January 2023 Saddle Up! Magazine

Animal Health Solutions, Equerry 2

Arnold Lumber 6

Black River Farm & Ranch 63

Brightside Tack & Consignment 6

BRI Steel Buildings 5

Cashman’s Horse Equipment 64

Colliers Ann Arbor, Chaconas 5, 12, 53

DR Trailer Sales 4

Equine Medical Services 6

Fiber Luxe Blanket Cleaning 60

Grand River Feeds 60

Healthy Futures Organic Feed 6

Hubbard Feeds 11

Humane Society of HV 60

Indiana Equine Roundup 5, 52

Ivory Farm 61

Jim’s Quality Saddle 6

Justin Curry Equine Dentist 8

Keller Williams, S. Baumgartner 8

Lapeer Equestrian Team Tack Sale 51, 53

Norma Agnew Memorial Show 10

PrecisionTemp Hot Water System 4 Quarter Moon Farm, Bemer Dist. 8, 13 Ray Noble Sales – Fence Supply 60 Re/Max Platinum, Kathie Crowley 57 Show Clothes Unlimited 60 Sparta Chevy & Trailers 3 Spartan Stampede Rodeo 48 Wayne County 4-H Tack Sale 12, 49 Worch Lumber 61 Wright Place Fence 62

ARTICLES & NEWS

2023

Membership Drive

4 Season Equine Association

American Horsemen’s Challenge

CANTER Michigan

Champions All Breed Assoc.

Fort Custer Horse Friends

Foundation QH Registry of MI

Highland Trail Riders Assoc.

Hungerford Trail Riders Assoc.

4-H News: MI, OH & IN 18-19 Association/Trail Riders News 14-16 Bronson, DVM: EMND 35 Cardeccia, K: New Year 12, 13 Goodnight, Julie: Pro. Horse Trainer 54-55 Kiley, Lisa: Bringing Horses Home 20 Palm, Lynn: Art of Lungeing, pt. 1 17 Ramey, David, DVM: Laminitis 58 Skylis, Lisa: Equine Small Bus. 43-44

Kensington Trail Riders

MI Apple Blossom Classic

MI Horse Drawn Vehicle Assoc.

MI Quarter Horse Association

MI Trail Riders Association

Pinckney Trail Riders Assoc.

Membership Drive Cover Pontiac Lake Horseman’s Assoc.

22 21 23 24 26 25 26 27 28

23 31 29 30

31

Laundry Barn LLC 8

Legend Land Feed & Supply 59

Livingston Co. 4-H Tack Sale 7

Michigan Horse Expo 9, 50

Michigan QH Assoc. Tack Sale 47

Moore’s Horse Co. Facebook Live 12

MSU Extension Equine Team 7

MSU Horsemen’s Weekend 45

MSU Horse Judging Workshop 46

Nature’s Rehab 8

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

Business Card Special – 50% Off! 44 Classified Ads (2 Months Free) 36-38 Find Ayla Kids’ Contest 44 MI Horse Expo Program Rates 56 Show & Event Dates Are Free! Michigan, Ohio & Indiana 39-42 Subscribe to Saddle Up! Magazine 38

Proud Lake Trail Riders Assoc.

27 33

Yankee Springs Trail Riders Assoc.

Join a horse association or trail riding group today! New members, donations and volunteers are always welcome.

https://saddleupmag.com/

32 33 34 HTTPS://SADDLEUPMAG.COM/ (4) JANUARY 2023 • C & C PUBLISHING, INC. ©2023

Hartland Educational Support Service Center 9525 E. Highland Road, Howell, MI 48843

Sponsored by/proceeds to: the Livingston County 4-H Horse Committee Visit https://bit.ly/Livingston4-HTackSale for additional forms.

Public invited to buy or sell • Space available: 6’x8’ = $20 or 6’x16’ = $30 • Tables available (5’-6’) $5 per table (additional fee). Please obtain space for any kind of racks. These cannot be out in the aisles. • Fees are non-refundable. • No dogs (except service dogs). Set-up begins at 8 a.m. DOORS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AT 10 A.M. No early sales or entry

RESERVE YOUR SPACE: Make checks payable to LCHLA Mail to: LCHLA c/o MSU Extension 2300 E. Grand River, Suite 111, Howell, MI 48843

For more information contact: Paula (517) 404-4544, email: gustyacres@yahoo.com

Name or Group Contact Person Phone Email No. of 6’x8’ space(s) No. of 6’x16’ space(s) No. of table(s) Tables range from 5’-6’ and are $5 each

MSU is an afrmative-action, equal-opportunity employer Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status.

Phone: 517-881-3622 Email: gailqmoon@gmail.com Website: johnson-gail.bemergroup.com

Norma Agnew

MEMORIAL HAIRY HORSE SHOW

SATURDAY,

APRIL 15TH, 2023

8:30 am Start | $40.00 Stall | $8.00 Class MSU Pavilion, 4301 Farm Lane, East Lansing, MI

All proceeds to benefit Michigan Youth Horse Programs and the MSU Horse Judging Team

DIVISIONS: Open, Adult, Youth: 14-19, 13-8, 5-7

CLASSES INCLUDE:

• Fine Horse Showmanship

• Open Showmanship

• Cloverbud Showmanship

• Fine Horse Hunter Pleasure

• Open Hunter Pleasure

• Adult Hunt Seat Pleasure Walk-Trot

• Youth Hunt Seat Pleasure Walk-Trot

• Open Hunt Seat Equitation

• Cloverbud English Equitation

• Adult Hunt Seat Equitation Walk-Trot

• Youth Hunt Seat Equitation Walk-Trot

• Adult Walk-Trot English Pleasure (Saddle Seat)

• Youth Walk-Trot English Pleasure (Saddle Seat)

• Open English (Saddle Seat)

• Open Saddle Seat Equitation

• Walk Trot Saddle Seat Equitation

• Fine Horse Western Pleasure

• Open Western Pleasure

• Adult Western Pleasure Walk-Trot

• Youth Western Pleasure Walk-Trot

• Open Western Horsemanship

• Cloverbud Western Horsemanship

• Adult Western Horsemanship Walk-Trot

• Youth Western Horsemanship Walk-Trot

Horses may arrive AFTER 5:00 P.M. on Friday, April 14th, 2023

• An Approved Michigan 4-H Horse Judges Seminar

• Event open to all, not just 4-H members!

• ASTM/SEI approved helmets are required in all youth Hunt/Saddle Seat classes.

• Negative Coggins in last 12 months required.

• No stallions allowed at this event!

• Show clothes are optional.

• Class entries will close at 11:00 a.m. on the 14th.

• No refunds will be issued after 4/06/23.

• ONLY PREPAID STALL RESERVATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED. A limited number of stalls are available. You must have a stall, no showing out of trailer! All horse stalls must use bedding.

To reserve a stall, please send a check payable to “MSU” to:

Hairy Horse Show – Attn: Carla 474 S. Shaw Lane, Room 1287 East Lansing, MI 48824

Stalls may also be reserved with credit card online at: https://commerce.cashnet.com/msu_3645

Cloverbud Policy (age 5-7 as of 1/1/2023). ALL 4-H Cloverbud members must wear ASTM- or SEI- approved helmets.

• Age 5 (6, or 7): May be involved with equine on a halter and lead. They MUST be directly accompanied one-on-one by a parent, guardian or adult volunteer who is on foot holding the animal’s halter or lead to maximize safety

• Age 6 (or 7): May ride a horse unaccompanied, but only at the walk. Adult volunteers should be in the ring with Cloverbud at all times.

• Age 7 only: May participate in walk-trot events with adult volunteers in the ring at all times. 4-H Cloverbud members must wear ASTM- or SEI-approved helmets for all 4-H Cloverbud horse experiences.

• No Stallions allowed at this event. • “Fine Horse” Classes open only to Arabian, Half-Arabian, Morgan, Saddlebred, etc.

• Reserve early, a limited number of stalls are available. You must have a stall, no showing out of trailer.

• No refunds will be available after 4/06/23.

Questions? Email Carla McLachlan: CarlaM@msu.edu Credit card payments and stall reservations available at: https://commerce.cashnet.com/msu_3645

JANUARY 2023 • C & C PUBLISHING, INC. ©2023

Department of Animal Science

New Year, New Focus

By Kim Cardeccia | https://confidencethroughconnection.com/

Welcome to 2023! We did it. We made it through another year and are now looking at a new page on a new calendar This is a very popular time to focus on what we want more of in our lives. Whether or not we claim a New Year's resolution, we can benefit from a focused intention and increase the positive moments we have with our horses.

Setting an intention for the time we spend with our horses will help guide us toward getting more of what we want from our interactions. For example, having the intention to build trust with our horse influences how we interact. It might inspire us to pause and give more time and space for understanding than if we get caught up in just getting a task done.

Holding an intention to keep our focus on the present moment can be a game changer for designing our experiences. It helps us be able to see and appreciate our horses for how hard they are trying It allows us to shed anxiety linked to worrying about what could happen in a future moment. It can also reduce the judgement that we might be holding on how we managed things in past moments. When we ground into the present moment and focus on “now” we can regulate our emotions and claim a sense of calm.

When we have a sense of calm, or peace, we have increased our ability to think and problem solve. We can respond to situations rather than react. We can observe our horse and “listen” to their nonverbal language. This gives us better understanding and we can lead with more compassion. We can build more trust and streng-

then the partnership we have with our horses. Remembering to focus on what we want will help us be able to claim a calm state. Often it can be tempting to focus on what we don't want. It can seem that if we notice what is going wrong, we can prevent it. The saying, “what you think about you bring about” applies here. It is the premise of a self-fulfilling prophecy. It will be much more effective to imagine what we want to see instead of worry about what we do not want. Bringing our focus to what we desire is worth the effort.

In each moment, we have the opportunity to embrace the power of a fresh start. We can drop any heaviness that wasn't working well and try again. With a little focus and awareness, we can increase the fun we have with our horses. One moment at a time.

Happy New Year to you and your horse!

BLACK SWAMP DRIVING CLUB, OHIO

About three dozen Black Swamp Driving Club members gathered November12th at the Good Hope Lutheran Church, Arlington, OH, for the 2022 year-end celebration. At 5:00 p.m. President, Sharon Hayhurst called for attention and set up the Bingo game. Although it took some time to get the first shout of “Bingo” there were soon winners galore. Hayhurst had brought plenty of prizes and no one went empty handed.

A large selection of dishes made the potluck exceptional. The Hayhurst’s had supplied a spiral ham and there was a whole table of delicious desserts. Ron Hayhurst was busy making sure everyone had a ticket for the door prize drawing A beautiful, heavy quilt was the top prize – perfect for sleigh rides or chilly drives around the country.

A crazy “white elephant” gift exchange was hotly contested. Names were drawn to pick out a gift, but that gift was in danger of being stolen. A set of monogrammed towels was in serious jeopardy along with a couple other “treasures.” A last call for bids in the silent auction was made, again helping the club to raise money for more activities.

Throughout the evening, Treasurer Sue Murray collected dues for 2023. President Hayhurst ended the festivities with a reminder to be thinking about the upcoming election of board members and ideas for drives and events for 2023 The next meeting will be January 8th at the Good Hope Lutheran Church, Arlington, OH, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Snacks are welcome.

The Black Swamp Driving Club is an organization dedicated to promoting opportunities to enjoy driving and collecting horse drawn vehicles. Find us on Facebook or visit us at: https://www.blackswampdrivingclub.com/

FORT CUSTER HORSE FRIENDS ASSOC.

Hello Trail Riders! 2022 and the holidays are past and we are all looking forward to the riding season of 2023. The Spring and Fall Campouts in 2022 were well-attended. All enjoyed miles of trails and good weather. More and more riders are discovering our campground at the Fort, taking advantage of reservations to get a favorite spot in the 7 campsites. Consider Fort Custer when you are planning for 2023. Strong campground usage will show our DNR a good reason to consider putting electricity in the campsites in the future. This has been discussed at several board meetings in 2022.

We have two projects underway for 2023. The first is a storage/garage building to be constructed at the Park headquarters. This will allow a central location to store all of our equipment that we own and use on the trails. Volunteers will then have access to club property to use mowers, trimmers, etc. when time permits. The second project will benefit campers. We have proposed to buy and build corrals with covers in a few sites to begin with Please help support our endeavors by joining or renewing your memberships! Keep up with current news on our website at https://www.fchfa.org/

Thank-you to everyone that has worked on the trails, our projects or just paid dues to help us do our best for YOU!

2023 will bring even more improvements for all that travel to ride the beautiful trail system at Fort Custer Any questions, call Nancy at 269-967-3613. The trails are open all winter Come explore all that is offered at the Fort Custer Recreation Area.

See you on the trails!

MAYBURY STATE PARK TRAIL RIDERS ASSOCIATION (MSPTRA)

Happy New Year! A new year means it's time for a new 2023 MSPTRA Membership! Join and pay online, or print the membership form and mail it in. Our fees have not gone up and we appreciate the support!

Our Annual Membership Meeting took place on November 30, 2022. There are a few open positions available in our group; Secretary and two (2) Members at Large. Please consider being a part of the MSPTRA for 2023! We plan on sharing a table with the Kensington/Proud Lake Trail Riders Associations for the Michigan Horse Expo coming up in March, 2023. We discussed possible ideas for the riding stables at the park, if no one sends in a proposal. Some of the ideas discussed were an outdoor arena, converting the inside barn into stalls and adding obstacles.

Recently, we have received a last minute inquiry for taking over the riding stables facility at the park. Fingers crossed that this one is successful! If you or anyone you know that might be interested, please contact Traci Sincock via email at sincockt@michigan.gov. We would not want this great facility to be left unused.

Please remember that there is NO hunting at Maybury State Park. Another great reason to ride in our park during the winter months!

Check out all the new updates to the website at https://mayburytrailriders.org/

Continue to follow us on Facebook for updates on the trails, events and general news going on in the park. Feel free to post pictures from your rides!

Happy Trails! Mary Nader

Fort Custer Horse FriendsAssociation

MI FOXTROTTING HORSE ASSOCIATION

Happy New Year! Start your year off right by sending in your MFHA membership. Go to the michiganfoxtrottinghorse.com website and click on the Membership Application button to print your form. Your support will provide needed funds to help us to promote the Fox Trotter breed, as well as to assist in educating people about this breed and support the variety of activities that can be done with them. Fox Trotters are rock stars in versatility! Plus your membership qualifies you for discounts at our various clinics and with our MFHA sponsors: Levi Beechy (reduced clinic fee), Chuck Fanslow (reduced breeding fee), Jackson’s Western Store (discount) and others.

Your MFTHBA membership qualifies you for discount pricing at Stateline Tack, as well as access to the many programs that they have to offer

Meet the 2023 MFHA officers:

President Bob Howell officiates at our monthly meetings, VP Miranda Mannino provides Zoom support, Secretary Marilyn Mannino records the meeting minutes, and Treasurer Charleen Ostrom handles the financial transactions. Our three Directors are Nancy-Green Duffy, Susan Williams and Chuck Fanslow

Our newly-elected 3 year Director, Nancy Green-Duffy, of Paris, MI has a registered gelding called Pippin. He is a handsome black and white 4 year old who originally came from Gladwin, MI. They plan to hit the trails this year

Our 501c3 committee will be submitting the application this month which will allow us to become a non-profit association. We are looking forward to getting this done!

In the winter, some of our members take their horses and go south to Florida or to Arizona to escape the Michigan snow and cold, but they still stay in contact via Zoom for our monthly meetings. Once a member, no matter where you live, you can attend similarly to learn about MFTs and all that they can do, as well as network with other owners while the weather in Michigan is preventing most of us from riding

Submit your 2023 Versatility Program registration forms now for the Horsemanship Challenge (owner/rider), MFT Under Saddle/In Harness and MFT Not Under Saddle Divisions for adults and youth. Read the rules on our website and see the different ways that you can start learning and doing things with your horse. Yes, you can do lots of different activities during the cold winter months and get credit for them. You will get alot done and earn prizes along the way. The program is motivating and fun!

Remember to send in your MFTHBA membership also. Go to mfthba.com to see all of their programs and benefits,then renew or become a member

We are the Michigan affiliate of the Missouri Fox Trotter Horse Breed Association based in Ava, MO Visit: https://mfthba.com/

Our mission is to promote MFTs and to encourage the breeding and training of them, as well as to help their owners learn to enjoy their horses more through educational clinics, trail rides and discussion. https://www.michiganfoxtrotters.com/

Pinto Horse Association of Ohio

PINTO HORSE ASSOC. OF OHIO

Happy New Year! Wow, what a great 2022 show season. A huge thank you to all of our members and exhibitors for a wonderful show season. In 2022 we had our last show of the season at the new facility. We were lucky enough to get in to Garwood Arena, everyone loved it! I'm proud to announce Ohio Pinto had two of our shows rank in the Top 5 biggest shows for pinto in the 2022 show season! We could not have done that without our membership!! With a new show season upon us, that means new goals for 2023! “Ask yourself if what you’re doing today is getting you closer to where you want to be tomorrow”- Unknown

As you start planning and thinking what the 2023 show season will look like for you, here is what our goals are to help our membership! New for 2023 we have done away with the year-end award nominations paper and fee, it is now included in your membership! We have some added money classes at our two Garwood shows... who wouldn't want to win extra money!! The best for last,

we have a great Golden Ticket certificate that will be given out to the first 100 horses that enter and show at our Spring Fling show!! We are keeping it a secret as to what the golden ticket will be worth. Let me tell you this, it will be worth coming to the first show in 2023!!

In the next few months, we are working hard to finalize and get everything ready for our year-end awards banquet. The awards banquet will be held on February 11, 2023, 4pm at Cedar Corners, in Sandusky, Ohio. Soon after the banquet, we start into show season! New this year, we are trying out an early March show! Our first show is March 31- April 2nd at Garwood arena. Everyone is always so busy in May, we were hoping to break it up a bit to give everyone some much needed rest. We then have our Summer Warm Up at Wauseon, May 19-21. June is Pinto World Championship, good luck to everyone attending! July 21-23, we have our Lots O Spots show at the University of Findlay This is always a hot show, but we have wonderful sponsors who donate cold water for the exhibitors in the arena and paddock. End of July, July 29-30 is our Jubilee show head with Indiana Pinto, at New Castle, Indiana. Remember the Jubilee show counts towards Ohio points. August 25-27, brings us to our Summer Sizzler, at the Champion Center Then we end our year back at Garwood Arena, for our Fall Wind Up show, September 22-24. This show and our Spring Fling show will have an Added Money OPEN Western Pleasure and Hunter Under Saddle class. This year we added Solid Amateur Walk-Trot classes, and as always, we will have Youth activities, and exhibitor give-a-ways at every show

As always, check out our Facebook page “PtHAO-Pinto Horse Association of Ohio” and website at: https://www.ohiopinto.net/

We look forward to seeing everyone in 2023! Happy Holidays & Happy New Year!

Ohio Pinto President, Kaylee Clagett

PROUD LAKE TRAIL RIDERS ASSOC.

Hello Everyone, Happy New Year! We hope everyone has had a peaceful and relaxing holiday season.

Our annual banquet is back! We would love to see you on Friday, February 10th at Bakers in Milford. We will be serving a full course meal and will of course have our famous Silent Auction. We will be sending out more information soon via email and Facebook.

As of right now, the green trail is fully separated from the bikers trails. Please make sure to stay only on the equestrian trails. They are marked. Proud Lake Trail Riders has been working diligently with the DNR to separate our trails from the bikers. A huge hurdle was just accomplished in that the location of the new bike trails has been decided and agreed upon. The next step will be cutting out the trails. Once the trails are separated, there will be signs up stating what are horse trails and what are bike trails. We have been working on this for the past several years and we are thrilled that the park is committed to making this happen. As of right now, the GPS maps have been submitted and we are moving forward.

If you encounter bikers on the trails that are not giving right of way to horses, please contact the DNR immediately If you are able to get photos, please try to.

Remember, it is hunting season and there is hunting allowed in Proud Lake. Please wear bright colors and be visible.

If you would like to join our email list, please email me at efrusy@yahoo.com and also remember to like us on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/proudl aketrailriders/

Stay safe and keep riding!

donate a case of water, pick up several subs…it all helps. Remember 4 hours of work earns one overnight free camping That’s a $20.00 value. RSVP head count.

May 26 – Memorial Weekend. Come camp with us. Saturday Potluck and Campfire. Don’t fight traffic driving up north.

September 1-4 – Labor Day Weekend. Riding/Driving fun, campfires and a potluck.

October 26-29 – Explore the Hollow This a once in a year event where equestrians can ride marked Bike/Hiking trails on Friday and Saturday. Sunday is “pick up poo day“. Come join with special riding, group campfire and a Saturday Potluck.

SLEEPY HOLLOW TRAIL RIDERS

The Annual Meeting is Back! February 4th Saturday at the Victor TWP Hall, 6842 Alward Rd., Laingsburg, MI 48848. Set Up Time is 11:00am Social Hour Noon Potluck at 1:00 pm. Short business meeting and auction to follow Bring a dish to pass and a HORSE Related item for the donation auction. Cowboy Dan and the CowPatties will be playing and singing All welcome. Fun time. Great winter get together.

April 22 – Our first 2023 workbee will be Saturday at 9:00 am-?. Rain-date is April 29. Join us for raking up the staging area, trimming trail debris, and cleaning up camping sites. Depending on weather, your ATV crew would help w/trail trimming and draining muddy areas. Lunch at Noon. If you can’t help w/trail work, instead help w/lunchbring a dish to pass, help prepare lunch,

At the cabins – 4 Corrals and 8 Pickett Poles! Go online at midrnreservations.com or call1800-44-parks if you wish to rent one of SHSP’s heated cabins Both are equine friendly with four pickett poles, 2 adjoining corrals and connect to the equine trail system. Go online to see the many perks of the Deluxe cabin and the charm of the Rustic cabin (allows dogs). I would advise to book ahead, as these cabins are getting more popular. Get a group together and rent both (easily do 9 people and 10 horses) for a great get away Open year round!

When the trails are really muddy, please avoid the East and West Loops. Try to ride the scenic south loop that has the firm old roadbed, takes you to the island and is a much less muddy ride.

Remember to do your membership for 2023. Forms can be downloaded from the website https://shtra.org/ or call 989-277-8544 and I’ll send you one. ~ Marsha Putnam

PALM PARTNERSHIP TRAINING™

The Art of Lungeing: Part 1

By Lynn Palm | www.lynnpalm.com

I value lungeing for many reasons. Yes, lungeing is a way to exercise a horse, but it is much more important in developing a horse's self-carriage in all gaits, response to voice and whip commands, and lungeing can control a horse's play on the line. I use lungeing as a day of training, and always as part of taking a horse to a new area that you want the horse to perform. I also use lungeing for a bitting exercise.

As I titled my DVD “The Art of Lungeing,” it is just that. It is not initially easy to master lungeing for a handler Practice is the only way in developing your eye reaction/coordination, recognizing your horse losing his balance by falling in or falling out, and in developing your own coordination of both arms and legs.

Forming a Triangle

Form a triangle for proper lungeing Here's how: Stay parallel to the horse and make one side of the triangle with your lunge line. The horse is another side of the triangle, and the whip is the third side of the triangle. You are in the middle of the triangle.

Staying Parallel to the Horse

The key to staying parallel to the horse is to never walk toward the horse or take any steps backwards. Move your legs by crossing one in front of the other Moving your legs sideways allows you to stay parallel to the horse.

Attaching the Lunge Line; Contact with the Lunge Line

Keeping contact with the lunge line to the horse's halter allows you to recognize the line going slack, the horse falling in, the horse pulling you, or the horse falling out.

Attach the lunge line with a snap or a chain. NEVER attach under the horse's chin, which would give you less control of the horse's head position. Never attach a lunge line to a bit.

Here are two options for connecting the line.

1.If using a lunge line with just a snap, connect it to the side halter ring closest to you.

2.If using a flat cotton lunge line, thread the lunge line through the side halter ring closest to you, over the nose and snap it on the opposite halter ring. This is the most responsive position.

Organizing the Lunge Line

Keeping your lunge line organized is a must! I like a flat cotton lunge line the most, and I avoid nylon and round ropes. Nylon you can burn your hand if a horse tries to get away from you, and round lines are too hard to hold. DO NOT LET THE LUNGE LINE DRAG ON THE GROUND – IT'S NOT SAFE!

I also have my students learn how to keep the line organized without the horse. Here's how to loop the line:

1. Hold the loop at the end of the line.

2. Spread your hands apart, making a loop, and put it in your hand from the bottom of your hand. The line comes out the top between your thumb and first finger

3. Continue to make similar loops. They don't have to be perfect; however, you must stack the line in your hand so it is easy to hold.

4. Once you have looped and stacked the whole line, put your first

finger in the loop that is on top and leads to the horse. Hold it in place with your thumb.

5. When you have done this and can do it easily, now you have to master this technique without looking at the line. When you can do this, you will have the best control possible with the lunge line. You will be able to make different size circles, go straight, and adjust the length of the line when needed.

Next month, I will talk about the use of the lunge whip, lungeing different size circles, and developing self-carriage while lungeing Cyril and Lynn offer clinics throughout the country and abroad as well as online coaching. Join them on their teaching tours or their Palm Equestrian Academy European Journeys. Please visit www.lynnpalm.com or follow on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

4-H IS A COMMUNITY FOR ALL KIDS – In 4-H, we believe in the power of young people. We see that every child has valuable strengths and real influence to improve the world around us.

MICHIGAN 4-H

https://www.canr.msu.edu/4h/

Calling all Lapeer County 4-H kids, check out the SPIN 4-H Club’s Winter Wonderland Craft Class on January14. From 9am until 12pm at the Lapeer County MSU Extension Office (1800 Imlay City Road), come meet new friends, make a masterpiece, and have a blast! This craft class is geared towards kids aged 5-14 years old, the cost of each class is $10. Registration is encouraged and will be accepted until the day of the Craft Class. Please register by calling Tina House at (810) 667-0341.

The Michigan 4-H Horse Judges and Show Volunteers Conference will be on January 14-15! Held at the MSU Pavilion (4301 Farm Ln, Lansing, MI 48910), this annual event hosted by the Dept of Animal Science and the MI 4-H Horse Judges Advisory Committee is open to all Judges, Horse Show Mangers, and Adult Volunteers. The registration fee is $80 and includes lunch on Saturday as well as program materials. To avoid the additional $15 late fee, please register by January 6, 2023. For counties interested in using University account numbers for payment, please send an email prior to January 7 if possible.

For full schedule/registration: https://www canr msu edu/events/michigan-4-h-horsejudges-and-show-volunteers-conference

For more information, please email Carla McLachlan at: carlam@msu.edu

Join Michigan 4-H, the MSU Dept of Animal Science, and the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine for 4-H Animal Science Career Quest on February 18-19!

Youth will learn about all the opportunities an animal science education can bring them, not just as an undergraduate student, long-term post-graduate, career options.

Animal Science Career Quest is open to youth ages 12-19 (as of Jan. 1, 2023) and 4H volunteers. Complete schedule and reg-

istration link visit: https://www.canr.msu. edu/events/animal-science-career-quest

Free parking available all day Saturday and Sunday in lots 40, 41, and 43. For one day, the cost is $30, for both days the cost is $50. No overnight lodging or transportation is provided for the event. For more details, email Melissa Elischer: elischer@msu.edu

Save the date for the MI 4-H Hippology Contest on March 18! From 8am until 5pm, participants will be able to demonstrate their experience and knowledge gained in horse judging, quiz bowl, speeches and practical horse management. Phases of the contest include a written exam, identification of items shown on slides, placing and/or identification of feedstuffs or feed tags, judging, identification stations, and team problems. There are opportunities for the top two senior hippology teams to go on to compete at the National 4-H level.

For more information on events or how to get involved in Michigan 4-H, contact Taylor Fabus, 4-H Horse & Pony Ext. Educator, by email at tenlenta@msu.edu. Stay in-theloop on Michigan 4-H Horse & Pony events, online at: https://www canr msu edu/ horses_ponies/events

OHIO 4-H

https://www.ohio4h.org/

Calling all older youth age 14 to 18 who plan to serve as 4-H camp counselors! You’re invited to this year ’ s Making eXtreme Counselors (MXC) – an interactive and quick-paced training that offers innovative camp ideas to new and veteran camp counselors. Don’t miss your chance to participate – the event will be offered in person again in 2023, on February 25-26. Registration for 2023 MXC opened December 1st and closes January 31st, noon. The cost for participating is $45 for adults and $65 for youths. Counselors will earn camp counselor training hours while atten-

ding the event (number of hours determined by county). All participants will be able to share and gain ideas with teens from other counties all across the state. County Extension Professionals and Camp Directors are NOT required to attend with their counselors. In 2023, MXC participants can attend sessions on the following topics: Camp Program Planning, Teaching and Facilitation, Communication, Camp Environment, Teamwork, and Leadership. This is an overnight training camp. More updates will be posted on the website at: https://ohio4h.org/camp/mcx-workshop

Mark your calendars for the 2023 Ohio 4-H Conference on Friday, March 11 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center located in Columbus, Ohio! The 2023 Ohio 4-H Conference will bring together 4H volunteers and teens (age 13 and older) from across Ohio. You can participate in a variety of educational sessions that offer something for everyone! Join us as we learn from one another to make the best better for Ohio 4-H programs. Sessions will start at 9am on March 11. The registration deadline is Friday, February 10. Conference cost is $40. For more details, reach out to Allen Auck via email: auck.1@osu.edu

For more information or if questions, you can contact Dr Kimberly Cole, the Ohio State Extension Equine Specialist, by email at cole.436@osu.edu

Stay up-to-date on Ohio 4-H Horse Program happenings by visiting their online calendar at: https://ohio4h org/animalsciences/ horse/4-h-horse-program-calendar-events

4-H IS A COMMUNITY FOR ALL KIDS – In 4-H, we believe in the power of young people. Wrien

Plan ahead for a project you can enter in the Harrison County Fair! January Leathercraft Workshop will provide opportunities for a variety of projects with instruction and tools provided by Gene Cooper, from Cooper’s Leather of Plainfield, IN. Leave this workshop with a complete stamped, carved, and dyed leathercraft project such as a keychain, wrist strap, or wallet. You can choose from several kits and the kit you choose will determine the cost of the workshop This workshop will be held January 7th, from 9:00am-3:00pm at the Harrison County Extension Office. Reserve your spot by calling (812) 738-4236.

Pack your laptop and join us for a 4-H Scholarship Workshop to learn about available scholarships and the application process. The workshop will be held on January 9 from 6pm-7:30pm in the basement of the DeKalb County Office Building (215 East 9th Street, Auburn, IN 46706). In partnership with the Indiana 4-H Foundation, the Indiana 4-H Youth Development Program annually awards more than $125,000. in scholarships to 4-H members to pursue post-secondary education. Scholarships are awarded to recognize youth participating in Indiana’s 4-H Youth

Development Program on achievements and life skill development resulting from their participation in a variety of 4-H experiences. Scholarship Applications are due January 25, 2023. Youth may complete their application through their 4H Online account. For detailed instructions on how to complete your application, visit: https:// extension purdue edu/4-H/get-involved/ scholarships.html

For more information about the 4-H scholarship workshop, please reach out to Effie Campbell by phone at (260) 925-2562 or by email at campb314@purdue.edu

Attention all those involved in Elkhart County’s 4-H Saddle Club! Head to the Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds on the following dates for these meetings: 4-H Saddle Club Meeting on January 9 from 6:30pm-8pm, the 4-H Saddle Club Junior Leaders Meeting on February 5 from 6-8pm and the 4-H Saddle Club Advisory Board Meeting on February 6 from 7pm-8pm.

For more information about the Elkhart 4-H Saddle Club meetings, please reach out to Ashley Holdeman at (574) 354-7403 or by email at ashleyholdeman4h@yahoo.com

Mini 4-H’ers are invited to attend the String Art Workshop on January 11, 2023. This workshop will take place at the Extension Office in Corydon (247 Atwood St. Corydon, IN) from 5:30pm until 7pm. There will be

limited availability and reserving your spot is required to participate in this creative Mini 4-H workshop. To reserve your spot, call the Extension Office at (812) 738-4236 or email: feve@purdue.edu

If you’re a 4-H’er in Clay County, you’ve got a busy start to 2023! Come on over to the Clay County 4-H Fairgrounds on the following dates for these meetings: the Clay County 4-H Council Meeting on January 11 from 7pm-8pm, the Clay County Jr Leaders Meeting on January 16 from 7pm-8pm, and the Horse & Pony Club Meeting January19 from 7pm-8pm.

For more information about the Clay County 4-H meetings, please reach out to the Clay County Extension Office at (812) 448-9041 or by email at clayces@purdue.edu

For more information on Indiana 4-H news and events, contact Courtney Stierwalt, the 4-H Youth Development Extension Specialist via email: dickerso@purdue.edu

Visit the Purdue Horse Extension’s Facebook page to stay up-to-date on 4-H and other equine-related news.

by Lisa Skylis, in collaboraon with Cindy Couturier, editor, Saddle Up! Magazine

Bringing Your Horses Home

By Lisa Kiley | https://www.cashmans.com/

Most horse owners dream of one day bringing their horses' home. It is an image that can conjure thoughts of watching your horses munching grass out of the kitchen window while you are doing dishes. Maybe you are looking forward to morning trips to the barn with a cup of coffee in hand and being greeted by the nickers of excitement followed by the calming sound of horses eating hay in their stalls. However, bringing horses home can be expensive and challenging So, if your new year's resolution is to make this dream a reality, you will want to make sure that you have thought through what you will need to make this transition a happy one.

Preparing the Land: When it comes to pastures and grazing, horses can be tough, between the way they graze and the damage their hooves can cause. When setting up an area for the horses to be turned out, build a few pastures for rotation and a sacrifice area that is prepared with footing to help avoid mud. Plan where pastures will be based on best drainage. Mow, eradicate weeds, and re-seed as needed before the horses arrive, if possible. It is also important to plan pastures and barns according to water accessibility. This may mean you will have to run water, but it will make caring for your horse much easier

Safe Fences: Once you bring your horses home, the responsibility falls on you to keep them safe and properly contained. Fencing that isn't safe and strong is a liability and can pose a risk for devastating injuries. When you first bring your horses home, introduce them to the fencing boundaries and let them get used to being in the enclosures when you are home to supervise. If the horses that will be housed together are new to each other, introducing them slowly will help make the transition as smooth as possible. Horses are herd animals and will generally do better in a group of horses or with companion animals rather than being alone.

Shelter: Horses are hardier than we give them credit for, but they still need a place to shelter from the elements. If the horses are going to primarily be in the pasture, you may just need a three-sided shed that provides shelter out of the sun, wind, rain, and snow Most people find that having a barn where the horses can be brought in/separated is the most convenient. Even if you aren't planning on using stalls every day, having a place to bring them in can make management much easier for grooming, care and feeding.

groomer; what you are planning on doing on your property will determine what makes it to the top of the list.

Ride Time: Unless you are just bringing your horse home to turn out to pasture, you will probably need a place to ride. It usually makes sense to start with an outdoor arena since it will be more affordable than an indoor arena. Focus on drainage and good footing to maximize usage throughout the course of the year For a safe, contained space to work with your horse, consider a round pen. They are easy to move and can be expanded as needed. Riding at home can be fun, but make sure to plan time to meet with friends or have them over to ride so you can still enjoy the social aspect of riding horses.

These are just some of the basics to consider when preparing to bring horses home. There are challenges, learning opportunities, hard work, and what may seem like never enough time to ride, but there is something very rewarding about seeing those horses in your backyard every day. It is a big commitment, but one that is well worth the trouble. If you are thinking of bringing your horses home and need some additional guidance, please visit cashmans.com, we would be happy to help make this a resolution that you keep.

Happy New Year!!

About Lisa: Lisa Kiley is a horse enthusiast who has worked in the equine industry and shown horses for many years. She is also a proud member of the Cashman's Horse Equipment Team in Delaware, Ohio. Cashman's Horse Equipment proudly provides top quality products to the equine and agricultural community, with a commitment to sourcing environmentally conscious merchandise and items made in the U.S.A

Equipment: Keeping horses at home can be more cost effective than boarding when you are looking at the day-to-day expenses. However, there ends up being a lot of overhead costs in building barns, outfitting stalls, and putting up fences. Additionally, to keep your property in tip top shape, there is a variety of equipment you will need. Put together a list of items that will be needed and then rank them in order of most importance. Usually, a tractor is number one on the list followed by a bush hog, manure spreader and arena

Lisa https://www.cashmans.com/ Send us your showbill or flyer, we’ll enter them for you! Email: saddleupmag@gmail.com

and Cotton New Online Calendar! https://saddleupmag.com/

HORSE SHOWS & EVENTS Are Always Free!

Northwest MI Fairgrounds, Traverse City, MI Judges: Keith Carey and Lucy Brown

Mason County Fairgrounds, Ludington, MI Judges: Amy Sommer and Roger Altman

Mason County Fairgrounds, Ludington, MI Judges: Amanda Duncan and Kaylene Elliott

Release of Information: I hereby give the American Horsemen Challenge Association permission to use my name and/or photographs and/or videos in publication of point standings, awards, or other club activities.

Amateur/Novice: I have read the rules and regulations that govern theAHCA Amateur, and Novice status. I hereby affirm and agree to comply with the rules and regulations of the AHCA as written and contained in the AHCA office rule book, as it is updated by necessity If for any reason I become ineligible to exhibit in above Approved Amateur or Novice classes, I understand it is my duty to voluntarily and immediately notify AHCA. I acknowledge that for violation of AHCA rules, I may be subject to disciplinary action and/or revocation of points and awards for my horse and myself.

I understand that horseback riding will expose me to above normal risks. These risks include collisions, obstacles, variation in terrain and surface/subsurface conditions, and unexpected actions of a horse, such as kicking, biting, rearing, bucking, striking, rolling, bolting, or running away from danger by trotting, cantering or galloping. I also understand that I will be exposed to inherent risks of equine activity including but not limited to the unpredictability of an equine reaction to cattle, other animals, and sudden movement of people, sounds, and unfamiliar objects. I further understand that horses have a propensity to behave in ways that may result in injury, harm or death to a person on or around it. I agree that I assume and acknowledge these and other dangers that are inherent in the activity of horseback riding. I agree that I am responsible for my own safety I agree that I have my own medical coverage. I agree that the AHCA, their members, employees, and agents will not be liable if I suffer personal injury or death, except if caused by their gross negligence or willful and wanton misconduct. I agree not to bring any claims, demands or lawsuits against AHCA, their members, employees or agents. I agree that if AHCA, their members, agents or employees are sued by anyone else because of claimed conduct of myself, I will indemnify and hold them harmless for all damages and costs, including reasonable actual attorney fees. I agree that the consideration for this release to be binding on me, my heirs and assigns that I am permitted to participate inAHCAactivities or ride on property rented or in use for events. I specifically affirm and agree that, this release constitutes a wavier of liability beyond the provisions of the Michigan EquineActivity LiabilityAct 1994 P.A. 351. I agree that Michigan law governs the interruption and enforceability of this release. I acknowledge that I am eighteen years of age or older, and I am signing this release on my own behalf and on the behalf of my minor children, our heirs, representatives and assigns.

Printed Name Signature Date (Parent or Guardian if under 18)

Become

CANTER Michigan

$500 $50 $25 Donate Adopt Volunteer

●

●

Membership - Individual Membership - includes any person nineteen (19) years of age or older seeking membership in the CABA association.

Michigan FQHR Membership Form

Below you will nd the Michigan membership application. Our membership year runs from January 1st - December 31st. Anyone signing up from October thru December will be carried thru the following year. Just print this page out on your printer and return to the address below with the appropriate fee. Thanks, and we’ll see you at the show!

http://www.michigan-fqhr.com/

** FQHR-MI will NEVER sell or share our member’s information with any other parties or business’. Your information is used only for membership tracking and monthly newsletters.

Michigan FQHR Release of Liability:

This Release covers all shows/clinics offered by the FQHR Michigan affiliate for the calendar year. Please read carefully before signing. I apply to ride horses/ride in the arena/ride on trails and participate in or observe equine events provided and sponsored by Foundation Quarter Horse Registry-Michigan Affiliate FQHR-MI at the facilities indicated above. WARNING: Under the Michigan Equine Liability act an equine professional is not liable for an injury to or death of a participant in an equine activity resulting from the inherent risk of the equine activity. I understand that horseback riding will expose me to above normal risks. These risks include collisions, obstacles, variation in terrain and surface/subsurface conditions, and unexpected actions of a horse, such as kicking, biting, rearing, bucking, striking, rolling, bolting, or running away from danger by trotting, cantering, or galloping. I also understand that I will be exposed to inherent risks of equine activity including, but not limited to the unpredictability of an equine reaction to cattle, other animals, and sudden movement of people, sounds, and unfamiliar objects. I further understand that horses have a propensity to behave in ways that may result in injury, harm, or death to a person on or around it. I agree that I assume and acknowledge these and other dangers that are inherent in the activity of horseback riding. I agree that I am responsible for my own safety. I agree that I have my own medical coverage. I agree that the FQHR-MI, their members, employees, and agents will not be liable if I suffer personal injury or death, except if caused by their gross negligence or willful and wanton misconduct. I agree not to bring any claims, demands or lawsuits against FQHR-MI, their members, employees, or agents. I agree that if FQHR-MI, their members, agents or employees are sued by anyone else because of claimed conduct of myself, I will indemnify and hold them harmless for all damages and costs, including reasonable actual attorney fees. I agree that the consideration for this release to be binding on me, my heirs and assigns that I am permitted to participate in FQHR-MI activities or ride on property rented or in use for events. I specifically affirm and agree that, this release constitutes a waiver of liability beyond the provisions of the Michigan Equine Activity Liability Act 1994 P.A 351 I agree that Michigan law governs the interruption and enforce ability of this release. I acknowledge that I am eighteen years of age or older, and I am signing this release on my own behalf and on the behalf of my minor children, our heirs, representatives, and assigns.

•

I release Hungerford Trail Riders Association (HTRA) of any and all liabilities or personal loss or injury, and/or property loss/damage of any kind. I accept full responsibility for my personal property, myself and family members (including any minor child/children).

Attn: Nancy Green-Duffy, Treasurer PO Box 1464, Big Rapids, MI 49307

Email: htraride51@gmail.com (add $1.50 to fee for PayPal payment)

Workbee/Adopt-A-Trail HTRA Events Other www.hungerfordtrailriders.org

As a member, I would like to volunteer with the following activities:

MICHIGAN QUARTER HORSE ASSOCIATION

P.O. Box 278, Greenville, MI 48838 • 616-225-8211 • Fax: 616-835-9064

www.MIQUARTERHORSE.com Email: info@miquarterhorse.com

Youth Date of Birth ( / / ) q Individual (12 months) Adult Date of Birth ( / / ) q Individual (12 months) q Adult with Spouse q Addition of Spouse (to existing membership) Other q Farm, Ranch, Corporate or Partnership (12 months) q Individual Lifetime

$30 $45 $65 $20 $45 $250

• Nearly 50AQHAShowsAnnually

•Youth World ShowTeam &Youth CongressTeam

• Stallion Service Sale

• Michigan Quarter Horse Breeders Futurity

• Queen Contest • Various Clinics

•Annual Convention andYear EndAwards

Please make checks payable to MQHA and mail completed form to: MQHA, P.O. Box 278, Greenville, MI 48838

Name MQHAID No. Spouse (if applicable) Spouse’s MQHAID No.

Address City State Zip Michigan County Phone q Check if unlisted Email Amt. $ Signature

Credit Card Information: q Visa q MasterCard q Discover SVC Code (from back):

Account Number Exp. Date / Zip Code: q Credit card billing address is NOT the same as above. If not the same, please write the billing address on the back of this form.

For office use only: (Whenever possible, please attach payment to form.)

Date: PaymentType: Check # Cash Credit Card Amount: Taken By: Tax Tip: Contributions or gifts to the MQHA are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax; however dues or advertising payments may be deductible by members as an ordinary/necessary business expense.

Does your association have a Mission Statement? The MQHA will be the industry leader serving all horse enthusiasts in Michigan with diverse programs that promote the American Quarter Horse. MQHA will be the first point of contact as a resource for both our members and horse enthusiasts in the state by offering inclusive programs with integrity that provide beneficial services to all.

What year was the association founded? Incorporated 1955 What is the average number of members? 750

Does your membership run January to December of each year? Membership runs for 12 months from receipt of your payment.

What breed does the association focus on? Quarter Horse.

Is there a Breeder’s Incentive Program? No

How many events do you hold each year? MQHA manages six horse show circuits and approves an additional three circuits. We also have our Convention in January and host a tack sale in conjunction with the 4-H Benefit Clinic held in February We are also a major sponsor of the 4-H Jamboree.

Where are they normally held? Lansing, Ludington, and Midland, MI.

Do you have a Nat’l. affiliation? All are AQHA approved.

Is there a youth division? Yes.

Is there an amateur division? Yes.

Are there daily high points? Each show is unique, but all have a circuit high point. Are there year end awards? Yes.

Do you have an annual banquet? Yes, held in January

Do you have an annual fund-raiser? We have fund-raisers year round. Do you donate funds for scholarships? We support the Michigan Equine Scholarship Fund.

Do you have a Stallion Service Sale or Futurity? Yes, both. MQHA Futurity is held in September at the MSU Pavilion in East Lansing, MI. The Stallion Service Sale starts at our annual banquet in January

Do you have monthly meetings? Yes, except in July and October. Do you have monthly minutes? Yes, we have minutes for every meeting. Do you have a newsletter? Not at this time.

What is your association website? www.miquarterhorse.com

Who should be contacted with any questions? The MQHA Office located in Greenville, Michigan Please Call 616-225-8211

Email: info@miquarterhorse.com

www.miquarterhorse.com

Each membership year is from January 1st to December 31st. New memberships are $35.00. Renewal memberships are $25.00, until March 31 of the year following expiration and then will be $35.00. If your membership has expired in a previous year, you will need to pay $35.00 to renew, but you may retain your former MTRA number All memberships (individual/family) are “conditional” until approved by the Board of Directors. All “Family Memberships” include husband, wife and children under the age of 18. If you are single, a family membership includes just you and any children under the age of 18. A “Life” Membership is available for $440. Maps and Guidebooks are included with the New Member fee. If you would like to purchase the maps and guidebook only, please remit $15.00 for non-members, $10.00 for members. No bicycles are allowed on this trail. We are a non-prot organization, therefore, all membership income over/above expenses is used to improve and promote the Michigan Shore-to-Shore Riding and Hiking Trail.

PontiacLakeHorseman’sAssociation

Making a difference for the future at Pontiac Lake State Recreation Area

2023 Membership Application

Membership is for one year and expires each year on December 31st. Please indicate which membership you are applying for

o Individual $15 o Family (includes children under 18) $20 o Business $40

Name

Spouse’s Name

Children’s Names under 18 Address City State Zip Home Phone Email

Please make checks payable to:

PontiacLakeHorseman’s Association(PLHA)

Mail signed application to: Email: plha@plha.info

Pontiac Lake Horseman’s Assoc. Attn: Membership Coordinator PO. Box 798 Highland, MI 48375

WAIVER: I hereby release the Pontiac Lake Horseman’s Association, its membership and officers, of any and all liabilities resulting in physical injury, property damage or personal loss to myself or my family members in connection with any activities sponsored or organized by this Association.IrealizethathorsescanbehaveunpredictablyandIagreetoparticipateintheseactivitiesfullyawareofthepotentialrisksinvolved.

Signature Date

Does your association have a Mission Statement?

To promote, improve, and preserve the Pontiac Lake Recreation Area an its equestrian trails, while encouraging proper land management and equal access. To advocate and provide a voice of leadership with policy makers and a physical presence in regard to trail issues and improvements at Pontiac lake Recreation Area.

What year was the association founded? 2000

What is the average number of members? 125 families

Does your membership run January to December of each year? Yes.

What breed/discipline does the association focus on? All breeds - we are a Trails group.

If breed association, is there an Incentive Program? No

How many events do you hold each year? Four

Where are they normally held? Pontiac Lake Rec. Area

Is there a youth division? N/A

Is there an amateur division? N/A

Are there daily high points? N/A

Are there year end awards? N/A

Do you have an annual banquet? Yes, in June.

Do you have an annual fund-raiser? Yes, bi-annual fundraiser events – one in June and one in September at the Pontiac Lake Recreation Area.

www.PLHA.info

Do you have a Stallion Service Sale or Futurity? N/A

Do you have monthly meetings? 4 board meetings a year, held every 3 months.

Do you have a newsletter? Yes, it is mailed. What is your association website? www.PLHA.info Who should be contacted with questions? Susie Sulla, PLHA Trail Boss: 248-933-6338 or by email susie@plha.info or plha@plha.info

What goals would you like your association to obtain in 2023? The Pontiac Lake Horseman’s Association and members are always trying to expand opportunities for the equestrian trail riding community. Positive actions, assistance and involvement by the PLHA and the equestrian trail riding community with recreational trails and parks planning, within our local and state government agencies, secures the safest and best equestrian trail riding opportunities available.

Email: PLHA@PLHA.info

Name

Signature

Single Family Business For more information please email Nancy Efrusy at efrusy@yahoo.com

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

General Memberships expire ONE (1) Year (Jan 1 to Dec 31)

TYPE OF MEMBERSHIP (please note: you must also be a member of the National WDAA in order for your Michigan Affiliate membership with WDAMI to be validated.) National Membership (WDAA) – (If you are a current member, select/include in pmt.)

$45 General Membership (yearly renewal) If already a National Member, enter Membership Number

State Membership (WDAMI) – (please choose one or both.)

$25 General Membership (yearly renewal) Wish to support WDAMI, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, with my donation of $ TOTAL $

forms may be

Membership Rates please check one (includes Free enhanced listing on the PLTRAwebsite)

® ® ®

$15.00 $20.00 $25.00

Visit us online: www.proudlaketrailriders.org Please make checks payable to: Proud Lake Trail RidersAssociation, Inc. Please mail your application to: , 3210 Red Fox Lane, Milford, MI 48381 PLTRAMemberships

About the Western Dressage Association of America and Western Dressage Association of Michigan: The Western DressageAssociation ofAmerica is a 501(c)(3) educational nonprofit organization focused on providing a model of horsemanship that optimizes the partnership of horse and rider for their mutual benefit. The mission of the Western DressageAssociation is to honor the horse, to value the partnership between horse and rider and to celebrate the legacy of theAmerican West which is focuses on through its offerings of educational opportunities and events to the equestrian community

HTTPS://SADDLEUPMAG.COM/ (33) JANUARY 2023 • C & C PUBLISHING, INC. ©2023

2023 MEMBERSHIPFORM

You may mail the below form with a check to: YSTRA 10370 W Parmalee Road, Middleville, MI 49333 OR

You can go online to YSTRA.org to file for membership at anytime.

Name Address City State Zip Phone Email

Membership Type: (check one)

Yearly: $20 Lifetime: $200

Your membership makes a huge impact! Each membership and donation goes right back into keeping your trails maintained.

Yankee Springs Trail Riders Association, Inc. (YSTRA)

Yankee Springs Equestrian Trails are mainly sandy, with a few rocky parts, but nothing that keeps us away!

The 9 Mile: Great for any rider. This trail system does have hills and some rougher terrain. Riders of all ages and skill levels love the scenery!

The 6 Mile: We would rate this trail great for any beginner rider. Minimal rocks and easily navigable terrain.

The 4 Mile: This trail is known for it's more rocky terrain. It does have some steep hills, but the scenes are WORTH IT! Find yourself on top of a high ridge looking down into the forest and you can sometimes see Gun Lake on a beautiful fall day when the leaves aren't so thick.

TRAILS ARE FOR EQUESTRIAN USE ONLY

Start your New Year off right by joining a horse association or trail riding group today. New members are always welcome! Memberships help with horse shows and events, trail maintenance and improvements, and many other ways.

Monetary donations are also a great way to support your favorite horse associations or trail riding groups. Every little bit helps, no matter the size of the donation. Volunteering has rewards for everyone! You can help a group in need, enjoy making new friends, and best of all ... you’ll be spending your spare time with horses and horse people!!

Equine Motor Neuron Disease

By Dr. Joanna Bronson | http://bronsonvetservices.com/

Equine motor neuron disease was first recognized in the Northeastern part of the United States, but cases are now found all across the U.S and in Canada, Europe, the British Isles, Japan, as well as Brazil.

This disease (EMND) typically occurs in older horses that have been Vitamin E deficient for more than 18 months. Vitamin E is a necessary element that functions as a biological antioxidant helping maintain normal neuromuscular functions.

EMND affects lower motor neurons interfering with neurological input into the muscles. Certain horses are more susceptible to developing neuron diseases and a deficiency in vitamin E plays a significant role in the development of EMND in those individual horses. However, not every horse who is vitamin E deficient will develop this disease.

Signs of a suspected case of EMND are obvious.

Affected horses will display muscle atrophy, weakness, and weight loss even with a normal or increased appetite. Weight loss can be as much as 200-300 pounds, even if the horse has a good appetite. This weight loss is due to the degenerative atrophy associated with motor neuron disease. Weight loss usually shows up before any other clinical signs.

This disease usually affects older horses with the peak age for risk beginning around age 16. However, the onset of this disease can start as early as 15 months of age. Both genders are susceptible to EMND, and there has been increased documentation of susceptibility in certain breeds including standardbreds, quarter horses, and thoroughbreds.

Besides a noticeable weight loss, other clinical signs may include muscle twitching and sweating An affected horse may also carry his head lower than normal, want to lie down for longer periods of time, and will appear uncomfortable standing. When lying down, EMND will cause him to want to rest his chin on the ground to support the weight of his head and neck.

An affected horse may also stand with his pelvic limbs braced under his abdomen, or he may frequently shift his weight, as he will be unable to “lock his stifles” to help support his weight. With movement, he may occasionally stumble and display a shortened or “string-halt” stride displaying an elevated tail head. Many affected horses do feel better in motion compared to when standing still. When diagnosing and ruling out other spinal problems, the horse's desire to move instead of wanting to stand still is a guide for suspecting EMND.

Horses with EMND will also often appear hyperalert and will display worried facial expressions.

To determine a positive diagnosis, EMND is identified based on a horse's history, clinical signs, and laboratory findings including a muscle biopsy taken from the tail head.

This test will reveal histopathologic evidence of damage to the neurons. A blood test can determine a baseline vitamin E level and should be repeated regularly to see if the levels need adjustment. Affected horses are treated by adding or changing the vitamin E level in their diets. Vitamin E is most often fed in combination with the mineral Selenium which is also essential for good health.

With treatment, approximately 40% of affected horses improve, 40% stabilize, and 20% progress in the severity of the disease.

Many areas of the United States are known for producing selenium deficient forage including parts of the Pacific Northwest, the Great Lakes, and down the Eastern Seaboard into Florida. In these areas, selenium supplementation is a necessity.

The minerals Selenium and vitamin E allow the body to protect the cells from oxidative damage by fortifying the body's immune system. Vitamin E is essential for proper functioning of many systems including reproduction, muscle development and function, and the nervous, circulatory, and immune systems.

Vitamin E must be obtained through a horse's diet. Calculating how much vitamin E to feed is determined by body weight, physiological status, and required level of work.

Supplementation is especially warranted for horses who are not consuming pasture year-round, are undergoing moderate to heavy exercise, are growing, or are lactating.

Although a horse may be on pasture, he can still develop a vitamin E deficiency It is important to address a horse's whole diet to ensure he is receiving a balanced diet which meets his individual nutritional requirements.

If the horse will respond to therapy, it usually takes a minimum of 3 to 6 weeks for observable improvement to be noticed.

The ideal prevention for EMND is feeding quality forage (pasture or hay), grain when needed, and supplementing for recognized vitamin and mineral deficiencies in the diet.

Dr. Joanna Bronson graduated from MSU College of Veterinary Medicine in 2000 at the top of her class. Following graduation, she worked as an intern at a large equine referral practice in Cleveland, OH, specializing in lameness, surgery, and racetrack medicine. In 2005, she opened Bronson Veterinary Services in Coldwater, MI. What started as an ambulatory only practice, quickly grew to a fullservice equine and small animal hospital and surgical center. The now three doctor practice provides medical, surgical, reproductive, and preventative care services for Branch County and the surrounding area. Dr Bronson is committed to promoting responsible pet ownership, preventative healthcare and health-related educational opportunities for her clients.

Her practice offers a number of resources to learn about how to take better care of your pets.

For more information please visit www.bronsonvetservices.com

Saddle

Behind The Lens

WITH RENAE MONA PHOTOGRAPHY

By Lisa Skylis | skylisli@msu.edu

Are you ready to turn your horse hobby into an equine small business? Do you have what it takes to turn your passion into a career? Whether your dream business is a tack shop, freelance photography, a boarding barn, or anything else, it is crucial to learn how to set your business up for success before launching and learn from those who have already made the leap. The goal of this Equine Small Business series is to guide you through the process of becoming a small business, be a resource for growing and maintaining your small business, and give real-life advice from equine professionals with an established small business. Read on and let's get to business!

Meet the Photographer: A horse fanatic from the start, Renae Parsons grew up spending every hour she could at her local barn in Oakland County, Michigan. Given her first horse at the age of fourteen, Renae soon understood that horses would not just be a hobby, but a lifelong passion and career for her She spent her teenage years in the saddle and began taking photos around her barn. As her infatuation with capturing these majestic creatures grew, so did her equine photography side-business. Before she made the leap into professional equine photography, Renae worked in a small animal emergency hospital as a Veterinary Technician. “I had always done photography on the side, but what led me to leave my previous employment was [that] I needed an emotional break. Renae explained ...”It was a really emotionally taxing job, and truly a job of passion.”

Now a full-time equine photographer, Renae specializes in equestrian portraiture and is a member of the Professional Photographers Alliance, as well as the official track photographer at Northville Downs, a harness racing track in metro-Detroit. She is also proud to be the only approved photographer in the state to be partnered with the Equestrian of Color Photography Project, which was created to raise awareness and support diversity within the equestrian world by linking the artistry of photographers with horse lovers of color ready to share their story

As with any business venture, Renae soon discovered that equine photography comes with its challenges and can be especially demanding of your time. “It's hard to manage your personal life when you have emails [and] phone calls coming in 24/7.” Renae warned, “It's really tough to set boundaries when you know you also want to make your clients happy and get back to them as soon as possible.” A common but uncomfortable situation she has found herself in is receiving push-back from the client about the cost of an equine photography session. Depending on experience and skill level, a full-time professional equine photographer could earn between $60,000 and $66,000 each year. In scenarios where a client has undervalued her work, Renae admitted... “it's hard to remember what my worth is as a photographer and an artist.”

While the time investment can be steep, after a few sessions the perks of working in the equine photography industry began to reveal themselves to Renae. When asked what her favorite part of her business is, Renae was quick to confirm that it is the experiences she has had, not the money, that keep her coming back for more. Renae gushed, “I love being able to build my own schedule, but the absolute best thing about being an equine photographer is meeting new people. I leave my photo shoots with a new friend every time!”

Equine Photographer Business Basics: With its winning combination of schedule flexibility and creativity, professional photography can be the ideal career for those looking to turn their passion for horses into a small business and connect with the broader equine community Renae was quick to clarify the differences between doing photography professionally and freelance photography. “In my business,” She explained, “I work for my client. That is doing equine photography professionally. If you are working freelance, you are most [likely] selling your images as stock images, competing in art shows, and working hard to sell your photos.”

Working your first equine photo shoot can be intimidating, but luckily Renae had guidance for keeping your client comfortable and avoiding any faux pas. “Do treat your client like a friend,” She advised, “Don't do anything that you can tell makes your client nervous. Do ask what they are comfortable with. Remember that every horse-person has a different level of knowledge and confidence. Some may not be comfortable taking their horse far away from the barn or getting on their horse bareback.” Listening to the client's expectations and body language are vital and a job well done could result in a loyal, repeat customer for life.

Other key aspects to establishing or growing your small business are marketing and advertising. Without a proper marketing strategy, your equine photography business may struggle to stay afloat during these challenging economic times. Marketing is an ongoing process where a business owner defines their product and discovers their audience through design, research, and analysis. Technically a step of marketing, advertising is the specific way you communicate your businesses' product or service to your audience. While a business card might have worked wonders in the past, nowadays advertising campaigns use multiple media platforms to spread word of their business far and wide.

“Clients like to see work posted on a regular basis, on platforms like Instagram and Facebook. But know [that] it isn't the 'be all' to marketing I post on a regular basis, but that's it” Renae offered, “Most of my clients come from word of mouth. Some [come] from Facebook, and some from Instagram. Remember that real relationships help bring the most clients in, and social media can only do so much.” Renae continued, “Be patient, building a clientele takes time. But get yourself out there, start talking with more horse people, talk about your business at clinics and horse shows.”

What's in a professional equine photographer's bag?

· Camera of choice: Canon R5

· Lens of choice: 135mm

· Microfiber cloth, for wiping the horse's face during the shoot

Photo Credit: Renae Mona Photography

· Business cards

· Horse treats

· Phone (silent) for playing sounds to grab horse's attention

Shooting for Success: To anyone looking to advance their hobby for photography into a professional career, Renae recommended to connect with reputable photographers and establish a mentorship. “Don't be afraid to ask for help from other photographers!” She continued, “Not all photographers believe in community over competition. But many of us have apprenticeship or training programs. Keep that in mind and also be aware that when asking for advice from another professional, they may ask you to purchase a one on one with them. That's totally fine! We have spent years learning what [we know] and educating other photographers is time that we could be booking clients!”

For anyone still uncertain if they could maintain a career in professional equine photography, Renae had one final pitch to give the profession a chance. “I hope to make this my long-term career I think it's very sustainable so long as you don't burn yourself out and book too much.” Renae encouraged, “As a professional photographer, I thrive on capturing the special bond between horse and rider. Nothing else really compares!”

Lisa Skylis graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in Animal Science. She is a professional freelance writer and Lisa's work largely focuses on the equine industry. When she is not writing, Lisa can be found doting on the horses at her local therapeutic riding barn or entertaining her mischievous Golden Retriever, Roy Freelance inquiries can be sent to skylisli@msu.edu.

Sources: Thank you to Renae Parsons from Renae Mona Photography for allowing me to interview her, for her insight into the equine photo-

graphy industry, and for her wonderful photos. If you live in Michigan and would like to book an equine photography session with Renae Parsons, please reach out to her via email at: info@renaemona photography.com

Sources for this article include an article from The Chronicle of the Horse authored by Danielle Smyth in 2021 titled “On Average, How Much Does an Equine Photographer Make?” and an article from the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics titled “Occupational Outlook Handbook: Photographers.” Extension Horses maintains a host of equine business-related articles from their Equine Business Network online at: https://horses.extension.org/equine-business-network-articles/

https://www.renaemonaphotography.com/

Photo Credit: Renae Mona Photography

Be sure to reserve your space for one of the best tack sales of the year!

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“Realistic” Training Expectations

By Julie Goodnight | https://juliegoodnight.com/

Whether your young horse is ready for saddle training, or your adult horse needs to be restarted, has developed undesirable behaviors, or is ready for a higher level of training, there may come a time when you consider sending them to a professional trainer.

There is a huge investment in time and money when a horse is professionally trained – it's why well-trained horses are so expensive. For the most part, you can buy a well-trained horse faster and cheaper than you can develop one, but anyone who has been shopping for horses in the past couple of years knows how daunting it can be to find the right horse, even if you have a fat budget and unlimited time. Investing in professional training might be a good course of action for your horse and for you.

There are more questions than answers when it comes to decisions about professional training. After training horses for nearly 50 yrs, my point of view is from the horse trainer's perspective, but there are some questions I get from students and folks on social media repeatedly that help me understand a horse owner's point of view

“How long does it take to train a horse?”

“How should I expect the horse to progress?”

“What does my horse need to know, why would a trainer help?”

There are many types of trainers, although finding a good trainer can be challenging, and there is no shortage of horses that need training. Every circumstance is different, and I cannot tell you what you should do, but I can give you some food for thought about what to consider when it comes to your needs, what kind of training your horse needs, and what reasonable expectations to have.

Quality Vs. Quantity: I am frequently asked by horse owners training their own horses, “How long should my training session last?” It is a reasonable question to ask, but there is not a cut-anddry answer to that because it depends on each individual situation.

Often with horse training we like to say that less is more, slower is better – and I believe it to be true. We also know that it is imperative to end every training session on a good note, because the horse will come back to the next training session in the same state of mind you ended with.

An experienced trainer should know when they have achieved a big change in a horse or an optimal result, and can accomplish far more in a shorter amount of time. Horses are lightning-fast learners, so if it is taking a long time to teach a horse something, it is probably not the horse that is at fault. A longer training session each day does not make up for the mistakes of the handler

Placing a horse with a professional trainer generally results in the horse being trained every day, and pushed at a rate that shows progress to the horse owner If you choose the right trainer, you will be paying for both quantity AND quality.

Along with the consistent daily handling, when you put a horse with a professional trainer, you hope to capitalize on the trainer's knowledge and experience. The more horses you have trained, the more mistakes you have made. As a result, the more you have learned, the fewer mistakes you will make in the future.

In my video on starting young horses under-saddle, I pay special attention to the critical mistakes that are easily made – in the hopes they can be avoided by less experienced trainers. A successful horse trainer has a lot of horses under their belt, and hopefully trains with fewer mistakes than an amateur trainer would.

The Basics: What Green Horses Need To Learn

In a perfect world, horses begin their training as mature juveniles –not too early, not too late – but some horses will miss the opportunity to be educated until later in life. While younger horses are more impressionable and curious than an older horse, all horses need safe handling skills and pleasant ground manners. Fundamental skills like lead line manners, patience while tied, feet handling, and standing for the farrier are imperative.

No matter what career path the horse will ultimately be on, basic training under-saddle is the same for all disciplines of riding Discipline specific training comes later. In other words, if I had a young sport horse with a ton of potential as a jumper, I would not hesitate to send it to a Western trainer who specialized in colt-starting –knowing that the foundational layer I need the talented young horse to have is the same for all disciplines.

Here is what I would expect a horse in basic training to learn:

· Lead properly, stand quietly tied, have good manners for vet and farrier

· Become desensitized to saddling/bridling, carrying the weight of the rider

· Learn cues to go-stop-turn, all 3 gaits

· Learn basic obedience: rider controls direction and speed

· Develop a strong work ethic and willing attitude

· Trailer load, ride in the trailer quietly, unload smoothly

· Experience performing skills in various venues

How long it takes for a horse to graduate from basic training depends on many variables, not the least of which are the temperament and talents of the horse, and the skill of the trainer

How Much Time Does It Take?

Trainers dread horse owners that come in search of the “30-Day Wonder,” with the hopes that their small investment will return a perfectly trained horse, fixing issues often created by the owner. I learned very early on as a horse trainer to shy away from horses that were already started by someone who has tried to start the horse themselves. If someone tries to start a horse under-saddle themselves, then consults a trainer, you can safely bet something went wrong Training horses is easy, but untraining is very hard (more about that later).

Trainers relish the clients who are willing to invest in their horse's education over the long term, let's say 90-120 days at a time, returning each year to advance the horse's education. It is a lot of money to sink into a horse's development, but the returns can be huge – both financially and emotionally

Horses are very fast learners, and with expert handling and steady work, they can reach a high level of training in 6 months. However, learning new skills is just one step in a horse's training They also need “seasoning,” which is the culmination of life experiences (traveling to and working in new locations, experiencing unknown horses, sleeping in strange barns, etc.). So even though horses can acquire new skills rapidly, and quickly become fluent in those skills, generalizing their performance to a variety of different situations and locations may take years.

Obviously, there are many variables that impact how quickly a horse's training progresses. Horses are lightning-quick learners, but the age of the horse, its temperament (reactiveness, fear level), the skill of the trainer, and previous experiences (good, bad, or none), can all have an impact.

Let's say we are starting with a 3-yr-old Quarter Horse that is haltertrained but has had limited handling other than routine health maintenance. It's been allowed to grow up frolicking with the herd and just be a horse. To me, this would be the ideal for starting undersaddle. Assuming the horse goes to a qualified and experienced trainer, here is the progress I would reasonably expect to see:

After 30 days of training: Horse is well-settled into a work routine that includes standing tied, grooming, bathing, being saddled, bridled, and ridden at all three gaits, but is still VERY green, might be squirrelly, and may still require manual steering and stopping

After 60 days of training: Horse is getting steadier in direction and speed control and expanding its comfort zone to ride out of the arena, alone and in company. Starting to develop power steering and power brakes, and more body control. Starting to see physical changes in fitness.

After 90 days of training: Horse is becoming soft and responsive, with a greatly expanded comfort zone (riding off site, being ridden by other riders). Starting to learn more advanced maneuvers, higher level body control, introduction to discipline specific skills, but the trainer is probably making the horse look more advanced than it actually is.

After 120 days of training: Horse is starting to show its finish-level potential, although still far from finished. Talents are emerging, advanced skills are accumulating, but horse is still lacking experience and coordination. Horse is very responsive to the trainer's cues and its physical appearance shows a high level of conditioning. It may be time to start introducing the horse to the competition environment, by hauling it to a few shows without competing, because it could be ready for the first show soon.

Remember, these are gross generalizations of expected progress over time and individual horses can vary greatly one way or the other Mistakes and setbacks happen, some horses have crazy talent, others need time to develop. Horses learn skills fast, but seasoning (the ability to perform those skills fluently in any environment), takes years.

People often ask me how much time you should spend in a training session each day. That depends a lot on the age of the horse and the effectiveness of the trainer. Young horses, under the age of 3 years old, have shorter attention spans and their tender minds can dull quickly The younger the horse, the shorter the attention span. Also, an expert trainer can achieve a lot more with a horse in a lot shorter session than a trainer of lesser skill.

If you are hiring a horse trainer because you have a mature and trained riding horse that has developed undesirable behaviors like spooking, bolting, refusing, bucking, or rearing, there are no magic bullets or quick fixes. It is more likely than not to be a problem that

stems from an underlying pain issue, so your first step should be a medical exam and lameness evaluation.

Many, if not most, training issues with mature riding horses begin with pain or fright. The good news is that with today's accelerating advances in equine sports medicine, there are many curative treatments that offer stunning results. Ruling out physical problems always comes first when there are training “problems” and most trainers that take horses for remedial training know this and will require veterinary clearance before training begins.

While a training problem can start with a physical issue, it can easily result in a learned response. Horses learn by associating one thing with another. Let's say a well-trained show jumper develops pain in his hock on take-off and refuses to jump in competition. After 3 attempts, the rider is eliminated and excused from the arena. The horse was injured, which was the cause of its refusals, but it might associate the refusals with getting to leave the arena. Well after the injuries are healed, the horse may decide to test that theory again.

This uncanny ability of the horse to make unwanted associations can easily happen without any pain issues too. Let's say the rider asks a horse to canter and accidentally bounces on its back, startling the horse when it takes off into the canter The horse's instinctive response would be to crow hop or throw a little buck. If the rider immediately stopped the horse when it bucked, the horse may associate bucking (which he did innocently at first, as a result of the rider's mistake) with stopping and not having to canter again. What started as an innocent and instinctive response to a startle, became a learned response to buck when asked to canter

Once physical issues are cleared up, there are two essential considerations to think about when you are dealing with a trained horse that has developed undesirable behavior First, a horse cannot unlearn. Second, learned behavior that is undesirable, is usually related to mistakes of the rider or handler Therefore, fixing the horse is only half the equation. People must be fixed too, or the whole pattern reoccurs.

The one thing we wish horses would never learn, is that they outweigh us by as much as ten times and could easily over-power us and leave whenever they want. Thankfully, 99.9% of horses never learn these tactics, but if a horse learns to use its body weight against you to get away from you, it is a big problem. It is not uncommon for a horse being handled from the ground to spook and get away from its handler But if the horse is ripping and running away in response to something the handler is asking, it can easily learn how to overpower you and get away With incompetent handling and repeated occurrences of getting away, the horse learns tactics and learns to recognize opportunities. In a case like this, the horse has developed tactics and learned to recognize the situations and the type of people that will grant it opportunity This awareness and these tactics cannot be unlearned. A very competent trainer can usually reprogram that horse and dissuade it from such behavior, employing techniques to help safely manage a horse like this, but the horse will forever know that in some situations and with some people, it can rip and run.

Finding the Right Trainer for Your Horse: A horse's training needs may range from basic handling and under-saddle training, to finish or competition-level skills, to remedial schooling for horses that have developed unsafe or undesirable behaviors. Great horse trainers are not a dime a dozen and those of you who already have one, should make them cookies and polish their boots. If you are looking for help from a horse trainer, it is important that you understand why you need one, know what you hope to accomplish, and what is realistic to expect from your investment, before you start looking.

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Laminitis is NOT a Disease

By David Ramey | https://www.doctorramey.com/

Laminitis (or, “founder”, as it is often called) is, justifiably, one of the most feared medical and lameness conditions of the horse. I have been thinking about it a lot mostly because I just started taking care of two horses with chronic laminitis, and I am hoping that I can bring them some comfort, even if I cannot get them all the way back to normal. So, I thought I would share some thoughts.

First off, some word history Laminitis has been recognized as a bad condition for horses for a long, long time. Chaucer's “Knight's Tale” (in the Canterbury Tales, c. 1392 CE) describes a horse with founder. The word “founder” comes from Old French fondrer “collapse; submerge, sink, fall to the bottom” (the Modern French word is fondrier), which comes from the Latin word fundus (“bottom, foundation”). And, when you think about it, the word is pretty apt, because in the worst cases, the bone inside the hoof sinks – in the worst cases all the way out of the bottom of the hoof

Here is how I explain the condition to my clients. Hopefully, you have eaten a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup. You know the paper that is around the cup? Think of that as the hoof. The tasty stuff inside the paper? That is the bone and everything else. The hoof is held onto the tissue inside sort of like the paper on the peanut butter cup. There are lots of little layers where the paper goes into the cup. That is sort of the way the hoof is held onto the bone and everything else. In the case of the hoof, the little layers are called the “laminae,” which is from the Latin word for layers. The problems with the laminae that occur in horses are collectively called laminitis.

To continue this analogy, let's say that you are taking the paper off the peanut butter cup. If you just pull back an edge a little bit, you can put the paper back and nothing is really the worse for wear. Pull the paper off the cup and you are not going to get the paper back on – it is not going to go back to its packaged “normal.” The hoof is like that, too. A little bit of damage to the laminae may not be that big a deal – too much damage and you are, well, sunk.

Another thing about laminitis – and this is really important – is that it is not a single condition. Rather, laminitis is the end result of many different disease conditions of the horse, from diarrhea to PPID (Cushing's disease), from shipping fever to uterine infections, to dietary causes, to intestinal disease, and on and on. Laminitis can result from a horse bearing too much weight on one leg (as happened in the case of the Thoroughbred race horse Barbaro), or from excessive trauma to the foot, it might occur if a horse were to go too hard and too long on ground that was too firm. The many unrelated causes can end up with a single effect: laminitis.

Because there are so many causes, and because the presentation can be so variable (some peanut butter cups have had more paper pulled off than others, as it were), when it comes to treating the condition, it is important to keep several things in mind. 1. Nobody knows exactly what causes laminitis. There has been a lot of research done on this condition, and a lot of things are clearer than they once were. For example, we know that in many cases, insulin – the hormone that allows sugar to enter the body's cells to provider energy – is a factor. We know that in horses with PPID, there are lots of problems with other hormones in the horse's body. However, veterinarians are still looking to find out exactly what factor (or factors) trigger the condition.

One of my favorite sayings – and I have no idea where I heard it or who said it – is, “Experts don't know either, but at a higher level.” Keep that in mind when it comes to treating laminitis.

2. Nobody has a “cure” for laminitis. It may be possible to get the horse back to his pre-laminitic self, however, that depends on two things: what the underlying problem is and how bad the damage is. If laminitis is occurring because of some known condition – say, a uterine infection – you have to work on getting the uterine condition under control or the laminitis won't go away That is why laminitis in older horses with PPID (Cushing's) is so difficult to treat in some cases; you cannot make the problem go away because you cannot make the PPID go away. In horses in which there has been serious damage to the internal structures of the hoof, no amount of expert farriery or foot attention is going to turn the condition around. Once the paper is off, you cannot put the peanut butter cup back in the paper, as it was.

That said, there are many different approaches to trying to help horses recover from laminitis, and it is a good idea to know about many of them. Something that helps one horse may not help another – and some horses cannot be helped.

Bottom line: If anyone tells you that they have THE cure for laminitis, feel comfortable about showing them THE door.

3. Benjamin Franklin was right, and particularly so when it comes to laminitis. An ounce of prevention is always worth a pound of cure. But even here, for example, in an older horse with PPID, even your best efforts are not going to be enough.

Fortunately, many cases of laminitis take care of themselves. Last time I checked, it was about 50% of the horses. That does not mean that an individual horse has a 50% chance of recovery – it means that about 50% of the horses that get laminitis will get better on their own because their problem was not as serious as in some horses. Ponies seem to be particularly good at getting over the problem without a whole lot of help. Of course, when treatment is prescribed for a horse that is going to get better anyway, the treatment usually gets the credit, which is why so many different approaches to the condition can claim, “Success!”

Laminitis can be a frustrating and difficult condition for horse, horse owner, farrier, and veterinarians. Because there is no sure cure, there are many, many unrelated treatments, all of which may claim success. Your best chance of success, when it comes to dealing with laminitis, is to have a sound plan, be aware of the many treatment options, and have your veterinarian and farrier work together The treatment options are almost limitless – there are no easy answers.

And keep some peanut butter cups around – they usually help with a lot of things.

Find Dr Ramey DVM on Facebook or at www.doctorramey.com

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