Horseback Magazine June 2013 by Publication Printer

An Equine Living & Lifestyle Magazine

Volume 20, No. 6 June 2013 Priceless

It’s June! A SUMMER GUIDE TO HEALTH & WELLNESS

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RS E Y U B IDE e! GU s & Mor e ic v r e ts, S Produc

Lifestyle & More: Pete Ramey - Hoof Care Eleanor M. Kellon, V.M.D. - Laminitis Maureen Rogers - Equine Craniosacral Therapy Jim Hubbard • Dianne Lindig • Lew Pewterbaugh • Pete Ramey

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2 HORSEBACK MAGAZINE - June 2013

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June 2013 - HORSEBACK MAGAZINE

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To find a Purina dealer near you, visit: horse.purinamills.com Dealer Name

City

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website

email aDDress

phoNe No:

Steinhauser's

Alvin

www.steinhausers.com

alvin@steinhausers.com

(281) 388-0388

Angleton Feed & Supply

Angleton

www.damonfarmandranch.com

angletonfeed@sbcglobal.net

(979) 849-6661

Arcola Feed & Hardware

Arcola

www.arcolafeed.com

arcolafdjj@aol.com

(281) 431-1014

The Feed Station

Austin

www.jensfeedstation.com

jen@jensfeedstation.com

(512) 301-7788

Bandera Ranch Store

Bandera

www.theranchstore.com

jerry.sparks@theranchstore.com

(830) 796-3342

Bastrop Feed & Supply

Bastrop

www.bastropfeed.com

clint@bastropfeed.com

(512) 321-3700

Wheeler's Feed & Outfitters

Boerne

www.wheelersfeed.com

customerservice@wheelersfeed.com

(830) 249-2656

Steinhauser's

Brookshire

www.steinhausers.com

brookshire@steinhausers.com

(281) 934-2479

AG Mart

Brownwood

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agmart@nelsonwholesale.com

(325) 643-3636

Lonestar Ranch & Outdoors

Cleburne

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Clifton Feed

Clifton

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Conroe Feeders Supply

Conroe

www.feederssupplycompanies.com

bill@conroefeeders.com

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J & D Country Store

Conroe

Damon Farm & Ranch

Damon

www.damonfarmandranch.com

timmy@damonfarmandranch.com

(979) 742-3317

Chachere Feed Store

Dayton

www.chacherefeed.com

rob@chacherefeed.com

(936) 258-2670

Stockman Seed Feed and Fertilizer

DeLeon

stockmanseed@gmail.com

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Gulf Coast Equine & Pet Center

Friendswood

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Ranchland Country Store Feed and Fertilizer

Goldthwaite

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Maci Feed & Supply

Hardin

macifeed@imsday.com

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Steinhauser's

Hempstead

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hempstead@steinhausers.com

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Cypress Ace Hardware

Houston

www.cypressace.com

susan@cypressace.com

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Hieden Feed & Supply

Houston

Sam Houston Feed & Supply Inc.

Houston

shfstx@hotmail.com

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Herrmann Feed and Supply

Lampasas

herrmannfeed@gmail.com

(512) 556-5212

Livingston Feed & Farm Supply

Livingston

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Spring Creek Feed Center

Magnolia

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springcreekfeed@yahoo.com

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Steinhauser's

Magnolia

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magnolia@steinhausers.com

(281) 356-2530

Needville Feed & Supply

Needville

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Steinhauser's

Richmond

www.steinhausers.com

Fort Bend Feed & Farm Supply

Rosenberg

Tibaldo's Feed & Supply

Santa Fe

Steinhauser's

Sealy

D & D Feed & Supply

Tomball

Haney Feed & Farm Supply

Waller

King Feed & Hardware

Wimberley

www.horsebackmagazine.com

(936) 756-7667

www.gulfcoastequinepet.com

(281) 444-1010

(979) 793-6141 richmond@steinhausers.com

(832) 595-9500 (281) 342-2452

tibaldosfeed@aol.com

(409) 925-2735

sealy@steinhausers.com

(979) 885-2967

ddfeed@att.net

(281) 351-7144

www.haneyfeed.com

haney@haneyfeed.com

(936) 372-3652

www.kingfeedandhardware.com

chris@anvilcom.com

(512) 847-2618

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June 2013 - HORSEBACK MAGAZINE

June 2013

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK Our Hearts Are With the People and Horses of Moore, Oklahoma. When a half mile wide tornado rolled through Moore, Oklahoma killing 24 people and more than 100 horses on May 20, 2013, the nation’s hearts were again torn. We had just endured By Steven Long the tragedy of a deadly fertilizer plant explosion in West, Texas, one of Horseback’s favorite towns. Collectively we were all reeling from the April 17th tragedy where at least 15 people were killed, more than 160 were injured and more than 150 buildings were damaged or destroyed. Just two days before, America had been rattled when two pressure cooker bombs exploded near the finish line of the Boston Marathon killing three and injuring 264. The only good thing that can be said about these tragedies is that at least the most recent one was not manmade. And despite the loss of life of both humans and horses, we were heartened to learn that many of the residents of Moore had built storm cellars. They were forward thinking enough to follow the old tried and true scout motto, Be Prepared. Yet the most deadly threat of all is now looming before us. We have just passed the opening of hurricane season. Readers from Brownsville to Miami will face the prospect of gathering their horses and moving them from low lying areas to higher ground in the face of oncoming hurricanes. If you are unable to move your horse we urge you to paint their contact information with acrylic spray paint in large letters and numbers on the animal’s actual body. Paint both sides of the horse. Sure, you’ll be destroying a beautiful coat, but the paint will wear off, a lost horse is forever. Our hearts go out to the people of Boston, of West, and now of Moore, Oklahoma. We just pray we have reached our tragedy quota for this year.

We’ve had about all of this we can stand.

On the Cover: 3 Paints Running, Photo courtesy Diane Holt

8 Horse Bites 10 Parelli - Pat Parelli with Steven Long 12 Foot Form Function - Pete Ramey 26 Whole Horsemansip - Dianne Lindig 40 TACK TALK - Lew Pewterbaugh 46 COWBOY CORNER - Jim Hubbard Cover Stories: 16 20 34

Pasture Laminitis - Eleanor Kellon V.M.D. West Nile Virus - PA West Nile Protection Agency Craniosacral Therapy - Maureen Rogers

Lifestyle & Feature: 16 27 32 36

Summer Buying Guide Cool Country Living - Real Estate Roundup Kids + Horses = Summer Fun - Margaret Pirtle Barn & Garden - Margaret Pirtle

ADVERTISING OFFICES

• CORPORATE OFFICE (281) 447-0772 Phone & (281) 893-1029 Fax Advertising@horsebackmagazine.com • BRAZOS VALUE BUREAU Diane Holt (936) 878-2678 Ranch & (713) 408-8114 Cell Dianeh@horsebackmagazine.com • GULF COAST BUREAU Carol Holloway - (832) 607-8264 Cell Carol@horsebackmagazine.com • NORTH TEXAS Mari Crabtree - (216) 702-4520 Mari@horsebackmagazine.com • NEW MEXICO BUREAU Laurie Hammer - (505)315-7842

EDITOR Steven Long

NATIONAL NEWS EDITOR Carrie Gobernatz LIFESTYLE EDITOR Margaret Pirtle 832-349-1427 Horsebackmag@gmail.com EVENTS EDITOR Leslie Greco SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR Crystal Shell 832-602-7929 horsebackmag@mgail.com

Goldenhorses7@hotmail.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jim Hubbard, Steven Long, Vicki Long, Dianne Lindig, Roni Norquist, Pat Parelli, Pete Ramey, Lew Pewterbaugh, Cathy Strobel, Dr. Jessica Jahiel, Cory Johnson, Margaret Pirtle Volume 20, No. 6 Horseback Magazine, P.O. Box 681397, Houston, TX 77268-1397, (281) 447-0772. The entire contents of the magazine are copyrighted June 2013 by Horseback Magazine. All rights reserved. Material in this publication may not be reproduced in any form without the expressed written consent of the publisher. Horseback Magazine assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs and other material unless accompanied by a stamped, self addressed envelope. Horseback Magazine is not responsible for any claims made by advertisers. The views and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or management. Subscription rate is $25.00 for one year. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Horseback Magazine, P.O. Box 681397, Houston, TX 77268-1397. Fax: (281) 893-1029

Email: news@horsebackmagazine.com

6 HORSEBACK MAGAZINE - June 2013

Staff PUBLISHER Vicki Long

Phone: (281)

447-0772

www.horsebackmagazine.com

V ER S AT I L I T Y F O R A N Y PA S T U R E A N D H AY C O N D I T I O N S .

Horses naturally eat fiber. But for years, grains (corn, barley and oats) have been the standard for horse feed, even though research has proven that the high-soluble carbohydrates in grain-based feeds increase the potential for colic, laminitis, hyperactivity, ulcers and cribbing.

With its beet pulp based fiber content, New and Improved Triple Crown速 Complete provides 12% fat and all the calories, vitamins and minerals of a grain-based feed, but with half of the potentially harmful soluble carbohydrates. Triple Crown速 Complete now has the versatility to be fed in any hay or pasture situation, when hay and pasture are plentiful or to help when they are short.

For more information, visit: www.triplecrownfeed.com or call 800-451-9916.

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June 2013 - HORSEBACK MAGAZINE

Horse Bites - Con’t. on pg. 26

“Horse Bites is compiled from Press Releases sent to Horseback Magazine. Original reporting is done as circumstances warrant. Content is edited for length & style.”

Surprise on the Pryors Meet “Cloud’s Encore” By Ginger Kathrens, The Cloud Foundation Pryor Mountain, Montana (The Cloud Foundation) – Well, what a trip. Knock me over with a feather on Monday afternoon, May 6th, when Effie Orser, Lauryn, and I spotted Cloud on a distant ridge and began hiking. When we climbed over a gentle saddle between two desert foothills, we saw the band. Effie remarked that there was something lying in front of Cloud’s grulla

mare, Feldspar. Was it just a white log? When the “log” lifted its head, we gasped, smiled, and stifled a big cheer. It has taken Cloud just weeks shy of 18 years to father a filly that looks just like him! The pale palomino newborn got up on wobbly legs and we could tell that she had been born that morning. Over the course of these first few hours we spent with the band, the foal nursed, followed her mother when the band moved around, and slept. When the baby peed we could tell for sure that it was a girl – the first palomino filly born on the Pryors since 1998 (Cloud’s full sister, Mariah). The sun was bright, the winds were calm, and the temperature warm. What a grand day to be born and what a beautiful place in which to live. We noticed Cloud’s mother, Phoenix, on the hilltop. She looked down at her son and his family, and then she continued grazing. Did she realize that her

legacy and that of Cloud’s father, Raven, continued? Over the course of the week, we were able to see and film the filly that we call Cloud’s Encore… and is she ever! Her name was suggested by my dear friend, Marian Jo Souder. Jo is also a great supporter of TCF’s work to preserve our wild mustang families. On day three, little Encore discovered her legs and I was able to film her dancing around in the sage after the family had traveled the very short distance to water. What a strong girl, I thought, panning the camera right then left as she raced around her mother. This was such a gift for me. When Cloud tottered by my camera on May 29, 1995 with his mother, father Raven and the band, I had only that day to spend with them. I had to return to Colorado Springs the next morning. When Velvet and Cloud’s son, Dusty, was born in 2006, I had to leave the next morning. I did not have the opportunity to see the incremental changes in their development from one day to the next with either of them. On day five, Encore started investigating her surroundings, smelling every juniper and sage and digging in the sand. She traveled easily with her family as Mato Ska led them to a huge mineral lick that I never knew

The iconic Pryor Mountain Mustang, Cloud

8 HORSEBACK MAGAZINE - June 2013

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How Tight is Too Tight By Pat Parelli with Steven Long

HORSEBACK MAGAZINE: So often we forget the basics, or maybe were never taught them en the first place. One of those fundamentals is proper cinching. I don’t recall ever being formally taught to cinch a horse tightly enough for me to be safe in the saddle and yet allow the horse to be at least a little comfortable. And on more than one occasion I’ve stepped into the stirrup to mount up in front of a bunch of folks inpatient to hit the trail only to learn my saddle has slipped to my horse’s side with my foot still in the stirrup under her belly. (Bruja has a way on those occasions of turning her head and looking at me in disgust). In your opinion, how tight should the girth be cinched around the horse’s middle. PAT PARELLI: One of the things we should think about is to walk a mile in our own horse’s hooves. Never should we think of ourselves first. To see if the cinch is tight enough, here’s one of the ways you can easily tell. Stand in the stirrup. Stand there and keep your balance. If you can stand there without the saddle slipping it is tight. It should be a rule of thumb that no matter how tight the cinch is, you give it three attempts to get it tight. HORSEBACK: Well, at least I’ve done that right. Instinct, I guess

10 HORSEBACK MAGAZINE - June 2013

PARELLI: Put the saddle on, and just tighten it enough to hold it on a little bit. Let the horse breath and relax with it, and then tighten it again. It is a good idea to walk the horse in a circle. After a little while, tighten it again. HORSEBACK: Walking in the circle gets the horse’s mind off the foreign object around his underside. PARELLI: That’s right. Walk him in a circle some more. HORSEBACK: I see, to compensate for the horse’s short attention span. He’s forgotten you keep tightening this thing around his chest. PARELLI: Tighten it again, and then give it the stirrup test. If that works, then it is tight. Then you and your horse can walk a mile in comfort. And remember keep it natural.

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June 2013 - HORSEBACK MAGAZINE

Measuring Sole Thickness to maintain agility. This means that estimating sole thickness is crucial to competent trimming and shoeing.

Is there an accurate way to estimate the thickness of a horse’s sole?

Very good question! 20 years ago, I was actually trained to trim the sole until tiny dots of blood appeared (and I still see people doing this today). I soon realized that when blood appears, you have already trimmed at least a half-inch too far—removing all of the horse’s natural protection of the sensitive corium of the foot. When trimming a horse’s foot, we should always be careful to leave this 1/2- to 3/4-inch-thick layer of protective sole, but we must also remove any excess to allow the foot to be as compact as possible

12 HORSEBACK MAGAZINE - June 2013

Important Note: The very best you can do is no more, and no less than an estimation! When in doubt, or if the situation is critical, always get radiographs to be sure. That said, even when the highestquality radiographs are available, it is really only possible to measure sole thickness at a small part of the sole that is in profile in the image. Additionally, the radiograph shows the sole thickness only during the moment in time (in the past) that it was taken—so the estimation of sole thickness is still important. The first and most important step in estimating sole thickness is developing an understanding of the shape of the internal structures. The “foundation” of the front-half of the foot is bone—the foundation of the backhalf is flexible cartilage. Together, they form the shape of a miniature hoof with a concaved sole. Covering this bone and cartilage “foundation” is a 3/8th-inch-thick sock-like layer of live, vascular, nerve-filled tissue (see figure 1). This layer—the corium—must always be wellprotected. The shape of these internal structures can vary. Some horses may have slightly more or less concavity of the solar surface. Other horses—particularly past founder cases and

horses with upright or “club” feet—may have a remodeled coffin bone, altering this shape at the toe area. This is why radiographs remain important, even for highly-skilled estimators of sole thickness. But most horses will have a general shape and form very similar to the Figure 1. Looking at this picture, take special note of the area between the frog corium and the sole corium. This area forms the collateral grooves—the “seam” between the frog and sole that you typically clean out with a hoof pick. The collateral grooves are important for sole estimation because in a normal hoof, the sole material in the bottom of the groove rarely varies in thickness. The very deepest part of this groove tends to be 3/8th-inch away from the corium (live tissue) whether the rest of the sole is too thick or too thin. This means that from one end to the other, the collateral grooves along the frog are quite accurate for locating the sensitive tissue.

Exceptions: When subsolar abscessing has been present, the collateral grooves may be farther from the corium. Fungal and/or bacterial infections may erode them closer or all the way into the corium. Always be prepared to fall back on radiographs when conditions of the foot are abnormal.

So putting it all together so far, if 1) you know how the internal structures are shaped, and 2) you know where they are within the foot, it becomes pretty easy to estimate the thickness of the sole in any area of the foot. To use this insight in the field, be sure that there is always enough sole material (in the outer perimeter adjacent to the white line) to lift the collateral grooves at least ½-inch (or more) off the ground. This can be measured by picking up the foot and laying a rasp across the foot—in any direction, depending on which part of the sole you are evaluating. Measure from the rasp to the bottom of the collateral groove with a thin ruler (see Figure 2). The groove should generally be left deeper in the back of the foot (heel height is a separate and complex subject) and the sole at the toe should never be trimmed so that the collateral groove at the apex of the frog is less than ½-inch off the ground—5/8ths-inch is even better, plus any additional lift provided by hoof wall extending past the sole. Once you can visualize sole thickness using the collateral grooves, the next step will make you more accurate and somewhat able to predict bone remodeling and/or thin areas of the sole. The horse’s sole tends to callus into a fairly uniform thickness covering the live tiswww.horsebackmagazine.com

FIGURE 1

FIGURE 2

Cadaver specimen. This is how the horses’ foot looks with the “skin” (hoof wall, sole, bars and frog) removed. All of this highlysensitive tissue must be covered by at least a 1/2-inch-thick protective layer for the horse to be safe and sound. If the slightest bit of blood is drawn during a trim, a significant error in judgment was made—not a slight slip-up. Photo reprinted from the book Care and Rehabilitation of the Equine Foot, P. Ramey.

Proper placement of rasp and ruler to estimate the thickness of sole in the areas where the rasp has been placed. If the measurement to the bottom of the groove is 1/2- to 3/4inch, there is probably a correct amount of sole covering the internal structures. Photo reprinted from the book Care and Rehabilitation of the Equine Foot, P. Ramey.

sue in seen figure 1. Therefore, the sole you see when you pick up the horse’s foot should be concaved into a bowl-shape with no flattened areas adjacent to the white line. If you find that a horse’s sole is flat (instead of concaved) immediately adjacent to the white line, you have either 1) a thinner area of sole in the flattened region, or 2) a remodeled coffin bone in that region. Generally, a radiograph is required to tell the difference between the two, but either way, the area should probably not be thinned more than it already is. When these two methods (collat-

eral groove height and reading the shape of the sole) are combined, they give a quite accurate estimation of sole thickness all over the bottom of the foot—you can see for yourself if someone is over-thinning your horse’s sole or trimming areas of the foot that are already too short. Learning to read the sole will also help you keep your horses out of trouble by allowing you to notice if they excessively wear a foot or develop a reduced capacity for sole growth. Protect these feet with less-abrasive terrain and/or some protective device before their sensitive tissues are damaged.

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FIGURES 3 & 4

These drawings of the hoof, sectioned crossways just behind the apex of the frog (as if the toe was chopped off and you were looking at it from the front). Shown are the coffin bone, surrounding live corium, hoof wall and protective sole and frog material. Notice in the left photo, the collateral groove would be very close to the ground because the sole adjacent to the hoof wall is very thin. In the right photo, the sole is thicker, lifting the collateral groove higher off the ground. Drawings by Karen Sullivan, reprinted from the book Care and Rehabilitation of the Equine Foot, P. Ramey.

June 2013 - HORSEBACK MAGAZINE

Summer Buying Guide

ummer is here, which means sun, vacations, and longer days. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also time to buy a special gift for you or your favorite ride.

ake the most of this summer and choose one or more of the special selections we have found to meet all of your needs.

14 HHORSEBACK ORSEBACKM MAGAZINE AGAZINE--June June2013 2013 14

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June 2013 - HORSEBACK MAGAZINE

Pasture Lam History If you know horses you are very familiar with this scenario. The horse is turned out on a beautiful green pasture. The picture is idyllic, everything as it should be – until laminitis strikes. The stereotype is an overweight pony, often with a history of pasture laminitis in the past. However, full size horses may also be affected. The condition only seems to spare young, still actively growing animals. Although the association between pasture and laminitis is timeless, exactly why horses on pasture could become laminitic was unknown. Things like high protein in young growths of grass or effects of overnight frost were suggested, but really didn’t make any sense. In 1998, Dr. Karen Hinckley’s group at the Institute of Grassland and Environmental Research in Wales reported that under conditions of cool overnight conditions and warm days there is accumulation of a storage form of carbohydrate called fructans in ryegrass pastures. They theorized that this high fructan content was responsible for laminitis. In 2002, Dr. Christopher Pollitt gave a presentation describing how he had been able to produce laminitis by administering purified fructan by stomach tube. This sent shock waves through the equine community, with most thinking the mystery of pasture laminitis had been solved. However, there were problems with this theory: The type of fructan used by Pollitt

16 16 HHORSEBACK ORSEBACKM MAGAZINE AGAZINE--June June2013 2013

is different from the fructans found in grass. It was inulin, isolated from chickory roots, and is known to be fermented much more easily and quickly than grass fructans. No studies have been done showing that grass fructans can have the same effect. •

•

The horses were administered a large amount (as much as 8.8 pounds) or pure chickory fructan at one time. This is different from continuous slow grazing on grass and digestion to release the fructans. Laminitis in the tube feeding of fructan model was preceded by fever, colic and diarrhea, similar to the “horse broke into the grain bin” model of laminitis. To ingest the same level of grass fructan as was used in the experimental model, a horse or pony would have to be consuming pasture with more than 30 percent

fructan on a dry matter basis (grass with the water removed) for an entire day, which is extremely high and only reached in certain areas of the world and with very high fructan grasses, like genetically improved strains of ryegrass. • High fructan levels in pasture are typical in the fall, while the highest risk season for pasture laminitis is spring, when actively growing grasses have low fructan levels. • Highest grass fructan levels are in the base of the plant, while horses typically graze leaving the lower 2 inches of the grass intact. Also, even if you accept that grass fructans are potentially as dangerous as chickory root fructans (a big assumption), the animal would have to eat this continuously over a day but it is well know that horses or ponies sensitive to pasture induced laminitis can develop problems even with greatly restricted access to pasture for much shorter periods of time. Also in 2002, Dr. Phillip Johnson of the veterinary school at the University of Missouri proposed that horses may have the equivalent of human metabolic syndrome, a pre-diabetic condition where they are resistant to the effects of insulin. Insulin normally works to facilitate the uptake of glucose by skeletal muscle and fat cells. He proposed that the metabolic syndrome predisposed horses to laminitis. This made sense to me since there were reports dating back to the 1970s that linked insulin resistance with laminitis. I had also overseen a field trial in 2000 and 2001 of magnesium supplementation for cresty and laminitic horses and ponies which showed a positive effect. The only mechanism that made sense was the known positive effect of correcting magnesium deficiency on insulin www.horsebackmagazine.com www.horsebackmagazine.com

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sensitivity Since those early years, multiple studies have linked insulin resistance to laminitis risk, identified high insulin as the trigger and a field study found that pasture starch (in clover/alfalfa) rather than fructan was associated with the development of laminitis. One survey estimated that approximately 80% of laminitis cases are due to metabolic issues/insulin resistance. While it is theoretically possible that some pastures might have fructan levels high enough to cause severe gut upset and laminitis in the same way that grain overload does, the evidence overwhelemingly points to insulin resistance and high levels of sugar and/or starch, not fructan, as the cause of pasture laminitis.

Who Is At Risk? Insulin resistance is a metabolic type, not a disease. It dictates the type of diet that is most healthful for some horses. Things like excessive calories and grain feeding can lead to obesity and decreased insulin sensitivity but the consequences are not the same for all breeds. A thoroughbred or standardbred that is overfed and becomes overweight will have a more insulin resistant profile than horses of normal weight, but diet does not cause the majority of insulin resistance issues. There is good evidence from both the 2006 Virginia Polytechnic pony field study and years upon years of practical experience that insulin resistance has a predominantly genetic cause. Thoroughbreds, Standardbreds, Quarterhorses, warmbloods and draft breeds rarely have issues linked to insulin resistance unless they have high cortisol from Cushingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s/ PPID (pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction) causing an underlying insulin resistance.

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Indiviuals of other breeds, such as ponies, miniatures, donkeys/mules, Arabians, Morgans, Icelandics and Spanish breeds can have a genetically programmed insulin resistant metabolism that allows them to gain weight even on sparse grazing as a survival mechanism but can work against them when they are maintained under conditions of unlimited grazing on high quality pasture grasses.

Diagnosing Those At Risk The stereotype at risk for pasture induced laminitis is an overweight pony, often with a history of this problem in the past. Being overweight, particularly with hard lumpy fat deposits along the crest, tail head, withers or other odd locations, is a red flag for insulin resistance, as is fat bulging from the hollows above the eyes. However, insulin resistant horses may also be normal weight and a survey showed the most common symptom is laminitis unexplained by overeating grain, infection or toxin such as black walnut. A variety of diagnostic blood tests have been suggested for horses with insulin resistance but the vast majority will have obviously elevated insulin levels on a grain free, hay or pasture only diet. Horses in their teens or older should also be tested for Cushingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s disease/pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction. More details can be found here: http://www.ecirhorse.org/index.php/ddtoverview/ddt-diagnosis

Prevention

While some strains of pasture

By: Eleanor M Kellon, VMD

plants will be higher in sugar and/or starch than others, there is no such thing as a guaranteed safe pasture for an insulin resistant horse. They must be kept off pasture or turned out only with a completely sealed muzzle early in the grazing season when grass is actively growing and also during periods of regrowth in the fall. Late season grasses which have reached full growth and gone to seed are safer although stressful conditions like drought followed by rain and triggering growth can also be dangerous. Short of keeping the horse off grass, a partially or completely sealed grazing muzzle is in order for insulin resistant horses, the severity of the restriction being linking to how insulin resistant the are. Maintaining a low sugar/starch diet otherwise will help the horse maintain normal insulin levels. Exercise is the best remedy to insulin resistance there is and horses regularly worked several miles a day at a strong trot are much more insulin sensitive than inactive horses. (Turnout alone does not qualify as exercise.)

Bottom Line We now recognize that most cases of pasture laminitis are caused by insulin resistance, a metabolic type common to ponies, miniatures and many easy keeper breeds of full sized horses. Horses with a history of pasture laminitis, easy weight gain who are in the susceptible population should be tested for insulin resistance. Prevention involves maintaining a low sugar/starch diet overall, regular moderately vigorous exercise and restriction of access to pasture.

June June 2013 2013 --H HORSEBACK ORSEBACKM MAGAZINE AGAZINE

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Eleanor M. Kellon, V.M.D. • www.drkellon.com Equine Nutritional Solutions EQUINE NUTRITION EDUCATION & RESOURCES Knowledge...not feed & supplements.

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WEST NILE VIRUS What Horse Owners Should Know What is West Nile encephalitis? West Nile encephalitis describes an inflammation of the central nervous system, which is caused by infection with West Nile Virus. Prior to 1999 West Nile Virus was found only in Africa, Eastern Europe, and West Asia. In August of 1999 it was identified in the United States.

How do people or animals become infected? People and animals can become infected from the bite of certain kinds of mosquitoes that are infected with the virus. Mosquitoes may pick up the virus when they bite, or take a blood meal, from wild birds that are infected with West Nile Virus. Those mosquitoes may then transmit the virus to people and other animals when biting to take a blood meal. Infection occurs primarily in the late summer or early fall in many regions. Does infection always lead to illness? Infection with West Nile Virus does not always lead to signs of illness in people or animals. Horses appear to be a species that is susceptible to infection with the virus. In

20 HORSEBACK MAGAZINE - June 2013

horses that do become clinically ill, the virus infects the central nervous system and may cause symptoms of encephalitis. Clinical signs of encephalitis in horses may include a general loss of appetite and depression, in addition to any combination of the following signs: • fever • weakness of hind limbs • paralysis of hind limbs • impaired vision • ataxia (weakness) • head pressing • aimless wandering • convulsions (seizures) • inability to swallow • walking in circles • hyperexcitability coma • It is important to note that not all horses with clinical signs of encephalitis have West Nile encephalitis. Certain other diseases can cause a horse to have symptoms similar to those resulting from infection with West Nile Virus. If you are concerned that your horse may be exhibiting signs of encephalitis, please contact your veterinarian. Laboratory tests are necessary to confirm a diagnosis.

Is treatment available for West Nile encephalitis in horses? There is no specific treatment for West Nile encephalitis in horses. Supportive veterinary care is recommended. It is important to diagnose WNV because infection is an indication that mosquitoes carrying the virus are in the area and need to be eliminated. How many horses have been affected? In 1999, approximately 25 horses became ill from infection with West Nile Virus. In 2000, there were 60 documented clinical cases of infection. Approximately 60% of horses that actually showed signs of illness in 1999 and 2000 recovered from the infection. Others were euthanized or died as a result of infection. Many more horses were infected without showing any clinical symptoms of disease. In 2001, there were 159 documented clinical cases of infection. Is a wNV vaccine available? A WNV vaccine for horses is now available. It has recently been approved for marketing, on a conditional license, which

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means that the efficacy of the vaccine will be studied for a year. Because it is impossible to distinguish between vaccinated and naturally infected horses with current testing methods, it is important that vaccination records be kept updated for each horse that receives the vaccine. Horses vaccinated against Eastern, Western, and Venezuelan equine encephalitis are not protected against infection with West Nile Virus. How can I protect my horse against infection with West Nile Virus? Vaccination of horses is not a guarantee of protection against infection, and does not offer any protection for other animals or people. The best method of prevention of infection with West Nile Virus for people and animals is to reduce the risk of exposure to the mosquitoes that may carry the virus. Reducing the risk involves eliminating mosquito breeding sites to reduce the number of hatching mosquitoes, and to reduce exposure to adult mosquitoes. Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, so reduction of breeding sites involves eliminating stagnant water sources. To reduce the number of mosquito breeding sites: 1. Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, buckets, ceramic pots or other unwanted water-holding containers on your property. 2. Pay special attention to discarded tires. Tires are important mosquito breeding sites. 3. Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers left outdoors. Containers with drainage holes located only on the sides collect enough water to act as mosquito breeding sites. 4. Clean clogged roof gutters every year. Millions of mosquitoes can breed in roof gutters each season. 5. Turn over plastic wading www.horsebackmagazine.com

pools when not in use. 6. Turn over wheelbarrows and don’t let water stagnate in birdbaths. 7. Empty and refill outdoor water troughs or buckets every few days. 8. Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish. Water gardens can become major mosquito producers if they are allowed to stagnate. 9. Clean and chlorinate swimming pools when not in use. Mosquitoes may even breed in the water that collects on pool covers. landscaping to 10. Use eliminate standing water that collects on your property, especially near manure storage areas. Mosquitoes may breed in any puddle that lasts for more than four days. Additional steps can be taken to reduce the likelihood of exposure of horses to adult mosquitoes: Reduce the number of birds in and around the stable area. Eliminate roosting areas in the rafters of the stable. Certain species of wild birds are thought to be the main reservoir for the virus. (Although pigeons have been shown to become infected with West Nile Virus, they do not appear to act as reservoirs and therefore don’t transmit the virus to mosquitoes). Periodically look around the property for dead birds, such as crows. Dead birds may be reported to the DEP online at anytime of the year. However, suitable birds will only be picked up or tested for WNV between May 1 and September 30. Use gloves to handle dead birds and place the birds in plastic bags. Topical preparations containing mosquito repellents are

(Courtesy Pyranha, Inc) Avoid bites and illness... When possible, wear long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors. Mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing, so spraying clothes with repellent containing permethrin or DEET will give extra protection. Don’t apply repellents containing permethrin directly to skin. Do not spray repellent containing DEET on the skin under your clothing.

Remove mosquitoes from their environment... Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by getting rid of items that hold water. Some mosquitoes like to come indoors. Keep them outside by having well-fitting screens on both windows and doors.

Help your community control the disease... Dead birds may be a sign that West Nile virus is circulating between birds and the mosquitoes in an area. Over 130 species of birds are known to have been infected with West Nile virus, though not all infected birds will die. It’s important to remember that birds die from many other causes besides West Nile virus. Contact health authorities regarding an organized mosquito control program in your area. If no program exists, work with your local government officials to establish a program. The American Mosquito Control Association can provide advice, and their book Organization for Mosquito Control is a useful reference. Something to keep in mind... The chance that any one person is going to become ill from a single mosquito bite remains low. The risk of severe illness and death is highest for people over 50 years old, although people of all ages can become ill. More questions? A source for information about pesticides and repellents is the National Pesticide Information Center, which also operates a toll-free information line: 1-800-858-7378 . Or United States Department of Agriculture: (717) 782-3442

West Nile Virus - Con’t. on pg. 39 June 2013 - HORSEBACK MAGAZINE June 2013

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Horse Bites - Con’t. from pg. 8

existed. Speaking of Mato Ska, the silver bear is looking great, but I think he is a bit dismayed that mom’s attention is exclusively on his little sister. I did not see him interact with Encore at all, but hope that will change when Feldspar is less protective and Encore is more curious about a member of her family that is closer in size in to her. Encore was not the only foal born during this wonderful week on the Pryors. On Sykes Ridge, Flint and Halcyon have a new filly—a tiny grulla with a star. I believe she was born on the same day as Encore but she

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Horse Bites - Con’t. on pg. 25

is smaller. On Wednesday, Gabrielle gave birth to a dun filly with a white slash on her nostril. Otherwise the filly is solid in color. High on Sykes, Effie spotted Audubon with the young blue roan bachelor stallion, Indigo Kid. Nearby, a foal lay very still on a steep slope under the trees. Was it dead we wondered as we stared at the body. Then, through my binoculars, I saw the flick of an ear. Within a minute or so the very healthy, solid dun filly stood and walked confidently over to her grulla roan mother.

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Horse Bites - Con’t. from pg. 23

Horse Bites - Con’t. on pg. 42

This foal was at least a week old I believe. Time will tell if the five year-old stallion (the son of Cloud’s red roan sister, Electra, and the late stallion Prince) can hold on to this lovely 13 year-old mare. In all, there are 8 foals on the ground and we estimate there are at least seven more to come. With so many foals still being born on the Pryors, we fear a removal will take place and many will be forced to leave their home. That is why we advocate for the more effective use of PZP and volunteered in May to help with PZP darting. TCF’s goal is that any foal born in this wonderful place, will live out its life in freedom with its family. We discovered that the coming yearling in Baja’s band is missing. Predation? I wonder. Mountain lions are intensely hunted

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felt its smooth, warm face, the contours of its organic form fitting naturally into the cup of my hand. I had spotted it from astride my horse, its familiar, unmistakable shape catching my eye, Finding a fossil, however common, never fails to delight me. “It’s like finding an Easter egg!”, I exclaim to my guest, as I hand it to her, for her inspection. “This is the inner cast of the shell of a bi-valve creature that lived here between about 60 and 160 million years ago, at the bottom of a shallow ocean that covered the earth where we’re now standing.” As I say these words, I realize that even the window of 100 million years that I’m describing, is but a tiny speck in the continuum of time. “Beautiful”, my guest says, as she hands me back the fossil, and I place it carefully back in the light beige caliche clay from whence I’d first lifted it. I step back up onto Nellie, and we gaze at the Spring landscape of hills, ridges, canyons, and valleys, dotted with live oaks, sotol, agarita, wild flowers...such a plethora of plants and wildlife, all of which came to reside here long after the time of the fossilized sea creature, and yet whose presence so long precedes our own in this amazing, unspoiled place. I imagine now, what a speck, within a speck, of time our lives occupy, and am filled with a spontaneous sense of wonder and humility. As we continue our ride, the gentle, rhythmic rocking of my horse’s strides envelopes me with a sense of peace and belonging, as I am connected, through her, to this place. “Timeless”, I thought. This experience, this connection to the horse and to the earth beneath it, was felt by the first Scythian to mount a horse in the Ukrainian Steppes...by the native Americans who roamed this landscape before us...by cattle drivers who crossed this land in the 1860’s, and by the pioneers and ranchers who followed...6000, 250, 150 years ago, it’s the same for all of us.

26 HORSEBACK MAGAZINE - June 2013

Timeless

I take comfort in this thought, and, for a moment, time stands still. It strikes me, what a waste it is, that many fill that speck of time they are given here, with resentment, hatred, blaming of others...or with equally wasteful apathy, or lack of gratitude. As for me, I have much to do to make the most of this life, in service to those I love, to those I’ll never know, and to the earth, so much that there are times I could let myself feel overwhelmed.. But moments like this one give me respite, and

renew my hope and my connection to all that is and will be. For today, there are horses to ride and fossils to find, and I will be riding and finding them. Always, Remember to Enjoy the Ride! hB Dianne can be reached at Hill Country Equestrian Lodge where she teaches Whole Horsemanship year-round. www.hillcountryequestlodge.com, or (830) 796-7950 www.horsebackmagazine.com

Cool Country Living HORSEBACK'S GUIDE TO THE BEST OF THE BEST

There is no better time to go for your dream of owning great property that will turn into your family’s legacy. Land ownership means more than just living outside the hustle and bustle of the big city life. • • • •

It means the ability to grow your own vegetables from your own garden. Raise your own chickens and harvest your own eggs. Raise your own cattle. Give up that boarding barn for your horses, and gaze out your window to see them happily grazing in your own pastures.

The following exclusive properties are for sale. It’s summer, you have the time to look. Call now and don’t let your dream property slip through your fingers. They won’t last long. Interest Rates Have Never Been Better!

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KIDS + HORSE = R

emember how much fun summer use to be when you were a kid and you didn’t worry about dirt all over your clothes or straw stuck in your hair? Kids, horses and summer are just meant to be together. It’s a time when you can ride and love your horse and just have fun hanging out together. To help kids with that magical experience, Horseback talked to three very different summer camps for kids in Texas, but the one thing they all had in common was the chance for kids to have a great summer time with their favorite mount.

R and M Stables:

Rescued horses find a great home here and give kids a chance to see what can be accomplished when you can save and rehabilitate a horse. At their new forever home, these horses help kids learn either English or Western riding and offers Dressage, Western Pleasure, Barrel Racing, and Hunter/Jumper. But it’s not all work at this fun camp. Kids get plenty of time to just play with the horses and other kids their age.www.randmstables.com

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= SUMMER FUN Del Lago Sport Horses:

Sneak A Way Camp:

Through four separate sessions during the summer months, Sneak A Way helps kids know more about a horse than just how to climb in a saddle. Teaching both English and Western this camp helps kids learn how to care for their horse in a fun way. Going beyond the normal games, swimming and riding, Sneak A Way packs in field trips to cross country courses and a day with a equine vet. They offer a well rounded camp program along with arts and crafts, equine educational lessons and help promote self-esteem and confidence. All of this while building new friendship that can last a lifetime. www.sneakawayriding.com

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If itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a international flavor you would like for your summer fun, then Del Lago Sport Horses in Magnolia, TX is your destination. Bringing kids from other countries to train for the summer, this camp gives you the opportunity to learn not only advanced horsemanship, but to mix with children from around the world. Geared to the advanced rider, this summer program is a mix of fun with extensive lessons in Dressage, and Jumping. Bilingual lessons available. www.delagosporthorses.com

June 2013 - HORSEBACK MAGAZINE June 2013 - HORSEBACK MAGAZINE

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“The Benefits of Equine Craniosacral Therapy for your Horse” A horse’s skull consists of 26 bones Photo: Giles Penfound, copyright Maureen Rogers 2013

By: Maureen Rogers, Equine CranioSacral Consultant

Keeping the horses body in balance is important for longevity and for the horses’ overall wellbeing-as much is asked of our horses, especially those whom are ridden competitively. Newly adapted to the equine industry in the last decade, craniosacral therapy is a uniquely efficient way to keep horses in biomechanical balance and maintain skeletal and muscular health. Craniosacral therapy is also used successfully in treating specific equine conditions such as headshaking, TMJ imbalances, head traumas and facial nerve paralysis. Craniosacral therapy is highly effective in treating both acute and chronic injuries. What makes this therapy unique is its specific focus to the individual bones of the horses head, the soft tissue and nerves that make up the equine skull and how this effects and its relationship to the rest of the bodies balance.

CORE LINK Originally known as craniosteopathy, craniosacral evolved from the practice of osteopathy. In the early 1900s, Dr. William Sutherland, an osteopath, discovered that the bones of the cranium connect to the sacrum through what he referred to as the “core link.” The core link is made up of the skull or cranium, the spinal cord, the dura mata (the protective sleeve around the spinal cord) and the sacrum. These structures are connected, not only by muscles, fascia, ligaments and tendons on the outside, but importantly by the tissues from inside the core link. While traditional osteopathy focuses on the bones themselves, craniosacral focuses on bringing balance throughout the skeletal and muscular systems with specific focus on the individual bones of the skull, the spine and the sacrum.

How does it workHands on application Equine craniosacral practitioners apply specific hands-on techniques to the horse’s body to release restrictions in the musculoskeletal system and in the fascia. There is no physical manipulation to the bones and tissues and light contact is used to release restrictions. While specific attention is given to the cranium, spine and sacrum, treatment is not limited to these areas due to the way the body is con-

34 H HORSEBACK ORSEBACK M MAGAZINE AGAZINE -- June June 2013 2013 34

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nected. Practitioners are trained to first assess the equine client’s movement, posture and soft tissue. Hands-on techniques release restrictions throughout the body’s musculoskeletal system, restoring balance and fluidity of the biomechanics.

THE EQUINE SKULL

“Hektor” after his third CranioSacral treatment. Notice there’s more symmetry between his eyes and he is much softer in his face- he no longer Headshakes! Photo copyright Maureen Rogers 2013

The equine skull is a giant jigsaw puzzle made of 26 individual plates of bone joined together by sutures. Sutures act like joints between the cranial bones and are designed to help disperse the energy from an impact to the skull. All bone is healthy living tissue and has both a blood supply and fatty tissue, giving it a degree of natural pliability. The skull of the newborn foal is made up of more individual plates and develops until 5-6 years of age. Any external pressures or compression from trauma on the young horse’s skull will have deep effects. Throughout the life of a horse, many pressures are regularly applied to the cranium, from tight fitting nosebands, pressures from bits, improperly fitting bridles or halters, and dental procedures. Whether the pressures are applied from devices or injury/trauma occurs to the bones of the skull, the natural bone positions of the skull become disorganized and out of alignment. The sutures of the skull can get jammed, affecting the horse’s neurology, sinuses, balance, TMJ function, gait movement, head carriage, poll flexion and overall biomechanics. How do you know your horse needs craniosacral therapy or may benefit from it? Craniosacral is used by many to maintain and to keep a horse’s body in balance- however it is used with success in the treatment of: • Headshaking • Fascial nerve paralysis • Imbalances of the TMJ ( temporomandibular joint) • Head traumas and injuries • Behavior problems • Low back and stifle/hock issues • Cribbing • Pre and post equine dentistry Indications that your horse may be a good candidate for craniosacral treatment include: • Bucking • Lameness • Difficulty in making transitions, holding the canter and leads • Feels flat in work • Difficulty with respiration *a horse that tosses its head/ has difficulty with the bit The body loves balance. It will try to create balance in an imbalanced state via compensation patterns. These compensations cost the body over time and aid in the breakdown of joint function and musculoskeletal health. When the horse is out of balance, experiencing pain, behavior issues result. Any horse can benefit from craniosacral work especially due to the fact that all horses experience regular pressures to the cranium throughout their lives. These pressures on the skull affect bone position and create compensation patterns in the TMJ function, which influence the overall biomechanics of the horse. Retaining or reinstating the integrity of skeletal and muscular systems can be vital in the health of an equine athlete’s longevity, comfort and comfort. It is important to work with professionally trained equine craniosacral practitioner. Equine CranioSacral does not replace traditional veterinarian medicine or care. hB www.horsebackmagazine.com www.horsebackmagazine.com

Case Study:

Craniosacral Treatment Successful in Headshaking Hektor, a TB gelding, raced successfully for the first four years of his life. He was sold in the autumn of 1990, age 11. Unknown to his new owners, he was a headshaker. His headshaking was first noticed in the spring of 1991. Hektor was diagnosed as having seasonal allergies and being light sensitive. He suffered a head trauma with compression to the right nasal bone, frontal bone, sphenoid and maxilla. To make things worse, in 1995 he had another head injury, losing his two front incisors, only exacerbating his initial condition. Swelling of the tissues that line the inside of the upper airway affected the head injury. After his second head injury, he shook his head 24 hours a day. His headshaking was so severe, it rendered him unrideable. Treatments tried prior to craniosacral therapy included antihistamines, steroids, chiropractic and acupuncture, none of which provided much relief. In 2000, 10 years after the onset of the condition, craniosacral treatments began. A significant change was noticeable after the first craniosacral treatment. After the second treatment, the headshaking nearly stopped. After five treatments, Hektor was free of headshaking symptoms. He remains free of symptoms to this day. Hektor receives regular craniosacral treatments to maintain his overall balance and well being.

About the Author... Maureen Rogers is a pioneer and leading expert in the field of Equine CranioSacral therapy and the founder of Equine CranioSacral Workshops, a US-based company that trains others in these groundbreaking techniques. She travels internationally for teaching, lectures and private consultations and works in conjunction with veterinarians, equine dentists, trainers, physiotherapists, and horse owners, who seek out her expertise in equine craniosacral work, biomechanics of the performance horse and rehab therapy skills. Rogers is the producer of a two DVD’s Hope for Headshakers and Conformation vs Posture Myths Unveiled. For more information about Equine CranioSacral therapy or upcoming workshop information, visit www. equinecraniosacral.com. June 2013 HORSEBACK ORSEBACK M MAGAZINE AGAZINE June 2013 -- H

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“I was seldom able to see an opportunity until it had ceased to be one.”

-Mark Twain

Barn &

The Grass is Always Greener Contributed by Bernadette at B3HD.blogspot.com 1. Lay newspaper down on a counter top. 2. Grab some planters. A mug or bowl works in a pinch. 3. Mix equal parts potting soil and compost (compost is optional) 4. Make sure you have wheatberries on hand. 5. Fill your planters to the top with your potting mix.Do this on the newspaper for easy cleanup. 6. Scoop wheatberries on to soil. 7. Make sure you spread a thick enough layer of berries so that you don’t see soil, but thin enough so that sprouting berries won’t crowd each other out. 8. Douse your layer of wheatberries with water. 9. I use the sprayer with a gentle mist so as not to wash the berries away. 10. I also soak them to a count of about 6 or 8 (not seconds, just count to 6) 11. Deeper, wet soil will give you deeper roots. You may hate me for this later. 12. I wet and then thinly layer a paper towel over the top of the planter. 13. Don’t ever, ever, never, ever let the paper towel dry out before the berries sprout. 14. After they sprout, one day, you will walk past your planter and think to yourself: “Self, I have not water those in forever” You will look at said planter and notice that those super strong sprouts are shooting off their dried and crispy paper towel lid.

36 36 H HORSEBACK ORSEBACK M MAGAZINE AGAZINE -- June June 2013 2013

14 Feed Sack Recycling Ideas! 1. Split open and line dog kennels 2. Use as a sun blocker for your vehicle by placing the feed bag across the inside windshield 3. Cut open and spread two out under your sleeping bag to keep mositure away from you while camping 4. Slit open and use as a tarp for painting interior walls or ceilings 5. Turn inside out, fill with sand and draw a bulls-eye on one side and use for target practice 6. Cut a hole for the head and two, one for each arm and let your kids wear them as a costume 7. Let the kids make paper hats out of them 8. Use in the Fall for a leaf bag when raking 9. Place under you dog or cats feed or watering bowls as a placemat 10. Use under the pan while changing your car’s oil to carch any drips 11. Use as disposible floor mats in your car for muddy days 12. Place in the bottom of your wheelbarrow to keep it clean 13. Cut the picture off the front of the bag, then cut into jigsaw pieces. Mount on cardboard and let the kids have fun. 14. Take a large feed sack to the grocery store with you and at the check out when they ask if you would like paper or plastic, hand them the feed sack to place your groceries in. It will give everyone a laugh for the day.

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Garden

By: Margaret Pirtle, Lifestyle Editor

Best Summer Popsicles!

Honeydew-Cucumber Margarita Pops Ingredients: • 1 cup honeydew juice (approximately a whole 1lb melon) • 1/3 cup cucumber juice (approximately half a 5oz cucumber) • ½ cup Tequila • 1 tablespoon Triple Sec • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice Directions: 1. Place the honeydew and cucumber in food processor or blender and process until pureed. 2. AddTequila, Triple Sec, lime juice and mint syrup. Process for another 20-30 seconds to blend well. 3. Pour mixture into popsicles mold. 4. Freeze for about 2 hours or until mixture starts to solidify enough to hold a popsicle stick upright. Insert popsicle sticks and finish freezing popsicles overnight. To release popsicles run hot water on the outside of popsicle molds for a 2-3 seconds. Yields: Five 2-and-1/4-oz. popsicles

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Watermelon Pops Ingredients: • 4 cups watermelon, seeds removed, cubed • Paper cups • Popsicle sticks (available at craft stores)

Peaches & Cream Popsicles Ingredients • 1 cup of peaches; chopped then pureed • ½ cup peaches; diced • 6 tablespoons milk • 1 5.3 ounce container of Greek vanilla yogurt • 2 teaspoons Agave Nectar

Directions: 1. Place the watermelon in blender and puree. 2. Pour into the paper cups, insert sticks and freeze until hardened. (You can use small Dixie cups or paper cups that are a little larger.)

Directions 1. Mix peach puree, milk, agave and yogurt until smooth. 2. Stir in diced peaches. 3. Fill your popsicles molds. 4. Freeze at least 4 hours

Yields: Dependant upon cup size used.

Yields: Aproximately 6 popsicle sticks

Cinnamon in the Sandbox Now that its getting warmer, the kids are going to want to play in the sandbox. Cinnamon in the Sandbox keeps the bugs away! I knew cinnamon repelled ants... but I never thought of this! Brilliant! I’ve also heard it will keep the cats out.

June 2013 -- H June 2013 HORSEBACK ORSEBACK M MAGAZINE AGAZINE

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38 HORSEBACK MAGAZINE - June 2013

www.horsebackmagazine.com

West Nile Virus - Con’t. fm pg. 25

available for horses. Read the product label before using. For help in assessing mosquito exposure risks on your property and for suggested control practices, please contact your county extension office, county Department of Environmental Protection, county Department of Health, or mosquito and pest control company. Can a horse infected with West Nile Virus infect other horses? There is no evidence that infected horses can transmit the virus to other animals, people, or mosquitoes. Only a wild birdmosquito transmission cycle has been proven as a means of transmitting West Nile Virus. Can ticks spread West Nile Virus? Research is ongoing within the public health community to determine the role ticks play in the vectoring of West Nile virus. Scientists have confirmed ticks become infected with West Nile virus and may be able to amplify the disease within the avian community. Some researchers have also suggested that the ticks pass West Nile virus between generations and that is how the disease survives the winter in Pennsylvania. The Department will monitor this research closely to see what role ticks may play, if any, in the West Nile virus cycle. Reprint Courtesy PA West Nile Virus Protection Program http://www.aphis.usda.gov/oa/wnv/index.html

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June 2013 - HORSEBACK MAGAZINE

“A Near Miss”

Horseback Magazine’s Saddle & Tack Editor

unday, my POSSLQ (person of opposite sex sharing living quarters) and I went for a horseback ride on the ranch where we live in the beautiful Texas Hill Country. I was riding Pat’s National Showhorse, a Saddlebred, Arabian cross, and Pat was riding a Polish Arab, 4 year old. The National Showhorse, Radar, is not the brightest bulb in the package and is easily spooked. I attribute that to the Saddlebred side of his brain. We had taken these two horses to

the Brave Horse Clinic in San Antonio, and Redsky, the Polish Arab, loved it He went through every obstacle with ears up and eagerness. He is extremely curious and loves to get into things. Radar spent the entire morning working personally with Ann Van Dyke, who runs the Brave Horse program. He spent most of the afternoon working on getting through just one obstacle. He needs to go back through Brave Horse about 34 more times. Outside the arena, Radar thinks everything is going to eat him. He doesn’t buck, but he jumps sideways and spins a lot. He also thinks if a branch brushes a straw western hat or a helmet, a large predator is about to descend on him. He seems to have a lot more confidence when I’m riding him so I’ve been taking him on a few rides, while Pat rides Redsky. Well, this Sunday afternoon we decided to go through a little brush to give Radar some exposure to trail obstacles, and the ride was uneventful for the first 45

minutes. We came up on a low cedar branch hanging over the trail, and the weight had pulled it lower than the last time I had ridden through there. Pat went under on Redsky with no problem, but I’m much taller and knew I couldn’t get under without knocking my hat off, so I reached up to remove it, and Radar jumped sideways, clotheslining me on the branch and knocking me out of the saddle. Other than a bloody nose and a sprained finger, I was unhurt. Pat on the other hand was not so lucky. Redsky turned around to see what was going on, and as Radar came towards him sideways, he started backing up, folded, up on himself and came over backwards. It appears his head came up and met Pat’s, smashing her in the face, and then coming on over on top of her and rolling off. Pat was riding, as always, in her dressage saddle, which is fortunate for her. I believe if she had been riding a western saddle with a horn, it would have crushed her sternum or caused severe internal injuries. As it was, she ended up with a sore nose, two black eyes, split and bruised lips, a bruised chest, a very badly

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bruised right arm, right leg, and a sore back. Her arm and leg look terrible but nothing was broken except blood vessels. Her face looks like she was talking when she should have been listening, but I swear, I didn’t do it. Pat has always said she wants to die on horseback. With all of her wrecks, she came really close again this time, but you just can’t kill her. I’ve about quit trying. Pat was wearing her riding helmet. She was not wearing her safety vest or neckroll. Had she been wearing her vest’ her upper body injuries would have been very slight. Redsky had been such a solid little fearless horse on the trail, she didn’t think she would need the vest. Turns out, it would have been a good idea. Fortunately the neck roll wasn’t needed this time. About five years ago, we were on a Texas Independence Day trailride, when Pat had turned in her saddle to secure her raincoat. As she was turned around, a loose horse came galloping out of the nearby woods and spooked her horse causing her to fall and land on her head and get knocked out. As she came to, she said she was alright, got up and walked to the road, where we got her a ride back to our friend’s house, and I ponied her horse back to the trailer. Turns out she had three fractured

vertebrae in her neck, and the horse had kicked her in the lower back and broken some vertebrae. After that I got her a bareback rider’s neckroll to wear to protect her neck. Pat is over 70, now, and still loves to ride. After a stroke 6 years ago, while she was riding, and her horse ran away with her and she fell off headfirst into a tree, most people probably would have quit riding. Not her. So now, she primarily sticks to arena riding, and usually suits up for it. I relate this story to show the need for protective equipment, especially good riding helmets. I still don’t wear one unless I’m getting on a horse I think will be fractious, but I know I should. A riding vest is also important. I noticed at the PRCA rodeo in Bandera last night, every rough stock rider wore at least a vest. The bareback riders all wore neck rolls. I guess it’s like skydiving. You don’t need a parachute to skydive the first time; only if you want to do it again. I also wanted to talk about saddle horns. This is tack talk, after all. Saddle horns are for ropes. You can tie hard and fast, you can dally, you can take a dally with a lead rope to pony a horse or other critter. If you think you need a saddle horn to hang onto for protection, you’re going to get thrown, usually launched

would be more accurate. Most novice riders, when they get in a storm, grab the horn, pull themselves into a fetal position for protection, get ahead of the center of balance, and go off over the swells. If you have to use the horn, it’s usually better to push on it and lay back, but it is far better to have a night latch, which can simply be a dog collar around the fork. If you get in a storm, grab for that strap, tuck your elbow into your side, and pull yourself down into the seat. Just watch a ranch saddle bronc rider, and you’ll see what I mean. I know a lot of people have been killed or nearly so when a horse came over on them and the saddle horn crushed their chest or caused really serious internal injuries. I’m pretty sure I would be telling a different story about Pat if she had been riding a horned saddle. Have fun riding and stay safe. I hope everyone who wants to ride into old age learns what to do about safety. Thanks for letting me share my experience. hB Bandera’s Lew Pewterbaugh has been called the most knowledgeable saddle and tack authority in the Southwest. For private fitting consultation call (830) 328-0321 or (830) 522-6613 or email: saddlerlew@gmail.com.

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June 2013 - HORSEBACK MAGAZINE

Horse Bites - Con’t. from pg. 25

on the Pryors, a policy we oppose. The field darting of mares is simply taking the place of natural controls like predation and potentially lethal winter storms. And PZP is reversible, so if predation begins to naturally control the population as it did a decade ago, the BLM can reduce the number of mares darted and they will return to fertility. We applaud the Billings BLM for decisions to manage the Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Herd in this way, using adaptive, on the range management. On Friday afternoon, we hiked back to the road. Cloud was above me, silhouetted on the hilltop. How could it possibly be nearly 18 years since he tottered out of the trees with his palomino mother? I hope you can join us for a celebration of his extraordinary life so far. My goal is to celebrate his birthday on the 29th with him and his beautiful family, then return to Colorado, load up Trace and Sax at the ranch and bring them to the all-day birthday celebration in Arvada at the Horse Protection League on June 1st. There will be at least 10 Pryor mustangs in the parade at 11:00 plus other mustangs from other herd areas. Trace, Sax, and I hope to see you there! NBC Sports Network to Air The 2013 American Gold Cup NORTH SALEM, NY, (Phelps) - Stadium Jumping, Inc. and Old Salem Farm announced today that the 43rd annual American Gold Cup Grand Prix, a CSI4*-World Cup Qualifying competition, will air on NBC Sports Network

in a one hour presentation on Sunday, Sept. 22, at 4:30 pm ET. The televised event will provide national high-profile exposure for the event, the sport of show jumping and highlight Westchester County and Old Salem Farm as premier equestrian sports destinations. “Last year it was an all-star cast,” said Michael Morrissey, president of Stadium Jumping and American Gold Cup organizer. “We wanted everyone to have a good experience and go away thinking this was the climax of the season. We feel we really accomplished that. This year, we are particularly excited to share The American Gold Cup in this incredible venue to a national television audience.” “NBC Sports Network’s coverage offers a rare opportunity for sponsors and advertisers to reach an incredibly large, mainstream audience,” continued Morrissey. “We encourage interested sponsors and advertisers to contact us about this unique marketing opportunity.” “The American Gold Cup is a prestigious equestrian event and we are happy to provide coverage to our viewers on NBC Sports Network,” said Mike Perman, Vice President, Programming, NBC Sports Group. Following last year’s enormous success, Old Salem Farm in New York’s Westchester County, will again serve as the picturesque setting for the American Gold Cup. Old Salem Farm offers state-of-the-art facilities surrounded by 120 gorgeous acres. In 2012, the North American Riders Group (NARG) named The American Gold Cup one of the Top 25 Best Horse Shows in North

America. The owners at Old Salem have made many renovations over the past few years to create one of the most extraordinary show facilities in the world. The American Gold Cup scheduled for September 11-15, 2013 will feature a full array of jumper classes, including sections for Children and Adult Jumpers, Low and High Junior/Amateur Jumpers, plus the Open Jumpers. New this year, the ASPCA Maclay Regional Championships will be held on Saturday evening in the Old Salem Farm indoor arena. The featured event, the coveted $200,000 American Gold Cup, will be held on Sunday September 15, 2013 and broadcast on NBC Sports Network the following Sunday, September 22, 2013

NOAA Releases National Drought Map, Texas, Okla, KA, Neb, Dakotas, Minn, Improving COLLEGE STATION, (TAMU) – Though recent storms promised to reset the drought button for a large part of East Texas, the western half of the state will likely see belownormal precipitation from now through August, according to a Texas A&M University climatologist. “We are looking for above-normal rainfall, and we’re not having an easy time finding it,” said Dr. John Nielsen-Gammon, Texas State Climatologist, College Station. Temperatures were expected to be above normal for all of the southern plains this

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summer, Nielsen Gammon said. “The short-range and long-range outlooks are sort of opposites,” he said. “We’ve got decent chances of rain in West Texas over the next week or two, while the Gulf Coast is going to stay fairly dry. But over the summer, the outlook from the Climate Prediction Center has the best chances for rain being along the Gulf Coast with drier conditions in West Texas.” Nielsen-Gammon noted a few months ago no one was predicting the widespread swings in temperature and late freezes. However, he believes Texas has seen the last of abnormally low temperatures, and that warmer weather is back on track. The reason for the cold fronts was likely due to abovenormal snow cover in the northern hemisphere, he said. “It was the first time in more than a decade that the springtime snow cover has been above normal,” Nielsen-Gammon said. “That means cold air can stay cold a lot longer on its way down to Texas.” So far, the entire state has had below-normal rainfall for May. Parts of West Texas may “luck out” the last of May because of “fairly active, dry-like convections” during

the rest of the month, he said. As for June, the coastal regions of Texas may be drier, he said. “It’s because the Gulf of Mexico is so cool right now, but that’s just a hunch at this point,” he said.

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June 2013 - HORSEBACK MAGAZINE

Horse Bites - Con’t. from pg. 43

would like to extend a thank you to all of our country’s military members for their service. May God bless you always. WHE President Scheduled for Surgery On May 31st Wild Horse Education has two cases scheduled for hearings in federal court. One of the actions to protect wild horses is for a Preliminary Injunction at the Owyhee Complex and the other is a Discovery hearing in matters concerning Triple B and Jackson Mountain. These actions currently deal with practices during capture that are inappropriate and removals that are unjustified. To date these cases have gained three Temporary Restraining Orders and a Preliminary Injunction to pilot conduct at Triple B. Earlier this month, Wild Horse Education President, Laura Leigh, the plaintiff in the legal actions against the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), was diagnosed with breast cancer. Ms. Leigh is expected to undergo surgery next week. Under advice of their attorney Gordon Cowan of Reno, Ms. Leigh is asking the court to postpone the hearing on the Owyhee Preliminary Injunction by no

44 HORSEBACK MAGAZINE - June 2013

more than 30 days. The hearing on Triple B and Jackson Mountain will not be postponed. Ms. Leigh is expected to recover from surgery, and treatment, and be able to document roundups beginning in July as she always does. Her doctors indicate that she should be able to complete the research and field work required on the legal actions and various other projects underway. However there will be a short period where Ms. Leigh will need to recover from anesthesia used during surgery. “I was willing to participate at the Owyhee hearing the day after surgery if needed,” stated Leigh with a smile, “but our attorney said he didn’t want to deal with me at a hearing still groggy from anesthesia.” Ms. Leigh has ductal carcinoma, the most common form of breast cancer. The causes of this type of cancer are linked to factors such as diet, genetics, and common hormone therapies such as birth control pills. Caught early, the prognosis is extremely good for a full recovery. The decision to go public on Ms. Leigh’s medical condition was prompted by the need to disclose her condition to the courts and BLM, making the information public knowledge.

The Bureau of Land Management has recently announced plans to remove horses from Triple B, Maverick-Medicine and Antelope. Two of those areas are currently included in Wild Horse Education legal actions. News will be coming shortly on the ongoing case. Wild Horse Education is a nonprofit organization devoted to gaining protections for wild horses from abuse, slaughter and extinction. Follow the work at the website: http:// wildhorseeducation.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ WildHorseEducation

Read Horseback’s breaking news daily online! www.horsebackmagazine.com

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I have a horse named Bandit And he’s sorta’ special you see Because God painted old Bandit and Picked him out just for me. When Bandit and I ride It’s more than just fun Because as he runs We become as one.

Bandit By Carol Holloway

He carries me on his broad strong back In a gentle way I could ride all night And then all day. No matter what I ask He will answer my call, I could ride him through hell And not fear at all, Because I know Bandit Will never let me fall.

 

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

 



Bandit and I are more than just a girl and a horse. Our lives have taken a special course. Bandit’s sorta’ of special you see Because God painted old Bandit And picked him out just for me.

June 2013 - HORSEBACK MAGAZINE

Yeah Lew!

Howdy,

welcome to Cowboy Corner. The period between Memorial Day and Independence Day is a patriotic time of the year. Several small communities display American flags and I hope remind us of our heritage. Like Horseback’s Saddle and Tack Editor, Lew Pewterbaugh’s statement in his April column about what his Daddy used to say about opinions. Then in the May issue “we all need to stand up for Freedom, Truth, Justice, Independence and taking care of

46 HORSEBACK MAGAZINE - June 2013

ourselves”. Hey Lew, which flag do you want me to wave? On foot or horseback makes me no difference, but given a choice, I’ll take Texas. Born here, raised here, worked here, and will be leavin’ toes up. Thanks Lew for remindin’ folks that “made in USA” is the best and this cheap, rice burner junk has no place in cow country. About cow country, had a visit with a friend and ol’ time cow man from my neck of the woods. This fella is older than I am, and made a great contribution to the Charolais cattle breed in this country. Charlie Morgan is a legend in his time, and am proud to be in his part of the Brazos Bottom. Charlie gave me a poem the other day which he likes to share from his Lone C Ranch in Waller, Texas. It don’t take a lot of laws to keep the range land straight. Nor books to write them in cause there’s only six or eight. The first one is a WELCOME sign, written deep in western hearts. Treat with respect all womankind, same as you would your sister. Care for neighbor’s strays you find, and don’t call cowboys mister. Shut pasture gates when passing through, and taking all in all. Be just as rough as pleases you, but

never mean or small. Talk straight, shoot straight, never break your word to man or boss. Always kill a rattlesnake, but don’t ride on sore back hoss. It don’t take law nor pedigree to live the best you can. These few rules is all it takes to be a cowboy and a man. This poem, author unknown, to me doesn’t even have a title, but a good message. Guarantee you that Charlie and I, and lots of our friends, believe in the ol’ cowboy ways, and are frustrated with the “eat without workin’ crowd”, and what Lew describes as “low information voters”. Those of us in the agricultural community are probably the last folks in America to understand the eat, but not work, entitlement attitude. Like one cowman from the bottom said the other day “Gimmie has died in the Brazos Bottom”. Remember how we all felt after the 9/11 tragedy. The very thought that such a thing could happen in America is just sickenin’. Lets all pause and say “God Bless America”. Go buy an American and Texas flag and fly them proudly. Thank the Lord that we are free, but let’s don’t take it for granted. FREEDOM is not free.

Happy Trails!

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June 2013 - HORSEBACK MAGAZINE

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