personal visit today.
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River’s Bend Ranch The ranch welcomes visitors, however, I encourage you to contact their staff before arrival, to ensure that your experience is the absolute best that it can. I am positive you will find the ranch and it’s accommodations to be absolutely wonderful.
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Women, Horses & Stress Relief By: Jenny Pearce I’ve just come back from doing a healing session on a young mother. She has two children under three.
about instant as she walked into the paddock listening inside herself. She didn’t need me – she needed time with her horse! When we “do” horses the way WE do horses – She nursed her Mom at home with cancer listening to them and to ourselves and taking and lost her just over a year ago and her beloved old horse died just weeks ago. She’s action to have all of us feel safe – when we “do” horses to deliberately pursue happiness tired, stressed, hormonal and emotional. for us both like those who work with me do How many of you know this picture? then we have the ultimate in stress We women specially – I know this includes relief. (That is a clumsy sentence but you some men too, but we women more so – put get the drift…) others first and way too often we have a tendency to feel guilty if we put ourselves first. This is not useful to ourselves and not useful either to the people that we care for. If we do not look after ourselves first, then there is no one to look after the rest of the family – two and four legged. What makes us luckier than the rest of the women in the world is that we have horses. And what makes us luckier than the rest of the women in the horse world is that we know how to deliberately and actively pursue happiness with our horse. And this happiness, this way of dealing with horses and life will relieve the stress, reduce the blood pressure, balance the hormones and energize our very beings – just like it did for that young mother this afternoon. The physical effects of stress relief are enormous and well documented. The relief was just
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In fact, not only do we have the stress relief that comes from listening inside ourselves routinely with our horse and not only do we receive the beautiful healing energy from our horse – as a fringe benefit, we also develop some life skills in dealing with other life “stuff” powerfully too. So here is a little tick sheet to treat yourself better today and tomorrow and the next day and the next. Spend some down time with your horse, doing nothing except being with them with a quiet mind, as often as you can. The Quiet Mind exercise came a little while after The Six Keys to Happiness with Your Horse. If you cannot get to your horse every day, spend a few minutes of quiet mind time connecting with them every day anyway as per The First Key to Happiness with Your Horse. If you cannot get to your horse every day, then do something else pleasurable EVERY day. Breathe deeply through the nose often – that deep through the nose breathing that you hear me doing in the quiet mind exercises in your lessons. And notice how your body feels when you do that. Come on, do it now while you are reading this.
time. Commit to yourself to listen to and take action on your early warning signal that something is Not Quite Right – in and out of horses and you will immediately and powerfully feel less stressed, less tired and less hormonal. Go get ‘em ladies and enjoy those horses! And if you are a man reading this, then bless you - look after yourself first and then go find your woman and make sure she is looking after herself too.
Find a horse buddy to share all the wonderful stuff you are doing with your horses. Brag a lot and celebrate every progress and wonderful feeling. Learn to say no to anything that means not enough horse Mount Up Virginia
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Fall Equine Health Care Contributed
DENTAL EXAMS
while chewing or have a sudden loss of Fall is a great time to examine a horse’s teeth weight, showing of the ribs, hips or back to make sure he is chewing effectively before bone, perhaps he just seems out of energy, be winter grazing. Since horses are herbivores, sure to mention this to your Vet at the fall visit for fall vaccines. their teeth continue to erupt with growth occurring throughout their entire lives. The teeth stay roughly the same length because the tooth is ground down while they chew against the opposite tooth to grind and crush their food. The more effectively the grinding and crushing of the grass or grain, the more effective digestion and nutrition benefit the horse. It is a fact that no horse has perfect teeth, after awhile some teeth develop points or sharp areas that can dig into the cheeks or tongue and causes slower, painful Research shows that Veterinarians overall chewing. have been very pleased with the use of the power float motorized equipment for performing dentistry procedures. The power float is easier on the horse and typically they do not toss their head up and it virtually never causes bleeding, takes approximately 5 minutes compared to 20 minutes for hand filing teeth, is easier on both the horse and the Vet. Overall it does a better job at evening out the points, hooks and wave mouth abnormalities commonly encountered in the older Mature or older horses start to loose teeth horse. The power dentistry equipment rearound 23 years of age and often loose weight quires electricity and the horse must be or spill grain while eating. The first sign of slightly sedated. poor teeth is unexplained weight loss. If you see your horse loose grain out of his mouth Mount Up Virginia
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Fall Equine Health Care continued
FALL VACCINES Horse owners are constantly questioning whether or not to vaccinate in the fall? With extensive research we’ve determined that fall vaccines are a great idea! Yes, mosquitoes are still around and still a threat in carrying West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis. We highly recommend fall boosters for these two as well as Rhino, Influenza, Potomac Horse Fever and Botulism if your horse will be eating round bales this winter. Rabies are
still recommended once a year either in the fall or spring. Those owners who had foals born this spring and summer need to call and schedule their first and second vaccinations for those weanlings at 5 and 6 months of age, with a third West Nile given at 8 months. Fall is also a great time to have your Vet check horses teeth, especially the older ones!
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Finding & Purchasing the Right Horse By: Kim Crawford Finding the right horse is fulfilling a lifelong dream at any age. Knowing from my own experience of having a love of horses that started young and has never changed, whenever you acquire the right horse, it is a dream come true. Getting the first horse seemed like it would never happen. From a toddler saying hoyie (hoy-ee) as one of my first spoken words until the day Time Girl (my first horse) came off the trailer, 10 years, is a lifetime to a young person. Owning a horse changes your life at any age and you need to be positive you are ready for what could be a 20-30 year (the lifespan of the horse) experience you will never forget.
is imperative that first-time buyers make sure they can provide the time, effort, and resources needed to properly care for a horse they purchase. You are ready to own your dream horse, thought about all the pros and cons, and you are totally ready for this adventure into the world of horse ownership. The following tips are to help you find the right horse:
Horses are magnificent animals and companions. The wrong horse can be a nightmare to own! While the right horse can be a great pleasure. The right horse will be your best friend and companion through some of the best adventures you ever thought possible. Finding that friend is the road to fulfilling the dream. The dream horse is out there and this is where the expert can help you along this journey. Numerous professionals have discussed the research needed before purchasing a horse. Often first-time buyers do not realize the cost and time required for maintaining a horse and some horses eventually are neglected or abandoned by their owners because they cannot afford to care for them. It Mount Up Virginia
What
kind/breed/type of horse are you looking for
The
discipline you will ride this horse
Will
the horse be for show, pleasure or competition
What
is the level in which you ride: novice, intermediate or advance
What
is your budget for the horse, now and for upkeep
Would
you consider a lease
Look
to hiring an expert to help in your search
A wise
investment-guidance to the perfect horse
How is the
horse’s health
A horse
can be found, using these formats: * Local paper * Local Tack Store *Internet Bulletin Board *Auctions * Private Sales
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Finding & Purchasing the Right Horse By: Kim Crawford Prior to visiting the horse of your dreams, ask questions. An expert keeps a “buyer’s checklist” that runs through their minds daily:
First:
Do you notice any soundness problems?
Do you sense an attraction to the horse? Remember it will become part of your family.
Do you sense anger, pain, fear, lethargy or sedation?
How is the horse’s conformation?
Find out the date foaled, sex, color and height.
Is the horse registered?
Do you have the original registration
Is the person with the horse the registered owner?
How is the horse’s health?
Does he or has he had any specific health problems?
How would you describe the horse’s ment?
What is the horse’s training history?
Can the horse be loaded into a trailer?
What has the horse been doing recently?(specific disciplines)
Is the horse kept mostly in the stall?
Does the horse have any bad habits or vices?
Has the horse spent much time with other horses, or mostly alone?
Last, ride the horse:
Who owned the horse before you?
Can I ride the horse when I come to visit?
Try all of the above yourself with the owner/ handler present.
Can a vet check the horse out before I make my purchase decision?
Be sure to try out the horse for the specific discipline for which you are buying the horse.
If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, look for another horse.
papers?
Next, evaluate the horse’s performance:
tempera-
Standing tied
Walk, trot, stop, backing up
Round pen lunging
Saddling & bridling Have the owner/handler ride and show you how the horse performs if you are purchasing for a specific discipline.
Second, Visit the horse:
Does the horse’s overall appearance look healthy? 24
This is the first step in your relationship with the horse. This is not to say that it is not possible to take in all the advice you can find and then walk into a barn or farm or drive by a field and have a “love at first sight” experience. This horse may not be anything you panned on, not the breed, color, sex or anywhere close to the image in your mind. There is an inexplicable bond that can’t be explained between humans and horses. When this happens and you are determined to move forward—make sure you are willing to do what ever it takes to make both yourself and the horse proud. The dream horse has been found, you are ready to buy, don’t forget the pre-purchase exam. A veterinarian can help make an informed decision on the health and soundness of the horse. Even if you know the person you are buying the horse from and the assurances are written in the purchase agreement or contract, a prepurchase exam is always recommended. Hire your veterinarian if the distance is not too far or an impartial veterinarian closer to the horse’s location, to do the exam. The American Veterinary Medical Association (www.avma.org) can assist you in locating a veterinarian in the area of the horse’s location. The pre-purchase exam will be comprised of a complete physical exam which includes: eyes, mouth, teeth, heart, body condition, reproductive exam (if not gelded),
physical history, vaccination and worming history. A soundness exam can rule out any current lameness issues. This is done by watching the horse in motion during a gait analysis or even by taking radiographs. Of course, the condition of the horse should be balanced against its age and intended use. Now, you are purchasing your dream horse, the next question—to insure or not to insure? The question is answered this way: Can you easily afford to replace your horse should an unforeseen catastrophe occur. Some insurance companies allow the horse owner to set the replacement value. With the changing economy, insurance companies are looking to the expert certified appraisers to set the market value of the horse purchase. Certified appraisers are experts in the equine market place. They can assist you with not only the assessment or report needed for the insurance companies, but all phases of the equine industry.
Experts can help you every step of the way to becoming a horse owner. The cost for an expert is minimal considering a lifetime with the horse of your dreams. When you are ready to find the horse, the experts are ready to assist you. If you already have a trainer, take them with you. If you need an expert, some fees start as low as $25 and go up depending on travel and assistance needed.
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“LadyBugs” The Queen of Queens….Gone but never forgotten. May 4, 2010 28
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