SHOW & EVENT DATES

Shows

FREE HORSE SHOWS & EVENTS

Email: saddleupmag@gmail.com

1) Added to our online calendar with flyer

2) Listed in Saddle Up! Magazine’s online/printed editions up to 3 months

3) Shared to both Tri-State Horse Shows, Saddle Up! Magazine Facebook pages

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.

Teens, come to 4-H Teen Fun Night, March 10th, 7pm-10pm. Teens aged 12-19 should head down to The Northern Center & Fox Den Restaurant, 7784 Stone School Rd., Houghton Lake, MI. Join us for a taco bar, a fun time and a chance to meet new friends! Teens from Roscommon and surrounding counties are invited for a night of video games, basketball, board games, cards and multiple door prize drawings throughout the evening! The cost will be free to first 50 who register at: bit.ly/4-Hteenfun_march. The cost will be $5 at the door, after first 50 registrants. Parents: if you wish, feel free to enjoy some quiet time and 50% off an appetizer at The Fox Den Restaurant! For more details contact John W., email wurmj@ msu.edu or by phone at (989) 275-7177.

Michigan Horse & Pony 4-H'ers, the Hippology Contest is March 18th, 8am-5pm Participants will 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. Check in at 8:30am at the main lobby of Anthony Hall and the Contest will begin at 9am in Anthony Hall. There are opportunities for the top two senior Hippology teams to go on to compete at the National 4-H level. Entries must be submitted to your county office. Entries from individuals will not be accepted and will be returned. The deadline for submitting Hippology contest entries to your county is March 3, 2023 and the cost for the Contest is $23 per individual. If questions, please email Gwyn Shelle at heyboerg@msu.edu, or Roxanne Turner at turnerr@msu.edu

Michigan 4-H and FFA Horse Judging Contest will be April 16th, 8am-5pm at the MSU Pavilion! Participants in competitive horse judging learn how to properly judge horses of various breeds and disciplines. A horse judging contest involves two actions: first, you must place a class of horses; second, you must be able to orally defend why you placed them that way Registration will begin at 8am at the main lobby of the Pavilion, orientation for participants, coaches, volunteers, and officials will be at 8:30am. The Contest will begin at approx. 9am, will have a half hour lunch break from 12:301pm, and will end with placings 3:30pm. There are opportunities for the top three senior horse judging teams to go on to compete at the National 4-H level. The registration deadline is April 3rd and the cost for the Contest is $23 per individual. If you have questions, please email Gwyn Shelle at heyboerg@msu.edu, or Roxanne Turner at turnerr@msu.edu

Ready to leave for college or to be out on your own? Are you prepared to do adult tasks and have skills to be successful? MSU Extension's Adulting 101 programs help teenagers and young adults demystify the obscure reality of being an “adult” through engaging educational sessions. Each free session is full of important life skills and tools necessary to live independently March 16th, 4pm, participants will learn all about paychecks and taxes. Understanding why and how taxes and other items are deducted from a worker's paycheck is an important step toward gaining financial knowledge. Building and protecting your credit will be the topic for Wednesday, April 12th, 6pm. This workshop will address credit myths, explain the importance of credit reports, demystify credit scores and provide strategies to build and protect your credit. Join this session to learn the basics of what credit is and how it can impact your future. For more information, contact Katherine Jamieson by email at jamies13@msu.edu

For more information on events or how to get involved in Michigan 4-H, contact Taylor Fabus, 4-H Horse & Pony Extension Educator, by email at tenlenta@msu.edu

OHIO 4-H

The Annual State 4-H Horse Communications Contest and the Ohio 4-H Hippology/ Judging/Horse Bowl Clinic will both take place on March 4th. The primary objective of the Communications Contest is to provide, in a friendly but competitive setting, an opportunity for youth enrolled in a 4-H horse project to demonstrate their communication and media skills on a specific equine or equine related topic. Youth may compete in the following categories: Public Speaking, Individual Presentation and Team Presentation. Jr and Sr Communications Contests will be held simultaneously inperson. Presentation times will be assigned on a random basis. With check in at 12pm, the 4-H Hippology/Judging/Horse Bowl Clinic will be from 12:30pm-4:30pm at the Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau Center. The Clinic's topics include: Fox Hunting, Hoof Care, Draft Horse Breeds, Respiratory Diseases, and Judging Stock, Saddle, & Hunter-Type Horses. For more details about the Clinic or the Contest, please email Dani Seitner at seitner.2@osu.edu

The Ohio State 4-H Horse Bowl will be on April 15th, 9am-6pm at the Ohio Exposition Center Questions, registration forms, and payment are all due March 24th. If questions are not received by then, teams will not be allowed to compete. Registrations submitted after this date will not be accepted. The primary objective of Horse Bowl Competition is to provide an opportunity for 4-H members enrolled in horse projects to demonstrate their knowledge of equinerelated matters in a competitive setting, where attitudes of friendliness & fairness prevail. More information or if questions, reach out to Dr Kimberly Cole, Ohio State Extension Equine Specialist, by email at cole.436@osu.edu. Find the Contest schedule online at: https://ohio4h org/ events/state-4-h-horse-bowl-contest

Also on April 14th, the Ohio State 4-H Hippology Contest will be held from 8am-6pm at

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

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by Lisa Skylis, in collaboraon with Cindy Couturier, editor, Saddle Up! Magazine the Ohio Exposition Center. The primary objective of the Hippology Contest is to provide, in a friendly but competitive setting, an opportunity for youth enrolled in a 4H horse project to demonstrate the breadth of their knowledge and understanding of equine science and husbandry, and the application of this knowledge and skill. A reminder that junior teams will be required to complete a team problem and will receive a score that will be included in their total score. As this contest determines which contestants will represent Ohio at national contests, only senior 4-H members are allowed to compete in the senior division to comply with national eligibility requirements. As you may have noticed, the Hippology contest will be held in conjunction with the State 4-H Horse Bowl Contest. Ribbons will be awarded for Top 5 Overall Teams and Top 10 Overall Individuals in both Senior & Junior Divisions for 2023. Registration forms and $30 payment (per team) are due on March 24th. Registrations submitted after this date will not be accepted. For more details, contact Dr Kimberly Cole, Ohio State Extension Equine Specialist at cole.436@osu.edu

Ahoy 4-H sea lovers, Ohio 4-H Sea Camp will be from July 14th to July 18th and preregistration is available! Ohio 4-H Sea Camp at Kelley's Island has offered hundreds of young people the opportunity to learn about aquatic science and experience a variety of recreational watersports on Lake Erie. Sea Camp is offered to youth ages 15-17. The mission of Ohio 4-H Sea Camp is to offer teenage youth an introduction to the Great Lakes through hands-on experiences in a variety of aquatic-based programs. Sea Camp will enable participants to experience Lake Erie-based activities and culture such as aquatic science, water recreation, and fishing The program is a supervised, educational environment fostered by Ohio 4-H and The Ohio State University The Camp registration timeline is as follows: February

1-March 31 is when camp staff application material will be available online, March 1 is when camper pre-registration will become available online, and May 1st is when camper pre-registration closes and the waiting list begins. All campers who have preregistered by May 1st will receive a confirmation email and a packet with camp forms. Forms must be completed and returned by May 20th to the Ohio 4-H State Office. Payment must be completed by May 20th through check or county sponsorship (payment options included in individual emails). Sea Camp fees are $400 for currently enrolled 4-H members and $450 for all other teens. For more info., contact Jenny Strickler at strickler.60@osu.edu or Ashely Hughey at hughey.28@osu.edu

Any Questions? Contact Dr. Kimberly Cole, the Ohio State Extension Equine Specialist, via email at cole.436@osu.edu https://extension.purdue.edu/4-H/

Mini 4-H Grades K-2 are invited to the Ancestor Detector Workshop March 8th, 5:30pm-7pm. Head down to the Harrison County Extension Office in Corydon and work with workshop leader Mary to learn more about your family's history. Class size will be limited, so please call the Harrison Extension Office at 812.738.4236 or email feve@purdue.edu to save a spot.

Interested in horses and horsemanship? Are you new to 4-H or the equestrian world? Come to Horse Bowl and Hippology meetings! We are open to any child who is interested in horses or learning more about horse breeds, nutrition, tack, anatomy, gaits, etc. Horse Bowl and Hippology is a quiz contest made up of questions pertaining to horse-related topics. Meetings are every Wednesday in January, February, and March in the Washburn Room of the Harrison County Purdue Extension Office from 6:30pm–7:30pm. For more information about Harrison County Horse Bowl and Hippology meetings, please call the 4-H office at 812.738.4236.

Elkhart County 4-H'ers head to the Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds on the following dates for these meetings: 4-H Saddle Club Jr Leaders meeting, March 5th, 6pm-8pm, 4-H Saddle Club Advisory Board meeting on March 6th, 7pm-8pm and 4-H Saddle Club , meeting,March 13th, 6:30pm-8pm. Elkhart 4-H Saddle Club Leader, Ashley Holdeman, email: ashleyholdeman4h@yahoo.com

Clay County 4-H participants and leaders! Clay County 4-H Fairgrounds for the following meeting dates: March 8th, Clay County 4-H Council meeting (time TBA), March 16th, 7pm-8pm, Horse & Pony Club meeting. For more information about the Clay County 4-H, reach out to the Clay County Extension Office at 812-448-9041 or email at clayces@purdue.edu

Want to learn the science behind a bath bomb? What makes it fizz and smell so good? Join DeKalb County 4-H March 16, 6pm-8pm as we make and decorate bath bombs and a shower steamer! Youth will get to take home 3 different items that they helped create. Program is best suited for youth in grades 3 & up. Workshop cost is $5.00. Registration required & closes on March 9th. Workshop takes place at the DeKalb Co. Office Building, 215 E 9th St., Auburn. For more details, please contact Effie Campbell 260.925.2562 or email her at campb314@purdue.edu

All animal-loving 3rd-5th graders, explore the vast world of veterinary care on March 22nd at the Harrison County Fairgrounds. Harrison County Vet Camp, from 9am-3pm. Participants will learn first aid, how to give injections, dissection, and more! The cost is $25 and the fee can be submitted to the Purdue Extension Office, located at 247 Atwood Street in Corydon, IN. Space will be limited, so be sure to RSVP 812.738.4236 anytime Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm.

Equine Choke

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

Esophageal obstruction or “choke” is a common equine concern. In humans, choking happens when the trachea or windpipe is blocked by an obstruction. In horses, the obstruction is found in the esophagus (the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach).

Anytime a horse chokes it is considered an emergency situation, especially if it continues for more than a few minutes.

Signs of choke can appear quickly after feeding or grazing. These are the common symptoms:

· A large volume of discharge will appear from both nostrils. It can be a frothy texture, white colored, or it might be stained from grass. The discharge will usually contain food.

· The horse will arch and stretch his neck in an elongated manner trying to relieve the pressure appearing to yawn.

· He may experience cramping and tremors in his neck muscles

· The horse will attempt to open his mouth wide.

· He will probably cough, gag, drool, and retch trying to remove the impaction

· His eyes will appear alarmed and confused

· He may appear to have difficulty breathing

· He will show signs of sweating or discomfort that can mimic colic symptoms

Most cases of choke tend to resolve on their own, but it is still important to check with your veterinarian. Here is what to do while you while waiting:

1. Keep the horse calm. Encourage him to stand quietly with his head lowered but do not force him to do so. He will not stop breathing, so try to remain calm.

2. If the choke happens while he is on pasture, move him to a stall or dry lot.

3. Remove all bedding, especially straw

4. If he is restless, place a companion horse in the stall next to him if possible.

5. Remove all food/water from his reach. Don’t let him eat/drink.

6. DO NOT attempt to flush away the blockage. Washing away the blockage will not work, and you risk aspirating the matter into the lungs which can cause pneumonia.

7. If you feel comfortable doing so, attempt to wipe his mouth out with a towel to try to remove any remaining feed. Hold the tongue to one side and reach in to remove any food.

8. If possible, do not let the horse lie down.

9. Even if he seems to be getting better, call your veterinarian. A choke can risk damaging his esophagus.

10.Try a downward massage towards the heart along the jugular furrow to help move the blockage along. It won't do any harm, but it may help a bit. There should be a lump to indicate where the food has gotten stuck in the esophagus. Gently rub this area.

As choke symptoms can look like colic symptoms, refrain from giving medication which can aspirate into his lungs.

Upon recovery, feed him soft foods for the next week or two. Soaking grain and hay.

In extreme cases, surgery to remove the block may be required. Signs of aspiration pneumonia will begin to appear 24-48 hours post-choke.

The main cause of choke is eating too fast. Sometimes, it is just bad luck that it happens. Blockages can also be caused by large treats such as an apple, carrot, corn cobs, or beet pulp.

Hay, chaff, and grain are the most common causes of choke. When hay is changed, to a more fibrous type, sometimes horses do not chew it as thoroughly as necessary All hay changes should be made gradually

Dry pellets or beet pulp can swell with the addition of saliva. Soaking grain and hay prior to feeding can help prevent choke.

Horses who do not receive regular dental care are at greater risk for developing choke, but no horse is exempt from the possibility of an attack. Older horses may need more regular dental care as they age.

Providing clean water by his food supply is always prudent. Cribbing horses may choke on what they chew off and swallow

Other tips: Feed smaller portions more frequently; cut food into smaller pieces and never feed a treat over the size of a thumb; place rocks into a feeder so that he will have to eat around them; provide ample turnout time with grass or hay so that he doesn't feel the need to gobble his food.

If he has trouble getting enough food in a herd situation, it might be best to isolate him for feeding

Owners are the best source of prevention. Evaluate his feed and feeding patterns.

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 as well as healthrelated educational opportunities for her clients.

For more information please visit www.bronsonvetservices.com

APRIL MAY

JUNE

JULY

29 9 29 3 4 6 10-11 17-18 24 8 11 15-16 22-23 5 27

WILD & FREE HAWK HILL FARM (BONUS STOP) GRAYLING

RAINE N DREAMS FARM, FARWELL THE SALUTE, WHITTEMORE

BEECHY, WEST BRANCH SLIDE ON IN, TURNER

RAINE N DREAMS FARM, FARWELL SPEAKEASY, HALE TROUT TOWN, KALKASKA BROKEN SPUR RANCH, WHITE CLOUD

GYSPY SOUL, MANTON RAINE N DREAMS FARM, FARWELL BANDIT’S PLAYGROUND, POSEN STARS & STRIPES, GAYLORD

AUG BEECHY, WEST BRANCH FINALS, GAYLORD

FinalsAugust 27 |Gaylord,MI

Attend 5 shows to attend FINALS

MORE 2023 SHOWS (2024 SEASON)

• September 2 – All In, Mt. Pleasant

• September 16 – Fall Color Run, Grayling

• September 23 – Beechy, West Branch

• October 7 – Superkicker, Midland

WeekdayShows$250 ADDED WeekendShows$500 ADDED

Ground Driving

By Lynn Palm | http://www.lynnpalm.com/

Ground driving is also called Long Lining. Ground driving is a very good training technique for young horses to learn how to turn right and left, stop, and back. This exercise provides a great variety of training for any age of horse or rider

For the human part of this partnership, ground driving works on your coordination. It provides a focus on what you are doing with your arms, adjusting your reins and keeping them organized, your foot fall to stay in line with the horse, or your foot fall to stay inward on a curving line. You learn how to flex the horse's head inward so you can just see his eye.

The outside rein is longer to keep the horse straight and aligned. You also turn the horse by using the outside rein to move him away from the pressure of the rein. This is the same as under saddle, as a horse will turn with the inside rein. However, if you do this at the trot and especially the canter, you will have a poor turn and your horse will not be straight and balanced.

This exercise is also an excellent way to learn whether your horse is straight or not. You can see the top line and his spine. You can also see his head as well as the foot fall. When a horse is straight, the right hind steps into the right front foot print, and the same with the left. When you observe this and understand it on the ground, it allows you to learn it under saddle when you cannot actually see it. For the horse, this exercise is stress-free, and you can do all kinds of figure patterns as in Dressage tests by initially using these patterns in ground driving.

When you accomplish good, controlled responses with the walk, you can move to the trot work and then to the canter. Remember the trot is the best gait for developing the horse's muscles and strengthening the joints. It is a two-beat gait and you can develop the horse's weaker side to be as strong and supple as the strong side. Remember, horses are right- or left-handed!

I also have a training DVD on ground driving If you have never done ground driving before it is an excellent way to understand the techniques, especially your positioning on the ground for good control. It is a lot of fun and horses like it!

Cyril and Lynn offer clinics throughout the country and abroad, as well as online coaching. Please visit www.lynnpalm.com or follow on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Call (352) 362-7847, or email: generalinfo@lynnpalm.com

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

2023 Open Horse Shows

Saturday, April 29th

Blessing Of The Horses FREE Warm-Up Open Show Lunch Provided. Get Ready for Show Season!

Janet Swarthout 978.423.0576 or jkswar@yahoo.com

June 9, 16, 23 | July 14 | Aug 11 | Sept 1

Greater Thumb Area Silver Buckle Speed Series. Start: 7pm. Entry booth opens 6pm. MIHA rules apply.

June 9 & Sept. 1: Hosts N. Branch Equestrian Team. Contact Marie Curell (810) 614-9390

June 16 & June 23: Hosts Thumb Area Kids & Critters. Jackie (989) 302-0191, email: jd070409@gmail.com

July 14 & Aug 11: Hosts Kingston Equestrian Team. Contact Amy Kotsch (989) 683-3271

BWHA Father’s Day Show

June 18

Blue Water Horseman’s Assoc. Dave (810) 614-2290

Saturday, June 17th

Boots & Bridle 4-H Club Open Show

$4.00 per class. Great awards! Rosette ribbons 2nd6th place, extra large rosette for 1st. High point awards for all age groups. Call Amy Kotsch (989) 683-3271

142ND

Saturday, June 24th

Tuscola Co. 4-H Horse Leaders Open Show

$4.00 per class. Trophies & ribbons 1st-6th place. Jackie (989) 302-0191, email: jd070409@gmail.com

Saturday, July 1st

Thumb Area Kids & Critters 4-H Club Open Show

$4.00 per class. Call Jackie Garner (989) 302-0191 or email: jd070409@gmail.com

Tuesdays – July 11 & August 8

Twilight Pleasure Shows

Start: 7pm. Entry booth opens 6pm. Call Amy Kotsch (989) 683-3271

Saturday & Sunday, August 12 & 13

Ride For A Cure Benefit Open Show

Held at: HURON CO. FAIRGROUNDS, BAD AXE, MI

$5.00 per class. Sat. Trail, Speed and Fun Classes

2pm start (entries open 1pm). Sun. Pleasure Show, 9am start. All proceeds to local cancer patients. Purchase t-shirts to be worn as show shirts! Cameron & Peggy Lloyd, email: lloyd_peggy@yahoo.com

JULY

Carnival Opens at Noon. Kid’s Day: Free T-Shirts (Ltd. qty.)

Reduced Admission ages 2-14. Thumb Truck & Tractor Pull.

JULY

Super Kicker Rodeo

JULY

Midget Wrestling Warriors

JULY

Specials, Contact: John Riley at: tuscolacountyfair@hotmail.com

Event Rentals: seats up to 200 with A/C and warming kitchen.

TUSCOLA COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS

Caro, MI(EntranceonM-81,nexttoPizzaHut) www.tuscolacountyfair.org