EQUINE ENTHUSIAST by Weeklys

SUMMER 2015

FEATURES GUEST COLUMNS • EVENT COVERAGE • COW CUTTING FEATURES ••GUEST

Published by News Media Corporation/California Edition

Full stock of horse trailer and motorhome tires and parts Full line of tires • Work on all trucks & Vehicles • Oil change Transmission fllush Service • Vehicle computer work Align all types of vehicles including trailers • Brake Work

Wifi avialable

large turn around area for trailers and trucks

8750 El Camino, Atascadero, CA 93422 Proudly Supporting Phone: (805) 466-3121 Open Monday - Friday 7:30 - 5:30, Saturday 8 - 5

AmericanWestTire.com

-We also sell shavings and feed-

SUMMER 2015

FEATURES PASO ROBLES FFA SWINE AND SHEEP GROUP................................ 6 CALIFORNIA’S OLDEST COWBOY................................................... 10 FARRIER’S BUSINESS HAS BROAD SCOPE....................................... 14 COAST MOUNTED ASSISTANCE........................................................ 16 JUNIOR LIVESTOCK AUCTION........................................................ 18 DENTAL CARE AND DENTAL TOOLS FOR EQUINE HEALTH........ 20 HONDURAS STUDENTS VISIT MONTEREY.......................................22 AMY BURKMAN..................................................................................23 TWO MISSIONS TO CHECK OUT......................................................24

Aryanna Garcia, a PRHS junior, and Angelique Nunez, a PRHS alumni, practice walking their pigs around the ring at the PRHS school farm in June to prepare their pigs for show at the California MidState Fair in July. - Read more on page 6. Photo and story by BETH BOLYARD

GUEST COLUMNS BARBI BREEN-GURLEY: WHEN YOUR PRACTICE SESSIONS DON’T EQUAL YOUR COMPETITION RIDES.................................. 26 WAQAR AHMAD, DVM - THE EQUINE CENTER EQUINE REGENERATIVE MEDICINE................................................27 BEST OF LEE PITTS: HORSE HUNTING..............................................................................28

EVENTS MONTHLY...............................................29 CALIFORNIA MID-STATE FAIR SCHEDULE OF EVENTS..........................29 Cover Photo

By TARMO HANNULA

For 42 years the Coast Mounted Assistance, a nonprofit volunteer group, has been providing valuable services to California State Parks Read more on page 16. photos and story by ALLYSON OKEN

EQUINE E N T H U S I A S T ™

News Media Corporation/California Edition Published in conjunction with Paso Robles Press, Atascadero News, South County Newspapers and Register-Pajaronian. • www.EquineEnthusiast.com

SUMMER 2015 | Published by News Media Corporation

EQUINE E N T H U S I A S T ™ PUBLISHER JOHN BARTLETT

ADVERTISING SALES

SAN LUIS OBISPO SANTA BARBARA VENTURA COUNTIES:

MONTEREY COUNTY:

Carmen Burton 805-466-2585 ext. 116 carmen@atascaderonews.com Sheri Potruch 805-237-6060 ext. 102 spotruch@pasoroblespress.com Whitney Schultz 805-237-6060 ext. 210 wschultz@pasoroblespress.com Arlene Horton-White 805-466-2585 ext. 115 arlene@atascaderonews.com Michael Bartlett 805-466-2585 ext. 105 michael@atascaderonews.com Rhianna Sparks 805-237-6060 ext. 208 rhianna@pasoroblespress.com

Sheryl Bailey 831-385-4880 sheryl@southcountynewspapers.com Jon Allred 831-385-4880 ext. 14 jon@southcountynewspapers.com SANTA CLARA & SANTA CRUZ COUNTIES: Allison Stenberg 831-761-7326 astenberg@register-pajaronian.com Adriana Novack 831-761-7356 anovack@register-pajaronian.com

EQUINE E N T H U S I A S T ™ is a FREE quarterly publication. 15,000 copies are distributed throughout Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Santa Clara, Monterey & Santa Cruz counties. It is available at feed and retail stores, event centers, hotels and other equine related businesses.

L.A. HEARNE COMPANY Since 1938 Your Full Service Feed & Ranch Supply “Where Quality & Old Fashioned Courtesy Still Matter!” Famous KING Brand Feeds . Hay . Supplements . Vaccines . Tack Show Supplies . Stall Mats . Straw . Shavings . Feeders . Fencing Panels . Gates . Troughs . Apparel . Boots . Clothing Accessories Jewelry . Giftware . Pet Food . Pet Supplies . Mesquite Charcoal Gift Certificates Always Free Gift Wrapping & Carry Out Service

hearnestore.com

day o t s u it

Vis

on Published by News Media Corporation | SUMMER 2015

8525 N. Prunedale Rd. Prunedale 831-663-1572, & 524 Metz Rd. King City 831-385-4841

Students from the FFA advanced sheep group pose with their sheep in late June at the PRHS school farm. The group will be showing their sheep at the California Mid-State Fair in July. Left to Right, Samantha Hall, Shayna Kunze, Emma Wiest, Abbie Johnson, Matt Durian, Violet Lopez and Jessica Bejar.

MEET THE PASO ROBLES FFA SWINE AND SHEEP GROUP STUDENTS PREPARE TO SHOW AT THE CALIFORNIA MID-STATE FAIR.

Story & Photos by Beth Bolyard OF EQUINE ENTHUSIAST

chool is out for most students in Paso Robles, but the Paso Robles High School FFA students are working hard throughout the summer to prepare their animals to show at the California Mid-State Fair, July 22-Aug. 2, and many in the group are highly anticipating the event. The sheep show team and the swine show team are both working at the PRHS school farm on campus to prepare themselves and their animals for show time and the students vary from first-time showers to advanced showers to alum participating in their last fair. Theresa Clark, the FFA sheep advisor, has been teaching at PRHS for nine years, four years as the sheep

advisor, and she comes from a family of sheep showers, who have shown around the country. Clark has her students run through weekly show practices where students walk their sheep around the ring and take the time to pose them as well as weigh and groom them, though according to Clark, the time spent working through the summer is much more than a mere show practice, but it is a chance to get student’s sheep used to the excitement of the fair and it helps the students work together as a team. “It’s more than a show practice, it gets the animals out of the pen, gets them used to traveling, used to being around other animals,” Clark said. “I’m really big on team, really big on all of them helping each other out. My goal is that by the time we get

to fair for the lambs to not stress and to know how to get in and out of the trailer, be in a new environment, be in and around people, Id’ like the kids to know how to react to all that.” Clark said she enjoys teaching the kids about how to show and manage their sheep because of her experience in the sheep business and she is proud to watch students learn different life skills. “It’s fun for me because I was raised in it and I have a different outlook on it than some other people,” Clark said. “I like to look at it as a way for these students to learn life skills, responsibility, time management and commitment.” One of Clark’s students, Matt Durian, a PRHS senior with nine years of sheep showing experience, four years in FFA, has plans for coming

back next year as an alumni and enjoys the hard work and dedication of raising a lamb to a final product. “I like the fact that you can take a lamb, 3 to 4 months old, and you raise it up,” Durian said. “You have a finished product that you put a lot of hard work and effort into, and when you get to fair you get to display that to everyone there and compete against other people who have been doing the same thing. Its fun.” Durian also prefers sheep showmanship to the market lamb portion of the events, something he didn’t used to like, but grew to enjoy after years of practice. He also told a story of an interesting experience the Paso Robles FFA team had at the fair last year competing in a group competition where they won first place against a seemingly better

SUMMER 2015 | Published by News Media Corporation

chapter. “Last year, we were doing pen-ofthree, which is where we put three lambs on display and they judged them on conformity and if they are all similar,” Durian explained. “Another chapter had a grand, a reserve and a first place in a class and we had only a third, fourth and fifth place sheep, but the judge came over and because ours all looked similar and nice together, we placed first in pen-of-three.” Violet Lopez, a returning PRHS alumni, will be showing sheep for the last time with FFA at the MidState Fair this year. This is Lopez’s fifth year with FFA, her fourth year showing and she attributes leadership skills learned in FFA to helping her pursue a criminal justice degree. “As a senior last year, it just gave me more responsibilities which is going to help me a lot with life,” Lopez said about the leadership skills she learned in FFA. Lopez said that she would miss showing in FFA especially the friendships she has made as the teamwork and competition during fair shows. “I’m going to miss it a lot. For me, it’s not so much the lambs, but who we were with the whole time, I didn’t really know any of these people before joining FFA, now I have a totally different group of friends; it’s like family in FFA,” she said. “One of my favorite things is when we’re at fair and we’re working as a team even though we’re all competing against each other; I think that’s what I’m going to miss the most.” Jessica Bejar, a PRHS senior, worked through a lot of her own fears to become an FFA member and, according Clark, has shown innumerous improvements that have helped her become a leader in the group as well as advance in other academic activities. “The first time I took her out to a breeder visit, she really wanted to show a lamb and she got so scared of this little tiny baby thing and she would not get dirty,” Clark said of her then new student. “Now I look at her and she one of the leaders of this group, she’s a chapter officer, she’s an advanced floral designer, and she has become super involved in leadership skills. Kind of as a gateway to all that was just becoming part of the show team, which I think is really special.” Bejar explained that she never thought of herself as a “barney person,” but that when the opportunity arose, she wanted to try, thinking lambs were especially cute.

“It kind of caught my attention one year. We went to see lambs and I was so scared,” Bejar said. “I feel like a totally different person than how I was like last year. FFA has taught me a lot, it’s taught me a lot of responsibility, and it’s helped me grow as a person.” Bejar also encouraged young kids who might not be sure about getting into FFA to join because of the great experience she had. “Just go ahead and do it, you might not get this chance again, if it’s a possibility for you then you should definitely do it,” she said. Emma Wiest, a PRHS junior who has seven years of showing experience, two in FFA and five in 4-H, has been carrying on her family’s tradition of livestock showing. “My family, they all showed livestock,” Wiest said about how she got started showing sheep in 4-H. “They bought me a lamb for my ninth birthday. That pretty much got me into it to carry on the family tradition.” Weist said she appreciates the responsibility that raising animals builds and she plans on showing sheep throughout her time in high school. “It builds responsibility skills, you have to care for a living animal, and it’s really eye opening,” she said. Mahryka Miranda, a senior in FFA, is showing a market lamb for the first time and she said that her first time experience raising a lamb has been good and that she has learned responsibility and gained a stronger work ethic. “It’s different. Doing this makes you have a really good work ethic because you have a responsibility, I like it,” Miranda said about her experience learning how to raise a lamb as a firsttimer. “I’m really glad that I did it, I didn’t used to like to get up early, now that I have my lamb, I’m good at getting up.” Miranda also said her teammates were helpful to give her advice and teach her things she didn’t know about raising lambs and she said her teammates help contributed to her sheep raising knowledge. “When I need help with shearing, a lot of them asked me if I need help and I said, ‘Yes,’ because I’d never sheared before,” she said. “In the beginning I was like, I don’t know anything about a lamb, now I feel like I’m educated about it, before that I had no clue. “ Miranda said she was nervous about her pending trip to the fair, but

on Published by News Media Corporation | SUMMER 2015

Sheep are tied off after being weighed at the PRHS school farm while students prepare to show their sheep at the California Mid-State Fair.

PRHS FFA sheep advisor Theresa Clark helps students weigh their sheep in June to help them prepare for show at the Mid-State Fair. she was also excited. “It’s new to me so of course I’m naturally nervous,” she said. “I’m really excited to see how good my lamb does, how good we both do.” The swine show team has also been preparing for the Mid State Fair and has its own mixture of new students and advanced swine showers. Amanda Gardner, the FFA Swine Advisor, has been meeting with her team in the classroom twice a month since January to plan and budget for a successful year showing swine at the fair. “It started out with the budget, how much is the project going to cost, how much are they going to make, what will they need to break even for market price, finding a

reputable breeder, buying a show quality animal,” Gardner said about the months of preparation she and the students devoted to their projects. “We’ve had baby steps along the way of how to raise a good quality animal.” Students in the show team come from all over the North County area including Atascadero, Creston, Lake Nacimiento area, San Miguel and other places and Gardner makes it a point to visit students who keep their hogs at home rather than at the school farm. This is the first year for a swine show team and the team consists of students who applied and have retained a certain grade point average while committing to the summer

Travis Clegg, a recent PRHS graduate, helps train one of the FFA pigs to walk around the ring during a swine show class in June.

Liz Cavazos (left), a recent PRHS graduate, Aryanna Garcia (middle), a PRHS junior, and Angelique Nunez (right), a PRHS alumni, don their pig whips as they train to show swine at the California MidState Fair. The swine show team will train their pigs to keep their heads raised while they walk creating a streamlined look by tapping the pig with the whip under the chin. preparation time. Gardner stated that many of her students were new this year and had never shown, but many of the experienced students have spent time mentoring them. “A lot of these kids are new this year, and I forget that these new guys don’t know the basics,” Gardner said about the new students. “These older ones are kind of mentoring them a long the way.” One older show student, Stephanie Irysh, a sophomore, has been showing hogs for four years, two with FFA, and prefers hogs to other livestock because, according to her, it’s smarter from a money standpoint, though she also recognizes that strategy is necessary when raising a pig to meet a certain goal weight. “It’s easier to raise pigs, it’s easy but it’s hard because anything could go wrong,” Irysh said about her pig raising preference. “They could get sick and you could lose weight and they stress so easy.” Irysh isn’t worried, though, with more than a few years under her belt, the fair doesn’t make her nervous anymore, and she said she prefers market to showmanship where her hog will be judged based on it’s own attributes, not how it is shown. “It’s nonchalant, my first year I was nervous, I was thinking, ‘Am I gonna

do good? ‘Am I gonna do bad?’,” Irysh said about her first year showing. “I really care about market and my placement in that, I always strive to get a better pig, but you can only get so far with what you’re given.” Raising a pig is fun but hard according to Irysh, who is glad to raise pigs to help her save money for college. “You have to know what you’re doing; you have to be on top of a pig, so many things could go wrong,” she said. “Its definitely fun, pigs are smart animals, it’s all in how you approach them.” Travis Clegg, a recent PRHS graduate who has shown six pigs, four with FFA, enjoys the experience of raising pigs while earning money for his future and he is optimistic about his pig’s performance at the fair this year. “I like the experience of it and being able to earn money through it, and being able to put that toward my future,” Clegg said. “My pig is doing great so far, but we’ll see when fair comes.” Clegg is confident going into this year’s fair; his experience has prepared him for another year showing hogs, and he stated that most of what he has learned was from hands on experience.

A guest speaker demonstrates how to train a pig to walk around the show ring with its head raised by gently tapping the pig under the chin with two whips. When the pig raises its head, it creates a streamlined look in the pig with no arching areas in the back and is desirable look during the show. “It’s just something you have to learn hands-on,” Clegg said about raising hogs. “You just have to listen and watch everybody and then you learn it, you can’t have it taught to you, you just have to watch.” Liz Cavazos, also a recent PRHS graduate, who has shown four years with FFA, along with her friends Aryanna Garcia, a PRHS junior who has shown three years with FFA and Angelique Nunez, a PRHS alumni who has shown four years with FFA, were all excited about the prospect of showing hogs at the upcoming fair. The friends each exclaimed their favorite aspects of showing hogs and Cavazos said that the leadership she learned while in FFA helped her overcome her previous shy nature. “There’s a lot,” Cavazos said about everything she has learned in FFA. “I used to be really shy, so leadership really helped my with my public speaking.” Nunez said she loved showing hogs because of a hog’s dog-like personality and because they were highly intelligent. “The personality of the hogs is amazing,” Nunez said, “They’re like dogs, you can teach them to learn words, they can learn their names, if you say their name enough then they come, and they’re very smart

animals.” The group of friends was excited about the fair and Nunez expressed special interest in the showmanship portion of the fair, while Garcia claimed to love market more than showmanship. “I love the fair,” Nunez said. “I’m excited for show, if we can get them to be like super great pigs then I feel like we can do super good in showmanship. I’m super excited. Showmanship is my favorite, if I have a good hog that works with me than showmanship is my favorite.” Nunez, in her last FFA year, wanted to thank a recently retired FFA advisor, Mark Clement, for the positive impact he had on the PRHS FFA program. “To Mark Clement, for everything he’s said and the impact he’s made on our lives because it’s forever lasting,” she said. The Paso Robles FFA will be showing their animals at California Mid-State Fair’s Livestock Pavillion. Market lamb show and market hog show will take place at 8 a.m. Tuesday, July 28, and sheep showmanship and swine showmanship will take place at 8 a.m. Thursday, July 30. For more information about California Mid-State Fair livestock shows, visit midstatefair.com.

SUMMER 2015 | Published by News Media Corporation

TRACTOR RESTORATION PROGRAM

WORKING WITH WORLD CLASS ATHLETES SINCE 1981 INDUCTED INTO THE MASSAGE THERAPY HALL OF FAME

Fueling Education Through Tractor Restoration Here Are Some Of The Befores, Come See The Afters At the California Mid-State Fair July 22nd thru Aug. 2nd, 2015

530-410-5270 WWW.HOWTOMASSAGEAHORSE.COM

on Published by News Media Corporation | SUMMER 2015

This portrait of Mike Cordova, known as the oldest cowboy in California, was painted by San Luis Obispo Artist Robert Reynolds and donated to the Santa Margarita Historical Society last month.

This photo of Cordova was taken by Wilma Pharis, of Garden Farms, and was donated to the Santa Margarita Historical Society by her son Gary Pharis.

‘CALIFORNIA’S OLDEST COWBOY’ By Luke Phillips OF EQUINE ENTHUSIAST

he Santa Margarita Historical Society hosted a celebration June 6 in recognition of a donation from San Luis Obispo artist Robert Reynolds, who contributed a painting of one of the town’s most notable residents and “California’s oldest cowboy” Mike Cordova. Historical Society representative Cheri Roe said that Reynolds donated the painting of Cordova after seeing a photo of him that she had posted on Facebook. “Robert Reynolds saw it and said ‘I have a portrait of him, would you like it?’,” Roe said. “So he came up and gave us this amazing piece of art.” Cordova was a rough-and-tumble character who, since his death in 1973, has become somewhat of a legend around Santa Margarita. Cordova was known to embellish his personal history — often claiming that his missing ear was cut off by the notorious outlaw Joaquin Murrieta, although

Murrieta died in 1853, well before Cordova was even born. According to Roe, Cordova — a former vaquero on Santa Margarita Ranch and stagecoach driver on the Cuesta Grade — became famous around the word as being the oldest cowboy in California when the press caught wind of him during his 111th birthday celebration in 1969. “He did an interview and it got picked up and turned viral,” she said, adding that Cordova received a letter from then present Richard Nixon and a bear carving from Gov. Ronald Reagan and appeared in newspapers all over the country. Reynolds heard about of Cordova through all of the media attention and sought out the old cowboy, finding him at the Danish Convalescent Center in Atascadero where the two had a conversation and Reynolds painted Cordova’s portrait. Reynolds kept the portrait for decades before donating it the Santa Margarita Historical Society, Roe said.

At the celebration on June 6th the painting was marched down the street from an artists reception at the Southern Station to its permanent home at The Santa Margarita Barn. “I wanted it to be displayed in town because it needs to be seen,” Roe said, adding that The Barn is open 7 days per week and for longer hours than any other business in town. “I wrestled for the longest time about where to put it. But the women at The Barn like to talk history. They have time and they talk and they know Santa Margarita history. It’s just really going to be good all the way around.” Proceeds from the event went toward helping to pay for the framing of the painting and toward historical society operations. You can see Reynold’s painting at The Barn in Santa Margarita, located at 22390 El Camino Real.

SUMMER 2015 | Published by News Media Corporation

the

ADVERTISE IN THIS QUARTERLY MAGAZINE.

Book your Event Here!

Winter 2014 SUMMER 2014

Luv Me Tender

MINIaTuRE DONkEyS

400 Hotel rooms, 30 Restaurants & 3 RV Parks Close to State & National Parks, Lakes & Wine Tasting

Marlies & Frank Luetz are

DRIVING HORSES

The RAva Equestrian Arena

DaNCING HORSES

FEATURES • CLASSIFIEDS • EVENT COVERAGE • COW CUTTING Published by News Media Corporation/California Edition Cover.indd 1

FEATURES • CLASSIFIEDS • EVENT COVERAGE • COW CUTTING

Published by News Media Corporation/California Edition

Centrally Located & Freeway Adjacent

A Turnkey location for your next event! MVCS Equine Teams HEaDED FOR NaTIONaLS

FEATURES • CLASSIFIEDS • EVENT COVERAGE • COW CUTTING FEATURES • CLASSIFIEDS • EVENT COVERAGE • COW CUTTING

Published by News Media Corporation/California Edition

2/7/14 3:46 PM

Equine Enthusiast is produced locally and distributed to feed/tack stores, event facilities, hotels, fairgrounds and other equine-related businesses. TM

GUARANTEED DISTRIBUTION at all events at the Paso Robles Event Center, Twin Rivers Ranch, Salinas Valley Fairgrounds, Earl Warren Showgrounds, and Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds. (15,000 copies total, each issue)

60,000 Sq. Ft, dirt surface - customize to fit your your arena needs, plus:

Bucking Chutes Roping Box Bleachers Digital Timing Scoreboard Elevated Announcers Booth the topo ranch center 55,000 Sq. Ft., dirt over concrete for equine events Build up to 214 indoor stalls Covered indoor warm up arena for your Rava Arena Event For Arena Rentals, Stall Rentals and Event Information

LOOKING TO

EXPAND YOUR COVERAGE

SalinasValleyFair.com or Call (831) 385-3243

COMING SOON!

EVEN MORE? Ask about our Equine Enthusiast publications which service areas of Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, Wyoming and Nebraska. Package deals available!

Contact Whitney Schultz at the Paso Robles Press 805-237-6060, Ext. 210, wschultz@pasoroblespress.com or Michael Bartlett at the Atascadero News 805-466-2585, Ext. 105, michael@atascaderonews.com to get started!

on Published by News Media Corporation | SUMMER 2015

This girl participates in the western pleasure portion of 43rd annual Arabian Show at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds in early June. This year 61 horses from around the state and Oregon attened the competition that included western pleasure, Arabian hunter pleasure and trail events. Tarmo Hannula/EQUINE ENTHUSIAST

A rider tries to stack up points during a trot. Tarmo Hannula/EQUINE ENTHUSIAST

A LOVE FOR HORSES FARRIER’S BUSINESS HAS BROAD SCOPE By Bek Phillips OF EQUINE ENTHUSIAST

Charley Bunyea inspects a horse’s hoof at the Pleasant Valley Horse Club as part of his routine work with Charley’s Farrier Service. Photo by Tarmo Hannula

nnie the quarter horse knickers and shuffles, tossing her head and swishing her tail as the farrier walks around and carefully lifts her hoof. Without much fuss, he cleans, trims, and files all while checking for bruising, infections and other problematic changes. “No hoof, no horse,” said Charley Bunyea, 35, a farrier who works throughout Santa Cruz County. Bunyea is a farrier from Kernersville, Va. who moved out to the West Coast only three years ago to start his own business. Now traveling between Carmel Valley to Morgan Hill, Bunyea serves a host of four-legged clients, doing everything from shooing and cleaning to x-rays and diagnostics on their hooves. “I love to help these animals,” Bunyea said. “I like to send them on their way a happier animal. They can teach us a lot about ourselves too, if you are not being honest, they can see right through you.” Bunyea’s personal relationship with the horses stems from the first encounters he had in high school. “I didn’t grow up with horses,” he said. “They sorta found me. I was working at this barn in high school, mucking stalls and doing chores, and that’s where I learned to ride. Something about them was attractive to me.” The attraction grew steadily over time, and after majoring in journalism the desire to be close to them became more than a nagging thought in the back of his head. “I never thought I would be a farrier,” he said. He went back to school. Deciding on North Carolina Veterinarian College, Bunyea learned about hooves, learning the anatomy and taking x-ray’s. “Their feet are very essential to their well-being,” he said. “You have to read how the foot is wearing and get the horse back on balance.” Virginia Horse Shoeing School and an apprenticeship later, Bunyea made

the decision to come out to California to start his business. Now working with many horses around Watsonville and Santa Cruz County, Bunyea is gaining momentum. “The key is patience,” Bunyea said about his business. “It is growing faster here, people have horses like dogs. But it is more than just shoeing. You have to have good business sense and learn how to be efficient and how long it will take you to shoe each horse.” Genae Kindscher, 28, of Watsonville’s Morning Sun Ranch, has worked with Bunyea for the last three years. “What stands out with him is his genuine love for horses,” Kindscher said. “Not all farriers have that, but you can tell he loves them by how he rubs on them, tries to help them stay comfortable and how he understands that some horses might have issues.” Kindscher also said that she appreciates Bunyea’s lack of ego. “It is rare to see him get upset or rough with the horses, he has such a good demeanor — a gentle demeanor that you can see even if you have just met him,” she said. “He doesn’t have much of an ego, he listens to my thoughts and that is different from many farriers who think their way is the only way.” The next step for Bunyea comes in the form of a competition hosted by Wells Fargo. The Wells Fargo Works Project is a video or essay contest in which small business owners and members of nonprofits in the United States where five winners will be selected to win $25,000 for their business mentorship tailored to their specific business needs. Bunyea hopes to replace and improve his truck. “It was hard work to get here,” he said. “It is time to grow the local business, the goal really is to become more localized.” ••• To see Bunyea’s submission or to vote for his business, visit wellsfargoworks. com/project?x=us-en_ viewentriesandvote_15718_4.

SUMMER 2015 | Published by News Media Corporation

Board your horse at SPCA Stables at Indian Springs! We offer quality, friendly, affordable horse boarding in large stalls, paddocks, or pastures. Quality hay fed twice daily, clinics and training available on site, full or self care options, heated wash rack, tack room, trailer parking, jumps, and a new trail obstacle course. All disciplines welcome. We are conveniently located on the west hills of Salinas, close to Toro Park, Ford Ord, local horse-friendly beaches, and Garland Park. Learn more at www.SPCAmc.org/stables

• • • • • • • • • • • •

Box Stalls with outer paddocks Large Private Pastures Extra Large shared pasture Pipe Stalls, Foaling Stall, and more Full or Self Care Available Retirement Care available 2 Large Arenas Two Round Pens Trail obstacle course Trails nearby Wash racks with warm water Friendly, supportive, and fun

Michael F. Kelly, M.A. Marriage & Family Therapist Intern Registration IMF 79217 Supervisor Marlene Gilbert, M.A. License MFC 38116

625 14th St., Ste. B, Paso Robles, CA 93446 805-657-4914 | Fax: 805-876-5412 cfta.mkelly@gmail.com | cftalliance.net

22400 Indian Springs Rd, Salinas, CA 93908 • (831) 373-2631

The beginning of a “savingful” relationship. Courtney Morrow, Agent Insurance Lic#: 0G75611 Bus: 805-434-5933 Templeton, CA 93465 www.courtneymorrow.com

So how do you really know your “bargain” insurance isn’t going to cost you big if you have an accident? Talk to someone who knows: me. I can help you make sure you have the coverage you need while saving you money in the process. GET TO A BETTER STATE . CALL ME TODAY. ™

1101234.1

State Farm, Home Office, Bloomington, IL

on Published by News Media Corporation | SUMMER 2015

Sheila Ward has been a member of Coast Mounted Assistance on and off since 1976, Lea Geronimo has been a member for two years, Marlon Geronimo a member for two years, Rachel Boddeker a member for six years and vice president Lynda Roeller is a 13-year member and Gretchen Moreno is a 23-year member — all come out on a regular basis to ride, patrol and maintain the beauty of Montaña de Oro State Park.

COAST MOUNTED ASSISTANCE PROVIDING STATE PARK SERVICES SINCE 1973

Story & Photos by Allyson Oken OF EQUINE ENTHUSIAST

or 42 years the Coast Mounted Assistance, a nonprofit volunteer group, has been providing valuable services to California State Parks. The group is regulated by the California State Parks Volunteers in Parks Program (VIPP) and partnered with the Central Coast State Parks Association. The CMA boasts about 55 local members and horse owners, who volunteer their time to maintaining Montaña de Oro State Park. The park is made up of 8,500 acres of land and has over 50 miles of trails on some of the most picturesque land on the Central Coast. CMA vice president Rachel Boddeker said being able to help makes being part of this group very rewarding. “We all love being a part of CMA,” she said. “For many of us riding is a way of life and we get to enjoy it with each other while out maintaining and patrolling this beautiful property. We use tools and trim back brush and it is done on horseback and on foot.” CMA works to maintain and patrol the trails along with many other partners in the community and provide emergency response support to park rangers, Search and Rescue and the California Highway Patrol.

They also patrol the beaches within the park boundaries, report any unusual situations and alert park rangers to violations of park rules and regulations. In addition to these services the group gathers information on trail conditions and reports any changes to flora and fauna. As the main equestrian group in the park CMA also maintains the Horse Camp facilities. The big fundraiser of the year for CMA is the Annual Poker Ride hosted this year at Montaña de Oro Horse Camp on Sunday, Oct. 11. Lynda Roeller, Poker Run coordinator, historian and member of 13 years, said that this is a really fun event that brings the equestrian community out to enjoy the park and to support CMA. “We will have horse camping reservations open and request that people make reservations for a corral,” she said. “The fun will begin with trail trials with 10 obstacles on Saturday. Then Sunday riders will play a hand of poker and for extra hands the cost will $5. Then at 10 a.m. there will be a guided ride followed by Ribbon Rides and a BBQ lunch at 1:30 p.m. We will also host a silent auction and raffle with the funds going to support CMA.” The cost to register one horse and rider for the camp will be $60 and for an extra rig the cost will be $25 per rig. To ride in the Trail Trials on Saturday the cost will be $15 per rider. Then Sunday Poker Ride will cost $30 and activities are all inclusive

unless people want to play more than one hand of poker. To register for the event and learn more about CMA visit, ccspa.info/about/cma.html. CMA volunteers are easy to spot along the trails within the park, because of their gold shirts and jackets. All membership is approved by the VIPP and it is required that a rider be at least 18 years of age, have their own seasoned trail horse, transportation to and from the park, and be able to demonstrate their riding ability. Roeller explained that a certification ride, in open country is required before acceptance. “Both horse and rider are evaluated during this ride,” Roeller said. “This is very important to what we do as emergency response support and we have to know if a new member is capable of providing the services we do safely.” The group works with the Black Hill Gang, SLOPost, CHP, and emergency response units that serve the parks, VIPP, the Central Coast State Parks Association and more. The CMA meets at the Visitors’ Center above Spooners Cove the first Sunday of every month at 4 p.m. Persons interested in more information on the Coast Mounted Assistance can email CMA4MDO@ gmail.com, call president David Plevel at 528-7602 or visit ccspa.info/about/cma.html.

SUMMER 2015 | Published by News Media Corporation

The horses owned by CMA volunteers do their part to clean the trail of invasive species like these ice plants.

On horseback, riders can get anywhere in the park and Coast Mounted Assistance is there to help patrol and maintain trails and beaches.

The ragged point trail leads to a view of tide pools.

on Published by News Media Corporation | SUMMER 2015

The Auction buyers support the Heritage animal raised by Rachel Hart and all the 4-H and FFA livestock exhibitors during the Junior Livestock Auction.

Grand Champion Market Beef was awarded to Madison Andrade from Ausaymus 4-H with the buyer.

The Grand Champion Goat, raised by Beth Funke of Sobrato FFA, was purchased by Roger and Brandi Borzini. Pictured, from left to right: Brandi Borzini, Beth Funke, Breeder Julie Carrero, and Roger Borzini.

JUNIOR LIVESTOCK AUCTION BRINGS IN $1.86 MILLION WITH 970 EXHIBITORS By Samantha Bengston OF EQUINE ENTHUSIAST

nother Salinas Valley Fair is in the history books with more than 970 exhibitors auctioning off their hogs, sheep, steer, goats and chickens during the Saturday Junior Livestock Auction. After two days of showing off their animals to be judged for their quality and overall look, 4-H and FFA members cleaned their animals and prepared them to be auctioned off. The 4-H and FFA animals and projects at the Fair represented many months of hard work for 4-H and FFA members and gave them memories to never forget. At 8 a.m. the first livestock hog, showed by Lesly Rodriguez, of King City High School FFA entered the ring and within minutes the Jr. Livestock Auction was under way. Marking the halfway

point was Rachel Hart, also from King City High School FFA, who is this year’s Heritage Scholarship winner. Hart raised a lamb named Laine, who weighed in on Wednesday at 112 pounds. The auctioneer started the bidding and the final bid came in at $690 per pound for Laine. Laine marks the fifth lamb that Hart has shown in the past three years. “I would like to thank the fair and the Heritage Foundation for not only giving me the opportunity to show the Heritage animal but also for everything that they’ve done for FFA members and the 4-Hers,” Hart said. Hart came to King City in eighth grade after growing up in the suburbs of Los Angeles. It was an adjustment for Hart, but she was able to find her place by joining FFA and other clubs at KCHS. Hart is a senior this year which means that next year she is off to college. Hart plans to attend a junior

college and then Washington State University, which is close to her family’s farm land. The Heritage Foundation will give Hart a $1,500 scholarship, a $500 cash prize and will reimburse her for all expenses associated with raising her market lamb for the Salinas Valley Fair. The Junior Livestock Auction was also dedicated to Margaret Duflock, who grew up in San Ardo and was a regular 4-H exhibitor at the Salinas Valley Fair. Duflock’s four children also participated in the fair and this year her grandson continued the tradition as a 4-H livestock exhibitor. According to the Fair’s Junior Livestock program, Duflock’s contributions extend beyond the auction as she is a charter member of the Salinas Valley Fair Heritage Foundation and former secretary. Duflock has worked for years to tirelessly handle paperwork, minutes and correspondence required to keep the organization on the path to success. SUMMER 2015 | Published by News Media Corporation

on Published by News Media Corporation | SUMMER 2015

Jerry Gaona works with his power dental equipment to eliminate sharp enamel points from a horse’s teeth. Gaona has been working as an equine dentist for several years and sees clients in the Los Angeles every week.

THE CALIFORNIA HORSE DENTIST PROVIDER OF DENTAL CARE AND DENTAL TOOLS FOR EQUINE HEALTH By Beth Bolyard OF EQUINE ENTHUSIAST

erry Gaona grew up in the little town of Atascadero in California’s Central Coast region, was raised around horses as a child and participated in 4-H until he moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting when he was 12 years old. Gaona, like many other horse owners, didn’t know about the equine dentistry specialty, and he only learned of it later, after he stopped acting and started pursuing other

career options. Now, certified by the International Association of Equine Dentistry and the Equine Dental Providers of America, Gaona provides dental care to clients’ horses and creates much of his own custom equine dental equipment that he sells through his business, Jerry’s Equine Dental Tools. According to Gaona, most people don’t know about the need for horse dental care because horses’ teeth are not as visible as other horse care areas like hooves. “With horseshoes, you can see

if their hooves are cracked or overgrown, but with the teeth, they’re hidden,” Gaona said. “The number one reaction I get when I show the owner their teeth is, ‘I never knew they had so many’ or ‘I never knew they went so far back’, but once you show them what you’re doing, (equine dentistry) is a no-brainer.” Horses don’t need traditional teeth cleaning, according to Gaona, because their hay diet acts as a cleaner, but a domesticated horse’s soft food diet along with the shorter duration of eating each day can lead to a variety

of problems in a horse’s mouth. Horse have high crowned hypsodont teeth that grow continuously up to a certain age and a wild horses’ traditional diet of bark, roots and other coarse foliage along with their 13–16 hours of typical grazing per day help wear down teeth faster than domesticated horses. A domesticated horse’s modern feed causes their teeth to wear down at different rates and can lead to a painful, unbalanced mouth and sharp teeth points that can dig into the side of their cheek and cause performance

SUMMER 2015 | Published by News Media Corporation

issues. “If you were to look at a horses’ skull in the wild, usually their teeth are in a lot better condition than a domesticated horse,” Gaona said. “(Domesticated horses) are fed a processed feed that is a lot softer and they only eat 30-40 minutes twice a day. Their teeth get overgrown and they get sharp enamel points, upper buckle enamel points and lower lingual points.” Gaona’s job, with a veterinarian’s assistance, is to help wear down a horses’ sharp teeth points, were the horse would experience natural wear, while he also checks for other dental problems including broken teeth, cavities and root abscesses. Routine dental care is important for horse health and Gaona performs a dental procedure on his own horse every six months to maintain good dental health. Problems occurring from the lack of routine dental care include foul breath, head tossing, dull coat, failure to take bit and other unusual performance issues and a dental appointment should be scheduled immediately if symptoms are noted. Gaona has also created a line of

his own, custom dental tools, and with the help of local designers and craftsmen, designs and sells to other horse dentists through Jerry’s Equine Dental Tools. Gaona explained that the horse dentistry trade is similar to other equine trades like horse shoeing and said that his training was largely a mentorship-style, learn-as-you-work training where he was taught practical, anatomy and skull evaluation by the doctors he worked under. The hands-on-learning style was perfect for Gaona, who stated that the constant change in work kept his attention and led him to believe the career of equine dentistry was perfect for him. “For me it was perfect, I learn best by doing,” Gaona said about his training. “I love it, it’s amazing, it one of those things, you never could imagine you’d do it, but once you’re doing it and you have a knack for it, you feel like you were made to do it.” Gaona has since moved back to his childhood home, where he still drives down to Los Angeles once a week to meet with clients and to check the condition of their horses’ teeth and continues the practice he loves.

Jerry’s Aluminum Speculum is a custom-made, aircraft aluminum speculum used to keep a horse’s mouth open during dental work.

LUMBER

COMPANY

10 ACRES OF EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR YOUR PROJECT Jerry Gaona demonstrates his use of power dental tools in horse dentistry on a horse skull.

Jerry Gaona stands with his horse before a dental procedure. Gaona practices equine dentistry in the Los Angeles area and sells equine dentistry tools through his business Jerry’s Equine Dental Tools.

on Published by News Media Corporation | SUMMER 2015

Lumber Redwood Building Materials Decking & Fencing

Your North County Fencing & Decking Headquarters DELIVERY AVAILABLE

745 Riverside Ave., Paso Robles • 238-7922 big-creek.com

The Honduras Casa K’inich staff with King City Mayor Robert Cullen and the kids from the Greenfield Community Science Workshop.

HONDURAS STUDENTS VISIT MONTEREY COUNTY STUDENTS By Samantha Bengston OF EQUINE ENTHUSIAST

ver the past several months the Monterey County Agricultural and Rural Life Museum, the Greenfield Community Science Workshop and the Casa

K’inich Children’s Museum have been working and communicating with each other about their lives and growing agricultural in the three locations. The Common Ground Garden project has brought the children of King City and Greenfield together

The staff from Casa K’inich Children’s Museum tell the barbecue-goers about the museum, about the children in Honduras and returned the suitcase with gifts for the Greenfield and King City kids involved with the Common Ground gardening project. Pictured, from left to right: Jesus Guerra, Donaldo Martinez ,Carla Morales, Paola and Elizabeth Nutermeyer.

with children from Honduras to work on a project where they learn how to grow crops. Several members of the Casa K’inich joined MCARLM and the Greenfield Community Science Workshop and visited several locations throughout Monterey County including the Monterey Aquarium, Will Taylor’s farm, and Mission San Antonio. The three organizations also came together to have a barbecue at the DeAnza building located in San Lorenzo Park. “Something that I learned during this project was that they (Honduras students) knew how to understand us when we talked in English because they are also learning English,” said Jennifer Cevalles, student/participant. Tanya Perez learned about the Honduras students who lived in an orphanage and how they go from the orphanage to school and back. During Giovanni Acevedo’s interaction with the Honduras students she learned that they listen to the same music that is popular here and they had sing-a-

longs through video-chat. “The students also talked quite a bit about the recipes that they are making,” said Jose Sanchez, program coordinator of the Greenfield Community Science Workshop. “The kids talked about books and movies. The kids from Honduras and the Community Science Workshop talked about the weather because it affects what kind of crops they are going to grow as well.” The two groups also exchanged a suitcase filled with items selected by kids from both areas. One item was a softball because that is what sport Acevedo plays. Cevalles sent drawings because she likes art. When the suitcase was returned to the Community Science Workshop and MCARLM it had the National newspaper, shirts, and letters from their Honduras pals. Honduras is located in Central America and the city that the Museum staff hails from is Copan Ruins. It is known as the world heritage site of the Mayan ruins.

SUMMER 2015 | Published by News Media Corporation

AMY BURKMAN, former King City resident, returned to her home town to participate in the Live Art Jam held by Sol Treasures, Amy holds the portrait of John Steinbeck she painted during her Speed Painting performance Saturday night at the Salinas Valley Fairgrounds. Amy is the daughter of Richard and Jeanne Burkman. Photo by Valerie Geml/Equine Enthusiast

Mid Coast Mower & Saw, Inc.

Sales â&#x20AC;˘ Service â&#x20AC;˘ Repair For ALL of your outdoor power equipment needs.

We are well stocked with the best in the business.

Husqvarna, Stihl, Echo, Shindaiwa and Toro. Husqvarna q 350B Blowers,

Now $299

The right tool for the job!!

save $$30!! 30!!

Serving Your Outdoor Power Equipment Needs for 25 Years

(805) 466-2323

8710 El Camino Real, Atascadero, CA 93422 www.midcoastmower.com

Photos Contributed

TWO MISSIONS TO CHECK OUT IN SOUTH MONTEREY COUNTY

Staff Report

outh Monterey County is home to two of the 21 missions set up by the Spanish to convert the local natives to Christianity. Mission San Antonio is in southwestern Monterey County near Fort Hunter Liggett, and Mission Soledad is located a few miles outside the city limits of present-day Soledad. Mission San Antonio is located a good distance out in the country, but for those willing to make the trip,

they’ll find the adventure was worth it to find what may be considered a hidden gem. “We’re one of the hardest missions to find and we’re one of the least known; however, we still get a good 20,000-plus people through here a year,” said Franki Grau, gift shop manager for the mission. “People are amazed at what they find when they get here. They’re totally enthralled, shocked and absolutely stunned, at the things they find out here. It’s a hidden treasure.”

The mission is roughly 30 miles away from the nearest city, King City, and located inside Fort Hunter Liggett, but Grau said that distance has actually been an advantage for the mission. “This is referred to as the mission that Father Serra would still recognize because its setting has been preserved,” said Grau. She said the military base has kept development away from the mission, which she said has helped maintain the integrity of the site as a mission.

“It looks and feels like a mission.” At other missions, Grau explained, it would be possible to walk past the mission itself due to the buildings wrapped around it. “That’s unfortunate that it has happened at other missions,” she said. The historic character of the mission is complete with a museum Grau said is highly rated among the missions, as well as displays of period items including the threshing stone, water reservoir and horse mill. “We know we’re hard to get to, so

SUMMER 2015 | Published by News Media Corporation

we have tried to make everything we do here extra special, so people come away thinking ‘wow,’” said Grau. The church, built in 1813, still functions as a parish under Father Dennis Peterson. The mission itself was founded in 1771 by Padre Junipero Serra, and moved to its current location in 1773. “It’s an incredible community who recognize the importance of this place historically, architecturally and spiritually,” said Grau of the parish and the community members who support the mission, including during the four major events held at the mission. In November, the mission holds its Evening in the Garden event, including wine tasting. In January comes the Spaghetti Dinner and Cutting of the Roses. Historic flavor is served up in April during the Mission Days event. Summertime is kicked off in June with the Mission Fiesta. “I can guarantee you if you come to an event here, you’ll want to come to another,” said Grau. “You’ll never leave an event here disappointed. The energy and the love for this mission is absolutely palpable.” The expanded gift shop now has consigned artists offering artwork in addition to the array of items including books, paintings, jewelry and basketry. There is also a retreat center year-round that offers guests the chance to have private prayer and meditation in the historic rooms surrounded by the tranquil gardens. To get to Mission San Antonio, take Highway 101 to the Jolon Road exit (G14 before King City from the north, G18 right after the Bradley exit from the south). From the north, drive along Jolon Road about 22 miles, and from the south, take Jolon for about 26 miles. Turn in to the entrance to Fort Hunter Liggett, which will take you to Mission Road, where you drive five miles in. Military operations may cause a small detour, but after the short direct or detoured drive, the mission will be visible in front of you. For information, contact Mission San Antonio at 831-385-4478, or email at office@missionsanantonio. net.

Mission Nuestra Señora de la Soledad

The Mission Nuestra Señora de la Soledad offers a quiet ambience that begins when entering the grounds. There is an olive orchard on the left that is nurtured and thriving. For years olive trees in many missions

were treated as a nuisance, but were important for early mission residents. Olives were pressed for oil and used in religious ceremonies and for medicinal purposes. They used oil for lamps and even to lubricate wagon wheels and grindstones, as well as for food. Enter the Soledad Mission grounds, where bushes of many colored roses and orange trees and jasmine blossoms permeate the air. Look toward the green and rolling hills to the west, and observed the reason the Padre’s chose to settle on this space. Inside the Chapel, a quiet space awaits a visitor to light a candle or sit awhile. The gift shop is entered before the museum and Kristin Dow who has a keen eye for buying items and displaying them in the store manages the shop. Beautiful artisan jewelry from around the world is on display aside from other handcraft religious objects, such as classic crosses, rosaries, beautiful figurines, local olive oil to tee shirts, coffee cups playing cards, calendars and books. While shopping in the gift shop, strolling on the grounds or in the museum, soothing music is heard throughout, which adds to the serene atmosphere. Inside the museum, displays of artifacts found on the grounds or donated materials from the era, are to be seen inside several rooms. Commissioned artwork painted on the walls and some framed pieces by local artists, are featured and depict the early times of the Mission grounds and the people. A self-guided tour has been prepared and is available when entering the gift shop and before going into the museum. The tour information begins with a paragraph on the history and explains each room and the grounds. “Mission Soledad is once again alive with the sound of laugher, parties, religious ceremonies, children playing, travelers, and visitors stopping by to enjoy a few minutes of rest, maybe some good barbecue, and of course … Soledad, (Solitude).” From the self-guided tour booklet. They are open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. except Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s. For information call 831-6782586.

on Published by News Media Corporation | SUMMER 2015

HIDDEN POWER CYCLE CLINIC 1333 Riverside Ave. Paso Robles, CA 93446 805-239-8913 More than 30+ experience! Repairs on most UTVs/ATVs

Coyote problems? Call me! Lance Griffith Predator Slayer (805)458-2082

chukarhunter333@yahoo.com

Guest Columnist

e’ve all been there… initially feeling readily prepared for an upcoming competition…and then, feeling the great let-down afterward when it didn’t turn out as you’d hoped. There are a number of variables that when addressed, can offer more favorable results to your outcome. Regarding your horse, a big ‘dealmaker’ is that you have sufficiently prepared him for the requirements ahead. If you consistently and confidently achieve good rides at home, your hopeful outcome will be more dependable when you are away at a competition. But things get very different when your horse finds himself in a new unfamiliar location, which means this aspect will need a lot of preparation. You may be able to ride to different places, which is helpful. But you will need to acclimate him to traveling farther distances in a trailer, if you plan to compete. The next obvious challenge then is trailering. If there are difficulties here,

WHEN YOUR PRACTICE SESSIONS DON’T EQUAL YOUR COMPETITION RIDES time must be taken to expose him to safe, comfortable traveling to new locations, preferably with a seasoned quiet horse. Some horses adjust to this easily, whereas others may need a lot of repetition. For successful performance at competitions, you’ll have to take the time it takes for your horse to accept these changes and remain focused, before hoping to perform calmly and dependably. Since the rider is the other part of the team, it is essential that preparation for peak performance has been addressed as well. The rider must be mentally prepared for the task at hand. Nothing is more predictably unnerving than feeling uneasy about what is required of you once you enter a competition ring. Be sure you know what is expected of you and your horse, be clean and neat in your appearance, and arrive in plenty of time prior to your ride time for the event. If possible have a friend that can assist you as you prepare yourself and your horse. And have a back-up plan for how to save a situation that

may occur when you are doing your performance…how to deal with shying, an off-course, or an individual problem your horse may have. It is important to address your physical preparedness regarding strength as well. If the stamina demands coupled with the weather appear to be challenging, then the rider must address these issues in advance to be ready for the challenges that will present themselves on competition day. There are products designed for cooling the body during physical exercise these days that are very beneficial. And of course, the emotional stress that some riders experience at competitions can be an additional challenge that absolutely will negatively affect your horse’s behavior. If this is an issue, practicing techniques outside of “riding” may be necessary to overcome those distracting butterflies. There are many books and audios focusing on performance anxiety that offer techniques to help replace negative

self-talk and anxiety with positive thoughts and practices. Visualization is one of these that can greatly help create the clear focus necessary to perform well. One source is published by “Enlightened Riding,” a series of “guided Imagery” audio CD’s designed for this purpose. You can find them by going to www. EnlightenedRiding.com. And lastly, having a mentor or coach with you at your competition can help sooth the rider, mention specifics to improve your ride, and assist you in finding harmony with your horse at the competition. Once you have some positive results from addressing some of these suggestions, your confidence will build and along with that, will be the strengthening of the relationship between you and your horse at competitions. Barbi Breen-Gurley operates Sea Horse Ranch out of 2566 Sea Horse Lane, Los Osos. She can be reached by email at barbi@seahorseranch. com or call 805-528-0222.

EQUINE REGENERATIVE MEDICINE PRP, IRAP AND STEM CELL THERAPY

ve on By Waqar Ahmad, DVM lp THE EQUINE CENTER ry is g,” Regenerative Medicine dio ou Regenerative Medicine harnesses the power of the body’s own cells and w. proteins to promote healing by regenerating tissue after trauma. The goal of regenerative medicine is to bring injured tissue back to its original pristine or condition. Many tissues can benefit, such as tendon, ligament, and cartilage. on Veterinarians use IRAP, PRP and stem cell therapies to on manipulate the body’s biological mechanisms to stimulate healing. nd th ce IRAP om ns, IRAP stands for Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist Protein and recently ng is being referred to as autologous conditioned serum. Equine athletes are ng vulnerable to musculoskeletal injuries and osteoarthritis. The most common nd cause of lameness in horses is osteoarthritis. The clinical signs include mild to severe grade lameness, puffy joints and swelling. These signs are a result of cartilage damage within the joint and inflammation of the joint lining or ea synovitis. Joint injury causes in the release of inflammatory mediators such se as Interleukin-1 (IL-1) and other cytokines. These mediators will be causing ed further damages to the cartilage which results in joint inflammation and h. lameness. IRAP was developed to block IL-1 that is produced in the effected joint and to slow the progression of osteoarthritis. IRAP involves drawing approximately 50 mls of your horse’s blood into a specialized syringe which stimulates the production of the antagonist protein. The blood is incubated in the syringe for 24 hours. After incubation the blood is placed in a centrifuge and the plasma which is rich in the antagonist protein is separated from the blood cells in multiple syringes. IRAP is then injected into the joint once every 7-10 days for 3-5 treatments. Samples are stored in a -80 C freezer until use.

Fig: IRAP kit

Indications for use of IRAP in the joint include horses with a well-defined synovitis/capsulitis, particularly those horses that do not respond well to conventional anti-inflammatory joint medication and horses that have had arthroscopic surgery.

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) PRP is another product that is extracted from your horse’s own blood. Platelets contain several growth factors that are released upon platelet activation. These growth factors act synergistically to enhance access of healthy inflammatory cells to the area of tissue injury, formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis), formation of new connective tissue (fibroplasia) and regeneration of skin (reepithelialization).

Published by News Media Corporation | SUMMER 2015

Guest Columnist

PRP can be obtained in a matter of minutes. There are currently a variety of PRP kits available. Usually a centrifuge is used to help concentrate the platelets into the plasma which then can be used for treatment. PRP has been most commonly used to treat tendon and ligament injuries. The goal of treatment is to accelerate and improve the quality of healing. Recently veterinarians have begun to use PRP intra-articular to treat osteoarthritis. Indications for the use of PRP include: Osteoarthritis Tendon injuries Fig: PRP Preparation Ligament injuries OCD Cartilage damage Fracture repair

Stem Cell Therapy Stem cell therapy is an emerging treatment option in equine sports medicine. We are still in our way to learn further aspects of stem cell therapy but so far, early research is very encouraging. Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that have the capability to reproduce and differentiate into a various cell types. These cell types include tendon, ligament, cartilage, muscle and bone. Stem cells are classified into two basic types, hematopoetic and mesenchymal. In equine sports medicine, we basically focus on mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) because they possess the best potential for regenerative medicine. These MSC are found in bone marrow, fat and umbilical cord. The younger or more immature the stem cell, the more potential they may have. The younger stem cells have an increased ability to heal and regenerate tissue compared to the adult stem cells. This is the reason Fig: Stem cells under microscope for the recent interest in storing umbilical cord blood in horses. For horses stem cells are commonly derived from their bone marrow obtained from the sternum or the tuber coxae. Once the bone marrow has been obtained it is sent to a lab for culture (to identify bacterial growth) and expansion (into multiple doses). The typical dose ranges from 10 to 25 million stem cells per treatment. The culture and expansion process takes approximately 3-4 weeks. The stem cells can then be injected into the affected tendon, ligament or joint. Stem cells and PRP have the similar indications for use. For more information, visit our website www.theequinecenter.com or feel free to call us on 1-805-541-6367.

BEST OF PITTS HORSE HUNTING

Guest Columnist

Lee Pitts WWW.LEEPITTSBOOKS.COM

t is the most endangered of all species, the rarest form of animal life in existence. I am referring of course to the equinis kidicus, otherwise known as “the kid’s horse.” I think there are only two in captivity. The requirements for a good kid’s

horse are that it won’t buck, kick or run fast while the child is learning to ride. Then, once the adolescent has mastered the art of horsemanship the parents expect that same horse to carry their child around the barrels in thirteen seconds breaking Charmayne Rodman’s record of ten world championships and allowing the parents to retire in the lap of luxury. Needless to say, this is a very hard horse to find. I pride myself on being a fair judge of horse flesh and I have occasionally been called upon to evaluate the merits of numerous flea bitten broom tails. Years ago I was asked by some of our best friends to find a bombproof horse for their eight year old daughter, not realizing that if I found such a horse I would have to hear about its faults for the next ten years and that I would be taken off their Christmas card list. The information that I was in the market for a kid’s horse traveled faster than a rumor on Twitter. I think every

horse trader in the country called and snickered into my ear, “I hear you’re looking for a kid’s horse?” I learned that some of the people who specialize in kid’s horses make used car salesmen seem like paragons of virtue. I checked out one “kid’s horse” that belonged in a rodeo bucking string. The outlaw attempting to sell me the cayuse was so crooked he could sleep in the shadow of a post hole auger. Shortly after taking a seat on the buzzard bait’s back the sun was shining on the bottoms of my boots. The crook only wanted $5,000 for the man-killer but that figure didn’t include future attorney’s fees or hospital bills. In my quest for the perfect kid’s horse I examined several that were barely breathing. I inspected a lot of horses that were dead but just wouldn’t lie down. One was an Appaloosa with just three gaits, the walk, the stop and the parked. In action the horse sounded something like this, “clip, clop, clip, clop, huff, puff, snore.” The owner was willing to sacrifice at only $6,000 seeing how we were friends and all. There were several advertisements in the local newspaper offering, “a free horse to a good home.” These were generally 30 year old horses that had not been ridden in 15 years, that were blind in one eye and were one breath away from the bone yard. Such horses are like in-laws, you can never get rid of them, especially now that the feds have outlawed horse slaughter. If you buy one of these elder care horses you have to promise

not to sell the horse for export to France and oh, by the way, someone will be by once a week to check on the old flea bag. After much looking I did find one excellent kid’s horse that was dog gentle, loaded in a trailer and ate table scraps. But the girl didn’t like the horse’s name. I responded to one ad that offered a horse for “$600, or best offer.” The spoiled old plug was so “gentle” I could not raise a pulse. He was a little long in the tooth, and I do mean tooth. (Not in the plural sense). Naturally, the girl fell in love with the horse at first sight. They had what the father called “obvious chemistry.” With visions of blue ribbons running though her head the young girl anxiously asked the owner, “Will I be able to race him in the 4-H horse show?” “Sure you will,” said the owner. “And I have no doubt you will beat him.” It was an old, well worn joke but in this case, absolutely true. Three weeks after the girl got the horse home he went to the big glue factory in the sky and my ex-friends had to pay $150 for Buzzard Bill to haul his hollow carcass away. Now there is only one kid’s horse left in captivity. For more of Pitts’ writing, go to LeePittsbooks.com.

Limited spaces available for horse boarding • Clean and safe

• Friendly, welcoming environment • Outdoor arena - Covered arena • Several boarding options available Visit our web site for more information, call for current prices and a tour.

www.ranchodelrio.8m.com ranchodelrio@msn.com

9961 Santa Clara Rd (805) 464-0139

SERVICE CENTER

10% OFF of any service

Jake, Rich, Airick, Garrett, Armando

We service ALL makes and models! 4850 El Camino Real, ATASCADERO • 805.462.8199

Equine Enthusiast EVEN

SUMMER

2015

July 15 SLOCQHA meeting

Aug. 15-16 Fox N Horn

Paso Robles

Santa Cruz County

Sept. 10-13 Creston Classic Rodeo

Golf Club

Fairgrounds

Creston

Aug 18-23 NSHA Snaffle Bit Futurity, Derby and

Oct. 2 Ashley’s Journey Barrel Bash

World’s Richest Stock

Salinas Valley

Horse Show

Fairgrounds

1600 Country Club Dr. 6 p.m.

July 16-18 Team Roping Western Regional Finals

Paso Robles

Heber City, Utah

Events Center

Oct. 8 NBHA State Finals

July 16-19 105th California Rodeo Salinas

Aug. 23 SLOCQHA Open Show Buckle Series

Salinas Valley

Sports Complex

Pat Mar Ranch,

July 23-25 AQHA Horse Show

Templeton

Santa Cruz County

Aug. 28-30 Double R Cutting

Fairgrounds

Oct. 25 Halloween One Day Twin Rivers Ranch

Paso Robles Events

July 25-Aug.1 CGA State Championships

Fairgrounds

Center

Oct. 25 SLOCQHA Open Show Buckle Series

Sept. 16-20 Santa Cruz County Fair

Pat Mar Ranch,

Aug 1-2 Varian Arabians Summer Jubilee

Santa Cruz County

Oct. 28-Nov. 1 Central California Fall Classic

Reservations

Aug. 29-30 Sizzlin’ Summer Schooling Show

Paso Robles

Aug. 1-2 NCASHA Horse Show

Paso Robles Horse

Nov. 4-8 Central California Oak Tree Classic

Santa Cruz County

Sept 17-20 USEA Horse Trials, YEH/FEH Into-Advanced

Bolado Park, Hollister

required.

Fairgrounds

Aug. 8-9 Watsonville Saddlites Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds

Fairgrounds

Park

Twin Rivers Ranch

Sept. 24-27 Wine Country Cutting Paso Robles Events Center

Templeton

Horse Park

Paso Robles Horse Park

California Mid-State Fair Schedule Wednesday, July 22 4-H & FFA Horse Show 9 a.m.

Thursday, July 23 Cow Dog Trials 8:15 a.m.

Thursday, July 23 Ranch Horse Class 1 p.m.

Friday, July 24, Cutting Horse Show 8 a.m.

Saturday, July 25, Cutting Horse Show 8 a.m.

Sunday, July 26, Sheep Dog Trials & Draft Horse Show 10 a.m.

Monday, July 27 Open Horse Show 8 a.m.

Monday, July 27 Barrel Racing 2 p.m.

Tuesday, July 28 Snaffle Bit Futurity 8 a.m.

Tuesday, July 28 Stock Horse Show 8 a.m.

Wednesday, July 29 RSNC Sorting 8 a.m.

Thursday, July 30 Team Roping 8 a.m.

Friday, July 31 Wrangler Junior Gymkhana 8 a.m.

Saturday, Aug. 1 Country Rodeo 8 a.m.

Sunday, Aug. 2 Country Rodeo 9 a.m.

777 AUCTION Company Atascadero, CA At

FREE FUN FAMILY EVENT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Farm, Ranch, Estate and Business Liquidators Antiques, Collectibles, Art, Furniture, Decor. Tractors, Equipment, Tools, Vehicles

Next Auction Date May 24th 10:00 am Preview Sat. May 23rd 9-4pm

For Upcoming Auction Dates

www.777auctions.net See our website for additional info and photos. (805) (805 (8 05) ) 46 466 466-7296 6-72 7296 96 â&#x20AC;˘ iinfo@777auctions.net nffo@77 @777 7auctions i net 3850 El Camino Real, Atascadero CA 93422

8 SUMMER 2015 | Published by News Media Corporation

Proudly serving our customers and communities for 70 years

OPEN 7 DAYS! • AIR COMPRESSORS • AUTO TOOLS • CHAIN SAWS • GENERATORS • GARDEN TOOLS • LOG SPLITTERS • MIXERS

• FORKLIFTS • MANLIFTS • LIGHT TOWERS • REACH LIFTS • BACKHOES • TRUCKS • TRAILERS

& MORE!

www.AToolShed.com 1-800-A-TOOL-SHED

(286-6574)

Now! SEVEN CONVENIENT LOCATIONS Santa Clara

408-727-0822

2550 LAFAYETTE ST.

Hollister

831-638-1999 2610 SAN JUAN RD.

Campbell

408-378-4921 900 DELL AVE.

Watsonville

831-722-0334 285 W. BEACH ST.

Morgan Hill

open and deliver 7 days a week

408-779-7368 95 E. MAIN AVE.

Santa Cruz

Salinas

3700 SOQUEL AVE.

210 W. MARKET ST.

831-477-7133 831-424-7368

WE DELIVER

WE PAY THE SALES TAX ON RENTALS!

Do great things with Series compact tractors. Do great things with Kubota’s B Kubota’s SeriesBcompact tractors.

0% Down 0% Financing Months 0 Down,$0 Financing for 6060 Months A.P.R.

for

A.P.R.

Offer ends 9/30/15.

Paso Robles 805-237-3855 2690 Ramada Drive

Watsonville 831-722-2733 496 Salinas Road

*$0 Down, 0% A.P.R. for 60 months on new Kubota BX, B, L (excluding L39/L45), M Series (excluding M59, M Narrow, M96S, M108S and M9960HDL models), KX040-4, KX057-4, KX080-4, U35-4, U55-4, R530/630, SVL75, RB, DMC, DM, RA & TE Series Equipment is available to qualifi ed purchasers from participating dealers’ in-stock inventory through 9/30/2015. Example: *$0 Down, 0% A.P.R. for 60 months on new Kubota BX, B, L (excluding L39/L45), M Series (excluding M59, M Narrow, M96S, M108S and M9960HDL models), KX040-4, A 60-month monthly installment repayment term at 0% A.P.R. requires 60 payments of $16.67 per $1,000 fi nanced. 0% A.P.R. interest is available to customers if no dealer documentation KX057-4, KX080-4, U35-4, U55-4, R530/630, SVL75, RB, DMC, DM, RA & TE Series Equipment is available to qualified purchasers from participating dealers’ in-stock preparation fee is charged. Dealer charge for document fee shall be inA 60-month accordance withinstallment state laws. Inclusion ineligible equipment may result in aper higher 0% A.P.R. inventorypreparation through 9/30/2015. Example: monthly repayment term of at 0% A.P.R. requires 60 payments of $16.67 $1,000blended financed.A.P.R. 0% A.P.R. and low-rate fi nancing may not be available with customer instant rebate offers. Financing is available through Kubota Dealer Creditcharge Corporation, U.S.A., 3401 fee Delshall Amo Blvd., Torrance, CA 90503; interest is available to customers if no dealer documentation preparation fee is charged. for document preparation be in accordance with state subject credit approval. exceptions apply. expires 9/30/2015. Seemay usresult forSeries details onblended these A.P.R. and other low-rate options or gomay to www.kubota.com for more information. Optional laws.Offer Inclusion ineligible equipment in a higher 0%MA.P.R. and low-rate financing notM9960HDL be available with customer instant rebate offers. *$0 Down,to0% A.P.R. for 60Some months on new Kubota BX, B, Lof(excluding L39/L45), M (excluding M59, Narrow, M96S, M108S and models), KX040-4, Financing is available through Kubota Credit Corporation, U.S.A., 3401 Del Amo Blvd., Torrance, CA 90503; subject to credit approval. Some exceptions apply. Offer equipment may be shown. KX057-4, KX080-4, U35-4, U55-4, R530/630, SVL75, RB, DMC, DM, RA & TE Series Equipment is available to qualified purchasers from participating dealers’ in-stock expires 9/30/2015. See us for details on these and other low-rate options or go to www.kubota.com for more information. Optional equipment may be shown. inventory through 9/30/2015. kubota.com Example: A 60-month monthly installment repayment term at 0% A.P.R. requires 60 payments of $16.67 per $1,000 financed. 0% A.P.R. interest is available to customers if no dealer documentation preparation fee is charged. Dealer charge for document preparation fee shall be in accordance with state laws. Inclusion of ineligible equipment may result in a higher blended A.P.R. 0% A.P.R. and low-rate financing may not be available with customer instant rebate offers.