Fall 2011 • Volume 12 PUBLISHER & EDITOR-In-CHIEF Joni Gleason GRAPHIC DESIGN Joni Gleason COPY EDITOR Jacquelyn Laitala Julie Savola CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Bill Casagranda, Tim Hunt, DVM, Josh Lyons, Tonja Acker-Richards, Scott Jandron DVM, Julie Savola, Joy Smith Pet Set Horse Source is a magazine for the pet lovers of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. It is published three times a year—spring, summer, fall/winter—and is available (free) at veterinary offices, tack and feed stores, pet shops, grooming salons and other various businesses across the U.P.
Questions? Comments? Advertising inquiries? Or to submit an article or photos: Contact Joni Gleason (906)361-4456 jonigleason@att.net Published by: Companion Publishing 255 W. Water St. Negaunee, MI 49866
To view this issue online go to: www.heritagehillshorseba ckriding.com click on magazine Join us on Facebook!
PRECISION TEAMWORK CONSISTENCY E Q UA L
PERFECTION We all know what it takes. The time, the practice, the care, the drive. The ability to excel takes all of it. But not everyone can or does.
We do. On time, award-winning,
Perfection. Premium and showcase printing of brochures, books, forms, posters, signs, business cards and much, much more!
Lake
Superior Press
802 South Lake Street • Marquette, MI 49855 (906) 228-7450 • Fax (906) 228-3188
l a k e s u p e r i o r p r e s s . n e t Fall/Winter 2011/2012 • Pet Set Horse Source • Page 1
Welcome! Here we go - after this beautiful fall we’ve experienced here in the U.P. we have another winter get through. That’s how I usually feel about winter; l just want to get through it. Let’s face it, we can rationalize our choice to live in the U.P. all we want - it’s still not easy taking care of horses when the temp drops and the snow banks rise. It can also be quite the challenge to get our canine friends out for some exercise too. My two Toy Fox Terriers, Zeke and Sister, don’t handle the cold well so they get quite house bound. We play lots of fetch with that little yellow tennis ball inside when it’s cold! You may have noticed this issue of Pet Set Horse Source is a fall/winter combination. I made that decision since pet related events and activities normally slow down this time of year. Now this is not the rule for everyone. As we all know, sled dogs are at the peek of their season and sleigh riding kicks into gear, but in general much pet activity ‘freezes up’ in winter. Note this issue also does not contain our regular calendar section either, for that same reason. But if you have an event you’d like to get out to our audience, email it to me and I will get it out on my email list (it’s pretty good size) and put it on our Facebook fan page. You can put it on our Facebook fan page yourself too if you’d like! As of this writing, we’ve just tied up our second very successful summer season at Heritage Hills Horseback Riding and we’re approaching the very first winter season that we’ll stay open. We’ll take riders out on the snowy trails, weather permitting, and I invite you to dress warm and come along! Bill Richards from Ishpeming is also going to be bringing out his handsome Fjord team for sleigh rides on the weekends too! So I’m really looking forward to this winter - much more than I have in the past! The winter will be much easier and tons of fun if we got outside together with our pet buddies and enjoy a little bit of our winter wonderland! Have a great fall and winter and thanks for reading! —Joni
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: I am thrilled to announce, introduce and please help me welcome Josh Lyons to Pet Set Horse Source magazine! He will be writing regular training articles for us for the next year! I feel so fortunate to have him with us. You can also find him online and on face book and we look forward to possibly having him here next summer for a clinic, lessons and/or training! Your Horses Fear pg. 17
Page 2 • Pet Set Horse Source • Fall/Winter 2011/2012
Gloria
C ON T E N T S ITCHING TO LEARN ABOUT ALLERGIES? BY TIM HUNT, DVM
4
BLAZE THE TRAIL TO THE CHAMPION ARENA BY TONJA ACKER-RICHARDS
12
6
THIRSTY? BY SCOTT JANDRON, DVM
HORSES FEAR 17 YOUR BY JOSH LYONS
SLEIGH BELLS RING 10 BY TONJA ACKER-RICHARDS
COVER PHOTO: ‘Diesel’ by Robin Wiggins Captive Memories Photography
TALES FROM A DOG OBEDI-
20 ENCE INSTRUCTOR • VOL. 3 BY JULIE SAVOLA
24
UNCOVERING THE PAST BY JONI GLEASON
26
EMOTIONS OF PET LOSS BY JOY SMITH
28
PET PARTNERS BY JULIE SAVOLA
Fall/Winter 2011/2012 • Pet Set Horse Source • Page 3
Blaze the Trail to the Champion Arena
by Tonja Acker-Richards
P
icture a gathering place for a community to share fellowship and reunite with each other. Imagine an area to gather and share the passion of nature and wooded trails. Visualize a venue for events that would indulge a wide spectrum of interests. A covered common space/arena with adjoining kitchen facilities inside, with camping and RV sites outside, would allow for endless activities. Family reunions, ATV club meetings, business retreats, recreational and competitive horseback riding events, animal training seminars, musical events, and other specific interest groups could use this facility. The Champion Arena is conceptualized as a place for families and groups to gather and celebrate; protected from fickle U.P. weather. The Champion Trailblazers are spearheading the project; most of them lifelong residents of Marquette County’s west end who share an interest to vitalize this area, particularly the site in Champion. This site has long been the location of the Champion Horse Pull. When discussing this concept with the horse owner/trainers and staff they were resoundingly in favor of a covered arena. Local animal lovers would enjoy the site in many ways, including animal friendly camping. Trails lead into the woods to many destinations including Lake Michigamme, the town of Champion, Van Riper State Park and Humboldt Township. Trail riders report wildlife sightings along these trails that include eagles and deer. Respectful use of the trail by fellow trail users from bikers to horseback riders have also been observed. The fundraising goal this year for grants and construction is $10,000. The Trail Blazers have been fund raising at local events, holding informational talks displaying property sketches and aerial photos to inform and encourage interest in this exciting project. T-shirts are also for sale in a rainbow of colors that represent the spirit of this project by proclaiming “Build It. They Will Come.” Please take the time to talk with a representative and consider a donation of time or money. For more information contact the Trailblazers at (906) 371-2360, or find us on FACEBOOK.
Page 4 • Pet Set Horse Source • Fall/Winter 2011/2012
Full Housekeeping Cabins with Fireplace and Kitchen Rustic Camping Cabins Independent RV & Living Quarter Sites On the Trails with Direct Access to the Nicolet National Forest Complete Facilities for Your Horse
14221 Helen Lane Mountain, WI 54149 (800) 644-8783 Book Online at www.spurofthemomentranch.org
Fall/Winter 2011/2012 • Pet Set Horse Source • Page 5
Thirsty? by Scott Jandron, DVM
One of the most common concerns I hear from a dog owner is that their pet is drinking an unusual large amount of water.
T
his concern escalates when it is paired up with an increased frequency of urination, especially if it involves “accidents” inside the house. The first question I am asked is, “Does he/she have diabetes?” Most people are aware of the clinical signs humans have when they develop diabetes mellitus, and dogs do exhibit many of the
Page 6 • Pet Set Horse Source • Fall/Winter 2011/2012
same signs. However, increased thirst and urination can be related to several different ailments. If five dogs with increased thirst and urine output were lined up, each dog could have very different underlying reasons for these symptoms. Some of the more common diseases associated with increased thirst and urination include diabetes mellitus, Cushing’s disease, psychogenic polydipsia, and diabetes insipidus. There is also a long list of “miscellaneous” causes that need to be considered. Even though these diseases are very different in most respects, most dogs will exhibit some degree of increased thirst and urination. Diabetes mellitus, or “sugar diabetes”, is one of the two most common ailments that will be diagnosed in regard to these clinical signs. With dogs, this disease is usually caused because the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin. Without insulin, blood sugar remains high and eventually passes into the urine. This inhibits the kidneys’ ability to draw fluid back into the body, thus causing a high volume of urine to be released. Because much of the dog’s fluids are being lost through the urine, the dog will feel thirsty, and will try to re-hydrate him/herself by drinking more water. Other signs may also be noticed, such as increased
hunger, weight loss, and a poor hair coat. Cushing’s disease is the second of the two most common ailments that exhibit symptoms of increased thirst and urination. This disease is an imbalance of a hormone called cortisol that is produced in the adrenal gland of the dog. Too much of this hormone is released into the blood stream and this causes changes and responses in many areas of the body. Along with increased thirst and urination, many other signs such as increased appetite, panting, weight gain, reduced activity, enlargement of the abdomen, and hair loss may also appear. A less common disease related to increased thirst and urination is called psychogenic polydipsia. I always call this a big ugly medical term for a “nervous habit”. This tends to occur more in high-energy dogs that are bored or have problems with anxiety. As with humans, dogs can develop obsessive-compulsive disorders and this is one of them. With this disorder, the dog will drink a volume of water in a day that far exceeds what his/her body needs. The kidneys respond by doing their job releasing the excess fluid through the urine. Normally, a dog with this issue has no other significant physical problems. Diabetes insipidus is the lesser-known “diabetes” that dogs can develop. Even though it can resemble diabetes mellitus in certain ways, it develops from a completely different dysfunction. It is caused by an imbalance of a hormone called ADH, which is produced by the pituitary gland. This hormone stimulates the kidneys to regulate fluid retention or release. ADH not only helps to keep the dog properly hydrated, it also helps regulate body functions such as blood pressure. With this disease, the communication between the pituitary gland and the kidney is poor. The kidney continues to release fluid from the body, even when it is not supposed to. Because of this, the dog loses too much fluid and has to drink excessively to try and keep up with the loss. Fall/Winter 2011/2012 • Pet Set Horse Source • Page 7
Lastly, there is what I call the “miscellaneous” category of what can cause increased thirst and urination. A dog’s diet can have a tremendous effect on the amount of water that they consume. Diets high in salt or sugar will stimulate a dog to want to drink more water. Think about how you feel after eating a meal or a snack that is high in salt. Next, if a dog has a fever or infection, he/she may also want to drink more water. For some reason, I will see many dogs come in with a urinary bladder infection and one of the primary complaints is that the dog is thirsty. In addition, on hot and muggy days, dogs need to pant to decrease their core body temperature. This will cause a drop in body fluid levels, and will stimulate them to drink more water. It isn’t always a major disease that can lead to increased thirst and urination. Sometimes it can turn out to be a very simple solution. As you can see, many diseases and circumstances can cause a dog to drink large volumes of water and urinate frequently. I touched on some of the more common ones, but I couldn’t cover every possible situation due to the constraints of this article. When veterinarians see cases like these, they automatically have a long list of possibilities on their mind. By speaking with the owner, examining the dog, and performing laboratory tests, the underlying cause can be determined and a treatment plan can be established to allow the owner to fix the problem and/or manage the disease.
Dr. Scott Jandron has been practicing companion animal medicine in the Ishpeming-Negaunee area since 1993, and is currently co-owner of Northern Veterinary Associates in Ishpeming. He is a regular contributor to Pet Set Horse Source. He welcomes your pet-related questions; send them to: Scott Jandron, DVM 661 Palms Avenue Ishpeming, MI 49849 Or e-mail: srjandron@chartermi.net Page 8 • Pet Set Horse Source • Fall/Winter 2011/2012
Fall/Winter 2011/2012 • Pet Set Horse Source • Page 9
Photo courtesy of Superiorview Photos
Sleigh Bells Ring
by Tonja Acker-Richards
N
ot all that long ago here in the Upper Peninsula horses rolled and plowed the deep snow, and took children to school in carriages heated with wood stoves. My neighbor, Irene from Ontonagon, remembers this fondly from her youth and notes the first boy on lit the stove and all were toasty by the time they hit the school grounds. Farmers used horses exclusively at the turn of the century (1800-1900s) for plowing fields, harvesting crops, turning turbines and hauling hay. Horses, often heavy drafts, like Belgians and Clydesdales pulled skids full of massive logs from the forests and even along the rivers and canals. Sleds were pulled over ice covered lakes to cut and haul blocks of ice packed in sawdust for refrigeration. Ponies worked in the mine shafts, and I suspect keeping miners’ spirits bright too. This is where the word “teamster” originated, before trucks and tractors, and likely before unions, when men drove teams of horses for various mundane errands and sometimes dangerous tasks. Keep in mind that thorough preparation of both man and beast is the key to workplace safety in a mine, on the trail or in your back field. Driving a horse is different from riding a
Page 10 • Pet Set Horse Source • Fall/Winter 2011/2012
horse in two basic ways: All cues come from the hands (and voice) behind the horse, none from the leg and seat which are aids used extensively when riding astride. And unlike the simple riding saddle, the driving equipment, which at first appears an ungainly tangle of leather and chains, is the second major difference. Most horses are taught to drive through a basic progression. Young and green horses require “sacking out” from the ground to desensitize the horse to the unfamiliar sounds and feel of the lines, harness and other driving equipment. The equipment is introduced progressively until the horse will relax with his full regalia on. Working the horse to be respectful of commands from the driver/trainer are taught using basic natural horsemanship methods on line, in the round pen and even under saddle. Ground driving is like longing with a line attached to each side of the halter or bit. The driver teaches the horse from a behind-the-horse position how to steer right and left by using the verbal commands “gee” and “haw” respectively. My husband, Bill, includes the name of the horse prior to the command in preparation for future team harness, ”Nick, Whoa,” “Ike, Get up,” “Cassie, Come around,” and so forth.
Teaching your cart horse how to stand still is of primary importance. The horse must stand while being hitched to the sleigh, cart or work implement, and while passengers and supplies are loaded. Teaching the horse to side pass, or crossover legs to move diagonally, begins to be quite important since horses cannot arch their bodies in shafts but instead must come around, or make a circle using the side pass to pivot the wheel or sled runner.
Accepting the cart is broken down into small steps like dragging a tire, walking near a “human drawn” cart, ponying from behind another cart, pulling a forecart, dragging a short log, and so on. Horses need to learn not to fear the load “following” them, especially once that load includes noisy and unpredictable human passengers.
Bill & I learned what we know from Steve Bowers and his son Nate, who use natural methods to obtain respect and safety. We highly recommend reading his book, “Farming with Horses.” For those interested in learning to drive or work with horses contact William Richards at 906-360-0212, or visit www.PondHousePonies.com, and find us on Facebook.
Heritage Hills Horseback Riding in Ishpeming will host weekend sleigh rides throughout the winter season with Bill and his beautiful Norwegian Fjord Draft horse team. Contact Joni or Phil Gleason at 906-361-TROT (8768) or email joni@uptrot.com to schedule a ride in a horse draw sleigh!
Fall/Winter 2011/2012 • Pet Set Horse Source • Page 11
Itching to Learn about Allergies? by Dr. Tim Hunt, DVM
The itchy dog or cat; by far the most common issue I’ve seen over the years as a veterinarian, so let’s take a look at the reasons behind the itching First, consider all the reasons why your dog or cat could be itchy: • Atopy: pollen allergies that are seasonal and makes them itch at their ears, face, groin, armpits, feet or under their tail. • Food allergy: non-seasonal itch of ears, feet, or under their tail. • Parasites: mange, a non-seasonal itch anywhere on the body; and fleas, which makes them itchy over the tail head. • Contact allergy: itchy where the animal comes in contact with something, or hypersensitivity to their own normal skin inhabitants (yeast and bacteria). The most important thing I can do is obtain a really good history from the owner about this itchy issue. Why? Because in order to treat the current problem and anticipate how we are going to prevent further problems, I need to know the following information: • The current age of the animal. • Where does the animal itch? • Which came first, the itch or the scab? • When did the itching start? • How severe is the itch? • What medications have been tried, and what was the result? • What food changes have been tried? • Has there been any blood work done? Determining the cause of the itch is not insurmountable. However, it does take patience, a very thorough history, and more patience. One thing to remember with skin issues is that they can require a lengthy game of CSI to fix the problem – it might take some time on the part of the vet and client to solve the riddle. Quick fixes are usually just that; a short relief for your pet before the itching recurs. If we want to do our best to eliminate and prevent recurrence of that dreaded itch, we need to take our time and do it right.
To read more about pet allergies and how we can best treat these animals visit www.drtims.com Sign up for Dr. Tim's Newsletter too for money saving discounts, news, and more pet education. Page 12 • Pet Set Horse Source • Fall/Winter 2011/2012
Fall/Winter 2011/2012 • Pet Set Horse Source • Page 13
Page 16 • Pet Set Horse Source • Fall/Winter 2011/2012
Your Horse’s Fear by John Lyons with Jeanne Wise Smith All horses, like people, experience some type of fear. Horse’s become afraid when faced with many different situations. You cannot stop a horse from becoming afraid, nor should you try to stop them from being afraid.
F
ear is normal and necessary for survival. The horse is a flight animal – typically runs first and thinks later. What you should do, though, is to teach your horse how to handle his fear so that you and the horse stay safe. Most people think that fear in horses is a weakness. This is natural for us to think because much of what scares a horse doesn’t scare us so we think that the horse shouldn’t be afraid. We also see it as a weakness because it is the horse’s reaction to fear that often gets us hurt. When a horse becomes afraid there is a conflict between two areas – the brain (which makes the decisions) and the body, where the uncomfortable feelings occur. These uncomfortable feelings can be in the form of physical pain or anxiety that is felt internally. To deal with the fear, the horse may bolt, run, jerk back, etc. in order to get away from the scary situation or pain. Your
goal is to teach the horse how to handle himself and respond to your cues when he becomes afraid. There are two common methods that many people use when dealing with fear in horses. One method is to talk, pat or rub your horse trying to convince him to relax and calm down. Patting, rubbing and talking in a soothing voice is often used and may have some effect on your horse but is not a method that will always calm your horse down nor will it stop your horse from reacting in unwanted ways to fearful situations. Another method of dealing with fear in your horse is the “used to” method. This is where the handler tries to expose the horse to as many different situations as they can possibly think of. The idea is to get the horse “used to” every object that they come across. This method is good and I don’t discourage it but has limitations. You will never be able to get
Fall/Winter 2011/2012 • Pet Set Horse Source • Page 17
your horse “used to” every situation that you will come across. While you are getting your horse “used to” the objects you still need a way to control his actions, reactions or movements while you are trying to get him “used to” everything. The “Spook in Place” lesson is a foundation lesson. I teach the horse that it is okay to spook, jump or flinch when he is afraid but just don’t move your feet and leave the area. The horse is allowed to show fear but just don’t leave. Another lesson that I teach is “Emotional Training”. This lesson is found in our Riding Manual. I teach the horse to respond to the bridle as soon as I am able to put a bit in his mouth. That way I can control the hips and shoulders (nose, ear, tail) or any other part of the horse’s body any time I ask. I introduce scary objects, one at a time, and if the horse chooses to move from the scary object while I am holding the rein as I stand next to his head, I control the movement with the bridle. I do this lesson gradually, introducing objects that are not very scary and working my way to objects that may be more challenging. This is an excellent lesson along with the “Spook in Place” lesson that I recommend that all horse be introduced to and experience before you ever consider getting on the horse’s back. When I decide to ride, the horse already has had practice of being controlled with the bridle when he becomes afraid. I can stay on the horse’s back when he is startled or gets scared, because although he may flinch I can control his movements with the bridle to keep the horse and myself safe. Be careful not to think that your horse’s fear is not real or important to the horse. We may think that the horse should not be afraid, but the reality is that your horse does get afraid and it is real to him. It is also unreasonable to think that your horse will never become afraid again. The key is that he needs to be trained to handle his fear and respond to your cues so that both of you remain safe. Page 18 • Pet Set Horse Source • Fall/Winter 2011/2012
Josh Lyons – The Next Generation… As a youngster, Josh grew up in western Colorado, helping his father on a cattle ranch. Training horses was not the family focus at the time, rather earning a living from the livestock industry was. As a result of this exciting and challenging occupation, the Lyons' Legacy began. Not long after working cattle, his dad switched gears and started to train horses. When John decided to share his training methods with others, Josh was there with him. Josh's fondest memories are those traveling the country with his dad. Around age 13, Josh began riding in his clinics. At age 16, Josh had the opportunity to train at a facility in Minnesota where he gave weekend clinics, trained horses and conducted private instruction. He then realized that he too had a passion for training horses and teaching people. He was successful at a young age and clearly had a gift. Upon high school graduation, Josh went to work full time with his dad. Sometimes more than 30 weeks each year were spent on the road conducting symposiums, clinics and expos. At home Josh also assisted with the John Lyons Certification Program that he now conducts, manages and owns, named the John and Josh Lyons Certification Program. This experience is truly without comparison to others in the industry. Today… A family man, Josh shares his life with his wife and partner Jana and sons Austin and Johnny on their ranch above Parachute, Colorado. Josh and Jana are developing their own horse breeding program. Josh is in demand. Since 1997, he and Jana have organized and conducted clinics. They have a busy road schedule as well as manage the "John and Josh Lyons Certification Program." The certification program is one of the most sought after and reputable equine educational schools in the world. Currently there are trainers in 43 states and 6 countries. He will continue to strengthen this network of wonderful people they call certified trainers. “The most rewarding parts of running this school is to see what a positive impact our trainers have had in the equine industry.” Josh has appeared at all the major horse expos including Equus America, Equine Affaire, and Equitana. In 2002, Josh won the "In a Whisper" challenge competing against Pat Parelli and Craig Cameron. He has developed his own equine educational products, appeared on RFD-TV, and written articles for numerous horse publications.
Fall/Winter 2011/2012 • Pet Set Horse Source • Page 19
Tales from a Dog Obedience Instructor Vol 3 – Walk and Chew Gum by Julie Savola
A
s a dog obedience instructor for better than 20 years I have lots of funny stories of how my students overcame their own handicaps. I sometimes would whisper to the family members that came to observe on the first night of class “watch this, it’s a stitch.” After some brief instructions about where their dogs should be and how to correct position, I would proceed to ask the class to start heeling their dogs for the first time. “Forward!” and the class would stagger, zigzagging, almost tangling up with each other or stepping on their dog, barely able to walk, period. The company would laugh their heads off. Did all the students have a nip before class, or were they suffering from a group neurological phenomenon? Neither. Most of them could walk just fine until they had more than one thing to think about at once; the “walk and chew gum syndrome” if you will. As you begin to hone your skills as a trainer, often the simplest task is difficult in the beginning. But the secret is to continue to practice until it becomes natural and smooth and you don’t even have to think about it.
Page 20 • Pet Set Horse Source • Fall/Winter 2011/2012
Just as doing anything for the first time whether it was riding a bike, bowling, golf, (you name it), you mastered it by reading about it? Nope. By watching a video? Nope. You got better by doing it properly; over, and over, and over. It would sometimes frustrate a student when their dog would perform perfectly when handled by me, but when they took the leash they had trouble. I would remind them I have been ‘practicing’ for 20 years; you have had 20 minutes, and assured them it would come with more practice. One of those shortcuts I promised you is the importance of repetition, both for you and your dog. As a dog starts to catch on to what you are asking him to do, the secret is to repeat the exercise a few times so he gets the ‘ah ha!’ moment. When he is successful, it is motivating for you both. By repeating the exercise I do not mean doing it 47 times, demonstrating for all the neighbors, then calling the local Girl Scout troop in to watch. Repeating an exercise a few times to make sure he understands a command, but not so many times he regrets learning it, or worse yet he is so sick of it, it dampens his enthusiasm. It will be up to you to find the sweet spot for repetition. That will be different depending on many factors: the breed of dog, how patient you are, length of the training sessions, and your feedback to the dog. Be sure to tune into the next issue where we will discuss appropriate feedback and timing. This often is the most important of them all. Until next time- SIT & STAY? Until next time- SIT & STAY. Julie Savola operates her dog obedience instruction under the name K9 Basic O and has been helping UP dog owners train their dogs for over 20 years. She lives in Munising with her husband, Jerry, her Doberman, Doc, TBear, a miniature horse she is training for therapy work and two riding horses; Moe, a Tennessee Walking Horse and Byrd, a Quarter Horse she purchased for Team Penning. Fall/Winter 2011/2012 • Pet Set Horse Source • Page 21
Winter Hoof Care! by Bill Casagranda
I
t’s easy to remember to have the hooves trimmed and shoes reset during the riding season, yet it seems to be very easy to forget once the mercury teeters at the zero mark in winter. I have heard all the reasons for skipping a trim or extending the interval during this time of year; they don’t grow, they aren’t being ridden, or it’s just too cold. Quite frankly, even I don’t like to be under a horse in subzero temperatures, but I want to take this opportunity to discuss the importance of being diligent about hoof care in the winter months. First, maintaining a proper trimming interval is ALWAYS important. Allowing the hoof capsule to become unbalanced causes unequal stresses on the joints of the leg and can affect the entire body. Short, regular trimming intervals are always recommended to keep proper balance and support to the leg structures. Keeping the hoof trimmed will help maintain soundness and proper movement. Do yourself and your horses a favor by keeping them trimmed as regular in the winter as you do in the summer. If you haven’t in the past, I challenge you to do so this winter and see for yourself the difference in your horses hoof health, and possibly even their riding come spring. Next, I would like to address the growth rate of the hoof. Daylight, moisture, temperature, and nutrition are among many things that affect the growth rate of the hoof. In the fall, as the daylight dwindles and the temperatures drop, hoof growth does slow down. Page 22 • Pet Set Horse Source • Fall/Winter 2011/2012
The thing that many of us seem to forget is that the days start getting longer already by Christmas time. When you combine the slowly increasing daylight with the moisture available in the snow, I see the growth rate of hooves increasing by the end of January. The largest factor for the seasonal change in hoof growth here in the U.P. is nutrition. Horses that maintain a well-adjusted diet throughout the year maintain fairly uniform hoof growth. Horses that are on pasture in the summer and on hay only rations in the winter can have big changes in their nutritional intake. This causes slowing of hoof growth and weaker, unhealthier hooves due to missing vitamins and minerals. To ensure proper hoof growth and strength, be sure to supplement your horse’s diet during the winter months with grain mixtures and supplements. A proper feeding program will ensure you horse is healthy and ready to perform in the spring. Finally, let’s talk about winter shoeing. There are a couple of reasons for keeping shoes on your horse in the winter, either you would like to ride, or ongoing corrective shoeing.
For those of you who love to ride, no matter what the temperature is outside, I salute you. Some of the best riding can be done in the winter. The barns are less crowded, winter trails can provide beautiful views, and you are getting ahead of show competition by keeping you horse in shape. If you need to have shoes, there are plenty of options to keep you going. A couple additions to your regular shoeing job such as snow pads to prevent ‘snowballing’ on the hoof, and borium grab on the shoe to prevent slipping can keep you enjoying your favorite pastime year round. Talk with your farrier on which options they have available. For those of you that are plagued by lameness issues or gait problems, fall and winter are the best times to address these problems. Take the time in the fall while you are still rid-
ing to discuss in depth any issues that your horse may have had during the previous riding season with your vet and farrier. Getting a proper diagnosis may take some time, don’t try to overload your equine professionals with trying to do this a month or two before riding season starts. In the spring both veterinarians and farriers are very busy, why not use the offseason of fall and winter to have them work together to diagnose and treat whatever problems your horse may be having to ensure a good riding season the next year. Remember that your horse’s hoof health starts at home. Don’t forget the basics of cleaning and treating the hooves between farrier visits. No Hoof, No Horse.
Bill was raised with standardbred race horses and learned from his father to trim and shoe horses at a very young age, shoeing on his own at age 16. He continued to trim and shoe while attending Michigan Technological University where he graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Civil Engineering. After shoeing part time for several years, Bill returned to the Upper Peninsula and pursued a career shoeing full time. He continually seeks to improve his knowledge of the farrier craft by attending clinics and working closely with other equine professionals in order to try to provide the best hoof care possible for each horse.
Fall/Winter 2011/2012 • Pet Set Horse Source • Page 23
Uncovering the Past At Heritage Hills by Joni Gleason
W
hile exploring different backwoods areas in Marquette County near Negaunee where we live, my husband and I actually stumbled upon what now is our own property we call Heritage Hills. My vision of horseback riding trails weaving thru the pines and hardwoods and in the open meadows below the surrounding protective bluffs was very clear....... What I didn’t see right away was the past. This area between Negaunee and Ishpeming was quite a popular area at one time, and like rocks on our trails that resurface with use, we’re learning the ‘lay of the land’ and the way of life of these parts 100 years ago. We found out right away that most of our 21 acres, was the original Wawonowin Golf Course, which explains the varied terrain: open meadows and an interesting mix of different pines and hardwood trees. The golf course was built in the late 1800’s and was moved to it present location west of Ishpeming around 1967. The whole area between Negaunee and Ishpeming was deemed unsafe caving ground from underground mining from nearby Mather A and other mines within that area. Over the last two summers we’ve taken a few older gentleman out on the trails who played golf there and they showed us the t-box areas and some of the holes (we regularly ride hole 1 and 3). We’ve learned where the sport shop was and the driving range; the, now huge, cedar trees that line the edge were used to mark the golfers swing distance.
The ‘ruins,’ we call it, where the club house once stood is very apparent; It’s a pit now with a big cement pillar in the middle that was once a chimney. The paved road that surrounded it is still in good shape; it even swings around to the front for their once ‘valet parking.’
Above photo: Jackson Mine. Bottom photo: The Wawonowin club house and the 9th green. Photos courtesy of Jack Deo of Superiorview Photos, Marquette. Check out more of his historical collections - 15,000 images and many great animal shots at www.viewsofthepast.com Page 24 • Pet Set Horse Source • Fall/Winter 2011/2012
We also take riders around the bluff just south of our main field. We ride around the old land fill that now looks more like a huge meadow in Wyoming surrounded by high rock bluffs and thick tree covered hills. The tall jagged bluff on the south east side used to be a crusher I’m told! We’ll then swing around to the west to a sunken open bowl type area that we learned used to be an old horse race track called Union Park. Though, it was originally a baseball field built in 1889. I found a recent article in the Mining Journal how the Green Bay, Wisconsin football team (now the Green Bay packers) played the Twin Cities team at Union Park in 1919!
In another news paper article we found out that Buffalo Bill and his Wild West show performced at Union Park on August 15th, 1912. So mark your calendars next summer for the 100-year anniversary that Buffalo Bill came to town! We’re planning some type of celebration, or a special Buffalo Bill ride maybe??
Col. William Cody with admiring children (Quoted from the Mining Journal March 24, 1976)
Brasswire ski jump was built on a bluff just north of the Union Park in 1903. A train at the base of that bluff brought people to and from the hill. We now take riders on that railroad grade after riding around ‘Union Park.’
Above: 1906 photo of Brasswire Ski Jump by Union Park between Ishpeming and Negaunee. Right: 1905 photo from the jump looking down to the general area I believe to be Union Park. Note the horses pulling sleighs to the left. Photos courtesy of U.S. Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame in Ishpeming. www.skihall.com I’m still learning about this area in it hay-day; the era that created and molded the U.P. that we know today. I’ve often thought while leading a group for riders down and around hole one, or along the edge of Union Park and the old Brasswire ski hill area: what would those folks think if they knew this would one day be a public horseback riding operation! Fall/Winter 2011/2012 • Pet Set Horse Source • Page 25
Emotions of Pet Loss by Joy Smith
PART 3: Guilt, Denial, Depression
Guilt It’s very common to blame yourself for a cherished pet’s death. A pet owner fed her dog soft pork chop bones not knowing they would cause an internal hemorrhage. This owner had an awful time coping with the loss because of the underlying guilt. Euthanizing a sick or injured pet can result in a feeling of unbearable guilt as well. One might wonder: Should I have tried harder? Why didn't I notice his failing condition? Maybe God is punishing me for something. Even if you DID make a tragic mistake or decision that caused your pet’s death, clinging to guilt not only prevents you from recovering from your grief; it prevents you from moving to a better and wiser relationship with future pets. Guilt does not help your departed pet, it does not help you, and it does not help any future pet. Instead of helping you learn and grow from your mistakes, guilt drags you into deeper pain. Just as anger can make you unable to recover from grief because it diverts your attention from your deeper, more painful reactions, guilt can be just as dangerous. Guilt causes you to focus on your inadequacies and failings rather than on your loss. Though anger can distract you from pain, guilt adds to it by convincing you that, since you are to blame, you deserve to suffer. Guilt distorts your self image, destroys your self confidence, and undermines your strength.
Page 26 • Pet Set Horse Source • Fall/Winter 2011/2012
Denial Feelings of denial can be a way of focusing your mind away from the pain. It's not so much a distraction however, as a mechanism of not dealing with reality; of hoping that if you don't feel the pain it will go away. Denial is a way of avoiding the mental anguish that comes with the realization that death is inevitable. This is especially true when your pet receives a diagnosis of a terminal illness. Carried to extremes, denial can even be harmful to the pet. It may prevent the owner from taking the pet to the vet for help or treatment. Pretending an aging pet is going to go on forever just makes it harder to accept the final outcome. Depression Depression is a natural reaction and justified by a death of a pet. It is traumatic, painful and stressful and can plunge you into a whirlwind of emotions that one may rather withdraw from than confront. Though depression is a logical result of pet loss, it is also a state of mind that impedes the owner’s recovery from that loss. If you feel the symptoms of depression taking over your life, you need to make every effort possible to break out of it before it becomes a tarp over your life. Seek support from friends or relatives. They may not totally understand your pain, but talking to someone always helps. I don't believe we ever get over the loss of a beloved pet. But gradually you'll make peace with yourself and you'll make peace with your loss. Next time we will attempt to define ''quality of life,'' until then - love your pet.
Joy Smith is the owner of Rivers Edge Pet Crematory in Ramsay, Mi. She lives on 38 acres along the Black River with her two english labradors, one rescue blue heeler and 1 shelter cat. Contact her at 906-663-4811or email joysriveredge@gmail.com Fall/Winter 2011/2012 • Pet Set Horse Source • Page 27
Pet PartnersVery Special Dogs by Julie Savola
A
wrinkled hand, full of character tentatively reaches out and touches the sleek head of a Chocolate Lab. A stately Doberman gets a big bear hug from a very happy little person. A massive golden retriever gently places his chin in an old woman’s lap for her to stroke his head. These are the miracles of the human-animal bond in action. These three wonderful dogs are registered Delta Society Pet Partners from the Munising area. Along with their human counterpart, positively impact and enrich the lives of the elderly as often as they can. “Truth be told, I get far more from the visits than the people I visit”, says Julie Savola, who visits with her Pet Partner “Doc” a Doberman pinscher at Tendercare Health Center. “It is so gratifying; I really enjoy it. It makes them so happy to be around a dog again.” Delta Society's Pet Partners program screens volunteers and their pets for visiting animal programs in hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, schools and other facilities.The Pet Partners program was established in 1990 to ensure that "both ends of the leash," people as well as animals were well prepared to participate in animal-assisted activity and animal-assisted therapy programs. Pet Partners is the only national registry that requires volunteer training and screening of animal-handler teams. If you are a very special person with a very special pet and would like to learn more about this program; Superiorland Pet Partners would love to talk to you. There also will be some educational programs offered in the Munising area in upcoming months to introduce the Pet Partner program to the community and educate potential teams how to become involved in this enriching activity. Please contact Julie Savola at j.sav4406@gmail.com for more information and visit www.deltasociety.org for details on the Pet Partner program.
Page 28 • Pet Set Horse Source • Fall/Winter 2011/2012
Fall/Winter 2011/2012 • Pet Set Horse Source • Page 29