WYOMING/NEBRASKA PANHANDLE EDITION
SUMMER 2016 • FREE
NO PLACE LIKE ODYSSEO
– EQUINE REPRODUCTION L ABORATORY –
FUTURE TALENT We deliver! Our veterinary services include: + Breeding-soundness and pregnancy exams + Semen collection, evaluation, freezing and shipping + Mare breeding by live cover or artificial insemination + Assisted reproductive technologies: embryo transfer, oocyte collection and transfer, intracytoplasmic sperm injection + Diagnosis and treatment of reproductive problems in mares and stallions
Photo © RMB Photography
+ On-site foaling services January – May
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EQUINE ENTHUSIAST
EQUINE REPRODUCTION LABORATORY
(970) 491-8626 | erl@colostate.edu | erl.colostate.edu
SUMMER 2016 | Published by News Media Corporation
EQUINE E N T H U S I A S T Published by News Media Corporation. www.EquineEnthusiast.com EQUINE E N T H U S I A S T is a FREE quarterly publication. 12,000 copies are distributed throughout the state of Wyoming and the Nebraska Panhandle region. It is available at feed and retail stores, event centers, hotels and other equine-related businesses.
SUMMER 2016
PUBLISHER Jim Wood jimwood@EquineEnthusiast.com
FEATURES
EDITORS Crystal R. Albers calbers@EquineEnthusiast.com
THE FUTURE OF THE WEST’S WILD HORSE HERDS ............................ 9, 33
Bryon Glathar editor@uintacountyherald.com
GOSHEN COUNTY 4-H EARNS CHAMPION JUNIOR TEAM AT STATE HORSE JUDGING ................................................................................... 11, 20
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Mark Tesoro mtesoro@EquineEnthusiast.com
A VETERINARIAN’S JOB IS NEVER DONE .................................................. 12
ADVERTISING OFFICES
FREEZE BRAND VS. HOT IRON .................................................................. 13
Cheyenne, WY 307-632-5666
WHEELS OF TIME: CLASSIC TRANSPORTATION ...................................... 14
Evanston, WY 307-789-6560 Kemmerer, WY 307-877-3347 Lusk, WY 307-334-2867 Lyman, WY 307-787-3229 Pinedale, WY 307-367-2123 Scottsbluff, NE 308-635-3110
NO PLACE LIKE ODYSSEO
Torrington, WY 307-532-2184 Wheatland, WY 307-322-2627
PAGE 5
GENERAL INFORMATION Get the Word Out! EVENT CALENDAR Submit a short description of your club, business or organization’s event for our calendar. Be sure to include relevant dates, times, locations and contact information. E-mail your event to: mneher@EquineEnthusiast.com
A RASK /NEB ION MING DIT WYO ANDLE E PANH
MER
SUM
FREE 6•
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Advertise in the CLASSIFED MARKETPLACE! Line Class ads are at $15 Display ClassiÀed ads are $30 Call 307-532-2184 for information. rmort@EquineEnthusiast.com
E LAC NO P EO YSS D O LIKE
ON THE COVER EQUINE E N T H U S I A S T
As the crowd settles and the curtain rises, a single woman starts singing a haunting melody that immediately transports your imagination to far-off countries and the times of King Arthur and Sir Galahad. Joy Ufford photo
READ MORE ABOUT ODYSSEO ON PAGE 5 Published by News Media Corporation | SUMMER 2016
EQUINE ENTHUSIAST
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BULLS, BIRDS, BEES & BRANDING
NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL RODEO ASSOCIATION ASSOCIATION: CONSERVING EVERYDAY COWBOY CUSTOMS
PAGES 6, 25
PAGE 16, 17, 26
COLUMNS CLASSIFIED MARKETPLACE..............................................31, 32 EVENT CALENDAR.............................................................34
START ‘EM YOUNG PAGES 15, 21
COLUMN
BEAR RIVER BUCKAROO: 12-YEAR-OLD RANCHER, POET AND PHILOSOPHER PAGES 22, 23
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EQUINE ENTHUSIAST
THE LONG HORSE RIDE GLIMPSE LAKE RIDE
PAGE 27 PAGE 10
SUMMER 2016 | Published by News Media Corporation
NO PLACE LIKE ODYSSEO HORSES, RIDERS AND TRAINERS WEAVE A SPELLBINDING PERFORMANCE By Anjoli Mosier STAFF WRITER
Y
ou drive into a mall parking lot with tickets to a show. All you really know about the show is that it has something to do with horses and it looks amazing, based on a brief YouTube video you watched to get some kind of idea about what you are walking into. There's a huge structure set up in the back of the mall, and you can't help musing to yourself about how much work went into setting up this arena in a place like this. How do they have water and electricity? Is this going to be some cheap attempt at a Las Vegas headliner? When you walk into the structure, your senses are immediately on overdrive. Smells of popcorn, coffee, hot dogs and pretzels immediately make your mouth water as your eyes slowly adjust to the indoor lighting. You spot the signs that direct you to your seats, and you begin to make your way there. You've finally entered the arena and find your seats. You are early for the show, excitement and anticipation driving you to find out what this whole thing is about. The set looks incredible. There is a sheer screen with trees that sparkle and shimmer as the light
moves, giving the impression that the trees are swaying in a breeze that couldn't possibly be happening inside the structure, but the set makes your senses believe there's a breeze anyway. Music plays softly in the background as more people stream in to find their seats. In the middle of the trees on the screen, information about the horses and show scrolls, keeping the audience entertained with trivia until the curtain opens. As the crowd settles and the curtain rises, a single woman starts singing a haunting melody that immediately transports your imagination to far-off countries and the times of King Arthur and Sir Galahad. And then the horses come. Odysseo presented by Cavalia has 69 horses, each trained over a period of five to seven years before they become part of the show. At times during the performance, dozens of horses perform choreographed routines, running in and out in patterns they know well — sometimes with riders, but other times devotedly following their trainers’ hand movements or tongue clucks for direction. A single horse and rider keep viewers’ eyes fixed on every movement as the gaited horse dances in time to the beat of the music, which changes in tone and genre throughout the show, taking your imagination to Egyptian pyramids or African plains or
Roman coliseums. The music also leads to weather and mood changes, including a thunderstorm, with incredible use of lighting, theater and sound effects so real it makes you question why the ground is dry as you exit the arena at the end of the evening. Interspersed with the mind-boggling equine performances are routines by human performers. In one scene, you see a dance on a carousel which rises above the audience as the performers disappear into the sky. Amazing feats of acrobatic skill astound the audience as both human and equine performers leap over poles that are raised higher and higher. The relationship between horse and trainer is a magic all its own, which you behold as a mere flick of the wrist that directs the animals to switch direction en masse. A single trainer leads a dozen horses with skill and ease. If any animal gets anxious, the trainer notices immediately and reassures the animal with a small stroke on its muzzle, instantaneously changing the horse’s demeanor back to a confident animal who knows the routines well. When the show is over and you are transported back to reality, fighting traffic on the freeway, you think to yourself all the hype wasn't hype at all. There truly is no place like Odysseo.
Photos/ Courtesy
The relationship between horse and trainer is a magic all its own, which you behold as a mere flick of the wrist that directs the animals to switch direction en masse.
Published by News Media Corporation | SUMMER 2016
EQUINE ENTHUSIAST
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EQUINE ENTHUSIAST | FEATURE
BULLS, BIRDS, BEES & BRANDINGS
By Joy Ufford STAFF WRITER
A
fter living in the Hoback Basin in northern Sublette County, Wyoming, for a dozen years, for me the tangy scent of fresh sagebrush crushed underfoot (and hoof) always accompanies springtime and our annual traditions of branding new calves at a handful of longtime Bondurant ranches. Wrangling an invitation to help at one of these cow-calf traditions brings
a prized sense of belonging — even if “wrangling” is your given chore! Calf wranglers or wrestlers are important people in the branding pens, where brute strength is less of a bonus than agility and ability. In these old homestead ranches around Bondurant, ringed by the Wyoming and Gros Ventre mountain ranges, late April and early May calving season means spring brandings take place usually in late May after the little ones are grown up enough to be away from their mamas for awhile. But let’s back up just about nine months for the really big picture. Yes, nine months! In Hoback Basin, where thousands of cattle have been turned out on grazing allotments for the last cenPhoto/ Joy Ufford
SUBLETTE continued on page 25
Several teams of ‘wrestlers’ or ‘wranglers’ hold down older calves so they can be quickly vaccinated and branded. See more photos page 7.
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SUMMER 2016 | Published by News Media Corporation
EQUINE ENTHUSIAST | FEATURE
SUBLETTE: BRANDINGS
Photos/ Joy Ufford
A Bondurant, Wyoming, cowboy turns the irons at her family’s branding.
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EQUINE ENTHUSIAST | TRAIL TALK
Double Hook Ranch strives for quality over quantity.
Some of America’s Finest Horses Bred for Work or Competition Double Hook Ranch is a horse ranch in Gillette, Wyoming, that breeds exceptional, all-around horses for performance or pleasure. We have 20 years of experience in this industry, and we are proud of our reputation for great horses and excellent breeding services. Your satisfaction is always our goal.
Raya Bueno Lena Raya Bueno Lena aka Junior, is a unique horse that stands out from the rest. He is truly talented and athletic. He can be ridden by experienced riders, amateur riders, and children. He has wonderful manners, and is a gentleman to be around. He has endowed his offspring with this trait. He will put his whole heart and abilities into any job you give him. Little Blue Bueno is the sire of Raya Bueno Lena. Raya Bueno Lena is 32% Poco Bueno in blood.
• ROM in Reining • APHA Eligible / ApHC
• NRHA Money Earner • WRCHA Point & Money Earner • EVA - Negative & Vaccinated • NRCHA Money Earner. • AQHA 5 Genetic Disease Panel all N/N
• Shown in Amateur & an Amateur Point Earner • Qualified in 2011 for World Show in Performance Halter • He is a CONQHA Champion Junior Raining Horse in 2009 • Qualified and Competed in the 2009 AQHA World Show in Junior Reining
Studs available for 2017 DHR Einstein Doclena - AQHA One of our most exciting new prospects is Own Son of Einsteins Revolution. His registered name is DHR Einstein Doclena, and he is a 2014, red dun stallion. Einsteins revolution was one of 2011’s NRHA Top 25 Leading Sires and was also NRHA’s 4th All Time Leading Money Earner, to the tune of $352,720. DHR is smart, easygoing, and a fast learner with a nice topline. He is very athletic and quick on his feet. We can’t wait to see what this colt is going to do, in the Reining Working Cow Horse and Cutting World.
IMA Exec Doc Another upcoming stud in the 2017 class is IMA Exec Doc. This Appaloosa is a 2014 chestnut stallion. His grandsire is infamous The Executive. The Executive was inducted in to the Appaloosa Hall of Fame in 1993. The Executive left an everlasting impression on the Appaloosa breed. IMA Exec Doc is very flashy with awesome confirmation. He is an easygoing horse and a quick learner who is nice to be around. If you are looking for a halter or western pleasure horse, check this guy out. He is one of the last of The Executive’s bloodline.
307-689-9545 • 307-670-0604 1103 Lawyer Road, Gillette, WY 82718
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EQUINE ENTHUSIAST
SUMMER 2016 | Published by News Media Corporation
EQUINE ENTHUSIAST | FEATURE
THE FUTURE OF THE WEST’S WILD HORSE HERDS BLM WORKS TO MANAGE BURGEONING POPULATIONS By John Tibbetts STAFF WRITER
The Bureau of Land Management estimates there are more than 67,000 wild horses and burros on Western public rangelands. The Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act federally protects wild horses and burros living in western states and places their management in BLM’s jurisdiction. In December, the state of Wyoming filed a lawsuit against the BLM and the Department of the Interior, alleging they have not managed wild horses and burros properly in the state. “It is my belief, and the belief of other western governors, that the BLM does not have the resources to manage wild horses effectively,” Mead said in a written statement. “By filing suit, it sends a message that wild horse management is a priority and the BLM
must be provided the funding necessary to manage them.” The perspective that wild horses and burros compete with livestock and big game is supported by ranchers who share the public land with the horses, sportsmen who hunt the same areas, and recent data provided by Derek Scasta, Ph.D., of the University of Wyoming. “Grass consumption by horses typically equals or exceeds that of beef cattle and is greater than sheep, elk, pronghorn, and mule deer,” Scasta said, citing the data. Josh Corsey, cofounder of the Muley Fanatics Foundation, said, “Feral horses (often confused and coined as wild horses), domestic livestock and wildlife must be managed to not only maintain sustainable populations but also a healthy landscape and the science-based carrying capacity of each. If left unchecked, the collateral dam-
age upon the landscape results in a detriment to all.” Based on the numbers, there are more than twice as many wild horses and burros on Wyoming rangeland than is recommended by BLM land use plans. “There are essentially two ways to manage the impact of grazing animals (wild, feral or domestic) on the range, and that is by population size and location,” Corsey said. “The setting of the population size is absolutely necessary to maintaining the production capability of the land and, therefore, the habitat for the animals. This is done with livestock by pulling them off of the range, and with wildlife by hunting.” He said population goals must be set and adhered to in order to manage the land and habitats. “Failure to do so is mismanagement and really nothing more than a der-
eliction of duty,” Corsey said. “The overpopulating and overgrazing of the range with horses has significant and negative impacts to deer, grouse, pronghorn, elk as well as the range. This issue is ultimately about accountability, impact and engagement.” To address these issues, the BLM is taking a number of steps, including sponsoring a research program focused on fertility control; transitioning horses from off-range to more costeffective pastures; trying to increase adoptions by creating new programs and partnerships; and requesting two new pieces of legislative authority, one to allow for the immediate transfer of horses to other agencies that have a need for work animals and one
FUTURE continued on page 33
Uinta Veterinary Hospital The Finest in Veterinary Care Small, Large Animal & Equine
Lake McConaughy Estate Ogallala, Nebraska
288 acres • $2,500,000 A gorgeous estate overlooking one of the best fishing lakes in Nebraska
See more details at LashleyLand.com Mike Lashley • 308-530-0134 Published by News Media Corporation | SUMMER 2016
~On call 24 hour Emergency Service ~Medical ~Surgical ~Dental ~Advanced ortheopedic and soft tissue surgery ~Equine Chiropractic ~Bovine Ultrasound ~Food animal services ~Equine services
Ben Osborne DVM Margi White DVM Chad Pelensky DVM 38028 Business Loop I-80 Fort Bridger, WY 82933 307-782-6566 www.uintaveterinaryhospital.org/ EQUINE ENTHUSIAST
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GLIMPSE LAKE RIDE
EQUINE TALK EQUINE ENTHUSIAST ENTHUSIAST || TRAIL FEATURE
FOR WYOMING NEWS PAPERS, INC.
T
Photos/ Courtesy
In the spring, the green of the nascent leaves plays games with the sun, dappling the ground and creating a dance among light and shadow.
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EQUINE ENTHUSIAST
he winding road from Pinedale gradually gets worse and worse. The occasional jostle becomes a jaw-rattling washboard and then a 10-miles-an-hour crawl over rocks and through ruts deep enough to be considered ravines. The last 2.5 miles seem interminable until the road opens into a wide meadow of a parking area. The trail to Glimpse Lake begins along the final stretch of this road, which continues as before boulders, mud pits and all for about a mile before a sign with the minutest of arrows points to a single-track trail winding through the white-bark stand of aspens. In the spring, the green of the nascent leaves plays games with the sun, dappling the ground and creating a dance among light and shadow. In the fall, the sun-kissed yellow gives the air under the canopy a richness of sepia. But this, as they say, is merely foreplay, and the main event, the centerstage show, is the ridge to come. A meandering, wooded path with the occasional switchback leads riders up the side of a hill. As the apex approaches and the blue sky beckons, glimpses of impending beauty can be caught through the aspen lace. But the grandeur of the view from the open ridge cannot be foreseen. From Soda Lake and Cora with Fremont Lake at a distance to the right and its eponymous peak to the left, the expanse that lies before a rider is immense and quite literally breathtaking. The trail continues along the ridge, dipping down the northwest slope and then rising again. The view never gets old, and a few well-timed shortcuts can lead to a meadow trail along the open ridge, bypassing the standard switchbacks on the wooded face. The trail then turns, heading into forest before switchbacks descend to Glimpse Lake. The ride, six miles one way, is ideal for a relaxed weekend day ride accompanied by lunch and a camera. However, it is not mindless, as the ridge trail is narrow and rocky in parts and there is some side-hill riding in the descent.
TRAIL DETAILS Difficulty: Moderate Type: 12-mile out-and-back County: Sublette Trailhead: Spring Creek Park Directions: Twelve miles north of Highway 191 and Pinedale off Willow Lake Road. Take Jackson Avenue and continue as it becomes Willow Lake Road. Bear right after the U.S. Forest Service boundary. Base elevation: 7,700 feet Elevation change: Approximately 1,500 to 2,000 feet. Facilities: Campgrounds are available at the nearby Willow Lake area from June 1 to Sept. 15 with picnic tables and pit toilets. Parking is available at the trailhead. Fees: None Season: Late spring through fall
SUMMER 2016 | Published by News Media Corporation
EQUINE ENTHUSIAST | FEATURE
GOSHEN COUNTY 4-H EARNS CHAMPION JUNIOR TEAM AT STATE HORSE JUDGING FOR WYOMING NEWSPAPERS, INC.
Goshen County 4-H was well represented at this year’s Showcase Showdown in Laramie. Held in June at the University of Wyoming campus, this statewide event includes workshops, tours and 15 state contests. Thirty Goshen County youth competed in six state contests, including horse judging. Local youth were among the 335 members in attendance from 22 counties across the state. Competitors earned several honors and accolades for their various efforts. Horse Judging: This contest includes evaluation of horses and performance of horses in up to four pattern classes. Each team in the state may submit one senior and one junior team, comprised of both junior and intermediate youth members.
Goshen County 4-H Horse Judging is coached by volunteer Mercedes Powers. Awards are also presented to individuals and those earning top honors include: • Champion Junior Team: Cora Frederick, Kendall Haas, Kaenee Isbell and Rori Masterson • Cora Frederick: fifth-place overall intermediate; fifth-place intermediate placings; sixth-place intermediate reasons • Jesse Lynn Garson: sixth-place overall intermediate; third-place intermediate placings; • Kendall Haas: second-place overall intermediate; fourth-place intermediate placings; fi rst-place intermediate reasons; • Kaenee Isbell: seventh-place overall intermediate; 10th-place intermediate placings; seventh-place intermediate reasons;
• Calli Klein: 10th-place overall intermediate; 11th-placing intermediate placings; ninth-place intermediate reasons • Carly Mechem: 11th-place intermediate reasons • Dally Wilkins: 11th-place overall intermediate; seventh-place intermediate placings The junior individuals in this contest also fared well: • Jami Garson: second-place overall junior; first-place junior placings; fifthplace junior questions • Kale Isbell: eighth-place overall junior; ninth-place junior placings; 10thplace junior questions • Kenzie Wilkins: seventh-place junior questions Other judgers from Goshen County
include Kash Isbell, JW Klein, Jordan Stoddard, and Tylar Stoddard. Additional contests included Cloverbud, hippology, impromptu presentations, produce judging, robotics and table setting. Results are as follows: Cloverbud: Cloverbuds are youth between the ages of 5 and 7 years old. This year Showcase Showdown included special workshops for our youngest 4-H members. Goshen County’s Brooke Hale and Addisyn Wilkins participated in this event. Hippology: In this contest youth demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of equine science and management. Coached by 4-H volunteers Katie Isbell
GOSHEN continued on page 20
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655 East 5th Street • Powell, Wyoming • 307-754-5421 • events@parkcounty.us Published by News Media Corporation | SUMMER 2016
EQUINE ENTHUSIAST
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EQUINE ENTHUSIAST | FEATURE
A VETERINARIAN'S JOB IS NEVER DONE Vicki Hood STAFF WRITER
H
orses are like children — if you have them, you’d better count on them getting into things that tend to require help to fix. But with children, at least they can tell you what’s wrong when it’s not painfully obvious. Regardless of anyone’s good intentions and precautions, horses seem to have a way of getting hurt or finding something to get into quicker than you can cinch a saddle! The good news for us is that there are people like Dr. Brenda Unrein, a veterinarian who specializes in equine health. Originally from Littleton, Colorado, she received her undergraduate and veterinary degrees from Colorado State University, attaining her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2005. Following an internship in Aubrey, Texas, she continued to practice there, working in a variety of equine disciplines that included racing, cutting, halter, endurance and ranch performance and more. Unrein joined Dr. Steve Lucas and Dr. John Koger at Wheatland Veterinary Associates in 2009, where she has become the go-to vet for all equine issues. She has focused her work on lameness and dentistry, two of the most im-
portant problem areas in dealing with horses. But while she prefers to work the equine demands of the clinic, this is also cattle country. And of course, every good ranch has at least two dogs running the place and maybe a cat or two to keep the mice in check. And even with three vets and a capable staff of techs and assistants, she pitches in with those other animals when the schedule demands it. And demand is clearly the correct term — just follow her around for a day! Unrein’s typical day begins at 8 a.m. but can often last until well past 6 p.m. She covers a turn on call with the other vets on the weekends. It is a demanding schedule but one to which she is committed. Lunch is often whatever she can grab between procedures and appointments, and multitasking is not just a computer term at Laramie Peak; it’s a way of doing business to get through busy days. When she’s not taking care of animals in the clinic, Unrein and her husband Daryl are busy raising their daughter Peyton and son Hayden. But despite a hectic schedule, it’s easy to see Unrein is clearly in her element as she works through her cases. A good veterinarian can make owners less anxious when they need to bring an animal in for care, and it’s clear she has mastered that skill. The nature of the work can take the mood
Although she specializes in equine health, Dr. Brenda Unrein is no stranger to the many services a veterinary clinic provides to local ranchers. Checking cows for pregnancy is important to owners both selling and buying.
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EQUINE ENTHUSIAST
Photos/ Vicki Hood
Dr. Brenda Unrein and vet tech Nadine Jaques-Delcroze work together on a horse that came in to have a dental checkup. "Floating" a horse's teeth is a routine procedure done to ensure the upper and lower teeth grind together properly so the horse can obtain the most nutrition from feed. from high to low and back very quickly. Pulling off a successful surgery that saves an animal’s life may be followed by one of the toughest jobs there is — putting an animal down due to severe injury or aging. She has a clear sense about that subject, however; she says that even though it is a difficult time for an owner, she is glad she can do something to keep an animal from suffering when there is nothing else that can be done. “I try not to look at it as a bad thing,” Unrein said, “because sometimes it’s all we can do and it’s what we should do.” Watching her work on a horse that’s come in for a regular dental checkup, it’s easy to see she is very much at home and comfortable working on large animals. Floating a horse’s teeth, for instance, is a job that takes extra hands and a little help from some medicine to help the horse tolerate a procedure that produces high anxiety in many. Floating a horse’s teeth is as important as taking good care of its feet — maybe even more so because a problem in a horse’s mouth can have a drastic and fairly quick effect on their nutritional needs, particularly in older horses. Floating is done with a large power tool that places a rotating metal file directly against the chewing surfaces of the upper and lower teeth.
While it can be routine, especially if done on a regular basis, a problem tooth can often show up during the exam. Then the work gets a little trickier and can involve extractions if a tooth is causing a bigger problem. As horses age, this becomes an even more important part of their regular care. A horse is born with a predetermined tooth length. As teeth age, the surfaces wear down and they don’t align as well. By the time horses reach their twenties, many will have lost the ability to chew properly or be able to pull grass, which can affect their ability to maintain weight. Horse owners should be especially mindful of the condition of each horse’s teeth and seek treatment right away if they notice a horse spilling a lot of grain when they chew or suffering significant weight loss over a short period of time. Having a vet who specializes in this work, such as Unrein, can be a great asset to a horse owner and save a lot of heartache as well. As a horse owner, choosing your vet is important because, sooner or later, you’ll find yourself making that call. And when you do, you want to be sure you’ve got someone who instills confidence and gets the best result for you and your horse. With a little luck, you’ll find someone just like Dr. Brenda Unrein.
SUMMER 2016 | Published by News Media Corporation
EQUINE ENTHUSIAST | FEATURE
FREEZE BRAND VS. HOT IRON WHAT’S YOUR CHOICE? By Cassandra Matney STAFF WRITER
M
odern technology is always moving forward, and science has been very helpful when it comes to different branding methods for today’s ranchers. While many ranchers still hold to traditional branding with hot irons, there are other alternatives for today’s cattle, one being freeze branding. Hot iron branding refers to the brand that is fire heated (some ranchers use a branding stove with propane) while freeze branding replaces the hot iron with liquid nitrogen and/or dry ice and alcohol. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Any rancher knows that penny pinching can sometimes be pivotal in the rise or fall of their ranch. Hot iron branding does not carry the costs that freeze branding does because hot iron branding simply includes the rancher’s brand on a branding iron placed over heated coals or fire. The rancher has to pay for the brand, branding iron, and the coals and wood (or propane). The size of the herd will play a factor in the cost (if any) of firewood (or propane) along with whether or not they have more than one branding iron or are running more than one brand. For freeze branding, however, the rancher has to pay for the brand, as well as a special branding iron that could potentially run upwards of three hundred dollars. “Currently, a set of freeze-branding irons costs $125 to $150 for a complete set of numbers and over $300 for a complete set of letters. Custom irons range from $80 to $150. Some cattlemen's groups are buying a set of irons for use by their members,” according to John B. Hall, Extension Animal Scientist, Beef; Scott P. Greiner, Extension Animal Scientist, Beef/ Sheep; and Cynthia Gregg, Extension Agent, Brunswick County; Virginia Tech in their article “Cattle Identification: Freeze Branding.” The rancher much also purchase the liquid nitrogen or the dry ice and alcohol (the overall price depends on the size of the herd). Freeze branding is said to leave a cleaner brand that is easier to read because it makes the hair grow back in white while the hot iron brand burns into the hide leaving a scar on the skin to be seen through the hair. In an article from Beef Magazine by Heather HamiltonMaude entitled, “Why Freeze Branding Is ID Of Choice For Many Commercial Ranches,” Maude interviews John Kleiboeker, a Mis-
souri cattleman who practices freeze branding. “That white brand on a black-hided animal has a lot of eye appeal. Plus, we run our cows in about 40 sections, and clarity and ability to read a brand and cow number from a long distance was one deciding factor,” says Kleiboeker in the interview with HamiltonMaude. While freeze branding may leave a clearer mark, traditional hot iron branding is faster, which is a time saver during a branding. A hot iron brand could take as little as fifteen seconds a brand, giving the cattle less time to move and disfigure the brand while freeze branding could take as long as a minute (depending on the method chosen: liquid nitrogen or dry ice and alcohol) to brand. “The only disadvantage to freeze branding is the amount of time it takes. Try as we may, it takes at least ten minutes for two of us to place my brand and three numbers on each animal. But at the same time, to hurry too much is a mistake, since the brands are likely to turn out bad,” says Evan Rayl, an operator of Rayl Angus Farms, Inc., in Bridgewater Iowa, in an article on cattle. com that he wrote entitled “Freeze Branding.” A ranche’rs cattle is a rancher’s livelihood. While branding, be it traditional hot iron or the freeze method, is necessary, many ranchers choose freeze branding because it appears to be less painful for the cattle. In a study by Department of Herd Medicine and Theriogenology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada, entitled “Behavior of cattle during hot-iron and freeze branding and the effects on subsequent handling ease,” using three hundred “feedlot steers” randomly separated into three different branding methods, they hoped to determine which method among the three – freeze brand, hot iron, and sham branding – caused the least amount of pain (defined as the amount of “i.e., tail-flicking, kicking, falling, and vocalizing”) to the steer. Their results were as follows: “Results indicate that hot iron-branded steers experienced more discomfort at the time of branding than freeze-branded and sham steers, and freezebranded steers experienced more discomfort than shams”. While traditional hot iron branding holds strong for many ranchers, new developments in science are bringing new options to the table. Hot iron branding may be more cost effective and timelier, but freeze branding brings a clearer brand and is thought to be less painful for the cattle. Each has its advantage and
Published by News Media Corporation | SUMMER 2016
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EQUINE ENTHUSIAST | FEATURE
WHEELS OF TIME: CLASSIC TRANSPORTATION By Amanda Fry STAFF WRITER
I
nstead of a garage full of cars, Wheatland, Wyoming, resident Doug Kafka has a very different variety of transportation stored away for his use — a collection of more than 10 historic wagons, from an 1872 hearse, to a Conestoga wagon that has been converted to a chuck wagon. Kafka takes pride in his unique collection. Kafka has a lifelong working relationship with horses and wagons, starting out as a young boy plowing cornďŹ elds in the area with horse-drawn machinery. Nowadays, his team will haul chuck wagons for ranch rodeo events, recently serving 179 at the Kaycee Ranch Rodeo. His horses also have varied careers. Country music legend George Strait rode one in a Cheyenne Frontier Days parade when he was the Grand Marshal. Others hauled a wagon in the Texas Sesquicentennial Wagon Train in 1986. The train included a total of
10,000 riders from 27 states, and the event lasted for six months. The trail was more than 3,000 miles long. One of his newer acquisitions, a refurbished 1872 hearse, originally came from Nova Scotia, Canada, and he purchased it a year ago in Iowa. “It is a beautiful hearse,â€? he said, admiring the glass sides and ornate lanterns. Each lantern has small engravings of human faces on the metalwork, which Kafka said was meant to represent the souls of those who had passed on. The hearse now serves its original purpose, with Kafka renting it out for funerals. Kafka has a working knowledge of all of his wagons. He explains that the Conestoga wagon has a otation mechanism that allowed pioneers to safely cross rivers. He also demonstrates his knowledge when preparing authentic chuck wagon meals for a crowd. One of Kafka’s wagons was used in the Platte County Historic Trek on a tour through Wheatland.
Photo/Amanda Fry
Wheatland resident Doug Kafka takes participants in the recent Platte County Historic Trek on a tour through the town earlier this month. Kafka’s pride of ownership shines through as he gives a description of each piece in his collection and tells of its original use, and
the individual history of each vehicle. “They are beautiful, beautiful wagons,� he said.
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he Kemmerer Riding Club, a non-profit organization, is doing its part to keep the old west alive and kicking by hosting the Kemmerer Youth and Little Buckaroo Rodeo every summer at the Kemmerer rodeo grounds. Cowboys and cowgirls with ages ranging from zero to 17 demonstrate their rodeo skills in three categories: ground, rough stock and equine. The rodeo started off with a flag presentation by the Lincoln County Rodeo Royalty followed by ground events for ages zero to 10 including dummy-calf roping, goat tail ribbon pull, goat tying, calf ribbon pull and stick-horse barrel races. Everyone enjoyed watching these little buckaroos put their rodeo skills to the test. “I love seeing the little kids doing our favorite sport,” said Janice Hall, Lincoln County Rodeo Queen. “It’s the best thing to watch and I enjoy making sure the kids are having fun.”
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Club President Veronica Proffit explains the Kemmerer Riding Club exists to promote and facilitate equestrian and agricultural education and opportunities for the local and extended community. Wyoming residents from several surrounding counties as well as people from Utah travel to Kemmerer to enjoy this family event. The kids build a sense of camaraderie as they stand together cheering and supporting each other while they wait in line for their turn in the arena. Most first-timers are hesitant to climb onto the sheep and, although it may be a brief ride, they quickly feel a sense of pride. Two-time all around winner and rodeo regular Kyle Fox, age eight, talked strategy with some of the newcomers during the mutton runs by offering advice and giving support. “Riding the sheep was my favorite part,” said first-time sheep rider Drake Burris, age 3. “Next year I want to rope cows.”
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NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL RODEO ASSOCIATION: CONSERVING EVERYDAY COWBOY CUSTOMS By Jaycie (Cundall) Cheatham STAFF WRITER
T
he National High School Rodeo Association (NHSRA) has become an international organization helping young adults to become better sportsmen and horsemen, while conserving and promoting traditions of the American West. The National High School Finals Rodeo (NHSFR) is the “World’s Largest Rodeo,” with approximately 1,500 contestants from across the United States, Canada and Australia. High school athletes compete for national titles, assorted prizes and thousands of dollars in college scholarships. In sparsely populated rural Wyoming, Sublette County has retained its frontier heritage in commemorating the legacy of the area's mountain men, celebrating wilderness recre-
ation, and preserving the cowboy culture. Members of the Sublette County Rodeo Team attended the Wyoming State Finals at the state fairgrounds in Douglas, on June 8-11, and the team came away boasting four state champs and one alternate. Team members participated in two go-rounds and a qualifying round in hopes of reaching the NHSFR, which was held in Gillette at the end of July. “These members were focused, prepared and determined,” said team sponsor Carie Whitman. Her daughter Rylee Whitman, a junior from Big Piney, won her third consecutive state title in girls’ cutting. “She was flawless at the state fiPhoto/ Carie Whitman.
HIGH SCHOOL RODEO continued from page 26
Kolby Bradley gets ready to throw a loop over a calf to qualify for the Junior High Finals. See more photos on page 17.
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GOSHEN: 4-H EARNS CHAMPION JUNIOR TEAM GOSHEN continued from page 11 and Mercedes Powers, Goshen County sent one junior team and four intermediate teams to this contest with the following results: • Second-place junior team: Jami Garson, Kale Isbell, Tylar Stoddard and Kenzie Wilkins • Second-place intermediate team: Jesse Lynn Garson, Kendall Haas, Kaenee Isbell and Rori Masterson Impromptu Presentations: This contest challenges contestants to think clearly and organize their thoughts effectively on a topic with a short period of preparation. • Carly Keller earned third-place intermediate Produce Judging: Teams in this contest must identify, rank and evaluate up to 30 vegetables or fruits. Contestants are also required to answer questions and provide oral reasons to defend their placings.
Coached by 4-H junior leader Makenna Greenwald, team members earned several honors: • Third-place junior team: Ben Carter, Lucas Gara, Dally Wilkins and Kenzie Wilkins • Ben Carter: 11th-place junior placings • Lucas Gara: Fifth-high intermediate overall; first-place intermediate placings; second-place intermediate questions; • Dally Wilkins: Second-high intermediate overall; sixth-place intermediate placings; third-place intermediate questions; second-place intermediate ID line • Kenzie Wilkins: fourth-place overall junior; first-place junior placings; eighth-place ID line Robotics: Contestants can compete in up to four different contests designed to test their programming knowledge. Eleven Goshen County youth participated in several contests with these results:
Construction: Teams were tasked with building and programming a robot to help with a food safety issue; teams had up to five minutes to demonstrate their solution and complete an interview. • Fourth-place junior team: Jack Baker, Boden Barnes, Ben Carter, Tilly Fogle and Noah Speidel • Second-place junior team: JW Klein, Bryan Lowther and Cutter BillingerSmith • Fifth-place intermediate team: Joshua Speidel and Caleb Sauer Maze: In this event, teams must program their robot to complete a maze within 30 minutes. This contest is only available to intermediate and senior age 4-H members: • Tied for third place: Will Baker, Lucas Gara and Colby Hale • Tied for third place: Caleb Sauer and Joshua Speidel Mission: Open only to junior age 4-H
members, contestants must program their robot to complete up to three different tasks within the time frame: • Ninth-place team: Boden Barnes, Ben Carter, Tilly Fogle and Noah Speidel • Sixth-place team: JW Klein, Bryan Lowther and Cutter Billinger-Smith Table Setting: In this contest individuals demonstrate their ability to properly set a table for one guest at a meal. Goshen County kids again brought home high honors: • Brianna Lowther: Fourth-place junior • Bridgette Lowther: Fourth-place intermediate • Carly Keller: Second-place intermediate For more information on any of these contests or other projects available in Goshen County 4-H, please contact the University of Wyoming Extension, Goshen County office at (307) 532-2436.
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Kaenee Isbell, Cora Frederick and Kendall Haas earned Champion Junior Horse Judging Team. Not pictured: Rori Masterson.
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RODEO: START ‘EM YOUNG RODEO continued from page 15 Burris’ older sister, Chayzlee, age 7, also a first-time rider, said, “My favorite part was not the sheep riding. I'm looking forward to barrel racing on my horse John, so we can do better next year." The spectators’ emotions intensified when the calves and steers lined up for their chance to test the spirit of the 8- to 10-year-olds. Some of the more adventurous kids took their shot at bareback steer riding and the mini/ junior bull riding. The 8- to 10-year-olds opened the
breakaway roping competition, followed by the older kids. Team roping, goat tying, barrel racing and pole bending kept the action going until the rodeo came to a close after the completion of the equestrian events. The top performers in each age category were awarded all around buckles and a cash prize. Mandee Higley from Plain City, Utah, won for the 15-17 age group. Harley Mackey from Cokeville won the 8-10 age group. Kayla Teichert, also from Cokeville, won the 11-14 age group. Kyle Fox from Kemmerer won the 8- to 10-year-old group and Presli Pope from Cokeville was the winner among the 0- to 4-year-olds.
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Riggen Walker is all business while chasing his calf during the 8- to 10-year-old break-away roping event at the Kemmerer Rodeo grounds.
Lincoln County Rodeo Royalty sit together enjoying a perfect view of the action at the Kemmerer Youth and Little Buckaroo Rodeo. Left to right, Gracie McNeel - 1st attendant Jr. Princess; Addie Butler - Princess; Ali Kilroy - Jr. Princess; Emma Brown - 2nd attendant Jr. Princess and Janice Hall - Queen. Published by News Media Corporation | SUMMER 2016
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EQUINE ENTHUSIAST | FEATURE
BEAR RIVER BUCKAROO: 12-YEAR-OLD RANCHER, POET AND PHILOSOPHER By Bethany Lange STAFF WRITER
T
he boy known as the Bear River Buckaroo has spent much of his life in the saddle, helping his family on their ranch, and he is also an established cowboy poet, although he is only 12 years old. Thatch Elmer’s work has been published multiple times and he now performs his poetry in dozens of shows annually. He is a native of Bear River, Wyoming, although he recently moved with his family to Heber City, Utah, since many of his shows are in Utah. Although Thatch drew inspiration from poets in his family, such as his father, and from other notable cowboy poets such as Baxter Black, his everyday life has shaped him the most.
He grew up in a ranching family whose work ethic and values molded his character and passions, and cowboy poetry was a big part of his life from early on as well. It is a lifestyle that is not native to everyone and can seem exotic and foreign, but for Thatch, things such as his “cowboy costume” (as some have called it) are simply a fact of an everyday life that is close to the land, to ranching and to horses, cattle and dogs. “When you’re in something and it’s in your blood, then it’s who you are, and that’s how I got started,” Thatch said. “... The things I write about and the things I tell about are just a small piece of who I am and what I do in my everyday lifestyle.” “That’s why everybody else likes
cowboy poetry — because that’s who they are,” he added. This attitude suffuses his every poem with vivid images and a conversational Western voice. Horses are a big part of his poetry, although he writes about many subjects, including people, places and animals near to his life and dear to his heart. One of Thatch’s poems, “The Perfect ‘Storm,’” is about his relationship with his sorrel pony, Storm. Several lines reveal the deep connection the pair has, although the final lines of the poem are especially poignant. “He is the perfect ranch horse, And we make the perfect pair, No matter where we’re headed, My Storm will get me there.” “Horses take you someplace that a
person can’t,” Thatch said. “When we saddle up and trot out in the morning, the horse and my connection is the only thing that can get us through the day.” To be part of such a team is a very personal experience, and it is very important for the rider and the horse to work well together. Thatch said the same thing applies to people. “Just like with horses, you can have a great mindset,” he said, “but if you don’t have the connection and you’re not friends, you’re not going to be able to get anything done with each other.” “There’s a saying that says you can really judge the way a man is by the
BUCKAROO continued on page 23
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BUCKAROO: POET AND PHILOSOPHER BUCKAROO continued from page 22 way he treats his horse,” Thatch said, “and I am a firm believer of that.” Thatch began memorizing poetry when he was about 5 years old, and he began writing three years later. He first performed in Heber City, Utah, in October 2013, and his career has grown ever since. Not only does he perform dozens of shows a year, but he is also a contributor to the book “Cowboy Rhymes ‘n’ Dreams of Other Times.” He has also achieved his first two major goals, including being invited to the Heber City Cowboy Gathering and being invited to be a guest at the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, Nevada. His next goal is to be invited to the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering every year. Even as he has gained acclaim, though, he has never stopped learning. “When I first started doing cowboy poetry, ...I would sit and watch
people, then I’d have to get up and do something,” Thatch said. “...Now I’ve learned to be patient.” He said this field has also shaped his character in more ways than one, including teaching him the value of keeping an open mind and of humility. “You know, it keeps me out of trouble, it keeps me in a good mindset and it keeps me humble,” he added. “...If you’re not humble, these people will put you in your place.” When he isn’t performing, he spends a lot of time with his horses, and he said he wishes he could spend even more time with them and with his family. He said he has learned not to take this precious time for granted, though. Despite the difficulties, cowboy poetry is now an indelible part of Thatch’s life. “When I started doing cowboy poetry, I didn’t think I would do this forever,” he said. “... This is something I will do for the rest of my life.”
Thatch Elmer is only 12 years old, but he is already an established cowboy poet performing dozens of shows annually. His poetry is shaped by his ranching lifestyle and by his heroes, including his father and cowboy poet Baxter Black.
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SUBLETTE: BRANDINGS SUBLETTE continued from page 6 tury’s worth of summers, the cows and that year’s calves are turned out in early June. About two weeks later, the grand parade of black Angus and Hereford bulls begins, and they are “turned out” with the cows by trailer and afoot, and their minds turn to making next year’s calves. During this little break, the cows gorge themselves on grass and wander along the streams, getting fitter every day for their next “litter” of calves. It’s been noted that even during this big “meat market” party, bulls often prefer to lounge. Fast-forward to October, when “roundup” means riders gather all of these cows, calves and bulls from farflung corners of their respective grazing allotments. Yearlings might be shipped all together or held until November, when cows are preg-checked and the “opens” or unbred females are likely slated for early sale. This is generally when Hoback ranchers choose to wean the spring calves from the cows, and all moan loudly for a day or two and then carry on. The “breds” are vaccinated to keep them and their unborn calves healthy and shortly thereafter — when the
snow flies — they begin their winter diet of hay, and lots of it. The bulls? They go back to their manly pastimes of eating, napping, eating, wandering, licking salt blocks and recuperating from their summer flings to be fit for the next summer’s turnout. In Bondurant, some still choose to harness up their workhorse teams to pull the haywagons and eventually sleighs that carry huge loads of loose hay through the winter. As calving season approaches in early spring, cowboys saddle up their hoar-frosted horses to ride through the expectant herds and check on each mama’s condition, to make sure nothing is going wrong. As due dates come close, some horses will enjoy this kind of rambling through the fields at all hours; others are thoroughly disgusted by not being able to chase and work the bovines at high speeds. For most people, “branding” would appear to epitomize the completion of calving season — with all of the hubbub, smells, sounds and, of course, wonderful home-cooked branding dinners. Yet there’s still something to get done every single day and if we’re lucky, we get to do it from the backs of our horses!
Photo/ Joy Ufford
Being horseback provides one of the best perspectives for any ranch work, even on a chilly fall day during roundup.
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EQUINE ENTHUSIAST | FEATURE
HIGH SCHOOL RODEO: CONSERVING EVERYDAY COWBOY CUSTOMS HIGH SCHOOL RODEO continued from page 21 nals, winning both go-rounds and the short round,” said Carie. Hanging on Rylee’s wall in her room is a list of goals, and winning the state title three times has now been checked off. Also on her list are goals related to her homeschooling and to practice heeling on her new horse for team roping. Rylee and her horse, Maradas Tachita, better known as Chief, will advance to nationals in the No. 1 position. Chief is just as much of a champion as Rylee, as he has helped her win titles at state all three years. Brian Brown of LaBarge is the state titleholder for bareback riding. “It feels good. Now I’m focused on getting back into pro rodeos this summer,” said Brown of his win. A recent graduate of Big Piney High School, Brown received a rodeo scholarship to attend the College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls, and he
will continue to compete at the college level. Karson Bradley, a junior from Big Piney, won first place in barrel racing and fourth in pole bending to qualify for nationals. Bradley said she had a “very, very good state” experience with poles, considering she was in 14th place for the season, before the state competition. “I knew I had to have a good run so I just tried my hardest,” said Bradley. “I had some butterflies until I started to ride, and then I felt pretty comfortable.” When it came to barrels, Bradley said her first round wasn’t great, so she hopped on a different horse for the rest of the competition. The switch paid off. Bradley spent her summer traveling to both her and her younger brother Kolby’s competitions all across the country and to the national competition in Gillette. Last year, Whitman, Brown and
Bradley — all cousins — made it into the top 20 at nationals, which allowed them to advance to a final round of competition to determine who would walk away with championship buckles. Terrell Hunter, a recent Big Piney graduate, was the No. 1 finisher and state champion for trapshooting. Hunter shot a 92/100 to qualify for nationals. “It went pretty good,” he said. “I shot with four other people — I’ve shot with them a couple of other times.” Hunter first pulled the trigger at 13 years old. Shortly after, he was gifted a 12-gauge Winchester to use for 4-H and eventually signed up to compete in rodeos. To prepare for nationals, Hunter continued to practice with his grandpa and uncle who have a trap-puller. “I shoot about 25 rounds in a week,” said Hunter. In the fall, Hunter will attend the University of Wyoming to study pe-
troleum engineering. UW has a trapshooting team that Hunter plans to join. Bull rider Zack Winer, a junior at Pinedale High School, landed in the alternate position for fifth place at state and won the average. “He arrived at state with his awesome attitude and it paid off,” said Whitman. “It took true grit to stay on that bull,” she added, and Zack achieved one of the biggest point gains out of all of the riders. “I was really excited — I went in 12th and came out fifth,” he said. For the last couple of years, alternates have stepped up to compete at nationals due to finalists’ injuries. Zack entered several rodeos in Jackson and practiced on his bucking machine at home. Emulating their American West ancestors, these athletes possess dedication, heartiness and a will to conquer. The 2016 NHSFR was held on July 17-23 in Gillette, Wyo. For results, visit nhsra.com.
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See more details at LashleyLand.com Scott Saults • 308-289-1383 SUMMER 2016 | Published by News Media Corporation
EQUINE ENTHUSIAST | FEATURE
THE LONG HORSE RIDE WALES WOMAN CONTINUES TREK THROUGH UNITED STATES By Sabrina Garcia STAFF WRITER
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ixty-five-year-old Megan Lewis of Wales has traveled across Europe and Asia on horseback and recently pursued her journey through the United States while following the original Pony Express Trail. Lewis spent her childhood in Malaya, a peninsula in southeast Asia, where her father was a headmaster of a school and an author of geography textbooks. When it came time for Lewis to go to college, she chose a degree in southeast Asian studies and geography. She then took a postgraduate certificate in education at London University and taught for 10 years at a London girls’ school. “In the UK, all my holidays were spent at our Carmarthenshire home, and it was there that my love of riding was fostered, after learning to ride on my uncle’s
shepherding pony as a child,” she said. “I took particular delight in disappearing over the hills of central Wales on my pony, sometimes for days at a time on overnight or weeklong forays, and often dreamed of a more ambitious expedition.” After teaching for several years, Lewis’ husband, Iestyn, came up with an idea of a charity that encouraged youth to raise money, through exercise, for disadvantaged children. Her husband then received a sponsorship from founding member of Rubicon Fund Management Ltd., Paul Brewer, in 2004. Since then, the foundation has raised a quarter of a million British pounds for children worldwide, and has just been launched in the USA. By 2007, all of Lewis’ children had left
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Scotts Bluff County Fair 129 Years July 30 - August 6 - 4H July 30 - Mexican Fiesta Aug 2 - FFA Alumni Lawn Mower Races & 1 Ton Tug of War Aug 3 - 33rd Annual Rubber Check Race Aug 4 - Heartland Truck & Tractor Pull Aug 5 - Built Ford Tough Mud Bog Aug 6 - Lonestar - opening act Forgotten Highway Aug 20 - Demolition Derby
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Megan Lewis of Wales recently traveled the Pony Express Trail, as part of her riding journey that’s taken her across Europe, Asia and parts of the United States.
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FALL
KINDNESS RANCH: A SANC SANCTUARY FOR RESEARCH ANIMALS
By Megan Rawlins STAFF WRITER
PHILOSOPHICAL APPROACH HELPS FORM RELATIONSHIPS WITH ONCE-SHY HORSES
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EQUINE ENTHUSIAST | FEATURE
BRED TO RUN, RACE ACE AND BARREL 7 LAZY K RANCH QUARTER HORSES BOASTS OASTS SOME OF THE NATION’S FINEST
ar out, on the edge of Sublette County, even out past the edge of the small town of Boulder, is a ranch that, come early next spring, will welcome four registered racing quarter or paint horses into the world. The small breeding outfit of 7 Lazy K Quarter Horses is, despite its size, home to children of some of the nation’s top moneymakers in the field of racing and barrel racing. The stud in residence is Dashing Move Fame, whose sire, Dash Ta Fame, was a barrel champion that produced millions of dollars in race earnings. Two of this spring’s foals will be Dashing’s, and owner, operator, breeder, trainer and all-around head honcho Heather Wells said she is already looking forward to meeting the young ones and gauging their potential. This has been Wells’ first year breeding Dashing, although she and her partner Bill Kelly have been breeding racing and barrel horses for eight years. Dashing’s previous offspring were too young to race the 2011 season, so no one will know how his progeny will perform until the 2012 season starts May 1. But Dashing’s bloodline is solid. His father, grandfather and great-grandfather, as well as his grandmother and great-grandmother, all have speed indexes over 100. A speed index of more than 80 earns a horse recognition for merit. Wells and Kelly are among the more than 100 performance breeders in Sublette and Sweetwater counties, and Wells said they are much smaller than many of the other breeders. “We do it for the fun of it,” she said. “We may make some supplemental income, and the horses we sell typically cover our expenses.” But it’s clear by the smile in her eyes it’s the love of it that keeps her going. It’s a lot of work monitoring mares to determine when they’re in heat, conducting the breeding and then monitoring mares to see if they’re in foal, not to mention raising foals from birth to when they are released into pasture. Kelly
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By Amber Ningen STAFF WRITER
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efore coming to the Kindness Ranch, RayAnne, a tall thoroughbred, was not adoptable. The mare had been used in research and had behavior problems and no manners. Today, she is able to run free through a pasture with other horses in rural southeast Wyoming. The once ill-mannered RayAnne now has good manners, thanks to the new culture that surrounds her. RayAnne’s story is just one of the Kindness Ranch’s success stories. Located near Hartville, the Kindness Ranch American Sanctuary For Research Animals is a 1,000-acre ranch that takes in all kinds of animals formerly used in research. Dr. David Groobman founded the sanctuary, which opened in the summer of 2007. Groobman dedicated 10 years of planning to the sanctuary. Ranch manager David Sleeper said Kindness Ranch staff members are not animal activists. “Our job is to provide the research laboratories a wonderful alternative to euthanasia,” he said. In order to do that, the Kindness Ranch fosters a working relationship with the researchers. While at the Kindness Ranch, animals
Courtesy photo
Dashing Move Fame is the stud for Heather Wells’ 7 Lazy K Quarter Horses outside of Boulder. works out of town much of the time, and many of these tasks are left to Wells. Mares are monitored with an ultrasound machine Wells has at the ranch. Images can tell her when mares are beginning their fertility cycle, to give Wells as much time as possible to administer the artifi cial insemination to impregnate them. The ultrasound can also tell when fertilization has occurred, even before there’s a heartbeat. The day-in, day-out work comes once the foals are born. “It’s a lot for one person to halterbreak, trim the hooves and pick up the feet of all the foals every day,” she said, explaining part of the routine to get the newborns accustomed to being around people. But when the foals aren’t being handled, they’re running around the paddocks, bucking and carrying on like the ability to walk was their own personal discovery, which, in a way, it was.
After 11 months and two weeks growing slowly in a mare, foals are born and able to walk within hours. It’s not the most graceful walk, as their legs unfold from nearly a year curled beneath them. But they figure out what it means to be a horse. Soon enough though, they’re walking and running – then racing. If Wells can’t fi nd buyers for her foals, she’ll keep them and race them when they’re a year old, with the hopes of selling them as finished racehorses. Unlike thoroughbreds, who race between 3/4 and 1 1/2 miles, quarter horses typically run between 300 and 400 yards, around one quarter of a mile – hence the name. Wells takes her horses to Idaho to e, where there are fi five race, ve tracks. The ck Springs track recently opened, and Rock shee said she’s looking forward to doing me racing closer to home. But Idaho some ’t that bad, she said, when compared isn’t
to traveling to Oklahoma to race her paint horses. Quarter and paint horses belong to different associations, so their races are separate, although the races themselves are similar. When their racing career is over, Wells’ horses transition into running barrels, and this is where Dashing’s bloodline emerges to take center stage. Wells said in the barrelracing world, Dash Ta Fame is a household name, and often all the promotion needed to get Dashing’s name recognized. And with that should come demand for breeding opportunities. That’s all the more so, since Wells is keeping the stud fee at $650, when most performance stud fees exceed $1,000. That may change, though, when Dashing’s potential, as realized through his offspring, is recognized. If his foals do well next season, Wells and Kelly may not be doing this all just for fun anymore.
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– which include horses, dogs, cats, sheep and pigs – are rehabilitated in a homelike environment. Though Sleeper says he doesn’t consider himself a horse whisperer, he has a philosophy that has allowed him to form relationships with once untrusting animals. The more afraid an animal is, the more powerful and “permanent” is the response to his techniques. Although the philosophy is given in much better detail when Sleeper relays it to visitors at the Kindness Ranch, the bottom line is that animals mimic our behavior. If a human shows respect by using certain listening and intuiting techniques, coupled with an unwillingness to enter in to the animal’s “zone of intimacy” unless invited, the fearful animal becomes attracted like a magnet to this energetic safety exhibited by the human. The human basically focuses on evolving themselves to their higher form with no agenda and the animal amazingly is attracted and mimics that behavior. The fearful animal ends up being the instigator and choreographer of the deep bonding on an energetic level that emerges. Techniques then follow which encourage non-impulsive thinking behavior with the resulting boost in self esteem. Sleeper said that he can’t tell who is the
Members of the Kindness Ranch are welcome to stay in “yurts” while visiting. For more information on visiting the ranch, visit www.kindnessranch.org.
| FEATURE
Photos by Amber Ningen
Horses at the Kindness Ranch roam a pasture on a sunny October morning. The Kindness Ranch is made up of 1,000 acres. lead mare at the Kindness Ranch. “They all have manners, squabbles are rare and the pecking order seems to be non-existant,” he said. The former lead mare now has the most manners and perhaps the others are following her lead. In RayAnne’s case, the thoroughbred had been getting treats and sweet feed before coming to the Kindness Ranch and she was ill mannered towards people and equines. Sleeper’s idea is that having a relationship with an animal’s stomach leads to impulsive and addictive behavior with poor manners. Whereas relating the heart and mind encourages thinking and evolving and good manners. Sleeper said the 15 horses at the Kind-
ness Ranch now have their own culture that is based on manners and thinking. When a new horse arrives like RayAnne, instead of pecking order battle, the whole herd helps her to leave her impulsiveness behind and become a thinker with manners. “This sounds so strange and impossible until one sees it in action. It is a very rewarding for us folks to see animals that were subject to the trials of research end up living harmoniously with high selfesteem in a Wyoming paradise,” he said. The Kindness Ranch welcomes visitors. It offers well-appointed cabins for its members to stay in while visiting. For more information on the Kindness Ranch, visit kindnessranch.org.
Ranch Manager David Sleeper demonstrates his First Lite technique on Stormy.
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Published by News Media Corporation | FALL 2011
FALL 2011 | Published by News Media Corporation
21
FRONTIER DAYS FINALIST FOR ARENA VET NAMED PRCA AWARD DR. NORM SWAN SON KNOWS A THING OR TWO ABOU T BIG-TIME RODE
OS
STAFF REPORT
serving of this award, which makes he Profession the job of the al Rodeo Cowselection committee boys Associatio very difficult,” n is proud to said Doug Corey, announce the DVM, Pro Rodeo Hall of Famer sen out of a stellar five finalists choand chairman of the fi PRCA Animal for the 2011 “PRCA eld of nominees Welfare Committee Veterinarian of “It is an honor the Year Award,” to be associated with presented by Purina. such The field includes group of veterinarya distinguish ed profession son of Cheyenne, Dr. Norm Swanals that advocate for the welfare nated by Cheyennewho was nomirodeo livestock.” of Frontier Days Rodeo officials. The original field of 16 nominees The 2011 recipient was narrowed to these five will be announced in late distinguished veterinaria October and will ns: honored at the be ■ Dr. Joseph PRCA Contract Coli, Reno, Nev.; Personnel Banquet nominated by Wednesday, Nov. the Reno Rodeo in Las Vegas, 30, and Bob Feist and Wrangler National during the 53rd ■ Dr. Garth Lamb, Finals Rodeo SatLas Vegas, Nev.; urday, Dec. 3, nominated by 2011, at the Thomas Shawn Davis Mack Center in & ■ Dr. Norm Swanson, Las Vegas. Cheyenne; The award was nominated by created in 2010 Cheyenne Frontier recognize dedication to Days Rodeo to the health and welfare of ■ Dr. Jake Wells, rodeo livestock San Antonio, veterinaria ns across by Tex.; nominated the country. The by the San Antonio award is made Stock Show & possible by a partnerRodeo ship with Purina ■ Dr. Wes Mills to sponsor Wittman, Sonora, the award. Calif.; nominated by the Mother “Every nominee Lode Roundup is absolutely deRodeo and Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Posse
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Swanson has served as the arena son veterinaria n for has been an active the Cheyenne member Frontier Days of the contestants for 42 committee in years. In this capacity,consecutive Cheyenne for he has co- volunteerin more than 40 years, ordinated with g his time to ensure the general comthe mittee, the contestants contestants and hired personnel chairman, at PRCA judges and stock contrac- Cheyenne are taken care of during tors to oversee their stay. His the health and care the committee involvemen t with of all livestock has been on-site during the event. Cheyenne on providing immediate focused had nearly attention medical 1,700 competitor to animals if s this year and needed. the rodeo lasted “I have personally twelve days with witnessed Dr. nine sections of slack and nine Norm Swanson’s dedication to the performances. The sport of rodeo. He is extremely total number of livestock exceeded qualified for this award,” said 4,000. SwanPRCA stock contractor Harry Vold.
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| FALL 2011
WILD
EQUINE ENTHUSIAST | FEATURE
continued from page 46
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WILD HORSES: A SYMBOL OF THE AMERICAN WEST THE LARGEST NUMBER OF WYOMING’S WILD HORSES ARE IN THE SOUTHWEST By Virginia Giorgis STAFF WRITER
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yoming boasts the second largest wild horse herd in the nation, second only to Nevada. Wild horses are symbols of the West – they are untamed spirits and have free range on a wide-open landscape. Today’s wild horses are descendants of horses brought to the United States by the Spanish, as well as horses subsequently turned out by ranchers or led away by the wild horse herds. As of February, there were 5,333 wild horses in Wyoming, according to June Wendlandt, Wyoming’s BLM wild horse and burro program lead. Currently, the number of wild horses is around 2,000 head over the projected management level, which is set at between 2,490 and 3,725 horses.
The wild horses are regulated under the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971. The act sets guidelines for maintaining the wild horses and their forage. “We have healthy horses in Wyoming, and we want to keep it that way,” Wendlandt said. Wild horses differ from domestic horses, as they have naturally bred for survival in the wild countryside. They are more compact and have thicker, sturdier legs to carry them over the open ranges. Wendlandt said a large part of management requirements for wild horses is determined by the vegetation and forage on BLM land. She explained the BLM is a multiple-use agency, so the land they manage is divided into multiple purposes, such as wildlife, wild horses, livestock and recreation. BLM analyzes the “amount and type of forage and divides it into pieces of the pie.”
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BLM Wyoming Herd Management Areas (HMAs) for 2011.
Wild horses are found in Wyoming on the western half of the state from as far north as the Cody area to the state’s southern border. Wendlandt said wild horses in Wyoming are managed in 16 management areas, with the largest number of wild horses in the southwest. Wild horses can be seen from I-80 as motorists drive across the western portion of the state. There are Courtesy photos of BLM also a number of wild horses in the Some of the scenes of the horses living in the wild make for worthRed Desert area. while touring.
FINDING WILD HORSES Courtesy of BLM
Pilot Butte Wild Horse Scenic Tour.
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EQUINE ENTHUSIAST
The two easiest places to view wild horses are in the Pryor Mountains outside Lovell and in southwest Wyoming, near Rock Springs. A loop tour has even been developed near Rock Springs, known as
the Pilot Butte Wild Horse Scenic Loop Tour. The area is easily accessible and is on the top of Pilot Butte, which lies on the east side of Rock Springs. The 24-mile self-guided tour can begin
WILD continued on page 47 FALL 2011 | Published by News Media Corporation
in either Green River or Rock Springs. Travelers should plan on about 1 1/2 hours to complete the tour, most of which is on gravel roads. “It is a good tour to take,” Wendlandt said, “and most likely the wild horses will be there.” Another sizable herd is in the Adobe Town area, south of I-80 near Rock Springs. The Pryor Mountain Wild Mustang Center features a museum. Visitors can learn about the horses there, as well as the current location of the herd before driving out to locate it. Another benefit is often the sighting of other wildlife in the area. Wild horse management tools include a count of the herds, maintaining the forage, roundups and adoptions, and managing the reproduction of the herds, Wendlandt said. Other management tools for the wild horses include “gathering and removing excess horses, treating the mares with PZP – a form of birth control which prevents the mares from breeding for two years – and adjusting the ratio of the released horses so more males are released than females. That helps maintain a slower growth rate of the herd so the time between round ups can be lengthened, Wendlandt said. Another option that has been considered has been spaying mares and neutering studs. This option has been sidelined until it can be determined what its impact would be on geldings being released back into the herds.
ADOPTING WILD HORSES
Roundups are conducted periodically if the wild horse numbers are deemed too large. The gathered horses are then put up for adoption. To adopt, applications must be submitted by interested parties that contain many specific, including what type of trailer will be used to pick up a horse, and what type of pen will be employed. Requirements include maintaining a fence six feet or higher, a 20by-20 foot enclosure constructed of substantial pipe or wood and connected to a shelter of at least 12by-12 feet. Such specifications are required because most of the ad-
Published by News Media Corporation | FALL 2011
opted horses are “untouched,” or have had little training, though some of the adopted horses may be halter or saddle broken. In Wyoming, the process runs through the spring and summer, though in other states the adoption process is handled year-round. The corrals in southwest Wyoming were closed Sept. 30. There were 128 horses adopted in Wyoming this year, Wendlandt said. The aim is to have 2,000 to 3,000 wild horses adopted nationwide; these numbers were not met this year. Wendlandt blamed the lower adoption rate on the weak economy. “It is hard for people to think about feeding a horse,” Wendlandt suggested, “when they are thinking about feeding their family.” Wild horses have been adopted by a wide variety of individuals. Some are retirees who want to trail ride, others are younger p e o p l e who need a good working horse for their ranch. Others just wa n t to pleasure ride. W i l d horses, Wendlandt said, are “very versatile and
can do almost anything.” She added a wild horse was “the best horse I ever had. She would wait for me to get home from school. I could catch her with no halter, no lead line, and ride her to the house” after Wendlantdt got off the bus from school.
MUSTANG DAYS
A prime wild horse-related event in Wyoming is Mustang Days. The event is held in conjunction with the Mustang Heritage Foundation, a non-profit group. The event was most recently held at the Wyoming State Fair Aug. 16-20, and included competitors as young as 5 years old showing their wild horses. Competitions consisted of mustang owners competing in things like halter, trail courses, western pleasure and freestyle, which can include a theatrical bent. Cheyenne resident Kathi Wilson’s performance with her wild horse was “so cool,” Wendlandt said. Wilson “laid her horse down on the ground. It was done to music, and then she got on and road bareback.” Another important part of Mustang Days is the competition between wild horse trainers. Members of the Honor Farm at Riverton work with some of the wild horses before they are adopted. Also, three members of the Mantle Wild Horse Training Facility competed against one another. The horses have been trained anywhere from 20 days to a year. Jeff Martin of the Honor Farm earned the belt buckle for being the best trainer. The adoption rate was 20 out of 20 – 18 horses and two burros – at the Mustang Days. Wendlandt credited this to the fun and excitement of the event, which made others want to participate next year.
EQUINE ENTHUSIAST
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SUMMER 2016 | Published by News Media Corporation
EQUINE ENTHUSIAST | FEATURE
PONY EXPRESS: THE LONG HORSE RIDE PONY EXPRESS continued from page 27 home, and she found herself with a tremendous amount of free time. “It was then that the strands of an idea began to pull together in my mind,” she said. “My long-held dream to undertake a long horse ride, my interest in Asia — fueled by the opening up of China and Central Asia, the port and fitness-promoting element of the charity; add to this the imminent Beijing and London Olympics, which also provided an obvious starting point and destination, and all these factors jelled to form the concept of the Long Horse Ride.” Lewis’ journey began in 2008, in Beijing, and carried on along the Great Wall of China toward England, finishing on the Dingle Peninsula in Ireland in 2013. Lewis named this journey “The Trans Eurasian Ride.” “It was very interesting,” she said. “I saw a lot of things and had a lot of setbacks. It was quite a major thing, really.”
Charity
Lewis’ journey didn’t come without a few hurdles. Nine days after she started from Beijing, she fell off her horse and broke six ribs, a collarbone, and suffered a punctured lung. Due to this accident, her journey was delayed for three months. She hit another bump in the trail when she was delayed for three weeks at the Ukraine and Hungary border because the Ukrainian government refused her paperwork for entry. Despite the sometimes rocky road, the good experiences seemed to outweigh the bad. “In China, where most people go and see the tourist sites, I was actually staying at farmhouses and truck stops and seeing how people actually live,” Lewis said. “So you do see far, far more — and you meet the people.” Lewis’ “transcontinental crossing of North America” is planned to be completed in three stages. The first stage, called “Maritime Canada” started on the easternmost point of Canada, at Cape Spear, Newfoundland, in
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May 2014. The route followed the Trans Canada Trail through Newfoundland’s wild terrain of forests and lakes. “After crossing the mainland we rode through the muggy maritime provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Quebec,” she said, “to Trois Rivieres on the St. Lawrence river.” The second stage, called “The Great Lakes” began in April of 2015 and continued south through the Great Lakes region of Ontario for three months, crossing into the U.S. at Chicago. From Chicago, the ride aimed for St. Joseph, Missouri. The third and final stage began in April of this year and will follow the Pony Express Trail across the United States. The Pony Express was a mail service operating from April of 1860 to October 1861 and served as the West’s most direct means of east-west communication, especially for the new state of California. The Pony Express delivered small packages, mail, and newspapers on horseback from St. Joseph, Missouri, across the Great Plains, over the Rocky Mountains
and the Sierra Nevada to Sacramento, California. Lewis said she chose the Pony Express Trail because of its history, plus it gives the ride more interest and meaning. “The Pony Express Trail in particular seemed to be relevant as I am traveling by pony,” she said. So far, Lewis has ridden alone across North America for more than 4,500 miles; however, she may be joined by other riders for a few parts of the next stage. The biggest challenge she has faced while riding in the United States is negotiating traffic and finding water and grass for the horses; however, she still has enjoyed her journey in several different ways and says that there are good people everywhere in the world. As of now, Lewis does not have plans for any other riding adventures in the future. Those who wish to follow Lewis’ journey may do so by going to www.facebook.com/TheLongHorseRide.
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EQUINE ENTHUSIAST | FEATURE
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BASIN, WY Cenex/Big Horn Co-Op Overland Express BIG PINEY, WY Burneys Sublette County Fairgrounds Western Veterinary Service BOULDER, WY Boulder Store Boulder Vet Clinic BUFFALO, WY Buffalo Livestock Auction Buffalo Veterinary Clinic Big Horn Co-op Picks Saddle Shop BURNS, WY Panhandle Coop CASPER, WY Casper Animal Medical Center Moss Saddles, Boot & Tack Lou Talbert Ranch Out¿tters Murdoch’s Ranch Supply Noland Feed Inc. Star-Line Feeds CHEYENNE, WY 287 Supply A & C Feed Barnes & Noble Boot Barn Bunkhouse Bar Burger Inn Cheyenne Depot Cheyenne Frontier Days City News Cowboy Dodge Frontier Veterinary Kubota LCCC Maverick Motorsports McDonalds East McDonalds North Murdoch’s Norco Construction Center Old West Museum Plains Hotel Sierra Trading Post Sutherland Lumber Tri State Large Animal hospital Wrangler Wyoming Equipment Wyoming Home COKEVILLE, WY Flying J DANIEL, WY Daniel Junction Store DOUGLAS, WY City Shoe & Saddle Douglas Chamber of Commerce Douglas Feed Store Wyoming State Fairgrounds EVANSTON, WY A Cut Above Butcher Shop Bear River Veterinary Clinic Best Western Dunmar Inn
Boot Barn Dave’s Custom Meats Evanston Chamber of Commerce Evanston Visitor’s Center Keith’s Feed & Farm Supply Little Paws Pet Salon Maverik MJB Animal Clinic Murdoch’s Ranch Supply Quality Inn Rip’s Groceries The Speed Bump Sports World Superior Rental Uinta County Cooperative Ext. Uinta County Fair Of¿ce Uinta Veterinary Services U.S. Forest Service Of¿ce Western Ag Credit Of¿ce FARSON, WY Farson Feed Farson Store FORT BRIDGER, WY TA Truck Stop FORT LARAMIE, WY Fort Laramie American Grill FRANNIE, WY Frannie Tack Supply GILLETTE, WY Coop Country Store Longhorn Tack & Gift Thars Feed & Ranch Supply Wyoming Work Warehouse GREYBULL, WY Big Horn Co-op Overland Express Probst West. Outdoor Clothing GUERNSEY, WY Wyoming West Realty JACKSON, WY Animal Clinic of Jackson Aspens Market Boot Barn Flat Creek Saddle Shop Hines-Goldsmith Jackson Hole Feed and Pet Loaf n Jug Spring Creek Animal Clinic Teton County Fairgrounds KAYCEE, WY Kaycee Sinclair Wild Man Riggins KEMMERER, WY Hamsfork Station Kemmerer/Diamondville Chamber Kemmerer Gazette Kum & Go Wagner Chevron Foodmart Western Veterinary Services KIRBY, WY Butches Place LaBARGE, WY All American Fuel LaBarge Town Hall LANDER, WY
Lander Animal Hospital Lander Book Shop Lander Chamber Lander Mills Loaf n Jug LARAMIE, WY Delancy Training Stables Longhorn Saddle Shop Nightingale Equestrian Center The Acre Company The Boardwalk The Feed Store The Tack Room LINGLE, WY Rose Bros. LITTLE AMERICA, WY The Little America Hotel LOVELL, WY Good 2 Go LUSK, WY Decker’s Food Center Niobrara County Extenstion Niobrara Feed Store Outpost Café Rawhide Drug Zerbe’s Prairie Creations LYMAN, WY Bridger Valley Chamber Bridger Valley Electric Association Bridger Valley Pioneer Gas N Go Maverik Rest Stop - Exit 41 Henderson Meats MANDERSON, WY Hi Way Café MANVILLE, WY 3 Sisters Café MARBLETON, WY Loaf n Jug - Marbleton Midway Mall Obos - Marbleton MEETEETSE, WY Elk Horn Bar & Gril Wea Market CONOCO MOORCROFT, WY Coffee Cup Fuel Stop MOUNTAIN, VIEW, WY Benedict’s Market Maverik Wyoming Pawn & Rental NEWCASTLE, WY 4 Way Gas N Go Thar’s Feed & Ranch PINE BLUFFS, WY Pine Bluffs Feed and Grain PINEDALE, WY Allen Agency Animal Clinic of Pinedale Baymont Inn Castle Rock Dodge Country Lane Cowboy Shop Fandek Saddle Shop Jensen Feeds
Obos - Pinedale Shell Sublette County Chamber of Commerce Sublette County Feed RALSTON, WY Good 2 Go Waterworks Irrigation RIVERTON, WY Big Horn COOP Boot Barn Fremont County Fairgrounds Linton’s Big R Porter’s Mtn View Supply Riverton Chamber Riverton Livestock Auction Western Supply ROCK SPRINGS, WY Boot Barn Paci¿c Steel Sweetwater Events Complex SHERIDAN, WY C&K Equipment Sales Inc. Candlewood Suites King’s Saddlery & Ropes Leather Out¿tters Perry’s Trailer Sales Sheridan Seed Co. Tom Balding Bits & Spurs SUNDANCE, WY Cassidy’s Seed & Feed TEN SLEEP, WY The Hide Out THAYNE, WY Lincoln County 4-H Lincoln County Fairgrounds THERMOPOLIS, WY Hot Springs County Fairgrounds White Horse Feed Store TORRINGTON, WY American Inn Bear Creek Vet Clinic Bloedorn Lumber Bomgaars Century Lumber Co. Don Bruner Sales Frontier Mart Goshen County Fairgrounds Goshen Veterinary Clinic Holiday Inn Express HorizonWest inc Madden Bros/Frontier Realty Newman Realty Pinnacle Bank Points West Bank Shoe and Saddle Torrington Livestock Torrington Travel Terminal Windmill Realty Z&W Mill UPTON, WY Upton Co-op Association URIE, WY Bridger Valley Realty Bridger Valley Electric Association Covolo Auto-Farm Services
WHEATLAND, WY Bloedorn Lumber Bob Ruwart Motors Harnish Veterinary Services Interstate Gas Laramie Peak Veterinary Services Platte County Chamber Wheatland Country Store WORLAND, WY Cenex/Big Horn Co-op Cross Feed Store BRIGHTON, CO Brighton Feed & Saddlery
COLORADO
FORT COLLINS, CO Centennial Livestock Service Legacy Tractors Legacy Tractors Poudre Valley Co-op JOHNSTOWN, CO BeyBreze Farm LONGMONT, CO Saddle Up LOVELAND, CO Budweiser Events Center
NEBRASKA
ALLIANCE, NE Alliance Tractor Bomgaars BRIDGEPORT, NE Double A Feeds Koke’s Auto CHADRON, NE Ace Hardware Bomgaars Pump & Pantry Wahlstrom Ford CRAWFORD, NE Crawford Seed GERING, NE Sandberg Implement HARRISON, NE Herren Brothers True Value MITCHELL, NE Bunkhouse Ranch & Home Supply SCOTTSBLUFF, NE Animal Health Enterprise Bomgaars Floyd’s Truck Center HorizonWest inc Murdoch’s Ranch Supply Panhandle Coop Feed SIDNEY, NE HorizonWest inc 21st Century Equipment 21st Century Motor Sports UTAH MORGAN, UT Morgan Valley Polaris
www.EquineEnthusiast.com Get Connected: local feed/tack stor es, br eeders, events, services, r eal estate and mor e! Equine Enthusiast™ is produced locally and published by News Media Corporation and the Powell Tribune.
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EQUINE ENTHUSIAST
SUMMER 2016 | Published by News Media Corporation
EQUINE ENTHUSIAST
CLASSIFIED MARKETPLACE Get Results! Advertise in the Equine enthusiast Classifieds! Line ad classifieds for only $15! Display ad classifieds with color photos for only $25! AUCTIONS Gordon Livestock Auction Market, Inc. Gordon, NE 308-282-1171 Link Thompson 308-282-9998 308-360-3750 Cell Dick Minor Jr. 308-360-0427 www.gordonlivestock.com AUTOMOTIVE Big Sky Ford Ford, Lincoln Dealership No Reasonable Offer Will Be Refused 1209 East M Street Torrington, Wyoming 307-532-2114 or 888-532-2114 Cowboy Dodge Tons of trucks in stock.at Cowboy Dodge in Cheyenne. Work trucks, trucks with towing power to get you and your horses to your next show, rodeo, or competition. CowboyDodge.com, 307-634-5887.
3200 West C Street Torrington, WY 82240 1-866-327-8996 ewc.wy.edu Sheridan College 3059 Coffeen Avenue Sheridan, WY 82801 800.913.9139 Sheridan.edu Laramie County Community College Equine Department 307-778-1191 lccc.wy.edu/programs/equinestudies/trainingmanagement ENTERTAINMENT Evanston Rodeo Series Evanston, WY 307-789-5511 or 307-789-5512 EvanstonRodeoSeries.com Youth & Little Buckaroo Rodeo Kemmerer, Wyoming 307-727-7182 littlebuckaroorodeo.com Fossil Country Classic Open Horse Show Kemmerer, Wyoming 307-727-7182 wyomingbitsandspurs.com Sweetwater Events Complex Rock Springs, WY www.sweetwaterevents.com EXCAVATING/CONCRETE
Reganis Auto Center Great deals on a New or Used vehicles. Full-service Service Department 2006 E Overland, Scottsbluff, NE 69361 (308) 632-8200
Hedstrom Excavating 1176 Hightower Rd. Wheatland, WY Daren: 307-331-8924 Lorin: 307-331-1059
BUILDINGS/SHEDS FACILITIES Western Build Supply Pole Barn Packages Metal Sales 1851 Oak St. Wheatland, WY Office: 307-322-5900 Cell: 307-241-0113 EDUCATION Colorado State University Equine Reproduction Laboratory 970-491-8626 erl@colostate.edu htpp://erl.colostate.edu Eastern Wyoming College
SCOTTSBLUFF COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS 130625 Co Rd E, Mitchell, NE 69357 308-623-1828 SUBLETTE COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS affordable pricing for equine, rodeo, meeting, and banquet events! 307-749-3546 (Jay. Brower@sublettewyo.com) For more information call 307276-5373 or email: manager@ sublettcountyfair.com Goshen County Fair Grounds Indoor arena, camping, meet-
Published by News Media Corporation | SUMMER 2016
FARRIER SERVICES
ings & banquets. Contact 307-532-2525
Mike’s Shoeing Mike Sussex - Farrier 7425 Road 41 Torrington, WY 82240 307-532-0640
Park County Events Department Horse Facilities 655 East 5th Street Powell, WY 82435 307-754-5421 events@parkcounty.us FARM EQUIPMENT - REPAIR SERVICE Brown Company Equipment • Service • Parts 900 East Valley Road Torrington, WY 82240 307-532-2444 1-866-532-2426 email:charshberger@gobrownco.com www.gobrownco.com Sandberg Implement Inc. Serving Western Nebraska, Eastern Wyoming and Northern Colorado for over 50 years. Offering the quality products, service and support for all your farm, ranch, commercial or residential equipment needs. 160085 Highway 71 Gering, Ne 69341 (308) 436-2179 HorizonWest Inc. Full-line Case IH and New Holland dealership Our Service departments are staffed with factory trained technicians. Scottsbluff, NE, (888) 322-7344 Sidney, NE, (888) 227-3440 Torrington, WY, (888) 922-7344 FARM SUPPLY Big Horn Co-op - 95 years of serving the producers of Northern Wyoming. Fuel, Fertilizer, Hardware, Tires, Convenience items and more! Located in Basin, Buffalo, Greybull, Powell, Riverton and Worland.
Do you want a flat broke horse? • Horsemanship lessons & clinics • Training services for all ages & classes of horses & mules Flat Broke Performance Horses
HORSE BREEDING Rawhide Valley Quarter Horse Garrett & Kristie Smith 10 Miles North of Jay Em, Wyoming Ranch: (307)334-2337 Cell: (307) 340-1751 Email: rawhidevalleyquarterhorses@yahoo.com Website: www.rawhidevalleyquarterhorses.com
Upton WY • (307)290-0027 or sbarton@wbaccess.net
DIAMOND B REALTY REAL ESTATE
CONSULTING
AUCTIONS
HORSE TRAINERS Flat Broke Performance Horses SARA BARTON Upton WY 307-290-0027 or sbarton@wbaccess.net HORSE BOARDING AND LEASING Horseshoe 7 Ranch 307-630-5645 horseshoe7ranch.com We offer full care or overnight stays riding lessons, horse rental HOTEL/MOTEL
2005 Main St. Torrington, WY 82240
Russ Bandemer rbandemer@gmail.com
CELL: 307-532-1717
Laramie Peak Veterinary Associates Offering compassionate veterinary care to all the animals of Wheatland. 28 West Frontage Rd, Wheatland, WY 307-322-3640
America’s Best Value Inn 1548 S. Main Torrington, WY 82240 307-532-7118 www.bestvaluetorrington.com Holiday Inn Express Highway 26 East, Torrington, WY www.hiexpress.com/ torringtonwy 307-532-7600
Blair Newman, WLS, GRI, ALC
Broker/Owner Wyoming Land Specialist/Accredited Land Consultant
215 E. 20th Avenue, Torrington, WY 82240
Of ce - 307-532-7131 Fax - 307-532-7211 Toll Free - 800-658-4431 Cell - 307-532-1592 Email - land@newmanrealty.com www.NewmanRealty.com
Quality veterinary services available for large & small animals Harnish Veterinary Services 172 West Frontage Road Wheatland, WY 82201 Office 307-322-3751 Cell 307-241-0011
Dr. Daniel Harnish, DVM
Brent Zurchers
HORSESHOEING 5864 Lariat Loop Torrington, WY 82240
307.575.9911 Reliable • Professional • Experienced Shoes to Fit Your Individual Horse Needs.
EQUINE ENTHUSIAST
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EQUINE ENTHUSIAST
CLASSIFIED MARKETPLACE INSURANCE Burns Insurance Agency For all your Farm and Ranch needs call the professionals at Burns Insurance Agency. 307-634-5757
SADDLES AND TACK
Display ad classiďŹ eds with color photos for only $25! Call 307-532-2184 to get more information or to place your ad TODAY!
Big Lonely Saddlery Custom Leather Work 69 S Wyoming Ave Guernsey,Wyoming Tel: 307-331-1867 WWW.BIGLONELYSADDLERY. COM
The Tack Room: Servicing Wyoming & Northern Colorado 1311 South 3rd Street Laramie, WY 82070 Call us for all of your tack needs. 307-223-3005
Newman, Blair Newman Realty 215 E. 20th Ave. Torrington, WY 82240 307-532-7131 Email: land@newmanrealty.com
Frannie Tack Quality Tack at a Great Price. Full Service Repair Shop. Custom Saddles and gear. More than 100 saddles in stock! The Frannie Tack Shop, 58 Lane 2 1/2 in Frannie, WY 307-866-234 to 800-552-8836.
Triple Diamond Horses & Tack Ebay Store:http://stores.shop. ebay.com/ Triple-Diamond-Tack-andSupplies 307-331-0454
OLIVER’S REAL ESTATE Shirley Oliver Kim Oliver 1918 East A Street
Get Results! Advertise in the Equine enthusiast ClassiďŹ eds! Line ad classiďŹ eds for only $15!
Goshen Veterinary Clinic Inc. Veterinary Services 4548 US Hwy 26/85 Torrington, WY
Wheatland County Store Farm, Ranch & Clothing 301 16th Street Wheatland, WY 8201 www.wheatlandcountrystore.com REAL ESTATE
LIVESTOCK Get Results! Advertise in the Equine enthusiast ClassiďŹ eds! Line ad classiďŹ eds for only $15! Display ad classiďŹ eds with color photos for only $25! MISCELLANEOUS Get the word out! Join the Equine enthusiast event calendar! Email your equine-related event to Megan at: mrawlins@EquineEnthusiast.com
DIAMOND B REALTY Russ Bandemer 2005 Main St. Torrington, WY 82240 CELL: 307-532-1717 rbandemer@gmail.com
Torrington WY 82240 307-532-0123 www.oliversrealestate.com
VETERINARY SERVICES
307-532-4195 Harnish Veterinary Services Quality Veterinary Services for Large & Small Animals Laser Surgery Boarding Pet Cremation 172 W Frontage Rd. Wheatland, WY 307-322-3751 Laramie Peak Veterinary Associates 28 West Frontage Road
Wheatland WY 82201 Tel: 307-322-3640 Fax: 307-322-3259 Email:vets@wyoming.com Get the word out! Join the Equine enthusiast event calendar! Submit a short description of your club, business or organization’s event for our calendar. Be sure to include relevant dates, times, locations and contact information.
Western Building Supply Pole Barn Package/Metal Sales Jason Karr Sales Lee@BenHilty.com Cell 307-241-0413
OfďŹ ce 307-322-2888 1653 W. Walnut St. Wheatland, WY 82201
Mon - Fri 7am - 5pm Sat 7am - 1pm
Debi Freitas Triple Diamond Horses & Tack Ebay Store: http://stores.shop.ebay.com/ Triple-Diamond-Tack-andSupplies
307-331-0454
FEATURING: Top
PO Box 532 160 Ayers Rd Wheatland, WY 82201 Email: ranchntchr@yahoo.com
Equipment • Service • Parts • www.gobrownco.com 900 East Valley Road Torrington, WY 82240 email:charshberger@gobrownco.com
307-532-2444 1-866-532-2426 Fax: 307-532-7660
Quality North Central Doors
; 1)5 4XDOLI\LQJ %DUHEDFN 5LGHU <UV 3URGXFLQJ 4XDOLW\ 5DQFK 5RGHR (TXLSPHQW
Lift Master Garage Door Openers
Call Robert TODAY! 307-331-3759
Offering parts, sales, service, and installation of openers & doors. We accept all major credit cards.
OPE6N5 24/3
Easy In And Out For Big Rigs Hot Stuff Pizza â&#x20AC;˘ Deli Depot Moorcroft, WY
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EQUINE ENTHUSIAST
307 756-3493
! SUMMER 2016 | Published by News Media Corporation
EQUINE ENTHUSIAST | FEATURE
FUTURE: THE WEST’S WILD HORSE HERDS FUTURE continued from page 9 to create a congressionally-chartered foundation to help fund and support adoption efforts. Wild horses first came to North America in the early 1500s when the Spanish conquistadors arrived. Horses that were abandoned bred and thrived, and some were later used by ranchers and American Indians. With no natural predators, the herd populations grow 20 percent a year and double every four years. Adoption used to be a key manage-
ment tool for wild horses and burros, but adoption rates have recently fallen. Last year, fewer than 2,800 of the 8,000 horses captured were adopted. There are some places that mitigate the problem, though, by providing sanctuary to wild horses. The Deerwood Ranch, run by Jana and Rich Wilson, is home to 250 wild horses. It is the first and only wild horse sanctuary of its kind. The ranch is designed to be a place where people can observe and learn about the animals, and it is also designed to help the BLM to manage the wild horse populations.
The idea for the ecosanctuary came up several years ago as a way to house horses and give the public access to them. Tourism provides a way to raise money to run the ranch and defray some of the taxpayers’ costs. The BLM pays the Wilsons $1.30$1.40 per horse per day, the same as it pays for long-term holding facilities in the Midwest. However, the ecosanctuary is not without some controversy. Members of the Wyoming Wild Horse Coalition don’t believe the ecosanctuary should be billed as a way to see wild horses because the horses are
no longer truly wild. The American Wild Horse Preservation Campaign sees the ecosanctuary as a way to keep the wild horses in the west where they belong and where they can also be accessible to the public. In addition to using tools like the ecosanctuary, the BLM is working on management tools, such as birth control, to reduce the wild horse population to appropriate numbers. The BLM is testing longer-lasting birth control and is considering spaying and gelding horses before releasing them back on the range.
Photo/ Courtesy
The American Wild Horse Preservation Campaign sees the ecosanctuary as a way to keep the wild horses in the west where they belong and where they can also be accessible to the public.
Published by News Media Corporation | SUMMER 2016
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EQUINE ENTHUSIAST | FEATURE
EVENT CALENDAR
ADVERTISERS
I N D E X ADVERTISER
PAGE #
All That ................................................................................page 32 Americas Best Value ............................................................page 17 B.A.M. Reloading ................................................................page 32 Bear River Forge & Farrier ..................................................page 20 Benedicts ..............................................................................page 35 Big Horn Coop .....................................................................page 29 Brent Zurcher .......................................................................page 31 Bridger Valley Electric Assoc ..............................................page 16 Bridgerland Carquest ...........................................................page 32 Brown Company ..................................................................page 32 Bruce A Connally DVM.......................................................page 24 Buckboard Therapeutic ........................................................page 32 Burns Insurance ..................................................................page 21 Century Lumber Center .......................................................page 6 Coffee Cup ...........................................................................page 32 Colorado State University ....................................................page 2 Cowboy Dodge ....................................................................page 36 Diamond B Realty................................................................page 32 Don Bruner Feeds ................................................................page 15 Don King Days ....................................................................page 13 Double Hook Ranch.............................................................page 8 E&L Motors .........................................................................page 24 Equine Enthusiast - Deadlines .............................................page 28 Equine Enthusiast - Drop Points ..........................................page 30 Flat Broke Horses ................................................................page 31 Frannie Tack Shop ...............................................................page 17 Goshen County Fairgrounds ................................................page 18 Goshen County Fairgrounds ................................................page 19 Goshen Veterinary Clinic Inc ...............................................page 15 Harnish Vet...........................................................................page 31 Hitchin’ Post.........................................................................page 25 Holiday Inn ..........................................................................page 22 HorizonWest Inc. .................................................................page 26 K’s Trailers Parts & Service.................................................page 14 Laramie Peak Vet .................................................................page 31 Lashley Land........................................................................page 9 Lashley Land........................................................................page 26 Mikes Shoeing .....................................................................page 21 Miners & Stockmen Steakhouse ..........................................page 27 MJB Animal Clinic .............................................................page 23 Newman Realty....................................................................page 31 Oliver Real Estate ................................................................page 23 Park County Events Dept. ................................................... page 11 Platte County Fair Board .....................................................page 14 Reganis Auto ........................................................................page 13 Rob’s Construction...............................................................page 32 Sandberg Implement ............................................................page 24 Scottsbluff County Fair ........................................................page 27 Speciality Tool & Attachment ..............................................page 24 The Tack Room ....................................................................page 22 Triple Diamond Horses & Tack ...........................................page 32 Uinta Veterinary Clinic ........................................................page 9 Western Building Supply .....................................................page 32 Wheatland Country Store.....................................................page 16 Wheatland Wranglers Charity Rodeo ..................................page 29 Whisler Chevrolet ................................................................page 7 Wildman Riggins .................................................................page 32 Willow Tree Festival ............................................................page 32
AUGUST Aug. 13-14 – Horse show hosted by the Wyoming Quarter Horse Association in Douglas, Wyo. Call (307) 421-4903 for more information. Aug. 19-21 – Cornhusker Futurity held in Broken Bow, Neb. Call (308) 870-5540 for more information. Aug. 19-21 – Saddle Horsemanship Clinic hosted by Gunsight Ranch in Kelly, Wyo. Call (307) 734-1907 for more information. Aug. 20-21 – Horse racing at Sweetwater Downs in Rock Springs, Wyo. Call (307) 3526789 for more information. Aug. 26 – Gillette Colt Starting Challenge at the CAM-PLEX East Pavilion in Gillette, Wyo. Call (808) 2693408 for more information. Aug. 26-28 – Triangle Cross Classic Futurity held at Kiplinger Arena in McCook, Neb. Aug. 27 – Performance Horse Sale hosted by Myers Ranch and Copper Spring Ranch at the Indoor Performance Arena in Bozeman, Mont. Call (406) 925-1926 for more information. Aug. 27-28 – Horse racing at Sweetwater Downs in Rock Springs, Wyo. Call (307) 3526789 for more information. SEPTEMBER Sept. 2-4 – Fall roping hosted by American Cowboy Team Roping Association at the CAM-PLEX East Pavilion in Gillette, Wyo. Call (307) 7513966 for more information. Sept. 3-5 – Horse racing at the Outdoor Arena of the Central Wyoming Fair-
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EQUINE ENTHUSIAST
grounds in Casper, Wyo. Call (307) 235-5775 for more information. Sept. 8-11 – Fizz Bomb Futurity and Trade Show hosted by Thar Ranch Productions at the CAM-PLEX East Pavilion in Gillette, Wyo. Email staceythar@gmail.com for more information. Sept. 9-11 – Horse racing at the Outdoor Arena of the Central Wyoming Fairgrounds in Casper, Wyo. Call (307) 235-5775 for more information. Sept. 16-18 – Wyoming Barrel Racing Finals hosted by the National Barrel Horse Association at the Sweetwater Events Complex in Rock Springs, Wyo. Call (307) 3607647 for more information. Sept. 16-18 – Wyoming Horse Racing at the CAMPLEX Morningside Park in Gillette, Wyo. Call (307) 7082331 for more information. Sept. 17-18 – Thar’s Ranch Sorting hosted by Thar Ranch Productions at the CAM-PLEX East Pavilion in Gillette, Wyo. Call (307) 6609501 for more information. Sept. 22-25 – Futurity, Derby and Open 5D hosted by Copper Spring Ranch in Bozeman, Mont. Call (406) 925-1926 for more information. Sept. 23-25 – Wyoming Horse Racing at the CAMPLEX Morningside Park in Gillette, Wyo. Call (307) 7082331 for more information. Sept. 24 – Mustang Versatility All-Breed Trail Series at the Sweetwater Events Complex in Rock Springs, Wyo. Call (307) 352-6789 for more information.
OCTOBER Oct. 7-9 – Barrel Racing Finals hosted by the Northwest Barrel Racing Association at the CAM-PLEX East Pavilion and Central Pavilion in Gillette, Wyo. Call (701) 290-0293 for more information. Oct. 14-16 – Barrel Racing hosted by Double B Productions in Lincoln, Neb. Call (785) 210-5015 for more information. Oct. 22-23 – Montana Barrel Daze hosted by Copper Spring Ranch at Cottonwood Equestrian Center in Silesia, Mont. Call (406) 925-1926 for more information. Oct. 28 – Bull Riding hosted by Cowboys versus Bulls at the CAM-PLEX East Pavilion in Gillette, Wyo. Call (307) 413-8151 for more information. NOVEMBER Nov. 5 – Annual meeting and awards banquet for the Wyoming Quarter Horse Association in Cheyenne, Wyo. Call (307) 421-4903 for more information. Nov. 6 – Pro Jackpots: Barrels, Poles and Roping at the CAM-PLEX East Pavilion in Gillette, Wyo. Call (307) 6870566 for more information. Nov. 11-13 – Thar’s Ranch Sorting hosted by Thar Ranch Productions at the CAM-PLEX East Pavilion in Gillette, Wyo. Call (307) 6609501 for more information. Nov. 19-20 – Team roping hosted by American Cowboy Team Roping Association at the CAM-PLEX East Pavilion in Gillette, Wyo. Call (307) 751-3966 for more information.
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EQUINE ENTHUSIAST | FEATURE
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